These days, there may seem to be a shortage of jobs, but absolutely no shortage of information on how to get one! Recently, I’ve noticed an influx of experts touting all sorts of solutions for job seekers. Various sources of advice label themselves with clever and mysterious sounding titles such as maven, guru, evangelist, and so on…
What stands out is how abundant and contradictory all of their information has become. The phrase “TMI” comes to mind as in “too much information” for when you cringe while hearing something unnecessary, inappropriate and uncomfortable. Likewise, the saying “opinions are like _____, everyone has one and they all stink!” also seems fitting to describe this phenomenon.
For example, many articles, blogs, websites and newsletters cover tips for using job boards, how many pages a resume should be, having a supplemental version of a resume, using social media networking etc. Here are a few selected points I’ve gathered to illustrate the conundrum facing job seekers:
Using online job boards is one of the most effective ways to get a job
Don’t bother with job boards - no one gets hired that way any more
Post your resume as many places as possible for maximum exposure with recruiters
Control where you post your resume, don’t post to the main job boards
Job seekers must identify and work with recruiters for their industry
Recruiters can’t be trusted and only serve their clients, not job seekers
Professionals should have a 1-2 page resume
With significant experience or expertise, 3-4 pages is the appropriate resume length
Keep your resume to one page maximum
Everyone should have a supplemental version of their resume for networking
If your resume is effective, you don’t need an extra piece of paper for special events
Most people get jobs through networking
Traditional methods help more people find jobs than networking
Creating an “elevator pitch” is essential for job seekers
Job seekers should stop using elevator pitches and start using “solution” speeches
If you are not using twitter, you are missing out
Twitter is a waste of time
Your facebook page will only hurt you in your job seekers
Facebook can be a great way to share information about your job search
LinkedIn is the best professional networking tool and should be used by all job seekers
The jury is still out on whether LinkedIn is a valuable connector for job seekers and employers
With so much free information out there, job seekers are able to prepare and conduct successful job searches all by themselves
Job seekers should seek professional expertise to ensure an effective job search
Obviously, these samples have been paraphrased and taken out of context, but they are actual representations of available information. So, what does it all mean? Which version of the opinion(s) does one believe?
Well, my take on this is that it depends… Sure, that is a weak answer, but really truth can be found in most of the above statements. Each person is unique and has circumstances that might make one idea effective today, while a month from now the opposite would be a better option.
Bottom line, my suggestion is that job seekers keep informed about the rapidly changing job market and make decisions based on what works for them. If results aren’t coming quick enough it might make sense to invest in a new strategy and continue to refine it until the right blend is in place.
TalentTalks helps individuals and groups optimize their talent. Our talent coaching consists of personalized support, professional branding, techniques and strategies to make job seekers stand out from the competition and maximize their return on investment.
As a job seeker in these competitive times, can you afford not to invest in your talent? Remember, most job search expenses are tax deductible. Consult your tax preparer, financial advisor, CPA or the IRS for more information.
TalentTalks
Creating a Voice for Talent
Career Services, Professional Communications, HR & OD Consulting
www.talenttalks.com
Showing posts with label networking. Show all posts
Showing posts with label networking. Show all posts
Friday, May 15, 2009
TMI, advice, opinions & other confusion for job seekers
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
3 signs of an effective job seeker...
Number 1: Your resume tells a compelling story about the talent you have to offer. That means you are much more likely to receive plenty of interview invitations.
Practically everyone has a resume in some form or another. Recruiters and hiring managers receive hundreds for every opening. Of course, each of these candidates believe they are qualified and right for the job - So why aren’t they getting called? At this stage of the screening process, being in the right place at the right time is one factor. The other is having a stellar resume that fits in the right blend of information related to the target position. Many believe this is just a matter of jotting down some bullets of responsibilities from previous work experience along with education and miscellaneous skills. That is quite a common approach, but not necessarily the best way to stand out from the competition. Sure there are plenty of books and online resources to help build a resume, but unless you have an eye for detail and a knack for written communication, that style may not produce desired outcomes either. How about attending a resume seminar or job fair to have someone look over your resume and give feedback? It can be a great place to start and sure to generate some improvement, but still there could be something lacking. That might be the unique recipe that screams “hire me” to the person on the receiving end of your resume. Don’t you want your resume to have that special “je ne sais qua?”
Number 2: During interviews you portray yourself as a confident-competent-complete package to potential employers. When you do that you are much more likely to be considered as a top contender for a job offer.
No doubt about it, interviews are stressful for most people! The trick is to be prepared and be comfortable speaking authoritatively about your subject-matter. Which of course couldn’t be any easier since you are merely talking about YOU, right? Well, maybe not so much… In the unknown territory of a strange place, meeting new people for the very first time, having the pressure of making a good impression, it is not as simple as it may sound to be remembered for all of the right reasons. Even the most confident, poised and experienced professionals have their nervous moments and miss the mark when interviewing. There could be a very subtle difference between a turn-on and a turn-off to a finicky hiring decision-maker. Could you be inadvertently sabotaging your chances and never know what went wrong?
Number 3: Your job search activities produce new and interesting leads on a regular basis. This makes you so busy interacting with future hiring managers and employment prospects that your contacts are wondering what your secret is in this challenging economy.
Internet job boards have become the norm to match job seekers with employers for well over a decade. However, depending solely on these venues to learn about employment opportunities can be a huge mistake. Many job seekers assume that once they click “apply here,” there is nothing else to do except wait for the phone to ring. When that doesn’t happen, the complain about the system not reading their key words properly, or maybe wondering if they should have applied on the first day they saw the job versus three days later. Well really, none of that matters much. Taking a passive approach to a job search is likely to produce frustration and long waits between prospects. Statistics suggest that up to 80% of jobs are found through referrals, word-of-mouth, social networking and other relationship-based methods. Therefore, it is more important than ever to recognize the hidden potential and leverage it to your advantage. How intriguing would it be to learn about your next job while picking up your dry cleaning?
How does one become a more effective job seeker to avoid the issues described above? A streamlined job search strategy can give you the advantage you need through the support and advice from your TalentTalks career coach. Partnering with us is an investment in your talent! Are you treating your professional brand with the attention it deserves?
Regards,
Kelly Blokdijk
kelly@talenttalks.com 949.394.7371
TalentTalks
Creating a Voice for Talent
Career Services Professional Communications HR & OD Consulting
www.talenttalks.com
Practically everyone has a resume in some form or another. Recruiters and hiring managers receive hundreds for every opening. Of course, each of these candidates believe they are qualified and right for the job - So why aren’t they getting called? At this stage of the screening process, being in the right place at the right time is one factor. The other is having a stellar resume that fits in the right blend of information related to the target position. Many believe this is just a matter of jotting down some bullets of responsibilities from previous work experience along with education and miscellaneous skills. That is quite a common approach, but not necessarily the best way to stand out from the competition. Sure there are plenty of books and online resources to help build a resume, but unless you have an eye for detail and a knack for written communication, that style may not produce desired outcomes either. How about attending a resume seminar or job fair to have someone look over your resume and give feedback? It can be a great place to start and sure to generate some improvement, but still there could be something lacking. That might be the unique recipe that screams “hire me” to the person on the receiving end of your resume. Don’t you want your resume to have that special “je ne sais qua?”
Number 2: During interviews you portray yourself as a confident-competent-complete package to potential employers. When you do that you are much more likely to be considered as a top contender for a job offer.
No doubt about it, interviews are stressful for most people! The trick is to be prepared and be comfortable speaking authoritatively about your subject-matter. Which of course couldn’t be any easier since you are merely talking about YOU, right? Well, maybe not so much… In the unknown territory of a strange place, meeting new people for the very first time, having the pressure of making a good impression, it is not as simple as it may sound to be remembered for all of the right reasons. Even the most confident, poised and experienced professionals have their nervous moments and miss the mark when interviewing. There could be a very subtle difference between a turn-on and a turn-off to a finicky hiring decision-maker. Could you be inadvertently sabotaging your chances and never know what went wrong?
Number 3: Your job search activities produce new and interesting leads on a regular basis. This makes you so busy interacting with future hiring managers and employment prospects that your contacts are wondering what your secret is in this challenging economy.
Internet job boards have become the norm to match job seekers with employers for well over a decade. However, depending solely on these venues to learn about employment opportunities can be a huge mistake. Many job seekers assume that once they click “apply here,” there is nothing else to do except wait for the phone to ring. When that doesn’t happen, the complain about the system not reading their key words properly, or maybe wondering if they should have applied on the first day they saw the job versus three days later. Well really, none of that matters much. Taking a passive approach to a job search is likely to produce frustration and long waits between prospects. Statistics suggest that up to 80% of jobs are found through referrals, word-of-mouth, social networking and other relationship-based methods. Therefore, it is more important than ever to recognize the hidden potential and leverage it to your advantage. How intriguing would it be to learn about your next job while picking up your dry cleaning?
How does one become a more effective job seeker to avoid the issues described above? A streamlined job search strategy can give you the advantage you need through the support and advice from your TalentTalks career coach. Partnering with us is an investment in your talent! Are you treating your professional brand with the attention it deserves?
Regards,
Kelly Blokdijk
kelly@talenttalks.com 949.394.7371
TalentTalks
Creating a Voice for Talent
Career Services Professional Communications HR & OD Consulting
www.talenttalks.com
Saturday, April 18, 2009
TalentTalks Overview Information Sheet
Kelly Blokdijk, founder of TalentTalks, focuses on providing clients with unparalleled, distinctive talent management expertise in all areas of career management and human resource & organization development functionality – leading to individual and organization success. Kelly’s professional background consists of more than 25 years in diverse corporate settings, including a decade in the human resources field. She has built a well-rounded generalist portfolio of accomplishments in each of the following industries: Internet marketing, commercial real estate, healthcare, technology, manufacturing, retail and distribution.
Are you ready to make an investment in your TALENT? Contact TalentTalks today to get started!
www.talenttalks.com ∙ 949-394-7371 ∙ kelly@talenttalks.com
TalentTalks Specialties
Resume Design & Preparation, Organization & Change Management, Talent Management & Talent Acquisition Strategies, Interview & Job Search Coaching, Web Branding, Marketing & PR Content, Performance Management & Employee, Relations, Transition Planning & Career Workshops, Professional & Executive Profiles, Customized Training & Facilitation
During her varied human resources and talent acquisition positions, Kelly was personally responsible for making hundreds of hiring decisions and candidate recommendations. As chief career coach with TalentTalks, Kelly leverages her vast screening and selection experience to provide a unique career management perspective to her clients. With a high level of personalized support, clients are able to refresh their professional image and invigorate their personal brand to target the most ideal career opportunities.
Another core competency Kelly delivers as TalentTalks primary communication specialist, is the ability to create professional quality business communications for various individual or organizational messaging needs, including public relations, media, web content, branding, executive profiles, change management, user-guides, policies and procedures and marketing material.
An avid “learner,” Kelly vigorously pursues continuous education and professional development opportunities and is rarely satisfied with the status quo! Through TalentTalks HR & OD consulting, Kelly optimizes this passion by “creating a voice for talent!” All of her efforts align to improve and enhance existing processes and communication to guide individuals and organizations closer to achieving their vision.
In the HR & OD arena, Kelly is well regarded for: Outstanding ability to view situations holistically from a systems-perspective; Delivering sound strategic advice; Poposing comprehensive options & recommending courses of action; Exceptional communication skills; presenting, sharing ideas and opinions; Responsiveness & conscientiousness; Impressive interpersonal skills; approachable, diplomatic & objective
Are you ready to make an investment in your TALENT? Contact TalentTalks today to get started!
www.talenttalks.com ∙ 949-394-7371 ∙ kelly@talenttalks.com
TalentTalks Specialties
Resume Design & Preparation, Organization & Change Management, Talent Management & Talent Acquisition Strategies, Interview & Job Search Coaching, Web Branding, Marketing & PR Content, Performance Management & Employee, Relations, Transition Planning & Career Workshops, Professional & Executive Profiles, Customized Training & Facilitation
During her varied human resources and talent acquisition positions, Kelly was personally responsible for making hundreds of hiring decisions and candidate recommendations. As chief career coach with TalentTalks, Kelly leverages her vast screening and selection experience to provide a unique career management perspective to her clients. With a high level of personalized support, clients are able to refresh their professional image and invigorate their personal brand to target the most ideal career opportunities.
Another core competency Kelly delivers as TalentTalks primary communication specialist, is the ability to create professional quality business communications for various individual or organizational messaging needs, including public relations, media, web content, branding, executive profiles, change management, user-guides, policies and procedures and marketing material.
An avid “learner,” Kelly vigorously pursues continuous education and professional development opportunities and is rarely satisfied with the status quo! Through TalentTalks HR & OD consulting, Kelly optimizes this passion by “creating a voice for talent!” All of her efforts align to improve and enhance existing processes and communication to guide individuals and organizations closer to achieving their vision.
In the HR & OD arena, Kelly is well regarded for: Outstanding ability to view situations holistically from a systems-perspective; Delivering sound strategic advice; Poposing comprehensive options & recommending courses of action; Exceptional communication skills; presenting, sharing ideas and opinions; Responsiveness & conscientiousness; Impressive interpersonal skills; approachable, diplomatic & objective
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