Social Media is on the rise today. The growth of Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn have all contributed to an alternative way to conduct a job search. If you have accounts on these sites, more often than not you have a vast database for career resources at your fingertips. The key to taking advantage of your online network is be stay active and in touch with your connections. It's important to participate in groups discussions and post any concerns or questions that you have about your industry. With the advent of the Internet age, it is more important now than ever to establish a strong "online presence". Taking the time to work on your online presence can prove to be extremely valuable in the future.
Instead of Looking for Positions, Look for People
In many ways this search method is more effective and useful than responding to postings online. Personally contacting people about open positions is guaranteed to be more successful than responding to a listing because of the human contact and relationship building that is made in the process. If you are looking for a job in the Medical Device Industry, connect with Medical Device groups on LinkedIn and Facebook. In these groups you can actively post your qualifications for a job as well as view other listings for potential openings. At the same time, viewing the profiles of people who work in the company that you want to apply to also gives you a sense of what the company's work culture is like. Reading other people's profiles also gives you a sense of whether or not you can fit into the company's corporate environment - which is an essential factor when HR managers make hiring decisions.
Another method of utilizing these sites is to take advantage of the ability to message people that work in your target companies. Before doing so, make sure to do your research on the company - don't just simply message the individual asking for a job offer, but build rapport with them. You may not get a job offer but in the end expanding your network will only work to expand your career.
Tweet it on Twitter
Establishing a strong prescence on Twitter is not only essential to expanding your online network - but it is also a good way to publicize your name and experience in your field. Completing a full profile with a background on Twitter is essential to participating in "tweeting". Connecting with recruiters and companies on Twitter shows them that you are extremely interested and proactive in wanting to join their workforce. Furthermore, you can follow job leads on Twitter once you subscribe to recuriter Twitter accounts. Working with Twitter is not only fun, but also a good way to contact as many people as you can without meeting them face to face.
Find a community on Facebook
Facebook can also be an important asset. Joining groups in your area of expertise as well as adding yourself to alumni and professional networks can give you a heads up on tips to improve your image at work as well as the latest industry trends and news. Facebook may not seem as professional as LinkedIn, but it's personal connections through Facebook that can give you a whole new perspective on those in your field. Plus, getting to know your peers personally through Facebook only makes it much more easier to network with them and ask them for possible job opportunities and tips.
LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter are all relatively new tools that can baffle a lot of people. It's relatively easy to create a profile and stay in touch with people - so why not do it and promote yourself professionally at the same time? Just a few minutes checking these sites everyday can really expand your networking potential - get yourself out there on the web!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Monday, June 8, 2009
It's hard to find a job when your credit is bad....
Check out the L.A. Times..”Trapped: It’s hard to find a job when your credit is bad..”
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-cover-badcredit7-2009jun07,0,2666439.story
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-cover-badcredit7-2009jun07,0,2666439.story
Friday, June 5, 2009
How To: Resume Muti-tasking
"Applying for a job is a full-time job within itself" could not be more true. A tough economy calls for more effort and most importantly more time put into applying for jobs. When dilligently checking daily job listings, most of us can spot 3-5 jobs that we are qualified for and interested in. But do you really have the time to sit down and tailor 3-5 resumes daily? Even when unemployed most of us do not. So how can you effectively manage your resumes to make the most of the time you have to apply for jobs?
First Step: Keep a general resume handy on your desktop.
Keeping a general resume is like keeping a job diary. Update your resume while you are currently working and also after you leave a job. This way you are better able to quantify your accomplishments as well as getting some great feedback from your co-workers and boss. Try to do this frequently so you are prepared when applying for a new job.
Second Step: Find the jobs you want to apply for and read their descriptions carefully.
We cannot emphasize this enough. Cut and paste the job description, put it onto Word, then print it out. Have this document at your side when editing your general resume and keep using keywords found in the description in your resume. Recruiters and companies want to find a perfect fit for the job - if you already do not have all the qualifications needed, its best to tailor your resume as much as possible.
Third Step: So now you are finished tailoring your resume. Time to submit?
NOT YET! Most people think that after tailoring their general resume they are ready to submit. Applicants like these mostly use a general cover letter that is not tailored to the company they are applying for. This is a HUGE mistake. Cover letters give the HR coordinator a first impression of the employee. You do not want your first impression to look like you mass-emailed companies your resume. So that some time out to re-write the cover letter as well.
Cater your cover letter to the industry you are applying for - that means changing the skills you list for every job. Also, do not forget to address the recipient in your cover letter. If the job description lists a name for reference, then address your cover letter to "Ms. Hudson or Mr. Lee". Do not simply put "To Whom It May Concern". At the top of the letter, list the person you are writing to, along with the address of the company. A cover letter should be written in the style of a formal letter.
Last Step: Naming your documents
It may seem minimal - but naming your attachments is also an important part of making a first impression. Do not put the company name into the resume. This sends off a message that you are apply for hundreds of other companies and that the only way you can organize your millions of resume files is to name them by the company you are applying to. Instead, name your file "Jane Doe resume" and "Jane Doe cover letter". You may also want to add in the date as well. Recruiters and Human Resource coordinators save dozens of resumes onto their computers everyday. Providing them with this information will help them remember your name and also the date when you applied. This translates to them getting back to you faster as well.
Lastly, there is one final step : FOLLOW UP! Refresh the memory of your recruiter or HR coordinator. We see hundreds of resumes everyday - giving us a call about your job application not only helps us but gives you a higher chance of scoring the job.
First Step: Keep a general resume handy on your desktop.
Keeping a general resume is like keeping a job diary. Update your resume while you are currently working and also after you leave a job. This way you are better able to quantify your accomplishments as well as getting some great feedback from your co-workers and boss. Try to do this frequently so you are prepared when applying for a new job.
Second Step: Find the jobs you want to apply for and read their descriptions carefully.
We cannot emphasize this enough. Cut and paste the job description, put it onto Word, then print it out. Have this document at your side when editing your general resume and keep using keywords found in the description in your resume. Recruiters and companies want to find a perfect fit for the job - if you already do not have all the qualifications needed, its best to tailor your resume as much as possible.
Third Step: So now you are finished tailoring your resume. Time to submit?
NOT YET! Most people think that after tailoring their general resume they are ready to submit. Applicants like these mostly use a general cover letter that is not tailored to the company they are applying for. This is a HUGE mistake. Cover letters give the HR coordinator a first impression of the employee. You do not want your first impression to look like you mass-emailed companies your resume. So that some time out to re-write the cover letter as well.
Cater your cover letter to the industry you are applying for - that means changing the skills you list for every job. Also, do not forget to address the recipient in your cover letter. If the job description lists a name for reference, then address your cover letter to "Ms. Hudson or Mr. Lee". Do not simply put "To Whom It May Concern". At the top of the letter, list the person you are writing to, along with the address of the company. A cover letter should be written in the style of a formal letter.
Last Step: Naming your documents
It may seem minimal - but naming your attachments is also an important part of making a first impression. Do not put the company name into the resume. This sends off a message that you are apply for hundreds of other companies and that the only way you can organize your millions of resume files is to name them by the company you are applying to. Instead, name your file "Jane Doe resume" and "Jane Doe cover letter". You may also want to add in the date as well. Recruiters and Human Resource coordinators save dozens of resumes onto their computers everyday. Providing them with this information will help them remember your name and also the date when you applied. This translates to them getting back to you faster as well.
Lastly, there is one final step : FOLLOW UP! Refresh the memory of your recruiter or HR coordinator. We see hundreds of resumes everyday - giving us a call about your job application not only helps us but gives you a higher chance of scoring the job.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Getting a Job When No One is Hiring
Hidden Job Market: Myth?
Is it true that there is a "hidden" job market out there?
In a tough economy, being aggressive about getting a job is not enough - we believe it takes some extra effort to take your search "underground" to the hidden job market.
The hidden job market refers to jobs that are not publicized or posted on a company's website. At every company there is an estimated 20-25% turn over due to relocation, retirement, or career changes. So in a bad economy there is still a chance of being hired. The only difference is that the chances of being hired a much lower since the amount of positions available are vacancies and not new positions.
Finding a job in this kind of market calls for creative techniques. Researching on your company and keeping up to date on relevant news can keep you informed on the industry. If the position you want reports to the Vice President in your company, log into LinkedIn and read their profile to get a better idea of your employer. Send them an email as well to show them that you are highly interested in the job. In this economy, being shy will not help you get a job!
Tapping into the hidden job market requires a lot of research, diligence, and an outgoing personality. The main key is to use all of these qualities in a tactful manner. Constantly spamming a future employer is not as wise as sending them a well-written follow-up letter. Use your judgement carefully when communicating with a potential employer. And above all: get yourself out there!
Is it true that there is a "hidden" job market out there?
In a tough economy, being aggressive about getting a job is not enough - we believe it takes some extra effort to take your search "underground" to the hidden job market.
The hidden job market refers to jobs that are not publicized or posted on a company's website. At every company there is an estimated 20-25% turn over due to relocation, retirement, or career changes. So in a bad economy there is still a chance of being hired. The only difference is that the chances of being hired a much lower since the amount of positions available are vacancies and not new positions.
Finding a job in this kind of market calls for creative techniques. Researching on your company and keeping up to date on relevant news can keep you informed on the industry. If the position you want reports to the Vice President in your company, log into LinkedIn and read their profile to get a better idea of your employer. Send them an email as well to show them that you are highly interested in the job. In this economy, being shy will not help you get a job!
Tapping into the hidden job market requires a lot of research, diligence, and an outgoing personality. The main key is to use all of these qualities in a tactful manner. Constantly spamming a future employer is not as wise as sending them a well-written follow-up letter. Use your judgement carefully when communicating with a potential employer. And above all: get yourself out there!
Recruiters: Friends in a Tough Economy
Be Nice to Recruiters
Although recruiters may not get the ultimate say on whether or not you get hired, they have a great deal of influence with the hiring managers. They are the gatekeepers and will be the decision makers on whether or not you move on in the hiring process. You better figure out how to impress your recruiter first—he or she has a reputation to maintain with their client companies. Why would they send you on if you’re not the best they have to offer? How do you take advantage of this elusive key that can open doors to your next job?
First—don’t treat the recruiter like a hired hand. A recruiter represents your first hurdle in the recruiting process. Impress them! Give it all you’ve got! Be personable. If that recruiter doesn’t have a job that’s a good fit for you, but thinks you are worth the effort, he or she will market you to other clients and recruiters they network with. That means more exposure for you. If you treat a recruiter poorly or as someone working for YOU, there’s no surer way to bring a halt to the process.
Treat recruiters as partners in the hiring process. In a job market as competitive as today’s you need all the help you can get!
For more tips on job hunting go to: www.appleassocglobal.com
Although recruiters may not get the ultimate say on whether or not you get hired, they have a great deal of influence with the hiring managers. They are the gatekeepers and will be the decision makers on whether or not you move on in the hiring process. You better figure out how to impress your recruiter first—he or she has a reputation to maintain with their client companies. Why would they send you on if you’re not the best they have to offer? How do you take advantage of this elusive key that can open doors to your next job?
First—don’t treat the recruiter like a hired hand. A recruiter represents your first hurdle in the recruiting process. Impress them! Give it all you’ve got! Be personable. If that recruiter doesn’t have a job that’s a good fit for you, but thinks you are worth the effort, he or she will market you to other clients and recruiters they network with. That means more exposure for you. If you treat a recruiter poorly or as someone working for YOU, there’s no surer way to bring a halt to the process.
Treat recruiters as partners in the hiring process. In a job market as competitive as today’s you need all the help you can get!
For more tips on job hunting go to: www.appleassocglobal.com
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