The Jobvite Social Recruiting Survey 2010 was conducted online between May and June 2010; over 600 human resource and recruiting professionals participated in the survey. Respondents answered questions using an online survey tools and the response data is available only in aggregate form.

Specifics on the survey include how social recruiting programs are measured; use of social networks like LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube for recruiting; spending trends and candidate quality of recruiting sources; use of online profiles in reviewing candidates; employee referral program; hiring plans and applicant characteristics.

Since you are looking for a job and should be active on LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter (the three social networking websites most popular with employers, according to the survey), remember these four reasons to use these sites and actively manage your profiles.

• You’ll have access to job opportunities at progressive, growing companies.
• You’ll have access to job opportunities first.
• Employers are increasingly using LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter to find and vet prospective employees.
• You may not find as many job ads on job boards or job opportunities through recruiters.

Link to Jobvite

Link to Article about Survey

Craigslist

Did you know that the number of job listings in Craigslist is more than 1 million new job listings each month!

Start searching for a job with Craigslist!

Begin with a selection of your location, region; for example, SF bay area:

To use the search feature, simply type in the key word(s) that you are looking for, select the heading or category and then click ” > ” or “search” if you are already in a category.

Example: You type the word “analyst” and use the drop down to select “jobs” area. Click the ” > ” to see the results.

If you want to narrow your search to a particular subregion (north bay, city of san francisco, east bay, etc.), select the subregion from the right side of the home page and then do your search.

If simple keywords don’t find what you are looking for, here are some advanced features to try.

Phrase Search = by use of quotation marks to search for a phrase:  Example: “business analyst“

Excluding Terms (filtering)

To specify one or more words you’d like to exclude, use a minus sign to negate them.

business analyst -manufacturing

That will look for postings that contain ‘business” and “analyst’ but not ‘manufacturing’. Note that a search must contain one non-excluded term.

“OR” Searches

By default, every term in your search must match unless it is excluded with the minus sign (see above).  You can specify a list of terms that you want to find one or more of  (instead of ALL of them) using a “pipe” character ‘|’ like this:

business | analyst

This query looks for postings that contain ‘business’ or ‘analyst’ (or both).

Grouping

Finally, you can group terms together in parenthesis when queries are complicated:

nonprofit (business | analyst) -2009 -2008

That query tries to find all listings that contain ‘nonprofit’ and either ‘business’ or ‘analyst’ (or both) but do not contain 2008 or 2009.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUzUsCREgrU

You Tube Video - Linkedin Job Seeker Service

Summary of the Service

• Stand out from the crowd
• Move to the top of the list as a Featured Applicant when you apply to jobs on LinkedIn.
• Be prepared for interviews
• View expanded profiles and manage your contacts with Profile Organiz
• Reach out to hiring decision makers
• Send personalized InMail messages directly to hiring managers.

Details of the Service:

• New Move to the top of the list as a Featured Applicant
• Contact hiring managers directly with InMail messages
• InMails
• Save profiles & organize your job search with Profile Organizer
• Prepare for interviews – see full profiles of hiring decision makers
• Get introduced to inside sources at companies
• New Join Lindsey Pollak’s webinar: “Job Seeking on LinkedIn”
• Find opportunities faster with Premium Search
• See who’s interested in your profile
• Let users reach you for free with OpenLink
• Get priority customer service

Cost of the Service:

• Basic Account: $19.95 per month
• Job Seeker Account:  $29.95 per month
• Job Seeker Plus Account: $49.95 per month

Webcam-For-Interviews

This one-way, video-on-demand technique involves logging into a Web site and being presented with a set of questions, to which you record timed answers. Besides saving money, recruiters also like video-on-demand so they can do comparative behavioral analysis of job candidates.

See this article for more information:

http://www.fastcompany.com/article/webcam-interviews-how-survive-and-thrive

Details about article:

Invest in quality gear:

Be sure to follow the interviewer’s directions. “Don’t be like the IT person who thinks he or she knows everything and comes off looking clueless,” Newman cautions.

Create good lighting and ambiance:

Make sure the windows are closed to shut out traffic noise, and that the dog and kids are occupied elsewhere. Pay attention to your background — a bookshelf is good, an Insane Clown Posse poster, not so much.

Practice:

Have someone ask you some potential questions and record your responses so that you can critique your oral delivery and mannerisms.

Give maximum content, minimum bloviation:

Keeping your answers to two minutes maximum, and concentrate on getting the main point into the first 15 seconds.

And be passionate. But not too passionate.

Rather than using job boards like Monster and CareerBuillder, recruiters are seeing the value of social networking sites like LinkedIn. Social media tools such as LinkedIn make the recruiter’s job more efficient and often allow them to find job seekers more efficiently

It is true that the online social networking world is expanding, and recruiters need all the help they can get – from you and your Linkedin account. Read on to see what you can do to get the attention of employers who use LinkedIn Recruiting:

1. Update your LinkedIn “Status” regularly

• Link to articles you have written or in which you are quoted
• Update status with your latest blog posts
• Discuss business accomplishments
• If you are actively looking for a job, tell people what you are looking for!
• Update your status on Twitter.

2. Increase your number of trusted connections

• Use webmail importer to bring your real world professional relationships online and to find your contacts who are already on LinkedIn.
• Depending on whether you are using web mail or Outlook, check out the respective toolbars that will help organize your professional relationship.

3. Make your LinkedIn profile 100% complete

• Include all companies, education, and awards – all are key items that recruiters search for.
• References are very important. The more that is known about you the better.
• The more robust your profile, the higher you will be in the Google search rankings.
• The more information a recruiter has upfront, the more efficient the search process.

4. Include your web site and blog links

• Add suitable weblinks to the “Websites” section on your LinkedIn profile
• This could range from your career blog to your Twitter profile. Alternatively, you can also link to a guest blog post you wrote recently.

5. Do not block incoming emails

• The LinkedIn community is all about participation so accept incoming communication from fellow LinkedIn users.
• If a recruiter reaches out to you and you are not interested, let him or her know or better yet refer a friend
• Note that LinkedIn actually allows you to control how you receive emails and notifications.

6. Use the same profile picture that you use on other social media sites

• A picture helps to create and reinforce your online brand
• It will help a recruiter identify you on the interview day at “Peets”

7. Use the “Specialties” box to fill in keywords

• List as many keywords as possible that are relevant to your roles, capabilities, and interests that will help you turn up on LinkedIn Search
• Keyword rich, well-developed, complete profiles are recommended

8. Make changes to your profile after every job change or promotion

• The recruiters you are linked to will notice these changes
• It is harder to be found if people don’t know where you are
• Update your LinkedIn profile as you would your change-of-address at the post office

9. Join Linkedin Groups and post items of interest

• Share your interests, memberships, specializations, backgrounds, and experience
• Group members may also know of a potential opportunites that your are seaching for

10. Review company profiles and reach out to employees there for information interviews

• See who you may want to work for
• Research who is in the company for whom you have an interview with

But I recognize the importance of networking, especially as a newly hired employee or when I have been promoted to a new position.  This “transition” is period when the current employees in your new department / division or company are making up their minds about whether you are dependable—or a loser who should never have been hired / promoted.

Speaking of ‘transition” … Click here for a PDF on the golden age of networking! ”

Transition Tips:  See some best practices on personal branding, how to be a memorable job candidate and learning how to become a world-class networker.  Power networking strategies can quickly expand your network. Real world strategies to shorten your time in transition. Your dogged determination to never stop learning, executing and trying new strategies, especially if they take you out of your comfort zone will help to create a powerful personal brand for you.

Most people don’t take to networking naturally, which is why it is often tough for me to be comfortable about reaching out to people.   The key point is that networking is the best way to acquire crucial information about the job and on how to succeed early. So when I am newly hired (or promoted), I have committed to immediatley do the following:

1) Identify who is in your network:   I ask myself:   Who can help me? Who knows what’s going on? Who gets around roadblocks? Who are the critical links in the supply or information chain?

2) Dare to introduce yourself:    Most people will be more receptive than you think.  Few professionals will refuse a call from someone who starts the conversation with “I’m new in my job, and I’m trying to get to know people who….”

3) Share what you know:   Reciprocate by sharing information you know will be useful.  Keep connected with people by, for example, sending relevant articles once a quarter or congratulating your contact about a job change.

In conclusion, the time spent in the early days building a network will save time down the road when you’re trying to solve problems, leverage resources, and achieve success.  You will regret it if you fail to set up that initial contact with people.

Consider that the  idea of  “added value” is a basic truth which is not disputed, everyone wins with it in the mix and customers and co-workers are happy and, because of that, the organization flourishes.

It is true that our society needs successful endeavors in every facet; why not add “added value” to the mix?  Here are ways I know I add value to an organization:

* Match your manager’s priorities to yours; the end result will be that you will be in alignment with your company’s goals and vision.
* Focus on your skills, projects, and assignments which have had positive outcomes.
* When you typically deliver results on-time (or even early) this action shows that you are organized and dependable.
* Keep up on your knowledge about your profession; attend company-sponsored training, professional association events, and read trade journals.
* Show your flexibility and team player spirit. Offer to help out colleagues when it appears that they need it. Never state, “that’s not in my job description”.
* How about responsibility. Own up to your mistakes and focus on what you’ve learned rather than on what went wrong.

The primary purpose of any business, service or industry is to add value in greater proportion than the costs connected with its’ establishment in the first place.  As noted by Albert Einstein:  “Try not to become a man of success but rather try to become a man of value.”

I recognize that  through individual efforts; through a focus on building the customer base into a profit center,  I can truly add value.

Well, my friend had already created a 30 – 60 – 90 day plan of action and was prepared for this question.  The answers he gave from his thoughtful preparation probably assisted greatly in landing the job for him.

So what is a 30-60-90-day plan?

It is a written document outlining what you will do as an employee within the first 3 months of your employment. It’s broken up into sections: the first 30 days usually includes training, as well as getting to know the company and customers; the next 30 days are more focused on getting out on your own and into the swing of things; and the last 30 days are often more about branching out and being effective with the key elements of the position – what you were hired to do in the first place.

Here is what the 30-60-90-day plan can do for you.  Here is why is it so important and really makes a difference:

• Shows initiative. You are already doing something that’s not required, but that would be helpful. It gives hiring managers a clear idea of what they can look forward to if they hire you-an outstanding, take-charge, thoughtful, focused employee.
• Shows preparation. A 30-60-90-day plan can’t be done at the last minute. Creating one shows you are thinking and planning ahead, and know how to work. If you’ll do that for the interview, it’s a good bet for them that you’ll do that in the job.
• Shows your writing skills. That’s important. It shows your communication skills, your Word Document skills, and your ability to put something together. It shows that you know how to impress.
• Shows that you’ve done your homework. You took the time to get to know the company. When you can name specific things relating to the company in your document (types of clients, names of competitors, top products, business and CRM systems, what their initiatives are or what their mission statement) it presents you as a very desirable candidate who is interested in THIS position and not just a job .
• Shows that you know a lot about the position. You’re already writing down what you will do in the first 3 months. You know what’s going on, and what you’re getting into.
• When you present a 30-60-90-day plan correctly during the interview, it shows that you can control a client-customer interaction or a presentation, that you can effectively communicate the points you want to make, and that you can gather information because hopefully you’re asking questions as you present it.

Suggestion: Along with your thank you note after your interview you might include some items from your list; do not include all.

Rather, save most of your items for the second and third round of interviews.  This is how you will stand out – to show that your are focused, have a story – a presentation to tell, are excellent with communication skills – verbally and in writing.

Now go out and get that job – just like my friend did!

New Year’s Resolutions get a bad reputation for being something you say in January, but quit by February.

This year, make a resolution that you will …

• think about what I liked and disliked in previous jobs and develop the ultimate job description. I will use this to give my search focus and meaning
• network 80 % of the time and use the Web 20 % of the time
• be open to exploring many new options in the job market, understanding that there may be interesting opportunities beyond my traditional field
• review which tactics did and did not yield results in 2009, and I will work to understand how I might improve in those areas that did not do as well as I had hoped
• promise not to apply for positions I am definitely not qualified for
• ask friends or acquaintances who manage and hire people to evaluate my cover letter and resume and give me real feedback – even if it hurts to hear it
• set myself weekly goals during my job search and keep to their deadlines
• consider new industries and career paths, but I will research the likelihood of being able to make that switch easily
• work on building relationships with my recruiter by helping him/her as much as they help me
• will apply immediately (with a tailored cover letter and resume) and search for friends and colleagues who could act as referrals to help me network into the organization
• consider my job search a full-time job and will not become complacent with my current situation. I will prioritize my job search above television, video games, or recreational internet use
• meet (on the phone or in person) three new people a week who can help me with my job search
• be thoughtful about when to send my resume, and I will not send my resume to everyone I know
• not spam my resume to companies where I am seeking employment. Instead, I will tailor my resume to each company, so that my relevant skills are stressed for each specific position of department. The company will know I am serious and intent on working there
• learn to leverage Social Media as a vehicle for communicating about myself, and not just as a distraction for hours chatting with new friends be specific about the type of work and organizations, including names of target organizations that I find most interesting
• send thank-you cards after every interview, whether I thought the interview went well or poorly
• not assume a person cannot help me find a job.  They may know a great contact I need to meet
• set up informal discussions with decision-makers/hiring managers even if they are not hiring right now.  They may be hiring soon be open to exploring many options because an interesting opportunity may exist beyond what I can see on the surface start attending more job fairs and networking events, including those that may put me outside of my traditional industry
• consider that my resume may not be as good as it could be and seek advice
• acknowledge that I may not be an interviewing pro. Especially if I’ve interviewed a lot and have not landed a job.  I will seek professional advice
• start considering a wide array of employment opportunities, instead of only the areas I’ve been used to
• build a plan for my job hunt by outlining resources to research and key people to contact.  I will create a schedule, too.  Milestones and goals are important
• provide or demonstrate my value to my newly-made contacts first, before asking for their help
• share my concerns with a few trusted friends who can offer good advice (instead of giving up hope)
• re-examine what my real financial needs are so that I can be more open to opportunities that may pay me less than what I want
• meet, whether by phone,direct e-mail, or in person, three new people who can help me in my job search each week
• will volunteer.  I will make good use of my time by meeting new people and creating substance for a discussion on “what I’ve been up to recently.”  I will make a difference when many can use my assistance
• evaluate opportunities by recognizing that this job can be a stepping stone to another job (inside or outside the company) – especially as the market improves
• not depend on my network to find a job for me, but will view it as one of several methods of finding employment
• Read.  Learn. Teach.  I will educate myself or others on a subject-matter than is pertinent to my profession
• do volunteer work to keep myself busy, and to also answer the question interviewers will put to me regarding what I have been up to recently in my unemployment
• consider exercise to be a good stress-reliever and pick a program I will enjoy (not necessarily bring the fastest results)
• ask friends or family to give me full and honest criticism of my resume and of my interview tactics, even if it may be difficult to hear
• not become frustrated with my job search, or, if I do, I will not take out that frustration on my friends or family.

• not give up

http://www.usnews.com/money/careers/features/best-careers-2010

Science and Technology

• Computer software engineer
• Systems analyst
• Network architect
• Biomedical engineer
• Environmental science technician
• Hydrologist
• Environmental engineering technician
• Civil engineer
• Meteorologist

Health care

• X-ray technician
• Veterinarian
• Lab technician
• Physical therapist
• Occupational therapist
• Registered nurse
• Physician assistant
• Optometrist
• Physical therapist assistant
• Dental hygienist
• School psychologist

Education and Civic

• Firefighter
• Mediator
• Clergy
• Urban planner
• Special-ed teacher
• Court reporter
• Medical and public health social worker
• Emergency management specialist
• Marriage and family therapist

Business and Finance

• Actuary
• Training specialist
• Financial adviser
• Financial analyst
• Market research analyst
• Accountant
• Loan officer
• Public relations specialist
• Cost estimator
• Meeting planner
• Logistician

Creative and Service

• Commercial pilot
• Technical writer
• Funeral director
• Security system installer
• Landscape architect
• Plumber
• Film and video editor
• Multimedia artist
• Gaming manager
• Curator