Monday, December 26, 2011

Job Searching Hints for the Holidays

 
While the majority of companies will not do much hiring during the holidays, it is still important that those who are looking for other employment to maintain their job searching efforts.
When the holidays fall on weekends, many companies slow down for the holiday season, but rarely do they ever come to a complete stop.  As a job seeker, you should expect that some employees will be on vacation on during this entire week.  As a job seeker, you should also be aware that many of the those who sit in the chairs at the higher end of the company hierarchy will be taking advantage of the ‘quiet’ time and actually be in their offices cleaning up loose ends or preparing/strategizing for the beginning of the new year.   

If you were one of those who had the opportunity to be interviewed during the last few weeks, but haven’t heard anything since the interview, don’t panic!  It will probably take most offices until the first week of January to get caught up.   If you haven't heard, it doesn't mean you won't be contacted for an interview or given a job offer.

If you are one of those job seekers who is concerned that your applications have been lost in the midst of the holiday season,  the question still remains, “How should you follow up to make sure that your candidacy hasn't been forgotten in the transition to the New Year and the pile of work waiting for hiring managers when they get back to the office?”

ANSWER: Send a follow up note reiterating your interest in the position and offering to provide any further information the hiring manager might need. That way, you can remind the employer that you are interested and available, even though a couple of weeks have passed since the interview.

Do you have any job searching hints for the holodays that you would like to share?

Copyright © 2011, Career Matters. All Rights Reserved. Permission to Reprint: This article may be reprinted, provided it appears in its entirety with the following attribution: Copyright © 2011, Career Matters. Reprinted by permission of the author, Mary Salvino. “Career Matters” is a blog hosted by Mary Salvino, Senior Consultant for SMART Career Planning.com that is dedicated to those who are seeking advice on managing their career and future job opportunities. We welcome readers to share their experiences, post their comments or ask questions about career related matters. This blog is also dedicated to those who stand a little taller each time they picked themselves up after failing and those who gained the wisdom and humility from those experiences to help others do the same. For any questions or comments that are better addressed privately, please feel free to e-mail Mary directly at Mary.Salvino@shaw.ca

Monday, December 19, 2011

The 10 Commandments for Job Seekers


Do you wish there was a better way to make the most of the time you spend looking for work?  Well, there is!  Read on.

1. Thou shalt treat your job search like any other job.  Start work, looking for work, at the same time every day, take regular breaks and end your day at a specified time.

2. Thou shalt use the time you spend looking for work on the Internet wisely.  You do not have to read your horoscope, or play Freecell, or watch popular videos on YouTube, or read articles that are not directly related to your industry when you should be looking for work.  Do not check your e-mail more than 3 times per day - As soon as you sit down at your computer, after lunch and once more in the middle of the afternoon.  Anything that is work related and comes in after your last e-mail check can wait until tomorrow.

3. Thou shalt read the job description and only apply for opportunities for which you are qualified.

4. Thou shalt read and follow the instructions given for applying for the job opportunity. 

5. Thou shalt take the time to customize both your cover letter and résumé to suit the job
opportunity.

6. Thou shalt incorporate social media job search techniques as part of your job search strategy -   Follow companies on LinkedIn, Facebook &Twitter.

7. Thou shalt show appreciation.  Always send a note of thanks to those you have responded to your job enquiries or granted you an interview.

8. Thou shalt share content and information with others in your industry. Keep it relevant but don't hesitate to answer questions from would-be peers, share your blog, article , upcoming events, or other important information with others.

9. Thou shalt diversify your job search techniques to include both on-line and off-line activities.

10. Thou shalt be persistent and follow up on all applications sent.

Did you find this article useful?  Please share your comments.



Copyright © 2011, Career Matters. All Rights Reserved. Permission to Reprint: This article may be reprinted, provided it appears in its entirety with the following attribution: Copyright © 2011, Career Matters. Reprinted by permission of the author, Mary Salvino. “Career Matters” is a blog hosted by Mary Salvino, Senior Consultant for SMART Career Planning.com that is dedicated to those who are seeking advice on managing their career and future job opportunities. We welcome readers to share their experiences, post their comments or ask questions about career related matters. This blog is also dedicated to those who stand a little taller each time they picked themselves up after failing and those who gained the wisdom and humility from those experiences to help others do the same. For any questions or comments that are better addressed privately, please feel free to e-mail Mary directly at Mary.Salvino@shaw.ca

Monday, December 12, 2011

Job Seeking: Self-Promotion Marketing Errors and How to Avoid Them

When you are looking for a job you are in the business of marketing and self-promotion.  Just like any in other business, when a marketing strategy doesn't work, i.e. you are not any securing interviews, you may think that it is time to re-evaluate your strategy, and, you may be right.  Many job seekers who make errors in marketing themselves [their brand] have a lack of understanding with regard to how marketing really works.  Lasted below are some of the common mistakes in marketing and some suggestions on how they can be avoided:

1) Shotgun VS rifle.  Experienced marketers know that you can increase the intensity of your brand's appeal by narrowing the target audience.  It is better to be the first choice of 10% of the population rather than one of ten options for everyone.

2) Betting on logic and rationality. Hiring managers are human and they do not make decisions solely on the basis of the most logical choice. Emotion influences the majority of decisions, therefore you, as a job seeker, should try to ‘connect’ with your potential employers, by identifying common interests, backgrounds, challenges, etc., rather than trying to convince them that you are the best choice.

3) Believing that market research trumps everything. Market research can be flat-out misleading.  Market research is often stale-dated and some of the information you are able to suss out about your target market may not even be true.  Be aware of current events and read newsletters rather than government reports to find out about what is trending in your industry.

4) Getting seduced by the shiny and new. Fresh marketing tactics and tools are presenting themselves all the time; it is tempting to try to one-up the other guys with marketing collateral that is ‘fancier’ than the tools you are currently using.  Maintain your professionalism at all times.  All of your marketing collateral needs to be clean, precise and optimized for the best result.   Do not be distracted from what is working.

5) Advertising your aspirations. Potential employers are not in the business of supporting you and your aspirations; they are in the business of influencing their bottom line in a positive manner.  To increase your success rate of securing interviews, your marketing collateral should detail how you have saved money for former employers.

It is always easy to come up with reasons not to do something, surrendering to fear of the unknown. Not all of the self-marketing tactics you do will work, but with each mistake, you will be learning and growing.

Was this article useful?  Please let share your thoughts with others.


Copyright © 2011, Career Matters. All Rights Reserved. Permission to Reprint: This article may be reprinted, provided it appears in its entirety with the following attribution: Copyright © 2011, Career Matters. Reprinted by permission of the author, Mary Salvino. “Career Matters” is a blog hosted by Mary Salvino, Senior Consultant for SMART Career Planning.com that is dedicated to those who are seeking advice on managing their career and future job opportunities. We welcome readers to share their experiences, post their comments or ask questions about career related matters. This blog is also dedicated to those who stand a little taller each time they picked themselves up after failing and those who gained the wisdom and humility from those experiences to help others do the same. For any questions or comments that are better addressed privately, please feel free to e-mail Mary directly at Mary.Salvino@shaw.ca

Monday, December 5, 2011

Are You Job Hunting During the Holidays? You should be!

Yes, job seeker, you can make progress in your job search during the holidays. Believe it, or not, a great deal progress can be made in the area of hunting for new opportunities during the holidays.   It should be noted that these opportunities will not be in the customer service area as these positions will have already been filled, but,  when things are slowing down at the office there are often excellent opportunities.  Here is why:

  • Companies that deal primarily with customers will see a lull in activity due to the fact that those customers are tending to their own needs
  • This lull in activity will allow hiring managers the opportunity to assess their own staffing needs
  • Hiring managers will have a good idea of who their star performers are and who will need to be replaced
  • Some hiring managers have budgets that need to be spent
  • Busy professionals/executives spend more time in the office and are open to meeting with job candidates. Be available and flexible during the holidays. Would you be willing to interview for a job in the last few days of December?
    • Words of caution: Business Casual Is Great … Once You’re Hired. When arranging a holiday-time interview, if you hear “Just dress casually, it’s a ghost town here, and I’ll be in jeans,” don’t be tempted. You get one time to make a first impression
      • Dress for the job you want - wear suitable business attire. It shows respect.
      • Take your pad, take notes - you will need them to compose your thank you for the interview follow-up
      • Bring a hard copy of your résumé
      • Regardless of how chilly the weather, don’t waltz in carrying a Grande Caffe Latte
  • Hiring managers and recruiters have a sense of urgency related to staffing at this time of the year. They do not want to begin the new year with a staffing deficit. The want to be ramped up to meet new business opportunities
  • The majority of job seekers will put their efforts on hold, so the competition for the positions that are out there is reduced
  • There are opportunities for job seekers to do some uber-networking through volunteering [you never know who you are going to meet, or where] and attending social gatherings.
    • Words of caution: Always Party with a Professional Side:
      • Be ready with an elevator pitch about yourself and your career goals
      • Go easy on the eggnog and other alcoholic beverages
      • Avoid dressing like Lady Gaga
      • Bring business cards, even if they only state your contact information and specialty



Copyright © 2011, Career Matters. All Rights Reserved. Permission to Reprint: This article may be reprinted, provided it appears in its entirety with the following attribution: Copyright © 2011, Career Matters. Reprinted by permission of the author, Mary Salvino. “Career Matters” is a blog hosted by Mary Salvino, Senior Consultant for SMART Career Planning.com that is dedicated to those who are seeking advice on managing their career and future job opportunities. We welcome readers to share their experiences, post their comments or ask questions about career related matters. This blog is also dedicated to those who stand a little taller each time they picked themselves up after failing and those who gained the wisdom and humility from those experiences to help others do the same. For any questions or comments that are better addressed privately, please feel free to e-mail Mary directly at Mary.Salvino@shaw.ca

Monday, November 28, 2011

The #1 Rule to a More Efficient Job Search


Looking for work is stressful enough without wasting time pursuing opportunities that will never come to fruition.  There IS a connection between the job description and a candidate’s skill set.  If you are a job seeker and looking to streamline your job search activities, consider the following tips and information:

Read the job description BEFORE applying for the job! 
 
Job descriptions are snapshots of the job.  Well written job descriptions will clearly and concisely state the job responsibilities as well as a list of tasks that successful candidates will be required to do once they have secured employment with the company.  Well written job descriptions will also list the key qualifications i.e. basic requirements and/or credentials desired by the employer.

Well-written job descriptions are likely to contain the following information:
  • Title of the position
  • Department
  • Reports to (to whom the person directly reports)
  • Overall responsibility
  • Key areas of responsibility
  • Consults with (those who the person works with on a regular basis)
  • Term of employment
  • Qualifications (necessary skills and experience required)
It is also important to note that a job description may not be limited to explaining the current situation, or work that is currently expected; it may also set out goals for what might be achieved in future.

Rationale for reading the job description BEFORE you apply for the job:

1.         You will be able to identify the functional responsibilities and skills required to do the job and if you have the necessary skills to fulfill the job responsibilities.
2.         Once you have a better understanding of the job duties, you will have a better understanding of what a reasonable amount of pay is for the job and if you are willing to accept that level of  remuneration
3.         Once you are called in for an interview, you will be in a better position to respond to the interview questions that would be relevant to the role as well as the information you need to have a better understanding of the standards by which you will be measured

Advice to job seekers:

There IS a connection between the job description and a candidate’s skill set, so, stop wasting valuable time and resources pursuing job opportunities for which you are not qualified. 

Copyright © 2011, Career Matters. All Rights Reserved. Permission to Reprint: This article may be reprinted, provided it appears in its entirety with the following attribution: Copyright © 2011, Career Matters. Reprinted by permission of the author, Mary Salvino. “Career Matters” is a blog hosted by Mary Salvino, Senior Consultant for SMART Career Planning.com that is dedicated to those who are seeking advice on managing their career and future job opportunities. We welcome readers to share their experiences, post their comments or ask questions about career related matters. This blog is also dedicated to those who stand a little taller each time they picked themselves up after failing and those who gained the wisdom and humility from those experiences to help others do the same. For any questions or comments that are better addressed privately, please feel free to e-mail Mary directly at Mary.Salvino@shaw.ca

Monday, November 21, 2011

Small Companies Need YOU


Recent surveys conducted by The Bank of Canada and Price Waterhouse Coopers [PwC] indicate a bright future for small business in Canada.  The PwC Business Insights Survey, which looks at issues affecting Canadian private companies, says that, despite the economic slump, Canadian private companies are more optimistic than ever and that 82% plan to grow and expand over next 12 months.

Looking for and securing a job is a numbers game.   While most of the advice out there suggests that working for a large company is optimal.  If you, especially if you are a mature worker and looking for opportunities, it makes sense to consider the green pastures offered by small businesses.

Large businesses, as a rule, require candidates to clear the hurdle of their HR department before they bring candidates in for an interview.  The problem is that large businesses, i.e. those with and HR department that is larger than one employee, has likely invested tonnes of money in their Applicant Tracking Software [ATS] systems.  These ATS systems require candidates to submit standardized résumés that restrict the candidate’s ability to reveal the depth and breadth of their entire skill set.

Large companies, as a rule, are uncomfortable accepting ideas and growth strategies from the grassroots level of the organization.  As a result, the best opportunities for more experienced workers would be to look for opportunities with smaller companies that can and will benefit from the hands-on experience that only someone with years of experience can provide.
When approaching or applying for opportunities with smaller companies, candidates need to be cognizant of the fact that the rules are different in these smaller organizations.

1.  The owner of the small business is usually the one doing the hiring.

2.  The owner of the small business is likely to wear more than one hat and requires the same of their employees.

3.  Small business owners will always need people who can have a positive effect on their bottom line wither by increasing sales, increasing efficiencies or reducing losses.

4. Small business owners will always need employees with good/effective communications skills - written, verbal, presentation and interpersonal. 

5.  Small business owners will always have room for those who can produce extraordinary video and multimedia.  Producing video is just like writing, but it is targeted at customers who don’t like to read.  N.B. Both writing and producing video are skills that can be learned.

6.  Small business owners are far more adverse to taking risks than owners of larger companies and are more likely to hire on contract before offering a candidate a full time position.

When looking for opportunities with small businesses, mature workers, or anyone else for that matter, should not expect to be hired because they responded to an ad and has been granted an interview.  Candidates will need to demonstrate their worth to the company.  Once you, as the candidate, can demonstrate that you have the ability contribute far more to the company’s bottom line than you cost, the next exercise will be to figure out a payment schedule.

Was this article useful?  Please share your thoughts with others.

Copyright © 2011, Career Matters. All Rights Reserved. Permission to Reprint: This article may be reprinted, provided it appears in its entirety with the following attribution: Copyright © 2011, Career Matters. Reprinted by permission of the author, Mary Salvino. “Career Matters” is a blog hosted by Mary Salvino, Senior Consultant for SMART Career Planning.com that is dedicated to those who are seeking advice on managing their career and future job opportunities. We welcome readers to share their experiences, post their comments or ask questions about career related matters. This blog is also dedicated to those who stand a little taller each time they picked themselves up after failing and those who gained the wisdom and humility from those experiences to help others do the same. For any questions or comments that are better addressed privately, please feel free to e-mail Mary directly at Mary.Salvino@shaw.ca