Tag Archives: internet

Low-Tech Tips for Your Job Search

low-tech_tips_webWe live in a technological world. Our phones are smart, our cars are more efficient, and our job listings are online. However, some job seekers tend to forget that the Internet is not the only place they can do their job searching. So, if you’re a tech savvy person who’s in pursuit of a job, but still haven’t had much success, this article is for you. We’ve assembled a list of a few different approaches to use when hunting for a job in addition to using technology.

Low-Tech Tip #1: Drive, Drive, Drive!
This approach is an oldie but a goodie. If you’re searching for a job, get in your car and drive around your city. Using a map, you can strategically plan out what parts of the town you want to visit on certain days, which can save you money on gas. When you see a place of business you are interested in, stop in and ask if they are hiring. If so, fill out an application or take one home with you to fill out and bring back later. Many employers find this tactic to be an impressive show of fortitude. Be sure to dress professionally and make a good first impression. The people you meet are your potential new co-workers and bosses.

Low-Tech Tip #2: Pull out the Yellow Pages
We get them dropped on our doorsteps all the time. These days, the Yellow Pages usually get thrown away or shoved into the bottom of a drawer somewhere. If you’re hunting for a job, though, save that book and keep it out. Look around and search for places that interest you. Then, give them a call and ask if they are hiring. If so, set up an appointment or ask to stop by to pick up an application.

Low-Tech Tip #3: Ask Around
Networking is one of the most important things a person pursuing a career can do. It’s all in who you know. If you’re looking for a job, ask your friends, family, and previous co-workers. Any one of these people could connect you directly to a job or to another person who might know of something. Never take your connections for granted.

Low-Tech Tip #4: Check the Classifieds
Many job listings are still advertised in the classified section of your local paper. So, checking the newspaper is something that could be to your advantage. Read through the list, highlight or circle ones you feel qualified for, and give the listed contact a call.

We sometimes become too dependent upon technology. Job searching is an activity that doesn’t necessarily have to be conducted online. Using these tips can open just as many doors, and in some cases, even more.

Have you had success in job searching without the use of technology? Do you have any other tips on hunting for jobs without it? Let us know in the comments below!

Movin’ On Up is brought to you by Express Employment Professionals.

3 Ways to Improve Your Job Search

Improve Your Job SearchIf you’ve been looking for a job for a while but haven’t found one yet, you might feel frustrated and defeated. But don’t give up hope. Even if you feel like jobs are harder to find and employers are pickier than ever, you can put yourself ahead of the competition by focusing on your job search. You have the power to take control of your job search, so start by using these three tips.

Develop a Strategy
Before you apply for another job, sit down and think about the outcome you want from your job search by determining what type of position you want, what your qualifications are, and what industry you want to work in. This will help you focus your search on the jobs you really want and are qualified for. When you discover a position that you want to apply for, give it your all. If you can’t give 100% to all the jobs you’re curious about, evaluate the job descriptions and see which ones match your goals best. If it doesn’t match your goals, move on to another opportunity. Don’t waste your time applying for a job you don’t want. Instead, put your efforts toward the job you really want. Affirm to yourself that you truly want the job, and give your résumé, cover letter, and interview preparation the time and attention each new job opportunity deserves.

Think Beyond Your Usual Job
If you’re out of work and need to find employment quickly or are having a hard time entering your field of choice, consider part-time positions, internships, or tempor-ary employment through your local staffing agency. These positions can help you get your foot in the door and provide valuable experience that you can use elsewhere. These situations also have the potential to turn into full-time jobs, which can be just the break you’ve been looking for.

Visit a Career Coach
Don’t be afraid to ask for help from a career coach who can provide you with an honest, unbiased opinion and give you guidance to improve your job search. They can help pinpoint what’s been holding you back and give you the boost of confidence you need. If you don’t seek outside help, you might not realize you’re leaving off an important qualification from your résumé or saying the wrong things in an interview. Coaches can identify what employers are looking for and help you update your résumé and cover letter, as well as help you practice your interview techniques.

Making a few changes to your job search can give you hope, new leads, and potentially a job offer. So, if you’re still struggling to find the right opportunity, improve your job search by using these techniques. You might just find a better job opportunity than you imagined.

If You Don’t LinkedIn Now, You’ll Regret it Later

Linkedin_march2012_web“Let’s connect on LinkedIn” is a phrase often heard from speakers, leaders, and peers during networking events or work-related meetings. If you’ve never heard of LinkedIn or don’t see the point in having another online profile to update along with your Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and blog profiles, you could be missing out on an opportunity to connect and market yourself in a network of more than 150 million professionals and recruiters.

LinkedIn is a business-related networking site for professionals in more than 200 countries to connect with others, build relationships, and learn from each other. To get started, LinkedIn has a great tutorial for college grads and beginners. If you’re already on LinkedIn, here’s how you can make the most out of your profile so you don’t get left behind.

Give and Receive Recommendations

A profile that has multiple recommendations from co-workers can carry a lot of weight. If you still have strong connections from your previous employment, ask some of your former co-workers or managers with LinkedIn accounts to write you a quick recommendation. Recruiters searching for candidates online take special note when someone is highly recommended by their peers.  Don’t forget to write some recommendations to others you have worked with who you think have done an exceptional job.

It’s All About Who You Know

The biggest feature LinkedIn has to offer is giving you the ability to foster your professional networks and keep in touch with those who might help you find a job. It’s not a race to see how many connections you can get or to instantly connect with a decision maker you’ve never met before in hopes of getting a foot in the door. Connect with those you have already met in real life and nurture those relationships. Send a congratulatory note if they win an award, ask a question, or just comment on their update or share an interesting article. You never know when those contacts will think of you when opportunity comes.

If you really would like to connect with someone who is connected to someone in your network, LinkedIn offers a “Get Connected Through a Connection” link that will send a note to your contact asking to introduce you to the person of interest. If approved, you can send that person a note.

They’ve Got Questions, You’ve Got Answers

LinkedIn Answers is an interesting feature on the site for users to ask and answer questions on specific subject matters from personal finance to technology. Browse through the different sections and find a thread that matches your job skills and start answering questions. If your answers are chosen, it’ll be showcased on your profile and you’ll be listed as an expert. The more you answer, the higher you’ll be on the expert list. By demonstrating your expertise on LinkedIn you earn recognition that helps you build your credibility.

LinkedIn’s Special Uses

There are several features on LinkedIn that can help you in your job search. LinkedIn Jobs has thousands of job postings for several industries. Most of the time, you don’t have to upload a résumé or cover letter. You generally answer a few questions along with your profile. That’s why it’s important to have recommendations, a detailed work history, expertise, and a strong network to help you stand out.

You can also follow companies and receive updates on job openings, staff changes, and general news updates. If you’re interested in working for a specific organization, you can stay up to date with the latest details. There are also more than 500,000 groups for you to join. Look for professional societies and groups that are relevant in your industry and get involved. The more active you are, the better off you’ll be.

Relevant companies like Ebay, Microsoft, Netflix, and Target have used LinkedIn to recruit employees. More and more employers are sending recruiters to look for passive candidates. Don’t miss out on a great opportunity to keep in touch with fellow workers and market yourself to find a job. Have you landed a job with LinkedIn? Share in the comments below.