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#JobSearch :Ongoing Strategies Every Executive Job Seeker Needs to Consider. How Visible are You on LinkedIn?

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What’s your strategy as an executive jobseeker? There’s no right or wrong answer to the question, and sometimes it takes trial and error to truly figure out what the most effective strategy is for you. Even then, adjustments must be made along the way. Simply thinking you can write resumes that get you hired isn’t the best strategy overall today.

With the digital age we live in, it requires more work and effort to get recognized. Here are some ongoing strategies you should consider incorporating into your job search regularly. 

Always Be Active on LinkedIn

Having a complete LinkedIn profile is great, but being active on the platform is even better. Consider working with a LinkedIn profile writer to get the basics of your profile taken care of. At that point, you can join LinkedIn groups, revisit old connections, post original content, comment on other people’s content and more. The point is the more people who see your name, the more attention you’ll get. Just be sure not to overdo it to the point where people may get tired of hearing from you.

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

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Be Creative and Insightful With Content You Post

Posting original content relevant to your industry is a great strategy for standing out among the competition. While executive resume writer services can help you put together a solid resume, your expertise is required to write original content. You can post these articles on your website or publish them on your LinkedIn profile. The idea is to be creative and insightful with each post so you’ll earn some credibility with each one. 

Keep Your Name Relevant With Comments on Posts

Find a good balance between the original articles you post and the comments you make on other posts. When you make engaging comments or ask insightful questions, you could spark a discussion with other readers or the writer themselves. People appreciate comments on their articles and you never know when it could lead to something greater. 

Have a Resume Always Prepared

Writing resumes that get you hired today means having various versions of your resume targeted at the companies you’re interested in. Once you’ve researched your targeted companies, consider working with executive resume writer services to have a resume prepared when the opportunity arises. Whether you need to send it to a connection electronically or physically at a networking event, you should always be prepared.

It’s important to have a plan before you start one of the most important events of your life – looking for a job, whether it’s your first job or your next job. Take the time to create a job plan, make adjustments as necessary, and then go after it.

FSC Career Blog Author:  Ms. 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 |  April 6, 2020

 

 

#JobSearch : How to Keep Busy While You Wait for that Interview Call. How to Use this Time Wisely.

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As if job searching isn’t stressful enough, throw in a global pandemic to push you over the edge. Many companies are laying-off employees or have hiring freezes on. So you may be wondering what you can do to keep busy while you wait for that interview call.  By the way, companies will hire again, so don’t lose heart.

Instead of dwelling on it, use the downtime to your advantage.

See if Other Companies Match Your Interests

Every executive resume service will tell you to not put all of your eggs into one basket. While you should spend a significant amount of time researching a company before sending in your targeted resume, don’t stop there. Move on to the next company to see if your personality fits with their culture and if you have the skills they are looking for. Most people have a specific list of companies in mind that they want to work for, but may discover other opportunities in the meantime they didn’t expect.

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

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Make A New LinkedIn Connection

You can use your downtime to update your LinkedIn profile and come up with strategic ways to utilize the platform. Take some time to find executives from other companies of interest and reach out to them. There’s never any harm in introducing yourself and making a new connection. Just don’t go overboard by building your list of connections so large and not knowing half of them. Making connections through your LinkedIn profile can lead to various opportunities later on. 

Thank Your Past and Current Mentors

Waiting for a job interview call is a good time to reflect on where you’ve been and look forward to where you want to be. I know I love hearing from past colleagues, especially when they are thanking me for something I may have done to help them. Reach out to your past and current mentors to simply thank them for how they’ve helped shape your career. They will appreciate the gratitude more than you think, and you never know if they’ll be able to provide you with one last nugget to help you move forward.

Even though we are living in unprecedented times, it doesn’t mean there aren’t action steps you can take to keep yourself moving forward in your career. Take this opportunity to reach out in new ways to set yourself up for success.

FSC Career Blog Author:  Ms. 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 |  April 3, 2020

#ResumeWriting : Five(5) ‘Extras’ That Can Make an Impact on Your Resume.

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Most people who are creating a new resume know that they need to include a summary at the top of the document, a skills section, professional history, and educational background.

However, beyond these ‘typical’ sections, there are also extra things that can pack a ‘punch’ with your new resume.

#1 – Freelance or Contract Projects. Many individuals work as a freelancer, consultant, or temporary worker between full-time job opportunities. Don’t discount these experiences as un-important. Instead, they may be able to highlight a particular skill, shows your ability to remain flexible, and provides you with the opportunity to learn new things quickly. Use this to your advantage and show your diverse background and how this can impact future employers.

#2 – Side Hustles. More and more people are building a business ‘on-the-side’ and this may be able to be highlighted as you discuss your entrepreneurial spirit. Whether you are involved with a network marketing organization or serve as a business consultant, this may be pertinent information. One caveat – if your side business may be seen as competition with the intended job opportunity, you may have to be creative with how you word this information or portray it on the document.

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

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#3 – Continuing Education. If you have worked at any length during your career, you have most likely attended workshops, seminars, or other events that further your education. This is important because it allows you to showcase that you are not stagnant in your career and are always trying to learn more and better yourself.

#4 – Volunteerism or Community Engagement. If you are a consistent and ongoing volunteer with an organization such as United Way, Junior Achievement, or Kiwanis, it’s important to show that you are giving back to the community and are striving to make a difference. Many organizations look for employees who are aligned with community-oriented initiatives.

#5 – Testimonials or Endorsements. If you have letters of recommendation or LinkedIn testimonials and you have a little extra space on your resume, you can also include what others have said about you. Not only does this solidify the information you have told the employer with your job history, it gives you third-party validation as you apply for future positions.

Remember that it is important to highlight your work history in your resume; however, it is also vital to show other ways that you stand apart as a potential employee. That can mean showcasing your volunteerism, leadership positions, unpaid work experience, and testimonials from former co-workers and supervisors.

FSC Guest Author: Dr. Heather Rothbauer-Wanish has a BBA in management from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, an MBA from Lakeland College, and a Ph.D. in Organization and Management from Capella University. She LOVES helping people position themselves for today’s job market. She can help boost your confidence by creating a resume that helps you land your DREAM JOB. Visit her website @ https://www.feather-communications.com

If you are still unsure how to make your resume stand-out, contact me today for a free resume review!

 

FSC Career Blog | April 2, 2020 | FSC Guest Author, by  

 

Career Coaches on the Biggest Mistakes People Make in the Job Search

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How often, during a tough week at the office, have you heard your friends say, “Time to update my résumé!”   You’ve probably said it, too.

Most people take this approach to the job search, and it makes sense. There’s so much you can’t control about the process, but adding new bullet points to your résumé feels actionable and straightforward.

But when it comes to thinking about your next career move, this isn’t the best place to start, says Jenny Foss, a career coach, certified professional résumé writer, and the voice behind the popular career blog JobJenny.com. “Job seekers will be in much better shape if they think about what they do (and don’t) want in that next job BEFORE they update the résumé,” she explains.

What other not-so-intuitive traps do we fall into? Here, seven experts who coach people through these very scenarios share how to job search the right way:

MISTAKE 1: NOT STARTING WITH YOU

Founder and lead coach Evangelia Leclaire agrees that people often initially focus too much on job search tactics, like their résumé and elevator pitch. “I suggest you focus on you first as the foundation,” she says. “The beliefs, attitude, and energy a smart person will bring to a job search will determine their success.”

Specifically, she advises spending time building up your confidence. Because you’re often competing with hundreds of candidates, it’s easy to doubt yourself, but that’s counterproductive, she explains. “We behave how we believe. So, if you believe that you are not enough or think, ‘I don’t have enough,’ your attitude, approach, and actions will reflect that.”

Some practical tips to boost your confidence? Leclaire suggests jotting down your competencies, character traits, and core strengths and using those to create a vision for your next chapter. She also recommends crafting a narrative about your future ambitions and repeating it daily, both in your mind and out loud.

These mental exercises can be powerful motivation. “You don’t want to end up in a job you hate, or simply tolerate, because you weren’t honest with yourself or didn’t believe you could grow into bigger and better opportunities,” she says.

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MISTAKE 2: THINKING LIKE A HISTORIAN, NOT A MARKETER

Once you’re clear on what you want, is it time to update your résumé? Yes, but maybe not in the same way you’ve done in the past.

Foss often tells her clients that a résumé is a marketing document, not an autobiography that details every role and responsibility you’ve ever had. “Just like in marketing, you’re trying to prompt a purchase decision. In this case, that purchase decision is, ‘Invite you in for an interview,’” she shares. “The easier you make it for decision makers to quickly connect the dots between what they need and what you can walk through their doors and deliver, the better the odds they’re going to want to talk.”

What does this look like in practice? Foss recommends digging into job boards and companies’ careers pages. Pull a few postings, and find the themes and criteria that keep coming up. “For instance, if you pull five job descriptions and four of them indicate in some form that they need someone who can solve complex problems and navigate ambiguity—and you can absolutely do these things—then you need to make it clear very quickly on your résumé that this is you.”

MISTAKE 3: NOT LOOKING AT THE BIG PICTURE

With that said, don’t forget about all of the skills that you bring to the table. “The biggest mistake smart people make during their job search is not looking at their experience in a holistic way,” says Dorianne St Fleur, a career strategist and the founder of Your Career Girl, a career development agency for black women. “While it may seem like a no-brainer to solely focus on your project management experience if you’re applying for a project management role, consider highlighting the complementary skills you bring to the table as well.”

For example, she explains, if you’re a project manager who also has experience in web design and operations management—and those skills are relevant to a specific role—find a way to highlight them. “Showcasing how your specific background allows you to bring a new perspective to your work will help you stand out among the hundreds of job seekers vying for the same position,” she explains. Just make sure to make it feel like a value add, not a random sidebar of your career. “It’s your job to connect the dots.”

MISTAKE 4: OVEREMPHASIZING WHAT YOU WANT

Another part of your job? Showing a company what you can do for them, not vice versa. “One of the biggest mistakes even the savviest job seekers make is they put too much emphasis on what they want,” explains Emily Liou, career happiness coach and founder of CultiVitae. “When asked, ‘Why do you want to work here?’ or ‘Why are you interested in this role?’ . . . they may catch themselves stating, ‘I want to grow and am ready for greater challenges.’”

But, she cautions, employers don’t really care—at least not initially. “What they want to know is: How will you make our lives easier? What are you going to immediately contribute? How are you going to solve my problem?”

 

FastCompany.com | December 2, 2019  | BY ADRIAN GRANZELLA LARSSEN 

How to End the Perfect Cover Letter. The Truth is, the Cover Letter is the Only Piece the Recruiter will Read.

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You’ve written an amazing intro and compelling body copy that perfectly highlights your achievements, but you’re having a hard time making it through the final stretch — “How in the world do I end this cover letter?” you might be thinking to yourself. The truth is, closing a cover letter is a difficult task for many job seekers. There’s a lot of pressure because, sometimes, the cover letter is the only piece the recruiter will read.

If you want to land an interview with your cover letter, you don’t want to sound vague or wishy-washy. Your cover letter should illustrate why you are the best fit and how you will help the company or organization reach success. However, when writing the closing paragraph of your cover letter, it’s easy to have a passive voice, because you don’t want to appear overconfident. For example, if you say, “I look forward to hearing from you,” that’s great — but that alone doesn’t seal the deal. The closing paragraph of your cover letter must be one of the strongest elements because it is the last impression you leave in the reader’s mind.

Here are five phrases to include in the final paragraph of your cover letter that will help you seal the deal for your next interview.

Examples for How to End a Cover Letter

1. “I am very excited to learn more about this opportunity and share how I will be a great fit for XYZ Corporation.”

Strong cover letter closings are enthusiastic and confident. You want the reader to have the impression you are truly passionate about the position and working for their company. This statement will also illustrate your ability to fit into the company culture and how your personality and work ethic is exactly what they’re looking for.

How to Write a Cover Letter

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2. “I believe this is a position where my passion for this industry will grow because of the XYZ opportunities you provide for your employees.”

It’s always a good idea to explain what you find attractive about working for the company and how you want to bring your passions to the table. By doing this, you can illustrate how much thought you dedicated to applying for the position and how much you care about becoming a part of the company.

3. “If I am offered this position, I will be ready to hit the ground running and help XYZ Company exceed its own expectations for success.”

By adding this piece to your conclusion, you will be able to add some flare and excitement to your cover letter. The reader will become intrigued by your enthusiasm to “hit the ground running.” Employers look for candidates who are prepared for the position and are easy to train. Therefore, this phrase will definitely raise some curiosity and the reader will want to discover what you have to offer for their company.

4. “I would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you to discuss how my qualifications will be beneficial to your organization’s success.”

Remember, you want to make it clear in your cover letter how the employer will benefit from your experience and qualifications. You want to also express how your goal is to help the organization succeed, not how the position will contribute to your personal success.

How to Master the Art of Bragging Like a Pro

5. “I will call you next Tuesday to follow up on my application and arrange for an interview.”

The most essential part of your closing is your “call to action” statement. Remember, the purpose of your cover letter is to land an interview. Don’t end your cover letter saying you’ll hope to get in touch. Explain to the reader the exact day and how you will be contacting them. When you state you will be following up with the employer, make sure you do it!

Remember, the closing of your cover letter is the most important element that will help you land your next interview. By crafting a strong, confident and enthusiastic closing paragraph, you will leave the reader feeling like you would be the best candidate for the position.

 

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5 Common Mistakes Job Seekers Make When Searching For Resume Help Online. Before You Pay, Read This!

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Resume help can be found all over the web. There are resume templates and builders to help format your resume, online tools to identify important industry keywords, resume samples to get inspiration from, and articles like this one containing tips and tricks to help elevate your resume to the next level.

In fact, there are so many resources to choose from that sometimes it’s hard to pick out what’s actually accurate and useful. Like anything you Google on the internet, there’s going to be a lot of hogwash that just isn’t worth your time. So with this in mind, here are 5 mistakes you should avoid when searching for resume help online.  

Mistake 1: Believing the first thing you read

Your resume may be printed in black and white, but how you should actually go about writing your resume certainly isn’t that simple. Blanket statements that “resumes should never exceed one page” or that “resumes should never include an objective statement” are thrown around willy-nilly by self-proclaimed resume experts all the time. Sadly though, things are almost never this simple. Many of these pieces of advice are oftentimes only applicable in certain situations, and sometimes just downright incorrect.

Before treating the first piece of advice you read as gospel, be sure to do some more research. Ask yourself: What’s the logic behind the advice? Does the advice apply to everyone at all job levels and in all industries? Is the advice an oversimplification of the truth? Do all resume experts agree on it? 

 

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Mistake 2: Paying for something you can get for free

Let’s get two things straight here. First, whatever type of resume help you’re searching for, chances are there’s a way to get it for free. Whether it’s resume builders, resume templates, resume samples, resume critiques, or resume articles, you can easily find free options for all of these resources. 

Second, just because there’s a paid option doesn’t mean it’s any better than the free option. This is the trap many of us can fall prey to. We see a fancy resume template that costs $20, and we immediately think it must somehow be better than all the free templates we’ve been staring at for the past hour because one costs money and the others do not. In actuality, paid templates are oftentimes too over-the-top and not compatible with applicant tracking systems.

Mistake 3: Hoping resume builders will solve all your problems

Resume writing can be a very painstakingly difficult and drawn-out process. This is why many job seekers turn to online resume builders with the hope that they will make the writing process a whole lot more bearable. Unfortunately, this is all just wishful thinking. 

For the most part, resume builders really only help you with formatting your resume by providing an assortment of different resume templates to switch between. While this certainly is a handy feature, resume builders are completely useless when it comes to helping you with what you’re likely really struggling with – writing the actual content of your resume. So, if you’re looking for help with highlighting your work achievements and constructing each bullet point, don’t get swept up in all the hype resume builders are getting these days.

Mistake 4: Not utilizing resume samples

If resume builders are the most overrated tool, I daresay the most underrated resource you can use would be industry-specific resume samples. While everything else you find online merely tells you how to write a resume, resume samples actually show you how a well-written resume should look like – and that’s priceless.

I’ve had so many job seekers over the years ask me to critique their current resume, and many of them looked nothing like how professional resumes should appear. Whether it’s using a poor design, personal pronouns, paragraphs instead of bullet points, or oversized fonts, job applicants often make a ton of fundamental mistakes that can easily be avoided by perusing online resume samples in order to understand the basic mechanics of a resume.

The Dos and Don’ts of Resume Editing

Mistake 5: Failing to realize when to use resume writing services

The crème de la crème – that is the standard you should be setting for your resume. However, if writing has just never been your forte or if English isn’t your native language, it can be nearly impossible to get your resume to that level of excellence all by yourself – even with all the online resources out there at your disposal. If that’s the situation you’re in, you should consider asking for professional help.

Now keep in mind, this is by far the most expensive alternative to take when it comes to having your resume written. Even as the CEO of a resume service myself, I would only suggest using a resume writing service as a last resort. However, if you are certain that you can’t write a stellar resume on your own and can afford to spend a few hundred dollars on a resume, then going with a resume writing service may be the best decision you can make for your career.

It’s honestly awesome that there are so many ways the internet can help you with writing your resume. However, don’t just dive into this without any strategy in place. With so much at your disposal, it’s important to identify what types of help are out there and what exactly you need help with.

 

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#CareerAdvice : How To Avoid The Five Emotional Pitfalls Of A #JobSearch . A #MustREad for All!

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Spoiler alert: your job search will be anxiety-inducing, frustrating, and at times, painful. It doesn’t matter how far you’ve come in your career; conducting a job search is emotionally taxing and it can shake your confidence and wear down your patience.

But like most trials in life, knowing what to expect can help you avoid making things worse and lessen the blow as you go through it.

So if you are considering launching an active or even passive job search, here are the things you can expect and need to prepare yourself for.

1.   Knowing what you want is harder than it sounds

The fastest path between two points is a straight line, but few people clearly know precisely where they want to go when they start a job search. You don’t want to narrow your options too soon, so you likely cast a wider net, sometimes remaining flexible on everything from title, company mission, business size and culture to the type of work and compensation.

There is a trial and error process to seeing what is available to you and then deciding what you want to pursue most. In the meantime, you may feel confused and a bit indecisive, but this is natural; most job searches, especially those where you are seeking greater purpose or impact from your work, require additional time and effort to get through an exploratory phase.

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

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2.   Proving your value breeds insecurity

Even the most experienced CEOs question themselves during a job search—nobody is exempt from vulnerability. Having to convince people that don’t know you that you are competent, valuable and they should want to work with you every day, brings back all the old fears from being chosen for a team on the playground. You want to know that your peers deem you as a strong player and an asset to their group.

Interviewing forces you to open yourself up to the possibility of rejection. It’s a real fear because you may indeed be rejected; there are a lot of reasons why someone else may get the job you want. Be prepared to keep your insecurities at bay when you can and to give yourself a break when you can’t. It’s okay to have a bad day and let yourself feel the sting of losing out on an opportunity you wanted. Job searches are hard on the ego.

3.   Your best instincts will play against you

One of the things that makes you great at what you do is that you take the time to think strategically, reduce risks and plan out details. Unfortunately, these normally productive skills may backfire during your job search. Trying to control or predict the process will at best cause you an incredible amount of frustration, but at worst it will lead you to become overly aggressive and signal desperation or a lack of cultural fit.

Know that launching a job search will require that you strengthen your ability to be at peace with uncertainty. You will not know when the next opportunity will come your way, if you’ll get it or if you’ll have multiple options in the end. You have to trust the process and take each step one day at a time.

4.   The highs and lows will drain you

By now, you may have the impression that every day of a job search is a struggle. Thankfully, that isn’t true either. You will have many good days, days when you are filled with optimism and excitement. What’s taxing about this cycle is the constant spike of ups and downs.

One day you’re excited because you got a call out of the blue on something you may be interested in, while another day, you are left sulking at home after making a mistake in an interview. Some weeks see good activity while others require you to endure the silence of emails that aren’t coming in and a phone that isn’t ringing. All of this is normal—just be prepared for it.

5.   People will disappoint you

The largest frustration of your job search will be waiting for people to do the things they promise to do, be that favors, such as making connections or introductions, or getting back to you with feedback as promised. It’s hard to wait, but following up leaves you feeling like you’re nagging people or being a burden.

It’s irritating when a recruiter or professional acquaintance fails to keep up with the timing they promised, but it’s downright hurtful when it’s a friend, family member or someone you’ve done a lot for professionally in the past. Try not to take it to heart. Most of the time, they truly don’t mean to offend you or let you down—life gets busy and they lose track of the promise. Instead, let it be a reminder to you about how you want to treat people in the future when the shoe is on the other foot.

Kourtney Whitehead is a career expert and author of Working Whole. You can learn more about her work at Simply Service. 

Follow me on LinkedIn. Check out my website.

Author: Kourtney Whitehead

I’ve spent my career helping people reach their work goals, from executive searches to counseling to career coaching, through my leadership positions at top executive re…

 

Forbes.com | September 10, 2019

#CareerAdvice : #JobSearch -5 Things That All Successful #JobSeekers Do . A Two(2) Min #MustRead !

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Successful job seekers have a few things in common. In terms of character, they’re determined and they don’t give up. In terms of taking action, they put in the work to land a new job.

Make a great first impression.

Your absolute first impression on a hiring manager starts well before you meet them face to face. It’s your resume and cover letter that get the true first impression, so it’s important that you take the time to tailor both of these to the job you’re applying to. Avoid using fancy fonts, graphics, or too many colors, as these can be hard to read. Ensure that your resume is easy to skim and important information is listed first. For a cover letter, keep your paragraphs relatively short and put a space between each paragraph for easier reading.

The way you introduce yourself to the hiring manager sets the tone for the rest of the interview. Make direct eye contact, speak clearly, shake their hand, and mind your posture. You want to come across as self-assured and confident, not nervous or standoffish. The first impression will carry through the rest of the interview, so the stronger you can start out, the better.

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Follow up.

Follow up after every single interview. This is non-negotiable, something you absolutely must do 100% of the time. It’s a gesture that showcases your professionalism and dedication to the job search. Even if you think the interview went poorly, send a follow up note anyway. Be sure to personalize your note with the hiring manager’s name, the position you interviewed for, and something that you took away from the interview. You can get creative here – follow up messages aren’t limited only to emails.

Ask meaningful questions during the interview.

During a job interview, you want to ask questions that will help you learn more about the role, the culture, the people, or the company itself. Ask open-ended questions that allow the hiring manager to provide you with details. Avoid questions that can be answered with just a yes or a no unless you’re simply seeking clarification.

Asking meaningful questions benefits you in two ways. One, it shows that you’re actively engaged in learning more about the role. Two, you’re learning more about the role. It’s an easy win-win.

Research.

You need to research the company you’ll potentially be working for. This is imperative to do before a job interview, but that’s not the only time you should be doing research. Before you apply for a position, it’s always helpful to find out a few details about the position, like potential salary range and company reviews. Sometimes a position isn’t what it looks like in the job advertisement, and by doing a bit of quick research you could save yourself the time of applying to a position you ultimately wouldn’t want.

Before a job interview, you’ll want to scour the internet to find out as much as you can about the company. This allows you to get a better sense of the company culture and what working there might be like. It also helps you think of questions to ask during your interview.

Utilize your network.

Your network is your strongest asset. You can tap into your network to get a direct connection to a hiring manager, help you prepare for an interview, and get advice and feedback. Companies value recommendations, so having someone from your network make a direct connection increases your chance of your resume actually being seen by a person and turning into an interview. You never know who might be able to help, so put yourself out there and ask for what you need.

Follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn. Check out my website.

Author: Ashira Prossack

Ashira is a Multi-Generational Workplace expert helping organizations understand, manage, engage, attract, and retain Millennials & Gen Z and bridge the gap between

… 

Forbes.com | August 27, 2019

#BestofFSCBlog : Over 300K+ Reads! One Stop #JobSearch Read- How to Get a Job. Tons of Articles/Links!

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We’d like to deliver you some very good news: a job search doesn’t have to be tough, and neither does landing a new job—if you know exactly how to get a job, that is.

Some job seekers, for example, don’t realize that a handwritten thank you notesent post-interview can clinch the job deal, while others have never heard of applicant tracking systems—technology that reads resumes and chucks those that are missing job description keywords in the trash. But with this insider information, you can defy the odds and land your dream job—all while making it look oh-so-easy.

Here are 13 pieces of advice that will strengthen your job search and help you get a job that fits your life.

GUIDE OVERVIEW

  1. How to Get a Job #1. Pay attention to your social media presence.
  2. How to Get a Job #2. Highlight your transferable skills.
  3. How to Get a Job #3. Use your words.
  4. How to Get a Job #4. Tell a compelling story in your cover letter.
  5. How to Get a Job #5. Catch your resume mistakes.
  6. How to Get a Job #6. Prepare for an interview before you get it.
  7. How to Get a Job #7. Dress for the job you want.
  8. How to Get a Job #8. Show off your likable side.
  9. How to Get a Job #9. Always send a thank-you note.
  10. How to Get a Job #10. Avoid getting too personal in interviews.
  11. How to Get a Job #11. Don’t talk about money during an initial interview.
  12. How to Get a Job #12. Be proactive during the interview.
  13. How to Get a Job #13. Use social media to brand yourself.
  14. How to Get a Job #14. Seal the deal by negotiating.
  15. Learn More!

How to Get a Job #1. Pay attention to your social media presence.

Recruiters and hiring managers will be looking at your resume, of course—but they also want to see complementary online content, too, such as your LinkedIn profile and online resume. In fact, one recruiter told Glassdoor she likes to see attachments, project work, videos, or blogs, too. 

Read More: The Printed Resume vs. The Online Profile: Why You Still Need Both

How to Get a Job #2. Highlight your transferable skills.

You want to show off why you’re right for a particular role. But you also want to make clear why you’re right for any role, we’ve heard recruiters say. So, when it comes to your resume and cover letter, focus on the skills and experience you have that would make you an ideal candidate anywhere. Then, in an interview, be ready to share how you’ll relay those skills in the new role.   

Read More: Ask a Resume Writer: How Do I Showcase Transferable Skills?

How to Get a Job #3. Use your words.

And more specifically, use the right words. Applicant tracking systems scan resumes in search of keywords, and throw out any that don’t contain them before they have the chance to be seen by human eyes. So how can you game the tech? It’s easy. Read the job description for the job you’re applying—then see how those words stack up against similar job postings. Words that repeat across multiple listings belong on your resume—preferably at the top, as well as in context.

Read More: 13 Must-Have Words to Include In Your Resume

How to Get a Job #4. Tell a compelling story in your cover letter.

You don’t want to simply repeat what’s on your resume when you write your cover letter. Rather, you want to dig a little deeper, answering questions a potential employer might ask such as: what makes this company your go-to choice, and why is this company special to you? Answer the questions in as much detail as possible to stand out from the crowd.

Read More: Ask a Resume Writer: How Can I Show Culture Fit?

How to Get a Job #5. Catch your resume mistakes.

It’s not enough to run a simple spell check on your resume. You’ll need to employ some special editing tactics—such as reading your resume backward and asking a friend to proofread for you—in order to catch every mistake on the page. There’s even editing software specifically for resumes. If you allow an error to sneak in, you are sending the employer an unintended and incorrect message that you are sloppy and don’t care about your work.  

Read More: 6 Resume Mistakes To Avoid At All Costs

How to Get a Job #6. Prepare for an interview before you get it.

You won’t be caught off guard by an interview question if you’ve studied the common questions asked by recruiters and managers alike. Plus, knowing your responses in advance will keep you cool, calm, and collected during the interview—confidence any employer will be pleased to see.

Read More: The 50 Most Common Interview Questions

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Question: Want the ‘the best/current articles/blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

Answer: Simply go to our FSC Career Blog below & type(#career, #leadership, #life) in Blog Search:  https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

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

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How to Get a Job #7. Dress for the job you want.

It’s not enough to slip out of sweatpants and put on something fancy. You have to dress for success and be comfortable in what you’re wearing. If you’re uncomfortable, you might lose some confidence in the interview. But if you look and feel good, you job savvy should easily shine through.

Read More: 6 Perfect Interview Outfits for Every Occasion

How to Get a Job #8. Show off your likable side.

An interview doesn’t have to be all business. In fact, applicants willing to show their personalities are received better by managers than people who remain tight-lipped during the interview. That’s because this manager could become your boss—and he or she wants to make sure you can get along well. Share your personality when answering questions and resist the urge to respond robotically.

Read More: 6 Anecdotes You Need to Rehearse Before Your Next Interview

How to Get a Job #9. Always send a thank-you note.

A recent study found that 86 percent of hiring managers said not sending a thank-you note shows lack of follow-through. So follow-up—and show off your manners—with a handwritten note on nice paper or even in an email. The point is to do it, and do it promptly; the medium doesn’t matter as much. In the note, thank your potential employer for his or her time, and be sure to share about something you learned during the interview. Why? Sharing the lesson shows you were paying attention to the employer, and you’re serious about the role.

Read More: How to Write A Winning Thank You Letter

How to Get a Job #10. Avoid getting too personal in interviews.

Turns out, some of the answers you think are appropriate to share—like your favorite childhood memory when asked question, “Tell me about yourself”—are actually a turnoff to recruiters, and in some cases, can cost you the job. So just like you’ll practice what to say in the interview, you should also research what not to say to a potential employer.

Read More: 40 Interview Questions You Should Be Prepared to Ask & Answer

How to Get a Job #11. Don’t talk about money during an initial interview.

Bringing up any salary questions during an initial interview—especially a phone interview—is a big no-no, career experts say. Why? It’s simply not the appropriate time, because you haven’t made it far enough into the interview process. So save the money talk for a second or third interview, when it’s clear you’re taking steps toward landing the job.

Read More: How to Address Salary at Each Stage of the Application Process

How to Get a Job #12. Be proactive during the interview.

Rather than allow for the recruiter or hiring manager to ask you all of the questions, be confident and proactive during your time together. You’ve researched the company’s culture and mission on Glassdoor, and you’re looking for a job that fits your life. Therefore it’s important to dig deeper. If you ask questions about management style, professional development, performances measurements and team collaboration, you’ll show a potential employer you’re both an informed candidate and serious about the job.  

Read More: The 45 Questions You Should Ask In Every Job Interview

How to Get a Job #13. Use social media to brand yourself.

Hopefully, you know by now that Facebook statuses that describe wild nights with friends can a turnoff to potential employers. But did you know that you can use social media to build a personal brand, making you more attractive to a hiring manager? One easy way to do just that is to expand from what’s on your resume—you can post pictures or summaries of projects you’ve worked on, include a short bio about your skills, or share articles that show you’re an expert in your industry.

Read More: Hate Social Media? Here’s Why You Should Reconsider

How to Get a Job #14. Seal the deal by negotiating.

The final stage of getting a job is negotiating the package. While compensation often comes to mind first, remember that there are far more facets of the job that you can customize than you think. From benefits to work-from-home options, stock options to a travel stipend, there’s a lot on the table. Make a list of the things that are most important to you and that you’ll need to execute your job well. Be sure to check Know Your Worth to make sure their base salary offer is competitive with the market. Then, speak to your hiring manager and the recruiter about whether those needs can be fulfilled. These days, negotiating is an expected part of the job search process. Ask as many questions as you need and get the answers you need to make the best job decision for you.

Read More: 11 Words and Phrases to Use in Salary Negotiations if You Want to Succeed

Learn More!

Getting a job can feel like winning the lotto. However, with a few tips and tricks, getting job will have much better odds. Here are additional resources to help you on your path to finding a job that fits your life:

How to Write a Resume

How to Write A Cover Letter

The Ultimate Job Interview Preparation Guide

How to Prepare for a Behavioral Interview

50 Most Common Interview Questions

How to Negotiate Your Salary

How to Network

 

GlassDoor.com | May 29, 2019

Your #Career : #CareerAdvice – These 5 Time-Wasters are Killing your #JobSearch …Job Seekers Tend to Spin their Wheels in Similar Ways. Here’s How to Get your Search Back on Track.

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Job searches always take time but don’t have to waste time.

As a time management coach, I’ve worked with many job seekers who stick to whatever feels safe and comfortable instead of doing what’s effective, only to find their job searches stretching on for an eternity. But in my experience, making your job search more efficient starts with recognizing these five signs that you’re wasting time.

1. RELYING ON A SINGLE STRATEGY

If you only try to find a job one way–particularly through online job postings–you’re likely wasting time. Most people find new jobs through various forms of networking. It often feels safer to keep your job search between you and your computer, but you’re missing out if you don’t diversify your strategy.

So definitely invest some time filling out digital applications, including trying out different job sites and going to individual companies’ career pages. But branch out from there. Talk to people you know, reach out to folks from your alma mater, and go to events where you’re likely to meet new people. Considering connecting with recruiters and even temp firms, as well; even if you aren’t interested in the openings they might have available right now, you’ll get some useful insight into the current state of the market in your field.

Related: Five things to do when you’ve exhausted all the job boards

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2. SEARCHING WITHOUT TAKING ACTION

Some people treat their “job search” like obsessive online shopping: They’ll spend hours and hours looking at postings but never follow through on applying to anything. You can’t (and shouldn’t) apply to every job you come across. But if you never apply, something’s wrong; you might be paralyzed by anxiety or indecision or simple fatigue. Try setting a goal that requires you to apply to a set number of openings each week–perhaps two to five. This ensures that you’re not just wasting time searching without any follow-through.

Related: 7 simple tips for beating job-search burnout

3. APPLYING TO JOBS YOU DON’T ACTUALLY WANT

It can feel super vulnerable applying to a job that you’re really excited about and know you’re qualified for. But only applying to jobs where you’re vastly over- or underqualified is wasting your time. If it’s a mistake to be too selective and only apply to openings that look like perfect fits, then the reverse is also true: Applying indiscriminately to too many opportunities in the hope that something might work out is a poor strategy, too. If you don’t feel any butterflies in your stomach at all after sending out an application, it might be a sign that this job isn’t for you–and was a waste of time applying to.

Related: How to sell yourself for a job when you’re overqualified

4. NEVER FOLLOWING UP

It takes time to talk to people, whether it’s having a phone chat with a recruiter, catching up with an acquaintance, attending a job fair, or going to a networking event. When someone says they have an idea for someone you should speak with, always follow up to get that introduction. If you find yourself with a stack of business cards or a bunch of verbal promises but nothing to show for it, it’s a sign you’re doing a lot of networking but aren’t receiving the payoff. Don’t hesitate to take the initiative and check in with someone who offered you a referral. Since this is your job search, it’s on you to take action, not on the other person.

Related: A recruiter shares the best way to follow up on a job application

5. STAYING IN YOUR BUBBLE

When you’re networking, the best use of your time is typically by starting with your existing network–the people who already know you, like you, and want to support you. But if that’s not leading to the results you want, it’s time to widen your focus. Yes, you’ll want to avoid generic networking events that don’t attract people who work in the fields you’re excited about, but sticking to the same old gatherings can be a waste of time, too.

Challenge yourself to go to new places and talk to new people. Personally, I’ve found MeetUp a handy tool for diversifying professional networks, and there are loads of similar apps and platforms like it. You can find everything from hiking groups to business-building groups and everything in between. Putting yourself out there can feel awkward and even pointless. But opening yourself up to new possibilities can allow career magic to happen; you never know when you’ll meet somebody who knows somebody else who’s got just the job lead you’ve been looking for.

Related: How to turn your crappy network into a better one

Searching for a job, especially if you’ve been searching for a long time, can leave you feeling helpless. But recognizing these five time-wasters and committing to shaking up your approach can speed things up considerably, helping you land the right job in significantly less time.

 

FastCompany.com | June 8, 2018 | BY ELIZABETH GRACE SAUNDERS 3 MINUTE READ