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#JobSearch : How To Get Noticed By A Competitive Company When You Don’t Know Anyone. Avoid Application Portals & Bypass the Competition

I’ve never been one of those super-connected people with a Rolodex of contacts on speed dial. So, it has always bothered me when people would say getting a new job is all about who you know. 

As a career coach who’s helped corporate professionals land interviews and roles at competitive companies like Google, Vogue, Deloitte, iHeartMedia, and an array of other companies in dozens of industries without any secret connections, I know that not having a huge network doesn’t have to exclude you from landing a great role at a competitive company.

But, when you don’t know anyone, you have to know how to approach your job search in a way that helps you skip the line and get ahead of the competition. Here are a few tips to help you get noticed by a competitive company, even when you don’t have a huge network.

Avoid Application Portals & Bypass the Competition

In 2019 alone, before unemployment surged last year, Amazon received more than 18 job applications per minute and more than 200,000 online applications for 30,000 open spots. That’s just one example of the number of applications rolling into competitive companies on any given day.

If your only strategy for getting noticed by a competitive company is applying online, then you are not giving yourself every opportunity to get noticed. Instead of sentencing yourself to the black hole of rejection, as I call it, you need to bypass the competition by reaching out to hiring managers directly. This will help you ensure that your application doesn’t get lost in the application portal and will help you get in front of other job candidates.

 

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What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Article continued …

Get Good at Knowing Why You’re Good 

It’s not enough to reach out to hiring managers directly, you also have to know exactly why you believe you’re the right person for the role you’re pursuing. Reaching out to the hiring manager without a clear pitch on why you’re the top candidate for the job can still cause your outreach to get tossed to the side.

To get good at knowing why you’re good, you need to take a step back to evaluate how your previous positions have prepared you for the next role you desire. You need to know the stories, accomplishments, results, and examples that showcase the value you can bring to the position. And, you need to be able to communicate those things as easily as you can tell someone your phone number. Some of my clients have even gotten responses in less than 24 hours after reaching out directly to hiring managers because they mastered this, without any secret connections. When you study yourself just as much as you would study the job description, you’ll increase your chances of getting a response from hiring managers, without a referral.

Create the Connections

Lastly, just because you don’t currently have connections doesn’t mean you can’t create them. But, rather than feeling like you have to hit the connect button on LinkedIn 15 times a day or awkwardly send people your resume when they didn’t ask for it, you can do things a different way. Focus on building authentic relationships by thoughtfully reaching out to people you would genuinely like to get to know, simply because they’re like-minded professionals you find interesting.

Don’t focus on how they can help you when you’re establishing these relationships. Pay attention to how you can help them and learn from them instead. Recently, one of my clients followed this approach, and she found out about a position at a competitive company that wasn’t even available online yet. And the best part? She didn’t have to ask or beg for the person to put in a good word for her, the person offered on their own.

Getting noticed by a competitive company and landing a new role doesn’t have to be an uphill battle. When you’re willing to approach your job search strategically and thoughtfully, you can increase your chances of getting noticed and hired at a top company you love.

Author:  Adunola Adeshola coaches high-achievers on how to take their careers to the next level and secure the positions they’ve been chasing. Grab her free guide.

 

Forbes.com – January 27, 2021

#BestofFSCBlog : #JobSearch -Social Networking… What are you waiting for? The Reality of Finding a “Career” through Simply Newspaper or Job Boards is Slim to None.

There are die-hards out there who still insist the best way to get a job is the old fashion way– newspaper ads, job boards, and word-of-mouth. While I agree on the word-of-mouth (a.k.a. networking) point, let’s face it, the reality of finding a “career” through simply newspaper or job boards is slim to none.

So, if you are still unfamiliar with social marketing/networking and online branding/profiles, I will give you the 101 basics on how to get started online with fast results.

  1. LinkedIn.com : I know I sound like a broken record here, but join LinkedIn. LinkedIn will open doors for you that you never thought possible. Originally started as a professional networking tool, LinkedIn is now being used by employers to seek out job seekers! How do they do this? They type in the keywords of candidate characteristics in the search box. If their words match up with the keywords on your profile, guess what?  You have officially become a contender. You can also research companies online, network with employees that WORK at that company and look for current job openings. Utilize LinkedIn as much as you can. You will be amazed at the results you get.
  2. Twitter.com : Join Twitter. If you are an entrepreneur, have a small business of some sort or are a job seeker, Twitter is a wonderful way to connect fast with all sorts of people. You build your network by following others who in return, follow you. It sounds strange at first until you get going. I created my profile, and within 3 months, I started really connecting with colleagues and job seekers, plus all sorts of other interesting folks. You can spread the word that you are job searching. The bigger your “follower” list is, the more people will know this and keep their eyes and ears open for you. I just read a great post about a college grad who got a job within just a couple of weeks of joining Twitter. It happens.
  3. Facebook.com : Facebook is a great way to connect with lots of people and get a little more personal with them. With the option of adding pictures, videos, quizzes and applications, you let the other person see more into your personal life–if you want them to. Many companies have their own Facebook pages that you can research.  Again, another great networking tool.
  4. Google.com : Another one I think everyone should do is to set up a Google profile. It is a basic profile with facts about you on Google. You will be able to control, or at least add to, what people see when they ‘Google’ you. Put up a professional picture and add a little bio. It adds to your online presence.

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What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Article continued …

As with anything, there are a few rules to keep in mind when doing your online networking. NEVER ever say anything you wouldn’t want a prospective employer to know. Remember that hiring managers ARE GOOGLING YOU, and an unsavory post on any of your networking sites may come back to haunt you. And PLEASE do not post any pictures that you wouldn’t want your Grandmother (or an employer) to see. Be smart. Keep it professional.

 

FSC Career Blog Author:  Erin Kennedy, MCD, CMRW, CPRW, CERW, CEMC, is a Certified Professional Resume Writer/Career Consultant, and the President of Professional Resume Services, named one of Forbes “Top 100 Career Websites”. Considered an influencer, she is consistently listed as a “Top Career Expert to Follow” on Twitter and LinkedIn.

 

FSC Career Blog | November 2, 2020

 

#JobSearch : A New LinkedIn Study Shows Job Seekers Are Not Helping Their Own Cause: Here’s What You Need To Do To Get Noticed. A MUst REAd for ALL!

LinkedIn recently conducted a survey of 2,000 U.S. professionals, zeroing in on the actions of professionals who have been unemployed since the start of the pandemic. LinkedIn’s research, published by Andrew Seaman, senior editor of Job Search and Careers at LinkedIn News, indicated that people “have not been actively networking while being unemployed—even though most say it’s vital for a successful job search. ”

The reason for the lack of networking may be attributed, in part, to the misperceived shame and embarrassment associated with losing a job, as the study shows that “84% believe there is a stigma associated with being unemployed.”

According to the findings, networking is viewed as an unpleasant, uncomfortable and awkward necessity of the job search process, as “less than half of survey respondents (42%) say they’ve reached out to existing connections and only 39% say they’ve asked people in their networks, such as friends and former colleagues, for introductions to other people.” When it comes time to reach out to people outside of their core communities, “only about a third (35%) have been making their own introductions to new connections.” 

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What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Article continued …

As traditional methods of the job hunt have been curtailed due to the virus outbreak, such as grabbing a cup of coffee with someone, having an in-person, informal interview or attending a face-to-face networking event, gaining attention online has become paramount. It was somewhat surprising to learn that “only half of the survey respondents say they’ve even posted on social media about being unemployed or looking for a job.”

Their rationale for not branding and marketing themselves on social media is because they “don’t feel comfortable sharing publicly that they’re out of work.” Some respondents reported that they “felt too ashamed or embarrassed,” others thought “it wouldn’t be helpful.” They may also suffer from impostor syndrome, possess an inherent bias toward recruiters or have self-confidence issues.

Almost half (46%) of the people in the survey said they have “lied about being out of work,” while 51% have “avoided a social event because of the way they feel about being out of work.” Sadly, “24% said they felt embarrassed, 23% felt uneasy and 15% felt ashamed” of being out of work. The feelings of the out-of-work respondents run counter to finding that “the vast majority (96%) would hire a candidate who was laid off due to Covid-19.”

When you’re downsized, it’s natural to feel a twinge of embarrassment and some shame—even when it’s not your fault. Personal identities are intertwined with our jobs and careers. When you’re out of work, many people feel a loss of prestige and status. So, they keep the job loss to themselves. It’s completely normal to feel this way—temporarily. You may need some time to grieve and process what has happened. However, you must then pick yourself up, brush yourself off and take action.

Keep in mind that if you’re in this situation, you’re not alone. The Covid-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on the job market. Over 60 million Americans have filed for unemployment benefits since the start of the virus outbreak. Unemployment hit an all-time high. The real numbers are probably larger than the official government data, as people who’ve finished collecting benefits just fall off the radar of statistics. The data also neglects to include people that unwillingly retired, as they weren’t able to find meaningful employment, those who are significantly underemployed relative to their experience, pushed into the gig economy (due to no other options) or they begrudgingly took lower-end roles to get health insurance.

Recruiters, corporate talent acquisition, human resources professionals and hiring managers understand that this is an unprecedented time. They most likely know or have family members in a similar spot. However, job seekers who have shared their feelings of inadequacy—tied to temporarily being out of work—may have experienced or heard of colleagues that were treated shabbily in their job searches. In past job markets, particularly when things were hot, there were always corporate managers that looked askance at candidates that were in between positions. They’d grill the applicant, “Why did they choose you for firing and not someone else?” The clear inference was that there must have been something wrong with the person, like they didn’t do their job properly, couldn’t work well with others or there is a deep, dark secret surrounding their separation from the payroll.

No one can blame you for being in between jobs, as it is so prevalent right now. There’s no stigma attached anymore. Any rational person, when they learn of your situation, would say that they completely understand and most likely will share similar stories about a bunch of people they know who are going through the same thing.

With this in mind, there’s no longer a need to go it alone. Be open about your goal of finding a new job. Let people know that you’re in the job market and what specifically you want to do next. If no one knows that you’re on the job hunt, they won’t reach out to you with opportunities.

Think of your job search as a group effort. Enlist as many people as you could think of, including family, friends, college alumni, former co-workers, business associates, kids you grew up with, members of organizations you belong to and people you met at various functions. If they don’t have any solid leads, politely and persistently ask them to point you to someone that they know who may get you in front of the right person.

Strategically align with folks on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram that can contribute toward building a mutually benefiting network. These people should include potential hiring managers, human resources and talent acquisition professionals at the companies you’d like to work with. Find top-tier recruiters who are known experts in your field. Seek out peers at other companies within your niche. This way, the right types of relevant people will get to know you, as they see your postings and keep you in mind when jobs become available.

The best way to start branding yourself is by commenting, sharing, writing posts and articles on LinkedIn. The content should focus on your area of expertise, as you have a lot of knowledge to impart. You can start slowly by liking and addressing the postings of others. Find leaders in your field with large followings. Get involved in their conversations to amplify your own voice. Keep in mind that the questions you answer and your responses should burnish your brand. It’s fine to write about the emotions, challenges and pressure you’re dealing with in your job search. By openly expressing yourself, people will get to know you as a real person. If you want to take it to the next level, create videos. You can discuss matters relevant to your field. In addition to LinkedIn, also pay attention to other social media platforms that are relevant to your profession.

Set a schedule to contribute on a consistent basis. If you only post once in a while, you’ll get lost. Post regularly, so people get to know you and become interested in what you have to say next. You’ll start building an audience by continually marketing yourself. People will feel like they know you and will gladly help you out with job leads.

Aggressively reach out to recruiters and human resources professionals at companies you desire to work for. Contact anyone you know that could offer a lead. This is not the time to be shy. Even if you’re an introvert, push yourself to seek out assistance. If you’re uncomfortable initiating a phone or video call, send an email or contact them on social media platforms. The worst thing that could happen is that they don’t get back to you. The best thing is that you’ll find a great new job through a kind referral.

There are a number of online video meetups for job seekers to replace the pre-Covid-19, in-person networking events. Join them, participate and make yourself known. This will help build up another level of network—on top of what you already have. If you’re feeling brave, ask people who may be of assistance with your search to hop on a quick video call.

Even armed with this advice, I understand that it may not be easy for you. Start small and build from there. Your self-confidence will steadily increase. You’ll feel much better about yourself once you take control of your search. People will sense your new passion. Before you know it, they will start sharing job opportunities with you!

 

Forbes.com | November 1, 2020 | Jack Kelly 

#JobSearch : Here’s How Making Casual Video Calls Can Be A Smart Job Search, Networking Strategy.

I’ve been hosting online Zoom career and job-search advice meetups to help people navigate through these tough times. With people self-isolating at home and disconnected from the outside world, it’s easy to feel forgotten.

Think of this networking strategy as channeling your inner Johnny Appleseed—planting seeds in a lot of places that will eventually grow, blossom, and yield fruit from your labor. 

You may be working from home and periodically checking into work, but it’s not the same as being there. You can’t go out to lunch with a colleague, grab a cup of coffee with a former co-worker, or have an impromptu beer with a collection of friends from different companies. These small ways to keep in touch and network with folks are gone for the time being.

If you’re in between jobs, it’s even more difficult. You’re stuck at home and don’t have the option of going outside to attend a face-to-face interview, looking someone in the eyes, and shaking their hand. It’s a catch-22. You need a job, but 26 million people have already filed for unemployment benefits since mid-March. You can’t engage in social interactions and hiring is at a standstill. Non-essential businesses are closed.

 

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What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Article continued …

Companies that are still operating lack clarity of what will happen next. Management is more preoccupied with staying afloat than adding to the headcount. They contend that it’s more reasonable to simply take a wait-and-see approach to hire until there’s some semblance of an end to this pandemic and the economic toll it’s taken on us.

Now that many of the traditional means used to search for a job are rendered useless, here’s a smart and productive hack. Jed Clark, the former chief compliance officer for ICONIQ Capital, a multifamily office and private equity firm, offered a brilliant solution during one of my virtual meetups.

A little backstory is helpful. Clark previously left his important executive job to embark upon a once-in-a-lifetime trip around the world, planning to visit 11 countries on 4 different continents. He meditated in silence for 10 days in Prachin Buri, Thailand, trekked 125 miles over 13 days in the Nepali Himalayas, circumnavigated the Annapurna Massif, taking a very cold (and brief) swim in Tilicho Lake at an altitude of 16,000 feet and crossed the Thorong La mountain pass at an elevation of nearly 18,000 feet during an early morning snowstorm. In the midst of his wild journey, the coronavirus hit, and Clark was forced to rush back home to San Francisco.

Although he returned home without a job, Clark wanted to keep mentally occupied and start seeking out a new position during one of the toughest job markets in recent history. He casually shared with the group what he’s been doing since arriving home and self-quarantined. Clark said that he had a goal of setting up three or more video calls a day with people. The online calls are with former co-workers, bosses, people who have reported into him in the past and extended out to casual business relationships.

Clark tailored a brief email politely asking the person if they’d like to jump on a quick video chat to catch up. No agenda or ulterior motive was mentioned. His theory, which has proven true, was that everyone is in the same boat now. We’re all incredibly bored and stuck at home looking for something to do, as there’s only so much time you can spend binge-watching Netflix shows, like the Tiger King. We all need something a little different and interesting to pass the time. It’s an added bonus if it’s also productive. What’s better than mixing a friendly reacquainting, talking shop and maybe gaining something valuable out of the conversation?

The call would be light and go over the standard stuff, like how’s the family, gossiping about mutual friends, sharing what’s new and discussing ways to cope with our collective new reality.

Invariably, the person will ask Clark about his work. When informed that he’s no longer connected with his firm, the other person would usually offer to help, almost as a knee-jerk reaction. They’d provide some advice and suggestions, as well as a name or two of people whom he should get in touch with. The more video calls he made, the more job leads were generated.

As you can imagine, ditching your well-paying, high-end job for a trek about the globe takes chutzpah. Clark is friendly, articulate and unafraid of taking risks, so it comes easy to him to initiate the cold video calls. We’re not all that fortunate to possess that level of gregariousness and comfort level of putting ourselves out there and possibly getting blown off.

It may feel awkward at first, but I’d suggest that you should immediately add this tactic to your job search repertoire. This is especially a brilliant move during this time period. Within weeks or months, most of us will hopefully be out of our homes and back to the daily grind and the moment will be gone.

By now, we’ve been locked up at home for a month or so. We’ve lost all concept of time, so it’s hard to remember exactly how long it’s been. As most of us are at our wits’ end, it’s a perfect time to reach out to someone and say “hello.” They’ll be happy to hear from you, as they’re bored silly and hungry for someone new to see and speak with. Once we return to work, this approach may not work as well. Right now, this is the perfect time to reach out to as many people as possible.

You should start by contacting co-workers, former colleagues, friends, business associates, family members with some insights and connections, college alumni, the kids you grew up with who went on to bigger and better things and haven’t spoken with in years, as well as anyone else who you think it makes sense to get in touch with.

You don’t need to force anything. Strive for a nice, casual conversation. When the time’s right, you can ask for some help if they don’t offer it first. Under the circumstances, it’s socially acceptable to say that you’d like to find a new job and could use some help. Most people will feel flattered that you asked them. Be forewarned. There will always be a few people who are not interested in helping and won’t be bothered.

Reaching out to recruiters is important too; however, there is a catch. Many of them may not currently have many—if any—relevant jobs available to share, as companies are aggressively cutting back hiring. That’s okay. The goal is to just at least get in front of them, so they know who you are. When things start opening up again, they’ll remember you and keep you in mind when they have appropriate job requisitions available.

Think of this networking strategy as channeling your inner Johnny Appleseed—planting seeds in a lot of places that will eventually grow, blossom and yield fruit from your labor.

In addition to the video calls, remember to follow up with these individuals on social media sites to keep in touch. Connect with them on LinkedIn and Facebook. Like and comment on things that they post. Share information about your job search. Write articles or share videos to remind them that you’re still actively searching.

The video call is an effective job search strategy, but you should still continue searching for jobs online, submitting résumés, completing applications, practicing your elevator pitch and following up on leads.

Author:   

I am a CEO, founder, and executive recruiter at one of the oldest and largest global search firms in my area of expertise, and have personally placed thousands of

Forbes.com | April 24, 2020

#CareerAdvice : Why You Shouldn’t Put Your #JobSearch On Hold Over The Holidays. A #MustRead for All!

Many people often write off the period between Thanksgiving and New Years as a dead zone for a job search, believing that nothing will happen until after January 1.

Based on my experience working with scores of executives looking for their next role, this is a myth. Not only do I currently have several clients scheduling interviews well into December, some of which are likely to result in offers shortly after, but I also have had clients receive offers and conduct negotiations the week between Christmas and New Years.

The holiday season is, in fact, precisely the time you want to fully engage in job search activities for the following reasons:

An abundance of social gatherings. Whether it’s Thanksgiving dinner, the company holiday party, friends’ holiday parties or New Years’ gatherings, there is no shortage of opportunities to reconnect with old friends and acquaintances as well as meet new people. These are all occasions to share with people about your current search for your next opportunity, describe what you are looking for and elicit their help.

If you are employed, your company’s holiday party is also a chance to meet people from different parts of the organization where you might learn about new opportunities in other departments and build your internal network. In addition, the date of an acquaintance at a holiday party may work at a company on your target list and could be the perfect “in.” Research by Mark Granovetter has shown that it is these “weak” ties that provide valuable bridges to other networks, resulting in better jobs with greater tenure, stature and satisfaction.

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What Skill Sets do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Continue of article:

Others have time to meet. While there are certainly exceptions, work generally tends to slow down a bit over the holidays, allowing time for others to meet for lunch or coffee during the work day, provided that they are not out of town on vacation. And if they are away or unable to meet, your request to meet is still likely to evoke a “Let’s get together in the New Year” response versus an outright “no.”

People are feeling generous. Charitable donations surge 42% over November and December, with three times as many people making donations during this period than any other time of the year, as people are typically feeling more generous during the holidays. Using this as a proxy of people’s willingness to help others, this can be a great time to reach out and make a job search request for useful information or introductions.

Today In: Leadership

As with any other time of the year, you’ll want to employ the following strategies to make the most out of your job search activities.

Don’t make assumptions. Never assume who will or won’t be helpful. People who you didn’t expect to be helpful will turn out to be extremely generous, and others who you thought would be helpful may not be. Further, don’t write someone off because they work in a completely different field or are unemployed. Your cousin’s date to Thanksgiving dinner may be a school teacher, but perhaps his sister works at the tech company where you are interested in working. You never know whose mother, brother, cousin, college roommate, childhood friend, etc. works or used to work where you are interested in working.

Have a concise, compelling way to talk about yourself. This is sometimes referred to as a positioning statement or an elevator pitch. It is essentially how you answer any question where you have an opportunity to talk about yourself, particularly the ‘dinner party’ question, “Nice to meet you, so what do you do?” The acid test to a good positioning statement is this: Does the other person know how to help you? Be as specific as possible – even if you are unclear about what’s next. You might say something like, “I’ve been in high-tech marketing for the last 10 years, but I’m currently looking to make a change. Right now, I’m researching the wine industry and socially responsible investing and am looking to talk to people in either of these fields.

Be curious about others. Being curious about others allows us to establish a common interest or connection. Perhaps you both went to the same university, used to work at the same company or grew up in the same small town? In being curious about the other person, you are also likely to be able to identify how you might be helpful to them, whether it’s giving a restaurant recommendation for their upcoming vacation, connecting them with a useful contact for their business or some other way to be helpful. Finally, knowing a bit about the other person allows you to frame how you talk about yourself (and your job search) in a way that is most meaningful and relevant to the other person.

Follow Up. If you do meet people who could be helpful to your search, be sure to follow up with them in a timely manner. In particular, if someone has offered to meet with you or make an introduction on your behalf, the onus is on you to initiate the follow-up since you are the beneficiary of these activities. You’ll also want to connect on LinkedIn, with a short note reminding them of where you met. Following up also includes closing the loop with others by sending a timely thank you note by email for any introductions made or time they took to meet with you.

Any social interaction is an opportunity to advance your job search. I can’t think of any better time to do this than the holidays.

Author: Rebecca Zucker

I am a Career and Executive Coach and in 2002, cofounded Next Step Partners, a leadership development firm based in San Francisco, New York and Los Angeles. I work with

… 

Forbes.com | December 2, 2019

 

#CareerAdvice : #JobSearch -7 Perfect Questions to Ask While #Networking …Great REad!

Odds are, you already know how important networking is. You might have leveraged your network to land a job, procure a new client or even switch careers entirely — or at the very least, you probably know someone who has. But despite the endless benefits of networking, many people still dread the experience.

Often, this is because they simply don’t know what to say. After all, approaching a stranger you know nothing about can be pretty intimidating — what in the world do you talk about?

Well, the next time you find yourself wondering this at an industry mixer, don’t fret. We talked to a handful of career experts to get their recommendations on great questions to ask while networking. Use any of these questions for a quick and painless conversation starter.

1. “What brings you here?”

This light-touch question is a great way to begin a conversation, explains Michelle Tillis Lederman, author of The Connector’s Advantage: 7 Mindsets to Grow Your Influence and Impact.

“This question shows you are interested in the other person and are not just trying to figure out how they can help you. Their response will give you a sense of what they are working on and what is on the front of their mind. That will lead you to extend the conversation and figure out how you can add value to them,” Tillis Lederman explains. “They will also likely ask you the question in return and give you an opening to share what your current objectives are.”

2. “How did you get involved in the industry/company?”

Once you know a little bit more about somebody’s professional background, ask them how they got their start. It can provide valuable takeaways for you, as well as make you seem more likable.

“Finding out more about their journey leading up to their current role can offer an excellent insight into what you might need to do in order to work in that industry, role or company,” says Lars Herrem, Group Executive Director at recruiting agency Nigel Wright Group. “Demonstrating your interest and enthusiasm is key to creating a lasting impression and making yourself memorable, something which will prove extremely beneficial if you end up reaching out to this person in the future.”

 

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What Skill Sets do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

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3. “Since you work in the industry, how do you feel about X?”

Asking about a specific, timely event in the industry — whether it’s proposed legislation, a merger, a recent news story, etc. — is a great way to show the person you’re speaking with that you are knowledgeable and thoughtful, both of which are key to being memorable, says career coach Eli Howayeck of Crafted Career Concepts.

“First impressions matter. The best thing you can do, besides being a nice person, is to demonstrate how you think and what you know about the marketplace,” Howayeck explains. “This helps direct the conversation and informs your conversation partner that you likely know what you’re talking about or, at a minimum, pay attention to what is going on in the world and [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][are] not only focused on yourself and your advancement.”

4. “How would someone get their foot in the door in your company/industry?”

The ultimate objective of networking is often to get a new job, but coming out and asking somebody you just met to help you get one can be pretty off-putting. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t approach the topic at all — you just have to do so delicately.

This question “is a subtle way to ask about opportunities without coming right out and saying, ‘Do you know if they are hiring?’” says career coach Madelyn Mackie. “If you are lucky, they will ask you if you are interested and then provide you with a business card to follow-up with them after the event.”

Even if they aren’t able to help you out directly, though, you will likely gain some valuable insight that will help you in your job search process.

5. “Based on your journey, what do you wish someone would have told you earlier in your career?”

This is a great question to ask if you’re speaking with somebody who is more senior than you are. It allows them to impart the knowledge they’ve acquired over the years with you, as well as appeals to their ego.

“People are way more comfortable sharing their wisdom than they are sharing their contacts, and both can be very valuable,” Howayeck says. “Seeking to learn from others honors them and shows that you’re invested in growth. It also shows deference and can endear the person to you and deepen the connection.”

6. “How do you spend your time outside of work?”

At its heart, networking is all about forming connections with others, so don’t be afraid to veer towards lighthearted chitchat. Questions like this one help people open up, and make it clear that you don’t expect the interaction to be purely transactional.

“This kind of question lowers the stakes and also gives the other person a chance to discuss what they’re passionate about,” Howayeck explains. “It also shows that you are actually interested in them as a person, and not just what they do and how it could help you.”

Who knows? You may even bond over a shared interest or activity!

7. “What’s the best way for me to get in touch/follow up with you?”

Ask this question, and you’re guaranteed to avoid one of the biggest mistakes that novice networkers make, according to career coach Nikki Bruno: “Beginning networkers often make the mistake of giving away a stack of business cards but gathering none. The only way to ensure that you’ll be able to follow up with new contacts is to get their information; it keeps you in the driver’s seat.”

“Note that this question is intentionally different from ‘May I have your card?’” Bruno adds. “Asking to stay in touch or to follow someone shows that you view him/her as a human being, not as a mere contact.”

 

GlassDoor.com | March 5, 2019 | Posted by 

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#CareerAdvice : 14 #JobSearch Tips Everyone Should Know. A #MustRead !

Sound like you? If you’re ready for 2019 to be the year you finally find the right job, keep reading! We’ve curated 14 of the best job search tips from the past year to help you start your New Year’s job hunt off on the right foot, featuring advice from CEOs, celebrities and job coaches who know exactly what it takes to succeed.

1. Don’t wait until you have all of the qualifications to apply

“If you have all the qualifications you may actually be overqualified! Go ahead and apply if you have the core requirements.” —Jenn LofgrenIncito Executive & Leadership Development

2. Explore your network — or make new connections — to get an internal referral

“Companies always give preferential treatment to employee referrals. If you don’t know someone there, then volunteering at a company’s local charity event can also be a great way to meet people.” —Carolyn Thompson, executive recruiter and managing principal atMerito Group

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3. Make LinkedIn work for you

“Make your online network reflect your offline connections. Once you set up your profile, start connecting with everybody you know: current and former colleagues, past employers, people in your industry, neighbors, family, friends, former classmates. —Donna Serdula, LinkedIn expert and author

4. Pursue a job that means something to you

“Do the work that comes from the soul of you… The key to fulfillment, success and contentment in life is aligning your personality with what your soul came to do.” —Oprah Winfrey, Oprah Winfrey Network

5. Tout your soft skills

“Instead of calling them soft skills, I would actually call them essential skills… Some of the most crucial of these skills include communication, teamwork, leadership, relationship-building, balance, reliability and dependability.” —Greg Muccio, Director of People at Southwest

6. Prepare, prepare, prepare — and then prepare some more

“The best way to calm the nerves is by adequately preparing for your interview. Control the controllables. Do your research, hone your stories and schedule a practice interview.” —Sarah JohnstonThe Briefcase Coach

7. But make sure to remain authentically you

“There is no replacement for 100% authenticity in interactions with people, and the same is true of interviews, as they are simply an interaction with someone you don’t know [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][yet]… Remember that this is about assessing fit for you too, and the only way to truly assess fit for yourself is to be fearlessly and authentically you.” —Amanda Gulino, Founder of A Better Monday

8. When it comes to salary, don’t ask for what you’d be willing to take — ask for what you’re worth

“Decide what you think you’re worth and then ask for what you think you’re worth. Nobody’s just going to give it to you.” —Shonda Rhimes, Award-winning producer and scriptwriter

9. Step into an interview with as much self-awareness as possible

“Know what you’re good at, and know what you’re not good at. Don’t pretend you’re something that you’re not. Always ask for help. The smartest people ask questions; the people who are the most ignorant think they know it all.”  —Jessica Alba, actress and Co-Founder of The Honest Company

10. If you work with a recruiter, look beyond the one job listing

“[Our] intent is always to form lasting personal relationships, whether that be to help you find a permanent job or if you want to deploy from assignment to assignment. [Most good firms are searching for] people who want to have a mutually beneficial relationship to help them achieve their career goals while solving problems for our clients.” —Ryan Lynch, Client Relationship Executive atKforce

11.  Don’t let rejections derail your job search

“Don’t be afraid of the word no. It doesn’t mean it’s a bad result. It just means try again. You can’t be afraid to ask, because if you don’t, no one else is… If you just go out there and not be afraid of the negative result, you’ll be surprised. You may get a positive result.” —Serena Williams, Professional tennis player

12. And don’t let fear derail it, either

“Stop being so afraid! That’s really what strikes me when I look back — the sheer amount of time I spent tangled up in fears and doubts that were entirely of my own creation… Instead, what matters are the true friends you make, the activities you throw yourself into, the books you read, the skills and knowledge you acquire. Those experiences — the ones that make you stronger, smarter and braver — are what really matter.” —Michelle Obama, author, activist & former First Lady

13. Don’t just read blogs — find a mentor

Find mentors in the people around you who you respect… There are mentors in the workspace all around you — peers, the seasoned professional, your supervisor, the supervisor one desk over… [The best] person to be your mentor in the organization is someone who sees you every day, someone who knows you at your best and someone who can give you opportunities to improve.” —Mary Barra, CEO ofGeneral Motors

14. Keep learning – your resume is never done

“Learning is the true currency in today’s economy… Employees need to constantly refresh their skills to stay relevant.” —Michael FraccaroMastercard’sChief Human Resources Officer

If you’re going to finally find the right job for you in 2019, you’ll need to lead your job search with the best advice you can find. Use these pro tips to make sure your 2019 job search is as effective as possible!

 

GlassDoor.com | 

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#BestofFSCBlog : #JobSearch – What is Internal Networking & Why It Matters?

Surveys show that nearly 85% of employees have found or obtained their job via networking. Additionally, it’s estimated that referrals are associated with a 2.6 to 6.6 percent higher chance of an accepted job offer, however, all of these statistics are referencing external networking.

 

External networking refers to broadening your network of industry professionals and other individuals for mutually beneficial purposes including searching for a job or looking for a referral.

Internal networking refers to reaching out and connecting with colleagues within your organization, even if your job doesn’t require you to do so.

What is internal networking? Why is internal networking so important?

Company culture has become increasingly important in the workplace, and part of that is having a strong team of employees who are comfortable collaborating and working between departments and disciplines. When you continually network with other employees within your company, you’re building relationships, establishing rapport, and cultivating a mutual trust and respect that will enable higher productivity and a better overall work experience.

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What Skill Sets do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

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Internal networking could give you a leg up on job openings

Networking with others in your organization can provide exclusive knowledge on job opportunities before they are public knowledge. If you work for a great company that you want to grow with, knowing about internal positions as early as possible could be a key factor in your career development. Building interdepartmental relationships will help you with that.

Internal networking can help you when you’re trying to make a career shift

When you’re trying to make a career shift, often one of the hardest parts is catering your resume to your new field of work. If you don’t have related work experience on your resume, it can be very difficult for a hiring manager or recruiter to see how you’d be a good fit for the position you’re applying to. This is where internal networking comes in.

If you’re trying to develop more experience in a different area of business, network with other employees in that department. Reach out and make it known that you’re interested in learning more about what they do. Conduct informational interviews or even ask to shadow or take on a small role in a project they might be working on. Even if it is a small role, getting exposure to a different sector of your company will give you more related experience to integrate into your resume.

Simple ways to network internally

This first internal networking trick sounds simple because it is. Say hi to people in the halls and introduce yourself! It could be as casual as “hey, I always see you around and wanted to actually introduce myself! My name is x. What’s your name?”

This will open up the conversation so you can ask what department they’re in and establish rapport. From there, you can gradually build a stronger bond and point out that you’d love to grab coffee and chat about projects in your respective departments.

Once you’ve opened up a dialogue with your colleagues, pay attention to little details they share with you. If someone mentions that their child was sick, make it a point to ask how the child is feeling in the following days. If someone also mentions a big project or meeting, ask how it’s going. Paying attention to little details shows others that you care, that you pick up on a lot of information, and makes people feel heard. This will help you network internally and will help build your reputation in a positive light.

Often when people think about networking, external networking comes to mind, but internal networking can be extremely beneficial. The stronger your inter-office relationships are, the more success you’ll have with collaboration. This will benefit you in your current role, and can also be a big help when you’re up for a promotion or looking to make a lateral move to a different area of work.

GlassDoor.com | October 17, 2018 | Posted by 

#CareerAdvice : #JobSearch – Most People Are Looking for Jobs the Wrong Way. Heather Hund Wants to Fix That… Write a #Resume . Send it to a Couple Dozen Different Companies. Receive Zero Responses. If this Sounds Familiar, you’re Not Alone.

One of the most common frustrations job seekers have is sending out tons of applications, only to hear nothing back in return. And as a result, many of them view the job search as near-impossible. But the truth is, finding a great job isn’t as hard as most people think it is — or at least, it doesn’t have to be.

Art of the Job Search: A Step-By-Step Guide to Finding a Job You Love by [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=

heather hund

That’s the central theme behind Heather Hund’s new book, Art of the Job Search. Hund believes that finding a job isn’t so much about what you do — it’s about how you do it. And as long as you pay attention to the details, you can find a job you love in record time.

We reached out to Hund to learn more about her best job search tips, why finding a job you love is an investment in your career and how job seekers have more power than they might think — here’s what she had to say.

Glassdoor: What inspired you to write this book?

Heather Hund: I left my job and didn’t have another one, and realized that I really wanted to find a job that I loved, but also that I had no idea how to do it. So, my first step in the job search was actually interviewing people about how they found a job that they loved. Then, I used that information at each step of the process, and ended up getting several offers and, even more importantly, finding a job that I really loved, and it changed my life. And I thought that was information that needed to be out into the world.

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Glassdoor: You make it clear off the bat that there’s a big difference between the act of the job search, and the art of the job search. How would you describe the differences between the two?

Heather Hund: When I began looking for a new job after I left my old one, I dropped my resume online for all sorts of things — some looked interesting, and some didn’t. And after a few weeks of that, I realized that wasn’t actually moving me in the right direction. So I then took a giant step back and took a self-assessment, similar to the one included in the book, to figure out “What do I actually want to do? What are my strengths? How do I want to apply those?” Then I applied that same bit of strategy throughout the search, from writing my resume to applying to interviewing to negotiating. So I think being strategic is what makes the difference between ending up at a job, and finding a job that you really love.

Glassdoor: Job seekers often view employers as the ones wielding all the power in the job search. Why do you think that is, and what can job seekers do to counter this mindset?

Heather Hund: As humans, we’re wired to avoid rejection. I think it’s biological, and probably helped keep us alive at some point. But I also think that today, it doesn’t help us much, and it prevents us from going for the things we really want. So it’s about flipping the dialogue — instead of thinking, “Do they want me?” Ask yourself, “Do you actually want to work there?” Do you like the culture, do you feel good about the role, do you like the people that are interviewing you? Remember, you’re interviewing them.

While it’s important to answer the person’s questions, when you take control and start asking more questions, it can actually make you a more attractive candidate. It shows that you can problem solve, and that you’re thinking about things from a higher level — from an ownership perspective — which I think is super powerful.

Yes, they have the job that they can offer you, but you have the skills, the ability, the talent to offer them. You’re a giant asset as well. People often undervalue themselves, and don’t realize how valuable they are.

Glassdoor: That’s definitely one thing we’ve heard before — when recruiters ask if you have any questions for them, it’s not just an opportunity for you to determine fit. It’s also an opportunity to prove yourself, and show that you’ve done the research.

Heather Hund: Absolutely. I think the most powerful thing to do in that situation is to ask questions that you would ask if you were already in the role, like “What are the priorities right now, and what will they be in a year?”

Glassdoor: Many job seekers prioritize income and stability over finding a job they love. But you make the case that finding a job you love isn’t a luxury — it’s an investment in your career. Can you talk a little more about that?

Heather Hund: It’s so true — people often see loving your job as an indulgence, like “You shouldn’t love your work, it’s work!” But think about it: When you were doing something that you loved, either at work or as a hobby, were you better at it? I would guess yes. When I was writing this book, I definitely found that research backed this up. People who love their job get more raises, they get promoted more, they have better relationships with their managers, and they’re just happier, which is a huge, huge benefit. I think loving your job really is an investment in your career.

Glassdoor: I loved your commentary on having a growth mindset in which “failures” are rebranded as learning experiences. Why, in your opinion, is this so critical for job seekers to understand?

Heather Hund: The growth mindset is so powerful. If I could recommend one other book, it would be Carol Dweck’s Mindset. Basically, she argues that with a growth mindset, there’s no such thing as failure — everything becomes learning. It enables you to take more risks and to go after the things you really want, even when you’re afraid, and I think this includes finding a job you really love. People don’t really acknowledge how hard job searching is emotionally, and that’s why I decided to devote an entire chapter to talking about how to get into that growth mindset before you start job searching. It’s funny — I know it doesn’t have to do with the tactics of job searching, but I actually think this chapter might be the most important one in the book.

Glassdoor: At one point in the book, you state that “networking is more important than the work itself.” That’s a pretty shocking statement! Can you expand on that?

Heather Hund: Like many other people (and often women in particular), at my first job I thought “If I just put my head down and work super hard, I’ll get noticed.” But what I started noticing was that the people who got the coolest projects and the special opportunities and the fast promotions were often the ones that had relationships with the people who were making the decisions. That was a hard thing to notice, because the truth is I hate networking. Most people kind of balk when they hear ‘networking’. No one wants to network, and I think it has a bad reputation — people just think of awkward conversation.

For me, it took a reframe of what networking is. Really, it’s just talking to people. And what I realized over the course of my career was that I don’t like “networking”, but I love talking to people and getting to know them. Building those relationships is why networking is often more important than the work itself.

To be clear, it is actually important to be good at your job, but it’s also really important to build strong relationships so that you get to know when cool things are happening that you might be excited about, or that you could contribute toward. Networking can lead to not only opportunities, but also long-term mentors and friendships. And it can often last beyond just one job, which is pretty awesome.

Glassdoor: One thing you mention is that you can still be an introvert and network. What are some of the tips that you have for those people who really dread the thought of networking?

Heather Hund: I like to start with small talk for two reasons: one, I think it helps you build the relationship, and two, I think talking about your weekend or your family or your hobbies just takes the pressure off of the conversation. Don’t go into it with an outcome-based mindset — just have a conversation.

I find it quite helpful to write out questions (there are a few that I include in the book), not so much to bring with me, but just to get me thinking, “What are the things that I want to cover in this conversation?”

The biggest hurdle honestly is just doing it. In my first real networking conversation, I was waiting for the elevator after work and my colleague was just standing there, and we struck up a random conversation. After a while I said, “Hey, do you want to grab coffee?” And he said “Sure.” And I remember thinking, “Ah, that’s so easy! You just ask somebody if they want to grab coffee.”

Glassdoor: I found it interesting that you chose to close a book all about the art of the job search with a chapter on what to do after you get the job. Why did you feel that was so important to include, and what are your top tips for new employees?

Heather Hund: One of the things that stuck with me from business school was when a friend told me, “Whenever I start a new job, I make sure to be incredible for the first six months.” I’d never thought about it before, but he was totally right. First impressions are very real, and very lasting.

A lot of people go into a new job thinking, “I need to figure out exactly what my boss wants me to do, and I need to do those things.” But what people don’t realize is that often, their boss doesn’t know what they want. They’re super busy, and they really just need somebody to take something and run with it. So it’s more about how you frame yourself as someone who can be a problem-solver and a real thought partner — that’s what sets apart the amazing people from the good people.

Another huge thing is feedback. Some companies are great about having feedback structures in place, and then some aren’t. If feedback is not a regular thing at your company, take initiative and lead a feedback discussion with your boss. Feedback, when done in the right way, builds much stronger relationships, helps you develop and improve faster and can take you further in your career.

Then the last thing I talk about in the book is promotions. Marissa Mayer once said, “I got every single one of [my promotions] by asking and getting feedback and planning for it.” You need to start thinking about your new career path — you don’t necessarily need to have an answer, but think of where you want to go and what you need to do to get there before you even want to make that transition.

Check Out Art of the Job Search on Amazon Today

 

 

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#CareerAdvice : #Networking – Should You Join a Professional Group? …Here are Three Questions you Can Ask Yourself Before Joining a Group to Make Sure it will Deliver Clear #CareerBenefit .

When I was first laid off and trying to build up my professional network as a newly self-employed person, I had the bright idea to join a Meet Up group called “Small Business Owners & Entrepreneurs” that met once a month at a local restaurant to talk about business, marketing and growth.

So you can imagine my surprise when later that week I sat down to dinner with a handful of multi-level-marketing salespeople who were sure their product was the one I should start selling!

If you’re interested in joining a professional group to expand your network or ramp up your development, you’ll need to do some research in order to avoid making my mistake. Because whether you’re considering a free or paid membership to a professional group, it can be difficult to understand whether the benefits are really worth it, or if you’re walking into a scam.

Here are three questions you can ask yourself before joining a group to make sure it will deliver clear career benefits.

1. Is it a legitimate group or a scam?
The Internet is connecting people faster than ever before. Most of the time, that’s a good thing. But in the case of professional organizations, it can create a lot of confusion as you sort the legitimate professional groups that will reflect well on you from the overnight scams that just pad your resume.

To make sure the group you’re considering is a legitimate one that will deliver on its promises, ask yourself the following questions:

Does it have membership requirements?
The most in-demand groups often have membership requirements such as having a certain amount of experience in the field or a certain degree. For example, Licensed Members of the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) must hold a valid license or certificate of registration as a professional engineer or the equivalent. If there are absolutely no requirements for membership besides paying the fee, that could be a sign it’s more likely to be a hobby group rather than a professional group.

Does it explain membership fees?
High-priced memberships that don’t explain their fees are a big red flag. Look for details about how the association spends the membership money or what you get for it, such as a membership fee explanation or benefits page like this one from the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM).

Is it well-represented in my current network?
Social proof can be a good indicator that the professional organization you’re considering is a legitimate one, so take a look at your current connections and see which groups they’ve chosen to join.

For example, if you’re a teacher connected with other teachers, the odds are incredibly high that you know several people who are members of the National Education Association (NEA). If you’re considering a group and you can’t find anyone you know who is a member, contact a school or work mentor to ask their opinion — you never know what you might find out about how your industry perceives the organization.

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2. Will I participate in the group?
It’s one thing to join a group because they host a wide variety of trendy and on-point events. It’s another thing entirely to join a group because you actually want to attend those events.

Before you spring for a group membership, consider the schedule of activities and whether or not you would really participate. Do you see yourself making time for events each month, quarter or year? Remember, this doesn’t just mean putting it on your calendar, but making all the other little arrangements to your schedule that it takes to prioritize going to a professional meeting in your personal time.

If you’re not sure, reach out to your local chapter head and ask if you can attend a session or two as a trial to make sure you’ll participate. If not, you might be better off pocketing your money and focusing on building your network solo.

3. Will it grow my network with authentic connections?
Finally and most importantly, consider whether or not being active in this group will give you the opportunity to make authentic connections with other people. Because as nice as it is to be invited to free online webinars or in-person presentations, the professional groups that can change your life are the ones that give you the opportunity to meet and engage with new people in your industry. They provide more than just free appetizers and company swag — they become the backdrop for forging new relationships based on common interests and goals over the course of your career.

Beyond providing plenty of opportunities to make new connections, also make sure the group will connect you with the specific people you want to meet, which will depend on your goals.

For example, if you’re a freelancer, you could be looking for a professional organization that can connect you with fellow freelancers so you can build a support network and grow your business. Or you might be looking for an organization within your freelancing niche that can keep you up to date in your industry and make connections with new customers. These are two very different goals, and what’s right for you will depend on what kind of connections you’re looking to make.

 

Glassdoor.com | September 18, 2018 | Posted by