5 Things You Must Do Before Applying For A Job

5 Things You Must Do Before Applying For A Job

Never apply for a job without making sure your online presence is as ready to interview as you are. Employers will look at the online version of you before they invite the in-person version to an interview, so make sure what they see helps solidify their impression of you as a candidate.

Here are five things you must do before applying for a job:

1. Update Your LinkedIn Profile

If you haven’t revised your LinkedIn profile since your last job, it’s time to make some updates. Rewrite your summary to include your current career objective, and ask colleagues to endorse you and provide recommendations that reflect your job search. Make sure your online resume includes all your newest accomplishments. If you don’t have a professional picture to add to your profile, it’s time to have one taken.

2. Update Your Social Media Profiles

It’s easy to forget to keep your social media profiles updated, especially when you have multiple accounts. Log on to each of your social media services and make sure your profile photo is current and flattering and your profile blurb is accurate. See if you can make your profiles subtly reflect your professional skills without reading like a job application; “I see your copy errors” is a good line for a Facebook profile, while “I have six years of copy editing experience and am looking for work” is too much.

While you’re at it, untag those unflattering or unwanted pics, and delete any posts or tweets that don’t reflect well on you or your candidacy.

3. Google Yourself

You know your potential employer is going to Google you, so go ahead and Google yourself first.

Ideally, your top results are reflections of your work and personality: they should include any articles or print media about your work at previous organizations as well as links to your LinkedIn, Facebook, and other accounts. If you have a professional blog, it should be within the first five links as well and clearly identifiable as your work.

If your Google search turns up negative results, consider a service like Reputation Changer. This service removes negative references and past mistakes on the Internet, leaving your online presence more reflective of your current skills and abilities.

4. Make Sure Your Personal Life Is Out Of The Focus

Many people have personal blogs, Instagrams, or Tumblrs. It’s a good idea to use avatars for personal sites in order to keep your name associated with your professional work and your personal life out of the focus.

However, if you do use an avatar or online handle, make sure to disassociate it with anything you don’t want potential employers to see. You’d be surprised how many people use their Twitter handle as their OKCupid name, for example; and even if your interviewer doesn’t search far enough to make the connection, your new colleagues certainly will. Choose anonymous, unrelated handles for dating sites, diet sites, and anything else  you don’t want your employer to see.

5. Write A Well-Placed Blog About Your Industry

Believe it or not, it’s relatively easy to get published on an online magazine’s blog section. Write a post about a discovery you made while working or your thoughts on industry trends, then submit it to Open Salon or the Huffington Post. If you know your industry reads certain blogs or online publications, submit to them as well. Remember to stay positive and write well of your industry; this isn’t just an opportunity to share your opinions, it’s an audition for future work.

4 Inside Secrets To Writing A Great Cover Letter

4 Inside Secrets To Writing A Great Cover Letter

Let’s agree you should always send a cover letter, it’s just the professional thing to do. Nonetheless, statistics show 50% of employers don’t read them and the others scan it in 5-10 seconds. That being said, how do you craft a cover letter that quickly captures their attention?

First of all, let’s agree the ONLY purpose of the cover letter is to get someone to want to read your resume. It is NOT a recap of your resume or a short story of how you moved from job to job.

Since employers spend only a few seconds glancing at your cover letter, it should be short, easy to read (using bullets) and compelling.

Here’s a typical scenario: An employer has over 700 resumes to weed through, each with a cover letter. They pick up the next letter and it says, “I am writing in response to your advertisement #5444 regarding your Project Manager position.” Pretty boring… and you just missed your chance to grab their attention. So, let’s look at how you can instantly make them want to know more.

Trick 1

A great trick is to start by thinking what the best candidate in the world would deliver.

For example, for sales people, employers want to hear about setting sales records (overachieving quota), expanding the customer base, and earning customer loyalty. For project managers, employers want to see a consistent track record of delivering projects on time and with a high level of quality. For manufacturing, the key metrics are productivity, safety, quality, and cost improvements. So, tell them in your first sentence you can deliver these things.

I have over 15 years of experience leading manufacturing operations to new heights in productivity, profitability, and safety.

Setting new sales records, growing market share and turning mediocre performers into superstars briefly describes what I can do for your firm.

I have over 10 years of experience leading highly visible, complex projects and have earned a solid reputation for meeting aggressive deadlines and bringing internal/external customer satisfaction to new heights.

Get the idea? You just told them you can deliver exactly the results they are looking for.

Trick 2

Most people send the same basic cover letter to all firms. Employers are really impressed when you show that you know something about their organization. So, demonstrate your knowledge and put in a line that shows you’ve done your homework.

Example:

I’ve followed your company for a number of years and I imagine that with your opening a new plant in Atlanta, you will need someone who is experienced in plant startups.

With your recent acquisition of XYZ, I’m sure you can benefit from someone who has extensive HR experience managing the integration of new personnel and corporate cultures.

Wow! So far, you’ve told them you are a star performer who can deliver exactly what they want and that you are experienced in meeting some of the specific challenges their organization faces. Now prove it.

Trick 3

This is where you put in two to five bullets that prove you can deliver results. Bullets make the letter easy to read and simple for you to customize by swapping some bullets in for others depending on what they want. Here, you’ll want to quantify your accomplishments as much as possible.

Example:

I have been assigned to numerous turnarounds and surpassed expectations in each instance. As Plant Manager at 1 of the largest component manufacturers in the United States, I reduced overtime 30%, increased productivity 18%, grew quality 11% and slashed accidents by 33%.

I have 12+ years of solid sales experience at such firms as IBM, Oracle and Sun Microsystems, and achieved top ranked performance in every position. My achievements include delivering as much as 440% of sales targets and ranking in the Top 5 every year for the past 8 years.

Trick 4

You’ve proved you are a superstar (and even if you’re not, you should think like one), so now is the time to bring it home. Your closing paragraph should indicate that they should read your resume, that there is a lot more to know, and you will be calling them in a few days to find out more about the position.

There are a lot of important concepts here – yes, you will call them, and no, you will not just ask them if they got your resume, but instead will demonstrate your strengths and knowledge by asking insightful questions that indicate you are truly interested in this position. Employers notice people who call and this is your opportunity to build rapport with the decision makers who hold the key to your dream job.

Follow these simple tips and you will definitely make yourself stand out with your cover letter.

4 Tips For Avoiding Conflict In The Workplace

4 Tips For Avoiding Conflict In The Workplace

Sometimes, avoiding conflict in the workplace can be difficult. However, it’s extremely doable.

Here’s a personal example:

While at work one day, I received an instant message from a colleague.

It read, “Do you have a minute to chat?”

“Of course,” I responded.

Instantly, the phone rang.

To be honest, I assumed this would be a routine call pertaining to a joint proposal this co-worker and I were collaborating on, and so I was a bit blindsided by what followed.

“I came across a post you wrote recently about rolling your eyes in a meeting,” she said. “And I just wanted to ask if you were writing about me.”

Awkward silence.

The truth is, I did write a post about a meeting where I had behaved uber-immaturely and, yes, she was the voice on the phone.

I explained the situation: I was rolling my eyes at the characteristically bureaucratic nature of corporate decision-making and the post was about my mistake and not her.

She listened politely, seemed genuinely interested in the root cause of my ire, and we hung up the phone. But here’s the catch: rather than feel defensive or put on the spot, I felt fine.

No drama. No hurt feelings. No lingering doubts or suspicions.

Now, let’s contrast this to how she could have handled the situation, shall we? Upon reading my post, she could have…

• Silently sulked, but not said a word. (Of course, every time she saw me from that point on she would secretly have negative blog flashbacks.)
• Publicly sulked by trashing me to everyone BUT me.
• Forwarded the post to a few mutual colleagues with colorful commentary such as, “Who does this *$&^ think she is?”

To her credit, she didn’t choose any of the above (all-too-common) options.

In fact, I wanted to use this post to highlight exactly what she did right, so you’ll know how to handle it if you ever find yourself in a similarly sticky situation.

1. She Came Directly To Me

Most people don’t like conflict, and so they avoid it at all costs. Therefore, it takes an incredible amount of maturity to go to the person who has “offended” you and clear the air in person. (It’s obviously FAR easier to talk about them behind their back, and that’s why the majority go that route.)

2. She Reached Out To Make Sure It Was A Good Time To Talk

Since this could have been an emotional conversation (remember: she didn’t know how I would react), it was smart to make sure I wasn’t under a deadline or otherwise distracted.

3. She Approached The Call From A Standpoint Of Confusion

(“I wasn’t sure if you were talking about me”) versus accusation (“I can’t believe you said that about me.”) This subtle distinction made all the difference, i.e. rather than feel attacked, I felt camaraderie and we actually hung up the phone closer as team members than before.

4. Once She Got To Bottom Of My Issue, She Offered To Help

Can you imagine? Here she thought I was visibly disrespecting her (in front of her boss, mind you) and she ends the call by asking if there’s anything she can do to help make my life easier. Whoa!

In our reality-TV driven culture, where we are all so immersed in conflict, short fuses, and a general lack of civility, it’s nice to see some people still value and respect maturity.

4 A’s For Acing The Group Interview

4 A’s For Acing The Group Interview

Group interviews are being more and more popular these days. These types of interviews can be scary, add unnecessary pressure, and make everyone involved uncomfortable. However, it doesn’t have to be like that!

In fact, group interviews are a great opportunity to connect with the panel and prove that you will be a great and engaging team member.

If you really want to nail this group interview, you’ve got to follow a few steps. Here are the four As of group interviews:

1. Answer questions.

Preparing for regular interviews is highly advised, but when it comes to group interviews, you HAVE to prepare. You have to think about every possible question you could be asked, and you have to be able to pull relevant stories that provide details and examples.

Do your homework. Get a list of questions that could be asked. Work on body language, and facial expressions. Write out answers. Give quantifiable answers, where you PROVE what you’re saying about yourself.

2. Ask for input.

You want this to almost turn into a dynamic group discussion. You want them to have a chance to engage in the conversation. Don’t be afraid to say something ask the panel something back. You could ask things like:

• “Has something similar to this happened here?”
• “What’s been your experience with this?”

Remember, it’s okay to ask something back. They asked it for a reason. Allow that dialog to happen. It really can make a difference.

3. Articulate what you hear.

Reframe the question. You could say, for example, “So, if I hear you correctly, what you mean is….” When you paraphrase what you’ve been asked/what they’ve shared, it demonstrates that you’re a good listener and that you understand them.

4. Apply what you hear.

Incorporate what they’ve told you into your answers. Make them feel like you already ‘get’ them, and that you’re already apart of the team. Mention names. For example, you could say,“Bill, you talked about this earlier…” This will really allow you to connect with the panel.

This is a group interview, and if you don’t change the dynamic, you’re going to feel very uncomfortable. Make it feel more like an interactive discussion that you would have as if you already had the job. It just flows and feels more natural for everyone.

Quick Analysis Of Your Job Search Techniques

Quick Analysis Of Your Job Search Techniques

If you are not getting enough interviews or job offers, then it is time to analyze your job search techniques.

Here is a quick way to drill down to the core issues that will need adjusting.

Situation: I Am Not Getting Enough Calls For Interviews

If the phone is not ringing, then either your resume is not good or you are not getting it into the right hands.

Look at your resume and scan it for 20 seconds – the same way an employer would. If you don’t say, “I would hire this person,” then it probably needs work.

Does it have a strong opening that distinguishes you? Is there a compelling theme? If you are unsure, send it to us for a FREE Resume Evaluation. Or, have it professionally done, just be careful as there are a lot of scams and bad services on the web, so see my FREE 10-Point Checklist on How to Choose a Resume Writing Service.

If the resume is good, then you need to review your distribution strategy. There are only a few ways to get the resume out – job boards and company web sites, recruiters, networking, and direct mail/contact.

Of these, the job boards and company web sites have the least effectiveness rate and this is where most people’s job search strategies fall down. When you send your resume through the Internet, you go into the “big black hole” in human resources and are at the mercy of applicant tracking systems and junior clerks weeding out candidates.

In fact, a hiring manager recently told me that she gets over 500 resumes for a job board posting. She looks at the first 50, and if she can’t get five candidates to bring in, she looks at the next 50. That means hundreds of candidates are not even having their resume seen.

If this sounds like you, then adjust how you respond to job board openings and allocate more time to more effective search techniques, such as networking.

My advice to clients is to NEVER send your resume over the Internet. Once you see a position is opened, go to LinkedIn, do a company search, and identify the hiring manager and their staff. Now, do one of two things:

1. Ask yourself, “Who do I know that knows someone who can make an introduction for me?” This is basic networking and you can use LinkedIn Groups and Q&A to see who is communicating with them.
2. Alternatively, but not as effective, give the decision maker a call and say something like: “A friend told me you might be interested in someone with my background. I have (insert your 2-sentence pitch), and I have just a few questions for you.” Then, ask them some questions that show you’ve done some homework on their company. Be very friendly, down to earth, and personable and get into a conversation with them. At some point, they will ask you for your resume. You have now put yourself at the top of the decision maker’s pile and skipped the HR screeners.

In general, job boards should not be more than 30% of how you spend your time. Networking is far more effective and this has become much easier when you use LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook to connect with people.

Situation: I Am Getting Interviews, But No Offers

If you are getting interviews but not moving to subsequent rounds or not getting offers, then you need to improve your interviewing skills. Start by answering yourself these key questions:

1. Did you research the interviewer on LinkedIn before you went in?
2. Did you turn the interview into a conversation?
3. Did you build rapport with the interviewer?
4. Are you clear about what the biggest challenge would be to someone in this position?
5. Did you identify any objections or issues regarding your candidacy?
6. Do you have a clear timeline for following up?

If you are unclear as to whether you achieved the above, then you need to change how you interview. There are good books on the subject. In addition, you can always hire a career coach to do a mock interview so you can learn how to control the interview.

Spend a few minutes today to identify where your job search needs help.

7 Interview Questions You Should Never Forget To Ask

7 Interview Questions You Should Never Forget To Ask

1. “Is this a new position? If not, why did the previous employee leave?”

Most people are so focused on getting the job they are going for that they don’t think to ask why the position is available in the first place. Has the previous employee moved on to better things? Have they been fired? Did they quit? The interviewer may not give you all the details, but from their answer you should be able to form your own opinion of the company and the position.

2. “What are the prospects for growth and advancement?”

Employers like to know that a candidate is around for the long haul and not just killing time before another more attractive role comes up. Asking about what the future holds, for both you and them, gives the impression that your plans are long term and you are dedicated and committed.

3. “Is there anything I can I tell you about myself?”

This is your chance to really put the interviewer/s on the back foot. Don’t wait for them to prompt you, get in there first and ask them if there is anything they would like to know. Not only does this show great confidence; it also eliminates any awkward pauses and gaps in the conversation.

4. “Would you like to see some references?”

References are sometimes seen as just an addition to a candidate’s CV and just tagged on at the end to fill-up that empty space. This is a big mistake. References are a great way of showing just what you are capable of and many employees put a lot of faith in them. Mention any glowing references you have as early as you can in your interview and bring some copies of written versions to display. This is also a good chance to mention courses you have completed and training seminars you may have attended.

5. “What are the qualities you are looking for in an employee?”

This is another great way to demonstrate your confidence, and a superb opportunity to steer the conversation towards your skills and achievements in the work place. Obviously, you’ll have to be quick off the mark with this one as many interviewers will start off by asking what your qualities are – so try and get in there first.

6. “If I am offered this job, when would you like me to start?”

If a start date hasn’t already been stated in the job description, it’s a good idea to establish just when you might be required. Don’t go overboard with this one. Maybe slot it in at the end if there is time for a few extra questions. You want to appear confident, but at the same time you don’t want to seem presumptuous.

7. “When can I expect you to contact me?”

Another one for when the interview is winding up, but this is actually a very important point. In the digital and e-mail age, some companies don’t feel the need to inform unsuccessful applicants, instead taking the view that no news is bad news. But it’s only fair that you find out how your interview went. So, make sure you get confirmation of when you will be informed and don’t be afraid to make a follow-up call or even request feedback.

7 Tips To Make It Easy For Recruiters To Find YOU A Job

7 Tips To Make It Easy For Recruiters To Find YOU A Job

Recruiters Are Employees, Too

As an employee, your performance is measured by how well you do your job: Your pay is based on how productive you are, and your tenure is dependent on the ratio of people you hired over the number of those hires who quit. In short, recruiters also have to make sure that what they do translates to the bottomline of their companies, or they will suffer the same fate as the people they interview.

Forming Impressions Is Lightning-Quick

So, how do recruiters find the proverbial needle in a haystack? You can take first dibs on the recruiter’s cluttered desk piled high with applications by making an impactful first impression. “Evaluating social others requires processing complex information. Nevertheless, we can rapidly form an opinion of an individual during an initial encounter,” concluded Daniela Schiller, the lead author of the research paper titled “A Neural Mechanism of First Impressions.” The researchers argue that the human tendency to form opinions of others based on the first few seconds of the meeting is hardwired into our brains.

How To Make It Easy For Recruiters To Get YOU A Job

With that in mind, here’s how to make science work for us and make it easy for recruiters to spot a keeper in one sitting.

Charm Recruiters With The Walk

1. Dress the part. Research into the culture of the company whose lobby will likely be your work environment in the foreseeable future. If your prospective employer is into hedge fund management, coming across with your attire as somebody competent sends the message that you can be trusted with other people’s money.

Even if the job you apply for does not require you fiddling with other people’s wealth, conveying trustworthiness in how you dress leaves an initial impression that you will make a dependable addition to a company who banks on clients’ trust to keep the business going.

Dressing to impress also means that you should hand in an impeccable CV. Nothing says professional better than a grammatically spotless and easy-on-the-eyes resume. If you are not confident with coming up a convincing one, use a professionally crafted resume template to make things easier for you. It’s like food presentation: the more attractive your tray, the more appetizing your dish.

2. Arrive fresh. No matter how creaseless your suit or slicked back your hair, you wouldn’t ace the first impressions test if you come in looking haggard or hassled.

Dressing the part would also require you to put on your bravest front no matter how bad the traffic you had to endure to arrive on time, or desperate you are to get a job that you came to the interview without sleep. By leaving whatever mental baggage you have at the door, you will be able to focus on the immediate task at hand. After all, it’s not the recruiter’s business to listen to your tales of traffic or financial woes.

3. Charm everyone with a ready smile. You wouldn’t know if the person who opened the door for you would be the same person to determine your fate for the next few days (or years). So, smile at everyone you meet, and not just at the person who you thought was the receptionist but was actually the boss manning the front desk.

Engage Recruiters With The Talk

4. Use clear and concise language. It bears repeating that fillers do not only make you sound unprepared, they also easily annoy the listener. To minimize your tendency to rely on verbal nonsense, anticipate possible interview questions, and answer them in the clearest language possible. Simple and honest will do, because you don’t have to think of elaborate schemes to impress the other person.

5. Speak the interviewer’s language. Resist the temptation to make your recruiter feel clueless by industry jargon, or to pull ahead of him or her at a rate of a hundred words a minute (this is not a typing test).

By keeping pace with the recruiter’s rate of speech and choice of words, you unconsciously send out the signal that you are willing to adapt to your current environment and get the feel of things first before you make a spectacle of yourself. By being sensitive to your social weather, you convey skills that are essential when working with a team.

6. Show some personal color (but do not splash it to the recruiter all at once). It can be a boring job to speak to people who seem to be repeating the tired script of “Hire me, I’m great!” What makes you exactly great at what you do? Is it that rare ability to diffuse tense situations with well-timed humor? Or is it your fondness for mountain heights that allow you to look at problems from different perspectives?

7. Speak on an even keel. You can be enthusiastic without sounding over-stimulated (so go easy on coffee on the day of your interview) and eager to please the first recruiter you come across. In the same vein, sound composed even though you are desperate to land the job and on the verge of admitting defeat. No matter where you are in your emotional spectrum at the moment, the recruiter looks at you as a ‘product’ for possible placement.

Conclusion

You can be excited or anxious as you step into the interviewer’s office, but if you are able to compose yourself and come off as memorable while presenting your most relevant skills, you will have better chances of coming back as an employee.

Optimizing Your Resume With Keywords

Optimizing Your Resume With Keywords

Have you optimized your resume with keywords yet? Long gone are the days where employers review all resume submissions manually. And even if there are still a few who are doing that, their eyes are quickly scanning over your resume for keywords that align with their view of the position.

A majority of today’s employers rely on scanning technology to go through the enormous volume of resumes that come in to their offices for each open position. It’s a process similar to how websites and search engines operate. If your resume contains the right keywords and is “keyword rich” according to what the employer enters for the scanning technology, your resume has a greater chance of getting to the top of the stack for review.

So, regardless of how qualified you may be for the position, your chance at an interview will likely be missed if the scanning technology or human eye does not see keywords that tell them you are relevant for the job.

Optimizing Your Resume With Keywords

There are simple ways to figure out what keywords should go on your resume.

1. Review The Job Posting

The job posting typically tells you the title or position, specific experiences, skills and education desired or required of a candidate. Highlight all these keywords and work them into your resume in context.

2. Job Description

Conduct searches on career or job board websites for job descriptions of the position you are applying for. You will notice common keywords coming from each of the job descriptions that you can also use in context for your resume.

3. Company/Organization Website

Review its website. You will notice there are field or industry specific terms that are commonly used that should also be applied to your resume in context.

If you are applying for a job as an experienced professional in the same field, your resume may very likely already contain a few of the appropriate keywords. Your relevant experience and the professional lingo you have come to know has helped you apply it to your resume when describing your previous work experiences, but make sure you take the opportunity to optimize every section of your resume with keywords. Consider the following:

Positions/Titles

Employers are searching resumes that contain a matching title for the open position or a level below the position to secure candidates with the relevant experience and skills. Whether you are applying for an “Administrative Assistant,” “Marketing Manager,” or “Software Engineer” position, detail your previous experience with relevant titles you have held. If you happen to have a title that is unique or a less commonly known term, change it to reflect the common term employers will understand and that is the functional equivalent to the position you held.

Previous Experiences And Technical Skills

While detailing specific achievements and accomplishment with each of your previous positions, include keywords that relate to skills or programs that the employer desires. Employers want to know that you are familiar with certain methods, approaches, and programs that are critical to the success of the position.

Education/Training

Certain employers seek candidates that come from specific institutions, earned a specific degree or studied in a particular field. Utilize the “Education” section of your resume to plug in the appropriate keywords. It’s also helpful to include specific certifications you have received from training.

Summary Of Qualifications

This is a category typically found at the top of resumes to indicate to employers what you have to offer and how you have the experience and skills to qualify for the position. Others may prefer to use “Areas of Expertise” or “Professional Profile.” Whatever you choose, it is a section on your resume that provides the opportunity to include important keywords within context.

Play with words to include different variations or terms, such as “sales,” “business development,” “strategic alliances,” “channel development,” “regional expansion,” and “market development.” Also use common acronyms as well as the full description, for instance “PR” for “public relations” or “M&A” for “mergers and acquisition.”

The more often keywords in your resume match with the requirements of the scanning technology, the greater the chance your resume will be reviewed and considered. Keywords may also be ranked. So even if you have a lot of matches, it does not replace the value placed against higher-ranked keywords. Make sure you give this the focus that is needed to get to the top of the stack. Thoroughly review the keywords that need to be included in your resume before applying for the job.

Also, keep in mind that after the resume is scanned and selected with technology, it goes through a review by the human eye. You don’t want to pack your resume with keywords to the point your sentences do not make sense or effectively demonstrate your qualification for the job. Keep the use of keywords in context. Good writing and overall presentation still counts in making a solid first impression.

The Applicant Tracking Systems Are Killing You If…

The Applicant Tracking Systems Are Killing You If…


Well, it has happened. The digital age has made a lasting effect on job searching, and not in a positive way. In the last few years, the number of companies using Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), the software that reads and ranks resumes, has more than doubled. And according to Forbes, 75% of qualified candidates are being weeded out because of these systems.
To deal with these systems, the first thing you should do is make sure your resume can be read by them. 

But that does not solve the problem. I recently spoke to a hiring manager at a Fortune 500 firm and he said that, when he is looking for candidates, HR just gives him a list of the top 20 highest ranking candidates.

That means the other 280+ people who replied to the ad, for whatever reason, are not even seen by the manager. It also means that, if you are not a perfect fit, you will probably not be noticed.

For example, even though accountants are pretty much cross-industry, if you are trying to leave a telecom firm and move over to financial services, you may not be noticed because you do not have financial services industry experience.

Who is hurt by Applicant Tracking Systems?

Here are the people who are most hurt by the Applicant Tracking Systems:

• People without a 4-year degree
• People with no experience in the industry
• Career changers
• People returning to work after taking care of their family or ill parents
• People who have been unemployed for more than one year

What can I do about it?

The first tip I give my clients is to try NOT to apply over the Internet for a job. Whether it is through a job board, LinkedIn, or the company web site, when you submit your resume through these means, you are going into the ATS.

Instead, when you see a job posting, go to LinkedIn, look up the company, and see if you know anyone who works there. No? Not a problem. See if someone you know has a contact there. In fact, most networking is not always a first degree connection and is two to three degrees away.

Then, reach out through LinkedIn and ask for ADVICE – people respond much better when you ask for advice versus job search assistance.

How do I start the conversation?

Here is a good example of how to do it:

“Susan, as we both know Peter Knox, I was wondering if, as a random act of kindness, you can share just a few minutes of your time to give me some advice regarding your industry/company. I am a senior accountant with over 15 years in the telecommunications industry and people are suggesting I move to financial services, but I am not sure. A brief conversation would be immensely helpful and of course we can schedule that for whenever is convenient for you. Thanks in advance.”

Another thing you can do if you do not see contacts at 1-2-3 levels is find out the name of the name of the hiring manager. Do some research on their background and the company and then call saying:

“A friend said you might be interested in someone with my background. I am a senior accountant with more than 15 years of experience, particularly in the use of SAP ERP and Business Intelligence and, since it appears you are using those systems, he thought that we should talk.”

The bottom line – those who are solely relying on the job boards and on-line submissions may be very frustrated in their job search.

Remember that there are only three ways to get your resume in front of someone: job boards, recruiters, and direct contact. Direct contact or networking has always been the most effective (that’s why companies give bonuses to employees who refer people who are hired) so turn the job boards into a networking exercise and your results will be much better.

8 Mistakes You’re Making At Work That Will Hurt Your Career

8 Mistakes You’re Making At Work That Will Hurt Your Career

Not so many years ago, it was a safe bet that if you showed up, worked hard, and were willing to learn, you could expect a long and fruitful career. All bets are off now. Going to work, keeping your head down, and “just doing your job” guarantees that you’re backing yourself into a professional corner.

No matter what field you’re in, you must think of yourself as a business of one. And you must manage your business accordingly. If you’re making any of the mistakes below, it’s time to reframe the way you view your relationship with your work, and take different action. Don’t let these work mistakes hurt your career!

1. Tying your career to your company

If you’ve been with your employer for a long time, it may be tough to recognize where your career ends and the organization begins. Imagine that you showed up for work tomorrow only to find a grassy meadow in the spot where your office used to stand. Would you be able to quickly and easily transport all your talents to a new environment? Or is your expertise and credibility so intimately tied to your employer that you’re in big trouble without them? If it’s the latter, it’s time to start broadening your horizons and making sure you can add value on your own.

2. Staying plugged in, even when you’re not working

It’s incredibly tempting to respond to internal and external customers at all hours of the day or night. Sometimes emergencies and deadlines necessitate this behavior, but when we do it all the time, we undermine our professionalism. Staying plugged in non-stop sends the message that it’s acceptable practice. It shows that we don’t have healthy boundaries, that we allow our work to take precedence over everything else. We teach people that we don’t respect our own time, so they don’t have to either.

3. Being a slave to your e-mail

In addition to unplugging outside of work, it’s important to unplug during your work day. There’s nothing so critical in your inbox that it needs a response in the next hour. Instead, turn off e-mail alerts and give your full attention to that big project. Or be completely present in your team meeting. You’ll perform better if you’re focused and your colleagues will appreciate you more.

4. Writing instead of talking

Sending e-mails and text messages is easy. You get to craft your message to your satisfaction and have a permanent record of it. But it’s one of the worst ways to actually communicate. If you care about building relationships (and you should!), step away from the keyboard and go have an authentic human interaction. Walk the 50 feet down the hall. Pick up the phone. Leave someone a voicemail. That’s how relationships are built. Your ongoing success hinges much more on your relationships than your ability to draft an e-mail.

5. Expecting your supervisor to take responsibility for your development

If you’ve got a great manager, she’s an active participant in your professional growth – and not just when it’s time for your annual review. But even if you’re one of the lucky ones whose manager is also a mentor, you must take responsibility for your own development. Want a promotion in the next 12 months? Figure out what you need to do to make it happen. Considering a certification to enhance your credentials? Research programs and put together a proposal to pitch it to your boss and HR. Get comfortable with advocating on your own behalf. Don’t expect anyone else to do your heavy lifting.

6. Not keeping track of your accomplishments

Also in the “take personal responsibility” category is keeping track of everything you’ve accomplished. Whether it’s a portfolio of your work, hard numbers from your projects, or client testimonials, spend the time in the present to record or catalog this type of information. You’ll need it when it’s time to negotiate your next raise, pursue that new job, or land your first consulting client.

7. Passing over opportunities to be on cross-functional teams

You’re busy. Overwhelmed. There’s more work to do than hours in which to do it, and you’ve got competing priorities in your personal life. So, you pass over the chance to volunteer for an internal project or to serve on a committee. Who has time? Leaders do. They make the time. Whether it’s inside your organization or outside in your community, seek out and select ways you can contribute, stretch, and meet new people. It’s these relationships and experiences that help expand your sphere of influence and make you more versatile.

8. Overlooking relationships

You can produce beautiful work and put out fires like no other, but if people don’t like you, or worse – they don’t know you – your career is going to stall. Having talent is essential, but we’re not exactly suffering from a talent shortage right now. Talent is a prerequisite for getting a seat at the table, but if you want to keep that seat, you must focus on cultivating relationships. When it comes time to part ways with your employer, your ability to smoothly transition to your next opportunity hinges on two things: the value you add and your relationships. People with strong relationships fare far better in job searches, transitioning to entrepreneurship, and tackling any of life’s challenges.

5 Awesome Advantages Of Studying Online

5 Awesome Advantages Of Studying Online

1. Flexibility

Perhaps the number one reason more and more students are opting for an online education is flexibility. This is a big advantage as you can choose where, how and when you study. Although this doesn’t mean that your coursework will be any less rigorous, you won’t have to commit to going to classes on certain days at fixed times. This makes online education highly suitable for mature students because the flexibility allows them to fulfill other obligations such as work or family.

2. Online Access

All you need is a computer and an Internet connection to access all your course material, including lectures and assignments. This isn’t only advantageous in terms of access; the different forms of online educational media, such as recorded classes, MCQs, interviews and presentations, make learning a lot more interactive and engaging.

3. Performance

Tutors are always available via e-mail or phone, so if you have any doubts or questions about your course, you won’t have to wait until office hours for some one-on-one interaction with your tutor. Students can often receive instant feedback via online quizzes and tests, while assignments which require the tutor’s evaluation can be graded as soon as they are submitted.

This increases performance through establishing accountability, because students know that all their assignment submissions, scores, course completion and participation can be checked at any time.

4. Cost

The only fees you have to pay to enter most online courses are tuition fees. There will be a set amount for the year and it is usually cheaper than conventional courses because you won’t be paying for classroom space and the other costs associated with attendance-based education.

You will also save money on extras like registration costs, commuting to and from campus, dining in the cafeteria, and pricey textbooks.

The lower cost also makes the course accessible to demographics with lower incomes that are generally under-represented in traditional universities.

5. Up-To-Date Information

Textbook-based learning is slowly becoming a thing of the past. Despite the sometimes ludicrous costs of these books, we are making new breakthroughs in scientific and social research.

Any information we have is always evolving, or completely rewritten, and online education allows for tutors to keep their materials up to date with the latest information.