One Really Good Tip to End Your Job Search: Follow Up

January 25, 2013 | Author: Arleen Bradley

When you are given a gift, you don’t let it sit on a shelf unopened collecting dust.  No, you open it and use it often.  It’s a treasure youAsian Women Chatting over Coffee value.  The same is true about the people you meet networking.  They are your prize for getting out and meeting with people.

Now that you have met some wonderful new people, you want to build a relationship with them.  Chances are it will be up to you to make the first contact to follow-up.  Don’t wait for them to do it, they may not remember. Networking is about building relationships.  Relationships are nurtured over a time with continued interaction. 

Getting to know your new connection is important so that you know how you can help them.  They won’t appreciate it if you immediately start talking about your needs.  I’m sure you know people who only contact you when they want something. You don’t want to be that person. People will only help others that they know, like and trust. 

Now don’t you have someone you should call?  If you wait for them, you might have to wait a long time.   Invite them for a cup of coffee for what could be your best investment.

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

One Really Good Tip to End Your Job Search: Network

January 24, 2013 | Author: Arleen Bradley

Vlado

You spend hours sitting at your computer searching for a job.  Any opening at all that fits even some of your skills and experience would be nice.  But you don’t find anything.  You’ve heard of the hidden job market but not sure how to go about finding it.

The hidden job market isn’t in your computer.  You can find the unseen jobs by networking.  Meet as many people as you can.  Men, women, young, old, professional, blue-collar, unemployed or employed all know other people.  The more people you talk to the more you improve your chances to get you publicized. 

Over 80% of all jobs are obtained by networking.  You can be one of them if you log off your computer and go meet people.  Find places where you can meet new people.  Look for networking groups in your area and attend.  Go to places that are free or very low-cost that interest you.  Talk to the people there instead of staying closed off from others.  It’s possible you will meet your next boss or someone who knows him/her. 

Posted in networking | 6 Comments

One Really Good Tip to End Your Job Search: Think Positive

January 23, 2013 | Author: Arleen Bradley

smiling woman on phone stockimages africa sad woman at computerYour attitude determines your altitude.  That is so true for the job search.  Your job search will be much more successful if you have a positive attitude rather than a  pessimistic outlook .   I can tell if you have a positive or a negative mindset by observing four different things about you.  They are your appearance-hair, makeup, shaving; clothing-overly casual, worn, out dated; your speech-talk negatively, flat and monotone; your actions—activity level and choice of activity.

To have a positive attitude, stay active and involved with others.  By engaging in low/no cost activities, you take your mind off your job search and allow yourself a brief respite from the search.  Be around positive people, their attitude will rub off on you.  Watch the funniest movie you can find so you can laugh out loud and not just giggle.  Laugh as often as you can.  Think you will get a job and you will.

Happy people are hired over gloomy people.  Remember one of the things the hiring manager is looking for is whether you fit into the department. Take a look at the two photos and decide which one you would rather work with.

Photo credit:  freedigitalphotos.net  africa and stock images

Posted in 50+ job search, getting a job, stay positive | 4 Comments

One Really Good Tip to End Your Job Search: Interview

January 22, 2013 | Author: Arleen Bradley

You have practiced every question you could be asked.  Your outfit is impeccable.  You know the route to the locatAmbro man shaking handion, how long it will take to get there and where to park.  You have assembled all the things you plan to bring.  But there is one thing you need to do to make sure you are a standout candidate.

The interview begins the minute you reach their property.  Whether your drive onto their property or walk into the building, this is when your interview starts.  From this moment until you leave after the interview, you will encounter many of the company’s employees.  Each one of these employees can have a say in your candidacy.

The person in the car you just gave an objectionable salute to may be the person who is interviewing you.  Or the receptionist you were just rude to, may be the boss’ cousin.  Be polite and courteous to everyone you meet at the company.  Carry yourself as if you are being watched by the hiring manager.  The person you least expect may have a say in hiring you.   

Posted in career transitions, Interviews | 2 Comments

One Really Good Tip to End Your Job Search: Résumé

January 21, 2013 | Author: Arleen Bradley

Stuart Miles laptop

You want your résumé to stand out among all the rest.  You know that the first reader will only spend about 15 seconds on it.  In order to get your résumé in the keep pile you need to think of your résumé as a piece of real estate.  You know the common phrase in real estate is location, location, location. 

Obviously, you want all your information read.  If you grab the reader’s attention at the beginning, they will continue to the end. Look at your résumé as two locations, above the fold and below the fold.  Top load your information above the fold with your greatest accomplishments using numbers as either dollars or percentages.  Also, include keywords in this section.  By creating your résumé in this fashion the reader will want to continue.

Now that you have them reading more, continue proving to the reader you are the most qualified candidate.  Again, use numbers to show how you saved money, made money or saved time.   The employer has a problem that they need to solve and it usually one of the above.  By showing them you have done it in the past they will realize you have the expertise to do it again.  

Perform the half fold test on your résumé.  Print it out and fold the first page in half.  Does it contain all your best accomplishments and keyword?  Tweak your résumé to take advantage of the choice location on your résumé.

 

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Posted in Job Search, Resume | 2 Comments