CLICK HERE:
My Next Move. National Center for O*NET Development, n.d. Web. 3 Sep. 2014.
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
My Next Move
Here is a great site for career exploration:
CLICK HERE:
My Next Move. National Center for O*NET Development, n.d. Web. 3 Sep. 2014.
CLICK HERE:
My Next Move. National Center for O*NET Development, n.d. Web. 3 Sep. 2014.
Friday, August 22, 2014
3 Signs it's Time to Look for Another Job
The main reason why you seek employment is to get paid, to be able to pay your bills, and meet other basic needs. Moreover, you deserve to be rewarded for the work you do. If you’re underpaid, it will be hard for you to put extra effort to really excel.
This is because, to most people, pay is the best motivator. If you’re not motivated, you may fail to perform as required and you may end up being fired. Therefore, if you’re not being paid or you’re paid significantly less than you deserve, this can be a good reason for you to look for a better job that meets your needs. You can talk to your boss about a raise first, but if he or she doesn’t recognize the value of your skills, then it’s about time you look for a new job.
2. You’re Undervalued
When you do spectacular work on a given project, but if no one appreciates or recognizes your effort, it’s terribly discouraging. A good company should give you a pat on the back for a job well done. Recognition is a very effective non-monetary motivator, but if no one recognizes your efforts, it’s like being in a relationship that has no affection.
If your boss refuses to acknowledge or commend your accomplishments, you’re less likely to be promoted or given any opportunity to advance on your career. There are no signs for future growth, more reasons for you to look for employment elsewhere. There are companies out there that can value your contribution. Don’t close your eyes and continue working for such organization. Start looking for a new job.
3. Your Company Has Financial Challenges
If your company is losing money, its future (and yours) looks grim. It would probably be wise for you to open your eyes wider for new job opportunities. It doesn’t matter how important or fulfilling your job is because the company may not be able to keep you in that position. You may find yourself jobless whether you like it or not.
In such a situation, the future is not guaranteed and you should play it safe. It’s better for you to be proactive and start looking for a new job at the first sign of trouble in your beloved company.
Read more at http://www.careerealism.com/look-new-job-signs/#igBZyfPImkTzZ7mg.99
Friday, August 15, 2014
Monday, August 4, 2014
Manage Your Social Media and Boost Your Career
Thursday, July 31, 2014
10 Tips for the Perfect Phone Interview
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
3 Tips to Make Your Resume a "Quick Read"
Even your section headings should be aligned to the left. This improves readability because the eye naturally returns to the left margin once it's ready to move on to the next line of text.
2. Align your dates and locations to the right
You can only fit so much different information (company name, job title, location, dates of employment) on one line of text before it gets unwieldy. To help separate out your information, make a separate column for dates and locations that is right adjusted. On most word processors, you should be able to just create a right-tab.
3. Don't justify your resume
Overall, using a justified setting for your bullets may make your resume look tidier, but it does nothing for readability. This setting leaves uneven gaps between words that ultimately make text harder to read, so for your bullets and resume overall, stick with regular ol’ left alignment.
Read more tips at: http://mashable.com/2014/07/29/resume-changes-skimming/
Thursday, July 24, 2014
6 Tips to Help You with Your Talent
1. Understand talent 
When we think of talent, we often think of famous actors or sports stars. But for most of us, talent is less obvious. In addition to the knowledge and qualifications gained at college, we also have skills, interests and values. So when it comes to achieving your goals, it’s worth remembering that talent isn’t about being the best in the world at something. Instead, it is that personal combination of strengths, weaknesses, and potential. People with successful and happy careers usually work in organizations that accommodate, nurture, and value those talents.
2. Recognize yourself
Talent is not just what you are good at, it’s also where you will likely thrive. For some people it is clear-cut. For others, it takes a little more work. Self-assessment and honesty are essential. No two people are the same and what suits someone else isn’t necessarily right for you. For example, are you energized by others, or do you need quiet space to do your best work? Do you prefer the fluid exchange of creative ideas, or a more structured work environment? Or maybe actually find it stimulating to work with creative types, but need more a more process-driven role in which to do your best work? The more you understand, the greater your chances of finding a role where you can develop.
3. Hunt for clues
There are no real short-cuts to finding out what your talents are, but there is plenty of evidence. What motivated and stimulated you most during your study program? If you preferred exams to project work, what does that tell you? Look to your personal life. Do you prefer team sports or solo endeavors? Do you want to win, or is taking part more important? Ask honest friends, relatives, or colleagues. They may point out characteristics you take for granted. Your college may also have career-testing programs available that assess your natural talents. All of these clues tell you something about who you are, what you need from work, and what you can offer.
4. Match your values
When you have an idea of what motivates you, find out what motivates a potential employer. Do your values really match up? Look beyond the company Web site and corporate Twitter account. If you can, talk to people who work there. Use your existing professional networks – you may be surprised about the extent of your connections. Do your professors have industry connections or alumni you could talk to? If you can, go the extra mile and speak with customers and partners to get a more accurate picture of the company ethos. If you can find an organization that offers a work environment and corporate culture you personally find productive, you are more likely to succeed.
5. Observe and question
Remember, an interview should be a two-way process you can use to get more information about an organization. Are people welcoming and considerate to you? Are they professional with colleagues? What do the dress code, office layout or even noise levels tell you? In the interview itself, find out how you would contribute to the mission and vision of the organization. What exactly would you be expected to do every day? Does it match the job description, and is it what you want to do? Ask for examples of how values are put into daily practice. If possible, ask to meet the last hire before you. This kind of information will help you position yourself for success and start progressing towards you goals from your first day on the job.
6. Be realistic
No job is perfect, and no job will give you everything you want. Education opens doors and gives you more choices than before. But there will be compromises, too. If your dream is to be a TV anchor, you should still be prepared to do your time as a studio runner, for example. Accept that there will be sacrifices to be made, but keep your personal big picture in mind so those sacrifices don’t ultimately destroy your sense of satisfaction. Above all, remember that achieving your goals is a journey and that education is just the start. Going back to college was the first step to greater career satisfaction. Finding a home for your talent is the next
Read more at http://www.careerealism.com/talent-finding-home-career-satisfaction/#1luaybsFp8eXIw4S.99
When we think of talent, we often think of famous actors or sports stars. But for most of us, talent is less obvious. In addition to the knowledge and qualifications gained at college, we also have skills, interests and values. So when it comes to achieving your goals, it’s worth remembering that talent isn’t about being the best in the world at something. Instead, it is that personal combination of strengths, weaknesses, and potential. People with successful and happy careers usually work in organizations that accommodate, nurture, and value those talents.
2. Recognize yourself
Talent is not just what you are good at, it’s also where you will likely thrive. For some people it is clear-cut. For others, it takes a little more work. Self-assessment and honesty are essential. No two people are the same and what suits someone else isn’t necessarily right for you. For example, are you energized by others, or do you need quiet space to do your best work? Do you prefer the fluid exchange of creative ideas, or a more structured work environment? Or maybe actually find it stimulating to work with creative types, but need more a more process-driven role in which to do your best work? The more you understand, the greater your chances of finding a role where you can develop.
3. Hunt for clues
There are no real short-cuts to finding out what your talents are, but there is plenty of evidence. What motivated and stimulated you most during your study program? If you preferred exams to project work, what does that tell you? Look to your personal life. Do you prefer team sports or solo endeavors? Do you want to win, or is taking part more important? Ask honest friends, relatives, or colleagues. They may point out characteristics you take for granted. Your college may also have career-testing programs available that assess your natural talents. All of these clues tell you something about who you are, what you need from work, and what you can offer.
4. Match your values
When you have an idea of what motivates you, find out what motivates a potential employer. Do your values really match up? Look beyond the company Web site and corporate Twitter account. If you can, talk to people who work there. Use your existing professional networks – you may be surprised about the extent of your connections. Do your professors have industry connections or alumni you could talk to? If you can, go the extra mile and speak with customers and partners to get a more accurate picture of the company ethos. If you can find an organization that offers a work environment and corporate culture you personally find productive, you are more likely to succeed.
5. Observe and question
Remember, an interview should be a two-way process you can use to get more information about an organization. Are people welcoming and considerate to you? Are they professional with colleagues? What do the dress code, office layout or even noise levels tell you? In the interview itself, find out how you would contribute to the mission and vision of the organization. What exactly would you be expected to do every day? Does it match the job description, and is it what you want to do? Ask for examples of how values are put into daily practice. If possible, ask to meet the last hire before you. This kind of information will help you position yourself for success and start progressing towards you goals from your first day on the job.
6. Be realistic
No job is perfect, and no job will give you everything you want. Education opens doors and gives you more choices than before. But there will be compromises, too. If your dream is to be a TV anchor, you should still be prepared to do your time as a studio runner, for example. Accept that there will be sacrifices to be made, but keep your personal big picture in mind so those sacrifices don’t ultimately destroy your sense of satisfaction. Above all, remember that achieving your goals is a journey and that education is just the start. Going back to college was the first step to greater career satisfaction. Finding a home for your talent is the next
Read more at http://www.careerealism.com/talent-finding-home-career-satisfaction/#1luaybsFp8eXIw4S.99
Monday, July 21, 2014
5 Factors to Consider re: a Job Offer
• Compensation: Will you be fairly compensated based on your job responsibilities and description in the new role? If you are in the same line of work, is it comparable to what you currently make? Will staying in your current role eventually lead to an increase in your compensation? Money isn't everything, but it's certainly an important factor to consider.
• Contribution to the company: Do you feel like you contribute to your current company's bottom line? Does your work make a difference? If you feel as though it doesn't, do you think switching to a new job will change this? Everyone wants to feel as though his or her work is valued and appreciated, and that it contributes to a larger cause or movement. Demonstrating this, the top two ways companies can increase worker engagement are by making workers feel more valued and by offering more opportunities to contribute beyond current responsibilities.
• Your current/future colleagues: Are you getting along with your current co-workers and teams? When interviewing with the new company, did you get a good vibe from your future co-workers and how they would treat you at work? Since you spend more time with your colleagues than you do with your family, you want to make sure you like and respect the people at your job.
• Company culture: Does your current company's culture match your personality, work style, values and morals? If it doesn't, will the future job be a better fit? You spend most of your waking hours at work, so it's important to know if the future company's culture will mesh well with your beliefs.
• Growth opportunities: Do you have training or continuing education opportunities outside of work that can help you advance in your career or learn new skills? Will this continue if you move to another job? If you wanted to switch roles in the future, whether it's at your current or future company, do you think your boss could facilitate that move? Assess what growth opportunities you have to facilitate your career and if changing jobs will open new doors for you.
Excerpted from: http://mashable.com/2014/07/12/job-offer-consider-factors/
Thursday, July 17, 2014
3 Things Job Seekers Do that Recruiters/Hiring Managers LOVE
1. Following the instructions
It is refreshing when a candidate does exactly what we ask when applying for a position. At my company, we require you to join our database. We only use our own tool to identify talent for our open positions. We don’t take resumes. We don’t believe them. But, that’s our requirement. So, when people do what we’ve asked, we are happy. We look at their work samples and try to find the best hire based on what they’ve done.
On the flip side, when people send me a resume… I get really frustrated. It makes me unhappy. I feel it ignores what we are trying to do and that makes me feel like the candidate doesn’t respect what we are trying to do. So, the candidate that simply follows the directions is one that brings me delight.
2. Having focused communications
When a candidate tells me exactly what they are going to bring to the table to solve my business challenges, I pick up the phone and call them. And who doesn’t love it when the hiring manager calls them directly to talk about their experience. When you are writing to a hiring manager, try to keep the following in mind, “What’s in it for the hiring manager?”
When you focus your communication on solving the business problems, I love you for it. I can imagine you doing the job right away, because you get it. And if this makes you wonder, what’s in it for you, the candidate. Well, when we get to the interview, it is up to me to convince you “what’s in it for you.” So, keep your communications focused on how your skills will solve our problems.
3. Being on brand with the company
Our company has a sense of humor. We like funny. So, I love it when people send me contact requests or inquiries that sound like someone here wrote it. This tells me three things: First, you took the time to read our site and understand our personality. Second, you understand our brand enough that the learning curve when you start isn’t steep. See, I can already see you working here when you write in our voice. And finally, it tells me that you also see alignment.
Read more at http://www.careerealism.com/things-hiring-managers-love/#ijALj279SpCSPMPQ.99
It is refreshing when a candidate does exactly what we ask when applying for a position. At my company, we require you to join our database. We only use our own tool to identify talent for our open positions. We don’t take resumes. We don’t believe them. But, that’s our requirement. So, when people do what we’ve asked, we are happy. We look at their work samples and try to find the best hire based on what they’ve done.
On the flip side, when people send me a resume… I get really frustrated. It makes me unhappy. I feel it ignores what we are trying to do and that makes me feel like the candidate doesn’t respect what we are trying to do. So, the candidate that simply follows the directions is one that brings me delight.
2. Having focused communications
When a candidate tells me exactly what they are going to bring to the table to solve my business challenges, I pick up the phone and call them. And who doesn’t love it when the hiring manager calls them directly to talk about their experience. When you are writing to a hiring manager, try to keep the following in mind, “What’s in it for the hiring manager?”
When you focus your communication on solving the business problems, I love you for it. I can imagine you doing the job right away, because you get it. And if this makes you wonder, what’s in it for you, the candidate. Well, when we get to the interview, it is up to me to convince you “what’s in it for you.” So, keep your communications focused on how your skills will solve our problems.
3. Being on brand with the company
Our company has a sense of humor. We like funny. So, I love it when people send me contact requests or inquiries that sound like someone here wrote it. This tells me three things: First, you took the time to read our site and understand our personality. Second, you understand our brand enough that the learning curve when you start isn’t steep. See, I can already see you working here when you write in our voice. And finally, it tells me that you also see alignment.
Read more at http://www.careerealism.com/things-hiring-managers-love/#ijALj279SpCSPMPQ.99
Monday, July 14, 2014
Tips for Setting Up Your Home Office
Headset. I really like wired headsets in particular because they don’t run out of battery at critical times. You’ll be wearing it a lot, so make sure you get something comfortable. I have two iMicro headsets: one for my desk and one that I pack in my laptop bag. As a laptop bag headset, it has two great qualities: because it’s USB powered, I don’t have to worry about keeping the batteries charged, and it’s very cheap to replace if it gets broken in my bag. Actually, I find this particular headset a little uncomfortable for long conference calls; if you’re doing a lot of those, then I recommend the Corsair Vengeance 2000: a comfortable, wireless headset with battery capability, allowing you to work all day. (By the way: none of these are referral links.)
Quiet place to think, with a door that shuts–especially if you live with other people, and especially if you have a family.
Stable Internet connection, or good backup connection. For example, I have DSL and have setup tethering on my phone if the DSL goes out. If you’re constantly having Skype issues or dropping calls, you’re becoming both less reliable and less professional in the eyes of others.
Skype. This is good for adhoc conference calls, instant messaging with clients, or even creating low ceremony chat rooms.
SkypeOut, which lets you take and make calls from your phone to Skype contacts. This is awesome, especially for times when you’re away from your computer and (you’ve miscalculated a time, client has an emergency, etc.).
Electric kettle. Sometimes I want hot coffee but, don’t want to disturb my flow to get some.
Gallon jug of water. For the kettle, or for drinking. For long coding sessions, or long conference calls.
Excerpted from: http://www.toptal.com/freelance/how-to-work-remotely-and-still-be-the-best
Thursday, July 10, 2014
Tips to Edit an "Overqualified" Resume
Subtract “Too-Impressive” Job History And Education
Believe it or not, it’s perfectly acceptable to leave information off of your resume that might be considered too impressive. For instance, if you have worked as a marketing executive but now want to apply for a job as a human resources manager, you can leave the executive information off, especially since the new and old positions aren’t in the same field.
Same goes for education. If you have a doctorate, you don’t have to add it to your resume. You can postpone any discussion about this qualification for your interview where you can take the time to explain why you’re looking for a job that doesn’t require as much of a challenge.
Add Extra Details About History That Help You Qualify
On the other hand, it’s a great idea to elaborate on various aspects of your career that can help you better qualify for a position. Take time to think about what made you a great manager at a previous point in your career. What caused you to excel and advance to the level you reached prior to leaving your last job?
As a manager, you’re sure to have had great accomplishments to list on your resume. Be sure to go into detail about what made you great then—and what will make you exceptional in the position you’re applying for now.
The goal of writing your resume is to make sure you get called for an interview. Unfortunately, this can be difficult to do if you get tossed into the denial pile because an employer is worried you’ll become bored with your job and flee as soon as you can. By adjusting your resume accordingly to get the interview, you have given yourself the opportunity to sort out the remaining details face-to-face.
Read more at http://www.careerealism.com/overqualified-resume/#F6HED7gfj1zLYQ4x.99
Monday, July 7, 2014
No Self Sabotage...Avoid These During the Hiring Process
5 Things To Avoid During The Hiring Process
Here are five things to avoid sabotaging your chances of landing that dream job:
Excessive Follow-Up/Reaching Out
There’s nothing wrong with following up with a recruiter once you’ve either had an exploratory conversation or an interview. However, if the recruiter has stated a specific time frame as to when he/she will be reaching back out with next steps, be sure to at least allow that time period to end before following up. There are a variety of steps within the recruitment life cycle and you never know what client calls the recruiter has to complete, prior to being able to provide you with clarification on whether or not your candidacy will be taken further.
Reaching Out To A Client Directly
In some cases during the hiring process, you may be interacting mostly with a recruiter, as opposed to dealing directly with the hiring manager of a particular company. Occasionally, potential candidates will overstep the recruiter and attempt to contact the hiring manager directly. This tactic rarely bodes well for the candidate or the client.
Clients contract or retain recruiters and search firms not only to locate top talent, but also to serve as an intermediary between themselves and potential candidates. Many companies enjoy a sense of anonymity during the initial phase of the recruitment process, due to various reasons including previously established business relationships, the sensitivity of open positions, and the lack of time and resources to execute the search internally.
This is especially the case if the need for someone to play “bad cop” arises, as that responsibility typically falls on the recruiter to provide feedback from the client or merely inform the candidate of the requirements that he/she does not currently meet in order to be considered for the role.
It is imperative to follow the formal recruitment process set forth by the recruiter, regardless of a personal relationship one may have with a client.
Tip: If you know someone personally, either at the company or on the hiring team for an opportunity you’re exploring, simply mention that to the recruiter and ask if he/she can reach out to that person on your behalf.
Lack Of Honesty And Open Communication
Throughout the recruitment process, there will be a verification of information including education, current employment, and reference checks. If you are currently unemployed, be upfront with the recruiter and say so in the initial conversation. Also, be sure to update your resume and any online career profile you may have, so there is no confusion.
When a Recruiter inquires as to whether or not you have a degree (because it’s unclear on your resume), be honest! We all know the result of how a “mishap” in unclear education information turned out for ex Yahoo! CEO Scott Thompson. While most companies tend to have a penchant towards those who at least hold an undergraduate degree, there are times where clients prefer more hands-on industry experience.
Delayed Response Time And Lack Of Commitment To The Process
Recruiters will typically keep you abreast of when they will be discussing your background with the client, so be sure to communicate any upcoming travel plans to your recruiter, ensuring that he/she is aware of when you might be more difficult to reach. This is also important, as you may be requested to complete additional documents or assessments which are time sensitive.
It is never in your favor to leave your recruiter without an explanation for why he/she can’t reach you or why you haven’t returned your completed documents. The client will always want to know what the delay is (instead of assuming you’re no longer interested), so make sure your recruiter can truly be an advocate for you at all times.
Pleading A Case For “Must Have” Requirements Clearly Not Met
If you absolutely do not meet a minimum/non-negotiable requirement, it’s always best to be up front with the recruiter. There’s nothing wrong with providing a brief overview of how you believe additional experience you have might serve as an asset. However, one of the worst things a potential candidate can do while on the phone or in an interview with a recruiter or hiring manager is spend time providing an irrelevant, verbose answer to a question about a specific qualification the candidate does not possess. This will only prove to the recruiter that you’re either not listening or you don’t fully comprehend the necessary requirements to be successful in the role.
Read more at http://www.careerealism.com/hiring-process-avoid/#HjJpLeSkOMXBDb0i.99
Here are five things to avoid sabotaging your chances of landing that dream job:
Excessive Follow-Up/Reaching Out
There’s nothing wrong with following up with a recruiter once you’ve either had an exploratory conversation or an interview. However, if the recruiter has stated a specific time frame as to when he/she will be reaching back out with next steps, be sure to at least allow that time period to end before following up. There are a variety of steps within the recruitment life cycle and you never know what client calls the recruiter has to complete, prior to being able to provide you with clarification on whether or not your candidacy will be taken further.
Reaching Out To A Client Directly
In some cases during the hiring process, you may be interacting mostly with a recruiter, as opposed to dealing directly with the hiring manager of a particular company. Occasionally, potential candidates will overstep the recruiter and attempt to contact the hiring manager directly. This tactic rarely bodes well for the candidate or the client.
Clients contract or retain recruiters and search firms not only to locate top talent, but also to serve as an intermediary between themselves and potential candidates. Many companies enjoy a sense of anonymity during the initial phase of the recruitment process, due to various reasons including previously established business relationships, the sensitivity of open positions, and the lack of time and resources to execute the search internally.
This is especially the case if the need for someone to play “bad cop” arises, as that responsibility typically falls on the recruiter to provide feedback from the client or merely inform the candidate of the requirements that he/she does not currently meet in order to be considered for the role.
It is imperative to follow the formal recruitment process set forth by the recruiter, regardless of a personal relationship one may have with a client.
Tip: If you know someone personally, either at the company or on the hiring team for an opportunity you’re exploring, simply mention that to the recruiter and ask if he/she can reach out to that person on your behalf.
Lack Of Honesty And Open Communication
Throughout the recruitment process, there will be a verification of information including education, current employment, and reference checks. If you are currently unemployed, be upfront with the recruiter and say so in the initial conversation. Also, be sure to update your resume and any online career profile you may have, so there is no confusion.
When a Recruiter inquires as to whether or not you have a degree (because it’s unclear on your resume), be honest! We all know the result of how a “mishap” in unclear education information turned out for ex Yahoo! CEO Scott Thompson. While most companies tend to have a penchant towards those who at least hold an undergraduate degree, there are times where clients prefer more hands-on industry experience.
Delayed Response Time And Lack Of Commitment To The Process
Recruiters will typically keep you abreast of when they will be discussing your background with the client, so be sure to communicate any upcoming travel plans to your recruiter, ensuring that he/she is aware of when you might be more difficult to reach. This is also important, as you may be requested to complete additional documents or assessments which are time sensitive.
It is never in your favor to leave your recruiter without an explanation for why he/she can’t reach you or why you haven’t returned your completed documents. The client will always want to know what the delay is (instead of assuming you’re no longer interested), so make sure your recruiter can truly be an advocate for you at all times.
Pleading A Case For “Must Have” Requirements Clearly Not Met
If you absolutely do not meet a minimum/non-negotiable requirement, it’s always best to be up front with the recruiter. There’s nothing wrong with providing a brief overview of how you believe additional experience you have might serve as an asset. However, one of the worst things a potential candidate can do while on the phone or in an interview with a recruiter or hiring manager is spend time providing an irrelevant, verbose answer to a question about a specific qualification the candidate does not possess. This will only prove to the recruiter that you’re either not listening or you don’t fully comprehend the necessary requirements to be successful in the role.
Read more at http://www.careerealism.com/hiring-process-avoid/#HjJpLeSkOMXBDb0i.99
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
Tips For De-Stressing Your Job Search
1. Take Stock In What You Have
When did our personal worth become indicative upon a j-o-b? No doubt, the loss of income will force us to make some difficult decisions, but never will our income, possessions, or number of/type of credit cards we hold even come close to representing our self-worth.
My husband reminded me yesterday of what beautiful grandsons we have; and no matter the kind of day I’m having, or the day they’ve had, we grace each other with smiles, hugs, and kisses.
They don’t care about the job I have (or that I even have one); they don’t care about the fanciness of clothes I wear; they don’t care about successes and failures I’ve had in my professional life. They care about my well-being, my happiness, and about the fullness of my “you’re loved” Grammy meter.
It’s too dang easy to lose sight of what really does matter, sadly concerning ourselves more about what’s secondary, maybe even irrelevant (i.e. Why didn’t I get a response to my resume; why didn’t I get that call from the recruiter like he promised; and, why am I not getting interviews). You can stress about the “whys,” but at the end of the day, they are meaningless.
2. Embrace That You’re A Pea In A Pod
So many around you are facing the same job search challenges, and although it might feel like you’re alone, maybe on your own deserted island, you are not alone.
I bet you have plenty to offer others who are unemployed – even if it’s just an open ear. What’s the best way for us to de-stress and shift focus from our own problems? Helping others always works for me.
Where Can You Find A “Pea” Buddy? How About…
Online forums
Local job clubs
Business groups
Networking events
“Let’s conquer this together.” (Unknown)
3. Get Out Every Day
Visit your local library, and yes, the local unemployment office. Being unemployed doesn’t mean you need to be in seclusion, facing the uphill battle all on your own.
Don’t overlook transition assistant programs for those who’ve left the military, the resources provided from local employment centers, and the benefits that result from just talking with people.
Here’s another “insider tip” that few use:Visit your Chambers of Commerce. You’d be amazed how wonderful the people are who man these offices… and wow, what a terrific resource they can be. These people are so helpful, and I guarantee you won’t leave your Chamber’s office unsatisfied.
For example, they can provide details on upcoming business networking events (great for meeting professionals in your area), provide you with a membership directory (packed full of local companies, addresses, and sometimes, contact names), and on occasion can provide job leads.
Need Additional Ideas For Getting Out Every Day?
Meet your significant other for lunch; brainstorm on job search strategies and ideas worth pursuing. In fact, ask for more than just advice…ask for hands-on help. An extra pair of eyes and hands can go a long way.
Go yard sale-ing – crazy! I know. It’s fun though… and fun is a great de-stresser. Ah, but mention you’re searching for a job as you casually peruse each sale’s offerings. You’ll be amazed how many job leads you’ll uncover using this unorthodox method.
Join area business groups that have “power lunch sessions” – many of the ABWA groups have daily power lunch meetings for professionals wanting that daily “kick in the pants” of motivation.
4. Grab A Drink And Curl Up With A Good Book
Never overlook the calming effect of just sitting still and taking time for yourself. If you feel guilty stepping away from your job search, opt for a self-help book to brush up your time management skills, or whatever skill you wish to improve upon, or go with something like the following:
What Color is Your Parachute written by Richard Nelson Bolles (Great read!)
Who Moved My Cheese written by Spencer Johnson (Funny stuff!)
Read more at http://www.careerealism.com/4-de-stressing-tips-for-your-job-search/#XulPSOVD2HxzmhI3.99
When did our personal worth become indicative upon a j-o-b? No doubt, the loss of income will force us to make some difficult decisions, but never will our income, possessions, or number of/type of credit cards we hold even come close to representing our self-worth.
My husband reminded me yesterday of what beautiful grandsons we have; and no matter the kind of day I’m having, or the day they’ve had, we grace each other with smiles, hugs, and kisses.
They don’t care about the job I have (or that I even have one); they don’t care about the fanciness of clothes I wear; they don’t care about successes and failures I’ve had in my professional life. They care about my well-being, my happiness, and about the fullness of my “you’re loved” Grammy meter.
It’s too dang easy to lose sight of what really does matter, sadly concerning ourselves more about what’s secondary, maybe even irrelevant (i.e. Why didn’t I get a response to my resume; why didn’t I get that call from the recruiter like he promised; and, why am I not getting interviews). You can stress about the “whys,” but at the end of the day, they are meaningless.
2. Embrace That You’re A Pea In A Pod
So many around you are facing the same job search challenges, and although it might feel like you’re alone, maybe on your own deserted island, you are not alone.
I bet you have plenty to offer others who are unemployed – even if it’s just an open ear. What’s the best way for us to de-stress and shift focus from our own problems? Helping others always works for me.
Where Can You Find A “Pea” Buddy? How About…
Online forums
Local job clubs
Business groups
Networking events
“Let’s conquer this together.” (Unknown)
3. Get Out Every Day
Visit your local library, and yes, the local unemployment office. Being unemployed doesn’t mean you need to be in seclusion, facing the uphill battle all on your own.
Don’t overlook transition assistant programs for those who’ve left the military, the resources provided from local employment centers, and the benefits that result from just talking with people.
Here’s another “insider tip” that few use:Visit your Chambers of Commerce. You’d be amazed how wonderful the people are who man these offices… and wow, what a terrific resource they can be. These people are so helpful, and I guarantee you won’t leave your Chamber’s office unsatisfied.
For example, they can provide details on upcoming business networking events (great for meeting professionals in your area), provide you with a membership directory (packed full of local companies, addresses, and sometimes, contact names), and on occasion can provide job leads.
Need Additional Ideas For Getting Out Every Day?
Meet your significant other for lunch; brainstorm on job search strategies and ideas worth pursuing. In fact, ask for more than just advice…ask for hands-on help. An extra pair of eyes and hands can go a long way.
Go yard sale-ing – crazy! I know. It’s fun though… and fun is a great de-stresser. Ah, but mention you’re searching for a job as you casually peruse each sale’s offerings. You’ll be amazed how many job leads you’ll uncover using this unorthodox method.
Join area business groups that have “power lunch sessions” – many of the ABWA groups have daily power lunch meetings for professionals wanting that daily “kick in the pants” of motivation.
4. Grab A Drink And Curl Up With A Good Book
Never overlook the calming effect of just sitting still and taking time for yourself. If you feel guilty stepping away from your job search, opt for a self-help book to brush up your time management skills, or whatever skill you wish to improve upon, or go with something like the following:
What Color is Your Parachute written by Richard Nelson Bolles (Great read!)
Who Moved My Cheese written by Spencer Johnson (Funny stuff!)
Read more at http://www.careerealism.com/4-de-stressing-tips-for-your-job-search/#XulPSOVD2HxzmhI3.99
Thursday, June 26, 2014
3 Keys to Customize Your Resume
1. Utilize Proper Language
The first rule of customization is to ensure your resume contains the same language found in the job advertisement. Many companies use junior human resources staff as the first reviewers for the resumes they receive. Since HR staff typically know a lot about HR and less about the business of their company, they often look to match your resume with the keywords used in the job ad. This is why it’s important to customize your resume for an untrained eye; generally, the first person (or software program) looking it over is not discerning enough to know what you mean unless you use the exact same language.
2. Optimize Your Resume With Keywords
For a job seeker who is looking at several different industries, matching keywords can be the most time consuming part of the process. For instance, someone with a background in nonprofit development may be looking at various nonprofit positions as well as opportunities in sales.
Although both jobs essentially involve bringing in money for the employer, the nonprofit industry talks about “fund-raising” while the sales industry talks about “market share.” In order to save herself the hassle of changing the language of her resume every time she applies for a job, this job seeker would want to design both a standard nonprofit resume and a sales resume as the basic documents to work from for either type of job.
3. Put Important Details First
Another way to customize your resume for a specific job opening is to construct the various sections of your resume in the same order as the items listed in the ad. For instance, if an advertisement says, “Seeking licensed master’s level social worker for clinical supervisor,” then your resume should display your academic degrees and social work license near the top. Employers generally use their ads to tell you what they’re looking for—so don’t make it hard for them to find it!
Read more at http://www.careerealism.com/3-keys-customizing-resume/#8GiqYFZCztmv2tzy.99
The first rule of customization is to ensure your resume contains the same language found in the job advertisement. Many companies use junior human resources staff as the first reviewers for the resumes they receive. Since HR staff typically know a lot about HR and less about the business of their company, they often look to match your resume with the keywords used in the job ad. This is why it’s important to customize your resume for an untrained eye; generally, the first person (or software program) looking it over is not discerning enough to know what you mean unless you use the exact same language.
2. Optimize Your Resume With Keywords
For a job seeker who is looking at several different industries, matching keywords can be the most time consuming part of the process. For instance, someone with a background in nonprofit development may be looking at various nonprofit positions as well as opportunities in sales.
Although both jobs essentially involve bringing in money for the employer, the nonprofit industry talks about “fund-raising” while the sales industry talks about “market share.” In order to save herself the hassle of changing the language of her resume every time she applies for a job, this job seeker would want to design both a standard nonprofit resume and a sales resume as the basic documents to work from for either type of job.
3. Put Important Details First
Another way to customize your resume for a specific job opening is to construct the various sections of your resume in the same order as the items listed in the ad. For instance, if an advertisement says, “Seeking licensed master’s level social worker for clinical supervisor,” then your resume should display your academic degrees and social work license near the top. Employers generally use their ads to tell you what they’re looking for—so don’t make it hard for them to find it!
Read more at http://www.careerealism.com/3-keys-customizing-resume/#8GiqYFZCztmv2tzy.99
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
5 Things You Can Do To Help Recruiters Find You on LinkedIn
If you want to be visible, you need to make your profile public. This also means completing all parts of your profile. A completed profile is given more preference over those that are incomplete in the search engine’s ranking of results. Your profile should also include a photo, but one that is professional – you want to appear dressed for the job.
2. Include Keywords
When a recruiter searches for candidates, it often means using keywords like a job title, the name of an employer, or common terms used in the field. If your profile does not appear with any of these keywords, it’s not going to show up in search results. Make sure your profile is updated with the proper keywords, including them in your sub-header (the headline right below your name), summary, description of work experiences, and under specialties. If you want to be thorough on keywords, also look at job postings you’re applying to for common terms and phrases. It’ll help build up your profile’s searchability.
3. Obtain Recommendations
A LinkedIn profile with recommendations informs recruiters that you are active in the workforce, and have the support of others vouching your skills and talent. It also encourages recruiters to want to click on your profile to read further into what your experience, skills, and talents are.
4. Make Connections
The more relevant connections you have, the greater the likelihood your profile will show up. For instance, if your profile is connected to five other contacts the recruiter is also connected to, it makes your profile more favorable than someone with no related connections.
5. Have A Voice
When you stay active on LinkedIn, your profile will get in front of more contacts. Think about sharing relevant articles with your contacts, joining group discussions – particularly industry and job specific ones recruiters comb through, commenting on shared content, and so on. The more interaction, the greater visibility your profile will have.
Read more at http://www.careerealism.com/linkedin-recruiters-help-find/#ofZpb4qmEjSu1CpB.99
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Yes, Resume Formatting Matters
Let's put content aside and talk strictly about the nuts and bolts of formatting for a moment...
In today's job market unless to you are going into a very creative field, it's a great idea to stay away from the following:
• Text boxes with various icons and lots of changes in the fonts and colors
• Graphics that over power the resume or distract. One simple line at the top to delineate your name if you must is sufficient
• Too many dots, dashes, roman numerals, and numbering. Bullet points are great for each position to highlight accomplishments.
• Always include your name, address (city & state are sufficient) a contact phone number and email address
• There is no need to label your contact information such as email address: janedoe@yahoo.com simply type the email address. It will be apparent that it’s an email address. The same with phone numbers, etc... You can indicate (C) for cell (H) for home phone if needed
• Choose a straightforward professional format with your contact information at the top. It’s a good idea to make the contact information larger than the remaining resume content so it jumps out at your reader.
• There is still plenty of room for individuality in what font(s) you use, how you format the resume content and even how you lay out your contact information. Experiment with different looks and templates, being sure you stay in the guidelines of “clean, straightforward, and easy to read”
This advice goes against the long standing accepted practice of resume design. That was before the introduction of technology that changed the way a resume is seen, evaluated and processed. Today many HR Managers, Hiring Managers and Recruiters are using ATS (applicant tracking systems) so reducing the amount of formatting “fluff” will be greatly appreciated when they are viewing, and trying to upload your resume to their company’s data base. Bear that in mind when constructing your resume and it will be the right reflection you are looking for. Good Luck to You!
Monday, June 9, 2014
33 Questions You May Hear in an Interview
2) How do you go about deciding what to do first when given a project?
3) What are the most important rewards you expect in your business career?
4) Provide an example of how you are a risk taker.
5) If you could have any job in the world, what would it be?
6) Why do you want to work for us and not for our competitor?
7) What did you think of your previous manager/supervisor?
8) What did you do in your last job to increase value?
9) What are some of the things that bother you?
10) Tell me about the last time you felt anger on the job.
11) Do you need other people around to stimulate you or are you self-motivated?
12) What management style gets the best results out of you?
13) How can our company offer you what your previous company could not offer?
14) How long do you think it would take before you were making a significant contribution to our business?
15) How ambitious are you? Would you compete for my job?
16) What do you like and dislike about the job we are discussing?
17) Why did you choose a career in… ?
18) What do you think is the most important dilemma facing our business today?
19) How much does your last job resemble the one you are applying for? What are the differences?
20) Why did you decide to join your previous company? Did the job live up to your expectations? Why are you leaving now?
21) Explain the organizational structure and hierarchy in your last company and how you fitted into it. Did this suit you?
22) Do you prefer to work in a small, medium or large company?
23) What interests you about our company, product or service?
24) You have not done this sort of job before. How will you cope/succeed?
25) Do you consider yourself successful in your career to date?
26) What was your greatest success in your professional career? How did you achieve it?
27) What has been your biggest failure in your professional career?
28) Did you feel you advanced and progressed in your last job?
29) How do you handle criticism?
30) What would you like to avoid in your next job?
31) How did you get on with your previous manager, supervisor, co-workers, and subordinates?
32) What will your references say about you?
33) Fantasy question… what would you do if you won the lottery? Would you come to work tomorrow?
Read more at http://www.careerealism.com/questions-employers-ask-interview/#trMQBDUGRcrMtEvg.99
Thursday, June 5, 2014
Take Your Best Professional Selfie & Use on Your LinkedIn Profile etc...
Tip: Don’t stray too far from the norm. Unless you’re a creative professional, you want to stand out because of your professional achievements, not because your selfie is an amazing work of art.
2. Setting/background. Brainstorm settings that support your polished and professional profile. For example, if you work in government, use a government building as a backdrop. If you’re a PR specialist, take a photo of yourself at a conference. If you’re a techie, make sure your computer’s in the shot. It’s also advisable to make sure nobody else is in the photo, especially if you intend to use the selfie on your social media accounts. If the image does include others, don’t simply crop them out, since the results could look messy and unprofessional. Instead, invest some more time and re-do your photo shoot in a place where you won’t be disturbed.
Tip: Avoid photo bombers… unless it’s Kevin Spacey! Seriously, it’s impossible to control your environment if you choose a public setting. So don’t just snap a pic and upload it directly to your profile. Instead, carefully review it on a large screen to ensure there aren't any unexpected surprises.
3. Color palette. Colors play an important role in the balance of an image. Lots of bright colors can be overwhelming, while predominantly subdued tones can be boring. Make sure to stand out in a good way by choosing contrasting colors. For example, in an urban setting with predominantly gray tints, select bright tones of blue, red or green. In an outdoor setting like a park, avoid greens, browns and blues and instead, choose reds, pinks or yellows.
Tip: Think twice before you wear something with a pattern. Dots, stripes and prints can distract the eye away from the focal point of the image: your face.
4. Attire. With the above tips on colors in mind, select clothes that are appropriate for your professional setting.
Tip: Remember that most selfies involve holding your camera at arm’s length while taking the picture. This physical position can alter the way your clothes fit to your body. For example, a shirt and tie might get scrunched up around the neck or a V-neck sweater can become too revealing. Do a test run in your chosen outfit to make sure your clothes won’t spoil the shot.
5. Lighting. Professional photographer Rodnesha Green advises using natural light, preferably in the morning or evening. You want to avoid hard illumination such as bright sunlight, indoor lighting or built-in flashes. The softer the light, the more flattering it is for your features.
Tip: Schedule your selfie shoot for the next cloudy day. Clouds naturally diffuse sunlight and offer a much softer effect.
6. Angles. The angle of your head relative to the lens can make or break a selfie. Taking a picture straight on will result in unflattering distortion, while looking down into the lens can give you the appearance of having a double chin. For the best angle, hold your device at arm’s length, then move it up approximately 45 degrees. This aligns your body and reduces distortion.
Read more at: www.kellyservices.us/US/Careers/Candidate-Resource-Center/Career-Tips-and-Tools/How-to-Take-a-Professional-Selfie/?sid=xSocial+Content+Career+Tips+B2C#.U5B0YvldUu8
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Some Great Mental Hacks to Help on an Interview
I personally have done these two and they helped me tremendously!!
Cognitive Reframing:
Cognitive reframing is a psychological technique used to identify negative thoughts, and then dispute or reframe those thoughts into more positive challenges. Recent research reveals that people perform better when they look at difficult situations as a challenge instead of a threat — and a job interview presents a prime opportunity to turn a difficult situation into a challenge.
When you think about it, interviewing is a solo activity. Research has found this solo status can be extremely stressful, because it increases visibility and performance pressure. When all eyes are on you in the interview, the implications for making a mistake are much higher. It’s no wonder going on a job interview can feel so threatening.
However, research has found that cognitive appraisal, or how you view a situation, has a big impact on how well you perform in these instances. If you see the interview as a challenge to tackle and overcome instead of a threatening and scary situation, you increase your odds of success. Before the interview, create a little mantra for yourself so you can remember that this is a challenge to overcome — not a frightening experience. Reframing how you interpret the interview gives you a better chance of success.
Chewing Gum:
Can chewing gum contribute to interview success? The answer might just surprise you. Researchers at Cardiff University in the United Kingdom found that workers who chew gum have lower levels of occupational stress. The same research team also found that students who chewed gum regularly reported lower stress levels and the ability to complete a greater load of academic work.
Meanwhile, researchers from St. Lawrence University found that gum-chewing benefits working memory, episodic memory and general information-processing speed. The chewing motion gets blood flowing to the head, leading to neural arousal and making it easier for you to focus and concentrate.
Chewing some gum before a big interview may help you focus on your talking points, remember important information and rid some of the troublesome stress that's bringing down your performance. Popping in a stick of gum doesn’t just ensure minty-fresh breath, it might also improve your interviewing skills. Just don’t forget to get rid of the gum before the actual interview! No interviewer wants to see how many bubbles you can blow or how loudly you can pop your gum.
Find out more at: http://mashable.com/2014/06/03/interview-mental-hacks/
Monday, June 2, 2014
7 Ways to Stay Positive in the Job Search
1. Be social. Relationships are one of the best times to meet new people and reconnect with old friends. Meet with as many people as you can and use the conversations to uncover opportunities. Try to meet at least one new person and reconnect with another everyday during your search.
2. Be generous. Rather than focusing your relationships on serving you, focus on serving others. Ask people you meet about their needs and challenges and see how you can help. It isn’t easy to do when you are feeling anxious about finding work, but being generous will bring you purpose and make your network more likely to help you in the end.
3. Be curious. There are few times you can meet with so many people from different fields and industries. Use your job search to learn about the world and broaden your horizons.
4. Be courageous. Don’t confine your search to jobs that are similar to your last. Explore some career paths that would stretch you and expose you to new thinking and challenges. You might find a new path that is much better than the one you are traveling.
5. Be self-aware. Use the time during a job search to become clearer about what drives purpose for you. There are 24 different purpose patterns that determine what we need to have purpose at work. Find yours on Imperative.com to help inform your search.
6. Be authentic. Using your purpose pattern, think back to all your previous jobs and how you found purpose in each one. What were your purpose moments? What really matters to you in a job? Use these insights to define what you are seeking in your next job. During interviews tell employers about what drives purpose for you at work. It will help ensure that you have the right conversations about the job fit.
7. Be visionary. Don’t just focus on thinking about your next job. Set goals for your next ten years and then do a work back plan for how to get there including your next step. This will also make you more compelling to potential employers.
Excerpted from: https://www.linkedin.com/today/post/article/20140602135657-201849-8-ways-to-stay-while-finding-a-job?trk=nus-cha-roll-art-title
Saturday, May 31, 2014
#1 Critical Job Search Tip
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!
Read more at http://www.careerealism.com/unemployment-job-search/#7SH5tKiSTq9bbsdf.99
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
One Way You Can SuperCharge Your Job Search on Linkedin
Targeted Outreach To Companies
Many job seekers don’t realize that targeting specific employers is a powerful way to gain entry to new career opportunities. By making the fatal mistake of assuming a job opportunity has to already exist, they miss out on the incredible benefit of accessing the Hidden Job Market – job openings that will soon be available but have not yet been publicly advertised. With LinkedIn’s business intelligence you gain take your targeted outreach to the next level.
Network with connections you already have in the company: I presume you already know that when you visit a company profile on LinkedIn you will be presented with a list of connections you have with the employer. If you filter that list, then leverage the intelligence you can garner from each connection’s profile, you will boost your networking requests of them to the next level.
Seed your profile with documents: By studying the target company’s LinkedIn profile, you can gather quite a bit of data about their corporate direction, job openings, divisions, and key people and products. Use this information to decide what kinds of supplemental documents or media you can add to your profile to tighten the alignment between your brand and their needs.
Comment on company shares: Sure you can follow a company’s shares on LinkedIn, but why not go a step further and look for ways to comment on those shares? By infusing your comments with your experience, insights, and authenticity you gently bring yourself to the awareness of the share’s source.
Read more at http://www.careerealism.com/linkedin-job-search-results-supercharge/#rf3p5D4TM2oqX02O.99
Many job seekers don’t realize that targeting specific employers is a powerful way to gain entry to new career opportunities. By making the fatal mistake of assuming a job opportunity has to already exist, they miss out on the incredible benefit of accessing the Hidden Job Market – job openings that will soon be available but have not yet been publicly advertised. With LinkedIn’s business intelligence you gain take your targeted outreach to the next level.
Network with connections you already have in the company: I presume you already know that when you visit a company profile on LinkedIn you will be presented with a list of connections you have with the employer. If you filter that list, then leverage the intelligence you can garner from each connection’s profile, you will boost your networking requests of them to the next level.
Seed your profile with documents: By studying the target company’s LinkedIn profile, you can gather quite a bit of data about their corporate direction, job openings, divisions, and key people and products. Use this information to decide what kinds of supplemental documents or media you can add to your profile to tighten the alignment between your brand and their needs.
Comment on company shares: Sure you can follow a company’s shares on LinkedIn, but why not go a step further and look for ways to comment on those shares? By infusing your comments with your experience, insights, and authenticity you gently bring yourself to the awareness of the share’s source.
Read more at http://www.careerealism.com/linkedin-job-search-results-supercharge/#rf3p5D4TM2oqX02O.99
Friday, May 23, 2014
What is Your Greatness Weakness?
In a nutshell:
Always be honest, even if you think it might hurt your chance for an offer, although it probably won’t. To summarize, here’s what to do when you’re asked the question.
State your weakness.
Let the interviewer know you’re aware of it.
Show them you’ve figured out how to deal with it.
Show them that solution worked.
Read more at http://www.careerealism.com/interview-question-ruins/#6tWcEZrcJ1sQFM3R.99
Monday, May 19, 2014
Don't Waste Your Job Search Energy on These
1. Applying For Jobs You Aren’t Qualified For
If you are in desperate need of a job, you may be tempted to apply for all of the latest job openings posted online. The problem with this strategy is that every employer has its own set of criteria for each job posting. If you don’t meet this criteria, applying for the job will only waste your time (and the time of the employer).
Recruiters and hiring managers are not likely to consider you for the position if you don’t meet their minimum requirements. Instead of wasting your time applying for every job listing you can find, focus on applying for jobs that you actually qualify for.
2. Not Expanding Your Search Methods
Many job seekers focus all of their energy searching online for job opportunities. Online job boards should be an integral part of your search, but it should not the only avenue you focus on. Try setting up email alerts for new job postings that meet your criteria and trying new job search outlets. Aside from online job boards and social media, you can also attend networking events and job fairs to get in touch with recruiters. Diversifying your search will increase your chances of landing the job you want.
3. Applying For Jobs You Don’t Want
Why apply for a job you don’t want? You may be surprised by how many people actually do this. If you have no interest in the employer or the position, don’t waste your time submitting an application or attending an interview. This only wastes your time and the recruiter’s time as well. Even if you are in urgent need of a job, you should only focus your time and energy on applying for jobs that appeal to you.
Read more at http://www.careerealism.com/job-search-time-wasters-avoid/#yv2EzuJk8JZgbTr1.99
If you are in desperate need of a job, you may be tempted to apply for all of the latest job openings posted online. The problem with this strategy is that every employer has its own set of criteria for each job posting. If you don’t meet this criteria, applying for the job will only waste your time (and the time of the employer).
Recruiters and hiring managers are not likely to consider you for the position if you don’t meet their minimum requirements. Instead of wasting your time applying for every job listing you can find, focus on applying for jobs that you actually qualify for.
2. Not Expanding Your Search Methods
Many job seekers focus all of their energy searching online for job opportunities. Online job boards should be an integral part of your search, but it should not the only avenue you focus on. Try setting up email alerts for new job postings that meet your criteria and trying new job search outlets. Aside from online job boards and social media, you can also attend networking events and job fairs to get in touch with recruiters. Diversifying your search will increase your chances of landing the job you want.
3. Applying For Jobs You Don’t Want
Why apply for a job you don’t want? You may be surprised by how many people actually do this. If you have no interest in the employer or the position, don’t waste your time submitting an application or attending an interview. This only wastes your time and the recruiter’s time as well. Even if you are in urgent need of a job, you should only focus your time and energy on applying for jobs that appeal to you.
Read more at http://www.careerealism.com/job-search-time-wasters-avoid/#yv2EzuJk8JZgbTr1.99
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
3 TWEAKS for Your LinkedIn Profile that are Sure to Please
Your headline, the first thing people see, is your most current job title by default. What a terrible use of prime property!
Instead, include a benefit statement of what you want to be found for. It can work wonders for recruiters and potential employers searching for you.
For example, rather than “CEO & Managing Director,” you could use “CEO & Managing Director – Building High Performing Sales Teams that Align With Corporate Values.”
Including keywords you want to be found for will help recruiters find you, and a meaningful headline like this will get you noticed. What a small, yet powerful change that is, isn’t it?
2. Prove Your Value With Recommendations
It’s great to say you have the skills and experience to get the job done. Support from other credible people backing that up is better.
Many people don’t take advantage of LinkedIn’s recommendations feature, yet this is one of the most important things you can do.
So, reach out to a few people in your network that you would love to get a recommendation from. Highlight a few key points you’d like them to touch on, and offer to write one for them as well.
It’s a win-win situation, and you’ll have solid proof that you’re as valuable as you say you are.
3. Use Keywords You Want To Be Found For
There are two reasons why this is super important:
First, recruiters search for employees by keyword. So, if you want to get found for new opportunities, then include the specific words you want to be found for throughout your profile.
Second, if you’ve applied for a job and the hiring team looks through your LinkedIn profile, they’ll see the keywords they’re looking for, which will significantly increase your chances of getting an interview.
Read more at http://www.careerealism.com/linkedin-tweaks-recruiters-begging/#CtYsLb40Qkv7XQ0m.99
Thursday, May 8, 2014
How To Respond to "Do You Have any Questions for Me?"
1. Never say “no”!
You should always ask questions. Saying “No” or “You’ve already answered them” makes you look like you’re just going through the motions, unprepared, or uninterested. Show your potential employer some enthusiasm and ask at least two or three questions.
2. Make a list.
Come up with at least a dozen questions to ask. Some will undoubtedly be covered during the interview, so make sure you’ve got a few up your sleeve so you’re not caught off guard.
3. Think before you ask.
Don’t ask questions that are easily found on the company’s website. It tells an employer straight away that you didn’t do your research. You need to develop a list of questions that shows you’ve prepared, and really thought about the role.
You shouldn’t ask questions about salary, benefits, parking, social clubs, or sick leave. Your job is to impress the employer, not lead them to believe you are only concerned about the money or company’s social activities.
Never simply ask, “So, did I get the job?” It sounds arrogant and puts the interviewer on the spot. Use the opportunity to better sell yourself as the right candidate by asking thought-provoking, intelligent questions.
4. Ask probing questions.
Try to ask open-ended questions rather than those that require a “yes” or “no” response. “Can you tell me about…?” “How would you describe…?” You’ll learn more that way, you can probe further, and it makes the interview more conversational.
5. Job interviews are a two-way street.
Yes, the employer is trying to determine whether you’d be a good “fit” for their team, but at the same time you need to learn whether or not this company would be a good “fit” for you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions that will help you determine this. Employers are impressed by aspiring employees who take the time to probe the employer.
6. Timing is essential.
The best interviews are conversational so you may be able to ask some of the questions on your list during the interview itself. Just be sure you don’t interrupt the interviewer in your haste to ask. If you are nearing the end of the interview, you may not have time to ask all of your questions. Don’t worry; just select a couple and see where it takes you.
Read more at http://www.careerealism.com/responding-do-you-have-any-questions-for-me/#a6eEWgGzmGlaiIiF.99
You should always ask questions. Saying “No” or “You’ve already answered them” makes you look like you’re just going through the motions, unprepared, or uninterested. Show your potential employer some enthusiasm and ask at least two or three questions.
2. Make a list.
Come up with at least a dozen questions to ask. Some will undoubtedly be covered during the interview, so make sure you’ve got a few up your sleeve so you’re not caught off guard.
3. Think before you ask.
Don’t ask questions that are easily found on the company’s website. It tells an employer straight away that you didn’t do your research. You need to develop a list of questions that shows you’ve prepared, and really thought about the role.
You shouldn’t ask questions about salary, benefits, parking, social clubs, or sick leave. Your job is to impress the employer, not lead them to believe you are only concerned about the money or company’s social activities.
Never simply ask, “So, did I get the job?” It sounds arrogant and puts the interviewer on the spot. Use the opportunity to better sell yourself as the right candidate by asking thought-provoking, intelligent questions.
4. Ask probing questions.
Try to ask open-ended questions rather than those that require a “yes” or “no” response. “Can you tell me about…?” “How would you describe…?” You’ll learn more that way, you can probe further, and it makes the interview more conversational.
5. Job interviews are a two-way street.
Yes, the employer is trying to determine whether you’d be a good “fit” for their team, but at the same time you need to learn whether or not this company would be a good “fit” for you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions that will help you determine this. Employers are impressed by aspiring employees who take the time to probe the employer.
6. Timing is essential.
The best interviews are conversational so you may be able to ask some of the questions on your list during the interview itself. Just be sure you don’t interrupt the interviewer in your haste to ask. If you are nearing the end of the interview, you may not have time to ask all of your questions. Don’t worry; just select a couple and see where it takes you.
Read more at http://www.careerealism.com/responding-do-you-have-any-questions-for-me/#a6eEWgGzmGlaiIiF.99
Sunday, May 4, 2014
How to Set Up Google Alerts for Your Job Search
First, to set up your alerts, go to http://www.google.com/alerts 
Enter the person, company, or job title you want to keep tabs on as the search query. Here are a few basic tips for getting the best results:
Use Quotations
Quotations (“) around words will help you to receive information that is more relevant. If you want multiple words as a search phrase, place quotes around the group. For example, to monitor my name, I entered “Kristin Johnson.” That way, I don’t get notified every time a “Kristin” or “Johnson” appears on the Internet.
Use The Minus Sign
To eliminate certain results in your search, use the minus sign. For example, searching for “hospital jobs” might also bring up animal hospitals or veterinary clinics. You may want to use “hospital jobs” –veterinary –animal.
ŸTo eliminate certain websites from the results, use the minus sign, followed by the website, like this: “Kristin Johnson” -site:twitter. This will remove Twitter results.
Use The “job search” site:careerealism.com Format
To limit your search only to certain sites, put the word you are searching for, followed by the website, like this: “program management” site:indeed.com. This will only produce results for Indeed.
Use An Asterisk
ŸIf you aren’t sure which word you want to put into a search, try using an asterisk with a space on each side by the word(s) you do want, like here: “Chief * Officer” jobs Milwaukee. This will bring up all CEO, CIO, CMO possibilities in Milwaukee.
Use “OR”
ŸTo have more than one possibility, use “OR” in capital letters. “Chief Nursing Officer” jobs (Phoenix OR Tucson) will bring up CNO jobs in both cities. The parentheses around the cities helps Google to understand what two words the OR should be applied to.
Use The TildeŸ
Search for similar words using the tilde. “~green jobs” might also bring up environmental positions.
With -, ~, and site:, don’t have a space between the symbol and the letter, or the search will not work.
Combine multiple methods of refinement to strengthen your search. “Kristin Johnson” –Kristen –Johnsen (Madison OR Wisconsin) might be my next alert.
After you decide on your query, you’ll need to determine what sorts of information should be searched (Everything, News, Blogs, Video, Discussions, Book), how often you want to receive alerts, how broad you want the results to be (Everything, Only the Best Results), and where you want alerts sent.
The tips above contained examples of how to keep watch over your personal brand, by setting up alerts for your name, but you might also want to set them up for your company name, associates, or additional brand identifiers.
With the positions you set up alerts for, try different combinations of words and letters, especially with acronyms. For example, search for “IBM” OR “I B M” “CEO” OR “C E O” OR “Chief Executive Officer.” Don’t be afraid to mix things up a bit.
Want to make a good impression at an interview? Set up alerts like these for your target companies:
“Company Name” “quarterly financial”
“Company Name” competition
“Company Name” CEO
“Company Name” “marketing campaign”
“Company Name” (merger OR acquisition)
Read more at http://www.careerealism.com/job-search-google-alerts/#mkcV7kJtymjwLTw2.99
Enter the person, company, or job title you want to keep tabs on as the search query. Here are a few basic tips for getting the best results:
Use Quotations
Quotations (“) around words will help you to receive information that is more relevant. If you want multiple words as a search phrase, place quotes around the group. For example, to monitor my name, I entered “Kristin Johnson.” That way, I don’t get notified every time a “Kristin” or “Johnson” appears on the Internet.
Use The Minus Sign
To eliminate certain results in your search, use the minus sign. For example, searching for “hospital jobs” might also bring up animal hospitals or veterinary clinics. You may want to use “hospital jobs” –veterinary –animal.
ŸTo eliminate certain websites from the results, use the minus sign, followed by the website, like this: “Kristin Johnson” -site:twitter. This will remove Twitter results.
Use The “job search” site:careerealism.com Format
To limit your search only to certain sites, put the word you are searching for, followed by the website, like this: “program management” site:indeed.com. This will only produce results for Indeed.
Use An Asterisk
ŸIf you aren’t sure which word you want to put into a search, try using an asterisk with a space on each side by the word(s) you do want, like here: “Chief * Officer” jobs Milwaukee. This will bring up all CEO, CIO, CMO possibilities in Milwaukee.
Use “OR”
ŸTo have more than one possibility, use “OR” in capital letters. “Chief Nursing Officer” jobs (Phoenix OR Tucson) will bring up CNO jobs in both cities. The parentheses around the cities helps Google to understand what two words the OR should be applied to.
Use The TildeŸ
Search for similar words using the tilde. “~green jobs” might also bring up environmental positions.
With -, ~, and site:, don’t have a space between the symbol and the letter, or the search will not work.
Combine multiple methods of refinement to strengthen your search. “Kristin Johnson” –Kristen –Johnsen (Madison OR Wisconsin) might be my next alert.
After you decide on your query, you’ll need to determine what sorts of information should be searched (Everything, News, Blogs, Video, Discussions, Book), how often you want to receive alerts, how broad you want the results to be (Everything, Only the Best Results), and where you want alerts sent.
The tips above contained examples of how to keep watch over your personal brand, by setting up alerts for your name, but you might also want to set them up for your company name, associates, or additional brand identifiers.
With the positions you set up alerts for, try different combinations of words and letters, especially with acronyms. For example, search for “IBM” OR “I B M” “CEO” OR “C E O” OR “Chief Executive Officer.” Don’t be afraid to mix things up a bit.
Want to make a good impression at an interview? Set up alerts like these for your target companies:
“Company Name” “quarterly financial”
“Company Name” competition
“Company Name” CEO
“Company Name” “marketing campaign”
“Company Name” (merger OR acquisition)
Read more at http://www.careerealism.com/job-search-google-alerts/#mkcV7kJtymjwLTw2.99
Thursday, May 1, 2014
Great Interview Thank You Note Template
Subject
Thank You
Body
Hi [interviewer name],
Thank you so much for meeting with me today. It was such a pleasure to learn more about the team and position, and I’m very excited about the opportunity to join [company name] and help [bring in new clients / develop world-class content / anything else awesome you would be doing] with your team.
I look forward to hearing from you about the next steps in the hiring process, and please do not hesitate to contact me if I can provide additional information.
Best regards,
[Your name]
Pro Tips
If you really want to blow a hiring manager out of the water, add in another few lines before “I look forward to...” with some ideas you have on how you could add value. Think: a quick mock-up of something you discussed in the interview if you’re in a creative role, taglines if you’re in branding, or some slides or possible partners if you’re in business development or sales. Try Alexandra Franzen’s tips for giving the hiring manager something he or she can’t resist.
If your interviewer is more traditional or you have a feeling he or she is the type who’d appreciate a handwritten note, feel free to drop a card in snail mail, as well.
Get more templates here: https://www.themuse.com/advice/we-wrote-9-awesome-email-templates-so-you-dont-have-to
Thank You
Body
Hi [interviewer name],
Thank you so much for meeting with me today. It was such a pleasure to learn more about the team and position, and I’m very excited about the opportunity to join [company name] and help [bring in new clients / develop world-class content / anything else awesome you would be doing] with your team.
I look forward to hearing from you about the next steps in the hiring process, and please do not hesitate to contact me if I can provide additional information.
Best regards,
[Your name]
Pro Tips
If you really want to blow a hiring manager out of the water, add in another few lines before “I look forward to...” with some ideas you have on how you could add value. Think: a quick mock-up of something you discussed in the interview if you’re in a creative role, taglines if you’re in branding, or some slides or possible partners if you’re in business development or sales. Try Alexandra Franzen’s tips for giving the hiring manager something he or she can’t resist.
If your interviewer is more traditional or you have a feeling he or she is the type who’d appreciate a handwritten note, feel free to drop a card in snail mail, as well.
Get more templates here: https://www.themuse.com/advice/we-wrote-9-awesome-email-templates-so-you-dont-have-to
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Avoid These 6 While Job Searching
1. Leaving Your Profile Page Open To Strangers
If you’re conducting a job search, now’s the time to set your personal profiles to private. Doing this ensures your personal information is viewable only to your friends list—not employers digging for information that could remove you from candidacy.
2. Including Your Real First And Last Names On Your Profiles
On sites like Facebook, it’s often difficult to use any name but your real one. But if you want to keep your private and job-seeking lives separate, now’s the time to find a way to alter your name. If you can’t change the names on your sites, consider temporarily deactivating them. Or stop posting information that is unprofessional and in this day and age – easy to find.
3. Displaying Unprofessional Profile Photos
An employer doesn’t have to be on your friends list to see a profile photo of you on display. So, be sure not to make the photo of you lying drunk on the curb your main profile picture. Instead, consider a professional picture—or even a cartoonish avatar as an alternative. If an employer conducts a Google search of your name any pictures affiliated with your profiles may pop up on the first results page.
4. Allowing Friends To Post Unprofessional Comments
Managers often judge crude or offensive comments left on profiles, even if they’re left by someone else. So, in case your profile slips through the cracks and is viewable by some hiring managers, make sure all comments listed are PG-13.
5. Tweeting About Bad Work Behavior
You may want to tweet to your friends you got away with being late for the third time this week. But while job seeking, it’s best to avoid these types of tweets as they could look bad to a prospective employer who is looking for a way to judge your work ethic.
6. Bashing Current/Previous Employers
Many people like to make comments about how their co-workers or boss made them mad. Keep in mind prospective employers will be looking for this type of information, so refrain from making these comments at all costs.
Read more at http://www.careerealism.com/social-media-mistakes-job-seeking/#vyLMm5x0QgZO350D.99
If you’re conducting a job search, now’s the time to set your personal profiles to private. Doing this ensures your personal information is viewable only to your friends list—not employers digging for information that could remove you from candidacy.
2. Including Your Real First And Last Names On Your Profiles
On sites like Facebook, it’s often difficult to use any name but your real one. But if you want to keep your private and job-seeking lives separate, now’s the time to find a way to alter your name. If you can’t change the names on your sites, consider temporarily deactivating them. Or stop posting information that is unprofessional and in this day and age – easy to find.
3. Displaying Unprofessional Profile Photos
An employer doesn’t have to be on your friends list to see a profile photo of you on display. So, be sure not to make the photo of you lying drunk on the curb your main profile picture. Instead, consider a professional picture—or even a cartoonish avatar as an alternative. If an employer conducts a Google search of your name any pictures affiliated with your profiles may pop up on the first results page.
4. Allowing Friends To Post Unprofessional Comments
Managers often judge crude or offensive comments left on profiles, even if they’re left by someone else. So, in case your profile slips through the cracks and is viewable by some hiring managers, make sure all comments listed are PG-13.
5. Tweeting About Bad Work Behavior
You may want to tweet to your friends you got away with being late for the third time this week. But while job seeking, it’s best to avoid these types of tweets as they could look bad to a prospective employer who is looking for a way to judge your work ethic.
6. Bashing Current/Previous Employers
Many people like to make comments about how their co-workers or boss made them mad. Keep in mind prospective employers will be looking for this type of information, so refrain from making these comments at all costs.
Read more at http://www.careerealism.com/social-media-mistakes-job-seeking/#vyLMm5x0QgZO350D.99
Friday, April 25, 2014
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
The Times They are a Changin
Not all advice is good advice. Here are some outdated resume tips you should be avoiding at all costs!
1. “Your resume should only be one page long.”
Two pages is currently the ideal length for resumes. It allows you enough space to be thorough without the information getting buried among itself. Certain positions in the medical and academic fields require a CV (curriculum vitae), which is typically longer because it includes research, publications, or other items that the position asks for. Two pages is a good length for resumes, though.
2. “You need an Objective Statement.”
When we started learning about writing resumes, our career counselors, parents, and teachers deemed this to be a “must.” But times have changed and the objective statement often ends up being a waste of precious resume space. After all, you only have two pages to gain a prospective employer’s interest and persuade them to pick up the phone to schedule an interview. Your objective when sending your resume to someone or submitting it to an open position is implied in the act itself—you want to be hired for the position you have expressed interest in.
Instead of an objective, use that space to add a customized link to your LinkedIn profile and explain any employment gaps that you may have. Doing this gives the recruiter more information and eliminates the risk of them passing on you because of a concerning gap in your employment history. Some recruiters will call to ask you about them, but some will just move on to the next.
Also, the client could have instructed the recruiters to send the resume to them if the candidate had a legitimate reason to explain the gap (e.g. finishing a degree, taking care of a sick relative, etc.), but not respond to any that are unexplained because of the quantity of resumes they already have to sort through.
The bottom line: You probably won’t know who your resume will get in front of or what instructions the recruiters were given, so it is a good idea to cover your bases.
3. “Include ‘References available upon request’ in your resume.”
As with the objective statement, this is implied and the space could be used for better purposes. So far, I have not come across a candidate who refused to provide references when asked for them.
4. “You need a traditional resume.”
With the fierce competition and wide array of job sites, forums, professional networking sites, and so on, the need to set yourself apart from others has been steadily increasing. As a result, businesses have gotten more social and interested in one’s ability to market themselves. This is evidenced by the emergence of all those “Create your personal brand” advice articles geared toward job seekers and any professionals looking to advance their careers.
The creation of non-traditional resumes reflects this idea as well. Although I do advise keeping the bullet point format because it is easiest to read, you can include narration and even a quote from one of your LinkedIn recommendations to spice up your resume. For instance, I have a quote from my former boss on mine and the feedback I have gotten thus far in interviews is always positive. A few have referred to it when I mentioned my work with him. It is a great credibility-booster and is also the only item that is in color (just the brackets around it), which helps it stand out.
If you are planning to submit your resume directly to a company’s website, have a simply formatted version as well (Times New Roman, no bold or underlining, spaces in lieu of indents, standard bullet points or dashes, no images or text boxes, etc.). Many employers, staffing agencies, and recruitment firms utilize an applicant tracking system (ATS), which will jumble any unrecognized formatting into plain text.
Read more at http://www.careerealism.com/outdated-resume-tips-avoiding/#op3VSAEUjeSQDZA9.99
Two pages is currently the ideal length for resumes. It allows you enough space to be thorough without the information getting buried among itself. Certain positions in the medical and academic fields require a CV (curriculum vitae), which is typically longer because it includes research, publications, or other items that the position asks for. Two pages is a good length for resumes, though.
2. “You need an Objective Statement.”
When we started learning about writing resumes, our career counselors, parents, and teachers deemed this to be a “must.” But times have changed and the objective statement often ends up being a waste of precious resume space. After all, you only have two pages to gain a prospective employer’s interest and persuade them to pick up the phone to schedule an interview. Your objective when sending your resume to someone or submitting it to an open position is implied in the act itself—you want to be hired for the position you have expressed interest in.
Instead of an objective, use that space to add a customized link to your LinkedIn profile and explain any employment gaps that you may have. Doing this gives the recruiter more information and eliminates the risk of them passing on you because of a concerning gap in your employment history. Some recruiters will call to ask you about them, but some will just move on to the next.
Also, the client could have instructed the recruiters to send the resume to them if the candidate had a legitimate reason to explain the gap (e.g. finishing a degree, taking care of a sick relative, etc.), but not respond to any that are unexplained because of the quantity of resumes they already have to sort through.
The bottom line: You probably won’t know who your resume will get in front of or what instructions the recruiters were given, so it is a good idea to cover your bases.
3. “Include ‘References available upon request’ in your resume.”
As with the objective statement, this is implied and the space could be used for better purposes. So far, I have not come across a candidate who refused to provide references when asked for them.
4. “You need a traditional resume.”
With the fierce competition and wide array of job sites, forums, professional networking sites, and so on, the need to set yourself apart from others has been steadily increasing. As a result, businesses have gotten more social and interested in one’s ability to market themselves. This is evidenced by the emergence of all those “Create your personal brand” advice articles geared toward job seekers and any professionals looking to advance their careers.
The creation of non-traditional resumes reflects this idea as well. Although I do advise keeping the bullet point format because it is easiest to read, you can include narration and even a quote from one of your LinkedIn recommendations to spice up your resume. For instance, I have a quote from my former boss on mine and the feedback I have gotten thus far in interviews is always positive. A few have referred to it when I mentioned my work with him. It is a great credibility-booster and is also the only item that is in color (just the brackets around it), which helps it stand out.
If you are planning to submit your resume directly to a company’s website, have a simply formatted version as well (Times New Roman, no bold or underlining, spaces in lieu of indents, standard bullet points or dashes, no images or text boxes, etc.). Many employers, staffing agencies, and recruitment firms utilize an applicant tracking system (ATS), which will jumble any unrecognized formatting into plain text.
Read more at http://www.careerealism.com/outdated-resume-tips-avoiding/#op3VSAEUjeSQDZA9.99
Monday, April 21, 2014
Five Tips for Better Networking
Struggling for ice breakers? Instead of trying to memorize one-liners, keep things simple.
“A simple ‘Hello, my name is ___’ is more than sufficient if said with a smile,” said LoDolce. “Or, my favorite, ‘So, what brings you here?’”
2. Get Warmed up
Don’t start batting without a few practice swings! Make sure you talk to a few people before you hit up your main target – it will ease your nerves and make you feel more comfortable.
“The moment you walk into the room, just start chatting it up with someone to warm up a bit,” LoDolce suggested. “Before you know it, you’ll feel comfortable chatting up the big time CEO across the room.”
3. Be Aware Of Your Body Language
Did you know that 93% of communication is non-verbal? In order to give off a positive impression, LoDolce suggests doing the following:
Don’t cross your arms
Keep a strong smile all night long
Hold strong eye contact
Feel weird keeping eye contact? Try just staring at the bridge of the other person’s nose instead.
4. Ask Great Questions
“If you are uncomfortable doing the talking, then ask interesting and thought provoking questions,” LoDolce suggested.
Here’s an example: “Oh, you’re an architect? What’s it like building something that you know will be around for hundreds of years?”
5. Have Fun
Whenever you attend a networking event, above all else, focus on having a good time. People will be attracted to your good attitude. “If you’re enjoying yourself, people will enjoy your company,” said LoDolce. And, even if all fails, at least you can say you had a great night
Monday, April 14, 2014
Use that Resume to Match up your Skillset to a Job Posting
Have you ever wanted to apply for a job you realized did not completely match your skill set? It’s happened to all of us at some point in our careers, especially when attempting to switch fields.
The good news is winning a position when not fully qualified is completely possible. By using your resume as a tool, you can show just how great a candidate you are.
Read the Job Posting Carefully
The first step in ensuring you add skills to your resume that align with those required by a specific position is to read the job posting carefully. Doing so not only shows you exactly what’s required of the job but it also help you to examine your own skills that match.
For instance, if a company mentions in its job posting that it is looking for an administrative assistant with strong organizational skills and experience setting up meetings for company executives, you know you need a certain take-charge attitude to ensure the office is organized.
Now, you can include your own organizational skills—and even show proof that you’ve interacted with top executives in the past.
Think from the Hiring Manager’s Perspective
Thinking from the perspective of a hiring manager is not always easy to do, but it is possible—and necessary if you want to add the right information to your resume.
To start, read the job posting—and even take a few moments to learn more about the company itself through its website or other sources. Then, think about what you would hope to see on someone’s resume if they set it on your desk.
Would you expect to receive resumes from people who only have experience as models or background dancers? No, you would want to see how their experience relates to the position they’re applying for. Using this perspective while writing can help you to create a resume you feel will get you hired.
Show You Can Learn New Skills
It’s important to showcase your ability to learn new skills by highlighting previous training, along with a willingness to take on new projects.
One way to do this is by listing any training courses you’ve taken, certifications you’ve received, programs you’re proficient in, and any other details that prove your ability to hit the ground running.
Some people who have acquired their dream jobs did not have all of the experience needed to claim the position—but they did submit a resume that helped them score an interview where they could then prove that they were right for the job.
excerpted from: http://www.careerealism.com/resume-skills-job/
The good news is winning a position when not fully qualified is completely possible. By using your resume as a tool, you can show just how great a candidate you are.
Read the Job Posting Carefully
The first step in ensuring you add skills to your resume that align with those required by a specific position is to read the job posting carefully. Doing so not only shows you exactly what’s required of the job but it also help you to examine your own skills that match.
For instance, if a company mentions in its job posting that it is looking for an administrative assistant with strong organizational skills and experience setting up meetings for company executives, you know you need a certain take-charge attitude to ensure the office is organized.
Now, you can include your own organizational skills—and even show proof that you’ve interacted with top executives in the past.
Think from the Hiring Manager’s Perspective
Thinking from the perspective of a hiring manager is not always easy to do, but it is possible—and necessary if you want to add the right information to your resume.
To start, read the job posting—and even take a few moments to learn more about the company itself through its website or other sources. Then, think about what you would hope to see on someone’s resume if they set it on your desk.
Would you expect to receive resumes from people who only have experience as models or background dancers? No, you would want to see how their experience relates to the position they’re applying for. Using this perspective while writing can help you to create a resume you feel will get you hired.
Show You Can Learn New Skills
It’s important to showcase your ability to learn new skills by highlighting previous training, along with a willingness to take on new projects.
One way to do this is by listing any training courses you’ve taken, certifications you’ve received, programs you’re proficient in, and any other details that prove your ability to hit the ground running.
Some people who have acquired their dream jobs did not have all of the experience needed to claim the position—but they did submit a resume that helped them score an interview where they could then prove that they were right for the job.
excerpted from: http://www.careerealism.com/resume-skills-job/
Friday, April 11, 2014
Top 15 Words Recruiters/Hiring Managers Want to See on your Resume
How many of these are on your resume?
15. Won: 13%
14. Under budget: 16%
13. Revenue/Profits: 23%
12. Launched: 24%
11. Negotiated: 25%
10. Ideas: 27%
9. Increased/Decreased: 28%
8. Influenced: 29%
7. Volunteered: 35%
6. Resolved: 40%
5. Created: 43%
4. Managed: 44%
3. Trained/Mentored: 47%
2. Improved: 48%
1. Achieved: 52%
http://www.careerealism.com/resume-words-hiring-managers-want/#AC64E74PMyyvF8WK.99
15. Won: 13%
14. Under budget: 16%
13. Revenue/Profits: 23%
12. Launched: 24%
11. Negotiated: 25%
10. Ideas: 27%
9. Increased/Decreased: 28%
8. Influenced: 29%
7. Volunteered: 35%
6. Resolved: 40%
5. Created: 43%
4. Managed: 44%
3. Trained/Mentored: 47%
2. Improved: 48%
1. Achieved: 52%
http://www.careerealism.com/resume-words-hiring-managers-want/#AC64E74PMyyvF8WK.99
Common Resume Mistakes
Here are a couple of COMMON Resume Mistakes:
Spelling Company Names Incorrectly
A job applicant assumed she correctly remembered the names of all the companies she worked for. But she didn’t; she misspelled two of them. Mistakes like that make recruiters and hiring managers wonder if the resume is truthful.
Being Inconsistent
A sales executive described his success at landing multi-million dollar contracts for various companies. But each time he listed a dollar amount, he changed the form: $1 million; $2M; $3,000,000. Another example would be the date format you use when listing employment history: Jan 2013, 2/2010 4/4/14. This is one that you really want to hone in on and make sure you address while proofreading your resume.
Read more at http://www.careerealism.com/resume-mistakes-dont-get-caught/#XDtPkEJcUCLChKGb.99
Spelling Company Names Incorrectly
A job applicant assumed she correctly remembered the names of all the companies she worked for. But she didn’t; she misspelled two of them. Mistakes like that make recruiters and hiring managers wonder if the resume is truthful.
Being Inconsistent
Read more at http://www.careerealism.com/resume-mistakes-dont-get-caught/#XDtPkEJcUCLChKGb.99
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Avoid the Currently Nothing Trap
So, what can you do to show on your resume that you are the “go-get-it” proactive kind of person? Here are a few of my thoughts:
1. Professional Certification And University Certificates
When I was in transition myself a few years ago (yes, it happened to me, too), I enrolled in an online Villanova University Master Certificate in Human Resource Management and became a certified HR professional. I had a bit of a gap in my resume, yes, but I could showcase that my knowledge in the HR industry was up-to-date, and quite frankly, it kept me busy during the day.
Now, do a little bit of research in your field: What University or professional training would add value to your personal brand while in transition?
And don’t forget some of the excellent free resources many universities offer these days (or check out open online courses through, e.g. www.coursera.org, if you have not done that yet)!
2. Volunteering
I would think that volunteering is so obvious that I almost did not want to include it in this article. Then, I looked at some of the resumes of my clients in transition and noticed that not many use volunteering to fill and avoid the “currently nothing” trap on their resumes.
So, do a little bit of research, and find out who in your area could benefit from your marketing, computer, and finance skills, and so on. There are definitely some groups and folks out there that could benefit from your skills!
3. Start A Networking Group
Starting a networking group is one of my favorite actions to list on the resume of a client. You get to pick the topic you want the group to focus on, invite speakers for your new group, and so on. Generally, a great way to showcase your proactive attitude. A nice side effect is that you will meet a whole bunch of people – all potential leads for your next job offer!
The “currently nothing” trap occurs when you have been laid–off for a while and haven’t done anything worth reporting in the meantime. That is not so much of a problem if you have only been laid-off for a couple of months, but if it has been a year (or possibly more), Hiring Managers or Recruiters would feel better about you as a candidate if you can show something you have done in the meantime.
So, what can you do to show on your resume that you are the “go-get-it” proactive kind of person? Here are a few of my thoughts:
1. Professional Certification And University Certificates
When I was in transition myself a few years ago (yes, it happened to me, too), I enrolled in an online Villanova University Master Certificate in Human Resource Management and became a certified HR professional. I had a bit of a gap in my resume, yes, but I could showcase that my knowledge in the HR industry was up-to-date, and quite frankly, it kept me busy during the day.
Now, do a little bit of research in your field: What University or professional training would add value to your personal brand while in transition?
And don’t forget some of the excellent free resources many universities offer these days (or check out open online courses through, e.g. www.coursera.org, if you have not done that yet)!
2. Volunteering
I would think that volunteering is so obvious that I almost did not want to include it in this article. Then, I looked at some of the resumes of my clients in transition and noticed that not many use volunteering to fill and avoid the “currently nothing” trap on their resumes.
So, do a little bit of research, and find out who in your area could benefit from your marketing, computer, and finance skills, and so on. There are definitely some groups and folks out there that could benefit from your skills!
3. Start A Networking Group
Starting a networking group is one of my favorite actions to list on the resume of a client. You get to pick the topic you want the group to focus on, invite speakers for your new group, and so on. Generally, a great way to showcase your proactive attitude. A nice side effect is that you will meet a whole bunch of people – all potential leads for your next job offer!
Read more at http://www.careerealism.com/resume-currently-nothing-trap/#J70rfYCVSf2AuzgH.99
Saturday, April 5, 2014
Be Sure to Follow Up after an Interview
It's important whether you have a phone, video or in-person interview to follow up afterward. In today's competitive job market you want to do anything you can to put yourself in the best light possible. Potentially even putting you ahead of the other applicants you are being matched up against. Craft an email, send a handwritten note, make a call, or do something even more dynamic if the situation calls for it.
Make it personal. Be sure to express sincere thanks for the interview. Be sure to include a mention of something from the interview that provides a good springboard for them to want to connect with you again.
For instance:
"During our interview, you mentioned that [name of company] has been struggling with [describe a problem the company is having]. I have been thinking on this and wanted to share a couple potential solutions with you."
Keep it simple, professional and upbeat. You cannot go wrong!
Make it personal. Be sure to express sincere thanks for the interview. Be sure to include a mention of something from the interview that provides a good springboard for them to want to connect with you again.
For instance:
"During our interview, you mentioned that [name of company] has been struggling with [describe a problem the company is having]. I have been thinking on this and wanted to share a couple potential solutions with you."
Keep it simple, professional and upbeat. You cannot go wrong!
Looking For a Job, but You have a Criminal Record?
If you truly want to move forward with your life and remove potential barriers from your career path, here are a few steps you can take:
Request A Copy Of Your Criminal History Record
If there are mistakes or incorrect information on your record, you may be able to submit a challenge request to the FBI or the respective state repository. In many cases, companies that provide criminal background screenings provide inaccurate information. This can be anything from mismatching names or omitting crucial information to reporting a misdemeanor as a felony.
Seek To Expunge Or Seal Records
Expungement and sealing of records are both procedures that prevent or limit access to an individual’s arrest or criminal court records. For job seekers, this can be extremely helpful as expunged or sealed records are not accessible to employers. In certain cases, you may be able to legally answer ‘no’ to the question “Have you ever been convicted of a crime?”
However, each state has it’s own guidelines and record sealing laws and not all offenses are eligible for expungement. Some states do not allow expungement at all. You can find out where you stand by checking with your county’s criminal court or contacting an attorney and asking about expungement eligibility and procedure.
Search Openings At Companies That Offer Second Chances
Not all companies will automatically throw out your application. Ranker.com has compiled a list of companies that regularly welcome new hires with checkered pasts. In addition, many states and organizations offer programs that can help you in your job search.
Excerpted from http://www.careerealism.com/find-job-criminal-record/
Request A Copy Of Your Criminal History Record
If there are mistakes or incorrect information on your record, you may be able to submit a challenge request to the FBI or the respective state repository. In many cases, companies that provide criminal background screenings provide inaccurate information. This can be anything from mismatching names or omitting crucial information to reporting a misdemeanor as a felony.
Expungement and sealing of records are both procedures that prevent or limit access to an individual’s arrest or criminal court records. For job seekers, this can be extremely helpful as expunged or sealed records are not accessible to employers. In certain cases, you may be able to legally answer ‘no’ to the question “Have you ever been convicted of a crime?”
However, each state has it’s own guidelines and record sealing laws and not all offenses are eligible for expungement. Some states do not allow expungement at all. You can find out where you stand by checking with your county’s criminal court or contacting an attorney and asking about expungement eligibility and procedure.
Search Openings At Companies That Offer Second Chances
Not all companies will automatically throw out your application. Ranker.com has compiled a list of companies that regularly welcome new hires with checkered pasts. In addition, many states and organizations offer programs that can help you in your job search.
Excerpted from http://www.careerealism.com/find-job-criminal-record/
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