Many job seekers have asked me whether Facebook can be used in the job search process. Well the answer is definitely, “Yes, it can.” While I would generally suggest that a job seeker spend his or her time seeking opportunities on other networks simply due to the more social nature of Facebook, there are definitely ways that you can use Facebook in your job search.
Here are just some to consider as you go forth and pursue new career opportunities:
Help your network help you. Keep your profile updated with your current activities and contact info. Make sure to link out to your LinkedIn profile, VisualCV, Twitter account, blog and/or other online brand-building efforts so that your network can easily access them. You can even sync your blog feed with Facebook Notes and/or sync your tweets with your Facebook status. Also, let your network of friends and family know that you are seeking new opportunities through your status updates. Not only do they know you best and can speak to your strengths, skills and/or personal brand, your friends and family should also be those most interested in helping you. So, take advantage of this valuable network while you can! - Chris Perry, CareerRocketeer.com
Contract yourself out to a friend. Read through your friends' status updates as they often tell you what they are working on. If something is up your alley say, "I see you are having some issues with quickbooks," I'm an accounting professional with a little bit of time on my hands, is there something I can help you with. Best case, you get a nice short project and they love you for it and write a recommendation. Who knows, they might even pay you. Worst case, you just reminded someone that you're in the market looking for a job and what your skill sets are. - Diane K. Danielson, DowntownWomensClub.comRemember the writing on the wall. The candidate can also let family, friends, previous colleagues—even previous managers with whom they have a good relationship—know that they are gearing their Facebook profile towards potential employers, and invite comments on their profile (such as on the "wall") that address the candidate's aptitude, can-do attitude, volunteerism and even just their good nature. "We really miss you around the office, you were always so positive and cheery" or "You were one of my best employees, you can come back and work for me any time" on a Facebook profile is likely to really catch the eye of a hiring manager. A hiring manager who views such images and reads such remarks is quite likely to be positively pre-disposed towards the candidate when reviewing their application and during the hiring process. - Heather Huhman, ComeRecommended.com
Take advantage of Facebook Apps. Aside from the usual tips, such as "don't put embarrassing things on Facebook" or "be wary of friending your future boss," job seekers might want to think about adding some job search apps to their Facebook pages. There are a couple nice ones:
Testimonials (like recommendations on LinkedIn)
EasyCV (which lets you add a nice-looking resume to your profile)You don't want to miss an opportunity to have your professional information out there, and in this economy, there's no shame in announcing to the world that you're looking for work. - Rachel Kaufman MediaBistro.com
No matter how much you use Facebook in your job search, make sure it’s an asset and not a liability. While it may seem obvious, don’t forget to screen your profile and remove and/or untag any unprofessional pictures, videos, wall post or content.
Special thanks to everyone who contributed to this wealth of career search insight!
Author:Chris Perry, MBA is a Gen Y brand and marketing "generator," a career search and personal branding expert and the founder of Career Rocketeer and Launchpad.
Career Rocketeer: Interviews: Who Should Ask the Questions?
Career Rocketeer: Advice from a Recruiter: Don't Find Me, Let Me Find You
Many job seekers have asked me whether Facebook can be used in the job search process. Well the answer is definitely, “Yes, it can.” While I would generally suggest that a job seeker spend his or her time seeking opportunities on other networks simply due to the more social nature of Facebook, there are definitely ways that you can use Facebook in your job search.
Here are just some to consider as you go forth and pursue new career opportunities:
Help your network help you. Keep your profile updated with your current activities and contact info. Make sure to link out to your LinkedIn profile, VisualCV, Twitter account, blog and/or other online brand-building efforts so that your network can easily access them. You can even sync your blog feed with Facebook Notes and/or sync your tweets with your Facebook status. Also, let your network of friends and family know that you are seeking new opportunities through your status updates. Not only do they know you best and can speak to your strengths, skills and/or personal brand, your friends and family should also be those most interested in helping you. So, take advantage of this valuable network while you can! - Chris Perry, CareerRocketeer.com
Contract yourself out to a friend. Read through your friends' status updates as they often tell you what they are working on. If something is up your alley say, "I see you are having some issues with quickbooks," I'm an accounting professional with a little bit of time on my hands, is there something I can help you with. Best case, you get a nice short project and they love you for it and write a recommendation. Who knows, they might even pay you. Worst case, you just reminded someone that you're in the market looking for a job and what your skill sets are. - Diane K. Danielson, DowntownWomensClub.comRemember the writing on the wall. The candidate can also let family, friends, previous colleagues—even previous managers with whom they have a good relationship—know that they are gearing their Facebook profile towards potential employers, and invite comments on their profile (such as on the "wall") that address the candidate's aptitude, can-do attitude, volunteerism and even just their good nature. "We really miss you around the office, you were always so positive and cheery" or "You were one of my best employees, you can come back and work for me any time" on a Facebook profile is likely to really catch the eye of a hiring manager. A hiring manager who views such images and reads such remarks is quite likely to be positively pre-disposed towards the candidate when reviewing their application and during the hiring process. - Heather Huhman, ComeRecommended.com
Take advantage of Facebook Apps. Aside from the usual tips, such as "don't put embarrassing things on Facebook" or "be wary of friending your future boss," job seekers might want to think about adding some job search apps to their Facebook pages. There are a couple nice ones:
Testimonials (like recommendations on LinkedIn)
EasyCV (which lets you add a nice-looking resume to your profile)You don't want to miss an opportunity to have your professional information out there, and in this economy, there's no shame in announcing to the world that you're looking for work. - Rachel Kaufman MediaBistro.com
No matter how much you use Facebook in your job search, make sure it’s an asset and not a liability. While it may seem obvious, don’t forget to screen your profile and remove and/or untag any unprofessional pictures, videos, wall post or content.
Special thanks to everyone who contributed to this wealth of career search insight!
Author:Chris Perry, MBA is a Gen Y brand and marketing "generator," a career search and personal branding expert and the founder of Career Rocketeer and Launchpad.
Guerrilla Googling for Job Hunters
So you read the book and you found the chapter about Guerrilla Googling. Somehow you landed on this page expecting to find "unconventional tips, tricks and tactics." You may be wondering now, "Okay, what's the deal?"Start by grabbing the RSS feed and you'll automatically get updates when we start posting helpful pointers to use in your job search including creating a Job Hunter's Dasboard...coming soon.Next, bookmark the Guerrilla Marketing for Job Hunters blog and get started with the other 1000 things you should be doing, starting today!
7 Cover Letter Mistakes You Make When Applying Via E-Mail
7 Cover Letter Mistakes You Make When Applying Via E-Mail
Posted on 29. Mar, 2010 posted by Bill in Cover Letters, Employment News
How many times have you replied to a job ad via e-mail by shooting them a copy of your resume and cover letter? I’m going to venture a guess and say at least 20 (but more likely hundreds of times) if you’ve been searching for any significant length of time. Here are some of the most notorious mistakes we’ve seen-and what you can do to greatly improve your chances of being noticed.
Attaching the cover letter to the e-mail.
What’s wrong with that, you ask? Most hiring managers aren’t going to open the cover letter and read it. They’ll go straight to the resume instead. Want to ensure your cover letter gets read? Copy and paste it into the body of the e-mail. Whoever received the e-mail will be much more likely to read it if it’s already right there in front of their face.
Writing your whole life story in the body of the e-mail.
Don’t go overboard with details; keep it short. The hiring manager won’t be willing to invest a lot of time reading your e-mail. Keep it short and to the point.
Providing information that is not relevant to the position.
Here is a great example. When I want to bring an additional resume/cover letter writer on staff, I’m not looking for someone with technical writing expertise, article writing skills, or journalism savvy. Those forms of writing aren’t relevant to what we do here. I want a writer who has extensive expertise and certification in resume writing. If someone goes on and on in their cover letter (or in the body of the e-mail) about all their other writing experience, they will lose my interest. Instead, I want them to tell me about their most relevant experience as it relates to my needs. I want them to tell me about any resume writing experience they have. Give the hiring manager a brief overview of the most relevant experience you have, appropriate to the position they are trying to fill. This will pique their interest-rather than lose it.
Excluding information they’ve specifically asked you to include.
Depending on the position, the employer may ask you to submit a sample of your work, portfolio, hours of availability, or even salary requirements. Whatever it is they’ve asked you to include, make sure you include it in your cover letter. If not, you will most certainly be removed from consideration for failing to follow instructions. Following instructions and acknowledging everything the employer has asked you to address in the job ad not only saves the employer time but makes you look good. I can tell you this from experience because 9 out of 10 applicants will fail to address every stipulation the employer has listed. It happens to us all the time.
Not using a cover letter at all.
We’ve received e-mails from applicants, and the body of the e-mail provides either little or no information whatsoever. Some simply state, “Here is my resume for your review.” You are selling yourself short by not including at least a brief introduction. Especially if the employer outlines specific requirements. Take the time to write, “I see you need someone with availability to work nights and weekends; I would enjoy working these hours and am available to do so.” Or, “I have included a sample of my work for your consideration along with my resume. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.”
Forgetting to tell them why you’re the best fit.
Let me tell you about one of THE BEST cover letters I’ve ever seen: I could tell this person put effort into it-and she took the time to specifically and meticulously review our job requirements. She scrutinized our requirements and detailed in her cover letter how she had experience meeting those needs. It was applicable, relevant, and attention getting. It was probably one of the only cover letters that actually made us want to read the corresponding resume.
Using a boring closing statement.
Instead of using the same old boring line, spice it up a bit. One of the more daring cover letter closings I have read closed with, “Call today, don’t delay.” I applauded her boldness and had to call her. The closing was confident, feisty, and it certainly grabbed my attention. Not to mention the entire cover letter addressed everything she brought to the table as a potential employee and how these elements were relevant to meeting our needs.
What I am trying to get you to see is that boring the hiring manager with details not relevant to the opening-or not making the most of the space and time you’re getting is really to your detriment. Instead, take the time to write something catchy, relevant, and targeted to the position for which you are applying. Sure, it may take a few extra minutes-but in the end, if you get the interview, won’t it be worth it?
By Jessica Holbrook: To receive a free resume analysis send your resume to info@greatresumesfast.com or visit us online at http://www.greatresumesfast.com.
Not Sure About Your Interviewer? Here’s How to Identify and Handle the 5 Common Types of Interviewer
Not Sure About Your Interviewer? Here’s How to Identify and Handle the 5 Common Types of Interviewer
Posted on 30. Mar, 2010 posted by Bill in Employment News, Interviewing
Not everyone interviews with the same format, passion, process and questions. There are some old standards out there that some interviewers follow, while others take their own path, especially the entrepreneurs. There are different types of interviewers and with some forethought you can be prepared to interview successfully, no matter which type you encounter.
Keep in mind that an interviewer’s personality and their style make a difference in the outcome. For example, a hotel front desk clerk learns quickly to read a person’s personality as they approach the desk. This is key to customer service because the clerk quickly adapts in order to meet the needs of that customer. A food server listens carefully to a table of guests to assess the mood and friendliness of each person or the group and know how to provide them with excellent service.
Take caution though: if you misread the personality of the interviewer, you might make some mistakes that could cause you to not move further in the hiring process. Here we share the most common types of interviewers to help you make your own “first impression” style assessment, which can arm you with what you need to position yourself in the interview. These are just some simple rules to follow allowing you to be more comfortable at the onset of the interview.
The Non-Stop Talker
You’ve seen the type – they talk more than they ask questions. This sometimes presents a vulnerable situation whereby the interviewer chats personally and sucks you into feeling comfortable enough to move with the conversation. This might lead you to state some information that you might not want to reveal at this time. Be polite and respond with friendliness as the interviewer will appreciate this quality. So carefully listen to the questions and respond in a professional manner. Wait for those opportunities to ask pertinent questions relative to the position or the company. It shows your interest in what the interviewer has to say and allows them to continue with their chatter.
The Drill Sergeant
Opposite of the chatter is the interviewer who maintains domination over the conversation by firing off a list of questions in a monotone voice. This might be a bit intimidating but their goal might be to do just that – make you nervous. Maintain your eye contact with strong earnest, remain calm and confident, look for ways to return some questions, and provide solid answers without adding chatter. Stick to the pertinent information and be ready for the continued drill.
Following Traditional Rules
This style of interviewing is somewhat predictable as they tend to follow a script or specific list of questions. This interviewer wants to be objective and neutral or isn’t comfortable with the interviewing process. Allow the interviewer to remain in their comfort zone by sticking with the routine. Again, listen for opportunities to ask questions about the position or the company – subject matter that the interviewer is knowledgeable about and willing to discuss.
The Newbie (the inexperienced)
Everyone has to start somewhere and encountering an ill-prepared or inexperienced interviewer can be a bit tricky. They may be new to the company or new to the hiring process but you don’t want to “take over” the conversation and leave them uncomfortable. Stay on course with the planned points and try not to ask questions that you already know they won’t have answers for. However it is your interview and if they are unable to provide enough information for your own comfort level, then perhaps ask if there is another person with whom you could schedule a discussion.
The Inappropriate Interviewer
Fortunately not too often, there are the interviewers who inappropriately ask questions. If you encounter someone who steps out of bounds, making you uncomfortable, try to redirect the discussion back to a professional path. This shows the interviewer that you prefer to maintain the discussion around job or company-related subject matter. If their line of questioning persists, it’s best to thank them for their time and conclude the discussion.
Then there is the one you don’t expect
Almost all interviewers fit into one of the five categories already discussed here but there may be an occasion where someone fits outside these five types. It’s unlikely, however if this happens you might want to try patterning some of their own behaviors and speech. Some hiring managers like people who remind them of themselves. In other words, adapt to their style.
Marc Berlin – The “Job Interviewing Coach” http://www.jobinterviewingcoach.com Marc relates to each client personally with passion and expertise cultivated through a rich background of knowledge and hands-on experience. His skills are formed from 22 years in career coaching, sales training development, executive sales management and over 3,000 interviews he personally planned and conducted. Studying under the top career and job coaches in the business, Marc is certified in powerful, interrelated fields toward guiding you in how to succeed in job interviewing:
-Certified Dale Carnegie Course Trainer
-Certified Interview Coach
-Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP)
-PSS Certified Master Trainer
-BS/BA Management Communications
-Certified Sales Trainer from BTU In choosing a job interview coach, you need to select someone who has similar degrees of experience you have. Your coach should be someone with real life experience over many years in positions demanding excellent people-and-communication skills. Marc has held sales vice president positions at several Fortune 1000 companies.
As a job interview coach, Marc intimately knows the process of personal discussion that goes into preparing for and performing exceptionally well in interviews. It is an art to him-the nature of interview questions and the optimum answers to articulate in the time available. Marc approaches this art with verbal skills and with a background in writing and teaching on the hiring communication process. Marc authored three training manuals covering interviewing, hiring and sales training for Fortune 1000 companies.
Getting the job offer is the final desired outcome of excellent interview preparedness and performance. In job interview coaching, Marc has worked with hundreds of individuals and reached thousands through his projects. Many past and current clients look to him as a mentor, teacher and advisor in their business and career lives.
The Best Way to Ace an Interview and Wreck Your Career
The Best Way to Ace an Interview and Wreck Your Career
Posted on 31. Mar, 2010 posted by Bill in Employment News, Interviewing
In this time of high unemployment and economic unease, job seekers are more than ever desperate to land a paycheck-any paycheck.
While certainly understandable-after all, providing for the rent and food bills is critical-job seekers are frequently so eager to be hired that they often over look indicators that the job won’t be a good fit.
When a position is a poor fit, there are negative repercussions for both the company and the employee.
From an employer’s point of view, an employee who is a poor fit is unlikely (and probably unable) to bring their best work-their natural instincts for problem solving-to the job each day. Morale in the department inevitably goes down, absenteeism goes up, and (generally sooner rather than later) the employee becomes a ROAD (Retired On Active Duty) employee, spending company time plotting an escape, and eventually leaving. Result: more turnover, more wasted time and attention, and the need to begin the hiring process over again.
What about from the employee’s point of view?
Certainly for a few weeks or months, the employee is bringing home a paycheck, but at what cost? Employees who are in a job that is a poor fit suffer high levels of frustration, dissatisfaction, and often depression. As one such person put it, “It’s like moving through sludge to get going each day. I dread Monday morning and having to go to work.”
These feelings generally also bleed over into the individual’s family life. Not only is the job causing high levels of tension, but trying to find a better position while keeping up with job and personal responsibilities can raise stress levels to almost unendurable levels. If the employee is forced out prior to finding a new position, feelings of distress and worthlessness generally intensify. And-it goes without saying-the employer is not likely to provide a glowing reference.
Ways to stay sane and focused on a job search
Employers write a formal job description. Job seekers should do the same. Write out what’s important to you in terms of job responsibilities, specific tasks, culture and management style. Review it before every interview and ask questions that will help you determine whether this company and this position meet your requirements.
Ask how much freedom you will have to accomplish the job goals in a manner that suits you. If there is very little flexibility, fully understand those limits so you know if you will be comfortable with the prescribed approach. Think hard about how you like to operate. If you are most comfortable with a highly structured, regimented environment, this could be your perfect position. If you do your best work when you have more flexibility and autonomy, you should probably wait for a better match.
Ask enough questions to understand the management style and decision making process of your direct manager. If you and your potential manager are too far apart in these areas, and the manager does not have the training or skills to benefit from these differences, problems are certain to develop. We’ve all been in the situation (or known someone who has been in the situation) where we think “if only my boss would move to Timbuktu and leave me alone-this is the perfect job, with perfect customers, and perfect colleagues. But my boss-lovely person, not such a perfect manager.” If you and your potential boss work in styles that are radically different, you need to have an agreed upon plan as to how you will be able to work together in a way that will allow you both to thrive.
Finally, listen and evaluate honestly. For almost every poor fit situation I’ve observed, both the employer and employee can point either to signals in the interview/pre-employment process that raised red flags that were ignored, or to times when they smoothed over the reality to appear more attractive to the other. In every instance, both employer and employee have reported wishing they had been less good at selling themselves (or the position) and better at honestly evaluating the match.
Having a paycheck is important. But having a job where you are eager to go to work and do your best each day is priceless.
Judi Cogen is a Principal with J Grace Consulting and an expert in reducing unwanted organizational turnover. Her Selection Strategist Program helps companies reduce turnover and take the guesswork out of hiring by using proven conative testing and company specific analytics to select the right person for the right position. J Grace Consulting also offers Youth Strategist, a program to help 10 to 17 year old kids understand their conative attributes for more success in life and school. Learn more about Selection Strategist and Youth Strategist at http://JGraceConsulting.net. You can read Judi’s blog at http://JudiCogen.wordpress.com or follow her on Twitter @JudiCogen.
Know How to Answer Job Interview Questions Regarding Your Weaknesses
Know How to Answer Job Interview Questions Regarding Your Weaknesses
Posted on 31. Mar, 2010 posted by Bill in Employment News, Interviewing
Are you familiar with the job weakness interview question? How many times have you had to answer it in your lifetime? If you are like most people, you have had to answer a question about your personal and professional weaknesses at least a few times. If you feel your answer was less than satisfactory or painted you in a negative light, it’s time to do some preparing for this question before you put on the suit and tie and shine up those shoes for your next interview.
Are You Awake?
Some interviewers enjoy throwing out a question about your weaknesses when you are least expecting it. They want to see how you respond, if you can think quickly on your feet, as well as how compelling your answer turns out to be. This is why they will often throw it in there with questions that most job seekers answer on autopilot, such as your previous job experiences. You will be answering easy questions and chit-chatting along when suddenly you are thrown for a loop with this dreaded question.
You can show your interviewer that you are very aware of your surroundings and are able to think fast and give appealing replies on the spot if you answer the job interview weakness question without stalling and in an effective manner. You could actually bypass other candidates who may have more experience or who have a better educational background than you, just by impressing the interviewer with your answer to this one question!
The Worst Approaches
You may assume that the outdated advice of twisting a good personality feature into a minor weakness is the best approach to this dreaded question, but this could actually backfire in your face and give the opposite impression than what you want to give. For instance, saying that you are a perfectionist as if it is a negative thing could send a message to your interviewer that you will try not to be a perfectionist and might turn in sloppy work.
A weakness is a weakness is a weakness. Your interviewer has heard all types of spins when it come to this question, and they will notice anything that lacks substance and honestly.
You also want to avoid giving weaknesses that are irrelevant to the position you are applying for. If you want to fill a position as a computer engineer, you shouldn’t state that your biggest weakness is not knowing how to use most copy machines. Copy machine knowledge may be essential to secretary position, but has little to do with the job of computer engineer.
Also, don’t go into the interview trying to paint yourself as a perfect person. There isn’t a perfect person walking the earth, and your interviewer will be instantly turned off if you try to convince them otherwise. Never state that you have no flaws, especially if you are applying for a lower level position!
The Best Approach
So, if nothing that you have heard before works, what will work? The best strategies for mastering the job weakness interview question apply equally to all positions, in all industries, and with all types of interviewers.
You want to slant your answer according to specific information that you find out about the company in question through research ahead of time. You should be researching every company that invites you in for an interview anyway, so this is just something that can be looked for along the way. You are looking for specific information about how the company works that will enable you to answer this question to their liking.
For example, a company that tends to be extremely democratic in policy and operation might like the fact that you had a difficult time adjusting to the lack of structure in a previous job opportunity.
Notice how in that example the weakness given could actually be understood as a positive for the particular company you now want to work for. This is your ultimate goal! You want to note a real weakness in another area or your life or in a previous position which could be taken as a positive in this new company’s environment. If you can let this new employer get the impression that you have dealt with this weakness and have take action to improve yourself in that area, they will see that you are an honest person who is serious about their reputation and life. That is quite impressive compared to the answers most others give!
Another way to approach this is to tell a story about your weakness in a funny way. You want to get them smiling and laughing, but remember it must be directly related to the position you want to fill. The interviewer is human and will respond to a joke favorably as long as it is delivered in the proper tone.
In some cases you may be asked to elaborate about your answer, so it helps to be sincere and give an honest answer. Many interviewers can detect when you are lying or making something up off the top of your head. If they get the sense you are being direct and honest they will have great respect for you.
Keep your answers as brief as possible. When you start going into more elaborate details you open the door to some awkward questions that may not present you in a favorable light. Just keep it short and simple and try to move the interview forward from there as quickly as possible.
Finally, just sit back and try to relax. Take a deep breath if you have to, but make sure to appear calm and collected when the question is asked. Remember, you are dealing with a human who has nothing against you. They will notice that you are calm and not panicked.
This is one of the most stressful questions of an interview and everyone dreads having to answer it, but if you are prepared ahead of time with proper research and rehearsal at home, you will get through it with flying colors!
Johnny Berg is the editor of Prepareforjobinterview.com that provides valuable tips about preparing for job interview. Read more advice about Job Weaknesses Interview or sign up for a Free 10 Day Mini Course at http://prepareforjobinterview.com.
