The pains taking process of job search drags on. You're networking, submitting resumes, improving your writing skills with all those crafty cover letters, attending seminars & webinars, and you're visiting every conceivable body or organization that offers a potentially helpful program. Elevator speeches are rehearsed, changed and put to test. You keep gathering every "out of the box" tool that you can find, in hopes that one of them will give you that very edge that will allow you to stand out from the hundreds that are applying for the same job. Phone interviews and face to face interviews take place,to no avail.
The road is long, the times are difficult, and perhaps ones patience, at times, is put to test. So, why does our Maker, allow our search to drag on so long?
Stop, for a moment, to reflect about what you have done since you first began your search. First out, be thankful for what you do have. Then, give some thought to the following questions;
What have you learned?
Have you taken the opportunity to pursue your passion?
How many new people have you met?
How many of the folks that you've met, have you been able to help?
You'll never know for certain, but how many lives have you touched?
(Always keep in mind that, when interacting with people, sometimes a smile or an uplifting gesture at the right time to someone in need will be remembered for life. Often without you knowing it.)
What is really important in life?
Has your faith strengthened?
I could go on, but I think you understand that you have probably changed for the better through the job search process. I hope that you will take the time to reflect on these questions and others that may come to mind.
As I close, I leave today's blog with this thought;
SOMETIMES THE JOURNEY IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS THE DESTINATION.
A simple letter of gratitude that we should all write for this experience in life, should go something like this:
Dear GOD, Thank You!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Increasing Interview Odds From a Digitally Read Resume
Many companies scan resumes with word scan programs. HR types use them to scan for key words that they have used in their job posting descriptions.
I've recently read a few articles about folks that have tried the following method, who claim that the number of call backs have increased significantly. I'm not certain if this approaches an integrity issue, an honor issue, or neither. But then, I'm uncertain about the same questionable issues by the HR folks that use the word scan method of singling out qualified candidates.
After you have written your resume to about one and a half to two and a half pages (I know, most say two pages, max), copy the text used by the company for the job description. Then, paste the text that you've just copied onto the blank area of your resume. Change the copied text to the smallest font, less than three if possible. Next, convert the text to white in color. You will not be able to see the text, but the scanner should pick it up.
For those using the scanner method, your resume should appear near the top of the heap because the program has picked up the programmed key words. Your odds of receiving a call for an interview are increased. Then, it's entirely up to you.
Good luck with your interview!
CAUTION: It is recommended that you only use this method if you have a great match between your resume and the job description. DON'T do this if you know that you don't qualify for the job anyway. You'll certainly look like a complete idiot!
FINALLY; LET YOUR CONSCIENCE BE YOUR GUIDE
I've recently read a few articles about folks that have tried the following method, who claim that the number of call backs have increased significantly. I'm not certain if this approaches an integrity issue, an honor issue, or neither. But then, I'm uncertain about the same questionable issues by the HR folks that use the word scan method of singling out qualified candidates.
After you have written your resume to about one and a half to two and a half pages (I know, most say two pages, max), copy the text used by the company for the job description. Then, paste the text that you've just copied onto the blank area of your resume. Change the copied text to the smallest font, less than three if possible. Next, convert the text to white in color. You will not be able to see the text, but the scanner should pick it up.
For those using the scanner method, your resume should appear near the top of the heap because the program has picked up the programmed key words. Your odds of receiving a call for an interview are increased. Then, it's entirely up to you.
Good luck with your interview!
CAUTION: It is recommended that you only use this method if you have a great match between your resume and the job description. DON'T do this if you know that you don't qualify for the job anyway. You'll certainly look like a complete idiot!
FINALLY; LET YOUR CONSCIENCE BE YOUR GUIDE
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Six Figures Tip of the Week
I found the Six Figures web site a while back and subscribed to their weekly e-mail. They are from the land down under and provide a good piece of info or tip from time to time. They provide a little insight to the global economy as well.
For job seekers, self reflection is a valuable career tool that is often overlooked. If you have a clear idea of your values, key skills and personal characteristics you are ahead of the pack. Being able to articulate these areas in interviews assists in answering that inevitable interview question "What are your strengths?" or "Why should we hire you?" Visit the Six Figures Career Assessment area to run through these brief yet effective exercises.
For job seekers, self reflection is a valuable career tool that is often overlooked. If you have a clear idea of your values, key skills and personal characteristics you are ahead of the pack. Being able to articulate these areas in interviews assists in answering that inevitable interview question "What are your strengths?" or "Why should we hire you?" Visit the Six Figures Career Assessment area to run through these brief yet effective exercises.
Friday, September 4, 2009
LinkedIn Top 10 HOT Business Generation Tips - New for September
Once you land that job, continue your networking through LinkedIn. There are many ways that you can use your contacts to generate new business. Remember, people like to do business with people that they know.
I attended a webinar earlier this week, put on by Dean DeLisle. I'm sharing his presentation with you. I hope this provides a little insight to additional uses for LinkedIn, well after job search is over and you are successful in that next position.
CONTINUE BUILDING YOUR LINKEDIN NETWORK. IT CAN BE YOUR NEXT GOLDEN KEY IN OPENING THE DOORS TO NEW BUSINESS & CULTIVATING SUSTAINED BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS.
I attended a webinar earlier this week, put on by Dean DeLisle. I'm sharing his presentation with you. I hope this provides a little insight to additional uses for LinkedIn, well after job search is over and you are successful in that next position.
CONTINUE BUILDING YOUR LINKEDIN NETWORK. IT CAN BE YOUR NEXT GOLDEN KEY IN OPENING THE DOORS TO NEW BUSINESS & CULTIVATING SUSTAINED BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS.
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