Why You're Not Getting Hired

(NewsUSA) - Here's a secret -- job placement isn't a matter of inclusion, but one of elimination. In today's economy, recruiters are deluged with resumes and have to funnel them through pre-set filters designed to separate the competition. On average, a recruiter spends only 30 seconds reviewing each application, meaning if you aren't marketing your skills correctly, not only are you not getting hired, most times your application won't even be seen. Joe Weinlick is Vice President of Marketing for Beyond.com, a career network that allows people to search thousands of jobs and manage their careers. His company connects job seekers to available positions, but stresses that the process doesn't stop there. "Picture the hundreds of people applying for a job seated in the same auditorium," said Weinlick. "Now picture that you're one of the few standing up. Who do you think will get noticed first?" Here are five recommendations from Beyond.com to improve your job search: 1. Play the Part. A recruiter works with the same job description that is posted online, and if you're not using the same language, a communications gap can develop. Treat the job description like your compass, and use it to guide each answer by tailoring your wording to match theirs. 2. Get Noticed. This is the hardest part, as it's difficult to stand out when others have similar qualifications. Think about your unique qualities, and lead with them. Don't wait until the end; the recruiter might never get there. 3. Get Feedback. Every time you apply for a job, strive for the perfect application. Clean up grammatical errors, cut unnecessary words, and focus on details. Send your materials to colleagues for advice, and take advantage of other resources, like a free resume critique from Beyond.com that can catch any errors. 4. Follow Protocol. Submit only what the job posting requests. This will show that you can follow directions. Don't lie about experience; rather relate the experiences you have, and show how they apply. The candidates who follow the rules and look the best throughout the process have an advantage. 5. Nail the Interview. At this point, the hardest part is over, but you're still the underdog. Be scrappy. Focus on remaining present during the interview. Research the company and your profession. Browse news outlets, like News and Advice on Beyond.com, to stay current on your profession. To receive a free resume critique from Beyond.com, visit www.beyond.com/resources/resume-writing.

Money Matters: Why Financial Literacy Counts in High School

(NewsUSA) – Alongside English and math, high school students need more classes in financial literacy and managing their money. It’s never too early to start learning how to manage finances.Otherwise, teens embark on the college journey without knowing how to avoid debt, opt out of high interest rates or dodge exorbitant fees. 

Some students actually expect to face these types of financial hurdles because they don’t know any other way."We need to ensure students entering college are given the right financial literacy education, tools and support to make sound financial decisions while in college and beyond," said Mary Johnson, Director, Financial Literacy and Student Aid Policy at Higher One.

Higher One is a financial resource that offers banking options designed exclusively for college students. Since the company works solely with students, aid experts like Johnson have firsthand knowledge of student finances. Higher One has an even deeper level of insight as a result of their recently sponsored study called "Money Matters On Campus," which details common behaviors and attitudes about students and money management.

"Money Matters is unique because it offers specific student attitudes and behaviors on which educators and policy makers must focus and address. This report sounds the alarm that institutions must augment current financial literacy education," Johnson added.According to the survey of 40,000 first-year college students, 28.2 percent have a credit card, and 23.7 percent have more than $1,000 in debt. While it’s not surprising that more than 79 percent of students surveyed worry about debt, some other spending behaviors are alarming. Such as, 60 percent find it okay to incur an overdraft fee if they can pay it off later.

To correct these bad money habits, Higher One has partnered with educational technology company Ever Fi — who also sponsored the survey — to assess financial literacy in high school students. In 50 select schools across several states, the Higher One Financial Academy offers a web-based learning platform that will teach principles about saving, credit cards, interest rates, credit scores, taxes, insurance, investing and beyond.

Higher One provides refund disbursement, payment and data analytics services to more than 1,600 colleges nationwide. For incoming freshmen and other students attending these schools who are looking to open their first bank account, Higher One offers the perfect starter account via its bank partners that is tailored to students.As a result, accounts are transparent regarding fees and charges, and they use an educational approach that allows students to learn the ropes. Learn more about the accounts at www.myonemoney.com.