Tag Archives: network

7 Tips for Setting Your 2015 Job Search Goals

2015_job_search_goals_webAs we begin a new year, it’s time to make our resolutions a reality. As part of 2015’s resolutions, many people are setting their sights on finding a new job.  Whatever your reasons – higher pay, promotions, or better work-life balance – for wanting to make a switch in 2015, here are a few tips to help you set your job search goals.

1. Ask yourself what you want.
Do you know why you’re looking for a new job? Now is the time to identify what you want in a position that you don’t already have. Are you wanting more time off? If so, how much more do you want? If it’s more money, what salary is ideal? Do you want to learn something new? By answering these questions, you’ll have a better idea of how to direct your focus.

2. Identify your skills.
It’s time to list out your skills and qualifications. As you continue to work, you’re acquiring more skills. Take an inventory of what you’re good at and areas where you want to make improvements. After identifying your skills, update your resume and cover letter to reflect your top traits that will help move you in the direction you want to go.

3. Do your research.
You don’t want to apply for every available job out there because doing so may be a waste of your time and energy. Instead, focus your attention on the companies you admire and look at what jobs they have available that seem interesting to you. By reining in your search, it allows you to tailor your resume and cover letter to each organization.

4. Network, network, network.
Networking is key to finding a new job. As the old saying goes, sometimes “it’s not what you know, but who you know.” Your current connections and friends are a wealth of information. They may know a friend who works at a certain company that has a job you’d be perfect for, and it may be a company you would have never thought of before! Utilize your current connections, but also make it a point to meet new people. Look to join professional groups in your industry. They usually hold networking meetings once a month where people catch up or share about job opportunities.

5. Visit a career coach or staffing agency.
Just like networking, it never hurts to meet with a person who can help you find a job. You can give them a copy of your resume and let them know what you’re interested in.  Then, they can give you feedback not only on your resume and cover letter, but also offer advice on interview skills.  In addition, a staffing agency has many businesses as clients and can keep you in mind if one of them has an opening that meets your skills.

6. Stay positive.
Know that any job search may not turn up many leads or a new job right away. Sometimes it can happen quickly and sometimes it can take upwards of six months to find the perfect match. Don’t get discouraged. Every networking opportunity and job interview gets you closer to where you want to be and closer to a yes!

7. Plan for your retirement.
Although your goal may be to just find a new job, don’t forget about your plans for retirement. Let’s be honest – the ultimate goal is to not work forever. During your hunt, remember to keep your finances in check, saving money aside for your retirement. Also, as you interview, be sure to ask about the company’s retirement plans and what benefits they provide, such as 401(k) matching.

How are you planning your job search goals for 2015? Let us know in the comments section below!

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

It’s Cold Outside – But Your Job Search Doesn’t Have to Be

it's_cold_outside_webWinter officially kicks off in late December, but it’s already getting cold outside. With a chill in the air, this could be the perfect time to heat up your job search techniques and defrost your career.

Don’t let your job search take a vacation just because everyone else might be requesting time off for trips and holidays. And, don’t succumb to the temptation to take a holiday from looking for that perfect job.

For the serious job seeker, Christmastime and snow days mean business as usual. Despite the cold weather, recruiters and companies continue to work on a typical business schedule, and so should you. We know it’s hard to be motivated when egg nog and cozy fireplaces tempt us with the lure of warmth and relaxation, so here are five tips that will help heat up your job search and put you ahead of your vacationing competition.

1. Don’t let the holidays sabotage your momentum.
While winter is traditionally a time for vacations and spending time with family, it’s also a valuable time to stand out to recruiters and hiring managers. The competition for the same job position lessens as others take time off, so you have a real chance to stand out from the competition by maintaining a steady effort during the holidays and winter slumps.

Keep searching the job boards and don’t stop networking. The end of the year is also a time when positions open up for the next year, so you may find great job leads by maintaining your job search momentum.

2. Stay connected.
The holiday season means visits from family and long school breaks. But, that doesn’t mean you need to turn off your email or mobile device the entire time.

Even if you are away from home or welcoming visitors, your mobile device should be on just in case you receive a call from that important potential employer. Make time each day to check your email for responses to applications and return important calls the day you receive them. Family should respect your need to be professional and motivated about finding that perfect job. Of course, there’s a fine line to walk when it comes to cell phone etiquette. Checking your email during holiday dinner may not be appropriate and is likely unnecessary since most recruiters and hiring managers aren’t checking theirs on holidays either.

3. Update your resume and social media profiles.
If you’re stuck at home thanks to snow, ice, or extreme cold, use the downtime to spruce up your online footprint and your resume. Remove old information on your resume and look up industry keywords that highlight your skills. These keywords are vital in today’s job search world as many applications are scanned electronically.

Winter break is also a great time to assess your skill sets and sign up for workshops or trainings to build any skills that you lack. You can also use the holiday time to clean up any old or embarrassing social media entries, renew conversations about job hunting, network, and remind people that you are still eager to work.

4. Network at the holiday events.
Attend as many community and industry events as you can during the winter months so you can network and spread the news about your job search. Because many winter and holiday events are casual, you have a better chance to approach the decision-makers you normally wouldn’t have access to.

Use social events to build a network of like-minded professionals who can send job openings your way or introduce you to others who are hiring. Don’t forget to be on your best behavior at these social events, though. Don’t overindulge or act inappropriately. Winter social events can be great opportunities for contacts, but you can also ruin your reputation if you’re not careful.

5. Don’t discount seasonal work.
Sure, you want a full-time position. But, many companies need extra help around the holidays and winter months. By accepting temporary positions, you get your foot in the door and open opportunities for future work. Working while others are on vacation also shows you are a motivated and eager employee.

Use temporary or seasonal positions to boost your skills, pump up your resume, and make important contacts who can help you with your career down the road.
Most importantly, take care of yourself. Shorter, colder days can lead to the winter blues and it’s an easy temptation to nest and shut yourself in at home. While it’s important to maintain your job search techniques, it’s also vital to eat healthy and get some kind of exercise. Taking care of your health during these cold winter months gives you the energy and focus you need to find that perfect job.

How do you boost your job search when the weather turns chilly? Share your tips in the comment section below.

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

How to Ask Your Friend for Job Help

How_to_ask_a_friend_Feb2014Have you ever heard, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know?” That statement is true more times than not when it comes to looking for a job. “Research tells us that between 60 – 80% of jobs are found through personal relationships,” says John Bennett, director and assistant professor at McColl School of Business at Queens University of Charlotte. These days, having a personal relationship is a key in getting hired.

What’s Appropriate While Still Employed?
If you’re searching for a job while currently employed you may keep your search private at work. And if you’re currently employed but recently got asked to come in for an interview, keep it quiet until you get the job. It’s in your best interest to keep this kind of information to yourself, because if that news got to your boss you may need a new job quicker than you thought.

You Never Know Until You Ask
Asking a friend for help finding a job can be exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time, but don’t be afraid to contact your friends and ask for advice on finding a job. How do you ask a friend for help finding a job? It’s simple, make a list of friends, then start off by asking if they know of any openings at their workplace. Be prepared to have questions ready to ask if they say yes or no. Since your friends know you well and probably have nice things to say about you they may tell their hiring manager or recruiter about you the next day. So have a resume ready for your friend to give to their hiring manager and ask if they can let the manager know you’ll be calling. There may be a hiring manager at your friend’s company that is looking for someone just like you. You never know unless you ask.

Remember, networking is key in finding a job and your network is much bigger than you think. With social networking sites like LinkedIn, you’re sure to make connections and have the opportunity to ask someone for a job. If you’re serious about wanting a new job, do what it takes to get it.

Timing
Keep in mind that just because you have a friend that works for a great company or you have a connection on LinkedIn that you’d love to work with doesn’t mean getting a referral from them will help you land a job with their company. While personal connections are a good way to get your foot in the door, you may have to wait awhile for a job to open up. Timing is very important in finding the right job. During the waiting period, use the time to build relationships with your friends and LinkedIn connections that are in the workforce.

Follow Up
Looking for a job can be a daunting task, but don’t let that be the case for the following up process. Call to check up with your friends to see if they’ve let their hiring manager know about you yet. Don’t give up and don’t stop following up until you get that new job!

Have you ever asked a friend for job help and got it?  Let us know in the comments section below.

Employment is Up. What’s Your Excuse?

Employment is up whats your excuse

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.

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.

New Job on the Horizon? 4 Ways to Make an Easy Transition.

The global economy is improving, according to the chairman and chief executive of Monster Worldwide Inc. in a recent article on The Wall Street Journal. And that means the job market is on the rise. Job postings across every industry, from professional to occupational sectors, are increasing on the popular job search engine website, giving experts hope that the economy is beginning to stabilize, allowing job seekers to breathe a sigh of relief.

As the job market loosens and employers start to hire again, job seekers and those looking to change professions may find themselves in a transition – moving back into a full-time career or starting a new one. This can be overwhelming, exciting, nerve racking, and stressful. If you’re about to embark on a new journey on your career path, make your transition easier with these four tips.

Know your industry. Whether you’re jumping back into the job market after some time off or just changing careers, make sure you’re up to speed on the desired industry you want to work in. Research the latest trends by attending workshops, conferences, or education seminars that are geared for the career you’re searching for. This will help you be prepared when opportunity comes knocking.

Identify your transferable skills. Once you’re updated with the latest industry trends, identify the transferable skills you need to be successful in that line of work. All transferable skills fit into five broad skill categories: leadership and management, professionalism, communication, research and planning, and relational. To help you organize and clarify your skills, check out Secrets of the Job Search: Identify Your Transferable Skills.

Update your résumé. Now that you have researched your industry and identified your transferable skills, it’s time to update your résumé to reflect the career you want. Create a standout résumé that showcases you and your skills, helping you transition from one type of job to another.  

Network. Your next step is to attend every possible networking event. You can even join organizations that don’t directly align with your industry, just as long as you get out there and meet people. Focus on building strong relationships with your contacts. Use networking opportunities to your advantage.

No matter if you’re changing jobs, just starting out, or starting over in the workforce, the time has come to prepare for the job search again. And, using these four tips will help you transition from one to another. So, stop dragging your feet. Get out there and start searching for your next adventure.

Top 10 Job Search Tips of All Time

No.10Sign A successful job search is definitely not easy. First, you have to find a job you’re interested in. Next, you have to apply and wait for an invitation to interview. After that, you have to prepare for the interview, and then you have to follow up. And, that’s just the basics – there are many more small steps along the way that make things complicated and sometimes overwhelming. So, we put together our top 10 job search tips of all time – to keep you from forgetting an important step along the way.

1. Broaden your job search

2. Build a network

3. Write a top-notch résumé

4. Submit a cover letter with your résumé, every time

5. Research your potential employer’s company

6. Practice answering common interview questions

7. Prepare to ask the interviewer questions

8. Be sure to dress for success

9. Bring the proper items to an interview

10. Follow up after an interview

Landing the job you want takes time and effort. Rarely does the perfect opportunity just fall in your lap. But, you can make your job search process simpler by following these top 10 tips of all time.

Tell us what you think – did we miss one? Share your job search tips in the comments section below. We’d love to hear from you.