3 Tips: Be More Strategic in Your Job Search

In order to be successful in the job hunt, it’s important to be strategic. If you make every move count, you won’t feel burnt out and you’ll be at your best throughout the process. Plus, applying to every online resume form will get you nowhere quick.

In a recent Glassdoor blog post, Vickie Elmer shared her secrets for getting strategic about your job search.

Here are her top tips:

1. Target growing companies. Your best bet is to go after companies that are growing and ambitious, not those with layoffs or high turnover rates. Check out what companies are actively searching for candidates or posting new jobs regularly. Follow industry publications; this can help you see who has acquired a new client or if someone recently suffered a big loss. Look into growing industries—this can help you decipher what kind of companies might be growing. [Check out my blog post on the top fields picking up for 2012.]

2. Look up. “One-third of CFO’s say they will consider hiring someone who is ‘too junior’ for the job opening and train them, according to a Duke University/CFO Magazine survey.” This is a great opportunity for job seekers. Don’t shy away from a job posting that is a bit above your experience. Share what you know with the company and they might be willing to take a chance on you. You should never lie or exaggerate about your qualifications throughout the job process—but you can aspire to positions and work with the company to see if you’re a good fit.

3. Show your growth. Companies are struggling to find the talent they want. 31% of employers currently have jobs for which they can’t find qualified employees according to the jobs outlook surveyfrom Careerbuilder.  Make sure that you put all of your relevant skills on display. Comfort or expertise with social media are a huge deal in today’s rapidly-turning digital world. Research the company to find exactly what they are looking for. Show them what you have to offer!

To read Elmer’s entire post, you can find the Glassdoor post here.

Tailor your Resume!

Tailor Your Résumé Without Starting From Scratch

Job hunts are hard work. Looking through job ads, going on interviews and networking take up a lot of your time. So how can you be expected to do all these things and still rewrite your résumé every time you apply for a job?

Well, you are expected to because generic résumés don't impress anybody and surely won't land you a job.

Luckily, you don't have to start with a blank page each time you want to send out your résumé. The key is to edit and rearrange your existing résumé so that it appeals to the employer and saves you time. To make the process a little easier, we've listed some tips for you.

Keep track of your accomplishments.
Rearranging and editing your qualifications is simple if you keep a running list of your accomplishments and skills as you accrue them.

Keep an updated list of specific work accomplishments and outcomes you've achieved to make targeting your résumé easier, suggests Dave Gammel of High Context Consulting. As you take on additional roles or lead projects, "create a spreadsheet with the outcomes, job title and employer, plus any other info you want to track them with."

Read carefully.
Applying for a job requires careful reading of the job posting. Many job seekers simply submit a generic résumé and fill out the application as though employers will be happy to have someone apply. The truth, however, is that they don't want to hire just anybody – they want the perfect fit. If you send a résumé that shows how your qualifications mirror the requirements on the posting, you'll grab their attention.

The easiest way to do this is to sort through your list of accomplishments and decide which ones are relevant to the position. Once you've established your top accomplishments and skills, use them as the foundation to build your résumé, Gammel says.

The rest of the résumé will fall into place because some of the information cannot be deleted or altered. For example, your education history is going to be the same regardless of where you apply, but it might be at the top of one résumé and at the bottom of another. Depending on how important it is compared to your skills and experience, you can simply drag the information and drop it in place.

Start strong.
In your career summary or career objective, include the job title that's listed on the posting, suggests Kevin Donlin, author of "The Simple Job Search Manifesto."

The "key is to make the first words on your résumé match the title of the advertised job. This creates an instant rapport between you and the hiring manager," Donlin says. If you have experience in that position, it can put the reader in the right frame of mind to view the rest of your résumé as a convincing case to consider you for the job.

Be a pack rat.
Each time you submit a résumé that's tweaked a little from a previous version, save it as a different file and note what job it went with. Yes, you'll end up with several copies, but as you read new postings, refer to similar résumés you have on file so you have less to edit. You might be able to make some very minor adjustments before submitting it.

Although altering your résumé each time you apply for a job can be frustrating – or just plain boring – it's a necessary step to landing an interview and ultimately a job. One of the benefits of tailoring your résumé is that it allows you to assess how much of your background and skills will be utilized in the position, perhaps giving you a good idea if it's the kind of job you actually want.

 "Putting a bit of extra effort can pay off big time and is very reasonable when trying to find a position that is going to occupy most of your waking hours!" Gammel declares.

By: Anthony Balderrama, CareerBuilder.com writer
Anthony Balderrama is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.

5 Steps To Connect With People Outside Your Network On LinkedIn

Once you move beyond the generic “add connections” option that LinkedIn has, you might want to specifically search for and increase your connections with people aligned with whatever connection policy you might have. The challenge is that restrictions exist within LinkedIn that may prevent you from inviting others you don’t personally know. You are entitled to try to connect with people without knowing their email address, but once five people respond to your invitation to connect by nothing that they don’t know you, your ability to connect will be restricted.

Once you’ve decided to connect with professionals that aren’t part of your network, chances are you will initially find them by doing advanced people searches. If you are already an experienced user, you’ll likely encounter people you might want to connect with everywhere on LinkedIn. These people often appear on the “people you may know” widget that is featured prominently in the top right-hand corner of your LinkedIn home page and in group discussions. So, once you find someone with whom you’d like to connect, follow these guidelines to complete the connection:

Read the contact settings: There are many people on LinkedIn who aren’t engaged on the platform. They signed up and forgot about their profiles, or they just simply “checked out” for some reason. Some may indicate in their contact settings that they are not open to receiving connections, but, if they include their contact details here, or anywhere else on their profile, you have implicit permission to contact them. If you want to be cautious, first contact them and let them know why you want to connect. Also mention how you can help them. Then ask if you can connect on LinkedIn for a mutually beneficial – and connected – relationship.

“Read” the profile: A LinkedIn profile says a thousand things about someone’s attitude toward online professional networking, and by thoroughly reading the profile, you can determine how active a particular user is on the website. In general, the more active people are on LinkedIn, the more they will understand the value of business networking and thus the more willing they will be to connect if you send a personalized invite.

Warm leads are always the best: As in real life, a “warm” lead, someone your target connection actually knows who can make a personal introduction on your behalf, often leads to the greatest success. Rather than relying on a cold call or email, get in touch with the person who connects the two of you and ask him or her for a formal introduction. If your targeted user is a third-degree connection, find someone who could facilitate an introduction between you and a person who is actually connected to your targeted user. Your eventual goal is to be introduced to your second-degree connection who can then facilitate the introduction with your third-degree connection.

Join the same LinkedIn Group: A simple tactic you can use to contact someone is to join one of his or her LinkedIn Groups. Of course, this only works if your desired contact has the default settings on, which allows group members to send messages to each other. At present, the option to send a message to a group member does not appear as an option when you find a common group member on an advanced people search result; instead, you will be prompted to send an InMail. No worries: Simply navigate to the same Group that you a member of, do a member search, and you will have the option to send a message from that user interface.

Send the “Hail Mary” InMail: InMail is a paid LinkedIn service to contact people who are not first-degree connections, which I consider to be the equivalent of a “Hail Mary” toss in a football game. LinkedIn promotes the use of InMail as being a very effective way to communicate. Currently, non-paying members have the option to purchase InMails a’ la carte for $10 apiece. Though some people might shirk at the idea of paying for such a service, consider it a business investment that may have lucrative potential. Everyone’s experience will be different, so you should at least experiment with the InMail and determine your own ROI.

One final note before reaching out: Don’t forget your manners. Just as you should continue to foster warm leads in the “real” world, you need to do the same online. Don’t forget that, behind every online persona, there is a real person. Whenever you communicate with someone online, you should personalize your communication and give him or her a reason to connect to you. Always remember that manners apply online just as they do offline, and LinkedIn (as well as all social media) is simply an example of new tools, old rules.

By Neal Schaffer, Published January 21, 2012 

http://www.business2community.com/linkedin/5-steps-to-connect-with-people-outside-your-network-on-linkedin-0121362

9 job-hunting tips for Millennials in the PR market

By Ronjini Mukhopadhyay


Millennials are having a rough time in the job market. 

Recently I was looking to hire someone and was inundated with responses, some of which left me wondering whether certain respondents had even read the post before firing off an inadequate résumé.

Two things amazed me: 

1. The number of responses. Within one hour, I got at least 20 résumés. Pretty impressive speed the kids have these days. It also means there are hungry employees out there.
2. The quality of responses. Though there were clearly some candidates who possessed high quality and professionalism, a larger number didn’t know how to follow directions or write a good cover letter.

Here is my attempt to give a little boost to millennials applying for PR and marketing jobs and to make things easier for everyone involved in hiring: 

Read the entire job listing 

Easy enough? Wrong. 

I hate to sound like a mom here, but slow down, kiddos. Take the time to read before you apply. Remember, quality over quantity. 

To get better results, apply for those jobs that feel closest to your experience, knowledge, and/or interest. As an entry-level applicant, you may not have the experience, but if you can flex your knowledge about the subject presented in the posting, you’ll sound more interesting and go much further. 

Remember, much of what PR and marketing professionals do is research, so use this opportunity to show off your researching skills.

Follow directions 

If the job posting asks you to include your résumé, references, and a cover letter, do it. If it asks you to include links, do that. This isn’t very hard. 

I’ve had conversations about this with other professionals. They agree that we simply don’t have time to go through all those résumés, so the ones that don’t follow the rules get cut first. It’s as simple as that. 

If you are lacking in an area and know it, call it out in your email, so that we (employers) know that you’re at least paying attention and you can potentially get to the next round.

Do your research

This can be very beneficial when done right. If you’re getting ready for an interview, be sure to look up the company and its accomplishments beforehand. 

Check out its client list, and see whether you have any connections there. 

Check out on LinkedIn the people who will be interviewing you. If you don’t know for sure, take time to check out the company employees. If you’re not well versed in the company focus, familiarize yourself with key words, current trends (this is as easy as Googling or looking it up on Wikipedia), and even check out their social media sites to see what they have been talking about.

Stay busy

The big worry in today’s economy is that there aren’t any jobs. That’s not entirely true; what’s lacking is money. In the meantime, keep yourself busy. 

Volunteer your skills to a nonprofit organization that interests you. Approach companies similar to the one you’d like to work for, and let them know you’d like to intern. Get involved in your community, church, or local events. Take on projects for friends, relatives, or family friends. Write, write, and write some more. 

The great thing about the digital age is that anyone can publish a blog. There are tons of opportunities to write and contribute. Determine some areas that interest you, and go for it. This way, when you apply, we can see that you are not an idle person and that you have been gaining experience in alternative ways.

Pay attention to details 

As easy as that may sound, when we get caught up in the speed of life and begin to feel rushed, things slip. This may not be intentional, but in the job market you have only one opportunity to make a first impression. Pay attention to your résumé and your cover letter. Spell-check. Twice. And understand that spell-check doesn’t catch missing or misused words. Highlight your accomplishments

Make sure you highlight the notable accomplishments in your résumé. Did you secure media coverage? Double the number of Twitter followers? Develop an internal communications policy for your nonprofit organization? 

Regardless of whether you’re getting paid, these are accomplishments that your potential employer would be happy to hear about. You can list it under your positions or, better yet, create an area for accomplishments near the top of your résumé, so they are visible and not scattered throughout.

Network

Networking comes back to you at the most unexpected times. There are plenty of events to attend and people with whom you can talk. 

If you’re not already networking in your local Public Relations Society of America, Social Media Club, or marketing association, get on Meetup.com and head to some events. When you go, bring something to offer—and a business card. Give yourself a networking goal of a number of people to connect with. 

Also, start networking on LinkedIn and Twitter. On LinkedIn, send personalized notes, join groups, and comment on different industry topics. On Twitter, follow people you admire, news agencies, and trends. 

Above all, always follow up.

Dress for success 

This applies to networking, interviews, chats with your mentor, and anything else that involves your professional life. Dress the part. 

You may not need to go to networking events in a full business suit, but dress like you’re serious about something. Appearance matters, especially in PR and marketing. You’d be surprised what a clean appearance can do, especially if your competition is, well, less buttoned up.

Think about your career

If you have yet to find a position, you have time for this. Take some time to think about your career and what you want it to look like. 

It’s OK if the position you accept today doesn’t last the rest of your life—employers understand that—but make sure you have some goals in mind. Make sure that with any employment you take, you can learn and grow from it in some way. (That way may be different from what you expect now.) Stay enthusiastic about your future prospects, and always ask questions.

As for my hiring process, I found someone who got the inside track beforehand. Now you have it, too. Good luck with your search, and keep your mind open to new possibilities. 

Ronjini Mukhopadhyay is a public relations professional with eight years of experience in both agency and in-house public relations. A version of this story first appeared on her company websiteThe Silver Telegram. 

The Worst Questions To Ask During A Job Interview

By: Aimee Groth and Eric Goldschein


During a job interview, the questions you ask are just as important as the answers you provide. One poorly-thought-out question could nix your chances of landing a job.

"What will stick with a potential employer is that you asked the right questions, paid close attention to the answers and really fathomed what their organization is all about," says headhunter Mark Jaffe of Wyatt & Jaffe.

To help you avoid catastrophe, we've compiled a list of the worst questions you can ask during a job interview.

• What are your policies surrounding benefits and vacation time? Asking about job perks early on will make you appear self-indulgent."It's kind of weird when someone gets into the nitty-gritty of the benefits," says Alison Green, from Ask A Manager. "I've had people ask me who the health care provider is, if we have dental plans, how many vacation days we offer."Once you're offered the job, that's when discussion about benefits starts.
• Can you tell me about your company? Hopefully you've already done your research on the company. Ask more specific questions that show you've done your research.
• Will I have to work overtime? AND/OR What are your hours? Instead, ask what a typical day looks like, reports CNN/Career Builder. This way, you'll learn more about your daily responsibilities, including who you'll be interacting with -- and perhaps if people often work overtime.
• Why did the last person leave? Rephrase this with, "Am I replacing someone or is this a new position?" That way, you put a positive spin on the question, and you'll know whether you'll be blazing new territory or working within established parameters, reports CNN/Career Builder.
• Do you think I will be a good fit? OR Do you have any reservations about me?This puts a lot of unnecessary pressure on your potential employer. If he or she thinks you'd be good, they'll let you know. Focus on selling yourself, suggests CNN/Career Builder.
• What is the salary for this position? Never ask about this during a first interview. Better yet, wait for your interviewer to ask you about salary range, reports Yahoo Finance.
• How long do you think this interview will take? Don't ask this, or glance at your watch or cell phone during the interview. Generally, the longer an interview takes, the better. If you're already asking how much work you need to put in, you'll be seen as a whiner, not a winner, says JPC Services.
• Saying, "No I don't have any questions," at the end of the interview. An interview should be a conversation. "One of the greatest mistakes you can do is wait until the end of the interview [to ask all your questions]," says career coach Neil. "By then it's far too late"A good way to sneak in your first questions is after the inevitable "tell me about yourself" question at the start of interviews. You can do it by saying "I can talk about my experiences for hours, but today I want to focus on what's most important to you," Neil says, and then ask you can your interviewer a question.

Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/the-11-worst-questions-to-ask-during-an-interview-2011-10#ixzz1eRghkIUq

Maintain a Blog to Get a Job @qorvis

What you are currently reading is a blog, a form of expression that allows users to share their ideas across a digital landscape. Bloggers post pictures, videos, recipes, or stories about their life, or interests. Not since the invention of the printing press has a form of technology had such a profound impact on the written word. Simply stated, the blog is brilliant.

For this post, I want to speak directly to those seeking employment. Those with a steady gig are encouraged to read on, but for today, my focus is on my unemployed friends.
Ladies and gentleman, you face an uphill battle. No matter if you are fresh out of college or a decorated veteran of the marketing battlefield, you are no match for the weakened economy. Companies are now carefully considering every hiring decision and only those with the perfect set of tools make the cut. So, let’s add another tool to your belt.

You need a blog. This is not a suggestion – it’s an order. Pick a topic you are passionate about and start writing. The topic is of less importance than the quality of your writing. Your goal is to be engaging, sound smart, and show your worth.
A blog is a powerful tool because of its ability to display worth. Posting regularly shows you are dedicated and diligent. And, in addition to displaying your writing abilities, it also shows a potential employer you’re in tune with an ever-changing online community.

Blogging is a gateway that provides invaluable training on how to interact with others through a number of different channels. For instance, you will learn how to leverage Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon, and other platforms to push your message and attract readers to your site. Additionally, by maintaining a blog, you will discover the intricacies of data analytics and how they correlate with your content. Most importantly, you gain the ability to speak fluently about new media marketing. Recruiters or potential employers at communications firms drool over candidates that require little training in these areas.

During my time as a high school football coach, I often told my players, “put yourself in the best position to win.” The advice: While the situation will rarely be ideal, with the right skills or mentality, you will make that play. This same idea holds true for gaining employment.
Blogging will put you in the best position to win. Add your blog URL to your resume and always carry hard copies of your most popular posts to interviews. Professionalize your blog and maybe think about posting about industry-related content. Finally, keep screen shots of your blog’s progress and don’t be scared to show these during an interview.

Remember: the emphasis is on not really on the topic. It’s on the opportunity to share your thoughts and showcase your knowledge about the changing digital landscape. Your worth is at your fingertips, so be brilliant and start blogging.

WRITTEN BY: my colleague, Aaron Estabrook (and a hire of mine, so he knows what he is talking about)
@AaronEstabrook

What NOT To Post On Your Facebook... if you are looking for a job...

Kashmir Hill, Forbes' indispensable privacy blogger, posted this chart today, drawn from a survey of employers. Three things to note. 1) 95 percent of employers say they use social media sites to ferret out more information about job candidates. 2) If these employers informed these job candidates why they were dropped, Facebook as we know it might not exist.

That's not because social media is bad for job candidates, per se, but rather that the sense people have that they are just talking with their homies would evaporate. It would become clear that Facebook is, in fact, a quasi-public forum in which what you say attaches very strongly to your identity. It's the persistence that makes it different from "real life" and it's the persistence that Timelines is going to highlight. 

Courtesy of The Atlantic http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2011/10/what-you-shouldnt-post-on-your-facebook-page-if-you-want-a-job/246093/

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