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Archive for the ‘Jobsearch’ Category

One Stop Jobboard – Indeed

Saturday, June 20th, 2009

This is the one jobboard site you must use:  Indeed

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Using Indeed is just like using a general search engine like Google. You can quick-search from the Indeed home page, as follows:

Step 1. Type words into the box marked ‘What’ that describe the kind of job you are looking for, such as a job title, skill or employer name.

Step 2. Type into the box marked “Where” the city, the State or the zip code where you want to find a job.

Step 3. Click the ‘Find Jobs‘ button or hit Enter on your keyboard.

Jobs will be returned that match your keywords within 25 miles of the location you specify. If you enter two or more keywords, it will return only those jobs that contain ALL your words (you don’t have to include ‘and’ between the words).

Exact Phrases

To find jobs containing an exact phrase, put double quotation marks around the words.

For example, enter: “real estate”

Capitalization

The search isn’t case sensitive. It makes no difference whether you enter upper or lower case letters – e.g. “general motors” will give you the same results as “General Motors”.

Narrowing Your Search

If your search returns a large number of jobs, there are several things you can do. Look at the text links in the left hand column within the ‘Refine Your Search‘ box. Click on those that fit what you are looking for, which will return a subset of your original search results.

Alternatively, try adding more terms to the ‘What’ box and search again. Also, don’t forget to use the ‘Where’ box – using just your zip code works well.

Another great feature is to exclude jobs containing certain keywords. Just type “not” before any terms you don’t want.

contract NOT lawyer

Broadening Your Search

To find all jobs that fit your interests, you may need to broaden your keyword search. One way is to remove keywords from the ‘What’ box and search again. It is often more effective, though, to use ‘or’ between terms. If you are looking for a management position, for example, you could enter: manager OR director. This will return all jobs that contain either the word ‘manager’ or the word ‘director’.

Abbreviations

Some names and phrases are better known by their abbreviations than their full forms. To make sure you don’t miss any jobs, however, use both abbreviated and unabbreviated forms together.

For example, enter: HR OR “human resources”

Company Names & Job Titles

You may limit your search to show just jobs from a particular company or with a specific job title. For example, enter the following into the keyword box to return all jobs at Microsoft:

company:microsoft

Or, to return all jobs that include the word ‘consultant’ in the job title, enter this:

title:consultant

If there are multiple words in the company name or job title, use double quotation marks. For example:

title:”business development”

Complex Phrases

You can use complex phrases, often called ‘Boolean’ logic, to fine-tune your search.

e.g. (manager OR director) and healthcare

This will return all jobs that contain the term healthcare and either the word manager or director.

You can keep revising your search string to improve your results set. The example above could end up looking like this:

(manager OR director) and (healthcare OR pharmaceutical) NOT sales

You can see your last 10 searches in the bottom left hand margin of your screen, so you don’t have to remember your search strings or reenter them each time you search.

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Questions and Answers – from  Indeed.com

How do you rank the search results?

Jobs are ranked solely by relevance or date. We do not accept payment to include jobs in the search engine or to improve their ranking.

How do I see only new jobs?

To only show jobs that have been added to the site since you last visited, click on the Show: new jobs link near the top of any search results.

If you want to change this setting for all your searches go to your preferences and for Job Age choose Show jobs published “since my last visit.” Click ‘Save Preferences’ — all new job searches will now return only listings that have been added to Indeed since your last visit.

Why does the search results page say that there are more results than I can see?

We remove duplicate jobs from our search results. To view duplicate jobs, click the “Repeat your search with the omitted job postings included” link at end of your search results.

How do I find jobs closer or farther from where I’m searching?

Change the radius using the “distance” drop-down box near the top of the results page.  If you want to change the radius for all your job searches, open your preferences, select a different radius, and click ‘Save Preferences.’ All new job searches will use the radius you selected.

How do I remove results from a particular company or website?

To remove search results from specific companies and websites you must sign in to your my.indeed account.

After you’ve signed-in, click the “block” link at the end of any job in your search results. You can then choose to block all jobs from that company, or from the website the job is posted on. The companies and websites you choose will be saved in your preferences. Remove the company/website from your blocked jobs list to add their jobs back to your search results.

My search is not returning enough results. What can I do?

* Check your spelling: Both the ‘What’ and ‘Where’ and make sure the zip/postal code or state/province abbreviation is correct
* Remove search terms: By default our search results contain jobs with ALL of the words in the ‘What’ box. If you want to find jobs with ANY of the words, use OR between the search terms.
* Increase your radius: You may need to look farther away to get the results you want.

My job search is returning too many jobs. What can I do?

* Refine your search: The left column on the search results page contains links to help you narrow down your search. If the left column is not showing, click “Refine your search” at the top the page.
* Add more terms to the ‘What’ box: include any words that you would like the job title or description to contain
* Include a location: If you have not specified a location, add a city, state, or zip code to the ‘Where’ box.

When I search using my zip code, it also returns jobs from other locations. Why?

Jobs are returned within 25 miles of the location you specify by default, but you can change the radius of your search to get the results you want.

My search results are showing my city, but in the wrong state. What should I do?

Add the state to the ‘Where’ box and search again. If you don’t enter a state, we show results from the biggest city with that name. For example, just entering ‘Austin’ will give you jobs in Austin, Texas. If you want Austin in Ohio, you must enter ‘Austin, Ohio’ or ‘Austin, OH’.

Can I save my job search?

Yes. You may save your job search as a Job Alert email or as an RSS feed. Choose one or both to have new jobs matching your search automatically delivered to you. You may save as many different job searches as you like.

What is a Job Alert email?

If you save your job search as a Job Alert email, you will receive daily or weekly emails containing links to new jobs matching your search criteria. You may set up as many Job Alerts as you like and you may cancel them at any time.

What is RSS?

RSS (Really Simple Syndication) is a way to subscribe to a website and have new content delivered to you. In order to use RSS, you need an RSS reader. Internet Explorer 7, Firefox 2, and other web browsers have RSS readers built-in. There are also online RSS readers like Bloglines or Google Reader, and downloadable programs like NewsNetWire that you can use to view RSS feeds.

What is Salary Estimate?

Only about 20% of the jobs in our search results contain salary information. When a job posting doesn’t include a salary, we estimate it by looking at similar jobs. When salaries are available, they are shown in our search results. Estimated salaries are not endorsed by the companies offering those positions and may vary from actual salaries. This is a new feature so your feedback and comments are appreciated.

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Job Search Phone Skills

Thursday, June 18th, 2009

Online resources are a tremendous place to find information, but people hire people, not emails!

Many job seekers spend their ‘job search’ time in front of a computer because of the obvious vast resources available. How else could you possibly find so many opportunities in one place? There’s no question, all of those resources are great! … but they only pay off if you take the information you find, step away from the computer, and contact real people… on the phone and face-to-face!

Using the phone is the most efficient way to keep the momentum going in your job search. Much of your communication with prospective employers will be conducted over the telephone.

Tips for getting the most out of your time on the telephone – talking to recruiters and hiring managers.

  • People hire real people – not an email, online connection, or resume!
  • Think things out before you call so you can speak clearly and enthusiastically.
  • Weave a conversation with the person on the phone and leave room for his or her comments.
  • Don’t talk for more than sixty seconds without involving the listener.
  • Ask questions early to get a positive response and to maintain the flow of the conversation.
  • Establish rapport and mutual interest.
  • Start with low-priority companies before calling your most desired prospective employer so you can iron out any kinks in your delivery.

Daily Phone Assignment When Conducting a Job Search

  • Make a list of ten to twenty people to call, beginning at 8am. Sales representatives find it most effective to make phone calls in batches of ten at a time.
  • Write out a brief outline of your “opening lines.“
  • Keep five to ten accomplishment statements in front of you to strengthen your position statement (elevator speech).
  • Keep your calendar nearby along with pens, pencils, and paper.
  • Get something out of each call. If you’re unable to get an appointment, request the name of someone else to talk with.
  • Offer a choice of two appointment dates (e.g., “Would Tuesday afternoon or Wednesday morning work best for you?”).
  • Don’t stop calling until you’ve set up at least two appointments.

The Recruiter Perspective – the phone will make the difference between being an applicant and a prospect

When you send an introduction through LinkedIn, become a ‘friend’ on Facebook, send an email, or apply for a position online, you are no more to the recipient than one of the hundreds of other faceless, voiceless pieces of data they receive from the 90% of others doing the same thing. Recruiters will become interested in the candidate who calls, presents themselves professionally, and asks for a meeting.

The only way for recruiters to sort through all those applicants is to scan their information quickly, usually no more than 15 to 30 seconds per resume. If a resume matches the opening, it tells them nothing about the personality, culture fit, or professionalism of that candidate.

The only way that can be determined is over the phone or in-person.

The only way you can be considered for more than 15 or 30 seconds before a decision is made about you, is to talk to someone!

Overall Recommendations:

  • When you find an appropriate opportunity, find a contact. Use LinkedIn, Google to search people at the company and find someone with an appropriate title to call.
  • Don’t contact them through LinkedIn, but call the company and ask to speak to the person directly.
  • Before your call, get prepared. Know the objective for your call and write a script.
  • Have a script prepared in case you get their voicemail. Make it brief, professional, and let them know you will try to catch them again later.
  • Search for and target companies that are of interest to you, not just job postings. Again, find a contact, call, and build a relationship. Be professional!
  • Ask for an informational interview, or who else they would recommend you contact, or for their advice on how to best be considered for a position.
  • Use the information they give you to call and meet others face-to-face as well.
  • When you connect with someone on Facebook, or Twitter that appears to be a potentially valuable contact for your job search, be sure to call them directly as well.
  • When asking for information, wherever possible, use open ended questions rather than questions which are likely to be answered with “yes” or “no.”  Your goal in asking open-ended questions is to start a conversation in which you gain information which will help in your job search.
  • But don’t ask questions that you could easily find answered on the employer’s web site.
  • The tone of your voice carries a lot of weight in a telephone conversation.
  • You don’t have facial expressions, body language, and other non-verbal elements coming through in a phone conversation.  Smiling while you speak on the phone can make you sound more pleasant.
  • Practice how you speak on the phone.

Useful Telephone Techniques

Practice, practice, practice with dry runs

Get organized. Write down any information you will need while speaking on the phone, including:
o Company information
o Names and titles
o A list of company needs
o A list of your qualifications
o Copies of past correspondence with the company

Recognize the importance of the gatekeeper (the person who stands between you and the person to whom you wish to speak)
o Listen for and write down his or her name
o Use the gatekeeper’s name in your conversation
o Enlist his or her support (”What would be the best time for me to call Mr./Ms.______?”)
o Thank the gatekeeper for his or her help

Have a reference sheet on:
o Past employment (resume)
o Strengths/accomplishments
o Length of employment in jobs
o Primary responsibilities in past positions

Write a script for each situation

Believe that you can be of value to the listener and the organization

Smile while you’re talking – it will help you sound more comfortable and confident

Practice Phone Scripts

Phone Script for an Informational Interview request

You are setting up a networking interview with a manager who was given to you as a referral. Remember:

* State who referred you
* Organize your thoughts and stay calm
* You are NOT asking for a job
* Your intent is to gather information
* People are generally open to talking about themselves and sharing their opinions
* State how a personal meeting will benefit you both
* You are seeking the advice of an expert
* Get the names of additional contacts
* Confirm time and exact address of any appointment

Practice Script for a follow-up to resume submision

You sent a resume to this company more than seven days ago. You want to know the status of your application and set up an interview. Remember:

* Be upbeat and positive
* Be clear and concise with your request
* Inquire about the process for filling the position
* Do not talk too much – listen for cues and clues
* Be courteous

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BONUS – a down loadable PDF document:

Mary Elizabeth Bradford Internationally Certified Advanced Resume Writer and Tactical Job Search Coach has written a short ebook called Phone Networking Secrets Reveal after 12 years of experience “phone networking”, beginning as an executive recruiter and ending as a coach and consultant to executive job seekers faced with their own phone networking dilemmas.

  • You can apply these techniques to your job search so that your phone networking experiences become easier fro you.
  • This “book” contains tips for the steps to take after submitting a resume; the often dreaded “follow up phone call”

Phone Networking Secrets Revealed (click for PDF Document, same window)

To learn more about Mary Elizabeth, check out this 30 minute interview from Peter Clayton, of Total Picture Radio.

http://www.totalpicture.com/shows/success-strategies/mary-elizabeth-bradford-the-career-artisan.html

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Niche Job Search Sites

Wednesday, May 27th, 2009

Specific, targeted Job Search web links

There are specific job search sites (besides Linkedin and Twitter).  These sites, known as “Niche Job Search Sites” may be useful to you in your job searhing.  The “niche” websites listed on this posting are lesser-known job-search sites.  I was surprised to see the magnitude of the available jobs listed on these sites.

Check for yourself to see if you can use any of these.  Be advised that only 40% of available jobs are posted on jobboards.  There are 40% for those jobs listed internally within an organization – for employees to make referrals to.  And the remaining 20% of possible jobs are in the minds of hiring managers – your actual target for job searching (even though talking to a hiring manager is the most difficult method to get noticed in this job market, it tends to be the most lucrative).

By the way, niche is defined as:  A situation or activity specially suited to a person’s interests, abilities, or nature!!

Go at this list of job search sites (listed in no particular order) to see what you can come up with!

1. Dice.com: This is the go-to site for jobs in technology. Companies like Dell, NVIDIA and Apple post jobs to the site regularly, along with non-technology companies looking for IT workers. Apply online or upload a resume for recruiters to view. For $29.99 per month you can see who has viewed your resume and be sure your resume places high when your area of expertise is searched.

2.  IT Job Board:  This site is the #2 computer/IT careers niche site.  It works with the UK and Europe’s leading businesses and IT recruitment agencies to offer thousands and thousands of live permanent and contract IT jobs throughout the UK and Europe everyday

3.  Jobsinthemoney:   This #2 financial careers niche site features targeted job postings available in the JobsintheMoney.com database from companies across many industries and locations throughout the United States and cover a variety of positions for tax accountants, auditors, fraud examiners, analysts, controllers and CFOs, as well as many other finance and accounting professionals.

4.  ComputerJobs.com:  The #3 computer/IT careers niche site.  This job board focuses solely on the IT professional. Founded in 1995 by IT professionals who saw a need for an effective way for job seekers and companies to connect, ComputerJobs.com has over thirteen years experience connecting thousands of high-tech employers with millions of qualified job seekers.

5. GovernmentJobs.com:   The influx of cash from President Obama’s economic stimulus plan will lead to a host of new job opportunities in state and local government. Use this site to search for jobs in government offices throughout the U.S.

6. eFinancialCareers.com:  The financial sector has been hit hard, but the surviving companies are still hiring. This site features jobs in areas such as accounting, finance and insurance. Check out the “emergency career toolkit” full of tips for keeping your career in gear, even during the downturn.

7. Medzilla.com:   Healthcare and pharma remain strong industries, even during the recession. This site features jobs from biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies like Amgen, Teva and Baxter. Jobs range from entry-level drug sales reps to full-fledged medical and engineering positions.

8. SchoolSpring.com:  This site saves educators the task of scouring the Internet for jobs in each individual school district. Executive, administrative and teaching jobs from around the country are aggregated here. Applicants can narrow searches based on subjects and grade levels taught. For an even more targeted search, try state-specific sites like EdJoin.org in California or NYEdJobs.org in New York.

9. HCareers.com:  Head to this site for jobs in food service, hotels and tourist attractions. In addition to listings, there are free features like tips on writing cover letters, continuing education resources and a salary and cost of living calculator with advice on negotiating a raise.

10. MarketingJobs.com:  Job seekers with backgrounds in marketing, advertising or sales come to this site to check out offerings from employers including The Walt Disney Company (Stock Quote: DIS) and the blueberry division of Driscolls Berries. Posting a resume is free, as are downloadable resources like industry magazines and more than 350 informational videos about various sales careers.

11. MediaBistro.com:  This site is for anyone involved in the production of creative content, including editorial assistants, journalists and editors as well as those in media sales and advertising. In addition to the free job listings, there is a place to advertise availability for freelancing as well as career-related online courses and seminars.

12. Guru.com:  This site plays the middleman for freelancers looking for contract work in industries like business consulting, graphic design and law. Job seekers can upload resumes and search and bid on jobs. Guru.com helps project managers award bids and even provides a safe online payment method to help guarantee a smooth delivery.

13. Startuply:  This site will list small company posting site; majority tech jobs, but not all

14. Start-up jobs:  This site is a also small company posting site

15. Venture Loop:   Check here for VC-backed company jobs

16. NPost – Mostly tech and start-ups

17. Retirement Jobs:  This is the #1 retirement careers niche site

In Summary, you may also want to check the world’s largest network of niche career communities, powering thousands of local and industry-specific sites. The Beyond.com network is comprised of many distinct channels, each represented by a premier career destination and backed by a powerful group of associated communities.  Link:  http://www.beyond.com/channels/

Beyond’s Motto: “The Focus of One, the Power of Many”

Beyond’s Mission: For community members to experience the targeted exposure of a niche job board, reinforced by the power and volume of their entire network.  Jobs posted to one of their communities are automatically distributed and visible across all relevant network sites, providing for maximum exposure and targeted connections with high-quality candidates.

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Take control of your job search: Network

Saturday, May 9th, 2009

Networking Works!

It’s time to unleash the single most powerful and proven tool in your job-search tool kit—networking. Survey results vary, but it appears that about 40 to 50 percent of the time, networking plays a major role in helping people land new jobs. That would make networking the single most-effective way to find out about job openings and to succeed at getting a new job.

So What Is Networking?

Networking is simply involving others in your job search and becoming involved in the job-search efforts of others. It can take place one-on-one, in small groups, large groups, formal groups, informal groups, and even online.

If you establish a communication network with 20 people, you dramatically increase the likelihood that you will learn about employment opportunities and contacts you may never have found on your own.

Where Do I Start?

Online social networking platforms are a growing vehicle that people are using for networking. One of the leading online professional networks is LinkedIn, and there are several others (e.g. Plaxo, hi5). On these platforms, you identify your contacts and invite them via e-mail to connect with you. Then you become connected to them and can view their connections and contacts. If there is someone on the profile of one of your contacts whom you would like to meet, you can ask to be introduced to that person. This “gated-access approach” ensures that the expanding network of contacts is comprised of “trusted” individuals.

You can also join special interest groups at LinkedIn to rapidly expand your number of connections. You can search by individual’s names, employers, names of hiring managers, and professional affiliations. These groups can become a meeting place where you can ask questions. Developing your personal network on LinkedIn may take time, but it will probably require less time than trying to build a network in person or by phone.

You can also follow people in your field on Twitter, a social networking site. Once you set up an account on Twitter, you can respond to or comment on “tweets,” or short posts by others. Some people use Twitter to post links to personal or industry blogs or news items. You can search Twitter for people you know or by subjects you want to research. For example, a search on “résumé help” brought up more than 15 tweets of people discussing résumés or asking for advice. You can then decide to follow people on Twitter, and that way, you will regularly see their updates.

You can also type in hash tags (for example, “#resume”) and search for tweets by topic. Some professional organizations are posting updates from conferences and workshops using hash tags.

In addition to your online efforts, you should still explore the traditional networking vehicles:

1. Family and Neighborhood Gatherings – Have your “elevator speech” prepared, and try it out. In case anyone offers help, be ready to elaborate on your job-search plans and on your targeted employers.

2. Social and Religious Organizations – These groups sometimes sponsor job-search networking meetings. If not, just start talking to people to people before or after meetings and services. If you meet someone who is willing to help, try to get a business card or ask for an e-mail and a phone number.

3. Professional, Trade, or Business Groups – Join professional and trade associations. Attend their conferences and offer to work on committees. You’ll be quite surprised to find that many who attend are looking for jobs. Some of these organizations sponsor job-networking sessions.

4. School or Work “Alumni” Groups – Many colleges and major employers establish alumni networks to help their members search for jobs, make contacts, or develop business. For a list of such corporate alumni groups, visit www.corporatealumni.com. You can also find some of these groups online, via Facebook or LinkedIn.


The biggest obstacle to successful networking may be overcoming your nervousness over asking for help and admitting you’re out of a job.

One idea to get started is to open conversations with previous coworkers or acquaintances by saying, “I’m new to networking. What’s your experience, and do you have any suggestions for me about how to get started?”

Don’t discount the impact of networking. And don’t make these excuses:

1. “I’ll be competing directly with the people I share information with.” Not so. It will be rare that you are searching for the same job, in the same industry or employer, as someone in your support network.

2. “I can’t imagine begging people for help. It’s too humiliating.” Get over it. Networking is common practice, and you’re not begging for help. You’re asking for, and offering help, to many people in your network. Being unemployed no longer has the stigma it did 20 years ago.

Losing a job these days doesn’t mean you failed and are unemployable. You’ve simply lost your job and you’re looking for a better one.  Unlike the generation before yours, you will likely work for several employers over the course of your career. It is rare to spend your entire career with one company.

3.  “I don’t know how to network.” Learning to network starts with developing your “elevator speech.” In one minute, you should to be able to summarize what type of job you want, what you do best, and how the person you are talking to can help. Rehearse this with your family and friends. Be direct, polite, and confident. Most people will be flattered to be asked for help. Now, get out there and meet people.

So maybe networking is something new for you.

But get excited about learning a new job-search skill, or to put it more bluntly, adapt or give up!

Take control of your job search.

Be proud of your efforts. You will find a new job, because you know you have to.

So stop creating obstacles for yourself and give it a try.

Source: Bob Skladany, chief career counselor for RetirementJobs.com

More on Networking >>

Social networking websites should be treated as an on-line tool to support traditional networking methods. Its focus is to expand the number of your business and/or social contacts in your network by making connections through individuals you already know. It is a powerful concept when applied to careers and job search because it has the potential to connect you rather quickly to people in your target markets.

Recruiters and employers also search social networking sites to find candidates, and most sites host job listings.

When using a social networking site for job search, you look for other members who are insiders at your target companies. Then you look to see which people you already know can introduce you to those new people, just as you would in traditional networking. You can also tap into your connections at past companies, schools or associations and talk to those people about your targeted organizations.

One of the best uses of social networks is to build up a list of contacts — and potentially connect with someone in a target company. Unlike regular employment sites, which mainly list want ads and applicants’ resumes, social networks are designed for professionals to meet peers and make career contacts.

Social network connections can give you access to:

  • contacts by a particular company, industry or interest
  • jobs that don’t show up anywhere else
  • people that you have not met, including hiring managers and recruiters

Getting Started

In general, here’s how it works: you join one of the social networking sites (such as LinkedIn.com) and invite people you know to join as well.

Those people invite their contacts to join, who in turn invite their contacts to join, and the process repeats for each person. In theory, any individual can make contact through anyone they have a connection to any of the people that person has a connection to, and so on.

In the process of joining a social networking site, you create a profile. Your profile is:

  • Your online resume
  • An advertisement
  • A web page

This profile is your personal presentation to the community of people in your industry and profession.

Most social networking sites have features that allow you to post recommendations from your network. This can work to your advantage if your profile includes recommendations from well-placed connections who say favorable things about your abilities that are relevant to the work you are now looking for. Make sure that your online profile reflects who you are and what you want.

Searching for Contacts

Once you join the network, there are two basic ways to search for contacts:

  • Get a referral from a third party to a person you want to meet. You look around for people you know on the network and send out invitations to “connect” to them. The friend who gets the invitation clicks on a link that confirms that he or she knows the you. As soon as that happens, you can easily request contact with all of the friend’s friends.
  • Search for people based on a host of factors, such as name, industry location, employers or schools attended. When you spot a likely profile, look to see who can introduce you to the new person you found.

How do employers and recruiters use social networks?

Employers and recruiters use popular social networking sites to:

  • hunt for talent
  • do informal reference checking by viewing information about you posted by you or others
  • look for mutual connections before personally interviewing a candidate

There are numerous other social networking sites on the Internet;  the sites that work and are career-related are easier to use in job search than the purely social sites, but both can be very useful.

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Job Search 101

Friday, May 1st, 2009

Job Search 101

How to effectively manage your job search…. job seeking  strategies from Randy Hain,  a recruiter from an executive search firm in Atlanta.

As you can imagine in these tough economic times, there is a very large population of good people affected by corporate layoffs.  Randy has observed common threads which link the vast majority of these candidates together.  He notes that you should always feel comfortable experimenting and thinking creatively when developing your own strategy for finding a new career.

Common notions of newly unemployed:

  • Their personal networks have been neglected while they pursued their career and are often starting job searches without a sizable or accessible source of friends and business colleagues to ask for help
  • They don’t have resumes or what they have is not presentable
  • They are inexperienced at interviewing
  • They are inexperienced at negotiating a compensation package
  • They have not kept up with current hiring trends or growth industries
  • Social networking web sites such as LinkedIn and Facebook are unfamiliar
  • Networking is awkward and difficult
  • Asking for job search assistance is often uncomfortable
  • They believe that search firms help candidates find jobs when in fact, most search firms are hired by companies to fill open positions
  • There is a strong sense of urgency to find a new job quickly for financial reasons

Although outplacement assistance is available to help some candidates, it is not a perk that all enjoy.  Some times the outplacement assistance received by downsized employees is of questionable value and results in little more than an upgraded resume. Many candidates seek out professional coaches or pay companies to market their resumes in order to find them jobs. There are a few good career coaches around, but they are not always accessible or affordable for many candidates.

Randy says to be leery of firms who promise to market your resume for a fee—he has never heard of anyone getting a new job this way.  These firms charge high fees and he is very skeptical of the value provided for such a high cost. He thinks we can agree that being out of work means you have finite financial resources, so spend your money wisely .

So, where does that leave a candidate in need of a job?  Quite simply, you need a game plan.


P H A S E   I :   L O S I N G   Y O U R   J O B   &   S T A R T I N G   Y O U R   S E A R C H

Okay, you recently lost your job (or you know you are going to lose it) and need to get moving on your search. Don’t panic! Also, don’t take two months off to consider your next move. You need to get started right away, the competition is tough and the economy is challenging. In Phase 1 of the search, here are the most effective Best Practices for beginning your job search:

  • Remain positive!
  • Make sure you collect the contact information of co-workers, clients, friends and anyone else who can help you with your search. Record all this information in a usable spreadsheet for future use.
  • Ask for letters of recommendation from key leaders and co-workers in your company as soon as possible after you hear the news. You may get a refusal because of company policy, but we have observed that most of the time you can obtain these with little trouble. These letters can be helpful later during interviews.
  • Reach out to your network with a clear, positive e-mail message about your departure. Be sure to nclude your new contact information.
  • Inquire about any contract or consulting work you can do for the company. Companies often lay off people, but still need their skills and expertise. Offering to work on special projects in a contractor/ consultant role during your transition is appealing because it saves the company money (no benefits and reduced salary are likely) and it allows you to show continuous employment on your resume. As the question before you leave!
  • Consider becoming a consultant on your own if there is legitimate work for you in the marketplace— it bridges the potential gaps in your resume.
  • Have you applied for other jobs within the company? There may be roles for which you are well suited. Don’t ignore this option.
  • Develop a resume as soon as you hear the news. There are companies charging $200 up to $1,000 for this service and some of them are good, but many are not. You can research resume samples on Google and develop a good resume by yourself. If you are still not pleased with it, seek out a reputable firm. I suggest only working with resume experts who meet you in person and have a quantifiable track record of success.
  • Leave on the very best of terms. You will need future references, referrals and other assistance from your former company. Don’t burn a bridge!
  • Develop a marketing plan which will target industries and specific companies that fit your background.
  • The information you need is readily available through Google, LinkedIn, public libraries, online business magazines, Zoom Info and Dun and Bradstreet (there is a cost to buy certain reports from Zoom Info and D&B). This marketing strategy will be necessary to not waste time as you launch the networking phase of your search.
  • Be realistic about the length of your search—it will likely take months, not weeks.
  • Have professional business cards made. They’re inexpensive and very important when networking.

P H A S E   I I :    B U I L D I N G   A   N E T W O R K

You have exited your former company on excellent terms and you are ready to join a new company …fast! It is very important to recognize that traditional methods of searching for a new job rarely work any more.

Typically, you will find most jobs you apply for online fail to get a response, most positions you are interested in are rarely made public and I assure you it is highly unusual for someone to call you out of the blue with a great opportunity. There has been a significant paradigm shift in job search that favors skilled networkers and relationship developers. Here are the Best Practices for networking from our experience and the feedback from our candidates:

  • Be intentional! You should be networking with people who can give you valuable job search assistance. Don’t waste time.
  • Thank everyone and remember every kindness!  Be professional and follow up every meeting with a handwritten note or at least a “thank you” e-mail.
  • Find an accountability partner to push you. Ask a friend, your spouse or someone else you trust to hold you accountable in your search. Check in with them frequently and ask them for candid feedback on how you are doing. This process is difficult to do by yourself.
  • Remember the importance of metrics. A very effective way to measure the effectiveness of your search is through meetings. I suggest having at least four meetings a week with people who can provide assistance with your job search. This is more effective than email blasts and mailing your resume.
  • Contact the Alumni Office of the schools you attended and ask for access to the alumni directory.  This is often found online and can be a fantastic resource.
  • Join LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com), build your profile and pay for the upgrade to have full access  to the tools and features on the site.

The key is to use LinkedIn to connect directly and efficiently with hiring managers and useful contacts. There is some benefit to MySpace and Facebook depending on your generation (age!), but LinkedIn is specifically designed for business use and is the most widely used by professionals.

  • Ask the senior executives of your former company(s) for referrals and active introductions to potential hiring managers in their network.
  • Give your network a very clear request when asking for help: “I would be grateful for an active introduction to senior executives in your network.

Would you please introduce me via email and send them my resume?” This is so much more effective than the more common: “Keep me in mind if you hear of anything.” This is the wrong thing to say and will not yield good results.

NEVER begin a conversation with a new networking contact like this: “I am in a job search. Can you help me?”

ALWAYS offer assistance first! Make it about them and their needs, not just what you want. You can say, “I would like to explore ways we can help each other.” Or “I would be glad to make my rolodex available to you and would be grateful for any networking help you can provide me.” Starting with, “I am in a job search…” initiates defensive behaviors and up goes the proverbial wall.

  • Become more active in the community. Aside from being the right thing to do, volunteering your time to non-profits and charities will gain you important exposure to other like-minded business people.
  • Be sincere and remember the importance of giving back to others. Real stewardship can’t be faked!
  • Consider joining networking groups, but be selective. There are useful groups, but unfortunately many are a waste of time. Make sure the ones you select are relevant for you, have interesting speakers and utilize a plan for effectively sharing job leads.
  • Get connected to reputable search firms. Remember, search firms work for client companies to find candidates for their open positions. There is a common misconception that search firms find people jobs. It is always good to be referred to key players in a firm, which enhances your profile and credibility. Do your homework on the Internet and ask around … you will quickly see which firms are ethical and relationship focused. Key point: search firms want to help you, but outside of job search coaching they are often limited in the help they can provide by the types of searches they are working on.
  • Develop an “elevator pitch” about your background and what you are seeking. You should be able to share in less than 60 seconds your measurable accomplishments and what you are looking for in a new opportunity.
  • Attend seminars, workshops or conferences relevant to your industry to stay current and visible.
  • Connect through content. Share relevant, informative articles with your network and potential hiring managers to demonstrate an interest in their business. It shows you are staying current. Even better, consider making a gift to a potential hiring manager of a book that has made an impact on you and accompany that with a handwritten note.

P H A S E   I I I :    I N T E R V I E W I N G

You have worked hard, followed the tips above and you are getting invited to interviews. Great job, but don’t put your feet up yet! You made it through the mine fields to have an opportunity to interview, but the competition is fierce and you must stay focused.

Best Practices for interviewing:

  • Do your homework. Carefully research the company and the hiring manager(s) on the Internet. LinkedIn and Google are excellent resources for obtaining background information on people. Also, have questions ready for the person interviewing you. Never go to an interview unprepared.
  • Be nice to the Receptionist. This person is the company’s emissary to the world and is quick to size people up. Be courteous, professional and friendly … much can be learned from a warm conversation.
  • Expect their impressions of you to be conveyed to the hiring manager or HR department.
  • Dress professionally, bring copies of your resume on quality paper, don’t wear distracting cologne or perfume, don’t chew gum (you wouldn’t believe how many people do this!), arrive 15 minutes early, give quantifiable answers to questions, do not ramble, follow up with a thank-you note by dropping it off the next day if possible.
  • Make a personal connection. You are looking to win an advocate for your candidacy as well as eventually get the job. Every person you meet in the interview process should tell the others involved:  “Great candidate and good culture fit. I really like him/her.”
  • Remember that asking questions, commenting on pictures and diplomas in the office and highlighting shared interests changes an interview from hiring authority and candidate into two people having a friendly conversation . This is desirable and will serve you well throughout the process.
  • Ask questions about culture in the interview. What are the values and vision of the company?
  • Research will tell you much, but I suggest that hearing the answers directly from an employer will be more revealing. Make sure you share not only your skills and background in the interview, but how you would fit the culture. Many candidates forget to do this.
  • Be clear and concise about why you are the right fit for the job. If you have done your homework, you will be able to relate specific parts of your background to the open position, emphasizing why you are the right person. Also, do NOT forget to express your interest in the job! I frequently hear from clients about their concern that a candidate didn’t seem excited enough or interested in the position.
  • Excitement is good, but be careful to not appear desperate!
  • It is a good idea to offer references in the interview. If you followed the tips in Phase I, you will have gathered letters of recommendation and secured good references. Telling a hiring manager that you strongly suggest they “speak to someone who can describe my leadership of the sales team” will gain you an advantage and make you look more credible.
  • Stay calm! Nervousness leads to over-talking which will negatively affect your chances.


P H A S E    I V :   N E G O T I A T I N G   A N   O F F E R   &   L A N D I N G   A   J O B

The interview or interviews have gone well and you have a realistic shot at landing a new job. You are in the last portion of your search journey and in many ways, it is the most crucial. Negotiating the right offer can be difficult, but these Best Practices will help:

  • Negotiating an offer can be a tricky thing if you are not prepared. You will always be asked, usually early in the process, what you are earning. Share your past compensation openly and candidly. This will be on the application anyway, so don’t hide it.
  • The REALLY difficult question is, “What sort of compensation package are you seeking?” It throws many people off!  Answer this way: “I am very interested in this opportunity and have thoroughly enjoyed our conversation. I would like to move forward in the process and learn more about your organization and the team. I will commit to you that I am open to a fair and compelling offer.”  If pushed further, perhaps say “You know what I was earning before. I am open to the way the total package is
    structured, but certainly would prefer to avoid taking a step backward.”
  • It can be uncomfortable for many, but remember this: when you give a firm number, you’re tied to that number. You may be underselling or eliminating yourself from further consideration by sharing firm numbers.
  • Always address benefits early. An HR representative or the company web site will likely be the source of this information. Don’t bring this up in your first meeting with a Hiring Manager, but try to determine if the healthcare and vacation coverage are adequate for your needs. Also, remember that benefits can be part of the bargaining process as well.
  • Always get an offer in writing. Verbal offers are okay, but it must be followed by a written offer.  There is often a strong desire from some employers to have an immediate answer, but you should always ask for some time to consider the offer … even 24 hours is helpful. Evaluate it very carefully and consider the overall offer, your negotiable points and where you will not be able to budge.
  • If you think there is an opportunity to negotiate, explore the subject carefully and professionally with the decision maker. For example, “I am very excited about the offer and look forward to a great career in your company. We are very close on the terms, but was wondering if you could consider increasing the base in order to keep me whole from my last position and also add a week of vacation, again to match what I had before. Your health benefits kick in after 90 days, which means I will be on COBRA during that time. Can you pick up that cost or help me offset it in some way? Everything else looks fantastic and I am hoping we can come to terms soon on these other points as I am eager to start.”
  • When you are ready to accept, do it both verbally and in writing. You will most likely sign an offer letter as well.
  • Immediately let your network know that you have landed and share your new contact information.
  • Absolutely take this opportunity to thank everyone for their kindness and willingness to help you.

Remember, you will need this network again one day, so don’t ignore or neglect what you have carefully built. Stay connected, pay it forward by helping others and continue meeting with key connectors after you start your new job.

Avoid a common mistake: don’t assume your network is unnecessary after you find a new job!


Conculsion:

This is a comprehensive look at a solid and proven job search strategy. My firm gives this advice every day based on our experience and feedback we get from candidates and we are confident it will make you more effective. I view this list as ever evolving and you should always experiment and see what works best for you.  But, if you are stuck in your job search or see a friend struggling with theirs, follow the plan I have outlined here. I wish you the best of luck and hope my firm will be able to work with you in the future.

There is no guarantee that a new job will result from these suggestions, but he has a unique perspective of interviewing thousands of candidates and interacting with hundreds of clients to gain insight into best practices and “what works.”

Source: Randy Hain, Managing Partner of Bell Oaks, executive search firm in Atlanta

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Bonus Link

How To Job Search in 2009
by Career Builder

Job seekers need to make sure that they have powerful cover letters and résumés, are prepared for the interview, and know as much as they can about their potential employer and the people to whom they’ll be talking.

It’s necessary to look beyond textbook examples to see what practical advice is working for candidates right now.

  • Start your own blog
  • Work with your network
  • Make yourself stand out

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The Information Interview

Monday, April 27th, 2009

7 Secrets to Successful Informational Interviews

First off, a definition of the informational interview:   It is a meeting in which a job seeker asks for advice rather than employment. The job seeker uses the interview to gather information on the field, find employment leads and expand their professional network. This differs from a job  interview because the job seeker asks the questions. There may or may not be employment opportunities available.   The term was coined by Richard Nelson Bolles, author of the best-selling career handbook, What Color Is Your Parachute?

Informational interviews are initiated by the job seeker and there are many avenues the job seeker may pursue to obtain the informational interview. Career and social networking, newspaper want ads, job boards, placement services, company websites, human resource contacts, job search engines, and professional recruiters.

Essentially, the objective of the Information Interview is to:

  • Learn more about a company or job function
  • Inquire about job leads
  • Network

While the job seeker initiates the interview, he/she must follow the basic guidelines for interview etiquette. He/she must arrive promptly, dress appropriately, prepare informational questions, and make a good first impression.

For job seekers, informational interviews can secure meetings with managers, shape positive first impressions, and
develop relationships that may pay off in the future.

Managers are open to informational interviews because:

1. They do not require a big time investment. Informational interviews can be done during lunch or during an afternoon coffee break.

2. They can give managers an opportunity to identify new talent, either for now or in the future, without a formal recruiting process.

3. Informational interviews allow managers to give advice. Who doesn’t like to have their ego stroked?

Now for the 7 Secrets:

1.  How to ask for an informational interview. After you’ve identified who you want to meet, ask friends, family, ex-coworkers, & fellow alums if they have contacts at a certain company or a particular line of work. Utilize social
networking tools, such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter, to find contacts. In the introduction e-mail, keep it short and simple. Provide some background information on yourself and explain why you want to meet.

2.  Clearly define what you want to get out of the meeting.   If you don’t know what you want, the person on the other side of the table will have a hard time helping you. I’d recommend going for easy wins such as learning more about a company or a job function. So prepare questions such as: “What do you like working for company X?” or “When you think about successful folks in position Y, what made them successful?”

3.  Getting a job should not be your immediate goal. Job seekers often ask for a job at the beginning. Resist that temptation. If the manager does have a job, asking for it at the beginning is premature, especially if you haven’t proven yourself. If he or she does not have a job, you and the manager have to overcome the early letdown. Instead, focus on asking good questions and creating a good impression. Then, at the end, do ask if the manager is hiring, but don’t push it.

4.  Go with the flow. Some managers use the informational interview as an informal job interview. If the manager wants to deviate from your prepared list of questions and ask you more formal job questions, let him or her do so. Who knows? You might get a job offer at the end of the interview.

5.  Prepare, prepare, prepare. Informational interview can range from an informal career chat to a structured interview. Prepare for any scenario. Have those general career questions ready, and at the same time, don’t be surprised if the interviewer asks tough questions like “What’s your biggest weakness?” Remember the saying, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.”

6.  Dress for success. It’s always worth reminding: dress professionally.

7.  Don’t forget to follow-up and send the thank you letter.   Don’t forget to send a thank-you e-mail or letter after the informational interview. In addition, send updates every couple of weeks. The manager invested time into your career; he or she will be interested in your progress. And who knows, that manager may not have had openings a while ago, but he or she may be hiring now.

Source: Lewis Lin, interview coach at Seattle Interview Coach

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The Cover Letter

Monday, April 20th, 2009

Always include a Cover Letter with your job application

The Cover Letter is an accompanying letter that introduces you and your résumé to a potential employer – you are advised to send a cover letter with  each résumé you send out.

Your cover letter may make the difference between obtaining a job interview and having your resume ignored, it is essential that you devote the necessary time and effort to writing effective cover letters.

This is your way to introduce yourself to recruiters / prospective employers and to indicate your interest in the opening.   The Cover Letter is  your opportunity to differentiate yourself from other job seekers.

Employers may look for individualized and thoughtfully written cover letters to screen applicants who are not sufficiently interested in their position or who lack the required writing skills.

Key Points:

  • You should send a cover letter with every resume you submit.
  • A cover letter should not be longer than one page in length and contain 2 to 3 short paragraphs.
  • A cover letter demonstrates your writing and professional communication skills;  it shows that you have done research about the field and the employer; it summarizes your skills and training relative to the job and it communicates your enthusiasm for the job and the employer.
  • A cover letter is a chance to make the prospective employer want to review your resume and to interview you.

Elements of a cover letter:

  • Contact information
  • Today’s date
  • Inside address ad subject line
  • Salutation
  • Body
  • Close
  • Signature

Three types of cover letters:

  • application letter which responds to a known job opening
  • prospecting letter which inquires about possible positions
  • networking letter which requests information and assistance in your job search

Writing a cover letter often seems like a challenge … here is where you can get help; check this site for sample cover letters and other valuable information about cover letters:  http://jobsearch.about.com/od/coverletters/a/aa030401a.htm

________________________________________________________

5 Simple Steps to a Successful Cover Letter

Most job seekers concentrate on a carefully worded, customized resume that conveys their talents and

breadth of experience. Remember to include a cover letter with your application:  If your resume  gets you in the door, your cover letter is what prompts employers to answer that door in the first place.   Read an easy-to-follow, five-step formula for cover letter success.

1. Cut to the chase…
Applicants should clearly identify why they’re reaching out to a company. “Start by completing the statement, ‘I am writing to you today because….’” Cover all pertinent facts, such as the position’s title and location. Also, “Where did you see the ad for the position, or who recommended you? Include that information up front.”

2. What I like about you…
Flattery will get you everywhere. “Next, complete the statement ‘I like your company because….’ Compliment the organization on what they have done right and what you admire about them. This will show that you’ve taken the time to get to know the company in detail.

3. What you’ll like about me…
List your most vital qualifications up front. ‘Here are relevant examples of work that I’ve done that match what you’re looking for.’” Briefly discuss the items you want to showcase so a hiring manager can spot them easily. “Bullet points work well in making your accomplishments easy to read.”

4. What else you’ll like about me…
Succinctly, personalize your letter. “Describe who you are and what makes you stand out from other applicants. Discuss your soft skills and strengths and what you’re passionate about professionally,” Research the company’s mission statement to see if your values match up and use similar language. “This is your last chance to say, ‘Here’s why I am a good candidate.’”

5. And in conclusion…
In your closing paragraph, express your enthusiasm for a position and an interview and to include a plan of action. “Make note of your contact information and state what the next steps will be. If you will wait for their reply, tell them that. If you will be following up, tell them when they can expect to hear from you,”  Don’t drop the ball on your first promise to a potential employer. “Whatever you put down, make sure you do what you say you will do.

Source: Deborah Brown­Volkman, Job-search expert
http://www.surpassyourdreams.com/

_________________________________________________________

5 Recruiters from the The Recruiter Roundtable answer the question:  How important are cover letters in your decision to interview a candidate?

Use It Strategically
My belief is that as long as a candidate meets the obvious basic criteria for a specific position, a well-articulated
cover letter will only enhance their chances. A cover letter can also be useful to tackle an obvious weakness relative
to an advertised role, usually a credential that is “required” (e.g., CPA or MBA) by pointing to equivalent training or
experience. Overall I am a supporter.
– Anu Datta, executive recruiter, Korn/Ferry, San Francisco

Channel the Effort Elsewhere
Unless the job seeker is making a significant career change (i.e. different field) or is a fresh college graduate, I rarely
look at a cover letter. It may be necessary to explain your position and bridge your experience to the position of
which you are applying. Resumes are typically scanned and cover letters skipped over completely in evaluating
potential candidates for first-round interviews, so it is advisable to either say what you must in the body of the email
with a resume attached, or customize your resume toward each and every position you seek.
– Lindsay Olson, partner, Paradigm Staffing

Say Something New
If  like someone’s resume for a specific position, then I read the cover letter. Mistakes or typos in a cover letter have
an impact on my impression of the candidate; I recommend getting a second set of eyes to review any cover letter.
Cover letters tend to be fairly similar, so take up the challenge of making yours stand out. Tell me something about
your professional history that I would never know from your resume — HOW you lead a team to success on a
project, for example.
– Ross Pasquale, owner, Monday Ventures

It’s All About the Resume
About 75 percent of the job seekers that have applied online for positions I manage do not attach a cover letter.
What does that mean for me? I make most of my decisions to schedule an interview based strictly on resumes. When
a job seeker includes a cover letter, I reward their effort by contacting them to thank them for their interest whether
or not it leads to an interview. Who knows where that interaction might lead?
– Cheryl Blackman,  Wells Fargo recruiter

Yes, They Make a Difference
A good cover letter — one that captures my attention because it is targeted to the position and highlights specific
areas of expertise that the hiring manager is looking for — can make the difference between whether or not I call
someone for an interview or leave them in the “maybe” file. A great cover letter will persuade me to call you for an
interview even if you may be lacking in some ofthe qualifications needed for the position. A poorly written cover
letter tells me everything I need to know about you; you won’t be called for an interview.
– Cheryl Ferguson, recruiter, The Recruiter’s Studio
_________________________________________________________

A Cover Letter Is Not Expendable

Cover letters are still necessary, and in a competitive market they can give you a serious edge if they are written and presented effectively.

Cover letters are a graceful way to introduce yourself, to convey your personality and to impress a hiring manager with your experience and your writing skills, said Katy Piotrowski, an author of career books and a career counselor based in Fort Collins, Colo. You can also tailor them to a specific company in ways that you cannot with a résumé.

Q. How should your cover letter be organized, how long should it be, and what should it say?

A. First, do your best to find the decision maker’s name, and use it in the salutation. If you are applying to a blind ad, say “Dear Sir or Madam” or “To the Hiring Manager.” Ms. Piotrowski said she received cover letters that had no salutation at all or began with “Hey there” — not a strong start. If you want to be on the safe side, use a colon after the salutation, although some people now feel it is permissible to use a comma in an e-mail message.

Your cover letter should be short — generally no longer than three or four paragraphs, said Debra Wheatman, a career expert at Vault, a jobs Web site.

In your first paragraph, explain why you are writing — it may be that you are answering an ad, that you were referred to the company through networking, or that you learned that the company is expanding, said Wendy S. Enelow, author of “Cover Letter Magic” and a professional résumé writer in Virginia.

In the middle paragraphs, explain why you are a good candidate, and show that you are knowledgeable about the company. Then convey a clear story about your career, and highlight specific past achievements. This can either be done as a narrative or in bullet points, Ms. Enelow said.

You can also highlight qualities you possess that may not fit the confines of a résumé, Ms. Wheatman said.
She once worked in human resources at Martha Stewart Living, and recalls reviewing applications for a chef in a test kitchen. One woman had a career in manufacturing, but her cover letter described how she had grown up in a family that was passionate about cooking and where she had frequently made meals from scratch. The woman got the job despite her peripheral work experience.

Finish your letter by indicating that you will follow up in the near future (and make good on that promise). Sign off with a “Sincerely,” “Cordially,” “Thank you for your consideration” or similar closer, followed by your name and, if you like, your e-mail address.

Q. Where should your cover letter appear, in an e-mail or in an attachment?

A. You can include your letter in the actual text of your e-mail message or place it above your résumé in an attachment. If you put it in a separate attachment from your résumé, you run the risk that a harried hiring manager will not click on it at all. If you place it in the text of your e-mail message, it should generally be shorter than if you use an attachment, Ms. Enelow said.

Then, if you really want to make an impression, make a hard copy of your cover letter and résumé and send it to the hiring manager by regular mail. Attach a handwritten note that says, “Second submission; I’m very interested,” Ms. Piotrowski said. “I’ve had clients double their rate of interviews simply from doing that,” she said.

Ms. Enelow calls this “double-hitting,” and says she has seen it work remarkably well. She said a senior-level client of hers got an interview and was hired because the hard copy of his cover letter and résumé reached the company president, whereas his electronic application was rejected by someone in human resources because it did not meet certain rigid criteria.

Q. What are some common mistakes in cover letters?

A. A cover letter with typos, misspellings and poor sentence structure may take you out of the running for a job. If you cannot afford to pay someone to review your cover letter and résumé, enlist a friend or a family member with good language skills to do it instead.

Another misguided thing people do is to make the cover letter all about them: “I did this, I’m looking for, I want to … I, I, I.” Structure your letter so that it stresses the company and what you can do to help it reach its goals, Ms. Piotrowski and others said.

Another danger is including too much information — for example, very specific salary or geographic requirements, Ms. Enelow said. It is also unwise to point out that you do not meet all the criteria in the job description, she said. You can deal with that later, if you get an interview.

Hiring managers are looking for ways to exclude you as they narrow down their applications, she said. Do not give them that ammunition.

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Behavioral Interviewing – “STAR” Method

Friday, April 17th, 2009

Introduction

Behavioral interviewing is a technique employed by interviewers to evaluate your past behavior in order to predict your future behavior in a particular situation.  Answering behavioral questions is not an easy task, but proper preparation will assist you in answering them successfully.

Utilizing the S.T.A.R. model will help you construct an organized, specific, thoughtful, and concise answer.

Situation – Think of a situation in which you were involved that had a positive outcome.

Task – Describe the tasks involved in the situation.

Action – Specify what actions you took in the situation to complete the tasks and achieve your results.

Results – What results followed due to your actions?

Use the following guidelines to enable this effective strategy:

  • Analyze the position for which you are being interviewed and determine what skills are required.
  • Evaluate and reflect upon your background to identify your skills and experiences related to the position. Think about your experiences and skills gained in class, internships, leadership positions, and activities and relate them to the skill sets required by the position for which you are interviewing.
  • Identify three to five top selling points—attributes that set you apart from other candidates—and be sure to take the opportunity to point them out during the interview using “STAR Stories.”
  • Create brief “STAR Stories” prior to the interview that demonstrates your teamwork abilities, initiative, planning, leadership, commitment, and problem solving skills. Try to be as relevant as possible to the position.
  • Be prepared to provide examples of occasions when results were different than expected.
  • Practice your stories, but be careful not to memorize as you may forget nuances of your story when in a pressure situation.
  • Reviewing them before your interview will give you confidence in knowing you are prepared and will eliminate fumbling for words and awkward silences in the interview.
  • Be specific in your stories. Giving generalizations will not help the employer understand and evaluate your behavior and skills.
  • Employers want to know what you did rather than what you would do in a given situation.
  • Quantify wherever possible. It is evidence of your achievements, accomplishments, and efforts.
  • Be honest! Omitting or embellishing parts of your story could lead to disaster if the interviewer discovers that the foundation of your story is weak.

In using this strategy, you will be able to showcase your accomplishments, skills, and knowledge and show the employer what a STAR you are!

Example:

The following example shows how you might use the S.T.A.R. Model to answer this behavioral interview question.

Interviewer States: “You indicated on your resume that leadership is one of your strengths. Please describe an experience in which you used your leadership abilities to manage a recent challenge.”

You Respond:

Situation:
During my third year of college, I was elected Vice President for Professional Programs for my student association. The duties of the position included
securing speakers for our meetings, advertising the programs to the campus community, introducing speakers and evaluating each program.

Task:
Previous attendance at meetings had decreased substantially due to a decrease in the overall student population. The goal was to implement programs to address the professional development of our association and increase attendance by 25% compared to the prior year’s figures.

Action:
I assembled a team to help with the program design and speaker selection. I developed a survey to determine the members’ professional interests and
ideas for possible speakers and topics. My team and I had each member complete the survey. Then we randomly selected members for a focus group
interview. I had learned about this research technique in my marketing class and thought it would help us identify why attendance had dropped.

Result:
Because of the information we gathered from the surveys and interviews, we selected speakers for the entire year, produced a brochure describing each
program and the featured speaker. Under my leadership, attendance increased 150% over the previous year.

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How to Get Your Next Job

Sunday, April 12th, 2009

Wonder how your will EVER get your next job?

Fortune Magazine and FLYP worked together to create this rich media version of the April13, 2009 feature story:  How to Get A Job …

This link is HIGHLY recommended for all job seekers…
http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/storysupplement/flyp/index.htm

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7 Tips for a Job Using Social Media

Dan Schawbel wrote this web article  http://mashable.com/2009/01/05/job-search-secrets/ and states that a new type of job search is required of job seekers – It boils down to the fact that there are fewer jobs available, more competition for those jobs and more touch points for recruiters and seekers to interact.

Article contents:

  • Conduct a people search instead of a job search
  • Use attraction-based marketing to get job offersBe proactive on Twitter
  • Capitalize on LinkedIn
  • Advertise your brand using AdWords and Facebook Social Ads
  • Construct a video resume and upload it to YouTube
  • Subscribe to blogs that have job listings

Dan concludes that a new approach to the job search is now needed – to integrate the traditional and social media approach; the most successful job searches come from those who have already built up strong networks, both online and off. You need to integrate this new-age approach with the traditional approach.

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VIDEO LINK: ABC News video http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=7177515 - aired onThursday, March 26, 2009 -

Topic:   Social Networking Your Way to a Job –

Interviewee:   Tory Johnson explains the benefits of Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin

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Job Seeker Mistakes

Friday, April 10th, 2009

6 Key Job Seeker mistakes

1. Sticking to a job search routine that isn’t working.

Often, job seekers will spend all of their time looking at job boards for listings and e-mailing resumes in response. Then, when they don’t find anything, they give up. This strategy typically doesn’t bring positives results by itself. While it’s important to search all the top job boards, you also should be spending your time networking and staying up to date on your industry trends. Just remember, if your current strategy isn’t working, it’s probably time to retool your approach.

If you’re in a highly competitive field, for example, you may be one of hundreds of applicants for a job that’s posted on a prominent site. You can reduce the competition by posting your resume on niche job boards and searching business journals for companies that are expanding and contacting them directly.

Or perhaps you can sign up with a recruiting firm to learn about jobs that aren’t necessarily advertised.

It may be that you need to look for a different type of job, or in a different industry or city, as well.   Don’t pigeonhole yourself in your search. Be as open-minded as possible.

2. Appearing defeated or desperate during the interview (Hurray – you got an Interview!!).

Sometimes there can be a fine line between someone who is aggressive in their job search, and someone who is desperate.   It’s smart to be somewhat aggressive and go a bit out on a limb. That could mean following up with potential employers after you’ve sent a resume, asking  your contacts for help (politely, of course) or even offering to work for someone on a trial or temporary basis while you both evaluate whether it’s a fit.

Desperation consists more of attitude than actions. Try to maintain a sense of self-confidence and remind yourself of your self-worth. An extended job-hunt can take a toll on your self-esteem, but you want to project a positive image during an interview. Try not to be too hard on yourself and keep as positive of an attitude as you can.

3. Being inflexible in your job search targets.

Creativity is essential in a job search, and often that entails being able to envision yourself in new roles. This might include targeting jobs in other cities where your industry is more active, looking for project work, or considering jobs that aren’t ideal but you think you would be good at.

4. Not following up with potential employers.

While you don’t want to be a pest, it’s often wise to follow up with employers who you don’t hear from after submitting a resume.  Whether communicating in writing or over the telephone, job seekers should demonstrate their knowledge of the company while reinforcing their qualifications and sincere interest in the position. This extra step can give professionals a significant advantage over less-proactive candidates

5. Having an unflattering digital footprint.

Think your friends are the only people who viewed those less-than-professional vacation photos you posted online? Think again. With a few mouse clicks, potential employers can dig up information about you on blogs, personal websites and networking site profiles. Make sure you do a thorough self-search and take any necessary corrective action.

6. Being caught without networking business cards and an updated resume.

Make it a point to never leave your office or home without business cards and an updated resume. It doesn’t matter whether you will be in a business or personal setting. You never know who you will meet and when you will need to give your business card and resume to someone.

Source: Daryl Piga, Career Consultant with Robert Half International

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Polish Your Resume

Tuesday, March 24th, 2009

Polish Your Resume

The Kiplinger publication had a relevant article about resumes – http://www.kiplinger.com/features/archives/2005/01/resume.html – although somewhat dated, it contains pertinent information.

An overview:  Its time to give your résumé a major makeover – necessary to be prepared if you’re suddenly laid off, a headhunter contacts you or you see an ad for the job of your dreams. And if you have just completed a performance review and your accomplishments are fresh in your mind, the timing couldn’t be better.

Summary of the article:

  • Create an e-mail résumé
  • Include critical words
  • Skip the objective
  • Let your past promote you
  • Weed out old jobs.
  • Create a new résumé for each job
  • Get personal

Other Thoughts about the Resume

The resumé is the first impression you will make with your future employer; so make it as professional as possible.  You resumé, either formatted as chronological, functional, targeted or executive summary, is important and here is why:

•  A professional resumé, one that will get you past the first cut, will look simple, neat and straightforward. Caveat: It just takes a lot of work to get there.
•  Put yourself in the position of the hiring manager, the recruiter… look at your resumé and ask, “Would I hire this person?“  Be painfully honest with yourself.
•  At the top of the first page your name, address and contact information are important. Make sure your telephone number is on all correspondence. Graphics and your picture are not.
•  Use the job title as shown on the job advertisement – as well as the classification or reference number. This ensures, but never guarantees, that your resumé will put in the correct “In” box.
•  Use the same language in your resumé as the company used in their announcement. Whether scanned by a real person or by computer, these key words will open the door and get you past the first cut.
•  Use bright white paper; 103+ brightness in a 20- or 24-lb stock is perfect. Do not use grays, tans, pastels or anything else. Never use pink. Stay away from “fancy” and “cute.”
•  Use the font of Times New Roman or Arial with a point of 10- or 12-point, and be consistent throughout your resumé and correspondence.
•  Do not put falsehoods on the resume – it will be checked, so do not do it.
•  Follow the KISS axiom – Keep It Short and Simple.  Resumés should be no more than one page. Use one-inch margins
•  Your career objective must be company orientated. As a potential employer, would you rather read “I am looking for a position that…” or “I bring to your organization proven professional experience…”? Employers only care if you can do the job.
•  Go back only 10 or 15 years in listing your experience; anything older is outdated. Your college education, professional designations and awards are all important. (without dates)
•  Include hard facts and action verbs, not fluff. Do not elaborate on what was expected of you but, rather, include your successes and achievements. Be positive and assertive.
•  Proofread! to find misspellings and poor grammar (and a negative tone). If you can, have someone else proof your work.

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Tips for the Unemployed

Tuesday, March 17th, 2009

When you are unemployed,  focus on Learning and growing. …

because this is what you are going to talk about in job interviews.

Most people require about six months getting another job. This is a big chunk of time that you can waste away by sending resumes to Monster and wondering why no one responds. But you cannot job hunt for eight hours a day.

Solution: Spend the time creating projects for yourself and executing them. This is good for you mentally because you are doing something meaningful with your time, and that will keep your spirits up.

Five tips:

1.  Create a job for yourself. These projects can be wide ranging, but they have to show that you are driven, ambitious, and focused. Perhaps you can find some volunteer work to do so you will not have a gap in your resume.  (A resume doesn’t show part-time or full-time and it doesn’t show pay or no pay).  So volunteering for a couple of hours a day may just end up looking like a full-time job on your resume.

2.  Focus on ambition and execution and not so much on work per se.  For Example: You get laid off and then spend time learning how to golf. You take some lessons and practice at the driving range. After six months of job hunting, you can share your knowledge of golf with grade school children. You will not put this on your resume, but when people ask you what you did during the time not employed,  you can tell them about how you gave yourself time to fulfill your goals.

3.  Start a blog about the industry you want to go into. Blogging is a great way to keep up with your industry and network without looking desperate, and you can leverage the fact that you have more time on your hands than people who have jobs. Everyone who is unemployed should be blogging as a way to get their next job. Put your ideas out into the world and connect with people that way. This is why you want to be hired, right? For your ideas. So show them. The reason that people who blog have great careers is that bloggers are always thinking about issues in their industry. Show that side of yourself to people. Blogging takes a lot of time, sure. But you have a lot of time. So use it.

4.  Start a company. Do you have a company idea? Try it now. During unemployment there is nothing stopping you. You have time, and you can try ideas to see which one sticks. Also, whether or not your company does well, you’ll be able to talk about it in an interview as a huge learning moment. Talk about accomplishments and learning.

5. Practice talking about yourself with everyone. High performers practice for interviews. So now you know what you’re aiming for, but you need to talk about it with everyone – parties, at the gym, on the phone with friends. When they ask how you’re doing, talk about what you’re doing like you are in the job interview. And the good news is that the better you get at talking like that, the more you will actually believe your story, the story that being unemployed is lucky because you have learning opportunities.

What’s important to remember here is that no one can tell you what experience you can gain and what you can’t. You don’t need a job to learn new things and to be proficient with a project of yours.  You control what you do with your time, and you can make it useful. Talk about that.

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Networking events / Job Fair Tips

Monday, March 16th, 2009

Have a plan of what you want to achieve before you go to a Job Fair.

Many people have a goal of “collecting x number of business cards,”  but these aren’t necessarily meaningful connections for you.  You should decide ahead of time what companies you want to work for, and find them, or find people who know someone who works at that company.

Create business cards with  your skills on the back of your card.  List what type of position you are looking for: “Marketing professional seeking a position where I will be able to make an impact in my areas of strength of social media, branding, strategy, advertising, and online marketing.” Add your web site address and an email address that is professional or represents you.  Do not include your home address on your card, but DO include your LinkedIn profile address and your Twitter ID.

Give people you meet three bullets about you and what you’re looking for. Be clear and concise  so they can remember what you said.

One of the parts of networking that is most difficult is how to end a conversation.  Suggestion: “It was great seeing you.  I look forward to crossing paths again.”

Bring a small notebook with you to take down follow-up notes, and send everyone you meet an email after the event.  Categorize the people you met into the following groups:

A – Action – need to connect them with someone

B – Want to have coffee with

C – Whenever/If Ever – Nice conversation but no immediate need to connect with them

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