Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Job Search: Then and Now | Career Rocketeer

Posted: 01 Jun 2011 03:30 AM PDT

I’m often asked what changes I’ve seen in effective job search strategies from several years ago versus now.
There certainly are differences, many of them. However, some basics remain the same. Regardless how you get to an interview, employers are still looking for people with positive attitudes, passion, solid skills, and the ability to communicate effectively.
What has changed, is how to get noticed and how to get to an interview in the first place. What are some of those changes? Here are some observations…
Resumes. One of the biggest changes, in my opinion, is what’s expected from an effective resume. Some changes are simple, or even trivial. While other changes are more profound. Some examples are…

No more “Objectives”. Rather, it’s better to have a headline of what you do, and a brief “Summary” section of what you bring. The focus must be on filling their requirements and solving their problems rather than stating what you want in a new position.
No more lengthy dissertations of your experience. Rather, it’s better to limit your resume to 1 or 2 pages, and provide short, substantive, statements of your related background, accomplishments, and quantified results. Each resume gets less attention than ever due to the volume and speed of evaluation. If relevant information isn’t easily spotted, the resume will be easily rejected. Brevity is a virtue!
Keywords are critical. These days most any Applicant Tracking System (ATS), or means for a recruiter to search for someone is based on key words they use for the search. If your resume doesn’t include the words that the recruiter uses to find someone like you, you won’t be found. Including all applicable keywords is essential to get noticed.
Typos and errors are inexcusable. Years ago, when job applicants had to actually type a resume, then take them to a printer or copy shop to have them run off, there was more, although not much more understanding of mistakes on a resume. In today’s world, with spellcheck, and the ability to easily edit a resume before each time it’s sent out, there is little to no tolerance for mistakes. If a resume is to represent the very best work someone can offer, errors indicate a lot about the quality of someone’s work.
Metrics are king! Specific, quantified results of your previous experience gives credibility to everything you say about yourself. Stating you are “a results oriented sales producer” doesn’t carry nearly as much credibility as stating “a sales producer with 20% year over year improvement in sales”. In an age when so many applicants have a tendency to embellish their abilities… hard, verifiable facts provide a refreshing contrast.
Fonts. Traditionally, Times New Roman had been the recommended font for resumes. Today, a more modern and cleaner look tends to be more desirable. Arial, Verdana, or Calibri are generally viewed more favorably and will typically make your resume more readable.

Cover letters. Generally no longer necessary! People pour enormous sweat and agony into crafting the “perfect” cover letter, while the reality is that they almost never are read… or even looked at. Furthermore, a qualified resume or application is never rejected because there is no cover letter included… even if the ad asked for one. The resume is really the only document that matters. Generally, recruiters and HR staff don’t have the time to read them, and don’t bother to even open the document in most cases. So don’t waste your time creating one. Certainly never rely on your cover letter to make your case for a job when it should be presented in your resume.
The exception may be if you are able to find and present your information directly to the appropriate hiring manager rather than to an HR department. Usually, the hiring manager doesn’t sift through the high volume of resume submittals themselves, and sometimes will take the time to read a cover letter in addition to the resume. Never count on it though! Never use your cover letter to include key information about your fit for a position that isn’t already apparent in your resume. The resume is the only document that you know will be considered.
Move it online! Newspapers and magazines typically have very few “Help Wanted” ads anymore. That’s especially true when it comes to professional, white collar positions. The overwhelming majority of ads are now online, whether on broad job boards, company websites, or display ads. Similarly, the application process is typically online as well.
Additionally, there are countless other resources available for a job search. Resources that can help in creating resumes, prepare for interviews, manage all your information flow, connect with new contacts, research people, companies, and opportunities, as well as many other aspects of the process. The internet has clearly revolutionized the way someone does a job search over the past 15 years.
Competition is fiercer! Because it’s easier for people to find and apply to opportunities online, it also means that companies receive far more applicants for each job than ever before. The internet has made it easy for people to point-and-click to apply to many more jobs than they ever have. As a result, there are more applicants, both qualified and unqualified for each job out there. It becomes more important than ever to find ways to distinguish yourself from the crowd. Even if you’re a “perfect” fit, it can be difficult to get noticed among dozens, or hundreds of other applicants.
Networking and personal contact still reign supreme. A statistic that hasn’t changed much over the years, is that the vast majority of hiring still occurs because of various forms of networking. Connections, old or new, now as always, still dominate how people get jobs. Resumes, online applications, recruiters, and other forms of finding a job haven’t changed the fact that employers still feel most confident in hiring someone that comes to them through other people they know. Even hiring the next door neighbor of a friend of a golf buddy sometimes seems like a better bet than hiring an anonymous resume that shows up in their email box.
Now, as much as ever, networking and proactive personal contact with potential employers is an essential part of distinguishing yourself from the “masses”. Most job seekers don’t do it, and so the ones that do, get noticed. Who are all the people you know, and who are all the people they know, and who are all the people they know? The power of connecting and gaining further referrals makes all the difference in finding and gaining a new job in today’s world.
Is today’s job market different? You bet! However, the “personal touch” that made the difference in your parents generation, still has the greatest influence in landing that next job today. Adapt to the changes, while clinging to the things that work as well!

Author:
Harry Urschel has over 20 years experience as a technology recruiter in Minnesota. He currently operates as e-Executives, writes a blog for Job Seekers called The Wise Job Search, and can be found on Twitter as @eExecutives.

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Rehiring Employees — The Jay Leno Effect

Posted: 31 May 2011 04:27 AM PDT

rehire, talent pipelines, talent management, rehire policy, rehiring, rehire employees, human resources, employee engagement, talent communities, HR

The economy for some seems to be improving and as a hiring manager or organizational leader. You may have experienced or participated in employee and corporate layoffs over the last 6-36 months. Depending on the size of your organization, economic status, and depth of layoff some of your experienced, knowledgeable, and experience employees may have been part of the collateral damage. Fast forward to now. Things are better. Sales are up, and your team is looking at adding positions to the team. Or maybe as the economy improves, some of your top talent puts in their resignation to test the new economic waters only to change their mind 30 days, 90 days, or even six months later.
Either way, you are faced with the prospect of the rehire.
A rehire, often referred to as a boomerang employee is defined as someone who is returning to work in your organization who has been a former employee in a same or different role. They left the organization either voluntarily or involuntarily and understand the culture, know the expectations, and are familiar with the environment.
So maybe as the economy has improved, you are eager to add old positions to your team. These positions could be former talent that you said goodbye to as a result of your restructure. Or maybe, your employee who left for greener pastures made a mistake. Depending on your employee rehire policy and your company’s willingness to rehire old talent, you could benefit.
I call this the Jay Leno Effect.
Rehires come in all shapes, sizes, and ages. Take Jay Leno. In 2004, NBC brought on Conan O’Brien with the intentions of replacing Jay Leno as late night show host. Leno retired as host in 2009 ushering a new era as O’Brien took the lead spot. Ratings suffered and Leno was effectively rehired into his old position, debuting the new old Late Show in March 2010.
The same holds true for former Starbucks CEO, Howard Schultz who returned to lead Starbucks, the struggling coffee house chain in early 2008. Schultz returned to replace Jim Donald as the head coffee bean. Upon the head bean’s return organizational changes were made resulting in store closures, layoffs, and product offering changes. It seems that this boomerang made an impact as sales for Starbucks continue to soar since his return.
So how do you tap into this employee rehire market and do you even want to? So before, you begin rehiring at random, here are some ideas to capture the heart and mind of your rehire:

Continue to establish a line of communication. Keep the communication lines open with former employees often referred to as alumni. This could be through Linked In alumni networks or an alumni newsletter. Be creative but don’t badger.

Demonstrate value. This means giving something to your alumni community first that creates value, conversation, and discussion. Maybe it’s a free resume writing class or webinar. Create value and put yourself in the shoes of your alumni network. What’s important to them should be what you’re writing/talking to them about.

Build a rehire database. Just like a talent pipeline within your organization, your rehire community and database should include ratings, information, and insights from previous managers and management. Build your most wanted list and target your must hires and re-hires.

Photo Credit AAA Caricatures.

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Dressing for summer in the office can be tough

ResumeBear Blog

Dressing for summer in the office can be tough

Posted: 31 May 2011 06:31 AM PDT

Dressing for summer in the office can be tough. Ninety-degree weather and a suit jacket don't exactly mix, but neither do guys in shorts and corporate boardrooms. Not to mention the fact that, at any given point during the summer, it's about 40 degrees cooler in the average office building than it is outside.
But it is possible to create a summer work wardrobe that's comfortable yet professional, and cool yet collected. Here's how.
1. No flip flops: Ladies, this faux-pas is typically committed by you, so listen up: "Flip flops are beach wear which transpired into 'commuter-wear' and then slowly into office wear," says Lizandra Vega, author of "The Image of Success: Make a Great Impression and Land the Job You Want."
Not only do they look unprofessional, but their namesake "flip-flop" noise is an easy way to drive your co-workers nuts every time you walk by their desks, so opt for strappy sandals, espadrilles or ballet flats instead.
2. Choose light colors: "Lighter color garments help you keep cool during hot summer months," Vega says. "Dark colors absorb heat, while light colors reflect heat." That said; make sure the color isn't too light. See below.
3. No peep shows: Summer clothing is often made of lightweight, lightly colored fabric. This can make for a comfortable commute, but it can also make for awkward over exposure. "Avoid apparel in fabrics that are so lightweight that they are see-through," Vega says.
4. Wear an undershirt: It may seem counter-intuitive to add an extra layer when it's hot out, but (men especially), if you don't already wear an undershirt, you might want to start now. The extra layer will help absorb sweat during a mid-summer commute.
"Wearing a cotton undershirt actually helps men feel cooler as it will absorb perspiration," Vega says. "[Plus],if a lighter fabric shirt is chosen, the undershirt will prevent it from being see-through."
5. For women, dresses are best: Women are at a serious advantage when it comes to dressing for summer at the office for one simple reason: They can wear dresses.
"Dresses are a great option because it avoids having to wear a jacket," Vega says. "A wrap dress, a sheath or shift dress are appropriate options."
If you will be forgoing the jacket, look for styles with short or three-quarter length sleeves, even sleeveless if you feel comfortable. Tank-style dresses are too casual for the office without a jacket or cardigan, though.
6. Keep an extra layer at work: Women can keep a wrap or lightweight, neutral-colored cardigan in their desks in case the air conditioning is kicked into overdrive. Men can do the same with a blazer or sweater.
What is your go-to outfit for summer? What's the biggest faux-pas for office attire? Share your opinions in the comments section, below.

10 Things to Immediately Do on LinkedIn

10 Things to Immediately Do on LinkedIn

Posted: 30 May 2011 11:00 PM PDT

LinkedIn is the premier business networking site for job-seekers at all levels and all ages. Here are 10 things newbies need to know about LinkedIn.

To get this useful advice and many other helpful career resources, visit us now at CAREEREALISM.com.

Executive Job Hunting? You’ll Need More than a Resume

Posted: 30 May 2011 10:30 PM PDT

If you're an executive planning a career change, it might surprise you to learn you'll be judged by more than just your resume during a job search.

To get this useful advice and many other helpful career resources, visit us now at CAREEREALISM.com.

[Ah-ha Lab] Meet Peter Buffett (As in, Warren Buffett’s Son)

Posted: 30 May 2011 10:00 PM PDT

Ever wonder what it's like to grow up with someone like Warren Buffet as your father? Watch this episode of Ah-ha Lab to find out first hand.

To get this useful advice and many other helpful career resources, visit us now at CAREEREALISM.com.