Archive for the ‘Job Search Strategies’ Category
Secrets From Successful Job Seekers
Sunday, December 6th, 2009
Successful job seekers know the top secret to finding work is this: Treat Your Job Search Like a Real Job
After months out of work, many people start to feel depressed and hopeless. It’s hard to feel productive when you see the same jobs posted online or you have no reason to get dressed except for an evening networking event.
Not only do you feel discouraged, but apathy can show through to people who can help with your search. How much can you contribute to a conversation when you’ve spent most of the previous week watching TV?
The good news is that this pattern can be changed. You may have heard that when you are unemployed looking for a job IS your job-and it’s true! The key is to schedule your day as if you were physically going to an office. Set definite beginning and end times, and be showered and dressed before “work” begins. Take an hour for lunch, along with short morning and afternoon breaks.
You may be thinking, “What do I DO for 40 hours a week?” The options are endless. Set daily and weekly goals related to networking, applying online, sending out your resume, making follow up calls, etc. If you have specific items (ex. a goal to make 10 calls a day) you’ll be more likely to follow through.
With so much time committed to your job search, you’ll naturally progress faster and farther than if you waited until motivation struck you.
Do This Now: For the next work week, set specific, measurable action items that you’d like to achieve by the end of each day.
Posted by Marketing Job Wire preferred partner:
Charlotte Weeks, CCMC, CPRW
Certified Career Management Coach
Certified Professional Resume Writer
Weeks Career Services, Inc.
Check out Charlotte’s career services for Marketing Job Wire subscribers.
Posted in Job Search Strategies |
Tap The Hidden Job Market
Thursday, November 5th, 2009
What is the “hidden job market?”
These are the open positions that are not advertised – up to 80% of all jobs by some estimates! You may be wondering, “why WOULDN’T a company announce a job opening?”
When jobs are advertised, employers can expect to receive hundreds of resumes, regardless of the economic climate. To avoid this onslaught hiring managers will often first try other tactics to identify candidates. Leveraging personal contacts, interviewing clients who send unsolicited resumes, and using recruiters are just a few preferred methods.
Many job-seekers are hesitant to contact companies “cold” or use their network for referrals for fear that they will appear too “pushy.” You may be surprised to hear that this type of contact can be welcome! Hiring managers and employers have more than enough work to do and are thrilled when they don’t have to go through the long, challenging process that comes after posting a job ad. Even if you don’t get hired at a particular company, you may end up with additional leads.
Challenge
This week identify five companies you’d most like to work for, then go through your network to find contacts who may be able to help you open the door there. If you don’t have any, find them on LinkedIn and start building a relationship. Mention these “insiders” in your cover letter and be sure to follow up a week later.
You’ll have MUCH less competition when you go after jobs this way.It’s worth a try!
Posted in Job Search Strategies |
The #1 Ultimate Question For Job Seekers
Thursday, October 22nd, 2009
Last week I gave a presentation on personal branding and networking in a digital age to about 100 people at the Women for Hire event at Navy Pier. It was standing room only and the crowd was very energized and engaged – great vibe! On my way out of the room a women gently tugged my sleeve. She introduced herself to me and mentioned a friend we had in common – great ice-breaker!
She told me she was in transition but I already knew that. She had that look – you know the one I’m talking about. The look that says, “I just can’t seem to catch a break.” Her spirits were all but crushed and I sensed an air of panic. I can recognize the signals of desperation because I’ve walked in those shoes.
Trying to help, I asked her the ultimate question: What is your ideal job… your dream job?
I was expecting a few key words that might help me pluck a valuable lead out of my mental Rolodex. But she couldn’t answer me. I had completely stumped her.
If you can’t respond to the ultimate question without hesitation… if the words don’t roll off your tongue with clarity and passion, then I suggest you skip the next networking event and instead work on your answer.
If you can’t name it, you can’t claim it. End of story.
Posted in Inspiration, Job Search Strategies |
Getting Past The Resume Screen
Tuesday, March 31st, 2009
HR executive and Jill Geimer answers your tough questions:
Q: If companies receive hundreds of resumes for every job opening, how can I be sure mine will get past the first screen?
A: I typically have a human resources representative screen through resumes looking for key words to match the position. You’d be surprised at how many people submit resumes with a “summary” at the top of the resume that outlines a professional goal that completely conflicts with the job I am trying to fill.
Hey! I’ve got news for you! You’re not getting an interview for a Marketing Manager if your “summary” goal says that you want to be a sous chef!
Laugh as you might, but this happens all the time. It’s important to take the time to really read the job advertisement and tweak your resume to fit the position description. And, of course, only apply to jobs that you are qualified for and would excel at doing. Otherwise, you are setting yourself up for failure.
Also, the truth is that HR professionals immediately discard resumes that have unreasonable commutes if there is not a relocation reimbursement built into the budget. It amazes me that candidates will send in resumes from as far away as India for an entry level position in Chicago.
Be realistic. If you are not planning on truly relocating at your own expense, don’t waste your time.
A final tip for the most savvy of job seekers: research the company and add your own key words that match the company’s mission statement, business model or tag line. This will most certainly catch the eye of a good resume screener.
Posted in Job Search Strategies, Resumes |
Build Your Sway Factor By Sharing, Not Selling
Saturday, March 14th, 2009
I just read that LinkedIn’s year-on-year growth is up nearly 200 percent in the United States and it now has more than 35 million members. People who previously shunned the idea of online networking are flocking to the site in droves and they grow increasingly jittery about their job, or find themselves without one. The thought of navigating such a vast pool of possible connections can be overwhelming – where do you begin? (more…)
Posted in Job Search Strategies, LinkedIn, Social Networking |
Getting Past A Salary Gap
Monday, March 2nd, 2009
We asked some questions of HR executive Jill Geimer. Jill is the Vice President of Career Development Services and Human Resources for Flashpoint Academy, has an MA in Community Counseling, an MS in Industrial Relations and a passion for helping people achieve their fullest.
Q. I’ve been turned away by recruiters because the job pays much less than what I used to earn. How can I convince a recruiter to give me a chance anyway, particularly when there’s so many well-qualified candidates on the market in that salary range?
A. First, understand the recruiter’s role. A recruiter earns a living when he or she successfully places a candidate, so their goal is to present the strongest, most qualified candidate available. If you really want the job or you really need the job… (more…)
Posted in Job Search Strategies, Salaries |
You Want Me To Do What? How To Ask For Help
Friday, February 27th, 2009
It feels good to help someone who needs a hand. But I admit that even I sometimes get annoyed with the requests that come across my desk. More often than not, people don’t make time to read my website first and mistake me for a recruiter, hiring manager or a farmer with a grove of job-trees in my backyard. There is an art to asking for help, (more…)
Tags: Job Search Strategies, Networking
Posted in Job Search Strategies |
