LISTEN:
The 5th of the MJW Careers' JobSticker's podcast series will be focused on career fair techniques. Career fairs are not supposed to be about long lines and bad parking. You need to do as much as you can to not waste your time, nor the time of the companies in attendance.
On the show, we discussed some tips and don't forget about our Free Resume contest. For more info about these and other great job hunting tips, please visit www.jobstickers.com or our website www.mjwcareers.com.
For more information on the "Free Resume" contest, check out http://mjwcareers.blogspot.com/2011/01/announcing-free-resume-contest.html
Showing posts with label human. Show all posts
Showing posts with label human. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
JobStickers Podcast #4: Sample Interview Closing Questions
LISTEN:
For the 4th installment of the MJW Careers' JobSticker's podcast, we will be discussing some sample interview closing questions. You should always be asking questions at the end of an interview!
On the show, we discussed some tips and don't forget about our Free Resume contest. For more info about these and other great job hunting tips, please visit www.jobstickers.com or our website www.mjwcareers.com.
For more information on the "Free Resume" contest, check out http://mjwcareers.blogspot.com/2011/01/announcing-free-resume-contest.html
For the 4th installment of the MJW Careers' JobSticker's podcast, we will be discussing some sample interview closing questions. You should always be asking questions at the end of an interview!
On the show, we discussed some tips and don't forget about our Free Resume contest. For more info about these and other great job hunting tips, please visit www.jobstickers.com or our website www.mjwcareers.com.
For more information on the "Free Resume" contest, check out http://mjwcareers.blogspot.com/2011/01/announcing-free-resume-contest.html
Monday, April 26, 2010
Use the Internet to Find a Job – Part 6: The Social Networking Trifecta
If you are not a member already, you need to join what we call “The Social Networking Trifecta”. It consists of LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. You are probably asking yourself, “Do I really need to be on ALL of them?” The answer is: Yes. Why? Because everyone else is! Also, different people have different preferences on which one is their “favorite” to use. Some people may think Facebook is more user-friendly than LinkedIn. Others may find that they receive more activity on Twitter than on Facebook. Whatever the case may be, you must be a part of them all. They all serve the same key purpose: to connect, share information and maintain relations with a growing network of people.
But there are some slight differences:
• LinkedIn is a business network designed to help professionals find jobs, people, and services providers. It is primarily used by co-workers and business colleagues. Similar to an online resume, your profile contains education and work history and contact information. The main function LinkedIn does not have (that Facebook and Twitter do) is the ability to update your status and provide new messages.
• Facebook is an online social networking directory that connects people with friends and others who work, study and live around them. People use Facebook to keep up with friends, upload photos, share links and videos, and learn more about the people they meet. It originally started as a site strictly for colleges and universities.
• Twitter is a free Website that blends social networking with the ability to post short messages (or micro-blogs) limited to 140 characters or less, commonly known by users as "tweets." Tweets are designed to be accessed on mobile devices and through the Internet, where they are posted to a personal Web page that can be restricted to select viewers, or viewed by anyone. Unlike instant messaging, viewers do not reply to Twitter postings. Unlike LinkedIn and Facebook, Twitter does not display your personal information.
In addition to friends, families and working professionals, the Trifecta has quickly become a networking staple for the media, politics, companies, businesses, the sports world and celebrities.
Social networking sites have changed the way we network. Real-time networking made possible by these sites has shortened the gap between finding opportunity and taking action. You can find and apply for jobs faster than ever! They allow you to maintain a network bigger than ever! But it is how you use your contacts that counts. You can have 500 friends on Facebook, but if you never reach out to them, how can you benefit?
Like employment history, education and experience on a resume, your profile, connections and status advance you on social sites. The key to success on these sites is staying frequent and relevant!
Once you have created your profiles, include URL links to your LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter pages in your email signature. If people have this information at their fingertips, they are more likely to use it! (Also, they will have no excuse for not checking out your Twitter page!)
LinkedIn
Get Linking
1. Connect to everyone you know, so you can connect to who they know.
• Search the schools you attended (including high school). Even if people do not remember you, most connect with you anyway to grow their network.
• Search the places you have worked and add everyone with whom you had a good working experience. You can ask them to give you LinkedIn Recommendations that make your profile more attractive.
2. Join professional groups on LinkedIn relating to your current or desired profession. This is a great way to find out about events and job opportunities.
3. Create a target list of 10-20 companies based on your research and advice from friends, former co-workers and other professional and alumni group members. Use the company filter to search for people in your direct or indirect network who work at your target companies. Connect with them and tell them about your interest in working there and why you are a good fit. Find out what professional associations they have and join them. When you contact them, mention that you belong to the same association.
Facebook
It is not just another social networking site for friends. The need for many people to find new employment, and the fast rate at which Facebook is growing globally, are reasons why even working professionals are joining. Individuals, companies and recruiters now use Facebook for candidate searching and job hunting.
Twitter
Twitter is growing rapidly. The main reason for Twitter’s growth is the ease of sharing and finding information on a second-by-second basis. It is fast-paced, quick-hitting and gets relevant information to your followers in an instant. Employers are using Twitter and other social networking sites to research job applicants; therefore, as a job seeker, you need to know how to use Twitter for a job search.
Here is how you can use Twitter daily:
• Maintaining and expanding your personal brand
• Managing your followers and who you are following
• Researching
• Helping yourself by helping others
But there are some slight differences:
• LinkedIn is a business network designed to help professionals find jobs, people, and services providers. It is primarily used by co-workers and business colleagues. Similar to an online resume, your profile contains education and work history and contact information. The main function LinkedIn does not have (that Facebook and Twitter do) is the ability to update your status and provide new messages.
• Facebook is an online social networking directory that connects people with friends and others who work, study and live around them. People use Facebook to keep up with friends, upload photos, share links and videos, and learn more about the people they meet. It originally started as a site strictly for colleges and universities.
• Twitter is a free Website that blends social networking with the ability to post short messages (or micro-blogs) limited to 140 characters or less, commonly known by users as "tweets." Tweets are designed to be accessed on mobile devices and through the Internet, where they are posted to a personal Web page that can be restricted to select viewers, or viewed by anyone. Unlike instant messaging, viewers do not reply to Twitter postings. Unlike LinkedIn and Facebook, Twitter does not display your personal information.
In addition to friends, families and working professionals, the Trifecta has quickly become a networking staple for the media, politics, companies, businesses, the sports world and celebrities.
Social networking sites have changed the way we network. Real-time networking made possible by these sites has shortened the gap between finding opportunity and taking action. You can find and apply for jobs faster than ever! They allow you to maintain a network bigger than ever! But it is how you use your contacts that counts. You can have 500 friends on Facebook, but if you never reach out to them, how can you benefit?
Like employment history, education and experience on a resume, your profile, connections and status advance you on social sites. The key to success on these sites is staying frequent and relevant!
Once you have created your profiles, include URL links to your LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter pages in your email signature. If people have this information at their fingertips, they are more likely to use it! (Also, they will have no excuse for not checking out your Twitter page!)
Get Linking
1. Connect to everyone you know, so you can connect to who they know.
• Search the schools you attended (including high school). Even if people do not remember you, most connect with you anyway to grow their network.
• Search the places you have worked and add everyone with whom you had a good working experience. You can ask them to give you LinkedIn Recommendations that make your profile more attractive.
2. Join professional groups on LinkedIn relating to your current or desired profession. This is a great way to find out about events and job opportunities.
3. Create a target list of 10-20 companies based on your research and advice from friends, former co-workers and other professional and alumni group members. Use the company filter to search for people in your direct or indirect network who work at your target companies. Connect with them and tell them about your interest in working there and why you are a good fit. Find out what professional associations they have and join them. When you contact them, mention that you belong to the same association.
It is not just another social networking site for friends. The need for many people to find new employment, and the fast rate at which Facebook is growing globally, are reasons why even working professionals are joining. Individuals, companies and recruiters now use Facebook for candidate searching and job hunting.
Twitter is growing rapidly. The main reason for Twitter’s growth is the ease of sharing and finding information on a second-by-second basis. It is fast-paced, quick-hitting and gets relevant information to your followers in an instant. Employers are using Twitter and other social networking sites to research job applicants; therefore, as a job seeker, you need to know how to use Twitter for a job search.
Here is how you can use Twitter daily:
• Maintaining and expanding your personal brand
• Managing your followers and who you are following
• Researching
• Helping yourself by helping others
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Use the Internet to Find a Job – Part 5: Making the Most of Facebook in Your Job Search
1. Do not put anything on your profile that you do not want your future boss to see. Make sure all the information is valid and matches your LinkedIn and Twitter profiles.
2. Complete your profile so it matches your resume and CV. Even though Facebook may not seem like a traditional way to search for candidates, recruiters are still looking for the traditional candidate items: personality traits; accomplishments; education history and dates; employment history and dates; volunteer work; memberships and associations.
3. Make your profile photo a nice, professional headshot of you. Delete all unprofessional and “incriminating” photos. Even if they have not met you face-to-face, your online photo gives a recruiter the first impression. Post photos of you doing community service, participating in sporting events, conducting speeches or conferences, being involved in church fundraisers, teaching or reading to kids, helping animals, helping the elderly, traveling (learning about new cultures) – anything employers look upon positively!
4. You can be professional and interesting at the same time. Let your true personality shine through in your profile. Show your humorous, fun-loving self; just keep it clean and non-offensive! Employers want fun employees; they do not want overly sarcastic, rude or too opinionated employees.
5. Let people know that you are looking for a new job. There are so many people on Facebook, and so many people looking for work, this is no longer an issue. The people in your network want to help you, because they want you to help them if they lose their job! Update your status to show everyone how you are actively seeking work: updating your CV, making copies of your resume, meeting with recruiters, interviewing (but do not say with whom). People love to see what others are doing (that is why the “What are you doing?” exists! They also love to comment! (The more comments you have, the better! It shows that people are interested in you.) Your updates may prompt referrals and recommendations.
6. Show your knowledge to your network. Just like updating your status, this is an indirect method to attract your network to your skills and expertise in your chosen industry. By sharing interesting information and links on your Wall, you can build up a profile of being a knowledge expert in your industry. It shows you are passionate and interested in your industry, and serious about presenting yourself in the right way.
7. In addition to searching Facebook for people from different industries and schools, try tools like Wink.com which search locations and industries on Facebook profiles. Use relevant keywords, job titles, brand names and buzz words from your target industries. Become their friend and keep in contact with them and find relevant friends in their networks.
8. Join relevant professional groups on Facebook. They are a great entry point to meet people with similar interests. They want to share information and experiences with you; that is what the groups are for!
9. Actively engage and share information with people. Get involved with the conversations going on within your network, shown on your news feed. Add some opinion and meaningful answers. It helps build credibility and presence and shows that you care. Ask questions too, it helps start conversation and encourages responses. If people who do no know you personally see this, then the first thing they do, is read your profile. The more people look at your profile, the more they have you in mind, which is good for when a job comes up!
10. Grow your network, so obtain more secondary and third level contacts. They can get you a job just as easily as a first level contact; it is all about the people that they know! In your job search, finding people on Facebook/LinkedIn/Twitter needs to be a regular function: targeting relevant people and expanding your professional (not social) network.
2. Complete your profile so it matches your resume and CV. Even though Facebook may not seem like a traditional way to search for candidates, recruiters are still looking for the traditional candidate items: personality traits; accomplishments; education history and dates; employment history and dates; volunteer work; memberships and associations.
3. Make your profile photo a nice, professional headshot of you. Delete all unprofessional and “incriminating” photos. Even if they have not met you face-to-face, your online photo gives a recruiter the first impression. Post photos of you doing community service, participating in sporting events, conducting speeches or conferences, being involved in church fundraisers, teaching or reading to kids, helping animals, helping the elderly, traveling (learning about new cultures) – anything employers look upon positively!
4. You can be professional and interesting at the same time. Let your true personality shine through in your profile. Show your humorous, fun-loving self; just keep it clean and non-offensive! Employers want fun employees; they do not want overly sarcastic, rude or too opinionated employees.
5. Let people know that you are looking for a new job. There are so many people on Facebook, and so many people looking for work, this is no longer an issue. The people in your network want to help you, because they want you to help them if they lose their job! Update your status to show everyone how you are actively seeking work: updating your CV, making copies of your resume, meeting with recruiters, interviewing (but do not say with whom). People love to see what others are doing (that is why the “What are you doing?” exists! They also love to comment! (The more comments you have, the better! It shows that people are interested in you.) Your updates may prompt referrals and recommendations.
6. Show your knowledge to your network. Just like updating your status, this is an indirect method to attract your network to your skills and expertise in your chosen industry. By sharing interesting information and links on your Wall, you can build up a profile of being a knowledge expert in your industry. It shows you are passionate and interested in your industry, and serious about presenting yourself in the right way.
7. In addition to searching Facebook for people from different industries and schools, try tools like Wink.com which search locations and industries on Facebook profiles. Use relevant keywords, job titles, brand names and buzz words from your target industries. Become their friend and keep in contact with them and find relevant friends in their networks.
8. Join relevant professional groups on Facebook. They are a great entry point to meet people with similar interests. They want to share information and experiences with you; that is what the groups are for!
9. Actively engage and share information with people. Get involved with the conversations going on within your network, shown on your news feed. Add some opinion and meaningful answers. It helps build credibility and presence and shows that you care. Ask questions too, it helps start conversation and encourages responses. If people who do no know you personally see this, then the first thing they do, is read your profile. The more people look at your profile, the more they have you in mind, which is good for when a job comes up!
10. Grow your network, so obtain more secondary and third level contacts. They can get you a job just as easily as a first level contact; it is all about the people that they know! In your job search, finding people on Facebook/LinkedIn/Twitter needs to be a regular function: targeting relevant people and expanding your professional (not social) network.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Use the Internet to Find a Job – Part 4: Resume Posting
Post your resume onto numerous job boards (both general and niche job boards) and activate alerts on those sites, so when a company posts a position that matches your background those alerts are sent directly to your email.
Reference: Check out the last section of this handout, called Job Links, for excellent spots to look for job leads. They are also available on our website at: http://www.mjwcareers.com/Links.html
Company Portals
Almost all companies post their job openings on their company portal (or website). So search all the portals of main industry players and also larger companies that hire your profession and click on that company’s “career” section. Create an online profile and post your resume so that company’s hiring manager or recruiter can find your resume. Also, set up an alert before you log off the company’s portal.
General Job Boards
Post your resume on CareerBuilder, Monster and HotJobs because that is where recruiters typically search for resumes first; and why not, when there are more job seekers on there than anywhere else in the world.
Niche Job Boards within Your Industry
Perform an online search with your industry title plus “job board” and review the results. Post your resume on those sites and set up alerts.
Association Websites within Your Industry
Most professional associations are easy to find online and by checking out an association’s website, you might find a job board or resume posting access. Even if not, you may find industry events being held, networking groups or even an opportunity to create a profile and join an online chat-board to stay in the loop.
Resume Distribution Services
Send out your resume to thousands of recruiters and direct hiring companies by using:
• BlastMyResume.com
• ResumeBooster.com
• ResumeBlaster.com
• ResumeZapper.com
Buzzwords
By placing buzzwords in your resume that pertain to your specific skill set, profession, and industry, recruiters find your resume anywhere online by typing in that keyword in a searchable index. The chances of your resume being spotted on Google or Monster, for example, enhance tremendously in a clutter-filled cyberspace. Make sure you add a section at the end of your online resume that contains a list of the buzzwords relating to your industry; make sure you use all the various spellings of such words (e.g., HVAC, H.V.A.C., HVAC/R, HVACR).
Reference: Check out the last section of this handout, called Job Links, for excellent spots to look for job leads. They are also available on our website at: http://www.mjwcareers.com/Links.html
Company Portals
Almost all companies post their job openings on their company portal (or website). So search all the portals of main industry players and also larger companies that hire your profession and click on that company’s “career” section. Create an online profile and post your resume so that company’s hiring manager or recruiter can find your resume. Also, set up an alert before you log off the company’s portal.
General Job Boards
Post your resume on CareerBuilder, Monster and HotJobs because that is where recruiters typically search for resumes first; and why not, when there are more job seekers on there than anywhere else in the world.
Niche Job Boards within Your Industry
Perform an online search with your industry title plus “job board” and review the results. Post your resume on those sites and set up alerts.
Association Websites within Your Industry
Most professional associations are easy to find online and by checking out an association’s website, you might find a job board or resume posting access. Even if not, you may find industry events being held, networking groups or even an opportunity to create a profile and join an online chat-board to stay in the loop.
Resume Distribution Services
Send out your resume to thousands of recruiters and direct hiring companies by using:
• BlastMyResume.com
• ResumeBooster.com
• ResumeBlaster.com
• ResumeZapper.com
Buzzwords
By placing buzzwords in your resume that pertain to your specific skill set, profession, and industry, recruiters find your resume anywhere online by typing in that keyword in a searchable index. The chances of your resume being spotted on Google or Monster, for example, enhance tremendously in a clutter-filled cyberspace. Make sure you add a section at the end of your online resume that contains a list of the buzzwords relating to your industry; make sure you use all the various spellings of such words (e.g., HVAC, H.V.A.C., HVAC/R, HVACR).
Monday, April 5, 2010
Use the Internet to Find a Job – Part 3: Marketing You
Here is a list of the ways to market you on the Internet.
• Setting up profiles on company portals and job boards to showcase your resume and skills.
• Creating a personal resume website that is tailored towards your skills and resume. Although it can be expensive, the chances on being found increase due to the Internet being used a main search tool for recruiters. Post projects you have worked on and a portfolio of your services you can offer to a prospective employer.
• Posting your availability as a job seeker and a brief summary to free classified-based websites including Craigslist, MySpace and Backpage.
• Joining social networking sites including LinkedIn and Facebook. Set up profiles/blogs on those sites and post your resume and credentials, divulge industry knowledge, share activities you are engaged in, provide your own networking tips or tips on advancing in a given career.
• Starting a blog on well-known sites such as Twitter, Blogger, TypePad or WordPress to share your professional knowledge and get information from other bloggers. This lets you be proactive, forward-thinking and draws people to you.
• Joining discussion groups on social networking sites such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Myspace, Yahoo Groups and Google Groups to create an Internet presence that you can use to market yourself. Discussion and networking groups exist for different industries, companies, interests, etc.
• Making connections (building your network) on these networking sites. Get advice and give advice. Search company names, co-workers, etc. to see with whom you have connections.
Personal Resume Website and Blog
You may also consider creating your own website for your skills and resume. Although it can be expensive, the chances on being found increase due to the Internet being used a main search tool for recruiters. Post projects you have worked on, and a portfolio of the services you can offer to a prospective employer. When sending out emails, include a link to your personal marketing website; it makes you stand out from everyone else as someone who is serious about their job search!
A personal Website is one of the best ways to promote and let the world read all about the benefits of your career brand. Your portfolio should include all important brand artifacts: resume(s), mission statement, detailed accomplishments list, samples of work, articles and working papers, speech transcripts, awards and honors, testimonials, and more.
Even better, publish content-rich articles, and other keyword-rich materials that lead prospective employers looking for someone with your qualifications directly to your site.
If you are a decent writer and can commit to writing regularly, creating a professional blog is a great tool for building your career brand. A blog is a specialized Website that focuses on a particular subject (person, industry, profession) that can include news, analysis, commentary, and links in a variety of formats (including print, audio, images, and video). Your blog showcases your expertise and knowledge of your industry or profession and is an excellent way to build your career brand. In your professional blog (or anywhere a hiring manager might see) never mention anything about sex, religion or politics. This handout talks more about blogs, including Twitter, later on.
Setting Up Your Website in 5 Easy Steps
1. Create a www.godaddy.com account.
2. Search domain names via the domain search tool. (We suggest using your name and try to stick with a “.com” or “.net” domain). Once you have established an exclusive domain, click Add and Proceed to Checkout.
3. Upon approval and receipt, go back to the GoDaddy homepage (make sure you are still logged in) and select Website Tonight under “My Products”. (If you cannot see the Website Tonight button, click Show All of My Products and it is listed there.)
4. In the Website Tonight section, click Use Credit in the yellow box. On the right-hand side, select your website and click Continue. It guides you through the remainder of the process.
5. Once you have a Website Tonight domain established, go back into the Website Tonight section and check the box next to your domain and click Launch. It guides you through a tutorial step-by-step process on developing your website.
• Setting up profiles on company portals and job boards to showcase your resume and skills.
• Creating a personal resume website that is tailored towards your skills and resume. Although it can be expensive, the chances on being found increase due to the Internet being used a main search tool for recruiters. Post projects you have worked on and a portfolio of your services you can offer to a prospective employer.
• Posting your availability as a job seeker and a brief summary to free classified-based websites including Craigslist, MySpace and Backpage.
• Joining social networking sites including LinkedIn and Facebook. Set up profiles/blogs on those sites and post your resume and credentials, divulge industry knowledge, share activities you are engaged in, provide your own networking tips or tips on advancing in a given career.
• Starting a blog on well-known sites such as Twitter, Blogger, TypePad or WordPress to share your professional knowledge and get information from other bloggers. This lets you be proactive, forward-thinking and draws people to you.
• Joining discussion groups on social networking sites such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Myspace, Yahoo Groups and Google Groups to create an Internet presence that you can use to market yourself. Discussion and networking groups exist for different industries, companies, interests, etc.
• Making connections (building your network) on these networking sites. Get advice and give advice. Search company names, co-workers, etc. to see with whom you have connections.
Personal Resume Website and Blog
You may also consider creating your own website for your skills and resume. Although it can be expensive, the chances on being found increase due to the Internet being used a main search tool for recruiters. Post projects you have worked on, and a portfolio of the services you can offer to a prospective employer. When sending out emails, include a link to your personal marketing website; it makes you stand out from everyone else as someone who is serious about their job search!
A personal Website is one of the best ways to promote and let the world read all about the benefits of your career brand. Your portfolio should include all important brand artifacts: resume(s), mission statement, detailed accomplishments list, samples of work, articles and working papers, speech transcripts, awards and honors, testimonials, and more.
Even better, publish content-rich articles, and other keyword-rich materials that lead prospective employers looking for someone with your qualifications directly to your site.
If you are a decent writer and can commit to writing regularly, creating a professional blog is a great tool for building your career brand. A blog is a specialized Website that focuses on a particular subject (person, industry, profession) that can include news, analysis, commentary, and links in a variety of formats (including print, audio, images, and video). Your blog showcases your expertise and knowledge of your industry or profession and is an excellent way to build your career brand. In your professional blog (or anywhere a hiring manager might see) never mention anything about sex, religion or politics. This handout talks more about blogs, including Twitter, later on.
Setting Up Your Website in 5 Easy Steps
1. Create a www.godaddy.com account.
2. Search domain names via the domain search tool. (We suggest using your name and try to stick with a “.com” or “.net” domain). Once you have established an exclusive domain, click Add and Proceed to Checkout.
3. Upon approval and receipt, go back to the GoDaddy homepage (make sure you are still logged in) and select Website Tonight under “My Products”. (If you cannot see the Website Tonight button, click Show All of My Products and it is listed there.)
4. In the Website Tonight section, click Use Credit in the yellow box. On the right-hand side, select your website and click Continue. It guides you through the remainder of the process.
5. Once you have a Website Tonight domain established, go back into the Website Tonight section and check the box next to your domain and click Launch. It guides you through a tutorial step-by-step process on developing your website.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Use the Internet to Find a Job – Part 2: The Essentials
The main advantages of using the Internet as job search tool are that it is accessible 24 hours a day; you can apply to any location, and control a more detailed job search.
• Bookmark all the good job board sites so you are constantly checking for newest job postings that might not come through in an alert. Some postings may have a different job title tailored towards a company that might not use universal job titles.
• Set up alerts on both company portals and niche and general job boards. Once a position opens up with your title, you receive an email instantly and you can have an edge on competitors by applying that same day the job was posted before the next 2,000 resumes come through. Also, set up Google and Yahoo News alerts for your specific title/industry and general job hunting techniques. Use relevant keywords such as "job hunting tips", "mechanical engineer" and "automotive".
• Search company portals, niche and general job boards and blogs/chat-rooms relating to your industry to find employment opportunities.
• Instead of going to the major job boards (e.g., CareerBuilder, Monster), start by using Indeed.com or SimplyHired.com which are job board aggregators; they search jobs on all the other job boards including company web sites. Also use Craigslist which is a great place to find local job postings in your area.
• Use the indexers and search engines to begin locating resources specific to your occupation and field. Use these sites to locate specific organizations and companies to contact and to look for even smaller, more exclusive collections of job listings.
• Use general search terms such as “job,” “opening,” “blog,” and your industry’s terms to locate hidden or deeper-result sites that might have industry experts who speak about everything from new equipment to who is hiring. Try multiple combinations of words used in your industry until you find all the information you can digest. Learn the labor market trends on who is laying-off and who is hiring. Know your industry!
• Bookmark all the good job board sites so you are constantly checking for newest job postings that might not come through in an alert. Some postings may have a different job title tailored towards a company that might not use universal job titles.
• Set up alerts on both company portals and niche and general job boards. Once a position opens up with your title, you receive an email instantly and you can have an edge on competitors by applying that same day the job was posted before the next 2,000 resumes come through. Also, set up Google and Yahoo News alerts for your specific title/industry and general job hunting techniques. Use relevant keywords such as "job hunting tips", "mechanical engineer" and "automotive".
• Search company portals, niche and general job boards and blogs/chat-rooms relating to your industry to find employment opportunities.
• Instead of going to the major job boards (e.g., CareerBuilder, Monster), start by using Indeed.com or SimplyHired.com which are job board aggregators; they search jobs on all the other job boards including company web sites. Also use Craigslist which is a great place to find local job postings in your area.
• Use the indexers and search engines to begin locating resources specific to your occupation and field. Use these sites to locate specific organizations and companies to contact and to look for even smaller, more exclusive collections of job listings.
• Use general search terms such as “job,” “opening,” “blog,” and your industry’s terms to locate hidden or deeper-result sites that might have industry experts who speak about everything from new equipment to who is hiring. Try multiple combinations of words used in your industry until you find all the information you can digest. Learn the labor market trends on who is laying-off and who is hiring. Know your industry!
Monday, March 22, 2010
Use the Internet to Find a Job – Part 1: The Basics
Knowing where to find a job is the first step. In today’s career search, the Internet is vital. Gone are the days of faxing and door-to-door marketing. (Although, do not discount those methods!) Email and the Internet are here and they are not going any where, any time soon!
Most companies utilize an applicant tracking system and tailor their searches to Internet job boards. Similarly, most recruiters find potential candidates by searching around on the Internet, using buzzwords found on a resume. Most companies and recruiters want you to email them a resume, so setting up a free email account is essential. Unless a hiring manager networks his or her way directly to you, you are going to have to learn to use the Internet as a main source of finding that right career for you.
If you do not have Internet access, use a friend or family member’s computer or go to your local public library. If you are an Internet novice, enroll in to a class to learn the basics of Internet terminology and navigation. Look for affordable Internet classes at your local public library, community colleges, high schools or other institutions in your area offering these classes to the public. Do not be intimidated or embarrassed. As we stated earlier, in today’s career search, the Internet is vital!
Create an electronic version of your resume with a word processing program (e.g., Microsoft Word). You may also want to create an Adobe PDF version of your resume. Depending on where you post your resume or where you email it, they may want a Word version or PDF version.
Set up an email account to provide instant access of your resume to employers, networking contacts or recruiting professionals. Free email accounts are available through Yahoo, Google (Gmail) and Hotmail. Create an appropriate and professional email account name, not “BeerDrinker@___.com”. Do not submit your resume with a confusing attachment named “821080res.doc (for example), but rather use your name or a descriptive label (e.g., job title).
Most companies utilize an applicant tracking system and tailor their searches to Internet job boards. Similarly, most recruiters find potential candidates by searching around on the Internet, using buzzwords found on a resume. Most companies and recruiters want you to email them a resume, so setting up a free email account is essential. Unless a hiring manager networks his or her way directly to you, you are going to have to learn to use the Internet as a main source of finding that right career for you.
If you do not have Internet access, use a friend or family member’s computer or go to your local public library. If you are an Internet novice, enroll in to a class to learn the basics of Internet terminology and navigation. Look for affordable Internet classes at your local public library, community colleges, high schools or other institutions in your area offering these classes to the public. Do not be intimidated or embarrassed. As we stated earlier, in today’s career search, the Internet is vital!
Create an electronic version of your resume with a word processing program (e.g., Microsoft Word). You may also want to create an Adobe PDF version of your resume. Depending on where you post your resume or where you email it, they may want a Word version or PDF version.
Set up an email account to provide instant access of your resume to employers, networking contacts or recruiting professionals. Free email accounts are available through Yahoo, Google (Gmail) and Hotmail. Create an appropriate and professional email account name, not “BeerDrinker@___.com”. Do not submit your resume with a confusing attachment named “821080res.doc (for example), but rather use your name or a descriptive label (e.g., job title).
Monday, October 19, 2009
Pitfalls and places you should avoid on your job search
When job seekers are out on their own and sometimes do not think long enough before they jump into an opportunity, that might come few and far between, it can sometimes backfire and in turn hurt them emotionally and financially. These are some tips to read about some of the jobs out there that aren't worth pursuing.
1. Unpaid internships with small companies who have no brand. Unless they are partnered and can offer credit for your university, I would avoid the unpaid internships. Remember when Kramer in Seinfeld had an intern at his company Kramerica? My point exactly.
2. Buzz marketing outfits: These companies constantly need agents (who end up being gullible consumers) to receive samples & coupons to give their friends and employees. You can have people sign up through the website...they don’t get money or anything; just free stuff to give people!
3. Promotional marketing companies: the employers give out sample coupons door-to-door and earn a profit off of consumers purchasing these coupons to events, like baseball games. The catch is that the coupons aren’t affiliated with the event sponsor and thus, do not work. Avoid being a scam artist without knowing you’re a scam artist!
4. Work-at-home scams: You’ve probably seen an ad on CareerBuilder that says "$10,000 a month working part-time from your home", "Help wanted to work from home and make $1000/week" or "Internet advertising company needs people who want to earn $5000 or more a month, part-time!" Stay away from anything that’s too good to be true, because it probably is too good to be true.
5. Companies that make you pay application fees. No companies charge you to work at them, so why would you think that was a normal practice?
6. Mystery shopping scams: Some mystery shopping places are legit (see list on the Mystery Shopping Providers Association), but some will ask you to handle money on your own by using fake checks from the company in place of your own cash, only AFTER you’ve spent your own cash!
7. Companies asking for your credit card information, personal pin numbers and any extra personal information via email. You know better to not buy into this trick, so know better to not get caught up working at one of them.
8. Jobs that ask you to pay them for training at companies that aren’t certified. It’s one thing to enroll at a community college for some trade certification or rapid learning course, but it’s another to only communicate with an educational class via email and then to send them money for the paid-training and learning materials. I would research schools to see if they are a qualified online training institute such as the University of Phoenix Online among others. While U of P is good online training, beware of the others that have made a business taking advantage of internet learning. You don’t want to lose out on some hard-earned money that you desperately need.
Tip: Check out businesses at the Better Business Bureau’s website (BBB.org) or run a Google search of the company name and see if any search results yield the word “scam” or “fraud” in the context, if you are unsure about the company’s practices. Bottom line: if it’s easy, it most likely isn’t going to pay off. You need to work hard to garner success.
1. Unpaid internships with small companies who have no brand. Unless they are partnered and can offer credit for your university, I would avoid the unpaid internships. Remember when Kramer in Seinfeld had an intern at his company Kramerica? My point exactly.
2. Buzz marketing outfits: These companies constantly need agents (who end up being gullible consumers) to receive samples & coupons to give their friends and employees. You can have people sign up through the website...they don’t get money or anything; just free stuff to give people!
3. Promotional marketing companies: the employers give out sample coupons door-to-door and earn a profit off of consumers purchasing these coupons to events, like baseball games. The catch is that the coupons aren’t affiliated with the event sponsor and thus, do not work. Avoid being a scam artist without knowing you’re a scam artist!
4. Work-at-home scams: You’ve probably seen an ad on CareerBuilder that says "$10,000 a month working part-time from your home", "Help wanted to work from home and make $1000/week" or "Internet advertising company needs people who want to earn $5000 or more a month, part-time!" Stay away from anything that’s too good to be true, because it probably is too good to be true.
5. Companies that make you pay application fees. No companies charge you to work at them, so why would you think that was a normal practice?
6. Mystery shopping scams: Some mystery shopping places are legit (see list on the Mystery Shopping Providers Association), but some will ask you to handle money on your own by using fake checks from the company in place of your own cash, only AFTER you’ve spent your own cash!
7. Companies asking for your credit card information, personal pin numbers and any extra personal information via email. You know better to not buy into this trick, so know better to not get caught up working at one of them.
8. Jobs that ask you to pay them for training at companies that aren’t certified. It’s one thing to enroll at a community college for some trade certification or rapid learning course, but it’s another to only communicate with an educational class via email and then to send them money for the paid-training and learning materials. I would research schools to see if they are a qualified online training institute such as the University of Phoenix Online among others. While U of P is good online training, beware of the others that have made a business taking advantage of internet learning. You don’t want to lose out on some hard-earned money that you desperately need.
Tip: Check out businesses at the Better Business Bureau’s website (BBB.org) or run a Google search of the company name and see if any search results yield the word “scam” or “fraud” in the context, if you are unsure about the company’s practices. Bottom line: if it’s easy, it most likely isn’t going to pay off. You need to work hard to garner success.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Shh...I'm Looking For a New Job (How to search for a job while maintaining your current one)
How to search for a job while maintaining your current one
There was a period where workers actually stayed on with an employer for a long time. Long enough to earn the famous “gold watch.” Unfortunately times have changed and that is no longer an option for the majority of the workforce. Another underlying issue is for the workers that aren’t satisfied with their current employment. Maybe they don’t feel like it’s challenging enough. Maybe they don’t feel like they have potential to move up the corporate ladder. And while most of us who are collecting unemployment benefits probably don’t feel bad for those who actually have a job, we all have been in a place where we just want to get out of where we are at and move on already. Below are some steps to take that can help you create that discretion you need to be able to both maintain your current employment and also devote time to searching for a new job. Searching for a new job is a job in and of itself, but sometimes being proactive might get you where you want to be. Just make sure you do your search wisely so you don’t lose your current job!
1. Take the time to update your current role into your resume. A potential employer needs to see what you are currently doing. Make sure you change your contact information to only your personal phone number and email address, not your work information.
2. Post your resume onto the job boards using the “hide your contact information” setting and confidential feature for your profile display. You wouldn’t want your current employer stumbling upon your resume!
3. Do not list your current manager as your reference! Only use previous employer references.
4. Use your current networking database as an attribute for your new career search. Be discerning with who you speak to though about your search. When you do speak to them, make sure you let them know you are still employed and that you are just proactively seeking a new opportunity.
5. Don’t use company time to search for openings or field phone calls. Your cubicle might not be conducive for that and your boss might notice if you’re using the conference room or going to your car too much! Better yet, search classifieds and job boards after work or on weekends.
6. Schedule interviews before or after work, so you are not missing work. The potential employer will appreciate you mentioning that you cannot interview during company hours; it displays your respect for your profession and company.
7. Tell the interviewer that you wish to remain confidential and that you wish for them not to contact anyone at your current position.
8. Never bash your current employer during the interview. Enough said. Don’t do it.
9. Don’t tell your current colleagues you are searching for a new job.
10. While speaking to potential employers, make sure you promote your capability and not necessarily your availability.
11. There are various ways to self-market yourself without jeopardizing your current employment: Post your expertise on industry-specific blogs and comment boards under articles, write articles for industry publications and online sites, create your own blog and write about what you know, and speak at industry conferences on a panel of experts.
12. Finally, keep up the hard work, focus and attitude! Maintain a balance of searching for a new job and working hard at your current job!
There was a period where workers actually stayed on with an employer for a long time. Long enough to earn the famous “gold watch.” Unfortunately times have changed and that is no longer an option for the majority of the workforce. Another underlying issue is for the workers that aren’t satisfied with their current employment. Maybe they don’t feel like it’s challenging enough. Maybe they don’t feel like they have potential to move up the corporate ladder. And while most of us who are collecting unemployment benefits probably don’t feel bad for those who actually have a job, we all have been in a place where we just want to get out of where we are at and move on already. Below are some steps to take that can help you create that discretion you need to be able to both maintain your current employment and also devote time to searching for a new job. Searching for a new job is a job in and of itself, but sometimes being proactive might get you where you want to be. Just make sure you do your search wisely so you don’t lose your current job!
1. Take the time to update your current role into your resume. A potential employer needs to see what you are currently doing. Make sure you change your contact information to only your personal phone number and email address, not your work information.
2. Post your resume onto the job boards using the “hide your contact information” setting and confidential feature for your profile display. You wouldn’t want your current employer stumbling upon your resume!
3. Do not list your current manager as your reference! Only use previous employer references.
4. Use your current networking database as an attribute for your new career search. Be discerning with who you speak to though about your search. When you do speak to them, make sure you let them know you are still employed and that you are just proactively seeking a new opportunity.
5. Don’t use company time to search for openings or field phone calls. Your cubicle might not be conducive for that and your boss might notice if you’re using the conference room or going to your car too much! Better yet, search classifieds and job boards after work or on weekends.
6. Schedule interviews before or after work, so you are not missing work. The potential employer will appreciate you mentioning that you cannot interview during company hours; it displays your respect for your profession and company.
7. Tell the interviewer that you wish to remain confidential and that you wish for them not to contact anyone at your current position.
8. Never bash your current employer during the interview. Enough said. Don’t do it.
9. Don’t tell your current colleagues you are searching for a new job.
10. While speaking to potential employers, make sure you promote your capability and not necessarily your availability.
11. There are various ways to self-market yourself without jeopardizing your current employment: Post your expertise on industry-specific blogs and comment boards under articles, write articles for industry publications and online sites, create your own blog and write about what you know, and speak at industry conferences on a panel of experts.
12. Finally, keep up the hard work, focus and attitude! Maintain a balance of searching for a new job and working hard at your current job!
Should I be wary of a temporary employment agency that doesn't test my skills before matching me with positions in my presumed skill set?
Should I be wary of a temporary employment agency that doesn't test my skills before matching me with positions in my presumed skill set?
While working at a staffing company in my past, one of my duties was to find temporary contractors for short contract stints lasting anywhere from 1 night to 1 year. Sometimes the company hiring us to find these people just needed bodies to do simple small part separation from one bin into another at an automotive company. Sometimes we did have to test the potential employee in various mechanical aptitudes to see if they could fit the description given to us by the hiring company.
One thing to remember though is that the temporary employment agency has a reputation to fulfill with the client hiring them. The last thing they want is for the contractor to not work out for a simple 3 month assignment. It can become tiresome for the client having to maintain turnover and the staffing company will not only lose money from each worker not being at work but also from losing the client company as a customer.
So if they temporary employment agency is not conducting tests of your skills, I would assume it's because you do not need to be tested for the type of work they will find for you. Most of the time, your resume speaks for itself.
Trust me, if the client needs someone with a quality assurance background and you have an administrative background, they won't match you up with a quality assurance job that lasts longer than a month (MAYBE if it's a one night or one week stint). The employment agency needs to watch its turnover rates too! Even if the client just needs a body.
While working at a staffing company in my past, one of my duties was to find temporary contractors for short contract stints lasting anywhere from 1 night to 1 year. Sometimes the company hiring us to find these people just needed bodies to do simple small part separation from one bin into another at an automotive company. Sometimes we did have to test the potential employee in various mechanical aptitudes to see if they could fit the description given to us by the hiring company.
One thing to remember though is that the temporary employment agency has a reputation to fulfill with the client hiring them. The last thing they want is for the contractor to not work out for a simple 3 month assignment. It can become tiresome for the client having to maintain turnover and the staffing company will not only lose money from each worker not being at work but also from losing the client company as a customer.
So if they temporary employment agency is not conducting tests of your skills, I would assume it's because you do not need to be tested for the type of work they will find for you. Most of the time, your resume speaks for itself.
Trust me, if the client needs someone with a quality assurance background and you have an administrative background, they won't match you up with a quality assurance job that lasts longer than a month (MAYBE if it's a one night or one week stint). The employment agency needs to watch its turnover rates too! Even if the client just needs a body.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Who Do We Hire For the Future of HVAC?
The growing trend of Baby-Boomers retiring from the HVACR industry has forced many companies to scramble to find candidates to replace those seasoned service technicians and journeymen mechanics.
Without a doubt, the best way to find potential employees is through referral networks. Managers and HVACR contractors must always be on the lookout for new talent, even if they are not actively hiring. Companies that are not fishing for new talent as actively as they should will certainly feel the repercussions once their elder employees decide that golf is more enjoyable in retirement than soldering pipe is in the field.
Proactive recruiting should be at the forefront of any HVACR organization's professional agenda. Success will come to those who realize the importance of filling their employee pipeline with talent. Some candidates won't last, eaten up quickly by the competition; that makes it vital to have a stable of potentials in your pipeline at all times.
Today's job market belongs to candidates; journeymen know they can receive that bump up the union wage scale, and so are selective when looking for their employer of choice. Therefore, I always tell my hiring managers to look at the resume and move quickly when we decide to pursue an individual. Separate your company from competitors by showing candidates the advantages of working for your organization.
For example, Johnson Controls created the Service+Technical Excellence Program (S+TEP) to help groom its current mechanics and for use as a recruiting tool to entice potential employees. S+TEP is an educational training program that employees complete on their own time, with monetary incentives for each level accomplished. Candidates can also receive two certifications: United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices (UA) STAR and Master Technician level achievement. The key is finding the right person to get into these programs. But how do we find those candidates?
Without a formal recruiting strategy to approach these hard-to-find candidates, a company likely will constantly stumble into the same dead ends. You always have to incorporate "out of the box" thinking if you want to successfully fill such a demanding position. One concept I find effective is advanced Internet recruitment strategies (AIRS), a headhunting technique that uses the Internet to find successful, seasoned, tradesman-level candidates that are qualified to fill the employee pipeline (Editor's Note: For more information on AIRS, visit www.airsdirectory.com).
Another trend is the growing use of technology in virtual recruiting-the majority of recruiters are online and prefer to receive Internet-based resumes more so than paper. This is a trend that is not going away any time soon; if you aren't recruiting in the "virtual" world and your competitors are, where will that leave you?
We certainly need to recruit mechanical-equipment service tradesmen (MEST) and future apprentices as well. The Catch-22 is locating a candidate that can hit the ground running, without the benefit of our having the time, money or resources to train these people. So what should we do?
The answer is simple: We have to train them and take time to build future employees up to standards so that they become a valuable company asset.
For candidates, I cannot stress enough that their employment search be viewed as a full-time job; actively submitting resumes through all mainstream, niche, and industry-specific job boards as well as company portals.
Candidates who lack Internet access and/or the computer savvy to produce an online resume should take advantage of the Internet access at public libraries; utilize resume templates such as those found at http://www.microsoft.com. Utilize such tools to your advantage, because employers are out there on the hunt.
Without a doubt, the best way to find potential employees is through referral networks. Managers and HVACR contractors must always be on the lookout for new talent, even if they are not actively hiring. Companies that are not fishing for new talent as actively as they should will certainly feel the repercussions once their elder employees decide that golf is more enjoyable in retirement than soldering pipe is in the field.
Proactive recruiting should be at the forefront of any HVACR organization's professional agenda. Success will come to those who realize the importance of filling their employee pipeline with talent. Some candidates won't last, eaten up quickly by the competition; that makes it vital to have a stable of potentials in your pipeline at all times.
Today's job market belongs to candidates; journeymen know they can receive that bump up the union wage scale, and so are selective when looking for their employer of choice. Therefore, I always tell my hiring managers to look at the resume and move quickly when we decide to pursue an individual. Separate your company from competitors by showing candidates the advantages of working for your organization.
For example, Johnson Controls created the Service+Technical Excellence Program (S+TEP) to help groom its current mechanics and for use as a recruiting tool to entice potential employees. S+TEP is an educational training program that employees complete on their own time, with monetary incentives for each level accomplished. Candidates can also receive two certifications: United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices (UA) STAR and Master Technician level achievement. The key is finding the right person to get into these programs. But how do we find those candidates?
Without a formal recruiting strategy to approach these hard-to-find candidates, a company likely will constantly stumble into the same dead ends. You always have to incorporate "out of the box" thinking if you want to successfully fill such a demanding position. One concept I find effective is advanced Internet recruitment strategies (AIRS), a headhunting technique that uses the Internet to find successful, seasoned, tradesman-level candidates that are qualified to fill the employee pipeline (Editor's Note: For more information on AIRS, visit www.airsdirectory.com).
Another trend is the growing use of technology in virtual recruiting-the majority of recruiters are online and prefer to receive Internet-based resumes more so than paper. This is a trend that is not going away any time soon; if you aren't recruiting in the "virtual" world and your competitors are, where will that leave you?
We certainly need to recruit mechanical-equipment service tradesmen (MEST) and future apprentices as well. The Catch-22 is locating a candidate that can hit the ground running, without the benefit of our having the time, money or resources to train these people. So what should we do?
The answer is simple: We have to train them and take time to build future employees up to standards so that they become a valuable company asset.
For candidates, I cannot stress enough that their employment search be viewed as a full-time job; actively submitting resumes through all mainstream, niche, and industry-specific job boards as well as company portals.
Candidates who lack Internet access and/or the computer savvy to produce an online resume should take advantage of the Internet access at public libraries; utilize resume templates such as those found at http://www.microsoft.com. Utilize such tools to your advantage, because employers are out there on the hunt.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Phone Etiquette For Job Seekers
When speaking to or leaving a message for hiring managers or recruiters, it's important to follow some basic etiquette rules.
1. Always sound professional and ready to speak to the hiring manager/recruiter... but also be prepared and have a well memorized or written out message in case you need to leave a message
2. If you leave a message, always leave your name and number twice...name at beginning and end of message and number twice at end of message (repeated back to them)
3. Leave the message slowly and carefully so they can take notes without having to replay the message
4. Let them choose when to call you back by stating in the message "please give me a call at your earliest convenience."
5. If you do speak to someone, always start off with a brief intro and question the call time: "Hi this is Matt Warzel calling about the sales position advertised in the newspaper...is this an OK time to speak?"
6. If you do speak to someone, use that time to schedule a meeting in person and not to speak in further detail, unless they wish to do so
7. Best time to call is Friday afternoon after 3:30
8. Do not bug recruiters constantly because if they need someone with your skills, they will call you. They might not have an opening right away that fits your qualifications, but if they do, they will call you. (Quick non-phone related note: Only apply to the openings that fit in your realm. They do get the "jack of all trades" candidates who in actuality only fit the bill for one or two jobs at most. So be aware of your resume submissions. Follow the job posting directions and make sure you do what they tell you to do if you want to apply to their job. They implement rules for a reason)
1. Always sound professional and ready to speak to the hiring manager/recruiter... but also be prepared and have a well memorized or written out message in case you need to leave a message
2. If you leave a message, always leave your name and number twice...name at beginning and end of message and number twice at end of message (repeated back to them)
3. Leave the message slowly and carefully so they can take notes without having to replay the message
4. Let them choose when to call you back by stating in the message "please give me a call at your earliest convenience."
5. If you do speak to someone, always start off with a brief intro and question the call time: "Hi this is Matt Warzel calling about the sales position advertised in the newspaper...is this an OK time to speak?"
6. If you do speak to someone, use that time to schedule a meeting in person and not to speak in further detail, unless they wish to do so
7. Best time to call is Friday afternoon after 3:30
8. Do not bug recruiters constantly because if they need someone with your skills, they will call you. They might not have an opening right away that fits your qualifications, but if they do, they will call you. (Quick non-phone related note: Only apply to the openings that fit in your realm. They do get the "jack of all trades" candidates who in actuality only fit the bill for one or two jobs at most. So be aware of your resume submissions. Follow the job posting directions and make sure you do what they tell you to do if you want to apply to their job. They implement rules for a reason)
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Career Fair Techniques
There are some techniques to utilize at a career fair. It's not supposed to be about long lines and bad parking. You need to do as much as you can to not waste your time, nor the time of the companies in attendance.
o Dress professionally always! It does not matter the type of career fair.
o Bring copious amounts of resumes. Better to have more than less.
o Bring a nice binder to store resumes and include a notepad and pen to take notes or further directions from employers.
o Go early if possible because you can avoid the rush!
o Have your elevator pitch ready. This is a pitch that summarizes your experience, abilities, objectives, and the assets you can provide to the company in less than 2 minutes. There are typically hundreds of job seekers that companies are engaging with, and they hate to waste time speaking with one candidate for a lengthy period of time, even if it’s someone they are looking for. Make sure you practice this pitch until you are comfortable using it, but make sure it does not sound programmed or too basic.
o Visit the inferior targeted companies first, so you can practice your elevator speech prior to visiting the top priority companies on your list.
o Make eye contact, shake hands firmly and create that good first impression with an employer.
o Always maintain professionalism. Employers notice everything!
o Do not wait in long lines, but rather spend that time networking with other job seekers or employers (even if those employers weren’t on your target list; there may be companies not within your industry that are hiring your profession). Network! Network! Network! Talk to both employers and other job seekers. You never know who might be able to help you find a job!
o Be prepared to answer multiple questions in a short time with each employer. Act as if they are an interview in and of it-self.
o Only ask questions about the job. Wait until after the interview to find out about the company. This time is for you to find out what the hiring managers are looking for now and down the road.
o Keep the conversation flowing. Have a mental list of questions prepared that are engaging and smart. Also, when given the opportunity, try to relate your skills and experience to the company or openings at the company.
o Always request business cards or at least write down contact information so you can follow up with a thank you and pursue any leads.
o Career fair follow-up: Keep yourself fresh in the mind of the decision makers. You must send a follow-up or thank you letter within a few days. Always refer to the specifics of the job fair and try to mention any part of the conversation that stood out to make it easy for them to remember you. Also, include your resume.
o Dress professionally always! It does not matter the type of career fair.
o Bring copious amounts of resumes. Better to have more than less.
o Bring a nice binder to store resumes and include a notepad and pen to take notes or further directions from employers.
o Go early if possible because you can avoid the rush!
o Have your elevator pitch ready. This is a pitch that summarizes your experience, abilities, objectives, and the assets you can provide to the company in less than 2 minutes. There are typically hundreds of job seekers that companies are engaging with, and they hate to waste time speaking with one candidate for a lengthy period of time, even if it’s someone they are looking for. Make sure you practice this pitch until you are comfortable using it, but make sure it does not sound programmed or too basic.
o Visit the inferior targeted companies first, so you can practice your elevator speech prior to visiting the top priority companies on your list.
o Make eye contact, shake hands firmly and create that good first impression with an employer.
o Always maintain professionalism. Employers notice everything!
o Do not wait in long lines, but rather spend that time networking with other job seekers or employers (even if those employers weren’t on your target list; there may be companies not within your industry that are hiring your profession). Network! Network! Network! Talk to both employers and other job seekers. You never know who might be able to help you find a job!
o Be prepared to answer multiple questions in a short time with each employer. Act as if they are an interview in and of it-self.
o Only ask questions about the job. Wait until after the interview to find out about the company. This time is for you to find out what the hiring managers are looking for now and down the road.
o Keep the conversation flowing. Have a mental list of questions prepared that are engaging and smart. Also, when given the opportunity, try to relate your skills and experience to the company or openings at the company.
o Always request business cards or at least write down contact information so you can follow up with a thank you and pursue any leads.
o Career fair follow-up: Keep yourself fresh in the mind of the decision makers. You must send a follow-up or thank you letter within a few days. Always refer to the specifics of the job fair and try to mention any part of the conversation that stood out to make it easy for them to remember you. Also, include your resume.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Here are some sample closing questions to ask a company before the end of your interview.
Here are some sample closing questions to ask a company before the end of your interview.
You always want to make sure you research a company prior to attending an interview, so you can be as educated as possible. Remember, your competition is doing this legwork. On top of finishing with verbage relating to the company, industry and specific job you are interviewing for, you want to add some of these below questions in the mix to make you that much more effective. Nothing is worse than having no questions at all.
o Is there any other information you need from me regarding my application?
o Do you have any hesitations about me for this position?
o How do I compare to my competition?
o Is there any reason why I would not be an asset in the job I am interviewing for?
o I want to work for your company; can you see any reason how I might not fit into your corporate culture?
o Is there anything hindering me from moving forward in the interview process?
o Where do I go from here? Can you tell me about the rest of the interviewing process?
o Do you know when I might hear correspondence regarding the next step?
o Is there any reason why we can’t set up the next interview now?
You always want to make sure you research a company prior to attending an interview, so you can be as educated as possible. Remember, your competition is doing this legwork. On top of finishing with verbage relating to the company, industry and specific job you are interviewing for, you want to add some of these below questions in the mix to make you that much more effective. Nothing is worse than having no questions at all.
o Is there any other information you need from me regarding my application?
o Do you have any hesitations about me for this position?
o How do I compare to my competition?
o Is there any reason why I would not be an asset in the job I am interviewing for?
o I want to work for your company; can you see any reason how I might not fit into your corporate culture?
o Is there anything hindering me from moving forward in the interview process?
o Where do I go from here? Can you tell me about the rest of the interviewing process?
o Do you know when I might hear correspondence regarding the next step?
o Is there any reason why we can’t set up the next interview now?
Unusual Job Hunting Techniques
Can you add more? Comment on this blog with any unusual techniques you've heard, seen or read about...
---people who stand on corners with signs, dressed up in suits...signs say "recently laid-off executive...will work for 401k" or whatever, unusual job hunting tactics -- just worked for a guy in the UK financial district
---people wearing "PLEASE HIRE ME" shirts to job interviews
---guy who bought a billboard saying he was looking for a job - hire him! --- it said "RESULTS DRIVEN SALES & OPERATIONS MANAGER visit Mark4Hire.com"
---another lady kept bringing in breakfast every morning to a company until they hired her
---putting resumes on people's car windshields...it worked for one guy!!
---people who stand on corners with signs, dressed up in suits...signs say "recently laid-off executive...will work for 401k" or whatever, unusual job hunting tactics -- just worked for a guy in the UK financial district
---people wearing "PLEASE HIRE ME" shirts to job interviews
---guy who bought a billboard saying he was looking for a job - hire him! --- it said "RESULTS DRIVEN SALES & OPERATIONS MANAGER visit Mark4Hire.com"
---another lady kept bringing in breakfast every morning to a company until they hired her
---putting resumes on people's car windshields...it worked for one guy!!
Quick Internet tips to help find a job
When a job seeker says "I don't have Internet access or I'm not Internet savvy," it cannot be an excuse in this competitive environment the job market has become. Here are some quick thoughts:
- Sorry, but faxing doesn't cut it anymore
- Get email account for FREE at Yahoo, Hotmail or Google
- Go to a friend's house with Internet or to your local library because THEY HAVE INTERNET!
- Enroll in a free or sometimes VERY cheap, local "Learn How to Use Internet" classes at Library or community colleges, high schools, etc. - sign up for a $25/class to learn basics of internet terms, navigation, etc. Even Microsoft Word to develop your resume and cover letter
- Post your resume onto general and niche specific job boards as well as company portals. Almost all companies post their job openings on their website...so go to a company website, find the CAREERS section and enter that career section (called a portal)...sometimes you can even setup an account before applying to a job, post your resume onto that company career account and setup keyword alerts....thus, if you're a mechanical engineer and they post a job a month later for an mechanical engineer, the company will let you know via this alert to your email, which will allow for you to apply as soon as it's posted...this can allow for you to be on top of the application list too for recruiters, because sometimes recruiters at companies will only look at the top 100 applicants as opposed to all 1000 candidates who applied (and being one of the 1st to apply, can make you higher on that list, thus in the top 100)
- Setup Google news and Yahoo news alerts for the word "'relocating' or 'relocation' and the job seeker's city or near-city's name" to find companies who are relocating to the job seeker's area; "expansion" and "growth" to identify growth companies and emerging opportunities for you to seek out hiring decision makers and recruiters at those companies
- Review leading online and published newspapers like Forbes and Wall St. Journal to keep up on those growth industries (as well as your local paper)
- DON'T BE INTIMIDATED OR ASHAMED! YOU WANT/NEED TO LEARN! YOU ARE BETTERING YOURSELF! THIS IS THE RIGHT STEP FORWARD! IF YOU AREN'T DOING IT, YOUR COMPETITION IS!
- Finally (non-Internet related), try to place yourself into growth industries (biotech, nutrition, energy & renewable energies, photonics, and IT) that you can fit into in respect to your transferable skills as opposed to dying industries (textile, printing, apparel manufacturing & general manufacturing such as steel, and airlines)
- Sorry, but faxing doesn't cut it anymore
- Get email account for FREE at Yahoo, Hotmail or Google
- Go to a friend's house with Internet or to your local library because THEY HAVE INTERNET!
- Enroll in a free or sometimes VERY cheap, local "Learn How to Use Internet" classes at Library or community colleges, high schools, etc. - sign up for a $25/class to learn basics of internet terms, navigation, etc. Even Microsoft Word to develop your resume and cover letter
- Post your resume onto general and niche specific job boards as well as company portals. Almost all companies post their job openings on their website...so go to a company website, find the CAREERS section and enter that career section (called a portal)...sometimes you can even setup an account before applying to a job, post your resume onto that company career account and setup keyword alerts....thus, if you're a mechanical engineer and they post a job a month later for an mechanical engineer, the company will let you know via this alert to your email, which will allow for you to apply as soon as it's posted...this can allow for you to be on top of the application list too for recruiters, because sometimes recruiters at companies will only look at the top 100 applicants as opposed to all 1000 candidates who applied (and being one of the 1st to apply, can make you higher on that list, thus in the top 100)
- Setup Google news and Yahoo news alerts for the word "'relocating' or 'relocation' and the job seeker's city or near-city's name" to find companies who are relocating to the job seeker's area; "expansion" and "growth" to identify growth companies and emerging opportunities for you to seek out hiring decision makers and recruiters at those companies
- Review leading online and published newspapers like Forbes and Wall St. Journal to keep up on those growth industries (as well as your local paper)
- DON'T BE INTIMIDATED OR ASHAMED! YOU WANT/NEED TO LEARN! YOU ARE BETTERING YOURSELF! THIS IS THE RIGHT STEP FORWARD! IF YOU AREN'T DOING IT, YOUR COMPETITION IS!
- Finally (non-Internet related), try to place yourself into growth industries (biotech, nutrition, energy & renewable energies, photonics, and IT) that you can fit into in respect to your transferable skills as opposed to dying industries (textile, printing, apparel manufacturing & general manufacturing such as steel, and airlines)
What to do immediately following a lay-off
Unemployment advice – general basic advice to get started week 1
o File for unemployment…immediately
o Find out about your qualifications for Cobra from your previous employer and ensure you contact the right people to enroll you into Cobra health insurance
o Life insurance – see if you can roll over your life insurance from your company into your own account
o Take care of your company investments such as stock options and the 401k program – find out from your financial house at the company, such as Fidelity
o Take a small couple days to a week break…clear your mindset of what was and what needs to be…reflect on your immediate thoughts…and get a home office together to use while you’re looking for work --- you need to be organized and ready to make looking for a new job, your new job
o Talk to people who have job titles you think you would like to do
o Contact friends, family, old colleagues and bosses and let them know what happened and see if there’s potential there for another job; even if not, it can be very therapeutic
o Get your budget together with what income/savings/investments you have vs. expenses
o Get your resume & cover letter up to date
o Get your resume up to date and post to general and niche industry specific web boards, setup job alerts, join social networking sites, local community networking events, local career fairs, and send resume/cover letter to recruiting/staffing/temp agencies as well as job listings online
o Take initiative to make looking for a job an 8 hour work day in itself…finding a job is a job!
o Look into cutting some bills you might not need anymore, like HBO cable TV and the ultra high speed internet package...try basic cable and regular high speed internet
o File for unemployment…immediately
o Find out about your qualifications for Cobra from your previous employer and ensure you contact the right people to enroll you into Cobra health insurance
o Life insurance – see if you can roll over your life insurance from your company into your own account
o Take care of your company investments such as stock options and the 401k program – find out from your financial house at the company, such as Fidelity
o Take a small couple days to a week break…clear your mindset of what was and what needs to be…reflect on your immediate thoughts…and get a home office together to use while you’re looking for work --- you need to be organized and ready to make looking for a new job, your new job
o Talk to people who have job titles you think you would like to do
o Contact friends, family, old colleagues and bosses and let them know what happened and see if there’s potential there for another job; even if not, it can be very therapeutic
o Get your budget together with what income/savings/investments you have vs. expenses
o Get your resume & cover letter up to date
o Get your resume up to date and post to general and niche industry specific web boards, setup job alerts, join social networking sites, local community networking events, local career fairs, and send resume/cover letter to recruiting/staffing/temp agencies as well as job listings online
o Take initiative to make looking for a job an 8 hour work day in itself…finding a job is a job!
o Look into cutting some bills you might not need anymore, like HBO cable TV and the ultra high speed internet package...try basic cable and regular high speed internet
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
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