Ask and you shall receive, my friends.

Here are six more companies that are hiring seasonal workers. If you’d like even MORE results, please go to CareerBuilder.com and search “seasonal” or “holiday help.” You can search more specifically within your preferred industry.

Durham School Services
Industry: Transportation
Positions hiring: Bus drivers
Number of position: 250

H&R Block Tax Services
Industry: Accounting and finance
Positions hiring: Office manager, client services,
Number of positions: 500+

Target
Industry: Retail
Positions hiring:Various
Number of positions: 25+

Tiffany & Co.
Industry: Jeweler
Positions hiring:Sales associates
Number of positions: 25+

U.S. Cellular
Industry: Wireless
Positions hiring: Cashier, greeters, retail wireless consultants, sales managers, store managers, bilingual (Spanish speaking) retail wireless consultants and cashier greeters, service technicians, customer service representatives, customer service operations , bilingual (Spanish speaking) Customer Service Representatives; marketing, accounting, finance, project management, public affairs, human resources, engineering, IS/IT, sales operations
Number of postions: 550+

Veolia Transportation
Industry: Transit
Positions hiring: Safety managers, maintenance managers, general manager, drivers and mechanics
Number of positions: 150+

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If an employer is only looking over your résumé for about 30 seconds, you can bet that if what catches his eye in that time period is an error, your résumé is going in the trash. Same with your cover letter — why waste time reading something that you can barely understand?

To shed some light on this important topic, we have a guest blogger today. Nanci Lamborn is a 20-year veteran of human resources and recruiting, and a writer and blogger for BrightMove. BrightMove is a  leading provider of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) applicant tracking and talent management solutions for staffing, enterprise, mid-market and outsourcing areas of recruiting software. As a recruiter who has seen it all, her blogs are always insightful, informative and make me chuckle a time or two.

Here’s what she says about  the importance of résumé and cover letter accuracy:

Do Mistakes on Résumés and Cover Letters Really Matter?

By Nanci Lamborn, BrightMove Team Blogger/Writer

I am unashamed to admit it; I am a grammar freak. Maybe it can be blamed upon genetics (my mother used to diagram complex sentences for fun) or upon my authoritarian yet somehow endearing English professor, Mrs. Stolpe (may she rest in peace). I am also, rather proudly, always able to properly distinguish between there, they’re, and their,  and I will not be affected by the effect of an improper homonym selection. I can spot a typo a mile away.

My own quirkiness aside, it seems I am certainly not alone in my bid for the Grammar Police Deputy of the Year award. The fervently like-minded Jeff Deck and Benjamin Herson have taken their correction quest nationwide http://bit.ly/144CzC , and MSN has joined in reporting on the trend, with mixed feedback http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28900351/.

If my cringes were limited to the lovely hand-addressed letters from my sweet Aunt Mary who fails to remember I’ve remarried and have a new last name (for six years now), the muscles that control my high and mighty eye-rolls would not be so well developed. But how can I not find myself reacting with a vigorous eye-roll head-shake combo move when I receive the following opening line from a candidate? “I seen you’re add on line heres my résumé.”

You just rolled your eyes too.

Please allow me to share a few more noteworthy errors observed on real applicant résumés. Space does not permit me to even scratch the surface of the number of these grammar bombs that I see in one weeks’ time. And since my italicized editorial garnered such feedback in last week’s posting, my snide comments are provided herein.

Experrienced clerrical proffesional (Iss yourr keyyboarrd sstickkinngg?)
I am bright and maybe valuable to the workspace. (Maybe I am a desk lamp.)
Researches And resolves Customer needs For the Area (I Like random Capitals.)
Cashing handling (I’m thinking you’re liking adding ing to wording.)
Assisting manager in creating promoting. (Are you copying from Cashing Handling guy?)

All humor aside, receiving administrative candidate correspondence such as this really does put me in a quandary. Do I overlook the seven separate typos and horrid cover letter grammar to get to the meat of the relevant work experience, giving the poor candidate and my own peeves a break? What if by doing so, I uncover the precise job history that I’ve been unable to find in any candidate so far? How important are spelling and grammar really? If they did not matter, this question may have appeared as “How impotent are spelling and grammar really?”  Important / Impotent… both are grammatically correct, and ironically even the sentence with the mistake poses a valid question.

The worst offenders may chalk it up to nervous haste, or they may claim that grammar and spelling are not their strengths. Perhaps. But the fact that some candidates apparently have not learned how to use the “Spellchecker” function or taken the effort to have colleagues proofread their résumé sends me the message that these candidates are either grossly lacking in basic skills or they are simply lazy. I have even seen candidates misspell their own names. Can my company overlook the results of these traits?

It also makes it very difficult for me to provide honest feedback when one of these applicants inquires as to why they were not considered. I am unsure if it is more heartless to just ignore their inquiry altogether, to generalize about better qualified candidates, or to point out all of their mistakes. Heartless as it may seem to screen out administrative candidates who fail in the basics, if it means that the written communication produced out of my office to the public has a much better chance of being professional and correct, then I must believe I have made the right decision.

Nanci Lamborn is a 20-year veteran of human resources and recruiting. She   currently recruits in the Atlanta area for the insurance industry and recently obtained her SPHR designation.

What do you think?

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It’s a valid frustration and one that we’re all familiar with. It’s understandable that employers are swamped with applications, especially because they’re getting up to 75 resumes for a single position. Job seekers get that they can’t always respond to every single applicant…but to never so much as e-mail or call someone back after an interview?

Our sister blog, The Hiring Site, decided to help us out with this question by asking their audience of employers to give us the low-down on why this might happen. Last week, we got an answer that was worthy of telling you, as it was filled with sound advice.

HRPro gave this response:

“Job searchers, please understand that hiring managers and HR professionals are receiving 10times the amount of resumes than they would have a year or two ago. Their time is spread thin and it is difficult to respond to each resume or application. Don’t expect to hear from every company that you’ve applied. The position may have filled and the manager has moved on.

If you interview for a job, though, a good hiring manager will always follow up. Additionally, be mindful of several things.

1. First, don’t apply for a job for which you clearly are not qualified.
2. Second, prepare for your interview. If you know nothing about the company you are interviewing with, it’s an immediate red flag to the hiring manager.
3. Finally, if a hiring manager indicates that she will contact you in two weeks and you have not heard from her, you should follow up with her. It may be that the process is taking longer than she expected. Remember, two years ago, job seekers were particular about the jobs they would accept. Today, managers are trying to find the “perfect” candidate rather than settling on a candidate.”

So there you have it. What do you think, job seekers?

Also, read this article by Anthony Balderrama to gain some more insight on the topic.

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While this tidbit is definitely good news, most people are still concerned with one thing: “Can I find a job?”

The answer, is a resounding “yes!” — you just have to look in the right places.

Each month, we feature a list of companies that are hiring employees right now. They need help, but they want to make sure they’re selecting the most qualified candidates — especially during this period when success is integral to survival. For the full article, click here.

So, do some digging, see what you like and start applying for the jobs for which you’re qualified. Good luck!

1. Aaron’s Inc
Sample job titles: Manager trainees, retail salespeople, customer service representatives, general managers, delivery drivers
Location: Nationwide

2. CACI International Inc
Sample job titles: Software developers, systems analysts, intelligence analysts, network engineers, software engineers, logistics analysts*
Location: Nationwide (including Virginia, Maryland and Washington DC)

3. Farmers Insurance
Sample job titles: Agency producers, customer service representatives, agents and reserve field managers
Location: Nationwide

4. H&R Block
Sample job titles: Tax professionals
Tax professional Location:Nationwide (including Texas)

5. IASIS
Sample job titles: Registered nurses, LPN, LVN, department directors
Location: Arizona, Florida, Louisiana, Las Vegas, Texas,Utah

6. John Thomas Financial
Sample job titles: Financial advisers
Location: New York

7. Liberty Tax Service
Sample job titles: Tax preparers, customer service, bi-lingual tax preparers, marketing managers, franchise owners
Location: Nationwide

8. Randstad US companies: Accountants International, Think Resources, Sapphire Technologies
Sample job titles: Finance managers, senior accountants, directors of wind turbine services, VP of engineering, IT project managers, database developers
Location: Nationwide (including California, Texas, Florida)

9. Sodexo
Sample job titles: Facility engineers, housekeeping managers, executive chefs, food service managers, general managers, clinical dietitians, clinical nutrition managers
Location: Nationwide

10. Spherion
Sample job titles: Customer service, administrative, accounting and finance, technology
Location: Nationwide

*Candidates should have active government security clearances.
**Recruiting and staffing firms are looking to fill positions on behalf of other employers across the country and in a variety of fields.

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• People forget that one of the worst parts of a job loss is the loss of social interaction.
  Layoffs test true friendships
• Another interesting look at the personal side of losing a job (and its salary).
  Some Tips for Noncustodial Parents After Job Loss
• You’re super awesome–so make sure the interviewer knows it, too!
  Acing the Job Interview Process
• Even lawyers get the blues.
  Laid-Off Lawyers Struggle in Establishing Their Own Firm

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• You know those alumni donation requests you get in the mail and toss immediately? Might not be such a bad idea to start paying attention to what your old classmates are up to–could help you land a job.
  Rah, Rah, Résumé!
• Apparently just saying, “‘Cause I’m super awesome!” will not land you a job.
  Six interview questions you can ace
• I think men-vs.-women debates are often dangerous and usually pointless. But this is a level-headed discussion worth looking over.
  Do Women Make Better Bosses?
• For the past week we’ve all be hoping the darkest times of the recession are behind us, but maybe not. Boooo!
  Geithner Says Unemployment May Peak in Second Half of 2010

See you tomorrow!

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Here is your midweek newsbreak:

• Well, sure, much of the country’s unemployed and few people have jobs that allow them go away for a month. It’s probably a good idea that Congress did this.
  House approves infusions for depleted programs
• I thought this was an interesting read…but does anyone remember when internships meant making copies, not making the front page of the New York Times?
  Internship Is Secured, but a Seat? That’s Tricky
• If you like tough love, think about this.
  4 Ways to Destroy Your Retirement
• We’re all about healthy lifestyles here at The Work Buzz (even if we devoured too many cupcakes today). Plus, you can challenge your interviewers to a race, and if you beat them, you get the job! Just a thought.
  Turn a job loss into a health gain

‘Til Thursday.

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Well, Jill, this might be one of the few times the recession has a silver lining! Everyone is having more difficulty finding work now than they did in previous years. Employers know this and few will hold this gap in your employment history against you. In fact, if you’re interviewing and an employer is overly critical of this period of unemployment, you have to wonder if that’s the kind of place you want to work at.

Whether they bring it up or you do (which you could acknowledge in a cover letter or in the interview), be direct. “Unfortunately, I was unable to find the right opportunity for a period of twelve months. The recession’s impact on the construction industry, especially here, was severe.” That might be all that needs to be said; maybe it will have follow-up questions.

However, this doesn’t mean you have an excuse to sulk around your house and do nothing for months on end. Employers understand that the ratio of job openings to job seekers is lopsided–they are probably interviewing a ton of people for each open position. What they won’t understand is if you don’t take any steps to take in touch with your industry and improve your skill set during those months.

Here’s what you should do during this period of unemployment:

• Keep in touch.
  I don’t know what industry you’re working in, but I bet that there are people who will talk to you about what’s going on. It behooves you to keep in touch with people who know what companies are merging, who’s getting promoted and what big deals are happening, even though you’re technically not working in that industry right now. Go to lunch with former colleagues, reach out to potential mentors or just find groups of industry people to discuss things with. Look at sites like BrightFuse, Facebook and LinkedIn for online communities of like-minded individuals who can share information with you and give you tips on where there might be job opportunities.
• Volunteer
  Even without a job, you can fill that empty space on your resume. Find a volunteer opportunity that either makes use of your skills or teaches you new ones–or both! For example, if you work in customer service, you’re probably comfortable dealing with people on an individual basis. However, are you as comfortable talking to a large group of people? If you’re docent at an art gallery, you’ll help out a local museum, educate people on art and get comfortable guiding a dozen or more patrons through the museum. This shows an employer you are involved in the community, eager to improve your skills and proactive.
• Take a class
  I know what you’re thinking: “I’m unemployed, you want me to give away my talents for free and then fork over money for tuition?” Yeah, I know. Not everyone is financially capable of this, but it’s not impossible, either. A one-time course or seminar at a community center, community college or industry event can be affordable. But if it’s just not financially feasible, at the very least read the latest books and journals in your industry. The idea is to stay on top of what’s going on in much the same way networking with colleagues is. If you can reference some of the latest studies or major events in your interview, you show that you still view yourself as part of the community and are ready to jump back in with no delay.

You know the whole, “Bring me solutions, not problems” adage? That’s the gist of what you should be thinking because employers don’t want to hear, “I couldn’t find a job for XX amount of time, so I’m out of touch.” They understand unemployment can be beyond your control, but they want someone who isn’t defeated by it.

If you’ve been in this position, how did you handle the employment gap? Did it work well for you?

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Sorry for not giving you a Monday roundup. We were having some technical issues yesterday. To make up for it, today’s roundup will be the best ever. Or at least pretty good.

With the job numbers coming out on Thursday, we’ve had a steady stream of new figures coming in and experts weighing in. But you probably haven’t heard much about that in light of Michael Jackson’s death, Palin’s resignation and Obama’s visit to Russia. But that’s why we’re here, to sort through exciting job-seeker news for you. Here’s what we’ve been reading:

• Good news: Some employers want to keep morale up, so they’re giving employees little extras. Has your employer done anything like this?
  Rewards Help Soothe Hard Times
• Call it a clever marketing move or a goodwill gesture–it’s up to you. But one pharmaceutical company is giving unemployed workers a break. I don’t know the details, but maybe it will help out some readers.
  Pfizer launches medicine assistance program for newly unemployed
• An oft-reported but still staggering statistic is how much unemployment affects minority workers.
  Hispanic, black communities continue to be hit harder by recession
• Plenty of people want access to their retirement funds but don’t want to face the penalties. If you choose to go this route, which not all experts agree on, you might want to read this.
  Unemployed? How to Cash Out Your Retirement the Less Painful Way
• Some unemployed job seekers are able to receive unemployment benefits for a longer period of time than before
  Unemployed workers get extension for benefits

There’s your job-seeker news briefing for the day. See you tomorrow!

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Today we’re tackling another question from the Ask The Work Buzz files. This one comes from Anita.

Hi, I have 18 college credit hours in Spanish and would like to use my Spanish to become a translator and to help people. My problem is that I have not used it at all in over 10 – 12 years and remember some but do not think I can carry on a full conversation. I have been unemployed for months. What would you suggest would be the quickest and easiest way to refresh my skills?

Anita

Anita’s in a situation many job seekers are all too familiar with. It’s not even just workers who have been out of college for a decade or more. Plenty of people I know who graduated in the last five years haven’t used their foreign language skills since they received their diplomas and their second-language conversation skills are quickly fading.

Anita’s case is a little different than most of ours because she specifically wants to work as a translator. To become a full-time translator or interpreter, you’re going to need experience and proof of  your Spanish skills. Although each company is different, it’s probably safe to say that many organizations looking for a translator would be hestitant to hire her as is right now because of how long it’s been since she studied Spanish and the fact that you can probably find many candidates who are fluent in Spanish.

However, she wants to know how she can brush up on her skills so an employer will want to hire her. Here are some good steps.

1. Immerse yourself in the language.It was true when you were studying it and it’s still true now. The more you’re around it, the more you’re forced to use the language. If you have friends who are fluent, ask them to speak to you only in Spanish (or whatever your chosen language is). When you have no choice but to hear, speak and think in another language, you’ll be surprised what you can accomplish. And I guarantee you know more than you realize. Old vocabulary will come back to you quickly.

2. Look for lessons in any form.Ideally, you could take some refresher courses at a nearby learning center. Check out your local community center or community college. Both places usually have affordable courses at various levels. If neither is possible, plenty of at-home lessons are possible via online learning or tutoring CDs and books. Of course, there are also private tutors if you have the money.

3. Get a job that incorporates foreign language skills. Maybe you can’t be a full-time translator right now, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find a job that will allow you to develop your skills. Several positions, whether they’re in customer service, banking, marketing or sales, involve interacting with people from all demographics, here and abroad. If you already have the foreign language foundation, you can help customers or clients right now. And the more you use your skills, the better they’ll become and the better your résumé will look. Therefore when you are prepared to find a translator position, you’ll have the abilities and experience to prove you’re ready.

Of course, everyone’s different. You might start taking lessons and after a few weeks you’ll regain all the knowledge you thought you’d lost. So no one size fits all, but hopefully one of these options leads you down the right path.

If any of you have been in the same situation, let us know how you built your language skills.

¡Hasta luego!

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