Jobseekers are frequently frustrated with the lack of response from recruiters, but they have to remember that the recruiter works for the employer – not the jobseeker.

Whether in-house, retained or contingent, recruiters work for the hiring companies! Their job is to find the ideal candidate for specific open positions to please the employer – their employer. A recruiter cannot put their neck on the line and submit your resume to the employer if they do not feel you would be an ideal fit. The hiring companies rely on a recruiter’s knowledge of their talent needs and their ability to identify appropriate candidates to fill those needs. If they do not deliver, the hiring companies will find another recruiter who can.

If you happen to have the perfect skillset and experience a recruiter is looking for to fill a specific position – great! If you are a very strong candidate, they may keep you in the back of their mind for future positions. But do not expect them to “find you a job”. In fact, do not expect anyone to find you a job. That is your job. Professional resume writers, career coaches, temporary agencies and recruiters are great resources that can help facilitate your job search – but it is not their job to find you a job. You have to put in the effort. Effective job search strategies include a combination of face-to-face and online networking and reaching out to a targeted list of companies.

You can always try to connect with a recruiter, but only do so for a specific job they represent, and only if you are the absolute ideal candidate for the position. (In this competitive job market – do not waste your time applying for any position for which you do not have at least 90% of the qualifications.) The more effective approach is to make sure the recruiters find you. More than 30,000 recruiters source candidates directly on LinkedIn. To attract their attention, optimize your LinkedIn profile with keywords and quantified career accomplishments that demonstrate the value you offer an employer. Request LinkedIn recommendations as social proof will validate your expertise. Continually fine tune your craft and include professional development activities on your profile to show that you are keeping up with changes in your industry.

If you are contacted by a recruiter – fantastic! Share with them your finely tuned branding statement and resume. Respond to their requests quickly, as they will continue to contact other candidates for the same position. Remember, they are focused on filling a few specific positions as quickly as they can. So, always make sure your LinkedIn profile is 100% complete and that your resume and cover letter are ready to be presented. You never know when a potential employment opportunity might arise.

Trish Thomas founded The Resume Resource in 2009 to help people advance their careers with rewarding jobs that provide more than just a paycheck. As a Career Coach and Resume Writer, she provides her clients with the tools and strategies needed to achieve their goals and guides them through the job search process to make it less overwhelming and more successful. Because she takes the time to get to know each of her clients, Trish’s clients have a very high success rate with most having interviews scheduled within 2 weeks and job offers with significantly higher salaries. www.the-resume-resource.com

Thinking of a present for a recent college graduate? An Entry Level Launch Package from The Resume Resource, which includes a resume and cover letter with job search counseling and LinkedIn advice, is the perfect gift to help your grad jump start their career.

The job market for recent college grads is the most competitive it has ever been. With many carrying high student loan debt, these new college graduates must demonstrate that they have transitioned from “college kids” to “young professionals” to be considered serious candidates. A professionally written resume gives these new grads the competitive edge needed to win interviews.

The Resume Resource assists new college graduates as they embark on their professional careers. We guide them through the job search process to make it less overwhelming and more successful, and help them develop the tools and confidence to achieve their specific career goals.  

1:1 Career Coaching: If you are not sure of the specific career you would like to pursue, we can help you identify the types of positions that best align with your education, natural talents and interests, and establish a realistic career goal.

Resume and Cover Letter Package:  Focusing on what you have accomplished academically and personally, we will design personalized career documents that sell you as the ideal candidate. We will highlight your personal qualities to show that you have transitioned from a college student to a young professional.

Job Search Coaching:  We will share proven methods and strategies to locate jobs, how to use social media in your job search and application best practices that will accelerate your results. Together, we map out a structured and systematic job search plan.

Interview Prep Sessions: We can help you prepare to answer those tough interview questions and articulate the value you offer an employer. If needed, we can also explain the proper attire, grooming and follow-up for the interview.

Ongoing Career Support: We enjoy building long-term relationships with our clients and provide ongoing support through weekly blog posts and daily career tips shared via LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

The Resume Resource helps their clients develop and express their personal brand with a compelling resume and cover letter that stands out among other candidates’ submissions and persuades employers to call for an interview. Your career success starts here!

Trish Thomas founded The Resume Resource in 2009 to help people advance their careers with rewarding jobs that provide more than just a paycheck. As a Career Coach and Resume Writer, she provides her clients with the tools and strategies needed to achieve their goals and guides them through the job search process to make it less overwhelming and more successful.

I have covered this topic before, but am frequently asked about functional resumes by jobseekers, so I figured I’d address them again here. I strongly advise against using a functional resume. Period.

Most recruiters and hiring managers do not like functional resumes. They are more difficult to read, and immediately raise a red flag. The reader asks him/herself “What is the candidate trying to hide by grouping together their competencies and not showing me what they did where? A gap in employment, excessive job jumping or lack of experience?” Regardless of your reason for using a functional resume, you are doing yourself a disservice. The last thing you want to do is cause any negative feelings – and confusion is a negative feeling. You want the reader of your resume to feel nothing but positive feelings. The goal of your resume is to pique the interest of the reader and entice them to invite you in for an interview, right? So, don’t annoy them. Make it easy for them to see the value you would add to their team.

If you are using a functional resume because you were advised to do so – find a better source of employment advice. Ask someone who has been trained in effective resume writing within the last few years, because the resume world has drastically changed. If you are trying to hide any of the fore mentioned scenarios, it won’t work. The hiring manager will see it anyhow, so it is better not to attempt to hide it. You should address anything that an employer may see as negative in your cover letter. Explain it simply and let the employer know why it will not be a problem. They just might appreciate your honesty and directness.

I won’t even write a functional resume. If a client comes to me requesting a functional resume because they want to change careers or get back to something they enjoyed doing in the past, I show them how we can effectively sell them with the traditional reverse chronological resume. Still not convinced? Give me a call and I’d be glad to discuss it. 860-658-6480.

Nearly 1.5 Million or 53.6% of bachelor degree holders under the age of 25 were jobless or unemployed last year. It is projected that upon graduation, Millennials will be more than $25,000 in debt due to student loans. Instead of stepping into a salary job with benefits and 401K, college grads are either unemployed or working as waitresses, servers and bartenders to pay off the student loans that haunt them after graduation.

After spending years of reading, writing and studying, students look forward to graduation so they can display everything they learned in college and prove that all of their hard work has paid off. However, in the past 5 years, this has not been happening as frequently as it used to. Now the question becomes, “How do we solve this problem of unemployment in recent college graduates?”

The rules of the game have changed, so we have to change our approach. When there were fewer graduates, any college degree was a valuable credential. Graduating proved to the hiring manager that the candidate could work towards a long-term goal and had the capacity for learning. Now that the market is flooded with new grads, the value of the diploma drops drastically.

Majors such as Engineering and Accounting have the lowest unemployment rates because these majors are skill-based and lead to a specific role. Liberal Arts majors do not typically lead into a specific field and those graduates have some of the highest unemployment rates. Today, employers are looking for candidates with a specific skillset. A recent report by the National Association of Colleges and Employers concluded that employers look for evidence of these 5 skills on a resume: Working on a Team, Leadership, Written Communication, Problem-Solving and a Strong Work Ethic. If you have these qualities, be sure to highlight them on your resume.

Let’s assume a student majoring in English does so because he or she has a passion for the subject. Reading, writing and analyzing are skills most practiced throughout English courses. Within this major, there are transferable skills that can be used in a variety of fields. Writing is a skill needed in every profession, especially marketing. The purpose of marketing is to entice consumers to buy a specific product. English majors have a way with words that no other type of student does. Seems like a perfect fit, right? Use your resume to highlight the skills most valued by an employer. Explain how you will apply this skillset to help an organization meets its business goals.

You do need a marketable skillset to find a job, but you also deserve to follow your passion. When choosing a major one, find that speaks your strengths and unlocks your passion. Within your coursework, develop the skills that make you an ideal candidate for employers. Internships are a great way to experiment. You can use an internship to make sure you would like to pursue a career in this field, and it also lets you show that you can apply what you have learned in college. You can fight this era of recent grad unemployment by demonstrating the value you offer an employer. If you are unsure to which fields your skillset might apply, a career coach may be able to help you.

Good luck in your job search!

Trish Thomas founded The Resume Resource in 2009 to help people advance their careers with rewarding jobs that provide more than just a paycheck. As a Career Coach and Resume Writer, she provides her clients with the tools and strategies needed to achieve their goals and guides them through the job search process to make it less overwhelming and more successful.

Frequent visitors to my blog know that I am a huge fan of LinkedIn as a powerful job search tool. I am excited to share that LinkedIn has added a new feature to help you engage with your network - in-status mentions - which have been part of Facebook and Google+ for a long time.

   You can now easily add links to your connections and companies in your status updates and in group conversations. LinkedIn will be rolling out this new feature over the next few weeks. You’ll know you have it when upon signing in you see a message inviting you to use this new feature. These tags will be especially useful for businesses to drive traffic to their LinkedIn company page. To help you stay up-to-date with LinkedIn, here are a few tips to help you use this new feature.

1. Start typing the name of a company or connection in your status update box or a comment field on the Homepage, and LinkedIn will show you a drop down in which you can select the profile you’re referencing.

2.  Once you have selected the LinkedIn member or company, you will see that the linked profile has been highlighted in gray.

3.  Finish writing your status update or comment and post it. Your connections will be able to click the hyperlink to be automatically directed to that member’s profile or company page you have mentioned.

Note: The person or company you mentioned will receive an email alerting them that they have been mentioned.

LinkedIn stated they will soon extend this new mention capability beyond the homepage, so look for the ability to use this new feature throughout the LinkedIn platform in the near future.

Here is a link to a SlideShare presentation on this feature, should you like additional information.

http://www.slideshare.net/linkedin/linked-in-mentions-step-bystep

Happy hunting! Remember we are here to help when you are ready to improve your job search results.

By Lauren Piccini

Joining a corporate office for the first time can be intimidating. You are viewed as the “new guy or girl” for months, at least until another new employee is hired. Don’t let this bring your confidence level down; your employer hired you because he or she knew you would add value to the company. Business is a game, and you can win it by using these 5 strategies to succeed in the corporate world.

 1. Be mindful of your actions. Always show people your most confident side and never discount your ideas. Stand up for yourself.

Mistakes to avoid:

• Polling before making a decision
• Sharing too much personal information
• Needing to be liked
• Being overly concerned with offending others 

2. Keep a success-oriented mindset. Being new to a company can be overwhelming, but never lose your confidence in yourself. You are great at what you do, that is why you are there. Take advantage of the possibilities your company can offer.

Mistakes to avoid:

• Setting high, unrealistic standards for yourself
• Limiting your possibilities
• Talking yourself out of a promotion you know you deserve
• Abandoning your career goals
• Refusing perks

3. Brand and market yourself as if you are the boss. After all, their position is the one you ultimately want to have, right?

Mistakes to avoid:

• Minimizing your work or position
• Waiting to be noticed
• Being modest
• Staying in your comfort zone
• Giving away your ideas

 4. When speaking amongst your colleagues, show them that have transitioned from a college graduate to a young professional by being mindful of your tone. Always be confident that what you are saying holds value, and it will.

Mistakes to avoid:

• Second guessing yourself
• Asking for permission
• Apologizing for your beliefs
• Failing to pause or reflect before answering questions

5. Your response to actions occurring around the office and feedback received from colleagues shows a lot about your character and work ethic. Although negative feedback is criticism, taking it constructively can only help you grow.

Mistakes to avoid:

• Internalizing messages
• Tolerating inappropriate behavior
• Biding your time instead of taking action
• Putting the needs of others before your own

The keys to corporate success mostly revolve around knowing your worth and the value you deliver to your employer. Recognizing this power statement can only bring you great success and happiness. Good luck!

Lauren Piccini is a writer, blogger and social media wiz who helps small business owners transform into credible experts in their field by increasing their brand awareness through social media strategies and techniques. She is a recent grad with a degree in English from the University of Connecticut whose first work was published within six months of graduation. www.LaurenPiccini.com

A smart career manager stays up on current trends in his/her industry. Don’t let yourself fall victim to the changing job market. If you have heard rumblings about change in your organization and see that opportunities in your field are drying up, it is time to revamp your resume to highlight your transferrable skills. A few keys kills are highly desired in almost every industry:

1. Communication
2. Collaboration
3. Analytical Skills
4. Project Management

Highly Transferrable Skills

1. Communication

In almost every career, strong communication skills are vital. Whether communicating with clients or colleagues, you need to be able to articulate your ideas verbally and in writing. Hiring managers are looking for employees who can communicate effectively across the organization and represent the company in a professional manner.

2. Collaboration

In very few jobs do you operate in a vacuum. Interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate with colleagues from diverse backgrounds is very desirable to employers. Cross-functional collaboration, co-creation and cooperation are vital for business success. Successful companies know that collaborative teams encourage creativity and innovation.

3.  Analytical Skills

Most jobs involve collecting and analyzing information to some degree. Analytic skills are crucial in problem solving, and identifying and designing process improvements. The ability to analyze data and make decisions based on available information is needed in performance measurement, compliance and auditing functions.

5. Project Management

Project managers are in high demand in most industries, as almost every company is trying to work better, smarter and faster. Your ability to plan, organize, allocate resources and oversee the execution of a project to achieve a specific goal is highly transferrable.  

In today’s highly competitive job market, jobseekers may need to broaden their job search and leverage their transferable skills to stand out from the competition.

Trish Thomas founded The Resume Resource in 2009 to help people advance their careers with rewarding jobs that provide more than just a paycheck. As a Career Coach and Resume Writer, she takes the time to get to know each of her clients and guides them through the job search process to make it less overwhelming and more successful.

The biggest concern facing college grads is, “Will I have a job when I graduate?” In today’s economy, the competition for entry-level jobs is at an all-time high. Not only are recent grads applying for these positions, but so are people who have been in the field and have years of experience. College seniors and new grads must show employers that they have progressed from college student to young professional before they even leave college.

Take advantage of resources available to you at your college to build your portfolio. Instead of just telling potential employers what you might be able to accomplish, show them what you have achieved during internships and other experiences. Recruiters and hiring managers are looking for experience as well as initiative, so take advantage of everything your college has to offer to show that you are driven and will be a great addition to their team.

Use your college years as a time to build your network. Get to know your professors on a more personal level. Stop in to their office during office hours and let them know about your career goals. These people are experts in their fields; having them as a part of your network can open doors to internships and job opportunities. Not only do they see your performance in class, but taking that extra step proves to them that you are passionate and dedicated. They also may be able to introduce you to other experts in your field.

Utilize the power of LinkedIn to build your professional network. Create a LinkedIn account and use a personal message to invite face-to-face networking contacts to connect with you online. Let them know that you enjoyed meeting them and ask to schedule a short informational interview. This is how you leverage your network to advance your career. Contact them periodically so they will have you in mind when they hear of an opportunity that may be suitable for you. Finding a great career is all about “what you know and who you know.”

Having a college degree can’t guarantee a job, but if you take advantage of the right resources and build your portfolio before it’s too late, you will stand out from your competition. Show potential employers that you are a young professional, not just a new college graduate. Good luck in your job search.

Trish Thomas founded The Resume Resource in 2009 to help people advance their careers with rewarding jobs that provide more than just a paycheck. As a Career Coach and Resume Writer, she takes the time to get to know each of her clients and guides them through the job search process to make it less overwhelming and more successful.

We love the convenience of email and how it has sped up the communication process, but be careful when applying this quick action approach to your job search. Don’t risk sending a less-than-perfect email because you are rushed.

Accidentally sending a half-written email or one with typos, the wrong company name, or a missing attachment can blow your chances of winning an interview. We have all clicked “send” on an email and then panicked when we realize that it has already left our inbox. With a little care, and conscious effort, you can avoid falling in this speed trap again.

Here is an email technique that I have used for years when sending an email where perfection is vital: when you draft an email, enter the recipient’s email address last. If you are replying to an email, remove the address and re-insert it after you have written your response. This way, you won’t risk sending the email before proofing it.

Depending on your email setup, you might have the “email recall” function, but this function is notoriously unreliable, and only works if the recipient has not yet read your email.

Your professional reputation is on the line. You must take the time to be conscientious about the little details. It can make the difference in winning the interview or being seen as unprofessional.

Thanks for stopping by. Best of luck in your job search.

Trish Thomas founded The Resume Resource in 2009 to help people advance their careers with rewarding jobs that provide more than just a paycheck. As a Career Coach and Resume Writer, she takes the time to get to know each of her clients and guides them through the job search process to make it less overwhelming and more successful..

Do you dread going to work every day? Does your job require long hours of unfulfilling work but your 6 figure paycheck makes up for the misery you endure during the work week? Do you find yourself questioning whether you should stay or go? Before you make any decisions, ask yourself these questions:

1. Is money everything?

2. What makes me happy?                      

3. Am I living a life of fulfillment?

Expensive cars and vacation homes are only one measure of success. Take a moment, and visualize yourself in a state of complete happiness and joy. What are you doing? Are you attending your kid’s soccer game? Are you fixing something or solving a problem? Are you doing something you love –   but never had the chance to do because of overwhelming job-related commitments? Sit back and reevaluate what is most important to you.

The most important gauge of career success is your happiness. Do you really love your work? Do you wake up every morning excited to tackle any obstacle that comes your way? If not, then it is time to make a career change. If you are not sure in which direction you would like to head next, a career coach can help you manage your career with intention and find happiness through a rewarding position that provides more than just a paycheck.

It is possible to love your job and feel fulfilled by your work. It is completely normal and possible for anyone who wants to make it happen. First, you must look inside yourself to identify your interests and natural talents. Once you identify a valid, marketable skill, develop a strategy to achieve your goal. The most important thing is to discover and recognize your passions and then follow them with conviction.

It is not only your right to manage your career, but your obligation. You owe it to yourself. You CAN have a job that is satisfying that also meets your financial needs. Each of us must manage our career, making conscious decisions to move us towards our career goals. Pursuing your happiness is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Once you experience happiness in all aspects of your life, you will reach that level of complete fulfillment that attracts the same energy from those around you. What are you waiting for? 2013 is the time to take control of your career and find a position that provides satisfaction and takes care of your financial needs.

Trish Thomas founded The Resume Resource in 2009 to help people advance their careers with rewarding jobs that provide more than just a paycheck. As a Career Coach and Resume Writer, she takes the time to get to know each of her clients and guides them through the job search process to make it less overwhelming and more successful.

Many hiring managers are concerned that people in transition are not “work ready”. Learn new skills, keep your existing skills sharp and keep up on technology to show them that you are ready to contribute to their team’s success.

Don’t let a lack of funds hinder your marketability. There is a wealth of free training out there today. Many local libraries and community centers offer free LinkedIn, QuickBooks, and Microsoft Office classes, as well as workshops on improving your resume and effective job search strategies.

In addition, many libraries provide access to free training via Universal Class. They subscribe to the service so that their members can access the training for free. Universal Class offers more than 500 online non-credit continuing education courses for all ages. All you need to set up your free account and register for classes is a valid library card and email address. You can access the courses from the comfort of your home via the library’s website. Topics range from Accounting to Medical Billing to Real Estate.

You are welcome to enroll in up to 5 courses through Universal Class, and have up to 6 months to finish each course. You have access to your course 24/7 via the Internet and complete assignments on your schedule. Each course has a real instructor with whom you may communicate via e-mail. Keep in mind, these are non-credit courses and are not a substitute for any licensing requirements.
 

The OpenCourseWare Consortium  is another great resource for those in transition with limited funds. The OCWC is a collaboration of higher education institutions and associated organizations from around the world to provide access to open educational content. Sponsors include MIT, Tufts University and a variety of international institutions.

An OpenCourseWare (OCW) is a free digital publication of high quality college and university‐level educational materials. The material is organized into courses, and often includes course planning materials and evaluation tools. OpenCourseWare are free and openly licensed, accessible to anyone, anytime via the Internet. Courses include topics such as Algebra, Photography, and Web Design, in a variety of languages. I have not personally used OpenCourseWare and would love to hear some users’ thoughts.

Keep in mind, once you have enrolled in the training program(s), add this information to your cover letter and resume to show the hiring managers that you are making the best use of your time between jobs.

Thanks for stopping by. Best of luck in your job search.

This week's blog post is contributed by Lauren Piccini, writer, blogger and social media manager.


Over the past 5 years, not only have many people have become jobless, but the opportunities once available for recent college grads have become scarce. Although the economy is starting to improve, the entry-level job market is still extremely competitive. Before the recession, college grads would have won these jobs with ease, but now, they need to plan strategically. Do not wait until graduation to begin preparing for your dream job—you should start preparing the first time you step on campus your freshman year.

Intern. Do it. Try to complete as many internships as you can during your 4 years. Although most of them are unpaid, you are able to gain real life work experience, making them great resume builders. Not only are they a great way to learn, internships can also show you exactly what you DO NOT want to do. What if you are interning for what you thought was your dream job, but you end up hating it? It’s better to find this out early than to be stuck in a full-time position doing something you hate. Try experiencing with different types of internships too.  This helps you become well-rounded and able to recognize your strengths and weaknesses. The more experience you gain from these internships, the more credibility you will have when the time comes to apply for real jobs.

Get Involved on Campus. Join clubs and other activities on campus. Find your niche and surround yourself with positive, motivated people. Learn how to work with others and gain the practical and leadership skills needed to survive in the professional workplace.

Build Your Resume. Once you complete your internships, create a general resume. List all of your qualifications, skills and accomplishments. Use this as a reference. When looking at job postings, study the employer’s requirements and tailor your resume to meet them. Go through your resume and cover letter line by line and ask yourself whether each point supports the requirements for the job. Show potential employers the value you will add to their company.

Finding a job as soon as you graduate is not a guarantee and unfortunately, you have no direct control over anything. What you can control is making yourself a more knowledgeable and attractive candidate. Job search is a long, difficult process and it can be easy to give up. Don’t let those negative thoughts hinder your motivation. Never stop learning. Read books, industry blogs and magazines.

Lauren Piccini is a writer, blogger and social media wiz who helps small business owners transform into credible experts in their field by increasing their brand awareness through the use of social media strategies and techniques. She is a recent grad with a degree in English from the University of Connecticut whose first work was published within six months of graduation. www.LaurenPiccini.com

Trish Thomas founded The Resume Resource in 2009 to help people advance their careers with rewarding jobs that provide more than just a paycheck. As a Career Coach and Resume Writer, she takes the time to get to know each of her clients and guides them through the job search process to make it less overwhelming and more successful.

• Write down your specific goals and action steps, and assign due dates. A project plan is the first step to holding yourself accountable.
  
• Update your resume to highlight the value you offer an employer. Customize your resume and cover letter to each posting.
  
• Set a regular 40-hour/week job search schedule with weekends off, and stick to it. If you are “in transition”, finding a job must be your full-time job.
  
• Schedule informational interviews with people in your industry. Share your career plan and ask for advice for achieving it.
  
• Build your network: grow both face-to-face and online networking contacts to expand your reach.
  
• Volunteer to keep your skills sharp or enroll in training workshops to learn new skills.
  
• Prepare thoroughly for each interview and follow up afterwards with a nice hand-written note or email to each interviewer.

Personally, I am not a fan of the term “elevator pitch”. I prefer “Compelling Conversation Opener”.  If your introduction is succinct and intriguing, it will compel your listener to ask for more information. Rather than a description of what you have done in the past, it should be a forward facing statement of the value you offer an employer.

The formula for an effective CCO:

You know you have a great CCO when the listener immediately asks, “Really, how do you do that?”  Make sure you have powerful follow up statements that tell them how you deliver on your promise.   

My personal example: “I guide jobseekers through the job search process to make it less overwhelming and more productive.” 

When asked how I do that I continue with “I take the time to get to know my clients and their individual career goals, so that I can market their skillset effectively. I then collaborate with them to design a professional resume, cover letter and LinkedIn profile that attract the attention of recruiters and hiring managers. To improve their job search results I also offer job search strategies, LinkedIn training and interview preparation so they ace the job interview."

Spend a few minutes to develop a strong introduction that compels people to want to learn more about you. Then, confidently display your personal brand and the value you offer an employer.

Your job search should be forward-facing.  Determine where you are now and where you want to go. You will not be pigeonholed by your past career experience, unless you allow it to happen.

1. To start, identify your ideal career position that will meet your financial goals and aligns with your skills, interests and natural talents. 

2. Then, develop the proper tools to establish your personal brand. A strong resume and cover letter and online presence will help you stand out from the competition.

3. Next, compile a list of targeted companies that need what you offer, and learn as much as you can about them. Do not limit yourself to open job postings or spend too much time on job boards.

4. Finally, you need to put in consistent and focused effort. The most effective job search strategy is a structured approach that combines face-to-face and online networking to provide warm introductions to the decision makers.

I had the pleasure of attending Orville Pierson’s recent presentation on conducting an effective job search at the JFS of Greater Hartford JETS jobseekers program, and wanted to share with you what I learned. Author of The Unwritten Rules of the Highly Effective Job Search, Mr. Pierson shared strategies on planning and organizing your job search to deliver the best results.

Orville Pierson is the creator of the Job Search Work Team method that features a project plan and numerical progress measurements. This very disciplined and structured job search approach is highly effective and typically shortens the job search. Requiring personal accountability, it increases ongoing commitment, and provides support to help keep you motivated. Job Search Work Teams improve job placement by 20% and are rated highly by participants who credit the program with providing increased confidence, a more positive attitude, and a better understanding of the job search process.

Some key points:

Proper planning = better results

The most effective job search strategies are networking and intermediaries – these are the people who can provide you with a warm introduction to the decision makers.

Proactive job searches are more effective than reactive. Take action.

Job search intensity and perseverance dictate your success. It is simple: the more effort you put in, the better your results. You really must consider your job search a fulltime job.

Following up with a decision maker is crucial! After the interview or serious conversation, email or write a hand-written note putting on record some important details of your interaction.

Remind them of your strengths. Do this even after you have been informed that they are going with another candidate. Follow up every 3 weeks.

To be effective you must:

• Know your product (you)
  
  Have a clear handle on the value, experience and skillset you offer an employer. Be able to articulate the value you offer, and the results you deliver. You must hone your message and speak to your target market in their language.
   
• Know your market
  
  Define your personal job market by geographic location, industry and company size. Resources such as Reference USA can help you pinpoint your target companies. Best practices recommend a list of 40 target companies who value what you offer.
  
  
• Review and refine as you go.

Assess your project plan with periodic reality checks.

Make sure your target market is big enough and align your search with the market.

Get specific feedback from 2-3 other people with an unbiased opinion.

Refine your core message, as you better understand the employers’ needs.

Mr. Pierson has also written Highly Effective Networking: Meet the Right People and Get a Great Job (Career Press). In the career services field since 1977, he offers consulting services to private clients, colleges, universities, and not-for-profit organizations, and provides training for career professionals. To learn more visit http://www.highlyeffectivejobsearch.com/.

I would like to shed a little light on a topic that confuses and angers many jobseekers – Applicant Tracking Systems.

In theory, Applicant Tracking Systems are a good thing. In practice, they frustrate jobseekers and cause the dreaded “resume black hole”. I have some good news - once you know a little more about Applicant Tracking Systems, you will be able to navigate through them easily and improve your job search results.

The Applicant Tracking System (ATS) technology makes the resume review process more efficient. These days recruiters and hiring managers are receiving hundreds, if not thousands, of resumes for each open position. They do not have the time, or the desire, to read every incoming resume. They want to review only the resumes of the most qualified candidates. Makes sense, doesn’t it? They use keywords from the job posting to identify the mostly highly qualified candidates. If your resume does not have right keywords, your resume will not be flagged for review. No human being will ever read your resume. Period.  

In addition to containing the right keywords, the format of your resume must also be compatible with the ATS. If the format is not compatible, the ATS cannot read the “data” contained in your resume. You can be the perfect candidate for the position, but if the hiring manager never sees your resume, you might lose out on the opportunity. Here are some specifics on ATS-friendly formatting, and tips to improve your job search results.

ATS technology can also prevent discrimination in the hiring process. By matching only the qualifications and skillset required for the position, age, race, gender, and appearance are removed from the equation. Each resume is rated by its match to the job posting. Show that your skills and qualifications are the best match for the position and your resume should be flagged for review.

There are many different versions of Applicant Tracking Systems. Some include online application submission while others scan incoming resumes. Many rate resumes based on a weighted system, so the number of times keywords are used throughout your resume and cover letter is important. But – do not simply stuff your resume full of keywords! You must show how you have used these skills in the past. An effective resume demonstrates how your previous employers benefitted from your skillset through quantified career accomplishments.

Contrary to popular belief, Applicant Tracking Systems are not the creation of evil human resources professionals determined to punish jobseekers. By learning about their functionality and updating your resume to work within their parameters, it is possible to avoid the dreaded “resume black hole.”

Job searching is both mentally and physically exhausting, and it can be very difficult to stay motivated over a prolonged period of time. Of course, giving up is always the easiest way out, but you need to stay motivated until you reach your goal!

Believe in yourself. You are selling yourself and your unique experience to prospective employers. Have confidence that you are selling a quality product and employers will see the value you offer.

Switch it up. Sitting at home day after day can cause you to lose interest and motivation. If you occasionally work from a local coffee shop or library, you may find yourself energized by your new surroundings. Plus – you never know who you might run into.

Maintain a regular work schedule. Finding your next job is your fulltime job. Work a consistent schedule and put in concerted effort.

Use effective strategies. Do not waste your time on paid-for-post job boards! Many of those jobs are not real, and those that are real may already be filled. A better approach?  Do some research and make a list of 5-10 target companies where you would like to work. Visit their website to learn more about them, see if they are hiring and identify the decision makers.

Don’t let a lack of postings stall your efforts. Many jobs are not advertised, and hiring managers prefer to speak to candidates who have been referred by someone they trust. Use LinkedIn to secure an introduction from one of your connections, or join LinkedIn groups to which the hiring managers belong.

Use a project management approach and monitor your progress. Break down the job search process into a series of manageable goals and establish deadlines. For example:

• In the first week, draft your personal branding statement/compelling conversation opener, resume and cover letter; identify at least 4 regularly scheduled face-to-face networking opportunities.
  
  
• In the second week, fine-tune your compelling conversation opener, resume and cover letter as needed and attend at least one networking event. Identify 5 individuals in your field of interest for potential informational interviews. Research companies of interest.
  
  
• Within 30 days, build up to attending at least 3 networking events per week; schedule at least one informational interview per week; and make at least one new contact per day.
  
  
• Within 45 days, practice answering tough interview questions and secure 3 job interviews.  Continue with your networking events, informational interviews and making at least one new contact per day.
  
  
• Within 60 days, have 6 interviews and 2 call backs
  
  
• Within 90 - 120 days, start your new job!

Monitor your progress with an Excel spreadsheet or Word table. It will help keep you on track and show you how much you have accomplished. Sure, your new job is your ultimate goal, but make sure you celebrate all your little successes along the way. Did you meet your goal of 3 networking events this week? Great! When people ask about your job search, smile and tell them that you are making progress!

Be sure to reevaluate and assess your efforts.  Ask yourself: What have I done so far? What haven’t I done yet? What’s working? What isn’t working? Make changes where needed – and keep going.

Keep your mind, body and soul healthy. Make sure you eat well, exercise regularly and get enough sleep. Remember to always take care of yourself.

Take time off. Job hunting for 8 hours a day is draining. From time to time, take a step back and do something that makes you feel good; this will also give you a fresh perspective when you return to your job search. Try not to look for a job on the weekends—that’s the time to enjoy yourself and relax with the people you care about most.

Follow these tips to keep your momentum going and do not stop until you have obtained a position that is financially and emotionally rewarding. If you are frustrated by your job search, call me for a free consultation – odds are I can give you some helpful tips to improve your job search results. Good luck!

Research the registered companies in advance to determine which offer positions that match your skills and experience. Prioritize the companies so that you are able to spend time with the recruiters for your top 3 choices.  

Dress Professionally. Dress to fit the job for which you are applying. Jeans, sneakers and flip-flops are never acceptable.

Bring Many Copies of Your Resume. Make sure your resume clearly states the position you are seeking and is accomplishment-based. Use language that reflects the job you are seeking and print it on good paper.

Communicate Your Career Goals and What You Offer the Employer. Prepare a 30-second introduction and career overview to really sell yourself to recruiters. Practice this enough so that it easily rolls off your tongue.

Ask Questions. The main purpose of a job fair is to gather information. Find out what employers are looking for in their employees and what positions exist within the company.

Follow Up. This is the most important step. Send a thank you letter within 24 hours to each employer you spoke with at the fair. Remind them of something specific from your conversation and emphasize your interest in scheduling a follow-up interview.

The Resume Resource will be providing FREE resume critiques on Tuesday, November 13th at the Coast to Coast Career Fair at the Farmington/Hartford Marriott, in Farmington, CT. Even if you do not need a resume critique, stop by our booth to say “Hi” and enter our drawing for a FREE Optimized LinkedIn Profile!

Because we like to prepare jobseekers for a successful job search, we will also offer words of encouragement, peppermints and pens, so you can put your best foot forward.

Coast-to-Coast Career Fair  11 am – 2 pm
The Hartford Marriott - Farmington located at 15 Farms Springs Road, Farmington, CT 06032
Complimentary on-site parking (for easiest access park behind the hotel)

For a list of exhibitors, register online after 11/01 at www.coasttocoastcareerfairs.com.

Don’t miss the opportunity to impress company recruiters who are looking forward to meeting YOU!

Searching for a new job, but have no idea where to start? Connecting with your college and high school alumni is a great way to kick off your networking efforts and boost your job search. Sure, networking can be scary, but think of it this way: you already have something in common with these people.Since you attended the same school, you may be able to reminisce about dorm life, sports teams or nights at the local bar. Establishing a connection and building rapport with alumni is EASY!

The most effective networking strategy combines both face-to-face and online interactions.Volunteer with your school alumni center and regularly attend or volunteer at events. Participation in your alumni association is a great career move because it allows you to connect personally, face-to-face with a large group of people on a regular basis. You never know whom you will meet. When you do meet someone whose professional interests you share, make sure to follow up after the event.

Social networking sites such as LinkedIn are invaluable to your job search. Use the LinkedIn search feature to locate alumni of your college(s), and even high school. Be sure to search under the full given name as well as how the school is commonly referred, as you never know how someone will list the school in their profile. Do not forget to search LinkedIn Groups for an alumni group from your institution, as well. Join the group and become an active participant.

Use LinkedIn to research potential contacts and reach out to those who share your interests. Even if a fellow alumna is not in your field, they may know someone who is. Be sure that you do not ask for a favor the first time you make contact with someone—there is no quicker way to derail a budding relationship. (Re)-introduce yourself, start a conversation and build your network. They may know of a position that is perfect for you, or have a contact who does. A warm introduction is the ideal way to get in front of decision makers. The possibilities are endless and networking with alumni is one of the easiest ways to connect with others. You just have to take that first step!

According to CareerBuilder, many employers are reporting that new jobs have been created within their organizations. These jobs that did not exist 5 years ago are now growing to meet new technology needs, including positions in:

        Social media – 16 %

        Storing and managing data – 15 %

 
        Cybersecurity – 12 %

        Financial regulation – 10 %

 
        Promoting diversity inside and outside the organization – 9 %

        “Green” energy and the environment – 8 %

        Global relations – 8 %

To improve your chances of winning an interview for one of these newer positions, tailor your resume and cover letter to the job for which you are applying and use the keywords provided in the job description. Take training to learn the skills needed for these positions and proactively reach out to these employers. Use LinkedIn to connect with the decision makers so the right people find you.

I am a big fan of social media and embrace (most of) the ways it has changed our lives, but I do not think it will make the resume obsolete.  At least I sure hope it doesn’t.  I love writing resumes and want to continue to help people advance their careers for years to come.

One of the main reasons that I think the resume will continue to be needed is its ability to include all your best information in one place.  When people search for your online activity and digital dirt, they will probably find only a fraction of the information that is out there.  If you want them to find your best stuff – help them find it.  Include all your social media URLs in the contact information at the top of your resume.  You also want to ensure that the information they find pertains to you and not someone with the same or similar name.  Good or bad, you want them to find your online activity.  (Which you should keep clean by the way.)

Another benefit of the resume, it (should) concisely present your skills, qualifications and experience as they relate to the position for which you are applying.  Do not leave it to your audience to seek out your online information and then interpret it for themselves.  Depending on which pieces of information they find, their opinion of you could vary widely.  With your resume, clearly state your message and claim your personal brand.  We all have varied backgrounds.  You do not want the hiring manager distracted by all the superfluous information.  Help them concentrate on what matters most – while presenting yourself as the solution to their problem and ideal candidate for the position.

As I frequently tell my clients, “Your resume is not your autobiography – it is your commercial.  Sell yourself. “

Resumes that win interviews are ones that target the needs of the employer and position you as a leader in your field. Employers are looking for Specialists, not Generalists. You need to present yourself to the employer as the solution to their particular problem and demonstrate your expertise. If your employment history includes a variety of diverse positions, identify a common set of skills that you utilized in each and focus on how you applied this skillset in the various situations. For this strategy to be effective, the skill must be marketable, i.e. considered desirable by a potential employer.

Highlight this skillset in your profile statement and the accomplishments you include for each of your positions.  Present your expertise in such a way that the employer can easily see the value you offer. This idea can be carried forward in the situational story you include in your cover letter and your talking points during a job interview.

Be confident in your brand and promote it in everything you do.

I read a blog post this morning that I just had to share with my followers because it really opened my eyes to the plight of today’s jobseeker. I am a trained career professional, and I devote all my waking (and some sleeping) hours to helping jobseekers get back to work, yet I never thought of their challenge to get hired in quite this way.

Dr. Marcia LaReau is a very successful Career Strategist and Founder/President of Forward Motion who combines a focused job search method and personalized coaching to get people back to work sooner. I am a big fan of Forward Motion’s Ernest Answers blog.  In the June 24, 2012 blog post Ernest shares exactly what has to happen for a person to get a job.

Here is what needs to align for a jobseeker to get work:

IF the industry is hiring and,

IF a nearby company posts a position and,

IF the jobseeker qualifies for the job and,

IF their application (cover and résumé) gets through the online systems and,

IF the phone screening, the phone interview, and two or more face-to-face interviews go well:

…then the jobseeker MIGHT get the opportunity to negotiate a contract…,

IF at least three references respond promptly and

IF they get their drug-testing results in before the other two “Final” applicants, and

IF the DMV and other official databases don't present a hiring glitch.

That is quite a bit to overcome, isn't it?

Read the rest of the How to Help Jobseekers blog post and see why we should all give jobseekers a break if they are putting in the effort, but have not yet seen results. It also illuminates how crucial it is for jobseekers to keep trying, and the importance of a career coach in a successful job search.

Thank you Marcia for once again sharing your wisdom with the rest of us.

http://www.forwardmotioncareers.com/index.php

http://forwardmotioncareers.blogspot.com/

There has been much talk of the need for ATS-friendly resumes to avoid the dreaded “resume black hole” (which does exist!). Fortunately, I belong to Career Directors International a fantastic organization for career professionals where the best and the brightest share their wisdom with the rest of us. Here are some of the latest tips on ATS-friendly resumes from today’s group discussion.

Computers are stupid. They are not capable of rational thought – they only process data. Applicant Tracking Systems seem to be some of the most unsophisticated archaic programs out there. So, we have to make sure that the “data” in our resumes is in a format they can readily decipher.

Some of the biggest ATS players are Preptel, Sovren Software and Taleo. Here are Sovren’s  Tips for Electronic Resumes.

Best of luck in your job search.

We all know that social media has changed the entire job search process. While many of these changes are beneficial – such as extending our reach far beyond our face-to-face network – there is also a down side. Whether we like it or not we all have “digital dirt”. I thought I was safe. I am reasonably cautious with the information I share online and have “googled” myself periodically to see what is out there. Well, I had a surprise the other day when I checked a few more sites after viewing Talking Finger’s “Using Social Media for Job Search or Career Advancement” presentation on Slideshare. I searched for my name on a few of the sites they listed and found an Amazon wish list I had created for myself some time ago out there for all the world to see. Fortunately, there were only a few yoga DVDs and books on there, but I was still very surprised at this “invasion of privacy”. Well, I had no one to be mad at other than myself. I had neglected to check the box to make my wish list private. You bet I went to Amazon and fixed that PDQ.

I now have a plan to re-check these sites periodically to see what is out there about me. You never know what others, including hiring managers, might see when they check you out online. And believe me – they will. Protect yourself by being careful about what you share online, and checking as many of the people search sites as you can to find your “digital dirt”. You may even find unfavorable information about someone else being attributed to you. You can’t fix the problem if you don’t know it exists, right? Find out what is being said about you today. Fix or hide what you can, and make sure you add positive information about yourself with your social networking profiles and activity.

Talking Finger is an amazing social media marketing firm. They share a wealth of social media information on their website and Facebook page. They are actually Facebook developers so they have the scoop on new features before anyone else. I recommend you visit both frequently to keep up on current social media trends and topics. If you are in the greater Hartford area, check their upcoming events on their website and attend their presentations. I learn quite a bit from them every time I hear Bill and Erik speak.

Here is the link to their presentation. It will help you in your job search as well as all your social media activity. Share it with those you care about.

If you have visited my blog before, you know that I am a huge fan of LinkedIn. It is the most powerful job search tool out there - and it is FREE! [There are paid LinkedIn memberships, but I do not feel the expense is worth the limited additional benefits they provide.] Currently there are 150 million members on LinkedIn, an estimated 40% of which are decision makers. More than 130,000 of those are recruiters who use LinkedIn to source candidates. Don’t you want to be where the recruiters and hiring managers can find you?

Even if you are not currently looking for a job, it is a good idea to build your network and establish your online presence before you need it. Many people consider it unprofessional not to be on LinkedIn. If you happen to be over the age of 35, like me, you need to show that you are keeping up with technology. Having a strong social presence is a very good way to demonstrate your technical prowess.

An optimized LinkedIn profile positions you as a leader in your field and includes all the relevant keywords that a recruiter or hiring manager would use to find a person like you. Once you have a strong profile that sells the value you offer an employer, don’t stop there. Build up your connections, follow companies of interest and join conversations. Be transparent and honest in your communications and build real relationships. Ask how you can help others before you ask for help yourself. Connect with as many people as you can. You never know who might know of a job opening that would be perfect for you.

Don’t operate in a vacuum. People cannot help you find a job if they do not know that you are looking. Spend at least 20 minutes 3 days a week on LinkedIn. Personally, I am on LinkedIn every day. It extends your reach exponentially! It has enabled me to re-connect with friends and former colleagues all around the country, and is the source for most of my career services clients. With an active presence, your LinkedIn profile will work for you 24/7.

Here is a list of the 10 Best LinkedIn groups for jobseekers, as assembled by The Undercover Recruiter. Check out these groups and join the ones that match your industry and role. But, do not only join the groups! Visit often and either participate in, or start, discussions to keep yourself TOM (top of mind). You want the hiring managers to think of YOU when they have a job opening.

10 Best LinkedIn Groups for Jobseekers

1. A Job Needed – A Job Posted

2. Career Change Central

3. CareerLink Network

4. Corporate Recruiters

5. Executive Suite

6. Job Openings, Job Leads and Job Connections

7. Jobs Alert

8. Linked:HR

9. Personal Branding Network

10. Positive Thinkers

They did not add it to the list, but I highly recommend The Undercover Recruiter group. I find that is provides a great deal of helpful information for jobseekers.

Get familiar with the many features of LinkedIn. The LinkedIn team is continually expanding the functionality and provides a wealth of information in their easy-to-use “Learning Center”. Harness the power of the most powerful job search tool out there, and I am quite confident you will improve your job search results.

Good luck with your job search and happy networking.

It has never been harder for new graduates to get a job. Experts have estimated that the unemployment rate for new graduates is 45% in some industries. Employers have increased their hiring, but you are competing with a lot of seasoned professionals who have solid career achievements that help sell their value to an employer. You really need to stand out from the competition to grab the attention of the employer.

You may not have a lot of professional experience, but as a group, you have enthusiasm, passion and strong technology skills. These traits are very desirable to employers. They are looking for people who have the skills to do the job, and will fit in with their corporate culture. Look back over your life to identify groups, clubs, athletic and volunteer activities that provided you with leadership, problem-solving and interpersonal skills. On your resume highlight your strengths and indicate how these will benefit your next employer. Present yourself as ready to enter the professional world, and eager to help your new employer achieve their strategic goals.

You are not in this alone. We offer a free 2012 DIY Best Practices Resume Guide that provides specific suggestions to help you market yourself effectively to employers. We have compiled tips that have worked very well for our resume clients. These are proven techniques that win interviews. Request yours today! www.the-resume-resource.com

To catch the eye of an employer today, you must stand out from the competition with a resume and cover letter that position you as the solution to their problem.  As past behavior is indicative of future performance, highlighting how a previous employer benefitted from your employment will demonstrate the value you offer your next employer.

This is not bragging about yourself, it is marketing yourself to your next employer.  To identify your accomplishments, think back over your career for your “success stories”.  Reviewing past performance appraisals can be helpful, as many managers are required to quantify your achievements as part of the review process.

Defining your achievements is as simple as citing specific instances in which you made a difference to your organization.  Accomplishments for which you can quantify the results are the most effective.  Not all jobs lend themselves to quantifiable achievements, but you can still indicate how your employer benefitted from your efforts by mentioning the results of your actions.  Be sure to include how you accomplished what you did or which of your specific skills you employed.  Examples can include:

The obvious: [quantify increase or savings by $, % or # accounts]

• Exceeding monthly/quarterly/ annual sales goals
• Bringing in new business
• Successful product launches
• Increasing market share or turning around underperforming territory/department
• Process improvements that saved money, increased efficiency or reduced errors
• Awards, honors or recognition you received

Less obvious:

• High value or impactful projects you managed
• Presentations you gave, discussions or large meetings you led [Indicate demographics, audience size, etc.]
• Involvement in the development of a new product/system that positively impacted business
• Did you increase customer satisfaction or retention? 
• Did you coach or mentor new staff members?

Do not forget about:

• Were you selected to lead a key initiative or particular project outside the scope of your role? [Indicate why were you chosen.]
• Did you increase staff retention or improve employee morale?  [Through new training opportunities, team building activities, or your management style?]
• Were you promoted or given additional authority?  [Indicate what strength you demonstrated to earn this advancement.]
• Articles you wrote or in which you were quoted [ newspaper, journal, magazine or trade publication]

You can then use a few of these achievements to develop situational stories for job interviews to show the depth of your expertise.

Key Takeaways: