The Agility Resources Job Talks Blog

Maximize Your Endorsements and Skills

2013-02-02T14:14:00.000-05:00

Now that LinkedIn endorsements are here to stay, it’s time to make the most of them – and the skills that accompany them – on your LinkedIn profile.

Using this section wisely is essential, as LinkedIn has now enabled it to be searchable by recruiters.

4 Tips For LinkedIn Endorsements And Skills

Want to maximize your chance of attracting the attention of employers? Here are some tips for LinkedIn endorsements and skills.

1. Add Skills

LinkedIn gives you 50 skills. I recommend choosing the maximum number of entries, listing the terms you want to be found for. This gives you control over what is listed on your page and what you are more likely to be endorsed for.

Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Under Profile, choose “Edit Profile.”

Step 2: Scroll down to the Skills section.

Step 3: Click on the blue pencil on the top right of the section.

Step 4: Begin typing in your skills in the box, selecting ones that are already listed in the LinkedIn database.

If a skill is so unique to you that it has not been entered into the database yet, you may enter it manually. But by doing this, you are using one of your 50 terms for an item that might be so rare, it’s not searched for. I recommend picking the ones LI suggests to increase your odds for being found.

Want to find out what skills are the most frequently entered?:

Step 1: In “View Profile” mode, hover over one of your skills until a box for that skill pops up to the right.

Step 2: Slowly move the cursor over to the box and click on the link to “View Skill.”

Step 3: You’ll be taken to the “Skills and Expertise” beta page where you can view stats on the growth of the use of a term, how many users use that term, and how long the term has been in use.

Step 4: On the left will be suggestions for “Related Terms.”

Click around and explore which are the best terms to describe your talents while giving you the most visibility. Then, decide whether you want to use the original term you thought of, or one that’s close but more common. You can also get ideas for other skills you may not have remembered.

Remember to add skills that match your future goals but may be different from what you’ve done in the past, which brings me to my next point…

2. Take Control Of Your Skills

Because people may now endorse your ability to perform these skills, you may end up with lots of endorsements for skills on your profile that you don’t want to continue using. This is because LI has suggested these to your contacts for endorsement instead of you actually picking them. You can easily delete these.

Here’s how:

Step 1: In “Edit,” after you’ve clicked on the blue pencil, you’ll see all of your skills.

Step 2: If you click on the X to the right of the individual skill’s box, it will be removed.

Easy peasy!

3. Take Control Of Your Endorsements

If someone has endorsed you for a skill you don’t wish to use anymore, write the contact an e-mail. Thank them for taking the time, and explain that you’d really like to be known for a different skill. Then, politely request that they endorse you for a substitution. Never hurts to ask, right?

Note: These skills are more likely to be suggested for endorsement if those terms are in your Summary or Experience sections, so write those carefully.

4. Keep An Eye On Your Brand

Make sure the endorsements you show represent your personal brand well. If you get an endorsement and you are unsure whether you should keep it on your page, you can easily hide it.

Here’s how to remove an individual endorsement:

Step 1: In “Edit,” after you’ve clicked on the little blue pencil, click on “Manage Endorsements.”

Step 2: Your list of skills will be on the left. The people who have endorsed you will be in a box on the right. You can scroll through the list and uncheck the box next to anyone you don’t want to be associated with on your profile.

Step 3: Click on the next skill you want to review, using the up or down arrows to get to the next group of skills as needed.

Step 4: Hit “Save.”

Why wouldn’t you want some endorsements to show? Perhaps you connected with someone who ended up being unethical or isn’t a good performer. There could be several reasons, but don’t stress about it too much.

The jury is still out on how much weight individual endorsements really carry, since they’re not incredibly substantive. They’re more useful for SEO and to give a big-picture view of how appreciated you are for your skills. I doubt recruiters will be analyzing each item too closely.

I’d love to hear how you are using skills and endorsements to your advantage in the comments below!

Originally Posted on Careerealism.com

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

About Kristin Johnson

Kristin is a five-time certified career writer, job search coach, and social media consultant with an approach that is cutting-edge, creative and kind.

Caption Photo Contest

2013-02-01T14:22:00.002-05:00

Yes Agility is bringing back our weekly Photo Caption Contest and it's moved to Fridays! Above is this weeks captionable photo!

Directions:

1. Photo will be posted every Friday on our Facebook page
2. You leave your most witty and funny captions. Make it fun and up to PG-13
3. Share your caption and the photo with your friends and get them to like your caption!
4. The caption that has the most likes by Monday morning is the winner!

Prize!

A $5 Gift Card to Panera Bead!

Play HERE

Is Your LinkedIn Profile Picture Killing Job Prospects?

2013-01-30T13:05:00.000-05:00

don’t really consider myself an HR person. I’m more of a social media strategist who loves helping job seekers. However, I do occasionally attend HR related training. Yesterday was one such occasion and inevitably, I had a shock.

The discussion moved from hiring techniques, to LinkedIn photos. Many of the folks in the room would agree with us LinkedIn profile pictures should be professional. No argument. But someone told us a story that made us cringe. And if you are in HR, you may cringe as well.

This recruiter was working with a candidate, who had hired her to position him for a job. He had a fabulous resume. Literally, she had trouble finding anything to change. But then she took one look at his LinkedIn profile photo.

The guy looked like an axe murder. She said, “No wonder he wasn’t getting any interviews, despite his killer credentials, no pun intended.”

So, he retook his photo, and I kid you not, within a week, he had several opportunities arise.

(Lets just ignore the more frightening social implications of that for now, and accept the fact your photo makes a big impact.)

So I ask you, does your photo strive too hard to be what you think professional is supposed to be?

Or, are you using it as an opportunity to convey personality?

I’m not a photographer, but I would like to offer some profile photo tips:

1. Don’t be afraid to show personality. You can have personality and be professional at the same time.

2. Experiment with action shots. There isn’t a lot of room, but the more you can demonstrate YOU in action the better. Can you fit yourself giving a presentation in the photo, shaking hands, or even leaning on a hand?

3. Play with the negative space. Try turning your body or tilting your head.

4. Smile and think inviting thoughts.

That’s my amateur photography advice for LinkedIn. If you have some more ideas, please share them in the comments below.

Originally Posted on Careerealism.com by Joshua Waldman

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

About Joshua Waldman

Author of Job Searching with Social Media For Dummies. Recognized as a top authority in Social Media Career Advancement. Watch his exclusive video training here.

5 Reasons Why Every Office Needs Nap Time

2013-01-29T13:03:00.000-05:00

Working long, tiring hours with little rest and relaxation almost seems like an American pastime. Companies require their workers to be at their most productive and alert while performing tasks and tackling big projects, and as a result, nine out of 10 Americans stimulate themselves throughout the workday with coffee.

They drink a cup first thing in the morning and maybe have another later in the day to stave off the notorious 2 P.M. crash. But new studies, along with forward-minded approaches to worker productivity by companies, are claiming that scheduled naps – not coffee – are the key to a more alert, productive worker.

The ideal nap is between 20 and 40 minutes, and those naps that reach deep enough to the REM dreaming stage are the most rejuvenating. Many studies concerning sleep research and office productivity have found convincing evidence of the benefits of worker nap time. Here are five of those benefits:

1. Creativity

Many of the most gifted and creative minds of our times were devoted nappers, including Leonardo da Vinci and Albert Einstein. Henry Miller, author of The Tropic of Cancer, made it a habit to write first thing in the morning upon waking, have lunch, then put his pajamas back on for a noontime nap, claiming this nap time practice boosted his creativity by putting him more in touch with his subconscious mind.

2. Productivity

Post-nap energy, mood, and alertness are boosted significantly, naturally leading to more productivity. Muscles are able to relax and release stored-up tension. A short break from the focus of work helps refresh a stressed mind, and the re-charge of alertness has been proven by mandatory naps of transpacific flight pilots, whose alertness increases more than 50 percent with a nap.

3. Better Memory

Getting more to the core of what’s being rebooted in the worker’s brain circuitry, a study was conducted to test the three major memory domains of visual, motor, and verbal skills. While coffee was able to boost motor and verbal skills, a nap boosted all three.

4. Sleep Debt

Outside of work, most workers have an active and busy home life. Taking care of children, playing sports, or just running the usual errands can tax a person’s stress and energy levels, leaving them with short periods of sleep and/or restless nights. Giving employees a chance to pay off some of their sleep debt will boost their productivity along with their overall health and well-being.

5. Alluring Perk

Working for a company that prioritizes its employees’ mental and physical health goes a long way in terms of job satisfaction and loyalty. Adding nap time during working hours is considered a perk, much like free breakfast or a gym membership. Forward-thinking companies like Google and Facebook have designated nap rooms on their campuses, and are considered some of the best companies to work for. That should make you wonder: How much more talent can your company attract and retain with nap time?

This article was written by Social Media Outreach Coordinator Logan Harper on behalf of CAREEREALISM-Approved Partner, 2tor — an education technology company that partners with institutions of higher education such as the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill which provides an online MPA degree.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

About 2U

Founded in 2008, 2U partners with preeminent institutions of higher education to deliver rigorous, selective degree programs online to students globally.

10 Incredibly Stupid Things Networkers Do (Or Don’t Do) That Short Circuits Them

2013-01-28T13:01:00.000-05:00

Here are a few things for networkers to check up on.

1. Using Spam Blockers

You have one of those “spam blockers” on your e-mail that requires people to fill out a form and ask for your permission before your e-mail will go through. Disable it now! If you’re job hunting and employers want to reach you, forget it if you make them work to get to you. There are plenty of other candidates out there who aren’t as fussy as you are. Put up with a little spam to make life easier for those you want to hear from — or you probably won’t hear from them.

2. Giving Out Your Home Phone Number

Having a home phone number that is answered by other people. Make sure your networking information only has a cell phone — and you answer it promptly and check messages frequently — if you have anyone living at your house other than you. This includes a spouse, who may either forget to give you an important message, or become aggressive in trying to “help” you get the job. Make sure you and only you have control over your phone.

3. Having An Unprofessional Voice Message

“Hi there. We’re making mad passionate love right now, but we’d love to talk to you when we’re done,” or, my favorite, “They’re coming to take me away… hee, haha, hoohoo, hee” is very funny for your closest friends (maybe), but inappropriate for employers to hear. And, folks, your child on the answering machine is cute only to you, and, perhaps, the grandparents. No one else wants to hear it.

4. Not Having Business Cards

If you don’t have them, get them now. Make sure your name, a mailing address, phone number and e-mail are all on there. Have 1,000 made. Don’t use those flimsy computer printer cards. You can print your own if you have a very good printer and use heavy cardstock, but get them professionally cut (about $6.00).

5. Not Having A Personal Branding Statement

Do you have a concise statement of who you are and what you do? While you may do many things in life and in your employment, if you can’t be put into a mental “box” in about 30 seconds people will write you off. Be sure you can pinpoint what your main professional function in life is. If you can’t, get help.

6. Dressing Inappropriately For Networking Events

Dressing inappropriately for networking events. Obviously, you’re going to dress differently for a singles event designed to generate dating from a business event designed to generate new business or make professional contacts. Make sure you know the rules of attire for each event, and don’t dress in any way that makes you seem less than professional.

7. Not Mixing And Mingling

Grabbing a table or a corner with your friends and camping out there. You’re there to meet new people. Meet them!

8. Not Watching Your Alcohol Intake

A drink or two can loosen you up enough to network well. Five or six drinks can start a reputation as a lush. Carefully watch your alcohol intake. And keep in mind even the best event has very limited food. Eat before you go to an event to counterbalance the alcohol you’re probably going to consume. One glass of wine on an empty stomach can be too much for some folks.

9. Reeking Of Cigarette Smoke

If you must persist in smoking, please make sure you’re well aired-out before you come into an event. Smoking is a major turn-off for employers, prospective business partners and most of the rest of the sane world.

10. Reeking Of Perfume Or Cologne

I strongly suggest not wearing either perfume or cologne at all, and being incredibly careful about scented hairsprays, lotions and body washes. Many people have severe allergies. Someone who reacts to you by sneezing and coughing in your presence isn’t going to help you in any way. They will avoid you. Of course (see number nine above) if you must continue to smoke, a little cologne smell is probably marginally better than smelling like a stale ashtray. But don’t marinate in it, please!

Originally Posted on Careerealism.com By: John Heckers

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

About John Heckers

John Heckers is president of Heckers Development Group, LTD, a consulting firm based in Denver, Colorado, specializing in Strategic Executive Coaching.

9 Tips For Becoming A Successful Networker

2013-01-27T12:58:00.000-05:00

What’s the secret to being a successful networker? Well, we all know how important it is to balance the online and offline networking and connecting what we are doing now.

We can’t only live online, or offline anymore. Each one is mutually interdependent and inter-related. They work so well in tandem.

Both have their importance, purpose and value. We know being “online” is simply smart and essential because that is where people converge, gather and interact. But, “offline” is where the true personal connections are made to explore the mutuality and develop the relationship. If you are not in physical proximity with someone, what are some of the ways and things you can do to accelerate relationship building?

Are you meeting, picking up the phone or Skyping regularly when you make new social friends?

How To Be A Successful Networker

Here are nine things you can do that will help you develop some warm connections, stand out, and be remembered.

1. Share Your Passion, Authenticity, And Story

People really connect with your real side and everyone has a story. It’s the new “elevator pitch.”

2. Target Your Audience

Learn about the community where you are meeting. Research and find out about them on websites, blogs and through others that may know about them, or are members of the group.

3. Know The Guest List

When you know some specific people that will be there, that you will want to meet, do your homework and find out about them. Company, awards, community activity, accomplishments. This is great fodder for conversation. How would you feel when someone you didn’t know yet, approaches you and says, “I loved the blog post you wrote on how to be a Mom and grow a business”? It certainly says something to me about them.

4. Work The Room

Mix and mingle, and try to have several warm interactions. Don’t monopolize or be monopolized. Engage and encourage mutual conversation and include others into it.

5. Pair Up With A Mentor

Find someone who knows the crowd and group and rely on them to introduce you around. Coming with someone others know and respect says something about you. “You are judged by the company you keep,” is the quote isn’t it?

6. Set Goals

Have goals for what you want to accomplish and come out of the experience with: five warm connections, new friends, someone you can refer business to.

7. Be Inclusive

Be inclusive and see how making connections for others make sense both at the event and after. I have been amazed at how encouraging commonality and synergy can work with complimentary businesses.

8. Ask HCIHY (How Can I Help You?)

This is the new benchmark for networking. Not what can I sell you, but how can I serve you. “Serving is the new Selling.” When people know you are in it for the right reasons and motives, the relationship naturally grows. Building trust, by freely sharing knowledge and being who you say you are takes time. Invest and commit to it with people you feel good potential with and demonstrate a mutuality with you.

9. Follow Up

Follow up promptly and with purpose with those warm connections you made. Lunch, coffee, guest blog, mentor, referral, Skype, phone call, collaboration, link swap are only a few reasons to reach out and continue.

Relationships take time, effort and commitment. Some grow, some go, but you won’t know which until you take the actions.

Networking is a natural extension of all our interactions and communications today. We are pretty much networking all the time now aren’t we?

What are some of the successful ways you have used in your networking?

Originally Posted on Careerealism.com by Deborah Shane

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

About Deborah Shane

Deborah Shane is a Career Author and Business Branding Strategist who guides people through their current professional advancement at DeborahShane.com.

Do You Dread A Phone Interview Or Networking Call?

2013-01-26T12:53:00.000-05:00

Do you dread the miserable networking call or phone interview? Fear not. In a lot of ways, they are actually pretty easy! But, there are some drawbacks:

It’s easy to take it for granted and not prepare or take them as seriously. A BIG mistake!
It’s hard to tell how you’re doing because you can’t see the other person’s facial expressions and body language.

Having said that:

Plan The Conversation

What you hope to achieve (networking) and/or what you hope to convey (phone interview). Practice if that helps, and write down your main points. This may seem like it will make the conversation sound contrived; it may the first few times, but more often, it will actually help you to be more relaxed and make the conversation flow far more smoothly. When you have a plan and your key points ready, it’s far less stressful, and that translates into more comfort, and usually, a far better call.

If You’re Calling To Network, Be Sure The Time Is Good For The Other Party

You may have taken some time to work up the nerve to call; that doesn’t mean they are ready or have time for your call when you do. I often suggest scheduling the call (in fact, that goal could be used as the first networking call) so both parties are ready for it. I suggest not taking too much time to work up the nerve to call; it just makes the stress and anxiety about the call that much worse. As a popular shoe brand would say, “just do it.” Of course with preparation, but no anticipatory anxiety.

You Probably Have An Activity That Gets Your Juices Going

Perhaps you jog or workout, listen to music, watch a great movie – whatever it is – do it first so when you make the call, you’re already pumped up and confident (but don’t be out of breath).

Smile When You Talk

It will show in your voice. Many people like to stand up when they talk – they speak more from the diaphragm and they come across as very confident. Even if they already are or are not!

Incentivize Yourself

Tell yourself for every five networking calls you make or for every phone interview you have, no matter how you do, you will reward yourself. Stick to your plan and make the reward worthwhile. It’ll make it much easier.

Originally posted on Careerealism.com by Michael Trust

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

About Michael Trust

Michael Trust is the principal of Trustworthy Coaching and brings over twenty years of business, Human Resources management, and coaching experience to you when you engage his services as a coach.

Why Preparation Is Key In An Interview

2013-01-25T12:55:00.000-05:00

To quote Shakespeare, “All the world’s a stage…” When you go to an interview, you’re networking your way into a company, or are even talking about your job search with acquaintances, you most certainly are on stage.

When interviewing, it behooves the job seeker to be prepared. Most people agree that dressing professionally and looking the part is a good idea. Most people totally understand that knowing where and when to show up is a good idea. However, so many resist the suggestion to rehearse what they are going to say.

I can’t even tell you the number of times I’ve heard, “Oh, I interview really well, I don’t need to worry about practicing.” Oh, really? If you think you do, try answering these questions off the cuff:

Pitch me in 10 seconds what you can do for me. Why should I hire you? Go.
Describe yourself in seven words.
What were your three biggest accomplishments at your last position?
What are the measurable results from these accomplishments?
Give me your 30 second elevator speech.

Could you answer without hesitation in the required amount of time? Is your answer relevant to the position you are applying for? If not, you need some help with yourinterviewing skills (ask someone you know, or hire a professional) and developing your personal brand.

If you don’t know what you’re all about and what you have to offer, or if you can’t convey it succinctly, why would an employer want to hire you? You need help figuring that out and help rehearsing it until it naturally rolls off your tongue, like an experienced actor recites her lines.

In addition, think about when you are interacting with others. Imagine the conversation turns to your career. In casual conversation, do you know your Unique Value Proposition? Can you explain what you do well, the successes you’ve had and what you’re looking for?

The people you know may know someone who could get you into your dream job. If you’re not confident in who you are and prepared to pitch to anyone, you may risk missing out on an opportunity.

It takes a lot of insight to get good answers to these questions. Like the coaching an actor needs to learn how to get into character, you may benefit from working with a good career coach. A specialist in personal branding can help you hone in on what really makes you stellar and how that relates to your audience. They can help you pick the right words for the maximum impact, and be available to help you go over it again and again until you’ve nailed it.

In the end, you’ll be able to give the performance of a lifetime!

Originally Posted on Careerealism.com by Kristin Johnson

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

About Kristin Johnson

Kristin is a five-time certified career writer, job search coach, and social media consultant with an approach that is cutting-edge, creative and kind.

Workplace of the Future—What is it?

2013-01-24T14:07:00.001-05:00

What is the workplace of the future mean to you? Does your company fit into this new workplace style and if so please share with us your thoughts?

10 Mistakes That Can Ruin Any Interview

2013-01-24T12:51:00.000-05:00

Your cover letter and resume has made a positive impression on a potential employer and they’ve called you in for an interview. Now you need to ensure the employer stays impressed with you and your potential in their organization.

There’s an old saying first impressions count – and there is no better instance of the truth to this than the impressions made during an interview. A variety of factors are in effect. It may include the way you are dressed, how you communicate, your personality, and a number of other considerations. It takes a lot to develop a positive impression, and conversely requires very little to leave one that does not work in your favor as key decisions are made for the new talent they need to bring on.

All the time invested into planning and preparing becomes obsolete with these mistakes commonly seen with some job candidates.

1. Arriving Late

Everyone’s time is value. Show respect and do not waste other people’s time. If there is an unexpected delay, at the very least, give a call to apologize and inform your contact of your expected arrival time.

2. Jumping Into The Discussion Of Pay And Benefits

There will be a time for this discussion – generally not in the first interview, unless it is approached by the employer. You do not want to appear as though all you care about is “what is in it for me.” At the same time, approaching the topic of salary is especially risky. You may end up putting yourself in a position where you are asked to present a desired salary and fall under what the company had anticipated. Learn more about the position and conduct research before going into discussion of salary.

3. Answering A Cellphone

Show respect by letting your employer know this interview is more important than any call you have. Turn off your cell phone. If you forget and it rings, apologize and turn it off.

4. Talking Badly About Your Previous Or Current Employer

Regardless of the reality of the situation, never talk bad about your current or previous employer(s). It brings to question if you will do the same with this potential employer in the future.

5. Being Brief, Hiding From Questions, Or Talking Too Much

Just as you want to learn about the employer, the employer wants to learn about you. At the same time, you don’t want to be the only one talking throughout the interview. Learn to listen and have a balanced conversation where you both have a chance to receive information and ask questions.

6. Not Asking Questions

Regardless of how thorough the interview discussion is, when asked, “Do you have any questions for me?,” always have a question. When you do not have a question, it may come across as though you are not sincerely interested in the opportunity. For additional tips, take a look at our post on “The 4 Most Important Questions to Ask at an Interview.”

7. Dressing Inappropriately

Your appearance includes not just what you wear but how you groom yourself. Employers will not be impressed with a sloppy appearance. You need to appear and dress the part of what is expected of the position.

8. Being Unprepared

Conduct research so you have at least a general sense of the type of business the company is in and what the position you are applying for is about. You will be able to better tailor your communication during discussion and questions with the employer.

9. Lying

False information can lead to an immediate disqualification and exemplify your weaknesses.

10. Being Inattentive

Carefully listen to what the interviewer is saying and show you are attentive. You do not want to appear disinterested and come off as inattentive. It is not a desirable characteristic for any position.

Most candidates will only receive one opportunity to make an impression. Make sure the one you leave is as positive as possible by keeping these tips in mind during your next interview.

Originally Posted on Careerealism.com by Don Goodman

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

About Don Goodman

Don Goodman, president of Resume Writing Service - About Jobs is a nationally recognized career expert. Get a free career assessment from Don here.

Unemployment: 3 Critical Job Search Tips

2013-01-23T12:48:00.000-05:00

When you are unemployed and looking for work, a job search can feel even more pressured-filled. The lack of income and feelings of insecurity make it hard to stay positive and focused on the goal of getting hired. We lack confidence. That’s why the following three tips are critical for job search when you are unemployed:

#1 – Avoid negative people at all costs.

Support groups seem great in theory, but are often ineffective in practice. Be selective to which events you attend and be mindful of the company you keep. If you aren’t leaving the events feeling happy and energized, then you shouldn’t go anymore. When looking for work, mindset is everything. It can be hard to stay positive. There’s no need to make it harder on yourself by spending time with people that make your feel worse.

The same applies for friends and family who put you down or make you feel bad about your employment situation. Stay clear of anyone who can’t help you remain positive!

#2 – Get extremely clear on how you are the “aspirin” to an employer’s “pain.”

Getting hired is all about showing an employer how you can save and/or make them enough money to justify hiring you. You must be very compelling. You do that by proving to them that you will alleviate some major pain. Focus in on the problems companies in your industry are experiencing and initiate dialog with as many professionals in your field as you can to discuss this problem and how you solve it. You must brand yourself as a specialist who can add value – a.k.a. be the aspirin to an employer’s pain.

Otherwise, you’ll find your job search stalling from a lack of focus on your part, and a lack of interest on the part of the employers.

#3 – Be proactive!

Applying to endless jobs online is the most ineffective job search tactic and unemployed person can use. You will often be screened out automatically for not currently working.

Is it fair? No. But, it’s reality.

The solution is to meet people and industry events and proactively ask people to set upinformational interviews. You must connect with people directly and have meaningful conversations with them, in order to get people to pay attention to you.

That way, you can circumvent the online application process and get referred to jobs directly. This is the single best way an unemployed person can remove the stigma that comes with their employment status. If you get referred by someone, the fact that you aren’t working becomes less important. So, get out there and connect.

Being unemployed is challenging, but it doesn’t mean you can’t find work. It does mean you need to ramp up your efforts and pay close attention to how you are conducting your job search. Follow the tips above and they should help improve the chances of you getting interviews.

Originally Posted on Careerealism.com by J.T. O'Donnell

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

About J.T. O'Donnell

Job Search Strategist. Career Expert. Syndicated Speaker & Author. Wife. Mother. CEO of CAREEREALISM Media. Connect with her on Twitter or LinkedIn.

Classy Workplace Attire Changes For 2013

2013-01-22T12:45:00.000-05:00

Workplace attire for both men and women has changed over the years. Not so long ago, working women were expected to wear dresses and pantyhose on a regular basis. Professional styles for men were also less than casual. But things have changed. Nowadays, both men and women can enjoy a more relaxed attitude toward work attire.

Casual But Classy

Clothes are meant to look good, but they should also be comfortable. Dressing for success shouldn’t feel constrictive or restraining. Classy casual is the definitive look for 2013, but be aware that classy comes in many variations. Classy casual attire includes everything from chic and classy jeans to stylish dresses and skirts.

Whether you work in an office setting or you are an on-the-go real estate agent, looking good is important. Classy casual clothing is the perfect solution; it looks great and it’s comfortable to wear. Learning to take the idea of comfort seriously is the key to fully enjoying the classy casual trend.

Women are not restricted to skirts in any one length or style. In fact, women can choose to wear dresses, skirts, or pants to work. This freedom has exploded the fashion industry. It allows each and every individual an opportunity to choose the style they are most comfortable with for work. Classy casual clothing provides a stylish and tasteful look that works in virtually any environment.

Piecing It Together

Getting started with this look does not have to be expensive. You can start with some basic pieces and build your wardrobe from there. For example, purchase an elegant but basic suit jacket in black, gray, or other neutral color and add a matching pair of pants or skirt. Mix and match these items with eye-catching shirts, camisoles or blouses and a few accessories. The result will be a very professional and classy look.

The idea is to start with items that will build the foundation of your wardrobe. You can then add other pieces as time goes on. Soon you will have a closet full of clothing that is comfortable and that looks terrific.

Casual Fridays Never Looked Better

Casual Fridays are recognized as a ‘dress-down day’ for many workers. However, it should be remembered that this concept can be taken to the extreme. The idea of dressing in a casual fashion does not include things like ball caps, tank tops, flip-flops, or jeans with tears and rips. Casual clothing can be fitted but it should not be form-fitting. Make casual Fridays a time to wear a more relaxed look, but keep it professional.

For example, men may opt to wear a pair of khaki pants or jeans and a stylish shirt. No ties are needed on dress-down day. Women may elect to wear casual slacks or jeans along with a chic top. Jackets, scarves, and other accessories can be used to complete the outfit.

When it comes to fashion choices we’ve come a long way. Fortunately, designers have taken note of the fact that comfort is as important as style. By choosing classy casual looks we can have the best of both in 2013!

Article Author: Amanda Green

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

About Contributing Writer

Our contributing writers are professionals whose content was viewed as valuable and entertaining by our editorial team and deemed worthy of sharing with our readers.

5 Weird Ways To Improve Your Work Performance

2013-01-21T12:39:00.000-05:00

Feel like you need a little boost at work? Here are five weird ways to improve your work performance:

1. Looking At Kittens

Puppies really do make everything better! According to this article in Business Insider, looking at cute pictures of baby animals can actually make you work harder. (Now you have an excuse for being on Pinterest at work!)

2. Wearing Lipstick

Need a little confidence boost for that presentation? Smear on your favorite shade of lipstick! According to a L’Oréal survey, 75 percent of women believe lipstick makes them more confident. So, always be sure to have a tube of lip color in your bag for those days when you need a dash of confidence!

3. Watching SNL

Stressed out at work? Take a time out and watch a funny clip of your favorite comedy! Not only does laughter reduce stress levels, but it increases your productivity. Therefore, you should take a few minutes to watch Celebrity Jeopardy (we won’t tell!).

4. Drinking Coffee

Wait, what? This isn’t groundbreaking news! Coffee helps millions of people get through their workday. But did you know that drinking caffeine before a negotiation can actually help you stand your ground in an argument? Turns out caffeine can give you the edge you need to not back down. So, before you approach your boss about a promotion, drink a cup of joe first!

5. Smelling Peppermint

Did you know that the scent of peppermint actually stimulates your brain? Studies show the refreshing, minty smell increases a person’s alertness, motivation, and performance. Not only that, but it helps you both to fight fatigue and focus better. Keep some of these peppermint candies in your drawer when you need a boost at work!

Originally Posted on Careerealism.com by Ariella Coombs

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

About Ariella Coombs

Ariella Coombs is a recent graduate from the University of New Hampshire with a bachelor's degree in Journalism. She currently manages the content for CAREEREALISM.

#1 Job Search Mistake (You Could Be Making It Right Now!)

2013-01-20T12:28:00.000-05:00

Day in and day out, I get e-mails from prospective clients in need of resume assistance, which I welcome as a service provider in this area. But a lot of times, after I get this message, I have to start an elaborate dance with them because they have put their job search in complete jeopardy.

What’s that, you say?

It’s true. Call it comfort. Call it laziness. Call it being too busy or tired to work on looking for a new job when they get home, but many people continue (astoundingly) to conduct job searches from their current workplace.

On my end, I can see that the person sent the message from their work account, and now I have to be careful – just in case the boss IS reading the e-mail when I reply back. So, I send a discreet e-mail in return, asking to take this resume service discussion offline to a personal e-mail account.

Sometimes, if the person sends an e-mail with a phone number, I call the number and see if I can reach them to ask for that personal address. But I don’t leave a voicemail… simply because I don’t know who is checking their messages (possibly an assistant?) – which could also let the “cat out of the bag.”

The point is that I don’t want to be the one to blow the job seeker’s cover. And I shouldn’t have to be. Nor should anyone else, for that matter. Job seekers need to be careful about getting reckless in their quest for a new job.

It’s just plain good sense to take ANY job search offline and only do it during your time using your own resources, not that of your employer.

So, why should you care? Do you REALLY think someone is reading your e-mails? Do you think this post is a little paranoid?

Think again.

Many employers have implemented spyware and keystroke monitoring software without the employee’s knowledge. The program could be sitting on your desktop, or on the company server that taps into your desktop.

And yes, there are bosses who do read those messages, or set up flags with certain words that would trigger a report that goes onto the supervisor’s desktop about those keywords.

Some job seekers are very aware of this software, but think that their company is too small to have spyware installed. Guess again. I once worked at a 35-person office. Thought I was safe until I was at a conference out of town and the big boss was bragging to some board members that he had just installed spyware on all the employees’ computers.

So, I found out before I did something stupid that caught his attention. You’d better believe that from that moment on, I kept my work e-mail squeaky clean.

So, sending an e-mail to a resume service provider, with a nice subject line of “Resume Assistance” isn’t the smartest move you can make.

It boils down to basics: Don’t conduct job searches from work, stupid!

Many people have gotten waaaaayyyyy too comfortable sending out personal e-mail messages from their work account.

It could turn out to be the biggest tragic mistake any job seeker could make, if they care about being discreet in their search. And once the boss knows you are thinking about leaving, they might just show you the door first.

Originally Posted on Careerealism.com by Dawn Rasmussen.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

About Dawn Rasmussen

Dawn Rasmussen is president of Portland, Oregon-based Pathfinder Writing and Career Services, which provides resume, cover letter, and job searching assistance.

What Spell Check Doesn’t Catch Can Hurt Your Resume

2013-01-19T12:31:00.000-05:00

Writing up your resume? Many word processing programs offer the option to check spelling and grammar in your text. This can be a terrific time-saver to help eliminate many common errors in cover letters and resumes. As long as we don’t see the red or green zigzag markings under words, the document is good to go, right?

Think again!

Spelling and grammar checks through software can never replace a human set of eyes that review for syntax and other errors in a document. That’s why an extra set of eyes, or the help of a professional to proofread your cover letters and resumes, are especially critical.

Employers can dismiss a candidate’s application and resume for many reasons. One common reason is lack of a professional cover letter and/or resume. If your documents contain spelling or grammatical errors, or improper use of words, it can cost you an opportunity to an interview and, potentially, a job. Employers view linguistic mistakes in documents and e-mail, for that matter, as unprofessional. Don’t leave a poor first impression.

Avoid making mistakes that can be easily corrected on your cover letter and resume by carefully proofreading the documents several times before submitting them. While spelling and grammar check through software can help, you are on your own when it comes to syntax – the relationship between words that determine their order in sentences. Another tricky area is homonyms – words that may sound or spell the same. A software program will not know the difference between homonyms, so watch out for these common errors:

Affect – Effect

These two words can trip up even the best of writers. Pronounced almost the same, the difference is in the first letter. Make sure you know the difference between this set of homonyms.

Examples:

“My business networking efforts directly affect the company’s performance for the quarter.”
“The effect of my networking efforts helped the company raise double the amount of funds over the previous year.”

Discreet – Discrete

When spoken, the listener interprets which words a speaker means. However, in writing, you must make the correct word choices. Make sure you know the difference between this set of homonyms.

Examples:

“We are discreet in the manner in which we handle confidential documents.”
“The company has a discrete method for identifying sales leads.”

Its – It’s

These three letters put together can form one word or two words simply by the break of an apostrophe. The two words have separate meanings, but we can easily make a mistake by misplacing the apostrophe. Make sure you know the difference between this set of homonyms.

Examples:

“Increased its department size by 50 percent.”
“It is [or It’s] the first product of its kind to enter the market.”

Than – Then

One word is used to express “difference” and the other word can mean “followed by,” but they both sound the same. Take care in your writing to distinguish which is the proper word to use. Make sure you know the difference between this set of homonyms.

Examples:

“Increased sales by more than 50 percent in the second year of the product’s launch.”
“Started in an entry level position and then advanced to a managerial position in two years.”

Their – There – They’re

The words all sound the same, don’t they? But we all know they do not mean the same. It is easy to get caught up in typing the incorrect word as we process our thoughts and set them free for our fingers to do the typing. Make sure you know the difference between this set of homonyms.

Examples:

“Secured their standing on the market by… ”
“There are 100 employees at the company.”
“They are [or they’re] the top three marketers of… ”

Verses – Versus

Unless you are a song writer or literary writer, you are not likely to use the word “verses,” but it can easily get mixed up in the midst of things when you mean to write “versus.” Make sure you know the difference between this set of homonyms.

Examples:

“I wrote the first verse to the song.”
“My project lead to savings of 60 percent, versus the potential loss of… ”

Your – You’re

Distractions can be the cause of mistakes where we use the word “your” instead of “you’re.” The two words sound the same but the latter refers to two words – “you are.” Make sure you know the difference between this set of homonyms.

Examples:

“I am interested in your job posting on… ”
“You are [or you’re] going to see a link below to my writing samples.

There are a number of other homonyms to watch out for when proofreading your documents to submit to an employer, such as “principal” or “principle” and “incite” or “insight.” Your ability to write a professional and error-free cover letter and resume is part of the basis for an employer to want to follow up with you. Even if you have the specific qualifications to meet what the employer is looking for, poor proofreading of your documents can cost you.

Originally Posted on Careerealism.com by Don Goodman

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

About Don Goodman

Don Goodman, president of Resume Writing Service - About Jobs is a nationally recognized career expert. Get a free career assessment from Don here.

LinkedIn Cheat Sheet: 5 Tips For A Professional Profile

2013-01-18T12:25:00.000-05:00

Who has time to research LinkedIn? We know you have a busy life – and sometimes there’s just not enough time in the day to scan through articles to get the information you need.

That’s why we created the LinkedIn Cheat Sheet! We pulled the best tips, tricks, and advice from our archives and put them all in one place just for you.

LinkedIn Cheat Sheet

Here are five solid LinkedIn tips from our experts:

1. Turn Off Your Activity Broadcasts

Before you start “tinkering” with your LinkedIn profile (or hiring a professional to enhance your profile), please take a minute to do the following:

From the drop-down menu next to your name on the right side of the Home page, choose Settings.
On the bottom left of the Settings page is a column titled Privacy Controls. Immediately under that heading is a hyperlink that reads “Turn on/off your activity broadcasts.”
Click on the activity broadcasts link and a dialog box will open giving you an option to choose who will see your activity updates.
If the box is checked to “Let people know when you change your profile, make recommendations, or follow companies,” uncheck it.

When you are finished tinkering, go back and recheck the box. It’s that simple!

(Original Article: “Pay Attention To Your LinkedIn Settings“)

2. Endorse Your Connections

Every Monday, take 10 minutes out of your morning to pay-it-forward by endorsing 10 people in your LinkedIn network. Imagine how you would feel if in your inbox on a Monday (a.k.a the day of the week when even the most cheerful people struggle to get going), you found endorsements of your skill sets from your peers.

(Original Article: “LinkedIn Quick Tip: Monday = ‘Endorse Day’”)

3. Get Recommendations… Lots Of ‘Em

Recommendations are essential to you. Seek them proactively and seek them passively. Proactive recommendation seeking involves reaching out and asking someone to recommend you. Passive recommendation seeking involves recommending someone, at which point LinkedIn asks them to recommend you back. The latter is actually a bit more effective.

(Original Article: “10 Things To Immediately Do On LinkedIn“)

4. Choose An Appropriate Photo

The following 11 tips will help you pick the right photo for your LinkedIn, Gmail, Google+, Skype, and other online accounts:

Don’t use an old photo. There are few things worse than meeting someone for the first time and not recognizing them because the profile photo is from 10 years ago (or longer)!
Use a photo of YOU in your profile — not an object.
Smile! Your face should radiate warmth and approachability.
Photos should be professionally done, if possible (but not glamour shots).
Wear your most complementary color. Bright colors can attract attention, but avoid patterns.
Don’t have other people in your photos (and don’t crop other people out of your shot — there should not be any errant body parts in your online photo!).
Make sure the background in the photo isn’t distracting.
Relax. Look directly at the camera.
Take multiple shots and ask people for their opinion on which one makes you seem most “approachable.”
Tips for Men: Wear a dark blue or black dress shirt. No t-shirts, Hawaiian shirts, or busy/crazy patterns.
Tips for Women: Wear something you feel comfortable in. No t-shirts or big/busy patterns. Soft, dark v-necks look great. Black always works; avoid white.

(Original Article: “11 Tips For Choosing Your LinkedIn Photo“)

5. Give Your Professional Headline A Boost

Use the “|” to divide your text and create visual breaks.

Example: Which of the following is easier to read?

Project Manager Specializing in Business Research and Analysis for Major Corporations

Project Manager | Research & Analysis Specialist | Fortune 1000 Business Experience

Obviously, the second one is easier to read and comprehend because of the formatting. The vertical lines separate the data and enable the reader to comprehend better what you are telling them you do.

(Original Article: “LinkedIn Quick Tip: Tweaking Your Professional Headline“)

Image Credit: Shutterstock

About Ariella Coombs

Ariella Coombs is a recent graduate from the University of New Hampshire with a bachelor's degree in Journalism. She currently manages the content for CAREEREALISM.

5 Ways To Prepare For Your Next Networking Event

2013-01-17T12:23:00.000-05:00

Does networking scare you? You’re not alone. Walking into a room of people you don’t know can be intimidating, but with a little preparation, much of that fear can be relieved.

How To Prepare For A Networking Event

Here are five things you can do before your next networking event:

1. Think Of Topics You Like To Discuss

How to start a conversation is a common fear among networkers. Tackle that fear by thinking of things that you like to discuss such as movies, books, hobbies, traveling, pets, or kids. This mental preparation helps with conversation starters.

2. Know Who Will Be At The Event

If at all possible, get a list of who will be attending. If you can’t obtain a list before the event, go a little early and ask the organizer for the information and then identify who you would like to meet. Look for people who are associated with organizations you would like to research or work for. Having a plan gives you a sense of purpose and eliminates the fear that you will be aimlessly walking around.

3. Know What Message You Want To Convey

You want people to know what your strengths are and what opportunities you are seeking. When people ask you what you do, be prepared to tell them what positions you are seeking, what companies you are targeting and what your talents are. This is sometimes known as an “elevator pitch” because it is short enough to say to someone that you meet in an elevator. You may want to practice it on a friend so that you feel comfortable with your delivery.

4. Track Your Contacts

The magic of networking is transforming a contact into a mutually beneficial relationship. The only way that can be done is if you follow up with the person. Ask for a business card or at least get an e-mail address. At home, either develop your own tracking system or choose one that you can use consistently. The most important thing that is you are able to easily find the contact information when you go to follow up with the person.

5. Know How You Will Follow Up

A way that I like to continue the relationship with a contact is to ask if they are onLinkedIn. If they are, I go home and immediately ask them to connect. If they aren’t on LinkedIn, I send them an email telling them how much I enjoyed meeting them. Depending on the person, I might also ask if they would like to meet for coffee. This is an easy way of furthering the relationship.

Networking is a wonderful way of building relationships. Use it to your advantage by being prepared. I also challenge you to be a little bold. The ancient Romans summed it up well with their axiom “Fortune favors the bold.”

Originally Posted on Careerealism.com by Stacy Harshman

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

About Stacy Harshman

Stacy Harshman, founder of Your Fulfilling Life Career Coaching, brings her experience as a recruiter for a Fortune 500 corporation to her work as a career coach.

The Resume Of The Future

2013-01-16T12:19:00.000-05:00

What will the future hold for the traditional resume? According to a report by the Career Thoughts Leaders Consortium, the resume, as we know it now, is not likely to exist in the future. Some believe that the resume will be replaced by a social media profile such as LinkedIn. Yet others believe that if the resume does survive, it will be very short and concise, possibly even suitable for a 140 character tweet.

How Does That Affect Me?

Currently, a resume is still needed; however, a LinkedIn profile is also becoming an essential tool for the job seeker. Social media is not a just a fad, it is here to stay. More and more recruiters depend on the information in LinkedIn to help them make a decision on whether to interview a candidate. If you don’t have a LinkedIn profile, start now to build one. If you do have a profile, review it to make sure it ranks 100% complete and that it is well written. LinkedIn really allows you to showcase your skills.

The Trend For Resumes Is To Be Short And Concise

A survey of recruiters on LinkedIn revealed an overwhelming preference for shorter resumes (1-2 pages). Some experienced professionals believe they have too much experience to fit into two pages but this is a mistake. A long resume turns off manyrecruiters. Take the time to edit your resume to include only the most essential ingredients.

On the opposite side, some job seekers think they are required to have a two-page resume. If you don’t have a lot of work experience yet, it is perfectly acceptable to have a one page resume. Again, unnecessary information will turn off many recruiters.

Don’t Get Left Behind

Prepare now by investing your time in what is trending now – concise resumes and well written LinkedIn profiles.

Originally Posted on Careerealism.com by Stacy Harshman Learn more about Stacy below.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

About Stacy Harshman

Stacy Harshman, founder of Your Fulfilling Life Career Coaching, brings her experience as a recruiter for a Fortune 500 corporation to her work as a career coach.

Annual Career Check-Up: Your New Year In View

2013-01-15T12:16:00.000-05:00

It’s time for your annual career check-up! What changes do you want to make in your work life in 2013? Do you want a new job or a promotion? Do you want to keep doing the same things work-wise but with a new employer? Do you want to change career directions altogether? Are you happy where you are but want to boost your performance?

Regardless of your career situation, the New Year offers you a fresh slate. If you’re a goal-driven person, then you probably set performance targets for yourself at work and in your personal life. Now that the New Year is here, it’s time to set your career goals for 2013.

Remember to keep your goals SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-driven):

Relationships

Armed with a list of the most critical relationships in your work life, set a goal for each. What’s the one action you can take that will sustain or improve each relationship?

Goals

Are you carrying forward any 2012 goals into 2013? If so, make a note of them. In addition, jot down the primary goals you would like to achieve in your work life this year. Are you aiming to land a new job or a promotion by a certain date? Or are you planning to clarify your career next steps or explore a new industry?

Career Trajectory

What title, employer type, and industry would you like to be in by the end of 2013? Aim high and dream big, and then work backward to detail the path you will need to take to achieve this trajectory.

Personal Brand

Which elements of your career brand would you like to capitalize on more this year? How will you do this? What types of projects, assignments, and roles will enable you to extend your brand at work?

Career Values

What are the top three career values you would like to honor most throughout this next year?

Career Passions

What are the top three career passions you would like most to express throughout 2013?

Career Gifts

What are the top two career gifts you would like to use the most this year?

Industry Trends

Which industry trends are most likely to impact your career in 2013? What specific actions can you take in the next 12 months to make those impacts as positive as possible? What can you do to mitigate any potential negative impacts?

Personal And Professional Development

What new personal or work-related skills do you plan to develop this year? What formal or informal training will you complete? Remember that once you officially enroll in a class or program, you can add it to your resume and LinkedIn profile – just make sure you clarify that you are enrolled and have not yet completed it. Once you’ve completed the class or program, you can note this completion on your resume or LinkedIn profile as well.

Achievements

What achievement opportunities exist for you in your current role this year? Are there planning projects or initiatives that you think will enable you to solve a problem, improve sales, innovate, or help the company to achieve shared goals?

If you find yourself stymied by the process of designing your life, you may need an injection of creativity. If so, try one or more of the 30 creativity-boosting techniques noted in this recent blog post.

Once your plan is crafted, put legs under it by tying your goals and plans to specific dates in your planner. Break larger annual goals into small weekly chunks and make sure you access support for each goal you set:

Who can assist you in achieving each goal?
What information or resources do you need to pursue these goals?
What new skills or success habits must you put in place to realize these goals?
What changes or adaptations will you have to make, and how will you go about executing those?
What barriers to accomplishing these goals are in your way or could arise? How will you overcome these barriers?

Put your career plan in a form that feels right to you, whether that’s a collage or a left-brained report. Store it where you will see it often (preferably daily) and schedule monthly reviews of your plan. Each month when you reread it, make a note of your progress, successes, and problems.

Get help when you need it – don’t wait until the year is nearly over to admit that you need support to achieve a goal. Most of all, though, have fun with your goals. Resolutions are supposed to bring us joy!

Originally Posted on Careerealism.com by Cheryl Simpson. Learn more about Cheryl below.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

About Cheryl Simpson

Cheryl is a 5-time, award-winning resume writer and LinkedIn strategist. She offers complimentary resume reviews through Executive Resume Rescue.

3 Secrets To Sending A LinkedIn Invitation That Work Every Time

2013-01-14T12:16:00.000-05:00

As so much in social media is trial and error, I was happy to receive some advice from a Career Enlightenment subscriber, Hugh Knight.

We’ve all experienced the frustration of sending out a LinkedIn invitation and getting ignored. Even though I consider this bad LinkedIn etiquette, people are busy or uninitiated. Hugh has found a great process for getting around this problem.

Step 1: Search For Related People

No, I don’t mean relatives. I mean people related to your field of interest. Use LinkedIn’s people search with targeted Keywords. In Hugh’s example, he searched for people with the word “Sharepoint” in their profile.

Step 2: Be Totally Transparent

Too many people simply send off a LinkedIn invitation without personalizing it. I know some folks who categorically refuse to accept un-customized invitations.

When you send your invitation, LinkedIn asks you how you know this person. Pick “friend,” even if you don’t know them.

Hugh highly recommends a 100% transparency policy when reaching out. These new connections have very little knowledge of you except for what you have in your note. So, use the following phrase to make it clear why you want to connect.

I am new to the area and am wanting to build my network.

Step 3: Begin On Common Ground

If you notice anything in common with this person, be sure to mention it right away.

If you have a mutual connection, say “We have a mutual friend in (someone’s name).”

If you have a school in common, or anything else, mention it.

Bonus Tip: Leverage Your New Connection

When they accept your invite and it shows in your e-mail. Follow up with this easy text:

Thank you so much for accepting my LinkedIn Profile invite. I would be interested in obtaining any suggestions or contacts that you think would be in line with my background and work experience.

Notice these two things with this note:

A. Beginning and ending thank you
B. Asking for suggestions or contacts

Try this approach the next time you invite someone to your LinkedIn network, and tell me how it works for you!

Originally Posted on Careerealism.com by Joshua Waldman. Find out more about Joshua below.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

About Joshua Waldman

Author of Job Searching with Social Media For Dummies. Recognized as a top authority in Social Media Career Advancement. Watch his exclusive video training here.

The Most Important Part Of Your Resume

2013-01-13T12:13:00.000-05:00

What’s the most important part of your resume? I hate to say it, but the attention span of hiring managers seems to be getting shorter. In fact, I was speaking with an executive-level employer the other day (who regularly reviews resumes), and he commented about how quickly he can scan through a stack of resumes and choose the candidates he plans to call.

He admitted that it really is an unfair process—that so many job seekers are judged solely by the quality and presentation of their resumes (documents that too often are afforded a review of only a few seconds). And if it’s a poor presentation, or boring to the reader, or just doesn’t communicate the right message—they are quickly passed over.

It’s a given that the average employer will invest only a few seconds—literally—in his or her initial resume scan. So, it’s critically important to your candidacy to ensure that the part of your resume in which he or she is willing to invest five seconds of attention grabs—and keeps—their attention. So, where is the employer’s attention going first… and how can you make the most of that section of your resume?

The First Third Of Your Resume Is The Most Important

The top third of your resume is where the employer will direct the bulk of his or her initial resume scan. So what you put here is vitally important. If it’s boring, too text-dense, or doesn’t speak to the position they’re trying to fill, you’re sure to be passed over.

What Should You Put In This Critical Section?

The top third of your resume should contain the most dynamic, persuasive, and noteworthy information about yourself and your career. Top load your resume with accomplishments, successes, and quantifiable results that are the most applicable to the position you’re applying for. Here are some critical areas:

The contact information – Include links to your LinkedIn profile, career blog, or professional Web site. Direct the hiring manager to places where he or she can find more engaging information about you.

The job target title – Use a job target/job title at the top of the resume to make the mental connection between what you do and the position the employer is filling.

Include a branding statement – A great one-line branding statement that communicates your relevancy as a candidate for the opening. Remember… the employer has a need they’re trying to fill, and if what you are known for meets that need, you’ve just become very employable.

A career summary that isn’t all fluff—Don’t create a career summary full of generic statements that are vague and speak nothing to who you are or what you can bring to the table as an employee. This is the time to set yourself apart as a candidate. Use specific keywords and quantifiable achievements.

Accomplishments and career highlights are a must—Create a section that speaks to your most notable career achievements and that are quantifiable. Employers want to see results, and they want to know what you’ve accomplished in the past.

Having a friend or family member look over your resume and then provide an opinion is nice when it comes to proofreading and pointing out errors within the resume—but someone who knows you and has a vested interest won’t be able to really tell you in an unbiased way if your resume is boring. Try to have an unbiased third party give you some feedback on how engaging they consider your resume.

Originally Posted on Careerealism.com by Jessica Holbrook Hernandez. Find out more about Jessica below.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

About Jessica Holbrook Hernandez

Jessica Holbrook Hernandez, CEO of Great Resumes Fast is an expert resume writer, career and personal branding strategist, author, and presenter.

4 Types Of Job Attitudes – Which One Are You?

2013-01-12T12:11:00.000-05:00

Did you know there are different types of job attitudes? Find out which one you are!

Attitude | Noun

The way a person thinks and behaves
A position of the body
Informal a hostile manner
The orientation of an aircraft or spacecraft in relation to some plane or direction [Latin aptus apt]

FACT: Attitude = Effectiveness And Success On-The-Job

Thinking and behaving (attitude) influence the world around us in ways obvious and not so apparent, but the effect is REAL, nonetheless. There are four basic kinds of people in business today. They can be best characterized by their attitudes:

Job Lover

A person can LOVE their job and may, read trade journals, spend hours over “working lunches/breaks,” have friends that are in the same industry, and also find time to seek out ways to even further improve work or business: By all appearances the MODEL worker – right?

WRONG. This employee, business owner, or consultant may miss opportunities by erroneously thinking that all their hard work, without a doubt will benefit them. Throwing oneself into work so fully and energetically can create blinders not only to unexpected pitfalls in the business arena, but may also keep one from fully experiencing personal opportunities. In short, all work and no play makes Jane a dull girl!

Job Doer

Perhaps this Jack or Jane takes a more pragmatic approach: The job as a means to an end. Working like a dog might mean more enjoyable periods of time off, the ability to pay the bills, travel, take vacations, and/or enjoy hobbies. Sometimes it is just the little things – pride in a job well done, being responsible, just being a contributing member of society in general!

Still, there is room for growth and self-examination. A job, business, or current opportunity (while it lasts!) can provide one with the basics, maybe more. Sure life is good, but, in the current climate, one must be prepared for the unexpected.

Job Hater

Again it does not matter the title – owner, worker, consultant, whatever. Folks in this category may bark out orders whenever possible, complain constantly, frown consistently, and criticize coworkers, boss, company in general. One wonders not how they are able to bring themselves to get out of bed in the morning, but why they are allowed to!

Typically, a person with this type of attitude has too much time and energy wrapped up in expressing these negative feelings that seem to build and explode in a never-ending torrent to consider opportunities. Blindfolded, often opportunities and anything else that could be construed as positive are missed.

Job What?

Most readers will admit to knowing at least one of this type, who can be summed up by their perpetual query, “Why am I here?” They often call in sick whenever possible (especially when not), spend more time on personal business than work, miss meetings, deadlines, and are frequently late/miss work.

This guy or gal is seldom a boss, but sometimes people get lucky and own businesses run effectively by the sweat of others! Regardless, one is left to wonder who benefits from this person showing up on the “job.” Potential is buried by lack of caring and activity. Talk about hiding one’s light under a bushel! Opportunities are not only not recognized by this type, but are literally pushed aside…

Think about your attitude about work now. How is it affecting you and your opportunities – are you prepared to make a change if you need to? Who are you as an owner, employee, boss, or consultant? How do you present to others? Creating an up to date curriculum vitae or resume help you develop a clear statement of who you are and what you have to offer to customers, employees, employers or bosses. In short, it can help you develop your own personal brand that can make you stand head and shoulders above others in your field.

Originally Posted by Mary Sherwood Sevinsky on Careerealism.com

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

About Mary Sherwood Sevinsky

Mary Sherwood Sevinsky has over 18 years of experience in vocational assessment, counseling and testimony, primarily assisting clients who are changing careers.

How To Get Better Work Performance From Your Employees

2013-01-11T12:06:00.000-05:00

It’s very important to get the best work performance possible from your employees. But do your employees remember to pack their hearts when they’re packing their lunches? Are they merely going through the motions at work? Feigning “connection to the work” while in reality spending more energy avoiding trouble versus willingly contributing their personal-best?

As the leader or manager, how do you create “meaning” at work?

Have you heard the story about the custodian in a large federal complex in the suburbs of Houston?

He was going about his duties one day when a group of “suits” entered the building where he was working. One of the executives asked the custodian, “So, what do you do here?” The worker smiled and replied genuinely, “I help put a man on the moon.”

The VIPs were heading into a meeting with NASA officials that day and happened to run into this dedicated gentleman who truly “got it” — he fully understood his role. It wasn’t simply about cleaning toilets and mopping the floors. His work had true meaning. Because he was faithfully on the job every day, he helped create a spotless, VIP-visit-worthy space where other employees and visitors could enter and concentrate on their work at hand… putting a man on the moon.

This gentleman “got it.” Not only about the organizational impact of his role, but the greater effects on a nation and perhaps the world. Without him, dignitaries and decision-makers would be greeted by unsightly workspaces, leaders and workers alike would be distracted by and frazzled by trashy offices and unsupplied restrooms. Not at all what one would expect from the nation’s space agency.

Sometimes we get lucky and hire that golden employee who just gets “it” and lives “it” day in and day out. More often than not, however, employees need reinforcing communication around why their job, indeed why they are important to the purpose of the organization. It’s not so much that we hire duds but that in the course of staying busy, doing our tasks as managers and employees we lose sight of the bigger “why.” It’s that old idea of not seeing the forest for the trees. We get stuck in the weeds and forget why we’re working so hard to create a path through them.

Kousez and Posner’s decades-long research into what inspires employees and creates a “personal-best leadership experience” (that is the experience an employee has with her leaders) offers empirical proof of what it takes to inspire meaningful work. From theirThe Leadership Challenge, 4th Ed., they point out the Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership.

Of the Five Practices resulting from Kousez and Posner’s research, this one — Exemplary Leaders Encourage the Heart — in particular speaks to creating meaningful work. To summarize and add my own editorial comments and personal examples…

Genuine acts of caring uplift the spirits and draw people forward. Best leaders want to provide a climate in which people feel cared about and genuinely appreciated by their leaders.

One of my “personal-best leadership experiences” was in the job where I stayed for more than eight years despite knowing there was something missing (function/strengths misfit… but that’s a topic for another post). It’s true people leave or remain because ofpeople more so than the work.

One example that will stay with me as long into the future is one of my compassionate Vice President of Marketing who genuinely cared about me and my experience as a new mother seven years ago. It’s tough if not seemingly impossible to put one’s child in the care of others to return to work but we do it. My VP at the time was already a mother of two and understood the gamut of emotions I was having about returning to work. I couldn’t not, from a financial standpoint, but oh boy were those first delicate weeks’ commutes filled with tears.

The conversation I remember specifically was her telling me to take as much time as I needed and could afford… that time with a first baby in those first precious months needed to be cherished… that the company would survive without me. I think I took an extra couple of weeks off at her urging and some of my most treasured memories of early-morning play time with my now first grader happened during that brief window.

That VP showed she cared and cared deeply which drove my enthusiasm for for working for her much more than the work itself.

Gimmicky, feel-good events are quickly forgotten, so forget the Hawaiian shirt days and show them you genuinely care.

It’s part of the leader’s job to show appreciation for people’s contributions and to create a culture of celebrating values and victories.

As a young manager I was guilty of often forgetting to stop, breathe and take a moment to celebrate the small victories that my direct reports and I accomplished. Like getting a 100+ page catalog to print despite major roadblocks… closing out the year with more sales through direct marketing than the previous year… launching a new website that created back-office efficiencies… and probably countless others. With some time and experience managing direct reports — and remembering my own less-than-exemplary leadership moments from the earliest days of my career – I did remember, sometimes, to thank them.

Have you had one of those “You know you’ve nailed it when…” moments as a manager? One of my few such experiences actually came as a shock to me. It was when I made an effort to personalize my gratitude in giving a small “thank you” that I figured this one direct report in particular might like. He commented on the small gift so enthusiastically, reporting just how much it meant to him. Who knew that something as simple as an e-gift certificate for music downloads for the ever-plugged-in production manager would have such an effect. Huh.

Leaders also know that celebrations and rituals, when done with authenticity and from the heart, build a strong sense of collective identity and community spirit that can carry a group through extraordinarily tough times.

Before during and in the aftermath of 9/11 I worked for an international tour operator. The year that followed was extraordinarily tough for the many not the least of which was the travel industry and anyone remotely connected to it.

We had several tours in progress when the planes hit and had staff and passengers stranded in various corner of the world for days before flights resumed and we could get everyone home. When the last tour manager arrived safely at home and the last passenger was met by relieved family members, we celebrated. Not with a big inappropriate party or other raucous event but by rallying behind one another in the face of chaos and terror, sharing our stories and experiences, finding and telling the “good” that came from tragedy.

In those moments executive management stepped quietly aside and allowed leadership from among the ranks to stand up, shine and demonstrate community.

Lastly, let’s get practical with just a few questions to consider as you work toward helping your employees create meaning at work…

1. Connect Individuals To The Bigger “Why”

What inspires you? Gives you passion? What would inspire your employees and direct reports? In what ways are you working together to create the bigger “why,” the purpose for your organization?

2. Personalize Recognition

How are you currently recognizing individual achievement and contributions to your organization’s purpose? How do you equip managers to reward, recognize and thank employees for a job well done?

3. Reiterate The Significance Of Each Role

How often to you reiterate the organization’s larger purpose? Then remind each individual contributor how they in their roles help achieve that purpose? Annually in the all-staff meeting and in the performance review? Quarterly at management reviews? Monthly in the employee online newsletter? Or weekly/daily in informal conversations about the work at hand?

4. Celebrate

How do you celebrate team or organizational wins? Annual bonus? Cost of living wage increase? Or something more personalized to each contributor?

Originally Posted on Careerealism.com By Susan Ruhl

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Poll: Which Unemployed Type Has It The Worst?

2013-01-10T12:04:00.000-05:00

In this economy, finding work can seem impossible. According to this article in The Huffington Post, there are 20 million people unemployed or underemployed.

That’s not exactly ideal for anyone. However, who do you think has it worst?

Do the young graduates moving home with lots of debt and no income have it worse?

Or, is it their parents who have lost everything and will now need to work another 15 years?

Or could it be the long-term unemployed in their late 50s and 60s who gave up looking for work that have it the worst?

What do you think? Take our poll, and tell us your reasoning in the comments section below!

Originally posted on Careerealism.com

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

4 Words to Avoid When You’re Unemployed

2013-01-09T12:00:00.002-05:00

Being without a job is tough. When you are out of work for an extended period of time, crisis of confidence sets in. And once it takes hold, it can be hard to shake.

The problem is that confidence is the No. 1 thing we need to land a job. Without it, we come across as weak, insecure and desperate. If you, or someone you know, are in this situation, the following four words should be eliminated from your vocabulary.

1. Unemployed
Over at Career HMO, I call this the "Ugly U Word" and I refuse to let my members use it. It is a negative, defeatist word that implies something is wrong with you. Just because you aren't currently working doesn't mean you aren't a talented professional. You weren't stripped of all your accomplishments and experience when you lost your job. They are yours to keep and promote. Instead, refer to yourself as "between jobs" -- because that's really what you are.

2. Nice
Of course you are nice, but companies don't hire for niceness. They hire problem-solvers. Instead of saying you are nice, call yourself valuable. When it comes to getting hired, you need to focus on how you either save or make employers money. Better still, you need to show how you have saved or made your employers enough money in the past to cover the cost of hiring you.

Simply put, companies can't hire you because you are a "nice" because it doesn't pay the bills. And, if you are concerned about coming across as a braggart, consider this: You are a business-of-one who is in the process of marketing themselves to land a new client (aka new employer). You MUST sell yourself. What would you pay good money for: Something nice, or something valuable? See the difference?

3. Try
When some says, "I try to..." it implies they don't always succeed. Share with people what you do well. Give them examples of accomplishments that prove your worth. Back up your track record with facts. Use your professional history to show how you get it done. Not only is it more persuasive, it will remind you of just how capable you really are.

4. Open
A common mistake that those looking for work make is to tell people they are "Open to anything." While you might think that makes you sound more marketable, it actually has the opposite effect. It implies that you: (a) don't have a focus; (b) don't know what you are good at; and (c) are more worried about getting a job than what the job entails.

This isn't what hiring managers are looking for at all. They want a confident person who knows what they want, why they are the right person for it, and how they will leverage their experience to do the job effectively. Saying you are "open" to all job opportunities is like saying you are "open" to dating anyone with a pulse. You owe it to yourself to have some criteria -- not to mention that it shows you have self-respect.

Removing the words above from your current vocabulary will help you send a stronger message about your worth as an employee. Getting over your crisis of confidence is vital to landing a new position – and it begins with using the right words to describe yourself. If you still struggle with this, be sure to get some help. Nobody should job search alone -- especially, when they aren't getting the results they want. Some of the most talented professionals in the world (i.e., athletes) have many coaches to help them stay in the right mindset and use the proper words to motivate them to achieve their goals. You deserve the same!

Originally Posted By J.T. O'Donnell
Posted Jun 21st 2012 @ 8:17AM