Finding a “real job” is hard work, and a lot of what goes into it are things I never learned in college.  This is my first attempt on this path, and it has definitely been an adventure and a learning experience.  One of the most important things I’ve learned so far is how important research is – not only researching what the company does but also who runs it.  In this tough job market, you have to attack from as many sides as possible, and you probably need to have a connection of some kind just to get an interview.  If you don’t think you know someone who “knows someone,” fear not!  You might just not be using all of the resources available to you.  One of the most important, and one which you might be overlooking, is your alma mater’s alumni network.  While applying to a job at a nonprofit, I stumbled upon part-time work here at Dear Bev.  I was doing some simple internet research on the board of said institution, and I discovered that Ms. Weinstein went to NYU, from which I recently graduated, and worked in the cable industry for many years, like my mother.  I decided to contact her through NYU’s alumni network, playing up our connections and offering to take her out for coffee.  At first, I felt hesitant.  Does this qualify as stalking? I wondered.  Earlier in my job-hunting process, I probably would have been too timid to ask for help from someone I had never even met before. However, a few months into this journey, I feel that I am starting to get the hang of networking, and after asking some trusted mentors for advice, I had the confidence that it was worth a try and an appropriate move.  In this case, Bev was impressed by my initiative and research skills and very kindly decided to put in a good word for me and forward my resume to my potential employers.  She also saw that I am doing social media work at my current internship and decided to give me some part-time work here at Dear Bev.  A happy ending!

Remember, making connections is half the battle and you should never be afraid to reach out, even if it seems like a long shot.  As long as you are polite, sincere and well-informed, the worst that could happen is that the person just won’t get back to you.  At best, your potential contact can help you get an interview, a job or a new opportunity that you never anticipated.

By Cat Tassini

So often recent grads tend to get the shaft when it comes to annual salary. However, there are some entry-level positions in finance and analysis that go against this standard. If you’re a recent grad and you’re interested in these fields, be sure to check out this list of 10 High-Paying Entry Level Jobs from AOL Jobs. Happy job hunting!

Think about any interview you’ve ever had. What kinds of questions were you asked? About your goals? About your previous work?

What about, “If you were shrunk to the size of a pencil and put in a blender, how would you get out?”

Companies like Goldman Sachs, Google, Aflac and others ask tough, specific questions to get a certain kind of answer. They want to see how you think, delve a little deeper into your personality than a normal interview might. What other kinds of questions are there? Take a look at this slideshow from The Huffington Post to find out: 15 Ridiculously Hard Job Interview Questions from Top Employers

As you’ve doubtlessly seen by now, there’s a new layout on Facebook. And Philadelphia-based HR professional Rich DeMatteo shows in his blog Corn on the Job just how you can put it to good use. Granted, it takes being a little graphically inclined, but you shouldn’t let that stop you. Check the article out here.

Certainly not Meredith and Lindsay, the two lovely ladies behind the blog Cubicle Chic. Fed up with drab office style, they started the Cubicle Chic blog to show others it’s possible to be fab in the working world. While Meredith and Lindsay mostly blog for ladies, there are contributions by and for men, as well! So check out Cubicle Chic today and get inspired to revive your office attire.

According to this Wall Street Journal article, many bosses are not the best managers they think they are:

Bosses Overestimate Managing Skills, WSJ

Check out the latest Dear Bev column on Media Post!

Take a look at job postings or talk to any recruiter: Digital is where all the action is these days. So how hard is it to get into the game if you’re a senior executive whose career and reputation is tied to traditional media?

Here are some recent lessons from 20-year print veteran Pam Daniels. She was a former publisher and just became the senior vice president of business development at 9Threads, a digital marketing agency focusing on beauty, fashion and retail. Her search took six months of intensive self-education and a healthy dose of determination.

Go to Media Post for more!

Looking to hire A-players? Check out the latest Dear Bev column on Media Post, featuring author Eric Herrenkohl!

Dear Bev: Is There A Surefire Technique to Recruit A-Players?

Dear Bev: How Do I Explain Losing My Job When I Interview?

Check out Bev’s latest column on Media Post.com.

“There are always opportunities for people who have creative ideas about cutting cost or increasing revenue”
At least that’s what the head of global CEO search at Russell Reynolds told the WSJ in a recent interview. Great advice to keep in mind when you’re putting together a resume.  Information on revenue should rank high on the list of bullet point accomplishments.  In an  interview highlight revenue results for  your current and past employers as well as any ideas you have for your potential new employer.