Work Jobs Employment

Job Search Networking – Avoid This Kiss-Of-Death Request

Katherine Moody — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 03:27:04 +0000

Let me know if you hear about anything I would be interested in.

Recently I was introduced to someone who almost immediately told me he was looking for a job. Then he said those deadly words: “Let me know if you hear of anything for me.” What a networking killer.

I didn’t know enough about him to even be able to identify a good “anything” yet here he was asking me to let him know when I found one of those. At this point, unfortunately, people often say “sure” and then move on. Don’t kid yourself the way I used to. They won’t remember you.

The Easy Way Out (Leading Nowhere, unfortunately)
It’s hard to think about, but right now we should ask ourselves, “Have I done that?” If you have, think about what you were hoping to accomplish. And how did you feel when you said it?

Remember the words and tone of the response you got. That memory alone may convince you not to make those requests any more.

Help Them Be Able to Help You!
I told him I wouldn’t know how to identify a good “anything” for him. He paused, and then said, “Oh, I’m asking you to do all the work here, aren’t I? Not only do I want you to let me know when you hear about something, but I am leaving it up to you to figure out what I would want to hear about.” He got it!

Sample of Email Requests that Get You Nowhere (again!)
I wanted to share a portion of an email I got from someone just a couple of days ago. I did not know this person, and there wasn’t any way I could be of any assistance to him based on the information in the email.

In addition, I have no idea what “seek your advice on any current and/or future searches for your clients” really means. Strangely that phrase or something similar is in almost every email I get from job seekers.

“I’m currently in a career transition following the elimination of my position due to a company-wide reduction in force.

A copy of my resume is attached and I can be reached on xxx-xxx-xxxx. Please let me know if you hear about anything that might be of interest to me.

I’d appreciate it if you would let me know when you have searches for your clients that would be a good fit for my experience and skills.

Thank you for your time and consideration and I look forward to hearing from you.”

Heartbreaking Results from so much Effort
If I hadn’t been curious about where he learned to write this kind of networking email and how he expected it would help him, I would never have called him. I would have deleted his email and not kept his information. I bet he sent a lot of these out, and I know that was a lot of work.

When I spoke to him, he admitted that he had been coached on how to write this email. He said he had sent it to a lot of people, and was really disappointed in the results. I was the only person who had contacted him!

Tip to Try: Help Others Help You
Please be specific about how others can help you in job search. People do really want to be of assistance. Give us specifics about how we can help you, and you’ll be delighted at the good information that starts coming your way.

Author: Katherine Moody

Job Fair Fears – 7 Top Tips to Crush Job and Career Fair Fears

Stephen Q Shannon — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 03:14:19 +0000

If you plant to attend, participate in, and fear a job or career fair and then you don’t attend you will miss low-risk job search practice and networking opportunities.

With this in mind, here are top 7 ways to crush your fear of Job or Career Fairs and meet helpful people including willing strangers.

Packaging - How you dress, How you hair looks. How you accessorize. How you smell. And how clean and polished your shoes are, especially your heels, make a difference, first to you and how you feel, and to the people you meet. You never get a second chance to make a good first impression. Corny, but so true. (Read entire article and learn what is best color to wear to job or career fairs and to any interview).
Attitude – No one on the planet looks forward to a Job or Career Fair except for sponsors and few, very few of those “working the booths.” Yup! If your attitude is upbeat, edgy, filled with energy, and “positive,” you will benefit.
Get Remembered - Your mission is To Be Remembered. A) Have a two-sided business card. B) Hand out individually wrapped breath mints before you move to the next booth or person. C) Wear a fresh flower and give some away. D) Bring day-glow imprinted micro-sized helium-filled balloons and give some away. You’ll be remembered.
Huge Legal-Sized Resume - At job fairs, first time through, resume “viewing” time is 5 seconds (not minutes). Enlarge first page of your resume on legal-size (8.5 x 14) piece of paper. Hold it up (higher when applicants are in front of you) so recruiters can say “yes” or “no” to on-the-spot interviewing. Hand out regular-size resumes printed on off-white paper only.
Five (5) Applicants Interviewed At The Same Time – Ugh! That’s what to expect at busy career fairs. Your job: Speak up. With energy and just loud enough to be heard, answer in short statements: “I can do that.” Or “I have done that for 5 years.” Or “That’s what I do best.” (Read entire article to get more tips).
Follow-Up – Get Business Cards. Circle on each lead person’ name. Get primary or best e-mail address. Get direct line number. Mail three days later (not e-mail) thank-you note that starts with the words “you” or “your,” not “Thank you!” Remind them WHO you are by what you were wearing that day. Beat competing applicants.
Expectations – Make a written list of what you must do at job or career fairs. Add that you need to make friends with other professionals. Get acquainted. You give them leads about jobs that match them not you and they will do the same.

Author: Stephen Q Shannon

The Truth About Finding 100k+ Jobs (or 6 and 7 Figure Jobs)

Mary Elizabeth Bradford — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 08:33:29 +0000

Myth: Executive level jobs are best found through recruiters and fee-based, high level job boards.

Truth: Both recruiters and fee based executive level job boards can severely limit your job search and the responses you receive.

Executive recruiters can only help you if you have the exact qualifications to help them…fill their key search assignments that is.

And fee based job boards usually yield about 1% to maybe 7% response rates. You are going to have to send out a lot of resumes to get any response at all, and of course don’t forget about the intense amount of executive competition you will face for the very same job.

Most executives are all about working smarter, not harder. Though connecting with recruiters and answering 6-figure job ads might seem like the easiest way from point A to point B, it’s actually more work on your part to market yourself thoroughly enough using only these two outlets to get you the kind of results you are hoping for. It’s counterintuitive to your objective.

Want an easier solution? Of course it depends on the industry and position but I find that executive level jobs are best found using the following system:

1. Identification of the industry(s) of interest
2. Identification of the position(s) sought
3. Launching a campaign to penetrate those industries

To be successful (and when I say successful I mean conducting a job search that results in a number of high quality interviews for opportunities you are genuinely interested in, and obtaining one or more viable job offers) you must have a clear plan, followed by a significant level of market exposure.

Here are several highly effective techniques and resources to get going in the right direction:

1. Identify your market

What industry are you interested in and why? You must have a crystal clear direction before you can formulate any sort of plan. Is the market growing, or… are you purposely targeting growing markets? Smart move on your part.

Here are a few examples of market indentification: Technology companies between 20 and 50 million dollars; owners and developers of outpatient surgery centers or US based international civil contractors.

2. Identify your position

In order to target and brand your resume you have to be clear on the type of position you are pursuing. Again, have you thought it through? Are their other emerging positions (e.g.: Chief Ethics Officer) or parallel positions that might offer more challenge, more security or more experience where you need it – that help to achieve your long term career goals? Its worth spending some time here, doing a bit of research and thinking this through.

3. Launching a campaign to penetrate your industry/position of choice

You can do this several ways including:

Hiring a firm to research contacts and companies that fit your career parameters.
Using a site like zoominfo.com to research your preferences yourself.
Hire a career coach (could also be called a career marketer or someone who provides career research) to analyze, make recommendations and gather the initial information for you.
Hire an administrative assistant on a project basis to take care of some of your more mundane job search tasks such as mail merging documents, sending out resumes etc… (you should make phone contacts yourself though).
Find (and follow up on) growth opportunities (companies moving/growing/expanding) through setting up a simple tracking system on Google news or through regular checking of business and trade journals.
Hire a company to conduct an elite direct mail program for you. Find executive recruiters through a high-end contact that can distribute your resume exclusively to retained search firms.
Obtain a list of VC firms or PE firms who specialize in your industry of choice.

These are just a few ways that go way beyond fee based, 6 figure job boards. These methods, once they are set up by you – are just as turnkey as responding to a job ad.

Bottom line, a combination of the right executive job search techniques can improve your results by 20%, 30% and even 40%.

Author: Mary Elizabeth Bradford

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15 Sure-fire Ways to a Successful Job Interview and the Top 10 Questions to Ask

Cecile Peterkin — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 09:54:01 +0000

Here are some tips for a job interview that will help you come out of the process on top. When you walk into a job interview, the product you are selling is YOU.

In order to successfully sell yourself, you must market your personal brand. That is, you must build a reputation that qualifies you, and only you, to successfully fulfill the job requirements. The job interview is your time to shine – your time to sell yourself and your abilities. In order to do that, you must have faith in your personal brand.

That’s what separates you from the rest of the candidates for your desired position. If you can do so successfully, you will be well on your way to landing the job of your dreams.

The successful job interview process begins when you accept the interview, and ends when the employer decides to hire you. The more you are able to communicate professionalism with personality, distinction and skill, the better your chance of getting the job.

15 Sure-fire Ways to a Successful Job Interview:

Before the interview:

Use the 3 P’s – Plan, Prepare, and Practice.

1. Prepare for the interview; research the company and prepare questions based on your research.

2. Do mock interviews in order to prepare for all questions, especially uncomfortable ones.

3. Dress professionally even if the company dress code is business casual.

4. Arrive early! (12 – 15 minutes before the interview)

At the interview:

5. Give your interviewer a firm handshake. A powerful handshake and a genuine smile will get you off to a good start.

6. Beware of your Body Language; sit erect, stand and walk with confidence, lean forward toward the interviewer.

7. Build rapport – use powerful, effective communication techniques. Take charge of the encounter without being overbearing.

8. Be a good listener. Answer only what’s asked, in a brief but effective manner.

9. Show enthusiasm and sincere interest. Don’t act desperate.

10. Take notes. You may need to refer to them later in the interview.

11. Communicate your skills, qualifications, credentials and the benefits you offer.

12. Demonstrate your accomplishments; how you improve sales, reduce cost, improve productivity, solve organizational problems. In short, demonstrate why you’re good for the organization’s bottom line.

13. Make eye contact. It demonstrates confidence, trust, and power.

14. If you want the position, ask for it – directly.

After the interview:

15. Send a follow-up thank you letter. The letter should state what interests you about the position, why you are suitable for the job, and your appreciation for the interviewer’s time.

The Top 10 Interview Questions

According to a recent survey by ResumeDoctor.com, the following are the 10 most frequently asked questions in interviews:

1. Describe your ideal job/boss

2. Why are you looking for a job? or Why are you leaving your current position?

3. What unique experiences or qualifications separate you from other candidates?

4. Tell me about yourself.

5. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

6. Describe a time when you were faced with a challenging situation and how you handled it. It’s almost guaranteed that you will be asked this question.

7. What are your short-term/long-term goals?

8. What are some of your strengths in dealing with people?

9. What are your salary requirements?

10. Why are you interested in this position? Our company?

Author: Cecile Peterkin

Keeping Your Job Search Confidential

Tony Jacowski — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 09:51:42 +0000

Keeping your job search highly confidential is very important. Finding a better opportunity, while still in your current job is the best way to ensure financial stability.

You should avoid leaking your job search plans to your new employer, at least until you plan to leave. Doing this is not easy, but you can manage it if you follow some simple tips.

Online Stealth

Online job search sites have made job searching very easy and highly confidential. You can send hundreds of resumes at the click of a button. But while clicking, be aware; don’t end up sending your resume to your own boss. Poorly managed Internet job searches can have severe repercussions to your current job, so you need to be extra cautious while conducting one.

o Before posting your resume, find out about the Internet job search service that your current company’s human resource department uses – or you may find your resume on your boss’s desk.

o Don’t provide too much information on the net about your current job. If a job site demands more information, then there is a good chance that they may leak this information to other job sites without your permission.

Obscure and Discreet

Your resume can get you busted, so don’t include your business contact number or other business information on your resume. You should always list your home address with your residential number as well as your personal cell number. Create a separate email account for your job search and be cautious while responding to suspicious job requirements.

Never use company property like the office computer or printer to conduct your job search. It may be convenient, but it is risky and dangerous as some companies scrutinize employee computer usage – so use your personal home computer or visit an Internet café.

“Dress to succeed”, but you should always be tactful. Don’t suddenly wear a suit and come to the office – carry a change of clothing in a bag or cover it up with a jacket. Avoid interview calls during office hours. Schedule your interviews before or after hours or take a personal break.

Be Diplomatic

Avoid disclosing your job search details to your co-workers or office friends. Otherwise, you can be sure that your boss will find out from someone. Always inform your family, as they can help you in case of emergency, and can cover up for you. By disclosing the details to your family, you can be sure that they won’t spill the beans to your colleagues.

Try Frankness

Interviewers and recruiters have been in the market for years and they know all about confidential job searches. So try telling them about your confidential job search and they will understand your situation. There is no need to feel guilty or shy on this subject.

If you are still employed, conducting a covert job search is very important. Follow the tips above and you will be able to leave your current job on your own terms.

Author: Tony Jacowski

How To Handle Rejection In Your Job Search

Mel Otero — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 10:07:12 +0000

Although you have a superb resume and the interview seemed perfect, you may not get the job. You will face rejection as part of the job search. There are two things to keep in mind when you are not offered the job. First, in the current economy there are more candidates than jobs. More than ever the job search requires more from the applicants.

Most likely you will send out a greater number of resumes than ever before, you will have fewer interviews than ever before, and you will face rejection frequently. This frustrating situation is the result of a weak economy and a shattered job market. Secondly, it is important to remember that this type of rejection really is not personal. You are riding the “rejection boat” in the company of many competent, experienced and talented applicants.

So, when rejection comes, and it will, what should you do? Be sure you do an attitude check and choose to handle this minor setback with a positive attitude. If you need an attitude adjustment, quickly work on it. Use this rejection as a learning tool. Honestly review your resume or have a trusted associate critique it for you. It is possible that it needs a few tweaks.

Mentally review the interview process. Were you on time and prepared for the interview? Was your appearance appropriate for the job? Were there any “oh no” moments in your mind during or after the interview? Maybe you could have provided better responses or asked better questions. It is not the end of the world. Use this experience to make the next interview stronger. Do some additional research and rehearsal for a more focused interview.

The question that haunts everyone after rejection is “but why?” It is possible that there was a candidate with more education, more experience and better qualifications. Or, maybe you were just spared a miserable work environment. We all want to believe that everyone likes us, but it is possible that there was a lack of chemistry during the interview. Would you really want to work for someone that had a negative attitude toward you? Can you imagine the communication problems that would result in the work place?

Although everyone would like the answer to ‘but why?’ accept the fact that you will probably never know the reason for the rejection. You need to move forward. View this as an opportunity to improve, grow and learn. You are in control and you have the option to stay positive. You can go forward stronger and better prepared. The perfect job is waiting for you and may be just an interview away!

Mel Otero, author, worked in management in the mortgage banking industry and title insurance industry for over 25 years. She has been mystery shopping part time for over five years. She has started web sites and written articles to provide information, resources and inspiration during this difficult economy. She loves to write, learn, and share information.

Author: Mel Otero

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Ditch the Job Search Websites and Try a Desktop Job Finder

Adnan Masood — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 10:21:44 +0000

If you are looking for a job, you are likely to do the daily rounds on all the best job search websites. This is a great approach, but are you wasting your time? Of course you aren’t because you need a job; therefore, you need to search. But, are you maximizing use of your time?

You might not be. After all, you are doing the same searches on different websites. Once again, this is an important task, but does it ever feel like it is a waste of your time? If so, you want to closely examine desktop applications that work as job finding tools; they are commonly referred to as job finders.

While you can keep doing your searching on all those career search websites, I encourage you to do a little bit of experimenting. Most desktop job finders have a free trial period. Give that free trial a try; ditch the job search websites. But wait! Why should you? What difference you will see?

Maximize the use of your time: If you didn’t already know, a job finder is a program that helps you find a job. They accomplish this goal by searching all the best job sites for you. Good job finders will search hundreds of career sites. Great finders will search thousands for you.

The neat thing is that these are the same career websites you are visiting and searching each day. The only difference is that you need to do just one search. Yes one search! There is no more having to visit ten or more sites a day just to keep performing the same search. One search will search hundreds or thousands of websites for you!

Get the same great features: Many people wonder if they lose anything important when making the switch to doing a traditional website search and searching with a job finder. Most often, you will not lose anything at all. See most of the features are the same. It is not uncommon for you to setup email alerts of new jobs; a desktop application will let you do this. It is not uncommon for you to gain access to advanced search features; a desktop application will give you that same access.

It is not uncommon for you to apply to jobs directly through the website; a job finder will let you do this too! In fact, you are likely to gain access to features not found on a traditional career search website, such as the ability to add customized notes to a job!

As you can see, there are a number of benefits to giving a desktop job finding program a try. So what are you waiting for? You are searching the same websites you have always been searching; you are just making better use of your time now when doing so.

Author: Adnan Masood

A Guide to Keeping Your Hopes Up During a Long Job Search

Heather Eagar — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:37:32 +0000

Searching for a job can be an extremely draining experience. At first, it seems simple to develop a cover letter and update your resume, but when a job search wears on, you can get pretty worn down. When a job search lasts for more than a month or two, this can become exceptionally true.

If you have been searching for a job for a while and are tired, feeling discouraged, and just want a break, it’s time to employ some rules that will help you to stop overextending yourself. Before engaging in a job search, it’s vital to take some time to develop good habits that will help you stay motivated and optimistic.

Remember that Job Seeking is Job Within Itself

Many people take for granted the amount of energy required to conduct a job search. Neither your mind nor your body are prepared for the activity. In order to become skilled at job searching, you’ve got to put yourself out there every single day, and get used to the idea of searching for a job as its own occupation. Like any other daily job, you may eventually get tired and bored with job searching. So give yourself breaks in between, and even give yourself room to adapt to your “learning curve.”

Take Care of Your Entire Self

You may be used to thinking of yourself as a “worker” and now that you’re out of work and searching for employment, you’re struggling to regroup. A job search can be a great time to get on-the-ball physically and mentally.

For instance, you might have been accustomed to physical activities before you started your last job, but let those die down as you traded them for hard days at work. Whether you’re into running, basketball, or something else, you now have the time to get back into your physical activity and improve your body. It’s also important to watch what you’re eating. As the old saying goes, you are what you eat, so develop a diet that will keep you lean and energetic, focusing on greens, fruits, and other high health menu items. Working out and eating right will revitalize every aspect of you, and you’ll feel much better.

On the emotional side of things, it’s good to pay attention to how you’re feeling during your job search. For emotional drain, which can be pretty taxing, keep a journal to help you stay focused and encouraged. To keep your mind calm during a stressful job search, try meditation, prayer, or even yoga.

Conducting a job search for a long period of time is definitely a tall order. It’s something you don’t want to take for granted because the wear and tear can drain you before you know it. This makes it important to watch all aspects of your health, so take occasional stock of how you’re doing physically, emotionally, and mentally. This will help to prepare you for not just the job search, but also interviews, and essentially your first day on your new job.

Author: Heather Eagar

Why is LinkedIn Important When I Already Have a Resume?

Peggy McKee — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:00:40 +0000

There are plenty of people who think that a LinkedIn account replaces traditional methods of job-hunting. While this might work for a few, this is not really the concept that propels the existence of this professional networking site.

The purpose of LinkedIn is to provide a means of connecting with other people in the context of career opportunities…that’s why there are groups to join, Q&A sections, testimonials, and more.

LinkedIn can be a valuable tool even when a resume is already in place. In fact, these two concepts should be used in conjunction with each other to produce the best results. It is a misconception to think that they are mutually exclusive. One of the ways to view this is to consider the differences and purposes of LinkedIn and resumes.

First, LinkedIn provides a way to establish connections. Your LinkedIn profile is not expected to contain all your work responsibilities and past employment experience. In fact, the best profiles are the ones that contain only the highlights. Just like with other things over the internet, people tend to scan over profiles instead of examining them carefully. Your goal should be to make it easy for them to skim and still catch your best or most unique qualities.

It’s a general outline. On the other hand, a resume is more comprehensive and includes references that can be of interest to the company. Although resumes should be no longer than two pages, there is enough space to provide more than just a snapshot.

Also, LinkedIn is important even when there is an existing resume because they are useful in different environments. LinkedIn allows you an additional venue (the internet) in which you can showcase your career accomplishments. Access to it is greater compared to resumes, which should only be sent to a specific set of people-a targeted audience for specific circumstances, like a job opening. In essence, LinkedIn can appear to a larger audience compared to a resume, which should be customized to fit a specific company or position.

Your LinkedIn profile has it’s own purpose, just like your resume, your 30/60/90-day plans, or your brag book. Each document tells different parts of your story in a unique way, and each have an intended use they are best fit for.

When they are all honed and polished to a shine, they will combine to give you the best possible results as a candidate, and in your career.

Author: Peggy McKee

Top 7 Resume Mistakes to Avoid For College Graduates

Marilyn Vojta — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 10:29:30 +0000

With today’s tight job market and positions for college graduates the lowest in 20 years, differentiating you from others applying for the same position will be critical. Writing an exceptional resume will differentiate you from others.

Your resume is the greatest major asset in your career management inventory and job search. Its job is to provide the evidence that you are a candidate that should be seen.

There is no one right way to write a resume. The important point is to keep it relevant and interesting and avoid key pitfalls.

1. Not including an Objective. Although it may narrow your options, an Objective gives the reader an idea of what you want to do. When responding to an employment opportunity, you may mention it in your cover letter or email, but often employers won’t save this correspondence, so it is valuable to include it on your resume.

2. Not having any “real work” experience. Summers in the sun may have been nice, but employers want to see what you can do in a work environment. Whether an internship or volunteer experience, it helps employers see your ability to function in the professional world. Sometimes being creative in your descriptions can be helpful, for example, waitresses need to have exceptional customer service and people management skills, so include those words on your resume.

3. Listing a phone number you rarely answer. If you are never home, don’t give a home phone number. Rarely will employers or recruiters leave a message, unless your name is on the message tape. If you are a cell phone addict, use only that number and remember to answer it professionally. And speaking of the message, record one that includes your name and “please leave a message.” The old “Hey man you know what to do after the beep” isn’t appropriate now.

4. Not having a professional email address. It might have been fun to have the email address of “beerdrinker@yahoo.com” or “balletgirl@hotmail.com” in your younger years, but now it is time to find an email address that is more business appropriate. The best email address is to use your own name in some format of first name or initial and last name.

5. Not including school internships, etc. Long-term academic projects can be valuable experiences to include on your resume. For example, doing a month long research project during your schools “I-Term”. Assisting a professor with data analysis for his research project or being part of your university’s yearly fund raising endeavors are significant events to include on your resume.

6. Using fancy fonts and formatting. Your resume should be easy to read and follow for anyone. Script or fancy fonts don’t give a professional look. Too much formatting (italics, bold, caps, mixing fonts) will only distract (not add) to the ability to easily read your resume. Pick a universal font like Times New Roman, Times, or Palatino.

7. Not filling the entire page. Resumes should fill an entire page. A half-page resume doesn’t say much about you. Start planning your work experience early in college so you have something to write about. If your work experience is lean, make your margins bigger and font a little larger, but never larger than 12 point.

Author: Marilyn Vojta