Five Tools To Know About

Technology in the handsTechnology has changed the way we do things. It gives us options and the digital tools to do things faster and better. At a recent party I discovered that many did not know about the five web sites listed below.

indeed-logo

Indeed has become one of the top sites used and referred by career counselors for finding opportunities in the United States. Indeed CEO and co-founder Paul Forster stated in an interview that, “Indeed includes jobs from over a thousand sources – more than any other service on the internet. Other advantages Indeed has compared with competitors include superior aggregation and search technologies.” If you are a job seeker I suggest that you download the Indeed mobile app and even do a saved search. Those currently employed can use Indeed to read job descriptions and see if they have the skills employers are currently looking for. On Indeed you can also look for the best mortgage deals! If not, acquire them now to make yourself marketable later.

doodle-logo

Outside of work we often schedule events for organizations, clubs, and even group outings with friends. Using phone, texts, or email will take 2x longer than simply using Doodle’s survey system. Doodle polls everyone involved, and in one screen you can see what date/time has the best response rate. We use this for the SHRM board I am on, and it makes planning so much easier. Job seekers can use the free ‘individual’ account. Try using Doodle to pick a date to get together with high school and college friends, or a even a group of LinkedIn connections to plan a summer networking social. Job leads follow those well connected and that make themselves visible. Who knows, he knows people willing to invest and open a start up all in a simpler way with same day loans.

skype-logo

When networking and building your circle of connections it’s always better to give individuals you want to meet options that fit their comfort levels and busy schedules. Never ask for just a face-to-face meeting. Instead also offer a brief phone or skype session as an option. Every resume, business card, and email signature should have a skype address listed. Potential job candidates are now screened through the telephone or video appointments on platforms like skype. You do not want to scramble at the last minute to try and create an account. Instead, create the basic free one now, and practice getting comfortable with its features.

glassdoor-logo

At the National Governors Association Summer Meeting, American Vice President Joe Biden talked about Glassdoor. He attended the Data Jam event that was held with 24 high-tech firms discussing ideas on training and hiring job seekers. Biden stated how Glassdoor is helping individuals find jobs, and career counselors like myself agree. Researching a company you want to work for is an absolute must. Glassdoor gives you an insider’s perspective on what it was like to work or interview at your target company. It also provides relevant statistics and information to help you stand out in a crowd of job seekers that did not do their homework.

spotify-logo

Music helps us manage time. It can motivate us and even take away job search stress.  If you find yourself surrounding yourself with music, buying cd’s and paying for iTunes; then check out Spotify. It’s free. This suburban girl and ivy league grad gets pumped to tackle tough assignments by listening to ‘Seek and Destroy’ by Metallica. Whatever your music preference, Spotify will play a continuous stream of the artist you pick and similar artists in that genre. Unlike other sites, it lets you plays an entire cd, and even suggests matches based on the existing playlists in your computer. You can have several pre-set stations. This tool is great when sitting at home reviewing dozens of job postings, doing research, or sending emails.

If there is a tool that you utilize and would like to share, drop me a note on one of our common social media platforms (Twitter ~ LinkedIn ~ Facebook). In the words of former Microsoft CEO, Steve Ballmer: “The number one benefit of technology is that it empowers people to do what they want to do. It lets people be creative. It lets people be productive…and so in a sense it is all about potential.”

**This article was the 2014 JobMob Contest Entry: https://jobmob.co.il/blog/5-job-search-tools-youre-not-using/

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2014 JobMob Contest Entry

 

JobMobBlessCheck out my 2014 JobMob Contest Entry.

Which tools work for you? Tell me

If there is a tool that you utilize and would like to share, drop me a note on one of our common social media platforms. In the words of former Microsoft CEO, Steve Ballmer: “The number one benefit of technology is that it empowers people to do what they want to do. It lets people be creative. It lets people be productive…and so in a sense it is all about potential.”

Do You Know About These 5 Tools

Connect: Twitter @blesscareersLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/blessvaidian~ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CareerTransitionsGuide
2014 Job Mob Contest Sponsors:

Elaine Griffin Designs specializes in WordPress website customizations, logo development, marketing material design, and social media marketing design. She also offers social media content strategy and consultation services.

Moz provides inbound marketing analytics software. They also foster the web’s most vibrant online marketing community and create free resources for learning inbound marketing.

 

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‘Data is the New Bacon’ & Other Lessons Learned from NACE

NACE is the National Association of Colleges and Employers, whose members are mostly recruitment and career services professionals. The organization recently held a Face2Face forum to share trends, job outlook information, and research findings.  It was one of the best meetings I have been to due to the interactive nature of the program and the amount of information I walked away with. BACON

Trudy Steinfeld, Assistant Vice President of NYU has a catchphrase that was often used in this meeting: ‘Data is the New Bacon.’ You have to love it, understand it, and utilize it to be successful as a company or a college. Data empowers our decision making process and often acts as a catalyst for change. It keeps us accountable. The information I manage and collect at the university I work for, feeds into the information NACE shares.  Marilyn Mackes, NACE Executive Director did an excellent job of facilitating a great workshop and sharing the complete research findings. Here are some key pieces I wanted to share from the meeting:

Sources: NACE Class of 2013 Student Survey Report; NACE 2013 Recruitment Benchmarks Survey Report; NACE 2014 Job Outlook Report

Class of 2013: Expectations, Preferences, & Outcomes

  • Top resources for job search: employer websites, friends, parents, faculty, career fairs
  • Linkedin grew in usage from 32% in 2011 to 62% in 2013
  • More than 63% of participating students reported having an internship or co-op
  • Greatest influencers in job search success are major and experiential experience

2013 Employer Recruiting Benchmarks

  • New college grads account for 57% of new hires
  • Social Media Usage: 64% Twitter, 70% Facebook, 92% Linkedin
  • Use of video interviewing steadily increasing and used by 25% of employers
  • 75% of employers have active diversity and inclusion programs

2014 Job Outlook

  • Preferred attributes of candidates: communication skills, leadership, analytical skills, strong work ethic, teamwork
  • Trends in recruitment methods: 51% using more social media, 49% using more technology tools, 38% changing branding, 33% attending more career fairs
  • Top Majors in demand consistent with 2013 results: finance, computer science, accounting, engineering
  • 75% prefer hiring candidates with relevant work experience
  • New Developments in 2014: increased interest in international students and associate degree graduates with degrees in business, engineering, and computer science

big dataTechnology and the ability to collect and process data faster-better has changed the demands we place on ourselves.  Data tells us what to do, where to do it, and how others are doing it better.  A key point Dan Black, NACE Board President ended our Face2Face with was ‘ROI’ (Return on Investment). Big Data tells us where our time, energy, resources needs to be spent in order to yield better results. If you are a hiring professional, working in higher education, or looking to make your next career transition; remember to do your research and use data to empower your outcomes.

Let’s Connect: Twitter @blesscareersLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/blessvaidian~ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CareerTransitionsGuide 

 

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Rules of Engagement for Linkedin

 linkedin1This month I gave a workshop on LinkedIn and shared my set of ‘rules for engagement’ and how to build your connections.  Follow these 5 tips if you are looking to expand your network, find a job lead, get answers to your questions, or simply looking to connect with leaders in your interest category. Using LinkedIn the wrong way can annoy others or even cause your profile to be flagged. Every week individuals from all over the world and in various stages of their career, try to connect with me on social media. Remembering these simple rules of courtesy can help to build your professional circle and also brand yourself in your field.

1)   Give a Reason

You have to state what the common bond is when asking to be added as a connection.  Most people will respond if you write a personal note and answer the question ‘why’ you are looking to add them. Always send a message detailing what you have in common, and never settle for the LinkedIn default message. This can only be a few lines since LinkedIn limits the number of characters you can use in your message. The key, is to make your few words count. 

2)   Don’t be Random

Never send invites to ‘anyone and everyone’ with no meaning. Purposefully outreach to individuals related to your career goals, at your target companies, that are well connected, or whom you value as an expert. Having a circle of relevant connections is of more value than mere numbers. If you do not know the reason why someone should add you to their circle, then do not even bother sending an invite. If you are looking to simply build numbers, then outreach to recruiters at a staffing firm and temp agency or alumni and staff from your college.

3)   Do Unto Others

If you see a contact is working on a project, raising money for a cause, or looking for assistance; offer your help freely. Networking is about building relationships, and not taking from others. I am often getting job leads emailed to me. Leads follow people that know how to volunteer their time and resources because they become respected and valued.

4)   Requires Maintenance

Stay at the forefront of your network’s Linkedin home-page by emailing, ‘liking’, or commenting on their posts after you add your connection.  Over time this will help you build a bond with individuals and get profile recognition. Adding connections lets you connect with their extended network as well.

5)   Ask for a Meeting

For those contacts you value and respect, ask for a real-time conversation over the phone or even over coffee. Having people in your circle with common interests will also help to facilitate face-time at conferences or career related events and workshops.

Linkedin is a professional online networking site. You may never meet most of the individuals listed as a connection, but it is still a relationship you want to foster over the years. Start your targeted outreach to build your online presence this week but keep in mind the rules of engagement listed above. linkedin1

Connect with me on: Twitter ~ LinkedIn ~ Facebook

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Career Fairs & How to be a ‘Match’

fair1Career Fairs show case match-making between employers and job seekers. Numerous screening interviews take place under one roof, and under a few hours. If you are not a fit, you will not be selected by the recruiter for the next round. Only those that ‘match’ proceed to the employer site.  

College Campuses are an ideal place to find Job & Internship Fairs. You can also look online to see a variety of fairs in your city, don’t forget that there are a lot of options for online education, we even now have the opportunity to look for online colleges for military.  I have worked on and managed Career Fairs over the years. Those serious about getting a job or internship need to follow this advice:

 

1)   Prep

You cannot walk into a Career Fair and ‘wing’ it if you are serious about finding employment.  Just as research is key to interview success, it’s also crucial for the fair. You need to find out ahead of time what organizations will be attending. Then you must check out the websites of your target companies, view their job postings, read their latest articles/tweets, and find out if you know anyone in your extended circle that works there. Never say you will ”take anything”, because you will wind up with nothing. That shows you are not prepared.

2)   Pre-Screening

Recruiters at Job & Internship Fairs have two piles of resumes. Only candidates that make it to the ‘right’ pile will be getting a follow up meeting. Your goal is to make it to the pile that passes the Recruiter’s filter. Fill out online profiles ahead of time so that when an employer asks you if you filled out their online application, you can say ‘yes’. Make sure the resume you bring to the fair is free of errors, has an easy to read format, and highlights exactly what you want it to highlight. Job descriptions should be quantified with metrics, accomplishments, and keywords that are relevant to the industry and posting. You can get a Customized Job Application Resume Writing service to make sure your resume is free of errors.

3)   Spotlight is On

The Human Resource representatives at Career Fairs are viewing you even before it’s your turn to talk to them. Anything inappropriate you say or do in that room or while waiting on line will be noticed. Be on your best behavior. You should be dressed in interview attire, wearing a smile, and engaging those around you while you wait for your turn. You have only a minute to shine in the spotlight, but remember the spotlight is always on.

4)   Answer the Question: Why You?

If you are looking for an internship or job, you should have a pitch. Your pitch answers the question: ‘why an employer should hire you.’ You can’t think of what to say to that inquiry on the day of the fair. You need to know what skills make you a good candidate for the role. If you don’t know why an employer should hire you, then they won’t. Those that tailor their pitch to match the industry, position, and employer get selected.

5)   More than a Resume

What gets you a follow up meeting after the Career Fair is more than a resume.  It’s the combination of a good resume and the ‘package presentation’: speech, expressions, handshake…etc. Anything that would make the recruiter think you cannot represent their organization, clients, or products will move you into the ‘do not pursue’ pile of applicants. Your communication skills, positive attitude and energy needs to come across the minute you step foot in front of the hiring representative. That is just as important as the resume. fair1

The great thing about Career Fairs is that those seeking employment can have face-time with dozens of recruiters. Hiring professionals that have posts to fill can meet hundreds of applicants.  It’s a ‘win:win’ situation for both groups. Look online to see when your college is hosting its next employment fair. I am assisting with two Job & Internship Fairs this Spring at my University. I love to get feedback from recruiters as to what matches were made. When I look through the room of job seekers, I know who is making the cut. Be the ‘match’ an employer is looking for by taking your next Career Fair seriously and taking my advice.   

Connect with me on: Twitter ~ LinkedIn ~ Facebook

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Twitter Basics for Your Job Search

twitter_discover_picMany use twitter to send out updates on a television program, share weather complaints, or post daily routine. But twitter is one of the most powerful networking tools that exist, and should also be used for career success.  It can help individuals find job related connections, learn about the latest in industry trends, and access employment opportunities.  Even if you have never used it, twitter is an easy tool to maneuver. Here are a few tips to help job seekers get started.

1) Your Bio Matters

Upload a great profile picture and do not settle with the default.  When someone stops to check out the person behind your tweet, this is what they see.  Include ‘key words’ in your bio that reflect your professional brand.  Include a link to your virtual resume, Linkedin, or personal website in your bio.

2) Know the Basic Terms

Tweet = an instant message In 140 characters or less, you can share news, your resume, and network your way to a job

Twitter handle = @username Choose your twitter username wisely. It can be your name, your personal brand, or a combination of both.  My handle: @BlessCareers

Hashtag = #  Its a way to search for information. You can even combine hashtags with specific keywords that fit the type of job you’re looking for. Example: #jobs + #marketing or #nycjobs or #HealthCareJobs

Direct Message = DM Direct messages let you communicate privately with other twitter users.

Retweet = RT When you share a tweet from someone else its called a retweet. Retweeting is how to build a connection and share information with your followers.

2)   Follow People and Organizations Related to your Job Search

Use the search function to find people or organizations you want to follow.  You can follow most people on twitter without getting the person’s permission, and immediately start receiving their tweets.  Unlike other social media sites, twitter is known as a visible forum for instant information exchange with just about anyone.  It’s a platform to get noticed and build followers.  In many cases you can direct message (DM) people you never could of contacted elsewhere.

3. Utilize Lists to Manage your Information

Lists help you manage the tweets coming into your stream and lets you organize twitter information into categories.  It’s a function not many know about. You can create a list for job search experts, another list for your target companies, another list on industry specific topics or for recruiters…etc.  You can also subscribe to other twitter users’ public lists and set your lists as private if you desire. This way you can access your list of choice for updates, without getting feed from all your followers.  If you manage your lists properly and follow the right people; you will never miss a job trend or opportunity.

4. Find Companies, Hiring Professionals, and Staffing firms

If there are target companies you’re interested in working for, find their hiring managers on twitter. Follow them, retweet their posts adding a little commentary, and respond to their tweets when appropriate. Also find 3rd party recruiters to see what jobs they are tweeting, and connect with HR professionals to get first hand job leads. Follow other professionals like yourself  or with jobs you are looking to transition into. Twitter can help you find a job, but also find others that are doing ‘what you want to be doing’.

5. Tweet Relevant Information

If you’re looking for a job then share relevant information and practice ‘self promotion’.  If one of the companies you’re interested in working for tweets an open position, tweet back stating your qualifications and an online resume source.  Follow and engage experts in your field and recruiters through tweets. Tweet in a consistent manner and as often as you can to maintain followers. Be mindful to the fact that individuals will be judging you based on your tweets, so leave out the inappropriate.

6. Create a Resume you can Tweet

Develop a 140-character version of your resume with a link to your online portfolio, personal website or LinkedIn profile that you can tweet.  Your tweetable resume should capture what you have to offer an employer, your ‘tag-line’, and link to an online resume source.

7. Manage your Tweets

There are many apps out there to help you tweet on a regular basis, find people to follow, view what others are doing with your tweets, and so much more.  Just google your twitter request and see what apps are available to support your wish.  HootSuite and TweetDeck are 2 twitter apps that help you get organized, manage your social media outreach and your job search.

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Get started on twitter today by exploring the tweets of others in your field. See what they are sharing, what lists they have set up, and then start your job search relevant posts. Start sharing career, industry, and job relevant tweets. Build a bridge to a network of new contacts that you can exchange information with. Remember successful networking is about sharing ‘your’ job leads, ‘your’ ideas, and offering others ‘your’ assistance. Opportunity will follow those who know the art of networking, and twitter offers one of the best networking forums.  

 

Love to see your next tweet…Follow me on twitter @BlessCareers and Career Transitions Guide Facebook Page

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Book of Answers for your Career Questions

BlessCareersLooking for a book with answers to all your career questions? Sorry. It doesn’t exist. But, the internet is the next best thing. If you are about to take a step in your career, use it. The more information you start with, the better off you will be in making a decision.  Access to career resources and occupational research is made easy by the internet. These free websites can empower career starters, changers, or climbers to make their next step. 

GETTING STARTED:

United States Department of Labor is a great site to get the outlook for a specific career, salary information, and job titles related to your initial selection. CareerOneStop.org is sponsored by the U.S Department of Labor and provides answers to a variety of career questions.

O*Net Online is a multi-faceted tool used by many career counselors when working with clients and matching them with their values, interests, personality, and skills. Within ‘Quick Search’ type ‘writer’, ‘counseling’, ‘law’, etc., and get insight into the profession you are interested in exploring.

GETTING A DEGREE: 

Princeton Review and College Navigator lets you search schools by location, major, test scores, tuition costs, and more. It allows you to find colleges based on your search criteria, and gives you a list that is a fit for your needs.

GradSchools.com offers everything you need to know about getting an advanced degree. Gain understanding on the application process, admission tests, and map out costs.

GETTING THE JOB:

Glass Door shares insight from others that worked or interviewed at the company you are trying to get into.  Before your next meeting with a potential employer, use this site to give you the information you need to be better prepared. Organizational research is a key component to acing the interview.

Vault provides industry, company and job search information. It ranks companies in different categories and provides lists to help you target employers. If you wanted to know the top companies for ‘work/life balance’ or ‘green initiatives’ this is a good site to use.blogA

The web provides hundreds of sites to answer any career related question. These links listed are free, easy to access, and offer insight to help you reach your objective.  Do the research before you set your next professional goal. 

I would love to hear what website you use for your career questions. Connect with me on twitter @BlessCareers and Career Transitions Guide Facebook page.

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Need Motivation? Ten Inspirational Quotes

Quotes motivate us and keep us focused. I surround myself with inspirational sayings, and use them in situations with clients or in workshops. These 10 are the quotes I use the most in my daily life, and it can help you in your personal and career journey. 

1.    Change your thoughts and you change your world. ~Norman Vincent Peale. 1

How we view the world, and the way we think defines our actions. Hope and confidence are fuel for positivity and change. What are your thoughts motivated by? I hope you see the cup as half-full, and not half empty.  Fear and negativity limit us.  It keeps us stuck from setting goals and overcoming obstacles. Today, people with a hunger for ambition are the winners, so if you have been thinking about starting a business, what better way to do it than to avoid credit check loans.

 2.    Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.”
 ~Martin Luther King Jr.

In January people set career and personal goals. Throughout the year we make plans, and quit because we are overwhelmed or think it’s impossible.  The task is only too big if you look just to the finish line, and not to the day at hand. If we focus on each step, then our desires are attainable. Life and career lessons can be learned from athletes and what they achieve over time, and never in one step.

 3.    Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do, so throw off the bowlines, sail away from safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails.  Explore, Dream, Discover. ~Mark Twain

Don’t look back at your year or your life and have it be filled with regrets of the things you did not do or the risks you did not take. Open yourself up to new people, new ideas, and new horizons. Comfort levels keep us where we have always been.  But its only when we step out of the box and try a different path, that we can actually greet the “could-of been and should-of-been” in life. Successful entrepreneurs Mark Zuckerberg and Steve Jobs explored a ‘different’ path than the course which was handed to them.

4.    Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing. ~Benjamin Franklin

Each day we write a new page in life, and social media has changed what we share with the world. We share too much or don’t share to inspire. Remember employers that want to learn more about you, peers that may be able to refer you, or even children that look up to you are watching. Put your name into the Google search engine, and see what brand or image you portray to the world. I teach workshops on this. Trust me, its serious business. 

 5.    In order to attract more of the blessings that life has to offer, you must truly appreciate and give ~ Ralph Marston

A rule of karma is that you get what you give. Those that give their time, energy, and resources to others have a bigger network to rely on when need arises. In life we shouldn’t give to receive, but there are rewards to practicing random acts of kindness.  See where you can volunteer your time and skills. If someone helps you along the way, please state your gratitude as well as pay it forward. 6

6.    Chance favors the prepared. ~Louis Pasteur 

If you like where you are in your career or personal life, that’s great. But if you don’t, then start thinking about what you need to do to get to where you want to go. What degree or knowledge base do you need to acquire to make yourself marketable? You can’t apply to jobs you are not qualified for, but you can develop your skills and become the right candidate.

 7.   I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed. ~Michael Jordan

Our life is full of success stories, but its also filled with plenty of ‘fails’. How we handle being knocked down makes a difference to where we end up. Hard work and perseverance do pay off in the end. The easy road never leads to an easy life; it only leaves you wishing you had more.  So if your last 3 diets didn’t work, or your last 4 interviews bombed; just keep pressing forward and understand what you could have done differently. Don’t quit. Keep going. In the attempts you get closer and closer to accomplishment.

 8    When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up.  I wrote down ‘happy’.  They told me I didn’t understand the assignment, and I told them they didn’t understand life. ~John Lennon

Happiness is different things for different people. Are you happy with your life? People grow up to be lawyers or stay at home moms. People serve others as skilled craftsman, in retail, or as support staff.  All are great places to be if you are personally happy with that destination. If not, then do something about the relationships, jobs, or roles you are in.

 9.    You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream. ~C. S. Lewis

Whether you are job hunting, changing careers, or just looking to find yourself, the right ‘read’ can help you get started on your dreams.  Richard Bolles book, What Color is Your Parachute is a great quick read. You don’t have to wait to set personal and professional goals. Update your resume and have networking business cards printed. Who knows what the next week will hold?! Get ready to write your story. Only you have the pen to do that, and it can be whatever dream you choose to fulfill.

310.  An organized life is a happy life. 

This is something I penned myself and constantly tell people. If your personal life is in disarray, if your table is always a mess and you can’t find ‘anything’, if you feel over whelmed and can never find ‘time’; then do something about it! Create order out of chaos and you will be the better for it. Say ‘no’ to offers in order to make time for the important things. Utilize a schedule or planner to achieve goals without procrastination. Make a conscious effort to categorize and put things where you can find them, and do not hoard the unnecessary. The time and satisfaction you gain from bringing order to your daily life is priceless.

Whatever personal resolution you have set for yourself, I wish you success in achieving it. Some times having a quote to stand behind, is just what we need. Surround yourself with your favorite motivational sayings and share them with others.  I would love to hear what your favorite quote is. Connect with me on twitter @BlessCareers and the Career Transitions Guide Facebook page.

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5 Things HR Wants You To Know

HR thumbs upKnowledge is power. The only way to maneuver through this job market is by listening to the voice of hiring professionals.  I love my job at Pace University, which has brought about collaboration with hiring managers and recruiters. They offer feedback when I place interns or post company vacancies. I also have access to their remarks at career fairs, workshops, and HR events.

These are the 5 comment categories I hear most often, and I hope they help you in your job search:

 

1) “Don’t scare me with your social media posts”

Use social media to create a positive personal brand, not to frighten employers.

It costs a company thousands to hire the wrong candidate. So what you are saying online through your pictures, Likes and posts are being analyzed. Clean up your digital dirt before you apply to a position. Employers are putting your name in search engines to see what they find. Successful job seekers know to treat their social media posts like they would a PR campaign.

2) “This is not a meeting at a friend’s house”

Too many people are showing up for an interview or going to career fairs in everything other than a suit.

Even if the employer’s corporate culture is laid-back, an interviewee is expected to dress in a business suit. It takes only a few seconds to be judged visually and dismissed because you did not follow that simple rule. Even if your interviewer is in jeans, you should not be. You have one chance to make a professional and positive impression, so make it a good one.

3) “At least pretend to be interested”

Recruiters will hire those that have knowledge of their organization, and that show a sincere interest.

If you don’t prepare, the job will go to someone that did. If you are showing up for an interview without doing research, it sends up a red flag that you could care less. Ask the right questions, showcase your industry and company knowledge, and display your enthusiasm by engaging in the interview like you would a competition. Educating yourself on how to handle discriminatory treatment from your employer empowers you to advocate for your rights, navigate challenging situations, and create a more inclusive work environment.

4) “For goodness-sake, please be decent”

In the world of HR and according to experts such as RPO solutions, nice people do come out on top.

Always send a personalized thank you note after an interview. Following up is an expected civility, but there is another basic rule of etiquette you shouldn’t ignore during the interview process. Never be rude or dismiss anyone you meet because they could play a key role in you getting hired. Always engage everyone you encounter the day of the interview with a smile and relevant conversation.

5) “You are not going to get a call from me”

If your resume did not match the keywords in the job description, did not pass the ATS software screening, had errors, or was thought to not be a fit for the company’s goals; you will never get a call. Most companies now outsource their HR tasks to an outsource HR company. If you had a great resume that you think should have made the cut, the position simply may have been filled by an internal candidate or even by a referral. Inquire once, and then move on. Stalking HR reps will never land you a job. Some even advertise that you not even try.  Don’t take silence personally. Instead invest your time in expanding your network and finding out about opportunities before they are posted.

I have worked with recruiters and human resource professionals for over 10 years and have firsthand access to feedback from various recruitment settings. Use this information to understand the hiring process and land your next job.  11

For more posts or information connect with me on twitter @BlessCareers and the Career Transitions Guide Facebook page.  In 2011 I entered my first JobMob blogging contest. I won first prize. I also won a prize for the 2012 contest and 2013. Click the link below to see the above article, which was the submission to the 2013 contest: http://jobmob.co.il/blog/hr-musts/

 

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Is Your College Career Center A Placement Agency?

I am a college career counselor and I love what I do. The problem is most students do not know all that their Career Services Department has to offer them in college. Most students utilize career services only around the time of graduation thinking it is a placement agency. College career counselors do help connect individuals to jobs, but the way that is done is quite different than that of a placement agency. Using the full array of services offered by your university will be an advantage to you in reaching your professional goals. So here are 5 things that make your Career Center different than a placement agency:

1) Lets You Explore Who You Are & Where You Fit

Meeting with a career counselor in college for career assessment, testing or counseling helps you discover your major, what positions are a fit, and what options you have.  Students discover how their personality and skills impact their marketability. They also are able to do internships and see first hand if they like the occupation they are headed towards. The three words I framed for my desk at work states what a career counselor can help you do: ‘Explore, Plan, & Achieve’.

2) Gets You Prepared

Educational workshops on social media, resume writing, and other job search topics are conducted every semester. Find out when and mark your calendars. You can acquire interview training and even do a mock interview. Do not mess up a slew of interviews and later wonder why you did not get offers. Chance favors the prepared, and a college counselor can get you ready for that next employer meeting.  Acquire the skills in college that you will use for a lifetime by taking advantage of educational seminars and workshops.

3) Helps With ‘The Paperwork’

If you need a resume or application for that first job or summer internship, you do not have to go it alone. You actually have your career counselor as a guide to show you how it’s done. She can offer examples of cover letters and other correspondence before you begin to draft your own.  With your college career counselor you can create the materials you need for social media profiles or anything you plan to include in your job search portfolio. Build your personal brand together.

4) Offers Networking Opportunities

My career center offers numerous ways to meet employers and key industry professionals. There were job and internship fairs, career panels, and alumni presentations.  Always try to attend as many employer events as you can at your school, and be focused on building a circle of professionals related to your goals. These connections open the door to job leads and even can become mentors. So do not miss out on the networking opportunities your Career Services Department is offering this semester.

5) Has An Internship Database To Get You Stated 

Universities have job/internship postings that are targeted for your school.  HR professionals use career centers because it’s free access to talent and no charge to post positions. It’s easier for you to get an internship and develop skills, than it is to look for a job after you graduate with no skills.  Doing a few internships builds your resume, lets you test out a job/industry, makes you marketable, and can lead to offers before you graduate. College career counselors work with their contacts and recruiters to add to the school’s job and internship database on a regular basis. 

**Your relationship with your college career center is not a one time event senior year. It starts with discovering yourself and your career direction. It involves attending networking opportunities, and educational career seminars. It’s getting assistance doing that first resume, prepping for that first interview, and so much more! College career counselors do not apply to jobs for you, but with you.  Placement agencies select who they will work with and get a fee for placements.  My perk is to know that I  provided students and alumni with the tools and skills they need to write their own career story.  College is where one obtains all the pieces needed to start a successful job search, so that if you go to an HR professional you are ‘placeable’.  Are you utilizing all that your College Career Services Department has to offer?**

 

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