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Job Interview Tips from eHow videos

Sunday, August 16th, 2009

Looking for a job can be a chore… I found a Video Series of short, less then 2 minutes, helpful search advice from eHow How Tos on the job interview.

I have included this You Tube video – How to Ace a Telephone Interview and Get the Job:

Also, click the links for these 4 videos from Shannon Terry (resume writer and interview skills coach); a video transcript is included for reference.

How to Prepare for an Interview

How to Prepare for an Interview

Video Transcript

“Abraham Lincoln said if I had eight hours to cut down a tree, I would spend six sharpening my ax. Hi, I’m Shannon Terry, I’m an interview skills coach and resume writer with Resume Confidence here to help you prepare for your job interview. The first tool, of course, is preparation. Research the company, use their website, use newspaper articles, network of course, friends, colleagues, neighbors, whoever might know something about both that company and the position. I want you to bring extra resumes so you can distribute them. You’d be surprised how many interviewers aren’t ready for you when you get there and it saves them from having to search through their desk awkwardly to look for your resume. Do a test drive to the job site beforehand so you know what’s the parking situation, how long does it take me to get there, things like that. And, I always want you to arrive early anyway because the best preparation, is not feeling rushed. Review the qualifications for the job before you get there and then plan how are you going to incorporate your skills and experience into what they’re looking for. Make sure you’re answering those questions for them. Last but not least, and most important practice, practice, practice, practice with a trusted friend, an interview coach, a trusted colleague. This will help you feel comfortable with the most common anticipated interview questions, so that when they throw you a curve ball or two, and they will, you don’t lose the whole game. Hi, I’m Shannon Terry, an interview skills coach and resume writer helping you prepare for your interview.”

How to Answer Questions in a Structured Oral Interview

How to Answer Questions in a Structured Oral Interview

Video Transcript

“The best indicator of future performance is past performance. This is a key tenant to structured interviewing, or also called behavioral interviewing. Hi, I’m Shannon Terry. I’m an interview skills coach and resume writer with Resume Confidence here to help you answer questions in a structured interview. What a structured interview actually is is an interview in which they ask the same series of questions in the same order to all the participants and then the interviewers score your answers. The point here is to try to be fair to all of you, asking the same things. What they are looking for is specific examples of your skills and experience. In effect, by asking you for these stories, you are proving your skills and experience by explaining in detail these examples. Your answers all need to have the following information, kind of a structured answer, right, for a structured interview. First, give a description of the situation: when I was a…give a job title, at such and such company, here’s what I was faced with. Something like that. Next, state your objective. What was it you were supposed to accomplish. After that, make sure you spend most of the time in your, in your answer talking about your action. What did you do? These prove your skills and experience and therefore what you can actually do in the future as well. Lastly, but also very important, make sure you explain in detail the positive end results for the company and of course, the client. Every employer wants to know how you made something better for your fu, your past rather, your past employers. I’m Shannon Terry, an interview skills coach and resume writer with Resume Confidence, helping you answer questions in a structured interview.”

How to Follow Up After a Job Interview

How to Follow Up After a Job Interview

Video Transcript

“So, you’re sitting at home after what you think was a good job interview, you got done, but you’re like what do I do now, how do I follow up with this company. Hi, I’m Shannon Terry, I’m an interview skills coach and resume writer with Resume Confidence here to help you learn how to follow up after a job interview. So, your follow up actually begins at the end of the interview. I want you to ask what are your next steps in the process, how can I follow up with you after this, I’m really interested in the job. Make sure you say that, state your interest. I want you do avoid saying things like, if I don’t hear from you, I will call you on, it seems like you’re being assertive but what you’re actually doing is implying by saying, I doubt, by saying if I don’t, don’t do that. Be a little more positive and confidant by saying well, I look forward to hearing from you, when can I expect your call? Something like that, that subtly implies of course, you want to hear from me, without being arrogant. Send those thank you notes. A lot of people don’t, so it’ll make you stand out. Send them within about a business day or so. If you used e-mail in the past to communicate with the employer, feel free to do that, otherwise, mail a note, in a time crunch, you can even fax it. If the employer gave you a specific time frame for follow up and they don’t call on that day, call them the next business day. If they didn’t give you a specific follow up time frame, then wait two or three business days till after the interview and call to follow up. Be brief in your follow up call, restate your name and the day and time that you interviewed, and the position to jog the employers memory. And, just simply say again, I’m interested in the job, just calling to follow up and seeing when I can expect to hear from somebody. Hear that? When can I expect, you’re assuming of course, they’re going to call you back. Last but not least, in the meantime, keep looking, it’s always good to have options. I’m Shannon Terry, I’m an interview skills coach and resume writer with Resume Confidence helping you learn how to follow up after a job interview.”

How to Do a Second Follow-Up After a Phone Interview

How to Do a Second Follow-Up After a Phone Interview

Video Transcript

“They say that the squeaky wheel gets the oil, but in job searching you have to find a balance between being persistent and being annoying. Hi, I’m Shannon Terry, I’m an interview skills coach and resume writer with Resume Confidence, here to help you learn how to follow up after a second phone interview. The follow up actually begins at the end of the interview. Ask what the next steps are in the job search process. State your interests, make sure you do that, so they know that you want the job. Send a thank you note, yes, again, right away, and if they specified a time frame that they’re going to be getting back to you, and they don’t actually call you on that day, call them, the next business day to follow up. If they didn’t specify a follow up date, then I would wait two or three business days before you make your follow up call. Keep all of your follow up calls brief. Simply call say your name, hi, I’m so and so, and I’m calling to follow up on the, and list the name of the job that you’re applying for. I interviewed on and give the date and the time and this helps jog their memory. Again, repeat your name and your contact information for their convenience and then just simply end your call with I look forward to hearing from you soon, or I’m really looking forward to that call. In the meantime, keep on looking for other jobs, it’s always good to have options. I’m Shannon Terry, an interview skills coach and resume writer with Resume Confidence helping you follow up after a second phone interview.”

Tags: Behavioral Interview, Information Interview, Jobsearch, Videos
Posted in Jobsearch, Social Media | Comments Off

Check Unemployment Stats

Saturday, August 15th, 2009

Unemployment, Labor Force, Average Income Data By State

This is a interactive map showing unemployment rate, employment, unemployment, labor force, population and average income by state. Unemployment rate in 2008 and 2009 to date is shown; plus the change in unemployment rate and average income for each state.

Black dots:

Blue dots:

Red dots:

To explore click and drag map with your mouse. To view detailed info on each state click the red, black or blue dot

Tags: Jobsearch, Unemployment
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Working With a Recruiter

Friday, August 14th, 2009

Recruiters exist to find people for jobs, not jobs for people. Once you have chosen a recruiter (who is specializing in your field) and he/she has agreed to represent you, you still have to do you part.

These five actions will help you succeed when working with placement professionals.

1. Be Forthcoming

Be honest and upfront about any personal information that may impact your decision making process when it comes to job offers. For instance if there are geographic locations to which you won’t travel or if your availability to work is limited speak up. A placement person can’t work toward a win-win if she’s operating in the dark.

2. Be Honest about your Pay Requirements

The right placement professional works from your best interests as well as the hiring manager’s best interests. He/She is working to match your needs with the hiring manager’s needs. To do that effectively he/she needs to know what you’re really looking for in the way of pay as well as the least amount you’re willing to accept. By being up front you can avoid being overlooked for positions you would actually be interested in because the recruiter thought the pay rate was too low.

Don’t worry that he’ll/she’ll sabotage you’re negotiating leverage. The vast majority of recruiters work on a contingency basis. That means it’s in her best interest to help you negotiate the highest possible salary.

3. Utilize Coaching or Constructive Feedback

A quality based recruiter will have insight into the hiring manager’s decision making criteria. To help you prepare for an interview he/she may make suggestions about what experience to emphasize or what personal mannerisms to play down. Be ready to act on those suggestions. Don’t put your recruiter in a position to regret recommending you for an opening by behaving in a way that would reflect poorly on her or the firm.

4. Be Responsive to Requests

There may be times during the placement process when your placement agent or recruiter needs quick answers to client specific questions. This may come up when your candidacy is first submitted or it could happen after an interview. Your immediate response (or lack thereof) to these requests for information can make the difference in whether or not you get the job.

If your recruiter asks that you call him/her at a specific time, do it. As a professional recruiter I knew of upcoming openings (positions waiting for the hiring go ahead) or pending offers that required time sensitive contact. By asking certain candidates to contact me at specific times I saved both of us a lot of back and forth phone tag. The number of times this sped up placements was significant enough to continue the practice. A professional recruiter won’t waste your time or his/hers if he/she doesn’t truly think he/she has the potential to place you.

5. Stay Top-of-Mind

If you apply with a staffing firm but aren’t placed immediately, don’t disappear. Timing is everything. The position you were first interested in may get filled with someone else. And the next great opening could come in that afternoon. Placement firms are constantly recruiting which means your candidacy could get pushed down the list.

Stay in touch as long as you are actively looking for work (assuming the recruiter specializes in your field). Help your recruiter help you by keeping her up to date on your job seeking status.

Vary your communication between email and phone calls. Contact her once a week or every two weeks. (When in doubt ask the recruiter about the appropriate time interval between contacts.)

Choosing the right recruiter, having her want you as a candidate and then holding up your end of the bargain is the way to win a job through a placement professional. When handled correctly you and your recruiter will forge a relationship that has the potential to serve you both for years to come.

Source: Shirley Ray, a former hiring professional turned infopreneur empowering job seekers

Tags: Headhunter, Jobsearch, Networking
Posted in Branding, Jobsearch | Comments Off

“Headhunters” – Put Them to Work for You

Friday, August 14th, 2009

An Executive recruiter may call you – be sure to answer their call!

Why? …because they can help your career! An executive recruiter may be the perfect match for you – if you are looking for work, or seeking a mid-career challenge, … you may want to have and Executive recruiter at your disposal.

Job listings are becoming obsolete these days; companies are using search firms to scour the Internet, looking for a suitable candidate whose background may be a match to the opening they have in their listings.

Executive recruiters are assigned the responsibility to find and place candidates, some may be for high-level positions, but not always. Companies hire recruitment firms to find talented employees and bring them in to take high-profile jobs that are not often publicly advertised. Most firms are specialized in some manner, either regionally, by profession (such as accounting, legal, advertising, marketing), or industry—such as high tech or pharmaceutical. Some firms have exclusive contracts to do all of a company’s outsource hiring.

How Recruiters Work

Recruiting firms are employment agencies. Companies hire executive recruiters to find and bring in candidates for a variety of positions—anyone with two years of professional work experience on up. The company is the client of the “headhunter” and the job seeker is the “target”. Essentially, the Executive recruiter (”headhunter“) is seeking out a person for the job, not a job for the person.

Recruiters are compensated either on retainer or a contingency basis; either way, the standard fee structure is 25 percent to 35 percent of the position’s first-year salary. Retainer firms have exclusive contracts to handle higher-level positions involving six-figure salaries.

Locating Your Recruiter

Your first step is to locate a recruiting firm that works in your field. Network around to find a speciality recruiter. Once you’ve found a firm, choose an individual recruiter with whom you can develop a relationship with. You want to develop a “bond of trust” for the relationship to be productive and rewarding.

Put the recruiter to the test. How established is the firm? How long has the person been recruiting? Where has he/she practiced before? Does he or she have a solid working knowledge of your field? How many years of experience do they have?

Maybe you can locate one or two whom you trust and with whom you want to work. Recruiters rely heavily on their personal contacts and arrangements with certain companies, so each recruiter you network with will widen your “circle” of contacts.

Making an Impression

How can you best help the recruiter help you? The more you put into the process, the more you’ll get out of it. Be honest and clear about your career goals. Describe the type of position you want, your salary requirements, where you want to work, etc. Remember that you’re the the “target” that the recruiter is selling.

Recruiters send people out to interview all the time, and they get feedback afterward from both sides on what worked and what didn’t. A good recruiter may be able to tell you the interviewing style of the person you’ll be meeting, and perhaps even some of his or her trick questions. Even if you’ve spent a number of years in your field and know who you are and what you’re worth, a recruiter can point out key details that will make your presentation of yourself more enticing to a potential employer.

Passive Job Seeker

If you’re a passive job seeker, you can post a resume and let the recruiters come to you, or, better yet – create a Web page and blog about your skill set. Recruiters Online Network posts business information and website addresses for hundreds of recruiting firms worldwide, and also features resume-posting sites and job banks.

Tags: Headhunter, Jobsearch, Networking
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3 Parts to Your Job Search

Saturday, August 1st, 2009

You are aware that finding work that is rewarding and long-lasting takes planning, preparation and persistence.

It also takes organization, motivation, a lot of time and energy, a positive outlook, and critical decision-making. In summary, you must also have patience, yet be persistent.

Your ” job” at this trying time is to sell yourself to potential employers. You must promote yourself as a productive worker. You have abilities that an employer can use. You are marketing your skills, your ability to learn, and your willingness to help an employer succeed. Maintaining a positive outlook throughout your job search may require some extra effort.

Review important information about yourself or your portfolio. Remind yourself that you are a valuable member of society. Make sure you exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet, and stay in contact with your immediate support group of family and friends. Using these and other tools will help you stay positive and be at your best.

So what can you do when you read about hiring freezes, layoffs that crowded the field of available candidates, and long, dragged-out interviews when an opportunity does appear? In this tough environment, you can still find excellent opportunities under the radar.

Here are some doable steps (in 3 parts) to help you wage a winning job search right now.

Part One: Who are you, and who needs what you have?

Create your own personal brand. Give yourself a “time out” to reflect on your special mix of job skills and personal qualities. How can you piece this puzzle into your own unique brand, one you can spell out in a tag line about yourself?

Naming your own brand can help shape your resume, your cover letter and your “elevator pitch,” a 30-second, easily worded sales pitch you can slip into any chat with people of influence.

Your brand should be head-turning and offer a solution to the market you’re targeting. When companies are cutting expenses, you can position yourself as an investment that pays back.

Demonstrate results. How can you prove you can add value? If you’ve made a name for yourself growing sales, reducing overhead, winning new clients or raising profit margins, highlight these features on your resume and during interviews.

Show your potential employer how you’ll apply your know-how to create value-driven solutions that translate to the company’s bottom line.

Expand your reach. In this tight market, traditional networking doesn’t go far enough. You need a better approach to connect with decision-makers.

Think about developing relationships, not just leads and contacts. Network to build contacts within the industry you prefer – plus competing and complementary industries.

Try joining a social network site such as LinkedIn and see who knows someone at a company you might like. Ask them to introduce you.

Also, contact former classmates and teachers, and start speaking up on Internet discussion boards.

Part Two: Build your foundation so you can stand tall

What is your game plan? Designing a doable plan of action is what the doctor ordered to keep your morale high. Take a look around. Which industries are healthy and growing, and where could you see yourself thrive? Making lists can help you settle down and focus. This list is important.

One week at a time. Rome wasn’t built in a day. Each Monday morning, you can choose goals for the number of contacts you’ll call, industry or social events you can attend (for free if possible) and how many face-to-face meetings you can land.

Good news: President Obama’s $787 billion stimulus plan will create new, relatively high-paying jobs in renewable energy, education, health care and construction.

How to increase your success rate? Get organized. Make yourself a splashy, colorful progress log or Excel chart to record each person you contacted, met with personally, when you talked, who said what, and your follow-up actions. This step matters. By keeping systematic records, you’ll create a network of valuable contacts to use on your new job and beyond.

Can you become the rainmaker? Even if you feel fearful or confused right now, make up your mind to be a lifelong learner. Imagine yourself the go-to woman who knows about industry trends, keeps up with technology and gets comfortable talking to colleagues of any age.

Online webinars and tutorials can keep you current on skills and abilities now in demand. Update your online presence regularly to position yourself as a thought leader, cost-saver, turnaround artist or innovator.

Part Three: Stay on the sunny side

Be flexible. Employers need executives with problem-solving skills grounded in experience. In difficult times, many companies outsource to fill the gaps.

Are you willing to sign on as a consultant? This could lead to a full-time offer. Freelancing, telecommuting and flexible work options become more feasible as employers strive to meet fluctuating workloads.

Use your negotiating skills to create new work options that meet their needs. Remember, “No” doesn’t always mean “Never.”

Lend a helping hand. Women instinctively reach out to help each other. Follow your instincts to offer support, share search tips and introduce colleagues also searching for new opportunities. Stay in touch with your network contacts and exchange information and advice.

By becoming that go-to source, you might be the first to receive word of a position that could be perfect for you.

Volunteer. Regular volunteering is the single strongest predictor of health and longevity. Being passionate about a cause and proactive helping others is rewarding not just for you but for your community. Show future employers your volunteer skills are immediately transferable to the job you desire.

Your optimism will win the day. Everyone can sink down into the dumps during a job search. But every morning, think of what you can do today to move your job campaign one notch ahead. Turn to trusted friends and family for pep talks and reassurance. Take time out to reward yourself and practice powerful stress releasers like yoga or meditation. Walking, jogging, swimming and other aerobic workouts can reenergize and restore you.

Remember: Target organizations where you can be most useful and look for opportunities to emphasize how you can add value to the bottom line. By knowing what drives you, where you excel and how your personal brand can make a positive difference, you can stand out from the crowd.

Source: Carol Malysz, VP, New Directions Inc., a Boston career consulting firm

Tags: Branding, Hidden Job Market, Personal Website, Volunteering
Posted in Branding, Jobsearch | Comments Off

Twitter – Tool for Your Job Search

Tuesday, July 28th, 2009

Include Twitter as a key tool in your on-line, social media job search!

Like LinkedIn, Twitter is rapidly becoming a must-do social networking tool. And also like LinkedIn, it is rapidly becoming a popular hangout for job seekers. Unlike LinkedIn, however, Twitter is not just about adding contacts … it is mostly about making new (out of work) friends, be it socially, professionally, or both.

Twitter is a great tool to use for your job searching, but remember that it won’t happen the day you begin to tweet, but over time, as you build up your “Followers” and those who “Follow You” – you will have something going for yourself. You can raise visibility with recruiters in your geographic search area by sending out your “brand” statement or “elevator speech“; or, you can post comments on current marketplace issues, deliver subject matter expertise, and show that you are on top of current trends by linking to your blog site.

As those who follow you on Twitter become interested in your content, when employers are looking at you, you’ll have more than just your resume to back up your knowledge and experience. But don’t limit your job search to just Twitter. Personal/professional networking is still the best approach for job seekers. Face-to-face interaction always works best, and no matter how great social networking is, it can’t replace that type of connection.

For the non-user, Twitter can be confusing .. you are limited to just 140 characters and are bombarded with “tweets” and “retweets”. Where to begin?

Tips for using Twitter for your job search:

Twitter Account Settings

At the Twitter main page, look for the menu bar for Settings >> Account .. This is where you set up a One Line Bio; put a link to your blog (if available), include your e-mail address, and include the city you reside in.

In your 160 characters of bio – note the position you are seeking, the more targeted the better. Be as specific as you can within the 160 character limitation.

Start your “Tweeting”

Many times job seekers will tweet out little blurbs in the hopes that someone will notice them. An example might be: “I need a job, can someone help me?”

Since you are looking for work, forget about tweeting to rant or rave … especially a bad idea if you want hiring managers and recruiters to contact you.

Note that a good recruiter will search for a job seeker on Twitter and then look at the quality of the tweets he or she has posted. Remember, your “tweets” are public. Unlike LinkedIn, more folks than just your followers can read them.

“Follow” Job Search / Career Professionals

Twitter has many career professionals, from resume writers to recruiters to staffing agencies to placement firms. Niche sites are frequent users of Twitter as well. Looking for Human Resource jobs, Marketing, or IT jobs? You can find several specialty job boards on Twitter to follow, and check the Twitter job board ( www.twitterjobsearch.com )

As examples of who you may want to “follow” in the San Francisco Bay Area:

San Francisco Business Times (http://twitter.com/SFBusinessTimes)
SFBayJobs (http://twitter.com/sfbayjobs)
Jobvite (http://twitter.com/Jobvite)
BAJobs (http://twitter.com/BAJobs)
HotWireRecruit (http://twitter.com/HotwireRecruit)

Key point: Take advantage of hash tags like #jobangels, #jobseekers, #jobseach #jobs #employment #unemployed #needajob #jobseekers. You can post the type of job you are seeking and then use one or all of these hash tags. Your post will then be read by everyone who follows those tags.

Search for interview subjects for that next article (examples: Twellow or Twitter Search). There is a world of wisdom in cyberspace – just waiting for you to find it!

Help your fellow Job Seekers

Twitter has many job seekers during this economic downturn / recession. You are advised to look for job advice, postings, etc. You will see many opportunities that may not be right for you, but they might be a good fit for someone else. If this is the case, then you may “retweet” or pass along those leads to a colleague, a fellow job seeker. Remember that real networking works – especially with Twitter. So. if you want to make friends, it’s a give-and-take relationship.

Twitter Profile

Twitter is a “branded online exposure” for your professional online presence; for searching for work. The key message is to promote your Twitter presence with an “employer-friendly” background. Your Twitter profile should operate like you would with a business card. Craft a well-written professional description in the spot meant for your bio. Personalize the background also!

There’s lots of space you can use to promote yourself. Use this link http://www.twitterbacks.com for ideas on creating a professional-looking Twitter background, including side bar identification information. You may also want your online resume or blog to be listed as a link on your Twitter Profile.

Twitterbacks.com has templates you can use to create your very own Twitter brand / background. Twitbacks.com is another solution that also lets you promote your Twitter profile / brand.

Twitter Tools

It is hard to “Tweet” when you are following many folks and sending and receiving replies and direct messages. A cool solution is to manage your “Twittering” with a free desktop client.

Desktop clients are software built specifically to utilize Twitter. Clients for the desktop generally do very helpful things, like let you put the people you’re following into groups, so you can be sure you won’t miss a tweet from those you care about the most, alert you when you get a new direct message or @reply, search Twitter without having to visit a separate page, or help you share images or videos. In other words, they help you get the most out of Twitter and not miss anything important.

As a job seeker, I recommend using TwitterJobSearch: http://www.twitterjobsearch.com/

TwitterJobSearch is a search engine that searches Twitter for jobs that match key words you enter; they claim to do the following:

We’re looking at context.
We use semantic tools to look at what was said.
We then look at what they’ve said before.
We then look at who was saying it.
If we do this right, we can figure out why they’re saying anything at all.

This search engine pull in additional details such as location or job title to add more context than just links to a web page. So, the results are not only job-related but you get a link to the actual job posting (a link to another job site like CareerBuilder). With TwitterJobSearch, you search across all of them, and results are ranked by both relevance and by how recently they’ve been posted.

Another option; look at 2 other Twitter APIs for job seeking:

Twhirl and Tweetdeck are popular ones that help you organize the tweets of your followers by making groups and help you search on specific topics, just as “job search.” They also help you see when someone has specifically spoken to you even while you were away.

And there is TweetDeck to organize your results:

Tweetdeck shows your Twitter feed in columns of information based on your preferences, rather than one long stream. As an example, you might set up columns with headers such as:

All tweets, jobseeker, direct messages, friends, thought leaders, and jobs.

You can click to see anyone’s profile, and from there add them to a particular column. It has a URL shortener build in, which is invaluable.

TweetDeck allows you to set up search columns so you can stay up to date with topics or brands you’re interested in. Search columns auto-update every minute using data from the Twitter Search API.

Still another option for job seekers; Twello and WeFollow:

Twitter directories Twellow and WeFollow organize Twitter users based on topic, and are great places to find other users who will regularly tweet about things you’re interested in.

You should also look into third party sites like Twubble and Twitterel, which attempt to give people friend suggestions on Twitter, based on the friends of your friends and the things you’re interested in.

One tool new Twitterers can use to find like-minded users is Twitter Search. Twitter’s own built-in search engine lets users search for others who are job seekers like you – just pick out some keywords.

BONUS: A Twitter Guide Book

Twitter can be very daunting for new users. It has its own set of jargon (#hashtags, @replies, retweets, direct messages, etc.), its own set of commands, confusing rules about who sees your tweets, and a sea of third party clients to navigate. That can be overwhelming for someone new to get into.

One place to start learning about Twitter, is the site’s own help portal and Getting Started forum aimed at new users. They’re not the most user friendly site, though, and might raise more questions than they answer for some users.

In addition, spend time on Mashable (http://mashable.com/) and look for the Twitter section to find a cool Twitter Guide. Too many people join Twitter and just start following as many people as they can without any thought to whether it makes sense to do so. The Twitter Guide Book should help both new and experienced users learn how to use the service and get the most out of it.

Final Notes

You should maintain your Twitter presence with regularity. There is no hard and fast rule, but lots of companies and non-profits try to post and tweet at least once a day, no more than five times a day.

You need to integrate your social media with other efforts, like linking to a site or a blog post in a tweet, coordinating with a newsletter, plan ahead as part of a marketing campaign, etc. Being a personality without tying back to your real-life business efforts is a great way to waste time.

Twitter’s value lies in two aspects: content and immediacy.

Content has to provide value to users (in no particular order):

entertainment
access to information otherwise unavailable
feeling of inclusion into a desired group
reciprocity with their own personal/business social media agenda

Immediacy factor engages user with time-based opportunities:

breaking news (being the first to know/share, accessing info traditional media doesn’t have or won’t share, firsthand reporting…”unmediated” media)
instant actions (flash mobs, political protests, emergency responses, calls for help, etc…often with a geolocative aspect)
immediate input/feedback (user reviews, customer service issues)

Tags: Branding, Networking, Twitter
Posted in Jobsearch, Social Media | Comments Off

Get Noticed with a VisualCV Resume

Thursday, July 23rd, 2009

A VisualCV is an online resume that includes all the facets of a traditional resume, with add-ons like video, images, and links to your accomplishments.

You will have your own URL … here is mine: (http://www.visualcv.com/ronproctor )

The VisualCV resume looks like a typical resume with your work history, education, achievements, and awards. Watch this video for a quick overview of VisualCV to learn why you would want to create a VisualCV and how it can help you in the job search. Notice that the right side of the VisualCV page can include a video, links, references, and other information you would like to highlight.

VisualCV is a free online web portfolio, with a variety of social media type features. When you set up a VisualCV resume you will extend the value of your existing resume to include a variety of other documents. You will consolidate all your documents into one online location where they are easily accessible to employers and hiring managers – no need for them to open email attachments.

You can add sparkle to your VisualCV with pop-ups, embedded documents, images, photos, videos, audio, links to your blog or other online published works, or your LinkedIn and other online networking groups badges.

A few examples if the functionality of a VisualCV resume:

Embed a photo of your last CEO awarding you the President’s Club award last year.
Show examples of the clean, elegant software code you write.
Include your outstanding writing samples, articles, artwork, or designs.
Embed any of the following type of files: .doc, .pdf, .ppt, .jpg, .gif, .png, .mov, .wmv and more.

Other benefits include:

Control access to your VisualCVs through privacy settings, and share with recipients you choose – companies, colleagues, customers, and friends.
Develop as many versions of your VisualCV as you want, each with a unique privacy setting, to share with distinct groups.
Track who is looking at your VisualCV and when.
Share your VisualCV with a growing number of major companies and employers who have a VisualCV presence, such as Amazon, Sun Microsystems, Duke University, Dayak, Perot Systems, and Citrix.
Access the growing VisualCV Marketplace of career services providers – Certified VisualCV Creators, resume writers, career coaches, and recruiters.

Whoever reviews your VisualVC will be aided by real-time, value-add information:

Mouse over companies listed in your VisualCV and they pop up with live, rich data through VisualCV’s partnerships with Standard & Poor’s Capital IQ and Dow Jones’ VentureSource.
Mouse over college names to pop up rankings via exclusive partnerships with Princeton Review and QS Quacquarelli Symonds.
Industry-specific terms describing your experience expand into definitions, with pop-ups from a variety of sources.

OK, so how do you create VisualCV?

Begin by registering with VisualCV, then follow the directions to set up your resume. If you already have a resume you can cut and paste from that and then add to it from within VisualCV’s system. Or, you can start from scratch using the VisualCV resume builder. You just upload the files you want to include into a portfolio and select which files you want to include in each of your VisualCVs.

VisualCV as a professional “show and tell” for the 21st century. It brings you, your skills and background to 3-dimensional life with video, images, informational pop-ups and examples of your work

Examples of completed VisualCV resumes:

More information:

VisualCV is not a video resume but you can include video to supplement the basic content of your traditional resume.

Do look professional. Remember, this is the hiring manager’s first impression of you and you want it to be perfect. Try to create a professional background for your video, like an office, dress appropriately, and speak eloquently.

Don’t try to do the presentation unrehearsed. You don’t want your video to become an office joke; you want it to be your ticket to an interview. Write an outline and practice your speech in front of the mirror a few times before recording.

Do keep it short … think about the fact that hiring managers are looking at hundreds of pieces of paper every day. What are you going to show them in your video that is going to get their attention and keep it? One way is to answer questions you anticipate they’ll ask in your first you interview.

Don’t use a video resume as a standalone. A video resume can’t take the place of the traditional resume entirely.

Do include video references from coworkers or managers to supplement the video in your VisualCV resume (See a tip from the WSJ on video references). Including references provides employers a better picture of who you are and what you’ll bring to the company. Plus it saves time for both of you after the first interview. What better way to make a great impression on the hiring manager than to save them time and money?

Louise Kursmark offers her tips in The Insider’s Guide to VisualCV.

Why create a VisualCV ?

Put Your Best Self Forward

Your VisualCV ensures you’ll stand out for all the right reasons by providing your contacts and potential employers with a polished, multi-dimensional profile.

Cut To The Chase

Your VisualCV completely streamlines the job search and hiring process. Use it to:

Provide employers with a complete representation of your talents.
Speed up the process. Interactive web features automatically eliminate research and validate candidates.
Replace the first interview. Standard screening process questions are answered through video or audio files that are housed on the Web.

Check the VisualCV blog for more insight into this tool - blog !!

Tags: Branding, Social Media, VisualCV
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Boost Your Job Search – with LinkedIn

Monday, July 20th, 2009

You are using Linkedin aren’t you?

When you’re job searching, be sure to use Linkedin to its’ full potential as a social networking site that will enhance your job search and boost your prospects of landing a new job. The best way to do this is to ensure you know what Linkedin is capable of – in order to maximize your employment potential.

Here are ten tips on optimizing your job hunting experience on Linkedin:

1. Edit your Profile. The first step is to make sure your LinkedIn Profile is complete. The more detailed your LinkedIn profile, the more chances you will have to be found and to be contacted. This is important because your profile is what you use to connect with people how you get found on LinkedIn. Complete your LinkedIn profile as carefully as you write your resume and provide prospective employers with detailed information on your skills and experience. If you’re currently unemployed, list your current position as “Open to opportunities”. If you don’t have a LinkedIn profile, sign-up.

2. Include a Photo. You can add a photo (a head shot is recommended) to your LinkedIn profile. Note that the photo can be no larger than 80×80 pixels. Do make sure your photo represents the professional you, not the personal you, because LinkedIn is all about professional networking.

3. Professional Summary. The Professional Summary section of your profile is a good way to highlight your experience. Select an Industry, because recruiters often use that field to search. Don’t forget the Headline, because that’s right at the top of the page when someone views your profile. It’s your first chance to make a good impression.

4. Include Keywords and Skills. Include the keywords and skills from your resume in your profile. This will make it easier for your profile to be found in search results.

5. Contact Settings. Your contact settings let your connections (and hiring managers and recruiters) know your availability. Options include: career opportunities, consulting offers, new ventures, job inquiries, and reference requests. Even if you’re not actively seeking a new job, it’s important to be flexible, because you never know when an
opportunity to good to pass up might come along.

6. Profile Website Links. The Links section of your profile is a good way to provide even more information to potential employers and to your contacts. If you have blog or a personal web site that is business related, include those links in the Links section of your profile.

7. LinkedIn Applications. LinkedIn Applications are a terrific way to share even more information in your profile. The blog applications enable users to feed their blog directly to their profile, so other LinkedIn users can see the most current posts automatically.

8. Your Public Profile. Don’t forget to make your profile public – that’s how the world can find it. Also, customizing your URL will give you a link that’s easy to share.

9. Grow Your Network. Connect with other members and build your network. You can find connections you’ve worked with, done business with, went to school with, or are otherwise affiliated with. The more connections you have, the more opportunities you have, but don’t randomly connect with people you don’t know. The point is to connect
with people you do know, so they can help you and vice versa.

10. Get Recommendations. To a potential employer, a LinkedIn recommendation is an opportunity to read a reference in advance. Having strong references can only help you when it comes to getting selected for an interview or for a job. The best way to get recommendations is to give them, so take some time to write recommendations for
your contacts and they will most likely reciprocate.

Source: Alison Doyle, job search expert

Tags: Linkedin, Personal Website, Weblinks
Posted in Branding, Jobsearch | Comments Off

Phone Interview Tips

Thursday, July 9th, 2009

Phone interviews can be difficult… With the lack of visual communication, you must be able to rely on auditory feedback and be disciplined enough to keep focus.

Preparation

There are two main types of phone interviews – expected and unexpected. In order to be prepared for the unexpected phone call, make sure you have access to proper materials near your phone or desk. Keep a file of “employer research” near by along with a fresh copy of your resume. Your resume will allow you to easily answer questions about your past experiences. Company research can help you quickly come up with a few questions for your interviewer. Having access to a notepad and a pen is probably a good bet as well.
For expected interviews, make sure you have a space set aside that is free of distractions. Keep a glass of water nearby in case you need to clear your throat. Remember, phone interviews are just as much of an interview as a traditional meeting.

Tips

Know your comfort zone.

Some people perform best in a quiet room, while others prefer to pace around. If sitting still is your style, a room free of distractions is best. If you are the type of person that likes to walk-and-talk, consider determining a predefined route. This will help ensure that there are no outside noises or unexpected distractions like sirens. Make sure it is a leisurely walk so you can maintain calm breathing patterns.
Smile.

Negativity or a uneasy attitude can easily show itself over a phone call. Before the interview, consider spending a few minutes listening to your favorite song or watching a funny video on YouTube. Make sure you are in a good mood.
Disable call waiting.

If for some reason you are not able to disable call waiting, absolutely ignore it if someone calls.
Listen.

Without the visual communication of an in-person interview, it can be tough to know when to stop talking. If your nerves are high and your blood is flowing, you can easily make the mistake of saying too much. Make sure to speak slowly and articulately. When you have answered the question, allow for that possibly uncomfortable moment of silence. This will let the interviewer know that you are through, and then they will proceed. Listen and wait for them to finish with their next question, and then proceed. Consider taking notes on the key aspects of each question.

Do’s and Don’ts

Do give accurate and detailed contact information in your cover letter so your interviewers can easily connect with you.

When in job-hunting mode, don’t have a disproportionately silly or long greeting on your answering machine or voicemail.
Do ensure that household members understand the importance of phone messages in your job search.
Do practice, if possible. Have a friend call you to do a mock phone interview so you get the feel of being interviewed over the phone. Practice makes perfect. As with all interviews, practicing before hand helps you prepare for common interview questions. Remember to “play in practice as you will in the game.” It will make a huge difference.
If you cannot devote enough time to a phone interview, do suggest a specific alternate time to the recruiter. It’s often best to be the one who calls back so you can be mentally prepared.
Do consider using a phone interview log.
Do consider keeping some notecards or an outline in front of you to remind yourself of key points you want to cover with the interviewer. You don’t want your responses to sound scripted, but you don’t want to fumble for important points either.
Do ensure that you can hear and are being clearly heard. If you are taking the call on a cell phone, make sure there is no wind in your vicinity. Wind noise will prevent you from hearing the questions and make it harder for them to hear your answers. No speaker phone.
Do consider standing when being interviewed on the phone. Some experts say you’ll sound more professional than if you’re slouching in an easy chair. Stretching out your torso will allow you to have the full strength of your lungs. You will be able to speak more clearly and powerfully.
Do enforce a dress code. Believe it or not, properly dressing in at least a business casual attire will make a big difference in your ability to focus on the interview. Wearing the right clothes and taking a serious approach to the call will help you maintain a professional attitude regardless of your surroundings.
Do create a strong finish to your phone interview with thoughtful questions.
Make sure to ask for your interviewers name. Follow up with a thank you note.
Don’t panic if you have special needs. If you are hearing-impaired, for example, phone interviews are still possible.
Don’t snuffle, sneeze or cough. If you can’t avoid these behaviors, say “excuse me.”

See more >>> How to Ace a Phone Interview

Continue Reading…

Tags: Branding, Hiring Manager, Phone Calling, Phone Interview
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Cover Letter Tips

Thursday, July 9th, 2009

Check these seven wonders of a world-class cover letter; make your resume stand out simply by writing a one-page cover letter that features these seven recommendations:

1. Three paragraphs on a single page: Introduction words, your skills and qualifications, and a request for an interview.

2. Three or four well-written sentences in each paragraph. Easy on the eyes.

3. Plenty of ‘white space’ around your writing so the cover letter is easy to read and comprehend. Set up generous margins and double space between paragraphs.

4. Bullets and numbered lists when appropriate. This helps the reader scan quickly.

5. Bold-faced type to emphasize certain points.

6. Correct spelling, usage, and punctuation for a professional appearance.

7. Accurate name, contact info, and signature.

In summary: Write a cover letter that makes your point about the job you want, states your qualifications concisely, and asks for the opportunity to meet in person. Then double check for the ’seven wonders’ listed above before sending it off to the hiring manager.

With all these points in place, the employer will not have to ‘wonder’ what you’re all about. It will be clear from your cover letter that you’re a person of integrity and dependability–one he or she will want to contact.

If you incorporate the seven recommendations for a world-class cover letter into your writing, your cover letter may be the one that attracts the hiring manager’s attention enough to single you out for that important call for an interview–and ultimately for the job itself!

Tags: Branding, Cover Letter
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Interviews: Hiring Manager perspective

Tuesday, July 7th, 2009

So, what exactly is the hiring manager looking for?

No matter what field you are in or what position you’re applying for, there are some similarities across the board that all hiring managers seek in ideal candidates.

Preparing for interviews to the best of your ability is time consuming but extremely important. You must know and understand the interviewer(s), organization, clients/products/services and the industry itself—plus how you fit into that big picture.

The List

Likeability. Do you get along with the hiring manager? Does the hiring manager feel you will get along with his or her team? This is a big factor. I know when I see myself in candidates, I find myself leaning toward them more than individuals who remind me nothing of me. (That sounds self-centered, but hiring managers want a cohesive team!)
Strategic thinking. Are you thinking ahead about the future of the organization? Do you have a suggestion already in mind you’d like to brainstorm with the hiring manager? In this economy—or any, for that matter—organizations want (and need) results. If you can show you’re a results person—or at a minimum thinking about results—you will prove a strong candidate.
Clear communication. Is your tone and word choice professional? Do you get your message across effectively the first time? Chances are, you’re going to have to communicate with others in some fashion in order to do your job. Throwing in any type of slang word, giggling or other methods of unprofessional communication will make the hiring manager forget what you’re actually trying to say.
Professional appearance. If you’re interviewing at an organization where you know the hiring manager will be wearing ripped jeans and a T-shirt, you can probably get away with far less than a suit and tie. However, at most organizations, you want to not only dress the part for which you are interviewing, but one step above. Again, it’s these little things that stack up in a hiring manager’s mind about whether or not to hire you.
Enthusiasm. Be happy you are there! And not just because this is the first interview you’ve had in weeks (or months), but because you are genuinely looking forward to the possibility of working at the organization.
Good eye contact and “engaged behavior.” Don’t stare and not blink throughout the whole interview, but make sure you have decent eye contact. Also, lean forward slightly when the hiring manager is speaking—this is what I call “engaged behavior.” Both tactics show the hiring manager you are listening and interested in what he or she has to say.

Source: Heather Huhman, mentor to individuals seeking entry-level positions, particularly in the public relations field

Tags: Behavioral Interview, Hiring Manager, Information Interview, Jobsearch
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Hiring Managers Need to Hear …

Friday, June 26th, 2009

5 Things You Need to Tell Hiring Managers

Competition in the job market is fierce, and if you hope to land a new position, you must stand out from the crowd — but for the right reasons. You want to provide hiring managers with a positive impression, so here are a few messages you should get across right from the start.

1. “I’m professional.”

Potential hires who take the application process seriously will be treated similarly by prospective employers. This means, for example, proofreading your application materials for grammatical or spelling errors. It never hurts to have someone else review your cover letter and résumé as well, in case you overlook something. Also, be careful with the type of language you use. Remember that your application materials are business documents, so avoid slang or casual speech, such as the kind you might use when text messaging with your friends.

2. “I’m a go-getter.”

Because hiring managers are being inundated with résumés, your application materials may get only a cursory glance. That’s why you need to take some initiative. For instance, when you initially contact the employer, instead of ending your cover letter or e-mail with a standard statement like, “I look forward to hearing from you,” be proactive. Try: “I will contact you next Thursday at 3 p.m. to discuss the opportunity and my fit for the position in greater detail.”

Also, unless you’re specifically asked not to, follow up with an employer if you haven’t heard back after sending in your résumé. In fact, 82 percent of executives polled by Robert Half International said job seekers should contact hiring managers within two weeks of submitting application materials. By doing so, you can reassert your interest in the position and remain at the top of the hiring manager’s mind.

3. “I’m an expert.”

Employers want to hire people who can hit the ground running. That’s why you need to demonstrate your expertise from the beginning. Three great methods for doing so are enhancing your online reputation, joining a professional association and earning a certification.

Options for increasing your exposure include starting a professional blog or Web site, submitting articles to an industry publication or even simply contributing to message boards. For instance, blogging about the industry that you want to work in and including the blog’s link on your résumé give prospective employers an easy way to see that you are well-informed.

By joining industry groups and trade associations, you can remain up-to-date with recent trends through interaction with others in the field. Use your résumé to highlight your membership in a professional group and show hiring managers your interest in furthering your industry knowledge.

Finally, consider earning a relevant industry certification. Many employers value candidates who have these credentials because they demonstrate a desire for continual professional development.

4. “I can save your company money.”

In today’s economy, companies are looking for ways to reduce costs. If you’ve implemented successful cost-cutting measures for previous employers, describe how you did so in your résumé or cover letter. For example, when applying for a role as an administrative assistant, you might note that in your last position, you helped renegotiate your company’s contract with an office supplies vendor, reducing spending in this area by 10 percent. Hiring managers will take notice of these types of accomplishments.

5. “I can fill your need.”

To show that you are an exact fit for an open role, make sure your application materials are targeted to each position and company. Use phrases from the job description within your résumé and cover letter, so long as they accurately describe your experience. Many employers use software programs that scan application materials for relevant keywords, so even if you are qualified but don’t use the employer’s terminology, your résumé may never be seen.

Sending the right messages to a prospective employer may not guarantee that you are offered the job, but it will increase your chances of being called for an interview. Then, you can make your case in person.

Source: Robert Half International

Tags: Branding, Elevator Speech, Hiring Manager, Information Interview, Jobsearch
Posted in Jobsearch | 1 Comment »

Job Search Engines

Thursday, June 25th, 2009

Use INDEED as your job search “Engine “

Tips and Suggestions from Indeed.com CEO Paul Forster.

“Job seekers narrow their search as much as possible in order to find jobs that fit their experience, skills, and desired location.”
“Focus on finding exactly the right jobs, rather than taking a scattered approach to job searching.”

More suggestions to help you focus your job search to generate listings that match your criteria:

Save Time With Job Search Engine

Using a job search engine saves time. Indeed.com, for example, searches jobs on job boards, newspapers, associations, and company web sites, including most of the Fortune 1000 companies. You can search for jobs all in one place, rather than having to visit all these sites independently.

Job Search by Salary

Indeed’s job search by salary tool enables job seekers to find jobs that pay at least a certain salary. Enter an annual salary in the search box to find all jobs that Indeed estimates pay at least that much.

Job search by salary uses proprietary methodology based on an analysis of similar job listings that includes salary, job title, job description, and location. Indeed’s algorithm extracts salaries from all job listings containing this information – about a fifth of the total – and then estimates salaries for the rest.

Job search by salary makes it easier for job seekers to find the job that is a right fit. It saves the job seeker time they may have spent applying for jobs they couldn’t afford to accept, and it also helps companies, because it limits applications from candidates who aren’t in the position’s salary range.

Advanced Search

The most effective way to search is to drill down so you are searching as narrowly as possible and getting to the right jobs. Use skills, interests, and location, as well as salary requirements, when searching for jobs. That way you can narrow your search so the results include only the most relevant listings. Click on Advanced Search and search by:

Keywords
Phrase in the job title
Type of employer
Radius

Set Preferences

Use preferences to choose which jobs you want to show on your results list. You can select only jobs within a certain distance from a zip code and jobs that have been published within a certain period of time.

Blocking Companies

If there is a company you don’t want to see job listings from you can block it, so you won’t see jobs from that company in future searches. Click on the ‘block’ link beneath each job search result. You can then manage the settings in your preferences.

More Actions

Use the More Actions link under the job posting to view all the listings from the same company, map the location of the job, research salary information, research the company on Google, email the listing, and get a permanent link to the post. You will also be able to find contacts at Facebook or LinkedIn who may be able to help you connect with the employer.

Job Search Tools

Indeed has job search tools you can use to help manage your job search and to ensure you get the job listings that match your interests. Job seekers can set up a my.indeed account to access saved jobs, searches, and alerts from any computer, and download job search plugins for Firefox and for Google Desktop, an application for Facebook, a button for your Google Toolbar, and other applications to help expedite your job search.

Source: Paul Forster, CEO, Indeed.com

Tags: Search Engines, Weblinks
Posted in Jobsearch | 1 Comment »

Tips, Tools, and Resources

Wednesday, June 24th, 2009

Social Media tips, tools and resources

It is clear by now that finding a new job is tough in this environment. I want to provide you with a posting which has a collection of tips, weblinks and ideas…

Check this Social Media Website- the Interactive Insights Group has some great content. Their chief Internet and social media strategist, Robin Broitman, has compiled a wide range of resources, advice and tools to help you build and manage your social media brand identity more effectively.

Check out this site for all you wanted to know (and more about how to build your brand on your personal website. How-To: Build & Manage Your Brand Identity with Social Media

Robin has been using LinkedIn for years and has found it to be one of the most useful professional networking sites online. It can help you build your professional network, establish your brand/image, and market your services. She has found LinkedIn’s group feature to be a helpful tool for driving traffic to her blog. Check LinkedIn SuperGuide -Tutorials, Tips and Tools

The Interactive Insights Group has a You Tube channel: Videos on Social Media and Web2.0 hand-selected by IIG/Interactive Insights Group, Inc.

The Interactive Insights Group has a Delicious link

Videos

Cheezhead is dedicated to issues pertaining to search engine optimization, Internet recruiting, human resources, employment branding, technology and marketing.

Cheezhead founder Joel Cheesman is one of the most widely-read bloggers on emerging recruitment issues in the world. Joel’s blog is a daily chronicle of how the Internet and technology are shaping human resources and how organizations can attract the talent needed to thrive in tomorrow’s economy.

Here are a sampling of Cheezhead’s Bi-Monthly HR / Recruiting - specific news and noteworthy items (such as Glassdoor and Mjob) - all of which may assist you in your job searching:

See more videos here Recent video topics: get away from online job databases, monster job hunter, mobile past, present and future, unemployed, a video, tech ticker interviews linkedin ceo, climber’s resume carousel looks time-consuming, michael spafferty’s video resume; plus more.

Job Search Tips

TIP: Here’s a contrarian networking idea: Stop thinking about networking and start trying to be useful to other people. That’s the advice of Dan Sullivan, founder of The Strategic Coach, a focusing program for entrepreneurs worldwide.

According to Sullivan, if you can bring confidence and clarity to people in your network by researching their needs and then offering something useful — in the form of product news, information about their customers, contacts, expertise, etc. — people will make time to talk to you. Because you will be seen as an oasis in today’s desert of bad economic news.

One thing is certain: If you keep doing what you’ve been doing in your job search, you’ll keep getting what you’ve been getting. And if you’re not getting calls from employers, why not try being useful to as many people as possible for one week and see where it leads you?

__________________________________________________________________________

TIP: Update your LinkedIn profile at least once a week. Add an article or presentation you’ve done. Change the information in your summary, update what you’re working on, add a book to the list of books you’re reading. You get the idea.

What to add? Add information that reflects your brand as a candidate. What would make you stand out to a hiring manager and/or recruiter? Be very strategic here—make sure everything supports and reinforces the brand you’re creating.

What does this get you? Your update will be sent to all your contacts in that weekly email LinkedIn sends out. Your name will keep coming up week after week with yet something else that brands you. A lot of visibility for just a few keystrokes.

___________________________________________________________________________

TIP: Responding to a network contact with an article or summary of key points from a recent seminar can also help to remind them of your presence and also provides valuable information that they may not have seen during their busy week.

First, they know you thought of them and secondly, you went the extra step of giving them the main points in the article. Most of us who receive articles love that considerate touch. Means we don’t have to feel guilty if we just don’t get around to the pile of articles we really mean to read someday.

___________________________________________________________________________

TIP: For going to a MEET UP, how do you feel about going to a meeting? What is the real reason you’re going? Did that reason get met? Do you like what happens and what you learn there? If you leave with one or two solid referrals and feeling energized by new information and/or new contacts, that may be a good meeting to keep attending.

With all the other things we’re talking about here that are essential job search components, if you feel like cutting back or cutting out these kinds of meetings, then do what seems to make sense for you.

Job search today requires creating a strategy that works for you. Test what you hear to see if it’s right for you–even the things we discuss here. Break out of your comfort zone (or perhaps it seems like you already left that far behind). Be creative and be yourself.

___________________________________________________________________________

TIP: Consider the Recruiter Side of the equation.. It may be tempting but so often a waste of your time to send a resume for a position where the key requirements don’t match your experience. If it’s a stretch to tie your experience to the absolute requirements, it’s unlikely anyone at the company will have the time, inclination or ability to make that leap.

Remember that recruiters have to present candidates to the hiring manager with a good reason for doing so. If they present candidates who don’t come close to the basic requirements, the hiring manager questions if the recruiter knows what they are doing. Recruiters rarely want to look stupid to their clients. So no matter how you try to spin it, they won’t be able (or willing) to sell it.

If you’ve got a resume that is oriented to how the hiring manager views the world, if you know how to position yourself and your experience in an interview, and you’ve got a clear, concise and very brief statement (sound bites can differentiate you) of what you bring to the table, you won’t need to send resumes off and hope the recipient can make the leap.

________________________________________________________________________

TIP: What gets you to the strategic table is seeing (and being able to articulate) how HR value-add efforts impact the Profit and Loss. It is essential for HR Executives to make that connection and use the language of business. CEO is only interested in one thing– “increasing shareholder value”. HR must connect to that strategy in real ways they can articulate. They need to show the organization how their work impacts the P&L. If they do not, they may not be long at the strategic table.

All of HR, not just the executive leader, should know the Profit and Loss and annual report and know how to tie back the HR initiatives to those results. Read the annual report. Make an effort to understand the financial operations and financial results of the organization. Take your rightful place at the table. We need you!

So perhaps as part of your job search strategy, you might listen to CEO shareholder calls, network with CFO’s, learn the key financial terms and concepts. Translate your accomplishments into P&L impact. Talk about EBITDA in your next interview if you really want to differentiate yourself with a CEO or CFO.

Tags: Branding, Delicious, Linkedin, Social Media, Twitter, Weblinks
Posted in Jobsearch | Comments Off

San Francisco Views

The best way for any for any blog to succeed is to go beyond the expectations of the visitor - within the first few seconds. This site aims to do just that...

Archive for the ‘Jobsearch’ Category

Looking for a job can be a chore… I found a Video Series of short, less then 2 minutes, helpful search advice from eHow How Tos on the job interview.

Unemployment, Labor Force, Average Income Data By State

Recruiters exist to find people for jobs, not jobs for people. Once you have chosen a recruiter (who is specializing in your field) and he/she has agreed to represent you, you still have to do you part.

An Executive recruiter may call you – be sure to answer their call!

You are aware that finding work that is rewarding and long-lasting takes planning, preparation and persistence.

Part One: Who are you, and who needs what you have?

Part Two: Build your foundation so you can stand tall

Part Three: Stay on the sunny side

Include Twitter as a key tool in your on-line, social media job search!

Tips for using Twitter for your job search:

A VisualCV is an online resume that includes all the facets of a traditional resume, with add-ons like video, images, and links to your accomplishments.

A few examples if the functionality of a VisualCV resume:

Other benefits include:

Whoever reviews your VisualVC will be aided by real-time, value-add information:

OK, so how do you create VisualCV?

Examples of completed VisualCV resumes:

More information:

Why create a VisualCV ?

Cut To The Chase

Check the VisualCV blog for more insight into this tool - blog !!

You are using Linkedin aren’t you?

Here are ten tips on optimizing your job hunting experience on Linkedin:

Digital Job Hunting – 3 ways to get employers to take notice

Check this short video! Jennifer Braunschweiger, editor at More Magazine recently appeared (May 21, 2009) on ABC News Now – and spoke on the topic: How To Master the Digital Job Hunt.

1-Resume:

2-Create your own website:

3-Google Tips to manipulate your results

Phone interviews can be difficult… With the lack of visual communication, you must be able to rely on auditory feedback and be disciplined enough to keep focus.

Preparation

Tips

Do’s and Don’ts

See more >>> How to Ace a Phone Interview

Check these seven wonders of a world-class cover letter; make your resume stand out simply by writing a one-page cover letter that features these seven recommendations:

So, what exactly is the hiring manager looking for?

The List

5 Things You Need to Tell Hiring Managers

1. “I’m professional.”

2. “I’m a go-getter.”

3. “I’m an expert.”

4. “I can save your company money.”

5. “I can fill your need.”

Use INDEED as your job search “Engine “

Tips and Suggestions from Indeed.com CEO Paul Forster.

Save Time With Job Search Engine

Job Search by Salary

Advanced Search

Set Preferences

Blocking Companies

More Actions

Job Search Tools

Social Media tips, tools and resources

Check this Social Media Website- the Interactive Insights Group has some great content. Their chief Internet and social media strategist, Robin Broitman, has compiled a wide range of resources, advice and tools to help you build and manage your social media brand identity more effectively.

Videos

Cheezhead is dedicated to issues pertaining to search engine optimization, Internet recruiting, human resources, employment branding, technology and marketing.

Job Search Tips

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