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Resumes and Cover Letters The Job Search

What Makes a Good Reference a Great Reference?

By Jared Cole on Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Let’s say you find that perfect job opening. The job duties, hours, and requirements fit your career goals perfectly. Your heart starts to skip a beat as you think about the new opportunity you’ve discovered. You read through the list of requirements while your mind goes through a checklist of updates for your resume and cover letter. Suddenly, you get to the last sentence, “Please attach references with resume and cover letter…” Your excitement fades to panic as you wonder who you would ask and if they would let you list them as a reference.

How many should I list? Who should be included? How well do I know these people I want to by my reference? These are all questions that one usually asks at this point in the job search. Gathering a list of references can be a struggling point for many job seekers who are just starting out and haven’t built a strong network to pull from yet. It can be difficult, but here are some guidelines to help you pick and grow the best references that will help you get a job.

Combine
Variety is a great way to strengthen your list of references. When you have variety in your list, you can have contacts who know you from different perspectives and can make a positive statement about your skills, work habits, and other qualifications. This can make you look like a well-rounded candidate to employers. When submitting references, consider references from three aspects of your life: professional, academic, and personal.

Professional references can highlight your specific skills and abilities that apply to the open job. While you should look for the most senior-level co-workers or leaders, you don’t have to list strictly supervisors or managers. Find a co-worker or manager who knows your work ethics and will give you praise. Professional references can also include vendors who you have worked with closely with in a position.

Academic references are great if you have just graduated from college or technical school. Not only can they help you find a job in your industry, they also can attest to your knowledge base and study habits. If you’ve been out of school for more than four years, and employed, focus on professional references a little more.

Personal references are considered weaker than others, but they can be used to your advantage. They don’t have to be just friends or family. If you volunteer or participate in community events, consider listing leaders who can vouch for your commitment and the soft skills you demonstrate outside of work.

Check out our list of good references to help you get an idea of who you can include in your list.

Contact
Once you’ve asked the reference to be listed, and they agree, that shouldn’t be the last time to talk to your reference. It’s important to keep in touch with your references to update them on your accomplishments and what you’ve done during your job search. You want to be fresh on their mind and current so they can provide that information to potential employers. Let them know when you’ve applied and interviewd for positions so they can expect a call.

Get your references involved in your job campaign. Let them know what you are looking for, update them on any progress you have made, and inform them of what jobs you’re seeking and what specific qualities your would-be employers want. Maintaining contact with your connections will help strengthen your list and give you more options to choose the right references for your job search.

Coach
While your references know of your skills and accomplishments, they might not know how to say it and what to expect. Some of your personal references might not have had much experience answering the questions in a manner that can make you desirable. Research some of the common questions employers ask references and send it to your references along with a copy of your resume to help them be prepared.

If you want to go a more drastic route, there are job reference companies that contact each of your references and report back to you what they said about you. These shouldn’t be necessary since you should have a trusting, working relationship with those on your reference list. But, the option is there if you genuinely feel like you need them. Overall, use your best judgment when coaching your references.

Getting a job can be much easier when you have references who can vouch for your hard work, dedication, and accomplishments. Once you are offered a job, don’t forget about your contacts and make sure to show your appreciation. Tell us about your favorite references. What made them unique or helpful? Why did you want them to be a reference and how did you meet them? Sound off in the comments below.

Social Media The Job Search

Tweet Your Way to a Job Offer

By Jared Cole on Friday, April 27, 2012

Twitter is kind of a big deal – more than 140 million active users posting 340 million tweets daily big. I was pretty skeptical of Twitter when I first heard about it in 2007, but like most people, it’s become one of the biggest sources of instant information on what’s happening right now across the world.

It’s a social media site where users post small elements of information in less than 140 characters and share them with other Twitter users. Not only is it a great source of info, but it’s also a large market of influencers, recruiters, employers, and an opportunity for find work. Here are four ways you can use Twitter to find a job.

You’ve Got the Look
The first thing to do is make sure your profile is employer friendly. The ideal profile picture should portray you in a professional manner, and your about paragraph should include your elevator pitch, a to the point overview about yourself. Utilize your background space to best promote yourself. The Closet Entrepreneur has an easy method to create a good looking Twitter background. Don’t forget to link to your LinkedIn profile in your bio section.

Join the Conversation
What makes Twitter powerful is the interaction and engagement with other users. Use the Twitter search to look for interesting companies, industry experts, recruiters, or even local leaders. When you follow them, you’ll notice the people they talk to and the hashtag (#) conversations they participate in. That’s your chance to start a conversation with them or jump in a group discussion. Contributing to chats can help you get advice and get noticed. You don’t have to blast them with your job search story or experience, but you can build the relationships naturally.

When using Twitter, you should post relevant content and comments. No one will follow you if you talk about what you had for lunch or where you’re about to shop. Post thoughts about what’s going on in your industry, link to interesting blog posts or news articles, or retweet, something that was posted by someone you’re following that you found interesting. The more professional content you post, the more business/industry followers you’ll get.

Give, Give, Give
Don’t just promote yourself, help others promote themselves too. Job hunting as a community can have a much bigger impact. Nothing gets more credibility than helping others as opposed to always self-promoting. Hear of a job lead that’s not fit for you? Tweet about it so that others might apply to it.

Treat Your Followers Like a Garden
It’s not about how many followers you can have under your name, but the quality of followers you interact with. You’ll find more success by developing fewer, but stronger, relationships with Twitter users than having a huge list of unengaged followers. Just like a garden, developing connections on Twitter takes lot of time, attention, and care to grow.

What are some ways you’ve used twitter to help your job search? Sound off in the comments below.

Career Options The Job Search

Employment is Up. What’s Your Excuse?

By Jared Cole on Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Last month, the U.S. Labor Department reported that new U.S. claims for unemployment benefits dropped to a four-year low, which is a sign of an improving job market. While it may be improving, it’s still very competitive and will take determination and hard work to find a job that’s right for you.

With U.S. unemployment seeming to slowly trickle down with a job market that’s still fierce, many frustrated job seekers can fall into the trap of relying on excuses to justify putting their job search on the backburner or give it up altogether. To help inspire you, here are some of the top excuses job seekers make and how to avoid them.

There are no Second Chances in the Job Search…
Ok, so you might not have gotten a job offer after two interviews with the same employer, but that doesn’t mean you should give up. It may be easier to think the next time won’t be any different, but everyone deserves a second, third, or fourth chance. Don’t let your past interfere with your future. Clear that stinkin’ thinkin’ from your head, because you start with a clean slate every time. Surround yourself with supportive friends if you can’t get over your slump. Take charge and move ahead, because you deserve to control your destiny in a job that’s right for you.

This is Just Too Hard…
Anything worthwhile isn’t going to be easy, but finding work is possible with determination and a willingness to learn and adapt. Although difficult, if learning a new language or hobby can be done, so can creating a successful employment search. They both just take some time and consistent effort. Even when we keep trying, it’s easy to make the effort the same exact way without adapting, and ultimately finding the same results. We all fail, but instead of dwelling on the failures, focus your efforts on adapting and changing your strategies to be more effective.

I Can’t do This on my Own…
No one says you have to. There’s a myriad of resources available to assist you in your job search. There are countless websites, books, and other resources at libraries or stores to help you better market yourself and showcase your accomplishments. If you want more hands-on help, consider going to a staffing agency. Many local staffing offices can provide interview, résumé, and general career advice for little to no cost.

Also, don’t forget to harness the power of your network. Whether it’s friends, family, or industry peers, someone can help encourage, support, advise, or train you during your job search. If they can’t, they could find someone who can. You don’t need to feel alone in your job search.

I Don’t Have the Time Anymore…
It’s true that a job search can be a full-time job in of itself, and sometimes it’s almost impossible to devote that much time to job searching when you have to do what you can to survive. You can make a big difference by carving out 45 minutes of your day to devote to your job search. Try turning off the television or logging off Facebook and use that time for finding a job. Focus on plotting a course, writing a proper résumé, crafting a unique LinkedIn profile, researching companies, and getting your networking efforts in order.

The most important thing to remember is to never give up. The economic climate is slowly looking a little brighter, and now is your chance to find the job that’s right for you. Do you have some uplifting stories about staying determined on your job search? Tell us in the comments below.

Career Advancement Career Options The Job Search

Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Missing Job Search: Part 2

By Jared Cole on Monday, February 27, 2012

Last time, in the “Case of the Missing Job Search:”

World-renowned English detective Sherlock Holmes helped eager job seekers find clues in the text of his own detective novels to get one step closer to finding a job. His words helped us remember the value of our networks, consider all options, and appreciate the lessons learned.

But, Mr. Holmes isn’t finished. There is more to learn about job seeking from the thrilling detective novels about our beloved private eye. Here are some more quotes from Sherlock Holmes and how it can relate to the job market.

“All information is useful to the detective.”

In many cases, knowledge is power. The more you know, the more you can do in your job search. Even the little things can help. If you are networking, don’t just find out who is hiring, but get a sense of what is going on in the industry and how you can help others. When researching an employer, don’t just focus on the position and salary. Find out the small details and requirements so you can either market yourself better, or reconsider if it’s a good fit.

“It is a capital mistake to theorize before you have all the evidence. It biases the judgment.”

One of the biggest mistakes when interviewing is not being prepared. Not just being prepared to answer questions about yourself, experience, and work history, but failing to have a real grasp and concept of who your potential employer is and what they are about. Never go into an interview with conclusions drawn from assumptions, opinions from others, or second-rate research. Get more assertive in finding first-hand information about your interviewers and the company they represent.

“What one man can invent another can discover.”

Do your research. There are countless numbers of job gurus and employment advice sites on the internet. Many of those gurus probably don’t agree on any single piece of advice as truth. The idea of best practices in certain characteristics of the job search may not result in a sensible list but rather a collection of advice. There are different methods and tactics to finding work, and you’ll have to find the ones that work best for you.

While challenging at times, the job search isn’t as mysterious as many make it out to be. With some head knowledge and a lot of perseverance, you can unlock the skills needed to crack the mystery and discover job opportunities for yourself. What are some other ways you think Sherlock Holmes would find a job? Let us know in the comments below.

Career Advancement Career Options The Job Search

Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Missing Job Search

By Jared Cole on Friday, February 24, 2012

Often considered to be the greatest detective in all of literature, Sherlock Holmes and his gripping adventures have inspired TV shows, cartoons, comics, and even big-budget Hollywood movies. His intellect and uncanny ability to deduce any mysterious plot set before him have become world-renowned.

For many, there is a mystery that can appear out of reach of solving – the new job. The struggling job market can leave many job seekers frustrated, and the missing job offer may seem like a mystery that is unsolvable at times. So, let’s call upon the world’s greatest detective to see what Sherlock Holmes would say when trying to find a job.

“When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.”

There are always opportunities and avenues to continue your job search. Just because you’ve had one door closed on a career search doesn’t mean there isn’t a proverbial window you can climb through to find work with the same employer or in the same industry.

When looking for a job, don’t rule out an idea you had just because it could lead to a dead end. Unless it’s something that will obviously hurt your job search, and as long as you’re professional and respectful about it, give it a shot. You’ll never know if you don’t try.

“Nothing clears up a case so much as stating it to another person.”

Never underestimate the power of your networks. Not only are your networks some of the best tools to help you find job openings and get inside information on potential employers, but they are also a solid source of support, encouragement, and advice. Even during the roughest points in your job search, don’t forget how your networks can lighten your load and help you continue with confidence.

“The work is its own reward.”

Think of all the skills you are building during your job search. Whether you’re freelancing, networking, temping, writing, or interning, you are learning habits and skills that can be applied throughout your career. No matter how frustrating searching for a job can get, you are still learning and improving every step of the way. Strive to continually develop your skills and habits. It will not only help you find a job faster, it will also make you a stronger employee.

Will our fearless detective be able to discover the footprints that will lead to getting hired? Tune in next time for the continuing adventures of Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Missing Job Search!

To read part two, click here!