Arleen’s Blog | Arleen Bradley Career Coaching - Putting the care in your career

Take the Confusion Out of Your Job Search

September 16, 2013 | Author: Arleen Bradley

Some of the job searchers I see often complain about having to provide a résumé then fill out a job application, but don’t know why. Others tell me they want to create a (Curriculum Vitae) CV when they need a résumé. Understanding what each means will help you understand the job search process and know when each is right.

I have attempted to give a brief explanation for the differences in resumes and job applications and CV’s. Of course, there is more information on the subject, but this is meant to give you basic information to either satisfy your curiosity or to tempt you to learn more about each.

What is the difference between a résumé and a job application?

Take the confusion out of your job search.

Although the information in a résumé and on a job application is generally the same, there are some differences that are minor. There is one significant difference. But first the similarities; the résumé and the application include most of the same information such as contact information and places you have worked including the dates, place, and job title; the job application includes the supervisor, starting and ending salary. In a résumé, you list your accomplishments not duties. The résumé is customized by each applicant while the job application is a standardized form to be answered by all candidates. On a job application, you are asked the reason for leaving your jobs, the name of your supervisor and whether or not the company can contact your previous employers. Another difference is the résumé is subjective and is created to highlight the creators’ best attributes; the job application is strictly factual information.

The biggest difference between the two is that the job application is a legal document. The résumé is not. While both should contain only true statements, the job application requires a signature attesting to the validity of the information. Should the applicant be hired and false statements are discovered, they can be fired for falsifying the job application. The factual information in both should be the same; otherwise, red flags are raised and the candidate could no longer be considered for employment.

Generally you will submit a résumé and have to fill out job application. If you apply online, you may have to submit the two at the same time. If not, you will be asked to fill out the application when you are interviewed.

What is the difference between a résumé and a Curriculum Vitae (CV)?

In the United States, a Curriculum Vitae is used for applying to academic, research or science positions. All other positions need a résumé. Other parts of the world (Europe, the Middle East, parts of Africa and Asia) use a CV for almost all positions.

One of the many differences is the length of the document. The resume states relevant accomplishments, qualifications, skills, and education in a concise matter to exceed no more than 2 pages. The CV is expected to be much longer and includes professional and personal information with dates and places, such as, education; coursework; thesis and dissertation research and results; teaching experience; publications and professional papers authored, co-authored or edited; conference attendance; presentations at conferences; awards and honors for teaching or research; fellowships; grants awarded; and professional associations.

Knowing what to use and when to use it is confusing. I hope I have taken some of the confusion out of the job search. And that you are now more confident in your job search skills.

How can I help you in your job search?

Common job search words and their best practices Part II

September 13, 2013 | Author: Arleen Bradley

Last week I posted words that are common to job searchers. They may have heard them networking or read them in articles and have been unsure about what they mean. I have provided a best practice for each word.

Interview—an opportunity for both the company and the candidate to learn more about each other. Through question and answers both sides look for answers to questions that will show more about qualifications, skills, and experience of the candidate; and the candidate learns more about the needs of the company. Both use the information to decide if there is continued interest to continue the candidacy.

Job boards—Internet sites that list job postings in companies. Job searchers can search for jobs based on a job title, location, company, and other criteria. Additionally, they can post their resumes on the sites to be viewed by recruiters using search criteria similar to the job searchers. Spending too much time on the job boards can lead to frustration. Use of the job boards should be used in conjunction with networking.

Keywords—the words in the job posting that show a skill or experience that the company is looking for. Placing keywords from the job posting will alert the Application Tracking System (ATS) your résumé matches the requirements of the job. Using as many keywords as relevant increases the match.

LinkedIn—an Internet social media site that has profiles of the members. The profiles include name, contact information, companies worked for, skills, experience, awards, memberships and members of the owners’ networks. It can be used to search for people in companies, do research about companies, and job postings. It has been said that if you aren’t on LinkedIn, you don’t exist to recruiters. LinkedIn benefits your passive and active job search.

Metrics—the numbers on your résumé expressed as dollars and percentages to show how you saved money, made money or saved time for your employer. It is evidence of claims you make on your resumes. Hiring managers are looking for metrics when reading resumes because they are indications of the quality of your work. It is best to only use the metrics that are relevant for the position.

Networking—the best way to get a job. It has been said that over 85% of all jobs are obtained by networking. Networking involves meeting people of all types not just people in your field. The larger your network, the better chances you have of a job. However, networking is not a one way street; it is a relationship that must be nurtured unselfishly. It isn’t about you, it’s about what you can do for them before you ask for help.

Objective statement—formerly used on a résumé to show what you are looking for. This has become obsolete as the company knows that you are looking for a job. What they want to know is what you can do for them and not what they can do for you. Use a qualifications summary instead.

Punctual— whether it’s an interview, a meeting with a member of your network, or anyone, arriving on time is the only way to arrive. It shows respect for the relationship and the time of the other person. It indicates you are reliable and have time management skills.

Qualifications summary—three to five short statements on a résumé that contain specifics about your skills and achievements that are relevant to the position and show you are the best qualified. It replaces the objective statement because is show what you can do for the company.

Next week, I will finish the list. But in the mean time, I hope you benefit from this list.

How can I help you in your job search?

Image: freedigitalphotos.net Stuart Miles

Yes, you will get a job! Think positive.

September 11, 2013 | Author: Arleen Bradley

Think positive!

One of my clients was looking for a job. He needed a job badly. He owed back rent, his daughter was going to college, and his unemployment ran out. You would think he was in a pretty rough place. But he wasn’t. He was the most confident person.

One night he attended a networking group I facilitate. The topic was about believing in you, thinking positive and the law of attraction in the job search. I asked the group to answer the following question: on a scale of 1 to 10, how confident you will get a job. The answers were usually around 5 to 7. But the man answered by slapping his hands down on the table and said a resounding 10! He was certain he would be getting a job. His answer stunned the others. And me.

The emotion he showed in his positivity that he would have a job was incredible. He didn’t just think he would get a job, he knew it, believed it deep down. The interesting part of this was he had just been turned down for a job.

But guess what happened to him. You got it, he landed a job. And how it happened was quite odd. The job he applied and interviewed for and was turned down was the job he landed. It seems that the person that won that particular job took it. But the same organization had another job that he didn’t know about. He had impressed them so much they offered him that job.

That happened a year ago, and he’s still there.

Here are ten things you can do to make your job search more positive.

Think positively. When a negative thought enters your mind, quickly turn it into a positive thought.
Believe in you. Don’t let others bring you down. You have the ability.
Align what you think and what you do to what you want. It won’t work if your actions and thoughts are contrary to the goal. If you don’t think you will get it, you won’t do what it takes to get it.
Know you are going to get a job. Talk about when you get a job and not if you get a job.
Write down what your ideal job is. Concentrate on it.
Imagine doing that job. Use guided imagery to help in this step.
Don’t allow yourself to become discouraged. If you do, look for all the positive things in your life, and focus on them.
An attitude of gratitude will help you appreciate what you have. If you aren’t grateful for what you have, how do you expect to get more?
Take the proper action. Sitting around just thinking about getting a job won’t get you a job. Network, apply for jobs, go on interviews, send out thank notes, and follow-up.
Let it go. Once you have done all you can to get a job, let it go. Don’t dwell on it. Live your life.

Taking the effort to be more positive in your job search will help you more than you realize. You will find people willing to help you. No one likes to be around someone who is negative. And that goes for hiring managers, too. I’m sure you would like my friend, he is just that confident.

How can I help you in your job search?

Image: freedigitalphotos.net Master isolated images

Can an old dog learn new tricks?

September 9, 2013 | Author: Arleen Bradley

You bet an old dog can learn new tricks! Especially when it means getting a job. When the prize is job related, the motivation is high. Just ask any unemployed person over the age of 50.

Although there are laws against age discrimination in the hiring process, we all know it happens. Job searchers over the age of 50 know it better than anyone else. They are willing to do whatever it takes to get a job. Some of the things they do are counterproductive like dress too young or dye their hair. These tactics only make them look silly.

What job searchers over the age of 50 should be doing are things that make them stand out among all the other candidates of any age. And that is having the skills needed for the open position and the right attitude. Skills and certifications can be obtained in many ways. In an earlier post, Update your Skills at M.I.T., UC Berkeley and Notre Dame for Free, I provided information for updating your skills for free or low-cost.

Staying current and learning new skills helps fight the myth that older people don’t want to or can’t learn new things. It also fill in the gap unemployment has caused in your résumé. Hiring managers are going to want to know what you have done since you become unemployed. Showing them you are active and learning is a great way to spend your unemployment.

Some unseen benefits of taking classes include boosting your self-confidence that has taken a hit by being let go and the frustration of the job search. Meeting new people in the classes increases your network. Having something to do on a regular basis keeps gives structure to your time as you need to get up and dressed. And will help with time management.

You have been given the time to update and learn skills. Take advantage of the time to do it. Instead of trying to fit in classes, between work and all the other things you do, you have the time now. Yes, you still have to job search and that is a job by itself. But you can adjust your job search schedule to fit your classes.

So you see it makes sense to learn new tricks, aka skills. The benefits pros far outweigh the cons. And will show the hiring manager you haveway too much work left in you to be rolling over and playing dead.

How can I help you in your job search?

Image: www.freedigitalphotos.net Stuart Miles

Job search words and their best practices Part I

September 7, 2013 | Author: Arleen Bradley

The job search is complicated and frustrating. You have probably heard words that you don’t understand their job search message. These words are said at networking events, meetings with career coaches, and other places where job searchers meet. You may know and understand some of them, but wonder about the rest.

Here is a partial list of words with their best practice to help you with your job search. I will be continuing the word list in my future blogs. Follow this blog so you don’t miss out on the rest of the list.

Accomplishments/achievements—are proof of the claims you have listed in your résumé. Rather than a laundry list of duties, your successes in these duties are more impressive to a hiring manager. Most everyone applying for the position has the qualifications, standing out above the competition is necessary to get the job. Accomplishments/achievements show how you do the job better than anyone else.

Budget your time—you didn’t work 24/7 when you had a job and you tooktime off. Your job search is no different. Searching for a job is time-consuming, but shouldn’t consume you. Take time away from the job search to recharge and refresh. Draining all your energy in the job search won’t leave much energy for the interview.

Change your attitude—your attitude determines your success. Desperate and depressed will prevent you from giving your all to your job search. It will also repel people who might be in a position to help you; because no one wants to be associated with a person who drags everyone down. People help people who are pleasant to be with.

Depression—results for being stressed too long. Also, one of the normal reactions to a loss. Being without a job creates stress due to financial obligations and other family issues. If your job search is a result of an unplanned job loss, you are feeling the same emotions as the loss of a loved one.

Energy—in an interview showing enthusiasm and energy counteracts your age if you are a mature job searcher. You want to downplay your age and show them your vitality and skills.

Flexible—the job search process changes quickly. What worked last year, probably won’t work this year; something new and different is being used. Job searchers who refuse to adapt to changes will lose out.

Grooming—as a job searcher, you are always under inspection. You never know whom you are going to meet when you are out picking up groceries, banking or eating at a fast food place. It could be your next employer. While you don’t want to walk around dressed ready for an interview, you do need to keep your hair combed, have on clean clothing and have taken care of personal hygiene.

Healthful lifestyle—in order to reduce the stress you feel, it is essential to take care of your mind, body and spirit. You need to find ways to relax to calm your mind. Healthful food, proper amount of sleep and regular exercise will keep you healthy which will show up in your appearance. A connection with a higher power will show you the path to understanding.

The next part of the list will appear sometime next week. Look for it!

How can I help you in your job search?

Image: freedigitalphotos.net Stuart Miles

Arleen Bradley Career Coaching

Take the Confusion Out of Your Job Search

Common job search words and their best practices Part II

Yes, you will get a job! Think positive.

Can an old dog learn new tricks?

Job search words and their best practices Part I

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