Career Advice: Getting/Keeping a Job

www.TheECC.com JUST UPDATED!!!

2012-01-29T03:13:00.000-08:00

JUST UPDATED THE JOB SEEKER NETWORKING EVENTS IN CALIFORNIA ON

www.TheECC.COM. (Other States are listed but I need your help!!!)

Please see "Local Networking Groups" page of my website for details.

"Where are the Best Job Seeker/Other Career Workshops and Networking Events Held? Need your Input! Please Provide Feedback."

Note: Every effort has been made to reflect accurate information, but visitors are encouraged to check websites or otherwise confirm information prior to traveling to these venues. Please also use Linkedin Events, Craigslist.com and also seek out churches and libraries for local events:

PLEASE PAY-IT-FORWARD AND LET ME KNOW VIA THIS BLOG IF YOU KNOW OF NETWORKING EVENTS IN YOUR AREA!!!

https://employerandcandidateconnection.com/Local_Networking_Groups.html

Great Job Seeker Resources to Fine Tune Their Dream Job Search

2012-01-11T22:47:00.000-08:00

Q. Where do I find companies in San Diego that are small to mid-sized? What are best ways to find a marketing manager, associate manager opportunity? What are trade or prof. orgs to find opportunities? (Stacy)

A. You've asked a number of questions, so let me start by offering the following, and let others on this group also add their perspective. We are lucky in that we even have other coaches on this site! The bottom line is that there are numerous ways to accomplish the things you've asked about:

HOW DO YOU TARGET COMPANIES BY SIZE?

Using the library can open your eyes, doors and opportunities. Some great reference sources are:

ReferenceUSA (online searchable database of US companies that allows you to sort records and export and download information.) You can access this from the comfort of your own home if you have a library card that has a barcode on it. Simply go to the appropriate library that corresponds to your card such as www.carlsbadlibrary.org, and log in by entering that number. This will open up a world of tools including searchable databases under "Research." You can sort companies in many ways and even export them to an Excel spreadsheet by category. (You can download MORE files and information if you do your research at the library vs. home. Be sure to bring a flash drive or CD-ROM to export information/files from such sources.)

San Diego Business Journal Book of Lists (Top business listings by business category. The new edition for San Diego was just released! Other areas should check with their libraries to see if they have this resource. Orange County, CA and Los Angeles, for example do.)

Standard & Poor’s Registry of Corporations, Directors and Executives

Southern California Business Directory & Buyer’s Guide

Thomasnet.com (listing of companies)

There's also Hoover's, Edgar Report and Dun & Bradstreet, so ask the librarian if the library has a subscription.

If you need help, a reference librarian can help you.

WHAT ARE THE BEST WAYS TO HONE IN ON MARKETING JOBS?

Depending on who you ask, the answer may vary, but I would say that if you go to specialized sites and join specialized Marketing LinkedIn groups, that's one of your best bets.

Many job sites are free while others like www.MarketingLadders.com charges a fee. For the job levels you mentioned, you can simply search Google for specialized marketing job sites. Many such jobs are also on other aggregator sites such as www.indeed.com, www.simplyhired.com and www.oceanjobamatic.com.

TRADE OR PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS?

There are many, and even some here in San Diego Imarketers, SDDMA, etc. They both have meetings in town. There's also AMA: American Marketing Association, and they hold events. Speaking of events, go to the "More" bar in LinkedIn and click on "Events" and then type your zip code and "Marketing," "Social Media" or other keyword to get a sense of the organizations holding meetings in the area.

Many organizations also have groups here on Linked In or even have a FaceBook page. Take a look at some of the groups I've joined and ones that other Marketing folks have joined. You will also note that some are professional organizations. (Those in different professions can review the LinkedIn profiles of those whose careers are similar to theirs/the one they wish to pursue to determine some of the best groups for them to join.)

I hope that others will chime in as well, but this should get you started.

What Recruiters Want From Job Seekers

2011-10-22T11:54:00.000-07:00

As a part-time recruiter, I look for very specific things - the vast majority of which is overtly stated in the posting while other things are less tangible and more difficult to articulate or quantify. Professionalism, presentation, good writing skills and genuine interest are also a measure of whether the individual will be the right fit for the job and company culture. I'd also like to "piggyback" on this notion and add a few points.

Candidates should also clearly identify the skills, knowledge and experience they bring to bear when communicating to search firms (which answers the question, "Why should I consider you as a serious candidate?"). In addition, candidates should clearly outline what positions they are targeting, their desired salary range, desired industries and desired geography.

I will hasten to add that receive many resumes and am surprised by the number that do not make the effort to include an introduction, but rather, simply attach their resumes and rely on the search contact to decide these things. This comes across to many recruiters as an impersonal "assembly line approach," lazy or otherwise does not portray the candidate in the best light. This results in the candidate being set aside for not investing the time and energy to demonstrate genuine interest in that opening by matching their skills to the job opening or job type. In short, the candidate has wasted an opportunity to put their best foot forward (and this may have future repercussions if that candidate plans to apply to other jobs).

I also have observed that some candidates do not understand how to work with search firms. Many jobs are posted as "Confidential" or simply advertised as blind (without divulging the employer's identity) due to a variety of reasons. Most times, a search firm is contingently engaged, meaning that they do not get paid by an employer unless they successfully place a candidate. Unlike retained search firms that get paid regardless, contingent search firms "protect" the anonymity of the employer as their livelihood depends upon it. I have had two prospective candidates ask me where the job is located and who the employer is just this past week. I have also had candidates apply to or otherwise contact a company once they've learned who the employer is. A few did so innocently, yet, this can create issues as many employers will not touch that candidate if their is a lingering question about whether they came directly or first learned of the position through the search firm. Some employers have excellent relationships with their search partners and want applicants to come through that channel while others want to save money and have the internal resources and time to sift through resumes and screen candidates. Many candidates do not understand this. As a general rule, although employers prefer to save money, some simply do not have the bandwidth to cope with the onslaught of resumes, even if they start out thinking that they can. I am frequently brought in as a consequence of this.

Lastly, candidates should bear in mind that not all search firms or employers have the most updated version on Microsoft Word. They attach documents such as .docx formats that cannot be opened by many. With the deluge of resumes received, most employers and recruiters will not take the time to circle back with such prospective candidates. This simple tip can help keep candidates in the game.

I hope this assists the many jobs seekers out there to best position themselves to land their next great job ... sooner than later!

A Tip on a Best-Kept LinkedIn Secret: The Benefits of Joining Groups

2011-08-13T16:53:00.000-07:00

For those of you who have been beating the bushes and are discouraged because you are seeing the same jobs everywhere you look, if you have not already done so, sign up for as many groups as possible (you can now join 50). LinkedIn now allows "Open Groups" and also offer "SubGroups" that do not count against your total limit of 50. Using Groups may be one of the most critical uses of your time and if done diligently, will be key in your job search efforts.

1) Uncover hidden jobs: Employers and search firms post their jobs free on LinkedIn groups. The competition is lower as many jobs are not widely advertised elsewhere (or at all). This is especially true of contingency search firms who operate on 100% commission and are trying to keep their costs down. LinkedIn or other social networking sites are often the only way to spread the word about open jobs.

2) Access to many more LinkedIn Members: When you join a group, you have the option of de-selecting a box that allows other group members to contact you. Most of those who join groups do not UNclick the box. This has a two-fold benefit:

a) When you do a search by people or company, you can freely send in mails to other group members who have not UNclicked the box. These in mail messages also allow you to write slightly longer messages (as opposed to "Get introduced to others"). In addition, if memory serves, you can only get introduced to up to five new connections at a time.

b) Those in your group show up as 1st degree connections. This may be a flaw on the Linkedin system, but if so, it provides an advantage.

c) It is easier to connect to those already in your group. Carefully do so by referencing that you share a group. Be mindful that it is better to do this after you have shared something in common such as attending a group function or commenting on the same discussion. BEAR IN MIND THAT LINKEDIN ONLY ALLOWS 5 "Don't Knows" BEFORE THEY SANCTION MEMBERS.

d) The more members you are connected with (in your Connections Tally), the more searches you will turn up in. When employers and search firms do searches, in addition to searching on keywords (those in your headline, in particular), since Linkedin only returns 300 searches at a time (unless those searching have a premium membership for which they pay and receive more results), the more people you are connected to, the greater the potential for the results you desire.

3) Some groups offer networking groups (phone or local face-to-face meetings) that may prove to be useful in your job search. At a minimum, you can connect with others who are in transition and make valuable friendships.

4) You can start a discussion and establish visibility and credibility as a subject matter expert.

5) Free Advertising: You can also start a discussion to promote yourself and spotlight some of your key skills. (This can be used IN ADDITION TO your own status update bubble on your profile--another free commercial)

6) If you see a discussion about a job opening, you can reply privately to the employer/search firm that posted it. Even if the job is not ideal, you can leverage the opportunity to introduce yourself for future opportunities. Again - more exposure.

TO JOIN A GROUP:
Click on "Groups," then "Group Directory," then type in relevant keywords to find groups that are geared toward the career you are in, the career that you are hoping to be in or other groups that will provide you with the right networking ideas and/or people. Good luck!

Question About LinkedIn and Companies You Have Worked For

2011-06-23T20:18:00.000-07:00

How do you handle the Experience section of your LinkedIn profile when there is more than one name for your company in LinkedIn?

Ex: I worked for Maersk Inc. However, there is also a Maersk Line. Some of my recommendations come from Maersk Line. I have been including both companies in my experience, but this looks extremely unprofessional. This is true with more than one company on my profile. In some instances the names are not even close because the parent company's name is completely different.
You can check my profile to get a better understanding.

Anyone have this problem as well?

Thanks and God Bless,

Dear G:

From my standpoint, the name of your company, parent company and any subsidiaries with that root name (Maersk) is so unusual and distinctive, that it would not have raised an eyebrow at all. There are many companies such as Proctor & Gamble that have many brands under them that are totally different than the P&G name. If would not be unusual if you were in a position where you had visibility by these other entities, you might get a recommendation from one or more of these related companies that do not bear the same name as the actual entity you work for.

Moreover, I have been recommended by vendors, suppliers, ad agencies and others affiliated with companies for whom I've worked. The main thing is that they thought I was worthy of their recommendation and took the time to write one. If a prospective employer ever has a question about what my relationship was to these individuals at these other companies, then it's easily explained. I believe this would be the same in your case.

Another thing that sometimes occurs (especially in today's economy and it is prevalent in certain industries such as financial services), is that one company acquires or merges with another or as was the case with the company I work for, spins off from another company. More specifically, I worked for Cardinal Health for over three years, left, and after five years, returned. This was a "feather in my cap" and looked good on my resume, as this demonstrates that my prior employer valued my work enough to rehire me. Then Cardinal Health spun off to form CareFusion. Early on, it had no brand equity as it was newly-formed. Although it is a market leader today, I still note the original name (in a parenthetical like this) after "CareFusion Corp." so that it is clear that I was rehired.

Bottom line ... from my perspective, it does not look unprofessional or suspicious in any way. It may provoke a question from time to time, but I believe that you can easily address that. The important thing is to get as many recommendations from as many different types of work relationships (supervisor, head of department, peers, vendors, subordinates, co-workers, etc.) as possible.

I hope this helps put things in context and has ameliorated any concerns you have.

What Pointers Can You Offer for a Telephone or Face-To-Face Interview?

2011-01-30T14:16:00.000-08:00

This week, two clients asked me this, adding that they do not have ALL OF THE BACKGROUND required. Below is my combined answer.

1) Do your homework on the company/Be prepared: Research the company on their website if they have one. Use the information you found and weave it into the conversation to demonstrate your energy level and interest. (e.g., "I noticed on your website that you [FILL IN THE BLANK]." Then come up with a question such as, "What specifically are you doing to address that?")

2) Go to the library and look up the business on "ReferenceUSA." If you have a library card, you may be able to access this database from home (as you can in California, and even export a list of employers to an Excel spreadsheet).

3) Try to find out what their top 3 business objectives and challenges this year are. If you cannot do figure that out, simply ask them AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE IN THE INTERVIEW so that you can craft a few answers around those three things.

4) Type up your CARS (Challenges-Actions-Results) as a "cheat sheet," and highlight "trigger" words." Use this as a quick reference document during interviews. CARS are stories built around your best resume bullets (effectively-written resume bullets should contain the ACTIONS you took to solve a problem/address a task and the outcome/results (meaning, WHY you took those actions), or a few words about HOW you took action), so that your personality and style differentiate you from others. From there, you need to write add the "Challenge" piece which is the BEGINNING of the story. All good stories have a beginning, a middle and an end. Therefore, since resume bullets typically state the middle and the end, you need to be ready to explain the beginning circumstances (Challenge). If someone says, "Tell me about that." you should have the beginning of the story ready.

5) Have an "antidote" to any areas where you fall short in case they address them. For instance, if they want an MBA, are you willing to get one? That may make a difference. If they want XX experience, do you compensate by making it up in other ways, or can you take a workshop to get it or volunteer somewhere to fill that void? I told one client to go onto their website and download their software tutorial or free trial to at least be familiar with it. I also urged him to "Google" the topic AND go on www.youtube.com to see what videos may exists on that software.

6) At the end of the telephone or in-person interview:

a) Ask if there is anything that has not been covered that they have concerns about (any outstanding questions) in terms of your capabilities/ability to do the job. If so, address them on the spot.

b) Ask what their time horizon is for moving forward and what the process/next steps are.

7) If you can get in front of them, bring a 3-ring black binder (or formal portfolio from an art supply store) with work samples. This packs a powerful punch for the following reasons:

a) It will show you are prepared

b) It sets you apart from other candidates

c) It demonstrates that you care/want the job

d) It will aid in the decision-making process and the reference-checking process as you are supplying proof that you've done the things they need you to do

e) It will market other skills you have that they may not have thought about, but may need

f) It will reinforce your capabilities as they are SEEING work samples vs. just HEARING about them (most people process and retain information that is presented visually. (The ability to hear AND see improves their likelihood of remembering your unique talents)

g) It will calm your nerves and let you explain the events leading up to the development of that piece with confidence and passion as you point to something and take the attention off someone looking at you. Be sure to tell in "CAR" (a story) format how things unfolded, being careful to detail the thought process you engaged in to get from “Point A” to “Point B.” (Rehearse a few times with someone!!!)

Hope this helps others, too!

What Information Should You Include in An Exploratory Letter of Interest to an Employer?

2010-11-15T23:54:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, a job seeker asked me the following, and below is my response.

(From LL)
“I have been given names of a few companies that I am interested in exploring. At the moment I do not have any contacts that can walk me in the door, however, I would like to send out exploratory letters. Would you briefly give me an overview of what should be said in this type of letter. Once I have a general gist, I will be able to create something in my own words.”

(My response)
Start your letter with a genuine statement of interest in the company to which you are writing. An example of what you might say is, "I am a job seeker in transition, and have been researching employers that I would like to work for, and COMPANY NAME is a company in which I have a strong interest." If someone referred you to a specific contact, be sure to mention that in the first sentence, ideally. If you don't know the name of the head of the department, try calling the receptionist (if there is one) and indicate that you need to direct something to the head of (MENTION DEPT.), and would like that person's name and title. If you cannot get a contact name, simply address your letter to "Director of ENTER DEPT. NAME"). Just remember, if you hear back from the company and are asked why you were specifically interested in working for them, be clear and prepared to share what attracted you to them. An exploratory letter should contain a list of the best skills and experience you have to offer. Ideally it should comprise the type of background employers seek most today. If you're not sure what skills and experience that you possess are the most marketable/in demand, simply pull three to five job postings and circle or highlight the words that represent skills and work style attributes (e.g., organized, team player, detail-oriented). You will begin to see common skills/attributes when you do this. It should also provide a summary paragraph of who you are professionally in terms of a general title, number of years of experience, possibly industries or companies you've worked for, etc. It's a snapshot to "frame" your background. Many job seekers reword the summaries on their resumes and use that as the frame. It all works!

You should also provide a paragraph with "warm and fuzzy" personality and work style attributes. For example: "I am detail-oriented, analytical, excel at problem-solving, and possess solid interpersonal and team-building skills. In addition, I am highly organized and have built a reputation for possessing a strong work ethic and "do what it takes" mentality. My references will confirm that I readily and willingly take on new challenges and within relatively short periods, rise to meet and exceed stated expectations.

Also, it's best to close the letter by stating that you plan to follow up within a week at which time you hope to arrange a mutually-convenient time in which to discuss how your experience can benefit COMPANY NAME. If you do this, be sure to follow up within a week! Create a simple log spreadsheet to keep track of who you said you would follow up with, the date of follow up and the outcome and any next steps. If any one needs a sample log that's ready to go, please comment and provide your email address.

Cover Letters that Intrigue/Compel Hiring Managers to Call You – EVEN Against the Odds

2010-11-15T23:38:00.000-08:00

One outgrowth of today’s tough job market is that job seekers are rethinking their careers and more than ever before, are open to changing careers, pursuing careers they’ve only dreamt of, retiring early and doing part-time work, or taking positions that are lower level/lower paying than ones they’ve held in the past. In terms of taking lower level/paying positions, those who are able to do this may have different reasons for doing so. For some, it is out of necessity; they need income immediately and are willing to take less pay. Others are seeking less responsible jobs in exchange for a better quality of life.

The question is, “How do you get the attention of hiring managers and get them to seriously consider you when you are overqualified and/or are accustomed to a higher level of pay?” Part of the answer may lie in trading places with the hiring manager, and considering what it would take to convince YOU that the job seeker was serious about taking a lesser role. Also key is your ability to write a compelling, logically laid-out letter that comes across as sincere/genuine and matter-of-fact.

Today’s hiring managers have less time than ever before to make critical hiring decisions. The last thing they want is to hire someone who is highly skilled for less pay (which, on the surface may seem like a positive achievement for them in terms of their negotiating “prowess”), and risk that the new hire will be “jumping ship” as soon as a more suitable and/or higher paying job comes along. YOUR job, therefore, is to influence them to consider you, despite their concerns that you are only interested in the job until something better comes along, and instead, to ameliorate their concerns. Here are some ideas you might incorporate in your letter.

Dear (hiring manager name, if known; otherwise, “To Whom it May Concern”):

I am writing to express interest in your JOB TITLE opportunity. (NOTE: IF SOMEONE REFERRED YOU, BE SURE TO STATE THIS IN THE FIRST SENTENCE OF YOUR LETTER, IDEALLY. FOR EXAMPLE: A FORMER COLLEAGUE OF MINE, JOHN JONES SUGGESTED THAT I CONTACT YOU REGARDING THE JOB TITLE OPPORTUNITY AT COMPANY NAME.)

I am a(n) INDUSTRY OR JOB CATEGORY TYPE (e.g., ACCOUNTING) professional with over XX years of (SPECIFY EXPERIENCE TYPE IF YOU WISH AND SEPARATE WITH COMMAS, IF APPROPRIATE) experience in a variety of companies. Given my depth and breadth of skills and strong work ethic, I have a great deal to offer the right employer. After researching your company, I genuinely believe my background is well suited to your needs and can be of immediate value.

Outlined below is the background that I believe is most relevant to your needs:
* (List 4-8 bullets that tie to the opportunity, using their keywords to demonstrate the match)

Although you will note that I have held somewhat more accountable roles in the past, at this juncture in my career, I am more focused on work life balance and quality of life. I therefore am purposefully identifying opportunities that will address my needs while allowing me to optimally contribute to my employer’s business objectives in a very meaningful way.
NOTE: IF YOU RECENTLY RELOCATED, YOU CAN USE THAT AS A NATURAL TRANSITION AND WEAVE IT INTO THE ABOVE: I recently relocated to the area, and after reflecting on what is most important to me and factoring in the unique skills and abilities that I bring to bear, ... (etc.)

I am detail-oriented, analytical, excel at problem-solving, and possess solid interpersonal and team-building skills. In addition, I am highly organized and have built a reputation for possessing a strong work ethic and "do what it takes" mentality. My references will confirm that I readily and willingly take on new challenges and within relatively short periods, rise to meet and exceed stated expectations.

I will follow up within a week at which time I hope to arrange a mutually-convenient time in which to discuss how my experience can benefit COMPANY NAME. In the interim, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at XXX-XXX-XXXX or by email at EMAIL ADDRESS.

(Please refer to my related post on cover letters for additional insight about what content to include.)

Seven Ways to Improve Your Chances of Landing the Job

2010-09-26T14:37:00.000-07:00

There are a number of things you can do to set yourself apart from others, and increase your changes of getting the job.

1) Prepare yourself for the interview.
a) Research the employer's website and familiarize yourself with their products and services. Also read their recent press releases/new updates. If possible, review their financial reports (or ask others for help) to interpret the financial health of the company. Whenever appropriate, weave into the interview questions that relate to the research you did. This will demonstrate genuine interest as well as make a positive impression on the interviewer that you've done your homework. All things being equal, it just may be what sets you apart and lands you the job.
b) If the company does not have a website or information is limited, do a search in your favorite browser for "Company name goes here" and "SIC code." An SIC code will give information about this company within their industry classification, and sometimes will address who their competitors are and/or will connect you to other info.
c) Use the Library's subscription to "ReferenceUSA," an online database of corporations in the US.

2. Bring visual aids!!! Most of us process and remember information that is presented visually. It is always best to show and tell about yourself for the following reasons:
a) You clearly come across as prepared and professional.
b) You can tell stories about your visual aids that demonstrate your unique work or management style.
c) If you tend to be nervous, having something to point to and focus attention away from you and on to something that the interviewer can evaluate may reduce your anxiety.
d) Bringing in something visual provides two inputs of information (seeing and hearing about your skills) making the interviewer more likely to remember your unique skills. If the interviewer actually asks to see something, that's a tactile input. Touching something that you've done further reinforces the likelihood that they will remember your strengths more clearly.
e) When it comes time for the interviewer to evaluate your skills against other prospects, they will KNOW that you're capable of doing the job because you've shown them proof that you've already done the job elsewhere. This is very powerful! It can also dramatically shorten the reference-checking process as the interviewer will have seen first-hand the quality for your work.

Note: Be sure to block/black out any proprietary information on writing samples or other reports being shown to preserve the confidentiality of info from former employers.

3) Ask thoughtful questions. In addition to the questions you might come up with as a result of 1. above, ask relevant questions about the company and/or departments most important goals for the next year and what challenges they are facing in meeting these goals. Tie them to what skills you bring to the table to help them meet those challenges.

4) Ask if there are any questions that you can answer relative to your skills that have not been addressed, but are important requirements of the job. I usually ask, “Given the requirements of the job, how do you see my background and experience stacking up?” Admittedly, it’s a bit bold, but often, you may learn that there is a perception that you’re missing something that can easily be addressed on the spot, better positioning you to get the job.

5) Ask what the timeframe is and what the next steps are in their process. This may give you a sense of how strong you may be at that point in time.

6) Always reiterate your sincere interest and excitement about the opportunity, and recap the strengths that you believe you offer for the position, and be sure to indicate that you look forward to hearing from them about your candidacy.

7) Follow up with a thoughtful thank you message by email or a handwritten note reiterating your strengths relative to what they viewed as the most important aspects of the job.

AARP Best Employers for Workers Over 50

2010-08-21T22:53:00.000-07:00

Note: (They also have a list for the best Healthcare Employers for those over 50)
http://www.aarp.org/work/employee-benefits/info-09-2009/Best_Healthcare_Employers_2009.html

AARP Best Employers for Workers Over 50
http://www.aarp.org/work/employee-benefits/best_employers/

2009 Winners from: AARP September 2009

1. Cornell University
2. First Horizon National Corporation
3. National Institutes of Health
4. The YMCA of Greater Rochester
5. National Rural Electric Cooperative Association
6. S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
7. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
8. Stanley Consultants
9. Brevard Public Schools
10. George Mason University
11. City of Glendale, Arizona
12. Securian Financial Group
13. Deptartment of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration
14. Nevada Federal Credit Union
15. Pinnacol Assurance
16. Oklahoma City University
17. Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation
18. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina
19. DentaQuest
20. Adecco Group North America
21. Manheim
22. Commonwealth of Massachusetts - Executive Branch
23. Lee County Electric Cooperative
24. Virginia Commonwealth University
25. GlaxoSmithKline
26. The Aerospace Corporation
27. ACUITY
28. Harvard University
29. Pepco Holdings, Inc.
30. F.E.G.S. Health and Human Services System
31. San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind
32. Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey
33. University of Pittsburgh
34. Solix Inc.
35. Avis Budget Car Rental, LLC
36. S&T Bank
37. Michelin North America
38. Pearson
39. Corinthian Colleges,Inc.
40. FCCI Insurance Group
41. Hanson Professional Services Inc.
42. Union Bank
43. MEI Technologies, Inc.
44. Intel Corporation
45. FINRA
46. Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind, Inc.
47. Georgia Department of Human Resources
48. Express Employment Professional
49. Prestige Services, Inc
50. University of St. Thomas

What advice would you offer on breaking into the Medical Device Field ... particularly, a sales job?

2010-08-04T01:01:00.000-07:00

I get this question at least once every few weeks. Here's my take: If the job seeker is not on Linkedin, s/he should join immediately if not sooner! The second action item I'd suggest is to join relevant "medical devices" and "healthcare" or "health care" groups on Linked in. Many groups have job boards where jobs appear there and no where else. Also, for those in sales, you need to proactively put yourself out there and sell yourself. I realize there's a thin line between promoting oneself and being too aggressive, but someone with good sales skills will find that balance. Selling yourself in this market is likely one of the hardest sales you'll make, but there are jobs out there, and someone has to get them. Why not you?! As for the medical devices field, while I do not want to discourage anyone, I think job seekers should be realistic and remain flexible. It's a bit easier in this market to get an entry level job, but the seasoned ones are going to those with experience, and the market is flooded with qualified and over qualified folks. The timing is not right to break into this field unless it's an entry-level spot. The timing may be better in a year or so. There are a number of companies that have training programs, and that likely will be your best bet other than networking and getting someone to refer you internally. I cannot recall specifically, but there are a few well-publicized websites that you can subscribe to. You can, of course, do a Google search. There's a dedicated industry site: http://www.medicaldevicesalesjob.com/ and another is medrep.com that often lists companies that have training programs in addition to ore seasoned jobs (job seekers can subscribe to this website alert). Check the separate post here on the best Medical Devices/Life Sciences URLs. There are some great links there. Hope this helps. What do others think?

Why Join Groups on Linkedin.com (and Other Linkedin Help & Tips)?

2010-05-29T14:16:00.000-07:00

As you know, Linkedin is a social network that operates under the premise of degrees of separation. The more contacts you have, the closer you will be to connections you may be interested in making. Once you link in with others, be sure to utilize the "Find People" or "Find Companies" feature on the top (using the "Advanced" search functions, so that you can get introduced to others). Also, just a tip: The more groups you join, the more access you will have to people (without using the "inMail" feature! It's a great way to expand your network! (Once you do a people or company search, you can mouse over the options to the right of each common group member's name, and write to them directly. In addition, the length of such messages is more liberal than inMails!

For more tips on how to maximize Linkedin, either click on the "About" in the bottom navifgation links, and then click on the "Learning Center" on the right-hand margin of the page.

3 Digital Marketing Job Sites: Courtesy of Todd Herschberg

2010-05-29T14:08:00.000-07:00

SEO/SEM positions - Searchable job listings for the group As there seem to be a significant number of group members who are seeking new jobs as a result of the economy, and Todd Herschberg has set up a job listing board. Todd is the 37th most connected person on LinkedIn Twitter: @Herschberg - http://www.linkedin.com/redirect?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftwitter%2Ecom%2FHerschberg&urlhash=r1Ja

You can find the board here:
http://ocean.jobamatic.com/a/jobs/find-jobs/q-seo
http://ocean.jobamatic.com/a/jobs/find-jobs/q-sem
http://ocean.jobamatic.com/a/jobs/find-jobs/q-search+engine

Hope this helps!

Marissa Marsala
Founder, Employer & Candidate Connection (Job Seeker Consultancy and Search Firm)
Founder/Manager, Employer & Candidate Connection Linkedin Pro Bono Group

Notice to Job Seekers: Tip on a Best-Kept Linkedin Secret

2010-01-11T23:47:00.000-08:00

For those of you who have been beating the bushes and are discouraged because you are seeing the same jobs everywhere you look, if you have not already done so, sign up for as many groups as possible (you can now join 50). This may be one of the most critical uses of your time and if done diligently, will be key in your job search efforts. BENEFITS OF JOINING GROUPS:

1) Uncover hidden jobs: Employers and search firms post their jobs free on Linkedin groups. The competition is lower as many jobs are not widely advertised elsewhere (or at all). This is especially true of contingency search firms who operate on 100% commission and are trying to keep their costs down. Linkedin or other social networking sites are often the only way to spread the word about open jobs.

2) Access to many more Linkedin Members: When you join a group, you have the option of de-selecting a box that allows other group members to contact you. Most of those who join groups do not UNclick the box. This has a two-fold benefit:

a) When you do a search by people or company, you can freely send in mails to other group members who have not UNclicked the box. These in mail messages also allow you to write slightly longer messages (as opposed to "Get introduced to others"). In addition, if memory serves, you can only get introduced to up to five new connections at a time.

b) Those in your group show up as 1st degree connections. This may be a flaw on the Linkedin system, but if so, it provides an advantage.

c) It is easier to connect to those already in your group. Carefully do so by referencing that you share a group. Be mindful that it is better to do this after you have shared something in common such as attending a group function or commenting on the same discussion. BEAR IN MIND THAT LINKEDIN ONLY ALLOWS 5 "Don't Knows" BEFORE THEY SANCTION MEMBERS.

d) The more members you are connected with (in your Connections Tally), the more searches you will turn up in. When employers and search firms do searches, in addition to searching on keywords (those in your headline, in particular), since Linkedin only returns 300 searches at a time (unless those searching have a premium membership for which they pay $600), the more people you are connected to,

3) Some groups offer networking groups (phone or local face-to-face meetings) that may prove to be useful in your job search. At a minimum, you can connect with others who are in transition and make valuable friendships.

4) You can start a discussion and establish visibility and credibility as a subject matter expert.

5) Free Advertising: You can also start a discussion to promote yourself and spotlight some of your key skills. (This can be used IN ADDITION TO your own status update bubble on your profile--another free commercial)

6) If you see a discussion about a job opening, you can reply privately to the employer/search firm that posted it. Even if the job is not ideal, you can leverage the opportunity to introduce yourself for future opportunities. Again - more exposure.

TO JOIN A GROUP: Click on "Groups," then "Join Groups," then type in relevant keywords to find groups that are geared toward the career you are in, the career that you are hoping to be in or other groups that will provide you with the right networking ideas and/or people. Good luck!

Giving, Getting and Leveraging Recommendations (Audio Link)

2009-12-15T21:21:00.000-08:00

For those who would need a little help with this topic, take a listen ... I think this audio file runs about 30 minutes, so you may want to have it play in the background as you exercise, do chores or are otherwise engaged. My hope is that you glean at least one good, actionable idea from the time you invest in tuning in.

http://surkanstance.blogspot.com/2009/12/job-search-tales-how-to-get.html

Leveraging Conferences, Trade Shows and Other Job Search Ideas

2009-12-12T22:06:00.000-08:00

In this competitive job market, perhaps more than ever before, it's simply good business practice to maintain and build upon your professional network. This sounds like a "no brainer," but many job seekers have been caught off guard now that they are unexpectedly in transition. They have had to jump-start their efforts to build their network and/or reputation in the industry ... sometimes both.

ESPECIALLY if you are not employed, it is a good idea to attend industry conferences and tradeshows, as well as regularly-scheduled industry/organization events. Doing so will not only help your psyche, but will help you keep pace with regulations, competitive offerings, and other market drivers that shape and affect your industry. In addition, such events provide job seekers with an excellent opportunity to remain highly visible and network and promote their capabilities. In fact, many who are in transition are now doing volunteer work at such organizations, which enhances their skills, builds their reputations, and boosts their pipeline of reference sources. In a best-case scenario, it may serve as a stepping stone for the next great job!

In terms of other activities that can help with your job search, check out Linkedin or ask your network of friends and family of they know of someone in the industry who may actually be in a role similar to one that you are ideally seeking. If you cannot find someone in a similar role, identify someone close enough to the job that they have a peripheral understanding. Offer to meet them for coffee. It will be worth the cost of treating them. Each time I've networked for job-related reasons, I've gotten good tidbits of information, even if it did not ultimately lead to a job, itself. I also enjoyed the networking experience and have kept up with many of those I have networked with in the past, and vice versa. In many cases, I've reciprocated over the years. THAT'S what it's all about. I believe you can never know too many people.

In terms of guarding against transitioning into industries that may be a "fad," I also think that using the Bureau of Labor Statistics to see evidence of where the jobs/industries are going (shrinking or growing) is a great way to gain insight.

Also, to get you to take action in a more structured way, make a "To Do" list. My grandma always told me to "Write it down on paper." In her experience, memorializing fleeting thoughts crystallized them, resulting in a clearer sense of what needed to get done and provided a visual map of the order in which to best tackle such steps. In addition such a list serves as a checklist; and for most people, crossing things off your list will likely give you a sense of accomplishment. There are even some statistics that demonstrate that you are more likely to follow through if things are solidified on paper!

What to Do When Your Reference Sources are NOT on Linkedin

2009-11-24T19:21:00.000-08:00

Dan asked, “If I ask for recommendations, will that tip off my currently employer that I am looking?”

(My response)
That’s always possible. I recognize that some may see a recommendation and think, "Hmmmm ... Dan must be thinking about leaving," but Linkedin is not just a social networking site that people consult when they are out of work or seeking work. It's a business networking site, and more and more, it's becoming commonplace to see recommendations for folks who are actively employed. The more this happens, the fewer eyebrows will be raised when they see one. Of course, each person must determine what they are comfortable with.

If you pursue recommendations, it’s a REALLY good idea to get recommendations from different disciplines (e.g., types of colleagues from other departments, ones that address different strengths that each candidate brings to bear, etc.) as well as different levels of current/former colleagues. I also added "current" because many people wait to leave a company to get references, but I say, "Strike while the iron is hot!"

Here’s one other comment from another of my Linkedin group members that may be helpful:

Agostina wrote, "Marissa, I agree that recommendations are very appreciated by employers in today’s job market where skills and qualifications for candidates are getting higher day by day. Thus, recommendations can make the difference when choosing talent. There´s a very interesting site that I recently discovered for the mere purpose of recommendations (both for getting recommended and endorsing others). Here´s the link: http://www.linkedin.com/redirect?url=http%3A%2F%2Fmeritbuilder%2Ecom%2F&urlhash=S5zM "

Good luck, and I hope this helps you with your recommendations.

More Advice for Those Having Difficulty Securing Linkedin Recommendations

2009-11-24T18:45:00.000-08:00

As a follow up to my blog on Linkedin, I have received several questions that likely apply to others, so I am posting them here to further help the job seeker community.

Theodora stated, “There are firms that do not permit their employees to link in via their office computers, and there are firms that do not permit their employees to give written recommendations. Is there a way to overcome this?”

(My response)
Yes, I know of a number of firms who do not permit employees to access Linkedin or other sites on company computers. I also have worked for companies who do not permit employees to provide references in writing. This is a great question to pose to the other members her, or to your outplacement firm. In terms of helping to beef up your references on Linkedin, consider getting references from peers, employees who may have reported to you or others in the organization with whom you’ve worked well and who respect your work. For now, get as many written and on electronic Linkedin references as you can from others. For now, my advice insofar as getting those on Linkedin who are not permitted to provide written feedback, is to work around this by securing these references for later on in the process. For those who cannot provide references in writing, have them provide a telephone reference when you are in final-round interviews.

Another idea is to take excerpts of positive emails you’ve received from co-workers (or a few of the most favorable emails, themselves) from these individuals and craft one document with these excerpts. Many folks send me resumes and a few have begun to attach reference lists which contain "sound bites" from Linkedin and written letters of recommendation. Why not just capture some comments that were not specifically intended as recommendations, but which provide insight into your work ethic, ability to be a team player, etc. Doing this will likely address the employer’s need. I would also suggest that you proactively put a Reference List together of names, titles, phone numbers and email addresses (for those permitted to comment in writing) of ALL references and at the appropriate time (if possible), offer it to employers early on while at live interviews.

Good luck!

Sam asked, “How/where do I ask for a recommendation through Linkedin?”

(My response)
Perhaps the outplacement firm you are going to or someone in your network there or outside of it can explain it in a step-by-step fashion, but if you click on recommendations on the left-hand side, you can access "Recommendations" through the side navigation menu. You can also go into your profile, click on a job, and then click through the list of those you worked with at a particular company. You then can ask those you select to recommend you. Just be sure that before you ask for a recommendation, that you are within the job/company at which those you are requesting recommendations from worked with you. As a third alternative, on the bottom of Linkedin, there is a "Learning Center."

Dona asked, “Similar question as Sam’s request: How do you post a recommendation that was emailed to me...and post to public profile page. Where on my LinkedIn profile is this section located? Thank you, in advance, for your assistance in answering this question.”

(My response)
In my view, the quickest way is through the Linkedin “Learning Center" for your question (or to network with someone at the outplacement firm from which you are receiving services or others in your network who may be able to walk you through the process).

Also, if those who wrote recommendations are members of Linkedin already, just send them the paragraph that they wrote and ask them if they would submit it formally through the Linkedin system. If you think they need a little encouragement to compel them to do so, copy and past my discussion that addresses the "Importance of Recommendations on Linkedin ... and How to Get them."

Linkedin Recommendations: How to get them when none (or few) of your contacts are on Linkedin

2009-11-23T19:15:00.000-08:00

In order for a profile to be deemed complete in Linkedin, it must have a minimum of three recommendations.

I was just asked this question.

“Those who have managed me or I have done business with are not on Linkedin! It is terribly frustrating for me to look at my profile and see it is incomplete. I have searched names dating back to 2001 of people I have worked with or sold to in the past and I have 0 results. If I had former associates that were on Linkedin I could have plenty of recommendations. Unfortunately I can't. What advice do you have in this situation?”

Here’s my two cents on this …

My first suggestion is to get their email addresses and invite them to join Linkedin. Linkedin is a business networking site, and is not just for job seekers, so it is beneficial for them to join.

For those social-network hesitant types, I'd call or email each and let them know that you're in the midst of a job search, and indicate the growing importance of recommendations. If they are open to writing one, ask them to email their recommendation to you so that you can post it and others to your public profile page. BE SURE TO GET THEIR PERMISSION TO POST SUCH REFERENCES ON YOUR LINKEDIN PROFILE FIRST, as your public profile is searchable and indexed by Google. This means that anyone searching your reference's name in a browser search bar will see their recommendation. If they respect your work, it's likely most if not all will not have an issue with this. MAKE SURE YOUR REFERENCE UNDERSTANDS THAT THEIR NAME AND TITLE WILL BE REFERENCED UNDER ANY RECOMMENDATION THEY PROVIDE. For example: "Andrew is a seasoned medical devices sales professional ... Marissa Marsala, Former Director of Marketing, Work/Life Benefits."

Another suggestion is to prepare a running list document of all recommendations received to date and attach it to your resume submissions.

Try these two suggestions. If you or others need more or if others have other ideas, they or I will add to this discussion thread.

The Importance of Linked Recommendations & Tips to Get Them

2009-11-21T11:46:00.000-08:00

More and more, employers and search firms are turning to Linkedin to “separate the wheat from the chaff” and improve their chances of hiring someone who will be successful in a job. In addition to checking for common contacts on a job seeker’s Linkedin profile, they are beginning to rely more on Linkedin recommendations to get additional “insurance” when making a hire. In fact, if you look closely, a growing number of job postings state that candidates with X number (fill in the blank) of Linkedin recommendations will be more strongly considered. If you do not have eight to ten recommendations, (ideally one to two from each employer, and ideally from the person to whom you reported and either a colleague partner or subordinate), you need to “get busy!”

For those out of work, their self esteem may understandably have "taken a pounding," but it's important to center yourself and remember who you've been professionally. Think about the many obstacles you've overcome and the many successes you've contributed to. Also, reflect about which skills and experience you possess that are "head and shoulders" over others in your arena. Once you've done that, it's time to think about who you've worked with who has respected your work, your work ethics, skills, or has enjoyed partnering with you. Make a list and send them a request to write a recommendation. If you need them to focus on a specific area, ask them if they are comfortable writing a recommendation that focuses on X strength, XX strength, or XXX strength. In other words, suggest some things they may be able to write about you that are important for those in hiring capacities to know about you. This gives others a better idea of what to focus on, and helps you support your credentials.

To ease into a request for a recommendation, you might consider the following:

"I am in the process of exploring job opportunities, and wondered if you would be comfortable writing a brief recommendation for me. If you are open to this and have time, it would be great if you could focus on some of the skills that I am trying to leverage, namely, my X skills, XX background, or my XXX industry experience.

Many thanks, in advance,"

For those who are uncomfortable asking for a recommendation, try this:SELECTIVELY provide recommendations on an unsolicited basis for those with whom you've enjoyed working or otherwise have interacted professionally, and whose work you respect. There's nothing like getting a recommendation to make someone's day, and often, if a recipient feels similarly, they may write a recommendation for you, as well. It's best not to expect someone for whom you've written a recommendation to reciprocate in return, but if they opt to "return the favor," it's always a welcome gesture, and will help build your online credibility and reputation. So go ahead, make someone’s day!I hope these tips prove to be helpful in building your repertoire of recommendations.

Inspiration and Advice for Weary Job Seekers

2009-11-19T20:50:00.000-08:00

''We judge ourselves by what we feel capable of doing, while others judge us by what we have already done.''

(Henry Wadsworth Longfellow)
　
The above-captioned quote came to mind tonight after a very enjoyable conversation with one of the members here. I first read it many years ago is a company newsletter that was shared with me (back in the days when we used paper!). I read it several times and was struck by how profound those words really are. They have remained with me.

Bear this in mind as you navigate through your job search journey. Artfully position yourself for the next great job by relating your skills/what you have done) to what you know you are capable of doing. It's about positioning, and laying out a compelling story that makes business and common sense.

Also remember, if a hiring manager cannot see your value, no matter how compelling a picture you paint, move on. Consider it one of life's little signs and "a blessing." It likely is the universe's way of letting you know the fit is not there.

It's always best to work for an employer and company that is broadminded, has vision, is transparent, and one that sees, recognizes and rewards the value that you bring to the table.
Regardless of the job market, I suggest you set your sites as high as possible, yet remain realistic and flexible. In short, always start with the end goal in mind.

Most of all, remember who you are, the many skills you bring to bear, the obstacles you've overcome and successes you've enjoyed.

Candidate “Chatter” – Questions Asked & Answered

2009-11-18T23:50:00.000-08:00

Here are some responses to questions I've gotten from candidates recently:

How effective is networking – really?
Just over a year ago, it was estimated that 61% of jobs were landed through networking. For me, that was hard to believe as many of the jobs I’ve landed, I found on the Internet. When I thought about it, though, many of the recent ones were gotten as a result of relationships with people who opened doors or kept them open, in terms of giving me a glowing reference.

Today, newspaper ads are regarded as antiquated dinosaurs, and even the most un-technically-savvy are turning to the Internet to post jobs. Also, recent estimates are that 70-75% of jobs are gotten as a result of networking. This is not to say that candidates are not finding and applying to jobs on the Internet. However, networking with others who can get a candidate’s resume (or better yet, a candidate!) in front of someone inside of that candidate’s target company provides them with a much-needed edge.

Resume Formats: Many candidates have asked me about functional resumes vs. traditional formats. My “take” is that it depends on many factors, key among them:

1) Whether you are trying to change careers or industries or are returning to the workforce (which may require repositioning your skills or de-emphasizing periods of unemployment).
2) Whether your resume is/is not getting a good response rate.
3) How adept you are at positioning/marketing yourself relative to the job or jobs you are after.
4) Your skill at selecting the right action verbs to make your resume more powerful (If interested, request my verb list -- organized by skills categories).
5) Your ability to position your accomplishments in a compelling, result-oriented manner. I look for the "wow factor" in a resume, meaning, the ability for that resume to get the person reviewing the resume to say "wow" two to three times. I subscribe to the statistic that relates to things setting in/being memorable in groups of three. (If you listen to many radio spots or TV commercials, a number will be repeated three times. If this holds true, if you can get the resume reviewer to (even subliminally), say, “Wow!” three times, you will get a call. It's always best when possible to not only state WHAT you've done, but to state what the impact was (HOW or WHY it made a difference.). If your resume is not achievement based, then chances are that it reads more like a job description that anyone in that job before could have written. The lesson? Change your “So, what?” statements into “Oh, wow!" ones.
6) If a resume is MORE than two pages, it would be prudent, to consult a competent professional who can critique resumes. Most persons reviewing resumes these days are looking for very specific keywords and/or accomplishments. (When possible, ensure that your resume contains the very words they have placed in their ad/posting. Some employers use keyword searches to review resumes or keyword and/or parsing software. There are varying stats on this, but most experts say that the average time spent reviewing a resume is as little as 13-17 seconds. Hint: Aside from extracting keywords from the posting you are applying to, look at similar jobs. You will note that some employers/search firms actually disclose the key words right on the posting! What could be easier?!! (The analogy of shooting fish in a barrel comes to mind.)
7) If you have difficulty catching typos or other grammatical errors, it would be prudent to have others you trust proofread your resume or get a professional to review it. Aside from spell check, a good technique to catch typos is to read your resume backwards, so that typos stand out. The human brain likes to mentally “fix” typos, so it is very easy for errors to be missed. In addition, try to keep your bullets and form/sentence structure as consistent as possible, as it makes your resume more fluid and assists those reviewing it, making the review process more pleasant.

Hope these tips help. Have other questions? Please write to me at marissa@employerandcandidateconnection.com. You can also request a copy of my verb list.

Some GENERAL and SPECIALIZED Job Sites (URLs) to Assist Job Seekers

2009-11-02T18:22:00.000-08:00

I had compiled this list for some folks I was helping some time ago, and thought it might be useful. Some may no longer be operational. I hope this proves to be useful.

HEALTHCARE/MEDICAL:
Health Opportunities www.healthopps.com
Health Careers www.healthcareerweb.com
Nursing Careers www.nursingwebsearch.com
Healthcare Jobs www.healthcaresource.com
Healthcare Jobs www.healthleader.com
Hospital Jobs www.hospitaljobsonline.com
Healthcare Jobs www.jobinhealthcare.com
Medical Jobs www.medzilla.com
Physicians/Healthcare Jobs www.practicechoice.com
Physicians Employment www.physemp.com
Healthcare Jobs www.miracleworkers.com
Jobs in Healthcare www.jobscience.com
Health Jobs www.healthjobsusa.com
Healthcare Jobs Online www.hcjobsonline.com
Health Jobs www.healthjobsite.com
Medical Jobs www.medhunters.com
Physician Jobs www.docjob.com
National Institute of Health www.nih.gov/science/opportunities.html
American Medical Association www.ama-assn.org

You might try these:
www.getmedicalsalesjobs.com

www.health-care.careerbuilder.com/
www.hotjobs.yahoo.com/jobs-c-healthcare
www.medicalworkers.com
www.medicaljobsonline.com/
www.allhealthcarejobs.com/
www.healthcarejobs.org
www.nationjob.com/medical/
www.healthcareerweb.com/
www.medhunters.com/
www.cliniccareers.cpca.org/
www.HealthJobsStartHere.com
www.HealthJobsUSA.com
www.medjobscout.com/
www.medreps.com

http://careercenter.ins1.org/search/browse/
http://www.apic.org/scriptcontent/custom/careers/autologin.cfm?
section=job_bank2 (must register)

www.infectioncontrolcareers.com
http://careercenter.ins1.org/search/browse/

SCIENCE
Jobs in Science http://jobscience.com
Lab Jobs www.labsupport.com
American Chemical Society www.acs.org
Society of Chemical Industry www.chemind.org
Pharmaceutical Jobs www.pharmajobs.com
Pharmaceutical Jobs www.pharmacyweek.com
Science Jobs www.scijobs.com
Bio Jobs www.bio.com
Biopharmaceuticals www.bioview.com
Bio Career Center www.biocareer.com
Biosite www.biosite.com
Health Care Recruiters www.hrcnetwork.com
Bio Space www.biospace.com
Pharma Diversity job board www.pharmadiversity.com

EXECUTIVE JOBS
6 Figure Jobs www.6figurejobs.com
Executive Jobs in Non-Profits www.ceoupdate.com
ExecuNet (fee-based-but free trial) www.execunet.com
Executive Search www.execsearches.com
Executives Only (fee) www.executivesonly.com
Netshare (fee) www.netshare.com
Top Echelon www.topechelon.com
Big Dogs www.bigdogjobs.com
Blue Steps (fee) www.bluesteps.com
Career Ctr. for Board & Exec Level www.stybelpeabody.com
Executive Classifieds www.executiveclassifieds.com
Executives Only (fee) www.executivesonly.com
Vice President Jobs www.vicepresidentjobs.com
Executive Trumpet (fee) http://www.executivetrumpet.com/
The Ladders (access to some, fee) www.TheLadders.com (all jobs over $100K)

GENERAL
www.headhunter.com (aka, jobcentral.com)
www.monster.com
www.careerbuilder.com
www.hotjobs.com
www.yahoojobs.com (another great one)
www.flipdog.com
www.directemployers.com (Has positions posted by health care companies)
www.jobanimal.com
www.linkedin.com
Beyond Jobs www.beyond.com
CA Unemployment Development Div. www.edd.ca.gov

MARKETING-SPECIFIC:
AMA (American Marketing Assoc.) www.marketingpower.com
Marketing Jobs www.marketingjobs.com
The Ladders www.marketingladders.com (some can be viewed at no cost)

Note: Engineers will also want to look at www.dice.com.

WEB CRAWLERS/SPIDERS (Reach out and pull jobs from other sites)
www.jobster.com
www.indeed.com
www.simplyhired.com

7 Steps to Take When Considering a Career Change

2009-10-12T21:36:00.000-07:00

Check out this recent article: 7 Steps to a Career Change:

http://internsover40.blogspot.com/2009/10/7-steps-to-career-change.html

Here's my take:

Some excellent insights. I agree with the idea of looking before you leap and like the ideas offered, and especially agree with the idea of attending trade shows. In addition, check out Linkedin or ask your network of friends and family of they know of someone in the industry who may actually be in that role (doing the job) or close enough to the job to chat with. Offer to meet them for coffee. It will be worth the cost of treating them. Each time I've networked, I've gotten good tidbits of information, even if it did not ultimately lead to a job, itself. I also enjoyed the networking experience and have kept up with many of those I have networked with in the past, and vice versa. In many cases, I've reciprocated over the years. THAT'S what it's all about. I believe you can never know too many people.

In terms of guarding against transitioning into industries that may be a "fad," I also think that using the Bureau of Labor Statistics to see evidence of where the jobs/industries are going (shrinking or growing) is a great way to gain insight. The article mentioned this source, but not in terms of using it for this purpose, so I thought I'd punctuate this point.

Getting a job as a volunteer in a professional organization for the industry you are interested in or if possible, in the industry itself (e.g., if you want to go into nursing, you might volunteer to be a candy striper or otherwise help out at a hospital or clinic), was another great suggestion. Another way to get into an industry is to intern if you are enrolled at a college that offers internships. Some will allow you to intern for credit, while others will pay you. It's a great way to see a company "from the inside out," make contacts and also gain insights about the industry/company to assess whether it is a fit. Moreover, it could help land you a job once you finish your program. This has often been the case, as the employer also is evaluating whether you could be a fit for THEM down the line.

I also agree with the idea of putting it on paper. My grandma always told me to "Write it down," and it would be clearer. Also, there are some statistics that demonstrate that you are more likely to follow through if things are they are memorialized on paper!

AT LONG LAST-!!! A Tool that Gets Job Seekers Oriented on How to Leverage the Networking Power of Linkedin.com!

2009-09-25T19:30:00.000-07:00

Many job seekers for whom I provide coaching and consulting services have asked me to get them oriented on Linkedin. Given this, coupled with the video referenced below that I viewed this evening, I thought it might be helpful to memorialize some ideas for the job seekers out there.

http://internsover40.blogspot.com/2009/09/use-linkedin-to-find-job_24.html

Of course, many of the same principles can be applied for those in business or starting new businesses to find possible customers, suppliers, and business partners.

Some of the ideas tie DIRECTLY to my discussion about "A Networking Strategy that Can Really Open Doors," posted about one month ago.

There are also a few other ways to use Linkedin to find a job that were not touched upon, so I will briefly address them:

1) Look up jobs posted right on linked in by accessing the "Jobs" tab across the top left area. (This may seem obvious, but for any "newbies" to Linkedin.com, this site can be visually overwhelming, so I am pointing this out.
2) Groups: Access the "Groups" link and then "Find a Group" by entering key words that represent your industry, job category or title or generically may be of help (e.g., Businesswomen" groups). It's also a good idea to join HR, job, career, or other self-help groups (typing in similar key words). Often, jobs are posted under the "Jobs" tab of these groups (or their subgroups). I always say, when it comes to uncovering jobs, "Leave no stone unturned!"
3) To help you get an interview, be sure to ask for recommendations. One of the best ways to do this is to reach out and SELECTIVELY provide recommendations on an unsolicited basis for those with whom you've worked or otherwise done business, with whom you enjoyed working and/or respected their work. There's nothing like getting a recommendation to make someone's day, and often, if a recipient feels similarly, they may write a recommendation for you, as well. It's best not to expect someone for whom you've written a recommendation to reciprocate in return, but if they opt to "return the favor," it's always a welcome gesture, and will help build your online credibility and reputation.
4. While we all are guilty of making typos, make an effort to ensure that your profile is free of typos, complete, and compelling (it should answer the question, "Why should I contact and/or hire you?" MANY HR professionals consult Linkedin, so don't underestimate its power. Be sure to have a positioning statement at the top that provides a snapshot of who you are and what you can do for others viewing your profile. (Mine is not the "be all and end all, but if you're stumped, check it out" to get an idea of what you might include as a power statement in your profile.
5. Use the white "Update" bar on your profile page to let people know what you're up to and open to. If you are actively exploring opportunities in the XYZ industry, let your network and others who view your page know! (Note that if your settings are established properly, on a regular basis, others in your network will be made aware of what you are up to. This is a free promotional opportunity (commercial for you!), so don't pass it by!

There's so much more, but these are all very sound ways you can at harness the power of Linkedin.com to find your next great job.

__________

Getting to the "Head of the Class" Leveraging Search Firms or Going it Alone: Within Limits, All's Fair in Love, War and Job Hunting!

2009-09-24T00:03:00.000-07:00

Getting to the "Head of the Class" Leveraging Search Firms or Going it Alone: Within Limits, All's Fair in Love, War and Job Hunting!

Recently, I have been asked to excplain how search firms work. Over the course of my career, I have gotten several positions through search firms, and they can prove to be very useful, particularly when it is time to negotiating your compensation package. There are two basic "flavors" of search firms: retained and contingency - both are fully paid by the employer. Most companies do not use retained firms, and to cast a wider net, open job searches/job orders via numerous search firms that will be paid based on whether they refer the candidate who ultimately gets the job (contingency search). You may therefore see the same job posted by numerous search firms. There are many solid search firms out there, and in some cases, even if a job order is contingent, a certain search firm may have an excellent reputation or track record with a particular employer, or even enjoy a unique relationship with them. In such instances, submitting your resume through that search firm can prove to be highly successful, and could be your best route.

If a job is posted by BOTH an employer AND a search firm, my personal approach has been to FIRST apply to the job directly through the employer. This may provide an edge as candidates who do not come through a search firm cost less to an employer than if a candidate comes through a search firm (In terms of hard dollar costs; if, however, a job remains open for an extended period, it technically CAN cost an employer more in lost opportunity costs and other soft costs associated with waiting too long to fill a job.)

In the past, if I have not heard back from the employer WITHIN two weeks, I contact the company in an effort to identify the hiring manager is. In fact, I have sometimes done this preemptively when FIRST applying to a job. In this way, I have followed the prescribed process, but also have increased my chances of being contacted. Unfortunately, some HR professionals or hiring managers may screen out a resume for a variety of reasons, and you may not get a "chance at bat." For example, your resume may be set aside if the reviewer either does not have a good grasp of the job requirements or your credentials, does so when they are unfocused/distracted, or delegate tasks to others less experienced at sifting through resumes. Assuming that you are qualified, copying the hiring manager can also guard against getting screened out. It also shows initiative and may convey that you are highly interested or at a minimum, took the initiative to stand out among the sea of respondents. All things being equal, it may make the difference.

If, between two and three weeks I have not heard back, I have sometimes had luck having a search firm present me. (This can be work to your (and the search firm's) advantage if the employer does not capture resumes in a database or otherwise track candidates in a manner that allows for easy retrieval of their name. In this case, since it is the search firm who brings your credentials to the employer's attention, they often can successfully be paid for doing so. As a side note, I have always been upfront with search contacts, and personally feel that "Honesty of the best policy."

Since retained search firms generally have exclusive listings, some employers allow them a certain period of time to source and present candidates. If they do not produce viable candidates within that timeframe, employers who may be unwilling to wait may expand the search to other search firms (or ease up on their job requirements).

Although I also do some search work, myself, I do not discourage candidates from working with other search firms or feel that candidates are "spreading themselves too thinly" or will "look bad” or diminish their chances with prospective employers, even if your name is presented to the same employer by more than one search firm. I do not subscribe to this, and instead feel you need to keep all options open. Within reasonable limits, all is fair in love, war and the job market!

The Adage, “If You Fail to Plan, Then Plan to Fail” Also Relates to Initiating a Job Search. Winning Steps You Can Take to Combat Job-Seeker Paralysis

2009-09-15T21:12:00.000-07:00

(Part II of II)

Yesterday, I introduced this topic and began providing those in transition who do not yet have a well thought out game plan, with concrete steps to help guide them. Outlined below is Part II of this self-help guide to a winning approach!

6. When you get back onto Linked in (or any Social network that allows you to link companies to people), whip out your target list of companies and begin searching by company for anyone you might know (or have known in the past) who currently works for each company (or who ever worked there, for that matter). You will be VERY surprised at how your connections can
7. Now make a list of the titles of positions that are on interest to you. If you need help with this, spend some time entering keywords and researching positions on www.indeed.com, www.careerbuilder.com, www.yahoojobs.com, www.linkedin.com, etc. There are also many other jobs listing resources including the Department of Labor site that can shed some light on professions that show signs of being in demand. If you are a management professional, you can also consult other resources such as the American Management Association (AMA) list of professions.
8. If you still have energy, make a list of the types of positions that the above positions would report to. This could help you gain entry into a company once you apply for a position. You can call a general number and ask to speak to the hiring manager based on their title, and ask their name. Making an effort to call and express your sincere interest can also improve your odds of being invited in for an interview. All things being equal, employers will invite those who seem genuinely interested in the job.
9. If you get invited for an interview or a telephone screening call, do your homework! Do what it takes to find out about they company, its products and services, current focus/direction, the industry in general (including the company’s competitors), and how the job you are pursuing fits in to the overall “scheme of things.” Whenever possible, weave any relevant information you have found into the discussion so that they will know you’ve done your due diligence. Employers will be very impressed that you put the time and energy into doing this. It can make all the difference! (In fact, I will likely post a dedicated discussion about a job I was fortunate to be offered because word spread among the management team about a rather unique effort I had made in this regard.)

My sincere hope is that these ideas will help you to calm your thoughts and get some clarity. Moreover, my wish is that they will serve as a springboard and propel you to take action. To focus your efforts, if you would like specific ideas and steps to take now that you have solidified your lists, please feel free to write. You can also refer to my blog referenced in Part I, “A Great Networking Strategy That Can Really Open Doors.”

Make your energy work for you!!! Open your mind and it will pay off and start to open doors.

The Adage, “If You Fail to Plan, Then Plan to Fail” Also Relates to Initiating a Job Search. Winning Steps You Can Take to Combat Job-Seeker Paralysis

2009-09-15T00:23:00.001-07:00

(Part I of II)

I am currently assisting 35 folks, and when each received the news of their respective lay off, they diverged into two groups: One group was utterly shocked and immobilized, and the other (the vast majority), simply panicked, and their first instinct was to dive head-on into the job market without a moment's thought or planning. It is completely understandable, particularly when the shock begins to wear off and the shear terror relating to the harsh realities of today's job market begins to seep into a job seeker's every waking thought. I can certainly relate. The first time I was ever laid off, I had many restless/sleepless nights and at times, I had to resist the temptation to allow my worries to spiral out of control. Like so many, I was out of work many months. Those in transition today wonder how they will support themselves and their families and how long it take before they find gainful employment. They are also concerned about how their background stacks up against others with whom they are competing for the same jobs. Some improve their chances by opening their minds up to the possibility of relocating. It's tough; no two ways about it. So what's a worried job seeker to do if they haven't thought through a game plan?

Here are some specific steps that you can take to short-circuit the "worry, fear, doubt and panic" cycle to get a game plan together, and thereby greatly improve your edge and fast-track your chances of being successful:

1. Recognize that worry, fear, doubt and panic are emotions that require energy and inhibit your ability to think clearly and rationally. Why not, instead, try to harness all of that great energy and funnel it back into a job search?
2. Take a beat and get in front of your home PC or go to your favorite cafe or other place and bring your yellow pad or if you have one, your laptop with you.
3. Begin putting your wish list together. List 25-50 companies you might want to work for. If your list yields fewer than 25 results, get to the Library and consult your local “Book of Lists” or either the “Standard & Poor’s" or “Moody’s” U.S. business resources. If you happen to have a subscription to Edgar or D&B’s Hoover’s, you can also get some ideas from them. Sometimes, seeing the companies in black and white will trigger your thoughts, and remind you of companies that have piqued your interest in the past. (If you are unfamiliar with these reference sources, see my post on this subject entitled, “A Great Networking Strategy That Can Really Open Doors.”)
4. Now list any people you might know at those companies. Don't be discouraged if none come to mind for the majority of the companies on your list. Keep going!
5. List other people you know and categorize them into business contacts, friends/neighbors, family, and acquaintances. Leave no stone unturned! You NEVER know who might know someone at that company who may help you gain access or give you a leg up on your competition. That’s the concept of six degrees of separation, and the premise upon which linkinin.com was founded.

OK ... That's enough to digest for now. Tomorrow, I'll show you how to put it all together. Be sure to check back for Part II!

Make your energy work for you!!! Open your mind and it will pay off and start to open doors.

A Great Networking Strategy That Can Really Open Doors

2009-09-13T18:31:00.000-07:00

In addition to leveraging Linkedin.com, there are a lot of great ways to network, and there's one that I used may years ago to land a job. It involved creating a summary sheet which I used to market myself. It was comprised of a high-level summary of my years of experience, a bulletized list of skills and relevant achievements, a list of industries I was focusing on, and an alphabetized list of companies I was specifically targeting. I came up with this list of companies after two days of research at the library. Today, so much is available online, making this exercise even easier. I consulted Standard & Poors' and Moody's listing of companies in the US. Each was organized in three sections: straight alphabetical order, by geography (state) and then by industry. I then kept a supply of these with me and handed them to neighbors, friends, my parents' friends, etc. You never know who knows someone else, so leave no stone unturned!

I then composed a cover letter letting friends, relatives and former colleagues know that I was in the midst of a job search and that I was researching companies that I wanted to learn more about that I was targeting. I invited them (if they wouldn't mind) to take a look at the summary sheet and let me know if they knew of anyone at any of those companies who might be willing to spend 15 minutes with me to provide insight into those companies, and what it was like to work there. Inevitably, those who agreed to speak or meet with me spent more than 15 minutes. I tried whenever possible to get in front people as the added face-to-face contact typically resulted in them becoming more invested in me, and they tended to feel more confident about referring me once they had met me. Bear in mind, I never asked for a job; I merely was engaged in an information-gathering process. It was a very non-threatening way to get referrals. In my experience, people really DO like to help others, and they also enjoy speaking about their own experiences.

One referral can easily lead to many others. My biggest challenge was keeping track of who referred me to whom, so I tracked this horizontally in rows on an Excel spreadsheet. I was sure to send handwritten thank-you notes to everyone who had provided a lead, letting them know if it resulted in a meeting, a phone conversation, a further referral or otherwise bore any fruit. In this case, it did when I landed a great job in HR at NBC in New York.

"Discouraged? Time to reignite job search" (MSNBC.com article recommends steps to dig yourself out of a job search "funk.")

2009-09-13T18:29:00.000-07:00

This is a decent article that stresses the direct route to networking inside a company (meaning, be clear about what job you are after and ask for contacts who can get you close to that job, and when you are connected to them, use a direct approach.).

Although this approach has merit and may “be the shortest distance between two points,” I subscribe to a less direct route (as stated in my " A Great Networking Strategy That Can Really Open Doors" post. You might try both approaches and see which yield you more connections. My sense is that a less direct approach will yield more meetings and/or phone conversations, but the quality of the meetings may be less focused than a meeting with someone who can directly link you to the right hiring manager. Also, a direct approach may make you come across as too aggressive or even desperate, or may otherwise discourage others from speaking with you. Of course, there are pros and cons to each approach, so if you try either, please feel free to circle back and let us know what you find!

If you are among the multitude of understandably discouraged job seekers out there, the article's author (Mathison) articulates some specific, productive steps you can to get you motivated:

“Write down what positions you’re looking for and you’re qualified to do.
* Figure out the possible titles of those positions.
* Figure out the titles of your potential managers.
* Come up with a list of 50 companies you’d consider working for, even if they have no listed jobs available.
* Make a list of 100 people you know, everyone from relatives to former colleagues.
* Connect with each person on the list individually, not with an e-mail blast, and find out if they know anyone at the 50 companies you identified that might hold a position you’ve targeted above.”

Click here to view this article: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32691443/ns/business-careers/page/2/

"A New Job Just a Tweet Away" WSJ Article Captures Benefits and Pitfalls of Job Tweets

2009-09-13T15:59:00.000-07:00

More companies are tweeting for hires.

This WSJ article covers the benefits and pitfalls of Twitter Tweets for job seekers. It addresses how some companies are targeting the social-networking-savvy via Twitter. It has also proven to be a cost-efficient method of attracting applicants. Companies who now list job openings on Twitter's microblogging site include Microsoft Corp., Verizon Communications Inc., Raytheon Corp. and Viacom Inc.'s MTV Networks. Job seekers can follow feeds from lists published by these and other companies. In addition to being a cheaper posting alternative than job boards, companies typically receive resumes from fewer, but often, a more relevant applicant pool. Tweeting job postings also serves to position these companies in a favorable light, as they are leveraging today's most "hip" technologies to attract the right candidate pool.

Job seekers also benefit from the ability to interact one-on-one with companies' recruiters. In addition, some Twitter users find this forum more convenient than traditional job boards.

Job seekers must remain mindful of the pitfalls. They should respond to jobs in a professional manner, despite the casual tone of the job tweet and technology forum, in general. Tweeters must also bear in mind that their social online presence is also there for others to view and evaluate. This includes prospective employers who will no doubt use the opportunity to conduct some online sleuthing, which will be factored into their decision to contact you. Personal information ... the good, the bad, and the ugly can be used against prospective candidates, so they should take heed. (The article references one such example.)

FOR FULL ARTICLE, CLICK HERE: http://www.linkedin.com/redirect?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Elinkedin%2Ecom%2Fnews%3FactionBar%3D%26aIdx%3D1%26articleID%3D66252179%26aogid%3D67526872%26gid%3D1727767%26gid%3D1727767%26srchType%3Ddsc%26trk%3Dnews_brkout%26goback%3D%252Envr_1727767_1&urlhash=BB1G&_t=disc_detail_link NEWS & TRENDS SEPTEMBER 8, 2009, 3:05 P.M. ET A New Job Just a Tweet Away By SARAH E. NEEDLEMAN More companies are tweeting for hires.

How To Find a Job on Twitter; Help for the "Twitter Challenged!"

2009-09-12T00:49:00.000-07:00

Employer & Candidate Connection on www.linkedin.com

In this job market, it's important to explore all avenues and deploy a multi-pronged approach to uncovering hidden jobs. Check out this link and let us know what you think:

http://mashable.com/2009/03/13/twitter-jobs/

3/13/09 Article by Sarah Evans

For this and other career-related tools, tips, resources, open positions, or to post your resume for any period of time, please sign up to the Employer and Candidate Connection group on linked in at: http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=2201572&trk=myg_ugrp_ovr

Seeking Successful Candidate/Employer "Matchmaking" Tips.

2009-09-12T00:35:00.000-07:00

Employer & Candidate Connection group on www.linkedin.com

So many candidates, so few jobs, so little time! What are the most efficient ways to find the job or candidate you love in today's job market?

With so many people in transition or employed, but exploring opportunities, how do employers readily and efficiently find a robust candidate pool? With compressed workforces and an ever-expanding pool of available candidates, today's employers needing to fill jobs are more challenged than ever. They, themselves must do more with less including writing and posting jobs, sifting through hundreds of resumes, coordinating schedules and conducting interviews, and successfully negotiating good hires. How do they do this while balancing their "normal" workloads without running themselves ragged or running the risk of losing good candidates in the process who are in the pipeline? Conversely, how do today's candidates get the attention of employers who genuinely need the talent they bring to bear, without coming across as a nuisance, desperate, or worse? In my many years of HR work, I've been faced with this dilemma, but never has it been as pronounced as it is today. I'd like to hear your ideas, and if you're interested, I'd like to provide you with a few of my own! Let's see what those of you out there have done to successfully combat this issue?

For this and other career-related tools, tips, resources, open positions, or to post your resume for any period of time, please sign up to the Employer and Candidate Connection group on linked in at: http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3LmxpbmtlZGluLmNvbS9ncm91cHM/Z2lkPTIyMDE1NzImdHJrPW15Z191Z3JwX292cg==

Career Advice: Getting/Keeping a Job

2009-09-12T00:31:00.000-07:00

Join Employer & Candidate Connection group on Linkedin.com for additional job-related tips, tools, resources and job postings.

I'm not sure if any of you have seen CNN's career-related video clips, but as a former HR professional of 12+ years, they are among the best, most relevant ones I've seen an provide sound tips and job seeker advice. The team they've assembled is amazing and blends hands-on recruitment know-how with legal advice. One video covered "Non-Compete" clauses and the four factors that must exist in order for them to be enforceable in states that uphold them [Reasonable scope, duration, good consideration and a legitimate need for the clause]. I watched four, and they were all EXCELLENT. (One guest authored: "Confessions of a Recruiter" and "Stop Searching for a Job, and Start Networking: The Secret to Getting Hired the Easy Way.")

Be sure to look at the CNN video of 9/3 that addresses how to network to gain access to others in target companies. The techniques are identical to the strategies I articulated in a discussion a few weeks ago. (Note: CNN airs a new job seeker segment at 1 p.m. (I believe) on Saturdays and at 3 p.m. on Sundays (Eastern time). It would be worth tuning in.

Here's just one example: http://internsover40.blogspot.com/2009/09/career-advice-gettingkeeping-job.html

Some key take-aways:

1) Two of three jobs are gotten through networking. This ties to a statistic in a discussion I posted a few weeks back. You MUST network these days to give you an added edge, EVEN if you found and applied for a job via the Internet.
2) Your resume should be a statement of your accomplishments, not a report of your responsibilities. How do you tell? If the person who held your job before you could have written your resume, then it is more of a job description, and you must re do it in order to best represent why a company should hire you (vs. anyone who has ever done YOUR job). Be sure to write what you offer that is unique or special, and which therefore "SETS YOU APART from the pack."
3) Two industries that are hiring even in this economy: Medical and education. (The reality: People will continue to get sick. Also, in this economy, many people are going back to college/universities or otherwise attending to trade schools to get retrained - particularly if they have been out of work.)
4) Use a cover letter as a teaser to "draw" the reader in and intrigue them enough to look at your resume. It will also showcase your writing skills.
5) If you want to change careers, whether you are working or not, join and organization and be active so that you BOTH leverage the experience you have gained and impress the contacts you make enough to recommend you at a future date. In addition to professional organizations/associations, volunteer somewhere doing something good that also will help your resume and allow you to leverage that experience. (e.g., If you want to go into Marketing, volunteer for the American Cancer Society and assist in a marketing capacity.) Volunteering for a non-profit or a professional organization also provides structure and a sense of purpose, stimulates the mind and the heart, and can lift your spirits.
6) Consider training to be a medical tech. It takes about 6-9 months, is in demand, and pays well, depending upon what specialty you select.
7) Pursue small to mid-sized companies that may not pay as much as the bigger companies, but will consider you "a catch" and want to bring you aboard.
8) Be sure to have an "elevator pitch" to build your brand. (Refer to discussions over the past 3 weeks that address this.)
9) Have talking points that you can "spout out" easily and naturally. They should include what value you have created, how you have helped the bottom line, what problems you solved, what changed for the better as a result of you being at a particular company, and in general, what impact you made in a particular job. These achievement-based points should be on your resume, as well!
10) To get a job, employers are looking for a good fit with their company culture and these days most want employees who like to work, are flexible, are pleasant to work with, and who work well under pressure. Be sure you come across this way and convey these attributes.