Job Search Tips

Author: Tanya Willette

So you are considering a new job, great! Now you need to make sure your job search is effective. Before starting your job search on the wrong foot, make sure you consider the following:

Job Search Tip #1: Update Your Resume

Before you start searching for a new job, update your resume! Your resume will play an important role in landing you an interview, as it is the only representation of yourself the employer will see before the actual interview. Keep in mind, the goal is to say a lot in a little. Some employers don’t even get past the first page so if you have a thirty page resume, well, you can fill in the blank.

Job Search Tip #2: Use Your Network, Build a New One

The best candidates for a job position are ones referred by a company’s current employees. If you have a friend in a company, connect with them. If you want to connect with an individual that works at a company, look into social networks. Make a friend, get a referral!

Job Search Tip #3: Stay Updated, Read the News

Now you don’t have to read the entire paper, and you don’t have to visit every news website. Just look at the highlights. For example, if a company announces they plan to begin development on a new product, they may be hiring; if a company announces their profits decreased by 35% this quarter, they might experience layoffs in the very near future. Submit your resume to the companies that may be hiring, try to avoid the ones that may experience layoffs!

Job Search Tip #4: Aggressively Research the Company

If you are considering a particular company, made sure you research it! Now, this doesn’t mean you can get away with simply visiting their website; you have to work a little harder. See what kind of dirt you can dig up. For example, if they have only been in business for a year, look into what types of products they are looking to develop; if they have been in business for a while, look into how they have been doing. Public image, law suits, any information is pertinent and can directly affect you as an employee.

Job Search Tip #5: Consider a Recruiter

Keep in mind that not all recruiters are the same. There are plenty of recruiters out there who will invest a lot of time and effort into matching you with the perfect job and the perfect company!

Job Search Tip #6: Consider a Temporary Job

This tip is only for you if you have been out of work for a while. Having a temporary job will show initiative, build you experience with a new company, increase the size of your network, and most importantly, get you paid!

For more of my job search, job interview and career articles, visit my blog.

About the Author:

Hello! I am a Co-Founder of InovaHire, please check out inovahire.com. We have a patent-pending web technology that allows us to offer an employment database with real-time interviewing via a webcam capabilities.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/recruitment-articles/job-search-tips-505423.html

Is Your Resume On Target?

by: Linda Matias


When writing a resume, create a mental picture of a desk piled high with dozens or even hundreds of resumes next to each other. These resumes were submitted by people who want the job you are applying for and are just as qualified as you. Keeping this image forefront is critical to your success in creating compelling “ad copy.” It will force you to focus on creating a strong title and a targeted opening which tells the employer to consider your qualifications with care.

Each reader who picks up your resume will make a quick decision as to whether to read it carefully — therefore, the top one-third of your resume should include a powerful statement that sums who you are and encapsulates your professional experience.

These are the questions a hiring manager wants answered:

• The field you are in -- even more specifically, what department you want to work in and the title you would like to have.
• How much experience you have in a similar position or in the field?
• What special skills and/or certifications you have?
• The difficult problems you have solved and what you have accomplished.
• The advances you have made throughout your career.
• The type of person you are and your work characteristics.
A profile statement is an overview, a brief summary of your accomplishments. It should be 1-2 paragraphs long with of 3-4 sentences, or perhaps a series of bulleted points.

Here’s an example of a tightly written, short summary statement

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Accomplished marketing and business development executive with perennial record of success driving marketing strategies and capitalizing on opportunities that have led to multimillion-dollar growth.
Able to deliver results that position organizations for immediate and long-term growth. Expert presenter, astute marketer, and confident team leader with documented strength in forging strong, sustainable executive-level relationships. Skillful change agent with advanced problem solving and communication skills. Understands both macro picture of market issues and minute details necessary for successful business solutions. Goal-driven.

Below is an example of series bulleted statements
 Accomplished manager with 20+ years of experience as Environmental, Health & Safety specialist for industry-leading organizations. Maintain highest quality standards to avoid time and cost expenditures.

 Quality and safety specialist with the ability to analyze operations, pinpoint areas for improvement and redesign, and implement plans that generate profitable results.

 Excellent relationship builder with success in forming strong, sustainable relationships and securing consensus among cross-functional team members for key initiatives.

To wrap up

The most qualified candidate is not always the one to get an interview – the one with the strongest resume is. Your profile sets the tone for the rest of the resume, and serves as a tease that invites the reader to take notice. A resume is more than just a piece of paper, and as a job seeker it is your responsibility to make it easy for the reader to conclude that you are the best candidate for an interview. A targeted opening will capture the interest of the reader.

Certified in all three areas of the job search – Certified Interview Coach ™ (CIC) Job & Career Transition Coach (JCTC) and Nationally Certified Resume Writer (NCRW) – Linda is qualified to assist you in your career transition. Whether it be a complete career makeover, interview preparation or resume assistance. Linda is the president of CareerStrides and can be reached via email (linda@careerstrides.com) or by visiting her website (www.careerstrides.com).

Copyright Linda Matias - http://www.careerstrides.com

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