Research shows that over 60% of professional job seekers don't have a plan. Find out how you can get one today by click on the category "Marketing Plan."
The popular business networking tool, Linkedin, has recently made available premium options which are likely to be very useful for job seekers. For a monthly premium payment, you can have access to 7 additional features that will help you to manage your job search including:
Moving to the top of the list: subscriber’s resumes and profiles will be shown first when managers do searches.
InMails: This special feature allows you to contact people other than just your first tier contacts.
Gold Badge: Allows anyone to view you full profile.
Who Searched Me; Allow you to see who actually searched you.
Folders: Allows you to save contacts in folders and manage your search.
Expanded Search: You can search beyond the monthly limit of free searches.
Expanded Introductions: You can get introductions beyond the monthly limit of free introductions.
Linkedin can be a valuable job search resource whether or not you choose to subscribe to one of their premium subscription levels. Learn more at www.linkedin.com or watch this video
A recent discussion thread on an Internet job board asked people to suggest career building strategies for women. Anyone who read the responses would conclude that these career building ideas are not only good just for women, but for anyone who is looking to advance their career. In fact, these are just common sense ideas that work, and you can use them to advance your career too. Here are five of the best ideas:
First, decide what you want to do next in your career. For some people this might mean the next step on a career ladder. For other people, this might mean looking to change to another career field. Regardless, it is important to decide what you want to do rather than leave your career development to luck or the next seemingly great opportunity to come your way. By deciding first what you want, you will more easily find opportunities that will take you to the next level.
Network inside and outside your company. This is a long-term building process, but anyone who wants to advance their career will do so by expanding their network. Start first with the people within your own organization. They are easy to reach and meet. Next expand your network within your industry. This can be done by joining a local association or industry group in which you can become active on a committee. Then expand your network outside to include key people from other industries. You can do this easily by volunteering to work with a non-profit or on the local United Way campaign.
Use the new social media tools. Keep track of your contacts using the various tools that are readily available on the Internet, like Linkedin or Plaxo. This will not only make it easy for you, but it will allow you to leverage your network beyond your first order contacts to second and third tiers. It will also allow you to maintain the information the Internet rather than on a company computer. Thus, you can always have access to it, and it will be portable and private. These tools are also specifically developed for managing networks and offer a variety of features for this purpose.
Keep current on your job skills: This includes not only technical by also non-technical skills. Everyone should be in a mode of continuous learning. Some professions require this as part of their license requirements, while other professions might not; however, for all professions it is just common sense to stay current with new trends and technologies if you are serious about your career. Also, don’t forget about the “soft skills” like project management, leadership, and conflict resolution. If you are prepared to step into a management role, then you will open some doors that might have otherwise been shut. This is where preparation meets opportunity.
Position yourself as “the expert.” As you advance in your career, you will benefit from increased visibility if you position yourself as an expert. Look for opportunities to do some public speaking at trade shows or conferences where you can share your expertise with others. Write an article for a trade publication or newsletter for your association. Start a blog about your industry or profession which is very easy to do now with the readily available technologies. Over time, you will become known as the “go to” person not only for information, but also for career opportunities when they arise.
Building a career is different from finding your next job because it is a long-term process. However if you do find yourself out of work, these same activities will help you jump start your job search for your next career enhancing opportunity. The best time to build for the future is while you are currently employed. So, especially if you are happily employed today, lay the groundwork for your future by following these simple steps. You will be glad to have done your homework in advance if you suddenly find yourself looking for something new. So regardless if you are a women or a man, the same advice will apply: decide what you want, build a robust network, and position yourself as “the expert” in your field. Just get started today.
The job market showed long awaited signs of improvement in March by posting the biggest monthly gains in three years. Although millions of unemployed people are still looking for work, this is good news for the economy. The Labor Department reported that 152,000 new jobs were added, but the overall unemployment rate of 9.7% remains high. Most economists point to the 48,000 temporary government workers who were hired for the census as an artificial support for the overall job growth. Yet the Administration is cheerfully reporting that we have “turned the corner” on the recession and that severe job loss of over eight million jobs since the recession began in 2007 has stopped. Nevertheless for those who are unemployed, the search continues for a very limited number of jobs available and their search remains challenging. On average, the length of unemployment is the longest since 1948, 31 weeks. You can read more about the unemployment report by linking to one of these sites: MarketWatch or NY Times.
Job seekers should renew their efforts to find a new job. Although the market remains tight, this new news will encourage some employers to move ahead with at least some temporary hires even if not permanent positions. A temporary job will not only get you in the door, but will provide some needed income. Many economists consider the actual unemployment rate to be much higher than the reported 9.7% because many people have stopped looking for work after their unemployment benefits have run out. Those who have been discouraged over the last several years should renew their efforts even if it is just to keep their network updated on their situation. Even in a recession, things are in constant flux, and some employers who were not hiring just a few weeks ago, may now be in a different position. So it is really important for job seekers to stay in touch and keep their name out there in the market.
A recent article in the Harvard Busines Review discusses how to get a job without experience. The jist of the article is to search for a company or organization that wants to expand or market a new service or product, but doesn’t have deep pockets. Volunteer to help and be specific about what you want to get out of it, recommendtions etc, and also the time frame. You may make some interesting contacts and also get the experience you need for your resume. To read more about this go to:
Social networking tools are all the rage and can now be used for job seraches. One of the premier business networking sites is Linkedin. Here is how this network can be used:
Hire and be hired!
LinkedIn Jobs helps you find or fill that next job using the power of your network.
Job seekers can utilize inside connections at potential employers to help land their dream job.
Hiring managers can tap into a network of over 20 million professionals to find the ideal candidate with the specific skill set and experience needed.
I am a Job Seeker
Whether you’re actively seeking a job, or just keeping tabs on where your industry is heading, LinkedIn Jobs leverages your professional relationships to help you achieve your career goals.
Utilize the advanced job search to take that first step towards that dream job. Along with specific keywords you can tailor your search by specifying an experience level or job title to find the right job for your specific situation and career goals. Additionally, you can refine your search using the following criteria:
Location
Experience level
Date posted
Title
Company
Job Function (ex: Writing / Editing)
Industry (ex: Entertainment)
Browsing Jobs
Jobs that match your search terms and filtering criteria will be returned in two clickable tabs:
LinkedIn Jobs: positions posted directly on LinkedIn, including exclusive listings
The Web: positions from partner sites all over the web
Regardless of the source, LinkedIn will display who in your network can help you with the position. With LinkedIn you can reach out through your network and find the right person at the company for more information, to answer any questions, or even introduce you to the hiring manager.
Once you’ve returned search results, if you’d like to expand or refine your query, click the “refine search results” button and make changes without losing the information you’re already entered.
Application/referral process
Applying for a job is as easy as clicking the “Apply Now” button on the specific job listing page and filling in a few pieces of information. Information you provide during the application process along with your LinkedIn profile will be sent to the job poster.
Referrals are powerful tools that will help you get your foot in the door. Click on the “Request Referral” button to see whom in your network connects you to the job poster. You can then request an Introduction, which lets you contact people through those that you know. If you want to contact a user who is two or three degrees away from you, you can request an introduction through one of your connections. Your connection will, in turn, decide whether to forward it on to the desired recipient (if in your 2nd degree) or to a shared connection (if in your 3rd degree).
Forwarding a job
See a job that you think would be a perfect fit for one of your connections? Click the “Email this job to a friend” button and pass it along. This virtuous cycle completes when one of your connections returns the favor by one day forwarding you an interesting opportunity
In today’s uncertain job market, it makes sense to keep your options open.Even stable companies are tightening the belt and laying off long time employees simply because they need to survive the economic downturn.In more normal times, the threat of pending job loss was not as traumatic, because there were always companies that were hiring.When the general economic conditions are depressed, bouncing back quickly from a job loss is more difficult.So, the dilemma for some people is “how to look for a new job without getting fired from your old one.”Here are some ways to prepare yourself if you get the unexpected pink slip:
Rule Number One:Make sure that you do everything within your power to be visible and relevant within your current organization.When the company decides it needs to cut back, make sure that you are viewed as one of the “indispensable” members of the team.Make sure to go the extra mile on projects, speak out for ways to improve service or products, and be a team player with your colleagues.Don’t get involved in the petty disputes that cripple teamwork in any organization.Being branded as someone who is not a team player will quickly put you at the top of the list for a potential layoff.This is true whether you are an executive or the assistant to an executive assistant.
Second, look for legitimate opportunities to network.Actively participate in industry trade groups, associations, or community organizations.Help to organize one of their meetings or events.Get to know other professionals in your industry or profession.Offer yourself as a speaker on some subject on which you have expertise.By cultivating even a small network of successful peers, you will have a great starting point if you need to look for a new job.
Third, connect with vendors who call on your business.Be friendly.Vendors are likely looking for information about how your current company works so that they can better serve them; however, they also call on other companies both within your industry and outside your industry.Have a cup of coffee with them and find out what is going on with these other companies.Make sure to keep the vendor’s business cards, phone numbers and email addresses.
Fourth, set aside fifteen to twenty minutes each day to keep up on business in your city or your industry.This could include reading the business section of your local metropolitan newspaper or scanning the internet if your employer allows you to do so.Make note of trends and new companies that are getting started in your area.Sometimes business executives are profiled.Note the names, their company, and any contact information.You can either use a computer file or just 3×5 cards for future reference.If something really interesting comes up, give them a call and just have a casual lunch if you can arrange one.If you are active in a trade group or Chamber of Commerce, then this might make a good entrée.Better yet, if you are an expert, get the editor to profile you!
Finally, from your home computer, spend some time checking a few job boards or blogs.Also join social networking groups like Linkedin, Plaxo, or even Facebook.I would use my personal email address and not my corporate address for two reasons:First, if you did leave your company, you don’t have to update your network with an email address change; second, using your company email might violate the company computer policy.Referring back to Rule Number One, don’t do anything to give your current employer cause want to let you go.Violations of company computer policies might be grounds for either disciplinary action or in some cases, termination.Don’t set yourself up for either.
Following these simple rules will allow you to look for alternative opportunities without antagonizing you current employer or violating the terms of your employment.You can be smart, stay current, and stay visible within your industry and community.Meanwhile, if you do find yourself out of work, you are already started on connecting with others who can help you find something new.
Unfortunately due to the current financial crisis, more people are finding themselves out of work.Both large and small businesses are tightening up their budgets. More job in the US have been lost this year thans in any year in several decades.It is likely that the unemployment rate will continue to rise over the near term.What should you do if you find yourself out of work?Here are some tips to keep get you through tough times:
1.Take stock of your immediate financial situation and have a plan.
If you planned ahead, you will have at least six months salary in the bank for a rainy day fund.This is a recommendation from most financial experts.Regardless, you need to take stock of your immediate financial situation so that you can have a plan to cope until you find a new opporutnity.Perhaps you were lucky enough to get a severance package from your former employer?Maybe your spouse has a job?This will provide not only income, but also medical and dental benefits.Take stock of both your household income and expenses.Trim your budget of all unnecessary expenses.See what you can defer and call creditors to negotiate if possible.Don’t cash out your 401(k) plan!If you must, borrow against it.You will have to pay the loan back when you get a new job, but it is better than the tax penalties and the loss of your retirement fund.Use your credit cards sparingly and only when absolutely necessary.There is never a good time to be unemployed, but having a plan is better than if you don’t have one.
2.Use this time as an opportunity to decide what you really want to do.
When you find yourself out of work, it may be an unexpected opportunity to decide what you really want to do with your career.Perhaps you already enjoy what your do for a living?If not, consider what you like to do best.There are inexpensive books that can help you decide what you want to do.Get a coach, see a career counselor, or consider going back to school.Depending on your circumstances, you may not have another option but to seek immediate employment; however, don’t miss an opportunity disguised as a temporary setback.Perhaps this is the time to start your own business?Whatever you decide, it only matters that you make a deliberate decision about your future.Don’t just move from one thing to the next.Take some time to decide what you really want to do.
3.Review your network of business contacts, friends, and family.
Early in your transition, make a list of all your business contacts, friends, and family.Make sure you have current email addresses and phone numbers.Many times it is the people who know you best who will provide you with the leads to your next opportunity.Communicate with your network regularly and seek their help.They will be happy to assist you and refer you to their own network of friends.But you must ask!
4.Make a habit of staying up on trends, new businesses, and opportunities.
Many great opportunities are not listed in newspaper classified ads or even on internet job boards.You will need to prospect for opportunities by reading stories in the business section of the newspapers, internet websites, or professional journals.Look for companies that want to expand, introduce new products, or start up in your area.Contact hiring managers and executives directly for information interviews.Be prepared with some good questions to express your interest and share your knowledge and skills.If nothing else, this may be a good way to expand your network, and it might just lead to an opportunity in the “hidden job market.”
5.Volunteer some time.
The job search process is one of ups and downs.Expect to have some down time.Unless you have a part time job, find a place to volunteer.You will feel better about yourself as a contributor to a worthy cause, and it might also be a place to meet some new friends.Perhaps they might even help you make a connection to a new employer.You will be helping others while you also help yourself.
Even the experts don’t expect a fast recovery.Given the economic realities, it is only prudent that you do some advance thinking about what you would do if you find yourself out of a job.Even if your company has a long track record of success, incorporating some of these ideas into personal contingency plan would be a smart thing to do right now.For more information about how you can help yourself in uncertain economic times sign up for the Job Market Update by putting your name and email address in the sign up box.
There are five key elements that job seekers must incorporate into their resumes in order to get positive results. Some of these tips may appear obvious as you read about them, but surprisingly many people neglect to either include them in their resume or don’t use them effectively. How well you prepare and present yourself through your resume is critical to getting results. Often this is the first impression that a potential employer will have of you, and you must to be able to stand out from your competition. Human Resources recruiters and hiring managers will often work their way through a stack of resumes. They will spend less than a minute on each one to filter out the candidates that they want to consider. If you fail to incorporate these few simple concepts, your chances of surviving the first screening are significantly lower. So consider these elements when crafting your resume.
1. Clearly Positioned Contact Information: This is one of those items that may appear to be so obvious on first glance that it is not worth the time to consider. Who would not make their contact information clear and easy to find? Surprisingly some people just either don’t realize what they are doing or don’t spend the time to get it right. Here are some basic tips: Don’t get too fancy on either the font style or size. Fonts like Times New Roman or Arial sized at 12 pt or 14 pt are best and match what most people are used to reading. Clearly position the contact information at the top and make it easy to read and use. So, while you can not change your name, you can choose your email address. If you have a cryptic or difficult email address, it would be better to get another address that is more straightforward and closely matches your name. The bottom line is that you need to make it easy for the reader to see and get the contact information fast and without having to interpret anything.
2. Short Summary of Key Skills: You must be clear and precise about the skills that you offer a potential employer. Sometimes this is difficult to do if you have changed careers or have had different experiences. Nevertheless, you must analyze your experiences and skills to determine which are your best. List the three to five core skills that you want to offer and use this as an opportunity to target employers and hone your messages. You will want to be consistently reinforcing these skills in your job interviews and your elevator pitches as you go about prospecting for opportunities.
3. Achievements and Results: Employers are looking for people who can get results. This is a fundamental concept that many people may understand in principle , but don’t implement in practice when crafting their resume. They may list data for prior positions like dates of employment, title, responsibilities, but never include a bullet or two about what they accomplished. This is your best opportunity to explain to a potential employer what you have done for others so that they might begin to understand what you could do for them. Be as specific about results statements without exaggerating or misleading anyone which is even worse than not including results-based statements in the first place. If you think about what you are most proud about having accomplished in a prior position, you will then likely be able to articulate this in the form of a results-based statement which will catch the employer’s attention.
4. Maximum Two Pages with Straightforward Appearance: In the case of resume writing, the general rule is that you don’t want to exceed two pages. Employers simply will not have time when screening a stack of resumes to read more than a two page resume, except in some unusual circumstances. Also, try not to get too fancy on the style and appearance which might seem counter intuitive if you are trying to make your resume stand out. The best way to make yourself standout is to communicate the critical information in a clean, straightforward format that is easy to read. This will also likely be more efficient if your resume is scanned, pasted into an employer’s electronic application, or otherwise transmitted electronically.
5. Use Keywords: Every industry has keywords that quickly communicate the job functions and requisite skills. Make sure that you use keywords that are relevant to the industry and jobs that you are interested in seeking. This will not only help in crafting a crisp and targeted resume, but will also be useful with electronic search applications that screen resumes for the appropriate skills and experiences. Finally, remember that the resume is your tool for getting the potential employer’s attention and a subsequent interview. You don’t have to include every little detail about your prior experiences, but instead must highlight those that are relevant. Be sure to describe your best skills and the results that you have achieved for others. If you follow these simple rules, you will improve you chances of getting hired. Don’t make the simple mistakes when they are completely avoidable. Incorporate these tips and craft your resume to get results and onto your next big opportunity.
Tha Job Market Memo is a site designed to help you in your career. If you are seeking a new job or are underemployed this is the place for you. JMM will provide you with ready access to ideas, tips, and techniques to get you into a new job that is career opporunity, and not just a job. If you are already in a career opporunity, but seeking to advance, this is the place to get practical advice on getting promoted. In addition to this site, you can sign up for the Job Market UPDATE, a **FREE** newletter that will be delivered right to your email box with the latest trends and ideas that work. Sign up now by putting your name and email in the box in the upper right corner of this site. Thanks in advance for subscribing and look for the UPDATES soon.
Research shows that over 60% of professional level job seekers don't have a plan. Find out how you can get one today! Click the link in the side-bar "Marketing Plan"
