Alison's Job Searching Blog

Whether you choose an airborne elephant, a magic carpet or the control center of a space shuttle hurdling towards Mars, there are many ways to make dreams take flight at the Walt Disney World Resort, especially as an employee (also known as cast member.)

Here's how to make your Disney dream come true, from Guest Author Brandon De Hoyos, About.com's Guide to IM, who served as a Walt Disney World College Program intern and Assistant Manager. Brandon explains who is eligible for Disney Programs, what you'll do at Disney, how to apply, and how to get the most out of your Disney experience. Also, here's more Disney employment information including job openings, auditions, employment application information, locations, and how to apply online.

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_{Photo Copyright Brandon De Hoyos}

I've been in the midst of a conversation about whether you should - or shouldn't - wear panty hose to a job interview. Even the Wall Street Journal has gotten involved in the discussion about bare legged ladies, noting that many older managers are feeling frumpy, even though they grew up during an era when you would never leave the house without panty hose when you were going to work, let alone on a job interview.

This could be a generational issue, especially since many younger women don't ever wear panty hose, regardless of the circumstances or the weather. What do you think? Should you wear panty hose to an interview, or doesn't it matter?

Are you interested in finding a part time job? If so, there are lots of resources where you can search online for part time jobs that match your interests and your schedule. In fact, there are job search sites dedicated to part-time and hourly job listings. Check those sites, along with the local job sites and the job search engines to make sure that you're covering all the bases.

If you're interested in a retail job or a job at a small local employer, walk around town or the mall - many businesses will place "help wanted" signs in the window. Remember to dress appropriately, because you may be interviewed on the spot.

For moms who want to find a part time job - and I think that's a wish for most of us at some point in our careers - About.com's Guide to Working Moms, Katherine Lewis, has excellent advice on how to find a part time job that pays well.

Part Time Jobs

• Job Listings
• Local Job Search
• Part Time Jobs

The federal minimum wage, which is currrently $5.85 an hour, increases to $6.55 per hour this week. The increase goes into effect on July 24, 2008. This is the second of three scheduled minimum wage increases, with the final increase scheduled for July 24, 2009 when the minimum wage will rise to $7.25 per hour.

However, some states have higher minimum wages already. For example, the minimum wage in California is $8.00 an hour and the minimum wage in New York is $7.15 an hour. So, the main impact of the increase will be on workers whose home states follows the federal guidelines.

Salary Resources

• Minimum Wage
• Salary Calculators and Surveys
• Wage and Salary Information

What are you going to say when a hiring manager asks "Tell me about yourself?" or Why were you fired? - do you have an answer ready? If not, you should. In fact, you should be ready to answer most of the typical interview questions you'll be asked.

Taking the time to prepare answers will save you from fumbling around trying to figure out what to say, and will prevent that awkward moment or two of silence while you try and gather your thoughts.

Also, while I'm on the topic of interviews, don't forget to send a thank you letter. 88% of employers surveyed by Accountemps, said receiving a thank you note was important when evaluating candidates. Taking a little time to say thank you after an interview could help you get a second interview or even a job offer.

Interview Questions

• Best Interview Answers
• Tough Interview Questions
• Questions to Ask the Interviewer
• Interview Thank You Letters

_{Photo © Sharon Dominick}

Do you have a cover letter than helped you secure an interview? How about a thank you letter or follow up letter that got you a second interview or even a job offer? Did you write a resignation letter that got you released from your job without two weeks notice? What about a letter of recommendation or referral letter that helped someone get a job?

Take a look at the job search letter examples I have already. Then, if you have a great resignation letter, thank you letter, follow up letter, cover up letter, or resume that you're proud of, here's how to submit your letter our collection.

Job Search Letter Examples

Cover Letters

Follow Up Letters

Recommendation Letters

Referral Letters

Resignation Letters

Thank You Letters

One Day One Job, the entry level jobs site, is looking for ten job seekers who are adventurous and up for anything, want to start a job in the next few months, and have a clear idea of what companies they'd to work for, or at the very least what industries they’d like to work in.

One Day One Job is seeking 10 volunteers who would like to be part of an experiment. Participation will require a small time commitment - about an hour or two. One Day One Job will provide help and coach you along the way to ensure that you make the most out of the new venture. Here are the details along with information on how to volunteer.

Related Resources

• Entry Level Jobs
• Internships for Grads
• College Job Search Tips

_{Image © One Day One Job}

The candidates for employment that make the best impression are the ones who take the time to say thank you after an interview. It doesn't take much time to send a quick thank you letter, note, or email. In addition to being polite, a thank you letter is a good way to reiterate your interest in the job and to remind the hiring manager of why you would be an asset to the company.

Thank you letters are important to employers, as well. About.com's Human Resources Guide, Susan Heathfield, shares information on what hiring managers should try to find in the thank you letters they receive.

It's important to say thank you after a job interview and after a second interview as well. It's also important to thank everyone you interviewed with and everyone who assisted with your job search. Here's information on thank you letters including who you should thank and the best way to thank them.

If you're not sure what to write, review a sample thank you letter or two to get some ideas and suggestions. And, if you have a thank you letter you're proud of and you'd like to share it with our site visitors, here's how to submit your letter for consideration.

Thank You Letters

• Thank You Letters
• Email Thank You Letters
• Follow Up Letters
• Sample Thank You Letters
• Share Your Letter

_{Photo Copyright Carlos Arranz}

Guest Author Heather McDonald has worked in nearly all aspects of the music industry, from independent record labels to acting as manager and buyer of a record store to tour booking and show promotion. Heather is About.com's Guide to Music Careers.

Heather says, "You can't do it for the money (because often there isn't any) and it's certainly not the most stable career path in the world. You have to do it because you love the music. Having a belief in the rights of indie artists helps a lot, too. It can be incredibly frustrating, emotional and disappointing. And I wouldn't change a minute of it."

Here's more on indie music jobs and how Heather went from bake sales to indie labels.

More Cool Jobs

• Alaska Fishing Jobs
• Climbing Jobs
• Culinary Arts
• EMS Jobs
• Sales Coach Jobs
• Ski Jobs
• Top Cool Jobs

_{Photo Copyright Copyright Melanie Martinez}

Before you write a resignation letter or tell your boss that you're quitting your job, it's important to make sure that you're prepared to leave. That's because, in some cases, when you turn in your resignation, the company may want you out the door by the end of the day or even immediately. If it's immediately, you will be asked to box up your personal items and you'll be escorted to the door.

So, it's important to be prepared on all fronts - to write a formal resignation letter and to be ready to move on. When you're not sure what to write, review resignation letter examples and templates. You can use them to create your own personalized resignation letter.

And if you're already written a resignation letter that helped you part with your employer on good terms, I'd like to include it in our collection of samples. Here's how to submit your letter.

Resignation Letters

• Resignation Letters
• Resignation Letter Examples
• Before You Resign
• How to Resign