Challenger, Gray and Christmas, an outplacement consulting firm, is holding its 27th annual call-in to help job seekers.
Anyone can call and get free help from the firm's professional job search coaches.
- The number to call is (312) 422-5010.
The advice is free. Coaches at Challenger, Gray & Christmas expect to talk to thousands of job seekers this week.
"If people have any sorts of questions, they are not sure how to handle certain obstacles or issues, they can call into our number and we'll try to provide them with good answers," said John Challenger.
The top tip is to network.
"You've got to start with the people you know," said career coach Bob Hepding. "You're more likely to find your next opportunity when someone you know connects you to somebody they know."
So, if you're looking for a job, don't just rely on e-mailing resumes. Instead, make sure you meet people face-to-face.
If you're open to moving, expand your search to include other areas.
During the interview, be sure to talk about specific accomplishments, not hypothetical situations.
And take this advice from John Challenger:
"Smile. Connect with the person you're talking with, because that's the key to making your candidacy stand out from others who have on paper just as good as a set of skills and background as you do."
And, they also say, when it comes to your resume...
"Develop a resume that has a summary on it," said job search coach Toni Pittman. "Many people do their resumes with an objective, and really need to do a summary, which gives you a snapshot of who you are."
If you would like to talk to a career coach one on one, you still have the opportunity to do that. Phones lines open Friday, Dec 28, 2012, at 9 a.m., and they will remain open until 5 p.m.
