Top Three Concerns of Recruiters Using Twitter (Resolved) | CareerAlley

“Nothing is really work unless you would rather be doing something else” - James M. Barrie

Author Byline: Ali Webster, Pinstripe
Author Website: http://www.pinstripetalent.com/recruitalicious

A few weeks ago, I held a roundtable discussion with recruiters on their opinions of and experience with social media sites. Mentioning LinkedIn elicited a positive response and Facebook stimulated a robust discussion about balancing their personal and professional lives. When I brought up Twitter, one of the recruiters responded “eh…” and another shrugged her shoulders (sigh).

After the crickets stopped chirping, they only expressed concerns:

• My daily schedule is full. How do I have enough time to be twittering?
• I get how LinkedIn works, I’m getting the hang of Facebook, but Twitter is a mystery.
• Who will follow me on The Twitter? I’m not that interesting.

Recruiters recognized that some companies were successful recruiting candidates on Twitter, but could not picture themselves as active users.

Rewind to January 2010, when I found myself in a situation that has nothing to do with social media…

After doing some research, I found that buying a house provided a substantial return-on-investment, better than purchasing a condo, renting or living in my mother’s basement, especially with the current tax credit. Minor problem: I had no idea how to go about buying a house. So I took a trip to Barnes & Noble and bought the most obvious book possible, “Home Buying for Dummies.” Bringing the book to closing at the bank elicited some laughter from my loan officer and sitting on the floor in front of the sump pumps at Home Depot with my subsequent purchase of “Home Maintenance for Dummies” provoked stares from more savvy home-owners. However, I overcame my worries about how time consuming this would be and the dread of spending entire weekends trimming trees & gardening after learning about the process. I did the research, absorbed a lot of information and eventually purchased a house.

Leaping into some unfamiliar terrain (i.e. Twitter) is worth the time it takes to learn something new and make some mistakes along the way for that ever-so-satisfying ROI. With the right tools and resources, recruiters who can alleviate their fears about Twitter, become consistent users and feel a glow of satisfaction when that first candidate rolls right into their applicant tracking system. Don’t believe me? Talk to attendees of ERE’s #SocialRecruiting Summit.

I’m looking for recruiters who don’t have enough time to pick up a copy The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Twitter. What questions do you have? How can I help you understand Twitter enough so that you can improve your sourcing & recruiting efforts? Tell me (I won’t make you fork over $26.99). Too shy to comment? Fine. Read Geoff Peterson’s post on 3 Ways Recruiter Can Get a Jump Start in Social Media instead.

Seriously, do not go buy that book. Post a comment below & get ready for an answer.

Article courtesy of the Recruiting Blogswap, a content exchange service sponsored by CollegeRecruiter.com, a leading site for college students looking for internships and recent graduates searching for entry level jobs and other career opportunities.

Good luck in your search.

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The Reputation Economy: Everyone is Selling Something | Personal Branding Blog - Dan Schawbel

The dawn of a new marketplace has arrived that has changed the best practices of just about anything you can think of. We are sitting at the largest inflection point since the industrial revolution with the rise of 2.0 technology, crowdsourcing, the reputation economy, and social media. To be blunt, everything that used to work best, no longer does anymore, and this decline will only escalate in the future.

Digest that thought – no, really, let it sink in deep. Real deep. To the very center of everything you used to believe about your personal brand, your job, your company, and how you sell and market to your customers.

Everything’s for sale

Then go through this slideshow from HubSpot’s VP of Marketing Mike Volpe and really….. really, think about the effect this will have on your personal brand, your business, and the ways you market and sell yourself, or your products and services. Also, keep in mind that in the new world we live in — everyone is selling something.

Customer 2.0 – Inbound Marketing with InsideView and Customer Think

View more presentations from HubSpot Internet Marketing.

Here are some major shifts that are starting to drive innovation and change:

1.) Crowdsourcing
2.) Mobile technology
3.) Social media infrastructure and intelligence
4.) Personal Branding
5.) Reputation Management
6.) Inbound Marketing
7.) The removal of middle men from business models
8.) Wifi everywhere
9.) Social CRM
10.) Customer service 2.0

Do you have any more shifts that are starting to drive innovation and change? Please share your thoughts in the comments.

Author:

Chad Levitt is the author of the New Sales Economy blog, which focuses on how Sales 2.0 & Social Media can help you connect, create more opportunities and increase your business. Chad is also the featured Sales 2.0 blogger at SalesGravy.com, the number one web portal for sales pros, the professional athletes of the business world. Make sure to connect with him on Twitter @chadalevitt.

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Resting on Your Laurels: The Ultimate Career Downfall

So maybe you’ve been working for a while, and you have an impressive resume. With your previous experience, you’re armed with all the job-finding know-how. You’ve crafted the ultimate CV, you can interview like it’s nobody’s business, and your writing skills are flawless, enabling you to cook up a perfectly-tailored cover letter in minutes. Career transition? No problem. Moving on to your next job after a few years of the same thing? Easy, you think–all things considered.

Still, even for the most seasoned job search pro, there are pitfalls to avoid, and the one that the so-called “experts” fall for time and again, is the slippery slope of resting on one’s laurels. Now what does this exactly mean? A case of laurel-resting is quite simple. It’s a basically a variation on the “know-it-all” phenomenon. Know-it-alls typically exude an overconfidence in everything–in their resumes, their interviews, and their cover letters.

While confidence, of course, is generally a definite plus when looking for a job, an experienced job-seeker must remain cautious in not portraying herself as someone who’s seeking a job simply because she’s got past credentials. While experience certainly is a large factor in making a successful career transition, it isn’t everything. What employers really want to know, in addition to what you’ve already accomplished, is what you can do for their company that’s new. To what extent can you push your limits? How will you move beyond your previous accomplishments; how will you develop?

Even though an interviewer won’t necessarily ask you questions that specifically address the concept of self-improvement and continued innovation, it’s always a good idea to bring these notions to the table, whether they are expressed in your resume, your accompanying cover letter, or in the interview hot seat.

In order to successfully convey a true desire for self-development, you first have to sit down and think about it carefully. Ask yourself, what have I not done yet that I can potentially aspire to, using my former experiences as a spring board and not a crutch? Take note of these thoughts; write them down if you have to. Then, figure out how you can imbue these thoughts in all aspects of your job search process. As a job search pro, you’ve got all the basics down. Now it’s time to develop the finer points.

By Tim Handorf, who writes on the topics of top online colleges. He welcomes your comments at his email Id: tim.handorf.20@googlemail.com.

via employmentdigest.net

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Eleven Ways To Be a Master Networker | My Global Career

Some of you are natural networkers. You are constantly in contact—taking the time to talk with people both inside and outside of your company, and you don’t even have to think about it. Some of you are not natural networkers, but you have learned the critical elements needed to create and maintain a healthy network. The fact is, no one becomes a master networker overnight. It takes time and experience as well as a willingness to try new behaviors. The most important thing is to take the first step.

As a master networker, remember that just as you are looking for individuals to be in your network, others will be looking to put you in theirs. If you meet someone you know you would like in your network, be mindful of their time. Engage with them and if it is going well, ask if they would like to have lunch to continue the conversation. If they seem vague or unresponsive to your suggestion, leave it alone and follow up with them later.

Whatever your strategy is, remember to respect the other person and his or her time. Keep in mind that even though the person may not be a candidate for your network today, he or she may be one in six months. People remember how you treat them much more than what you say.

Here are some more tips to help you on your way to becoming a master networker.

Get to know your boss’s core network. When the people your boss listens to become part of your network, you have an alternate route to get your boss information he or she needs to hear.

Be a giver. Offer to help individuals in your network as often as you can. They will be inclined to reciprocate.

Trade your network wisely. The most efficient way to expand your network is to trade networks with others. But remember that quality is more important than quantity—trade only when the other person has something valuable to offer you, or you to them.

Treat the “gatekeepers” in an organization like gold. “Gatekeepers” are personal assistants whose job it is to make sure their bosses see only who they want to see. They are well connected, helpful, and have subtle influence over their boss.

Join a group where you have something to offer. And find out what the group can offer you: contacts, exposure, and experience.  Remember, when you are on a committee with a CEO, you are equals. You never get that opportunity in any other setting.

Keep an electronic record of your network partners. Include birthdays, hobbies, special events—any information that can help you be a better and more connected network partner.

Use social networks, but not exclusively. Social networks such as LinkedIn or Plaxo can be powerful tools as well giving you a larger reach than you could physically manage otherwise. But meeting people face-to-face leads to stronger connections.

Never underestimate someone’s influence. Don’t make assumptions about who they know and how they can help. Social networks can take some of the mystery out of that as your contact’s contact list becomes available to you.

Refresh your network. Don’t let your network go static. Review it often and add people who fulfill a specific skill or set of contacts.

Deepen existing relationships. Networking isn’t just about what others can do for you. It’s about developing long-term relationships based on mutual help and support.

Diversify your reach. Look in unconventional places to add new perspectives. Look outside your demographic and comfort zone. Here are some ideas about groups you can join for networking advantage: Company-sponsored functions; professional and trade associations; workplace committees; chambers of commerce; civic and service organizations; hobby/health/sports activities; college/university alumni groups; and religious organizations.

In order to thrive in your career, you must become a master at networking. Your network is your “net worth”—and it is the single most important skill you will learn in the world of work.

Beth Banks Cohn PhD is a leading expert in change management and leadership development. Roz Usheroff is an internationally recognized communication expert and personal branding executive coach. They are coauthors of the new book, Taking the Leap: Managing Your Career in Turbulent Times…and Beyond.

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via myglobalcareer.com

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Career Advice by Career Expert Rosa E. Vargas : CAREEREALISM

By CAREEREALISM-Approved Expert, Rosa E. Vargas

Have you ever felt frustrated after an interview? Sure you have! I know you’ve mentally gone over your interview answers and…you remember what you DID NOT say and you realize you missed an opportunity to REINFORCE your candidacy. Well, this is why you write a strategic Thank You letter, which will position you back in the “game.”

Of course, it all depends on how badly you’ve screwed things up. Sometimes, there is no backpedaling, but let’s assume for a moment you can recoup or cement your candidacy–what then do you say in your Thank You letter besides thank you?

The problem with most Thank You letters is they are usually prepared as just a nice gesture. Saying thank you is a very nice thing to do; it does go a long way but if written as an ordinary thank you, it is not strategic enough to add another dimension to your candidacy… it leverages not an additional qualifier…and doesn’t elevate your interview performance. In other words, use your Thank You opportunity as a last marketing tool in order to gain a competitive distinction.

Here are a few things you can do to take advantage of the follow up (thank you) opportunity. Remember that now you have “insider” information you did not prior to the interview—don’t waste it.

When Your Interviewer Shared a Concern: If during the interview process you were told the perfect candidate must meet XYZ and you discussed your lack in one of these areas—you need to talk about this again! Concisely bring it up, reiterate why this would not be a problem, and, in fact, promote how despite this “weakness” you are the PERFECT candidate.

When You Did Not Say What You Should Have Said: At times, we reflect and in retrospect recognize where we failed. Well, this is your opportunity. Bring up the topic and say you would like to elaborate, you would like to expand; you had time to think about this and want to convey the following.

When You Think You Sensed Apprehension: This is a bit risky because you could be wrong. Yet, what is life if not risky? If you are very good at ascertaining needs and you KNOW you identified a problem, “smooth” it out! Please do not say you think the interviewer did not understand…You NEVER want to convey you assume to know what others think but you can discuss what YOU failed to communicate. You can state you would like to clarify a point you wish you had emphasized.

Enjoying this article? You could get the best career advice daily by subscribing to us via e-mail.

When You Really Just Want to Say Thank You: There are times when you were FANTASTIC during an interview and you sincerely just want to say, “Thanks!” Nevertheless, you don’t know how your competition performed and you are not privy as to what kind of Thank You letter they are preparing. So, in this case, thank them but fortify your candidacy even further. You could…

• Accentuate three of your top qualifications as discussed during the interview. Now you have more information than you did prior to the interview—put it to work for you! Connect your qualifications with employer needs expressed during the interview.
• Bring up information they shared about the company and express how much more interested you became.
• Sell them again on the bottom-line goal they need to achieve via your employment. Seal the deal by promising to deliver.

Keep this thank you letter concise. While a sales tool, it does not have to be as elaborate as your resume or cover letter. Remember, the entire job search process is a strategic marketing effort; leverage every tool and maximize every opportunity.

If you think you need help leveraging your resume in your personal marketing strategy, please do not hesitate to submit your resume to rvargas@creatingprints.com for a free evaluation. You may also visit www.creatingprints.com for more information.

Did you enjoy this article? Read more articles by this expert here.

CAREEREALISM Expert, Rosa Elizabeth Vargas is a job search strategist who is Quadruple-certified as an (MRW) Master Resume Writer, (CERW) Certified Expert Resume Writer, (NCRW) Nationally Certified, and (ACRW) Academy Certified Resume Writer. Additional qualifications include job search coaching and social media consulting. She has been helping job hunters since 2003 as owner of Creating Prints Resume Service, leveraging an accomplished 10-year career background as a Leader/Senior Manager, which included interviewing, hiring, training, and building strong and competent teams. You can find her on Twitter at @resumeservice.

The photo for this article is provided by Shutterstock.

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Career Challenges at 50: Out of Work - Career blog - Position Ignition - taking you to the next step in your career

At fifty, many of us feel we finally know what we are doing professionally, have a lot to offer others, and are wiser than ever before. On the other hand, we may also be sensing that this is our last chance to make our mark on the world; that our energy, while strong, is beginning to wane; and that others – amazingly – see us as ‘old’. If this is your situation, how do you think about your career?

Broadly, you are likely to be in one of three situations.  We have some thoughts on each:

1. In a job, but feeling unfulfilled, and perhaps beginning to be bored. (see blog: Unfulfilled and Bored)
2. In a job, but feel that changes are coming, and you may not be there much longer (see blog: Changes are coming)
3. Out of work.

 

In each situation, the key to is take control of your career by putting yourself through a process of thinking about your options, and then taking action.

Out of Work

Try thinking about your situation as your chance to take your work life in a new direction. Your skills, experience and knowledge, gained over years, are hugely valuable, to someone, in some sector. In addition to asking yourself what sort of work you want as above, ask yourself:

Is there a sector you would like to work in that is different from where you have been working?

If you’ve always been in business, do you want to experiment with working in government or the third sector? If you’ve worked in public service, there may be many businesses who value your contacts and insider knowledge.

Asking yourself these questions is challenging, and generating useful answers is easier if you work with someone else, ideally a person with training as an executive coach or mentor (Meet the team), as they will listen most skilfully, and help you tease out answers that suit you. An older person who has lots of life experience can also help, as can people with experience of HR or learning and development. Once you have got clear on these questions, it is much easier to move forward and take control of your career.

via positionignition.com

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5 Ways to Ensure Your Cover Letter is Not Worth Reading | Career Rocketeer - Career Search and Personal Branding Blog

Here are five ways to ensure your resume won’t be read.

1. Write your whole life story in the cover letter.

2. Provide information that is not relevant to the position.

3. Exclude information they’ve specifically asked you to include.

4. Forget to tell them why you’re the best fit.

5. Use a boring closing statement.

via careerrocketeer.com

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