Rise to the Top by Being Unique in the Job Search

“Who are you?”

“It’s what most hiring decision-makers want to know when screening resumes or planning an interview.”

“The question seems reasonable, even obvious, but during a job search, it’s easy to overlook.”

“The answer to this question is what sets you apart from candidates who could have the same credentials and background. These are your soft skills.” by Kim Thompson

streetsmartprof‘s insight:

With north of 50% of companies using software to screen resumes, keywords to even land on a hiring managers desk are critical.

Good news, you get this far based on a resume with the right keywords. Now what? Why would a hiring manager stop and read, not scan, your resume?

In a group of job seekers when Kim asked to describe yourself, their words were: “a loyal worker, team player, dedicated, good ethics, trustworthy and dependable”.

It is not easy, but some way, some how, you need to descibe in concise words “why” you are these words and “how” you demonstrate these soft skills.

A great Ted Video around “why” is by Simon Sinek, may provide you with some ideas. Granted it is around companies “why”, but you are your own marketing department when it comes down to getting a job. http://youtu.be/qp0HIF3SfI4

The answers to your “why” will recide in your life lessons both on and off the job. Think about major projects and/or accomplishments in your life. Use these to demonstrate why you are unique. Both in your resume and at job interviews.

See on blog.sfgate.com

Job Seekers: How LinkedIn’s New Search Capabilities Can Help You

by Ken Jondahl

“Since it’s such a popular feature, LinkedIn users demanded a better search experience.”

“The good news is this new search makes it easier for recruiters to find you but ONLY if you’ve written your profile correctly.”

“Here are three ways to leverage LinkedIn’s new search approach.” by Joshua Waldman

streetsmartprof‘s insight:

Trying to figure out which keywords to use in your profile can be a guessing game. One way to help is to use the auto complete suggestions as you type words into the new searches. See point #2 in the article for how, auto complete for keyword research.

LinkedIn is moving the way of most valid search engines. Learning as you search and as your network grows. This implies it is a good idea to hit the save button for searches which provide you with value.

Such as how do you rank for certain keywords. Save the searches to see if your profile is making progress. SEO is not only about your blog.

If you want a quick word cloud to see how the search engine looks at your keywords, go here. Quick cut/copy/paste of your profile can build a complete word cloud of key words in seconds. http://tagcrowd.com/

One you have the right keywords for your dream job. Jump to the new jobs section. It will help you quickly review open positions in companies from your network.

From LinkedIn beginner to expert, the article has numerous solid ideas of how to build better searches to save you time while casting a bigger net during the job hunt.

See on careerenlightenment.com

Use LinkedIn to Locate the Hidden Job Market for Your Job Search

by Ken Jondahl

“The term hidden job market refers to jobs not advertised and they generally fall into three categories.”

“The first are those that are known to a handful of people including executive search firms.”

“The second are the jobs that are discussed internally but have not been posted.”

“The third category is when there is a problem waiting for a solution but no position has been identified.”

streetsmartprof‘s insight:

Don provides insight around the 3 categories as defined above to help understand why the hidden job market exist and how to help find them during your job search.

HINT: It is easy to say use the right search terms in your profile, but how do you see through the eyes of a bot, go here: http://tagcrowd.com/

The second half of the article discusses how to utilize the capabilities within LinkedIn to help locate the hidden jobs within your desired positions and companies.

Whether you are a new user or an expert on LinkedIn, Don’s ideas will likely have a few nuggets which can be setup and running with a small amount of effort.

See on howgetjob.blogspot.com

Job Seekers: 7 ways undergrads can build their resumes

by Ken Jondahl

“No internship this summer? From building a blog to tutoring, there are lots of ways young people can show their worth.”

“Did you want an internship this summer but didn’t land one in time? Or perhaps you simply couldn’t afford to work for free?”

“If you’re an undergrad who is eager for professional experience, there are other ways to make yourself a better future job candidate besides a formal internship.” By Amy Levin-Epstein

See on www.cbsnews.com

During Job Search How to Nail The Social Interview

by Ken Jondahl

“Job seekers, listen up! Your interview doesn’t begin when an employer calls you. It doesn’t begin when you walk into an office. And it certainly doesn’t begin after you’ve done all the talking.”

“It likely begins before you even know it, through a simple online search to check out your presence. Essentially, you’re being “interviewed” online through your social networks — before the background check, before the phone call and before you have any sort of conversation with a potential employer.”

“So, how can you nail this new sort of social job interview? by Alan Carniolnn

Let’s explore: http://mashable.com/2013/04/20/social-job-interview/

streetsmartprof‘s insight:

Alan writes an interesting perspective around the typical job interview to remind all of us what is occuring upstream.

Our social foot prints are certainly easily discovered and it makes sense for any hiring manager to do a quick google check before spending time seeing anybody.

See on mashable.com

How Job Seekers Learn From Bad Interviews

by Ken Jondahl

“Bad job interview? Be sure to learn from it and then move on without further ado, advises Heather McNab.

Dwelling on it will only hang over you and kill your confidence. “You certainly don’t want to one bad experience to impact your future interviews too,” says McNab.

“Here’s how to learn from a poor performance — and then let it go.” by Amy Levin-Epstein

streetsmartprof‘s insight:

Short quick read with plenty of ideas of how to review what just happened in a bad interview. Than using the pro’s and con’s of what was learned, get ready and move on.

The glass is always half full or half empty. The choice is yours to make, especially during tough times while looking for work.

Bad interviews are bound to happen to all of us and as Amy points out. It may just have been a signal the job was not the right one for you and your career.

See on www.cbsnews.com

Frustrated Searching Job Boards with No Responses – Try Informational Interviews

by Ken Jondahl

New research from Jobvite found that “Employees hired through referral are hired 55% faster than those who come from a career site.”

“If you are frustrated searching job boards, sending resumes into black holes, and not getting responses from prospective employers, the “The Alumni Networking Solution” will help you.”

“What exactly is The Alumni Networking Solution?” by John Muscarello

streetsmartprof‘s insight:

John covers all 5 steps in the article in a concise fashion allowing you to consider the various ideas and whether they will work for you or not. No need to sign up for anything and/or navigate all over trying to find the steps.

The 5 step method looks to be a very solid way to get infront of Alumni from your school for informational interviews. Also recall LinkedIn already has a standard search setup to help you pinpoint who you might want to reach out to by location, by company, and by functional job area.

The LinkedIn alumni search is located here: http://www.linkedin.com/college/alumni

Note: For the search to work, remember to setup your college in LinkedIn first. (Log on, in main header bar, look under contacts drop down to find the link for your school once setup.)

See on www.youtern.com