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Escaping the Online Job Search Trap

Unemployed in Des Moines networking at Caribou on Ingersoll, Thursday, October 15th at 10am.

Liz Layton works in Career Development Services at Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers Florida. She is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi with a BA Degree in Arts and Letters with a Major in Speech Communication.
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Does your job search consist of surfing job posting websites and applying to any positions that you might be qualified for? And then waiting…and waiting… and waiting to hear something—anything—from the company? A new crop of frustrated job seekers has recently emerged in the United States. This group is being caught in the online job search trap. If you are one of them, it might feel like all you do is wade through postings, to spend hours filling out the applications, and finally submit them into the black hole of the internet. After all of that effort, you never hear from the company. While not even realizing it, you are only passively searching for employment. You are waiting for the employer to find you. In order to secure the best career opportunity, action is required! Using the latest “Source of Hire” statistics from Career Cross Roads to determine the way most companies fill their empty positions, here are some strategies job seekers can take to ensure they do not get stuck in the purgatory of online job seeking:

Target many employers: Over ½ of the 25.7% who report job boards as their main source of hire claim the company website is the source. If that is the case, how do people know about the jobs on the company website? They are using a targeted job search. How can you target your job search? First, research the type of company you want to work for then seek out those companies and pursue job opportunities. Once you have decided the type of companies you would like to work for, you can use reference resources to find them. theyellopages.com and zoominfo.com both provide free lists of organizations with contact information organized by industry. Once you have a list of targets, look for open positions by going to the company website or human resources hotline. If there are no immediate job opening, send your resume and a letter expressing interest in working for the company.

Use networking contacts: 28.7% of all jobs hired externally are from referrals. Networking is key to getting referrals. While you can use Linked-In and other networking social media, stronger relationships are built in person. You can meet people and form professional relationships by joining professional organizations, social organizations, or volunteering. To utilize the network you have developed, think of everyone you know and where they work. This list of organizations is your first target list. Check out each company and see if they are hiring. Then prepare a resume and cover letter for the position you want. You can proudly present your information to your networking contact and ask them to give it to the hiring manager for the position.

Despite the tips above, many organizations still require and online application to complete your application for employment. If you must fill out an online job application remember these tips:

Use exact words: To ensure that your resume does not get screened out, use exact words or phrases from the job description in your resume and application. The program is scanning application documents to make sure that they are similar to the job posting, so HR does not waste time on those without the minimum requirements. Specifically mentioning the skills you posses that match the job description will keep you in the applicant pool.

Customize your cover letter: When submitting applications and documents online, you are very limited. Don’t waste a chance to impress them by submitting a generic cover letter. The cover letter should specifically reference your skills as they relate to the job posting. Make an effort to mention why you like the organization, and why you fit!

More Interview Tips from the Experts

Unemployed in Des Moines networking at Caribou on Ingersoll, Thursday, October 15th at 10am.

Chris Perry, MBA is a Gen Y brand and marketing "generator," a career search and personal branding expert and the founder of Career Rocketeer.
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As I stated in my first article, Interview Tips from the Experts, interviews can be the most challenging and even the most overwhelming stage of the job search process for many job seekers. I had asked interviewers and career-search experts from across the web for what they considered to be the top tips for preparing for and acing interviews in today’s job market. I could not include every tip from all of the experts in my previous post; however, I did not want any of you out there to miss out on these other great interview insights and have compiled them in this second list to share with you today.

Be aware of the question “tell me about your mother or father.” It may seem like an ice breaker, when in fact it can possibly cost you the job. In many cases the values of a parent are also the values of the candidate, and that is what we and the employer are looking for. Compliments on a parent’s work ethic, integrity, and so on can give a good picture of what it is that you value as well. This answer can highlight qualities that make you stand out from the rest. How you were raised and your relationship with a parent frequently has a major impact on performance at the executive level. - Dean Bare, Stanton Chase International

When answering the dreaded "Tell me about yourself" question, understand what they're really asking for. This question is really asking, "Give me some skills and experience that will make me think that you'll add value to our organization." You need to think about crafting your answer to discuss your background and strengths in a way that brings a benefit to the organization. The most common mistakes people make when answering this is 1.) Not knowing what the organization is looking for and 2.) not sticking to strengths and work experience. - Rosemary Laack, PowerSuccessDiva.blogspot.com

Research who’ll you’ll be interviewing with on Linked In and Facebook. Find 2-3 well-respected people you know in common and have those folks phone the interviewer in advance with a personal recommendation for you. You’ll walk into the interview with the job already in hand. - Shane Vaughan, Balihoo.com

Ask for the job. At the end of the interview, tell the interviewer that you are interested in the job, and would like to know what the next steps are. If the next steps seem evasive or unclear, ask the interviewer if your accomplishments seem relevant to the performance requirements of the job. Understanding a potential gap here allows you to fill it in with an example of a related accomplishment. Make sure you do the best job possible of presenting your strengths. Sometimes you have to ask for the job to understand what points you need to get across. - Mark Landay, DynamicSynergy.com

At the end of the interview, I always ask, “Have I said anything that would lead you to believe that I wouldn't be the best candidate for this job?” At that point, the interviewer usually says something, and then I am able to counter it by clearing up any misunderstandings or to tell them how I could overcome that flaw. However, in any event, it shows that I am a problem solver, and I'm not content to let issues sit on the shelf. - Brooke Kelley, RestoretheRepublic.com/vlog

Candidates will do better in interviews by remembering just 2 little words: "for example".By adding the words "for example" to their interview answers, candidates will remind themselves to include lots of accomplishments, anecdotes and quantifying statements to their answers, which is exactly what interviewers are looking for. These 2 little words will make you stand out from the crowd. - Lauren Milligan, ResuMAYDAY.com

Special thanks to everyone who contributed to this wealth of interview insight!

Why Are We Putting All of Our Eggs in One Basket?

Why are we doing this to ourselves?

Most of you reading this post had a full-time job with an employer and that was your only source of income. You lost your job for whatever reason and now you are again looking for a full-time job which will be your only source of income.

What happened when we lost our jobs? We lost our only source of income...which put us in a really awkward, chaotic, anxious situation. Instead of stopping to reflect on what happened to us, so we never put ourselves in this situation again, we jump right back into the game of finding a full-time job.

I challenge you to think about what your lives would be like if you were to create multiple sources of income. Wouldn't your livelihoods be less affected if one of those income streams were to dry up? Instead of having all of your eggs in one basket, spread them around.

I've been thinking about this idea a lot lately. Someone got it stuck in my head...

Wondering what you could possibly do for these jobs? Get creative. If time and money weren't an issue, what would you do? (I stole this phrase from Tim Bianci) Chances are, it's something you could turn into an income stream; if not a river, at least a stream.

What are your thoughts on this concept? I've been laid off twice this year and it didn't feel too good. I'm thinking about taking control of my income streams instead of allowing someone else to have control over my livelihood...

No Job and Running Out of Money

Harry Urschel has over 20 years of contingency and retained search experience for senior technical, management, and executive level professionals. You can find his blog at http://www.thewisejobsearch.com/

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It’s a difficult time in the job market and I’ve been talking to many more people lately that are in dire straits. The lack of income for a longer than expected time frame has taken it’s toll on budgets, mortgages, and unfortunately… marriages. Savings have been used up, unemployment is running out, and debts are piling up. The financial stress often carries over into interviews and it sabotages the chance of getting a job even when there’s a chance. Each story has a different twist and there are no easy answers. I’m no financial expert or household budget guru, however, if you are facing a similar situation, here are some successful strategies I’ve observed and options to consider.

~ Diligently guard your attitude! Maintaining a positive attitude throughout your circumstances, regardless how difficult, is critical to a positive ultimate outcome. Without a positive attitude you are less likely to get a job, find solutions, or maintain your relationships. This is often the least considered but most important aspect in making it through your challenges. Read more about the importance of your attitude and how to maintain it here.

~ Consider a night job. I know of someone that went through job changes twice in their career when they had no money to carry them through their gap in employment. Although this person was a “white collar” professional, each time they found a midnight shift position in a machine shop in the interim to bridge their income. There were multiple reasons this was a successful strategy for them.

Since it’s more difficult for companies to find people willing to work night shifts, it was easier to find those opportunities than to find a more sought after day job. Often, the night jobs pay a premium wage compared to the same day shift as well. By working nights, it left their days free to pursue their job search during normal business hours. They could make the calls and schedule interviews without interfering with their current work schedule. Finally, one of the biggest advantages for them was that they HATED it! They hated the work, the environment, and the schedule. It was one of the greatest motivators they could find to give their full effort to their job search so that they could quit the temporary role as soon as possible. It paid some bills and helped them get their desired job faster. It may not be the right solution for everyone, but it may be a viable option to consider.

~ Cut expenses! That may sound obvious and simplistic, however, I find that many people don’t realize how much they can cut until they are forced to. The sooner you find those cuts, the longer your money will last. Particularly in America, we consider so many things as necessities rather than conveniences or preferences. Find expenses that can be reduced or eliminated in every area of your budget. Consider cable TV, Internet, cell phones, full-coverage insurance, eating out, groceries, dry cleaning, movies, and other entertainment. Now is a perfect time to talk to your mortgage company to explore a possible loan modification that may reduce your monthly payments. Invariably, when people really examine where their money goes each month, and don’t consider any item too insignificant, they are able to save significant amounts of cash.

~ Find money! No… it’s not likely you will find $1,000 laying on the sidewalk, but you may have $1,000 or maybe $10,000 laying around your home. What do you own that you don’t need? Craigslist and eBay are terrific tools to raise money relatively fast. Do you own a treadmill that’s gathering dust? Old books, old computer, old iPod, old cell phone, old furniture, old bicycle, old appliances, jewelry or anything else stored in your basement, sitting in your garage, or laying in a drawer that isn’t being used but could be easily sold? Do you have a newer vehicle that could be replaced by an older, cheaper car or truck? Do you own a boat or snowmobile that might be worth a couple of mortgage payments for you? Often it’s amazing what can generate money for you when you truly look around your home with critical eyes.

~ Explore Temporary or Contract work. Do you have skills and experience in an area where you might find temporary or contract positions? Companies use temporary workers in more fields all the time. It’s no longer just Administrative Assistants or Assembly workers that are used in temporary roles. Companies also use Accountants, Lawyers, Senior Executives, Programmers, Engineers, Network Administrators, Graphic Artists, Nurses, Bookkeepers, Cooks, Construction workers, Trainers, Business Analysts, Copywriters, and dozens of other roles on a temporary or contract basis. Often there are opportunities to get projects on a fixed bid, or piecemeal basis. Many can be done at home. Check with temporary agencies, contract firms, and call on companies directly for any of those kinds of opportunities.

~ Seek help. For some, it may mean seeking out and asking for help from others. Can you get help from family or friends? Can you get help from your church, synagogue, or other religious organization? Are there resources through your local Salvation Army, or other charitable organization? Have you explored what federal, state, or local benefits might be available? If your situation warrants it, seek whatever help you can.

~ Give special attention to your relationships. Often people withdraw into themselves during financial challenges rather than be open and proactive with their spouse or family. This is why one of the major causes of divorce is financial stress. Open communication and empathy with each other is critical in maintaining a marriage or friendship. Allowing the relationship to deteriorate compounds problems. Don’t allow the most important relationships in your life to blow up. Make the time and effort to give them more care than usual.

A job search can be an incredibly stressful time and financial meltdown makes it worse. If you find yourself in that situation, go into financial triage mode and find ways to keep your head about you. Whether it’s through seeking God, confiding to a friend, or getting plenty of exercise, your own mental health, persistence, and positive attitude are critical.

Times can be trying, but if you do all you can and keep at it, there will be a light at the end of the tunnel.

Why You've Gone on a Dozen Interviews and Were Not Hired

Crystal Cotton is a career development consultant, President of Crystal Clear Connextions, and author of career blogging site, Job Ready, Job Savvy http://www.jobreadyjobsavvy.blogspot.com/. She specializes in empowering individuals with communication skills necessary to succeed in the workplace and beyond to create meaningful and intentional relationships. Through communication workshops, seminars, and coaching, Crystal helps people connect, influence, create and achieve career goals. Get Better Communication Skills Now at http://www.bettercommunicationskills.com/ .
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With 20 years of experience in Human Resources, Recruitment and Staff Development, I‘ve had my share of really bad interviews. I confess, early in my career the bad interview experience could have conceivably been my fault. After all, the interview process can be just as grueling for the interviewer as it is for the interviewee, especially if either are inexperienced, overly nervous or just have poor communication and social skills. But, as I became more experienced, more precise with my questions and more skilled at soliciting critical information without crossing any lines of legality (this takes a great deal of intuitive skill), it became apparent that sometimes…no, most of the time; it’s not me it’s you. Yes, YOU…the ill prepared, inexperienced, unprofessional and inconsiderate job applicant. YOU are the primary reason why you’ve gone on a dozen interviews and were not hired!

Before I move on and explain, let me put in my disclaimer to stave off all the nasty-gram email I am bound to get. The job market is bad and opportunities are few and far in between. There are more job seekers than job opportunities. However, when you are getting interviews but no offers, you must look at yourself more closely. Something could be amiss.

Recently at a round table discussion with several of my HR colleagues, I posed the following question, “assuming all major qualifications are met, what’s the one stand-out thing that makes you think twice, or even disqualify an applicant for hire?” These are the things that make a difference when the playing field between you and another candidate is leveled and now the employer is making character judgments, as a means of finding just the right fit.

Eager to vent and air their pet peeves, my colleagues all chimed in, almost simultaneously. It was like HR harmony as they vocalized their top 5 reasons for not hiring an applicant. It echoed what I’ve personally experienced over the years, and have heard time and time again from employers and recruiters. It’s YOU… and your inability to make a good and convincing impression. This explains why you’ve gone on a dozen interviews and were not hired! Listed below are the top 5 reasons revealed in my informal, unscientific query. Take heed, these are opinions of people who influence and sometimes make the final hiring decision. These are experienced Human Resources Professionals who give weight to these 5 things when deciding who gets hired and who doesn’t.

YOU ARE DRESSING INAPPROPRIATELY: By inappropriate we mean too much cleavage, or too body conscious. It’s a job interview, dress like you have a clue. Tone down the cleavage. Ok, I get that some people don’t have a suit, and no-one’s saying it has to be Armani, but at least put on a blazer. Please remember that flip- flops are traditionally beach wear, and even if they are embellished with rhinestones, or made from the finest leather, they are not appropriate for a job interview.

YOU ARE NOT PREPARED: Did you do your homework? Employers are impressed when you know more about the job than what is on the posting. It shows you have a sincere interest in the job and the company. Take what you’ve learned about the company and formulate some questions to ask at the interview.

YOU CANNOT CLEARLY EXPLAIN YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS, GOALS OR POTENTIAL WORTH: This is a key point. So you’ve got skills, but what have you done with those skills which demonstrates your successes? Can you clearly state your goals and align those goals with the company in mind? Worth, in this sense does not mean salary, it means value. What value do you add to the company? What will be your contribution to their bottom line? Know how to express these things and you’re well on your way to your next job or career move.

YOUR RESUME DOES NOT SUPPORT YOUR INTERVIEWING SKILLS: A prime reason to draft your own resume (get the help of a professional if necessary, but know what it says and make sure it accurately reflects your skills and capabilities). When I work with people to re-write their resume, I make sure we do it together, I get their input, and see that the client understands how to present it to employers. Know that the resume is an extension of you and is the first way you are identified by the employer; know it like you know your birth date and social security number.

YOU’VE FORGOTTEN YOUR MANNERS: Never under estimate the power of being polite and just using a bit of common sense. Confirm your appointment, this shows responsibility and interest. If by some freaky chain of events you are late, call. When you get there, apologize and offer some explanation. Let me be clear, your explanation should be short and simple. Save the melodrama for your friends. Don’t interrupt the interviewer when speaking. It might lead the interviewer to think you have control issues. Lastly, say thank you for the opportunity to interview at the end of the meeting and in your follow-up communication.

Believe it or not, these things can be just as important as your skills. Make one of these faux pas and you may still be a contender. Make a few of these at once, and you’ve earned yourself a standard rejection letter. So the next time you go on an interview and things don’t go well, think about what you could have done differently.

Great Networking Today at Caribou!

Bring a sack lunch to Net2Work on Monday, 5 October at Connxions, so we can continue our networking session from 12-1pm

Great networking today at Caribou. I know it was short notice for most of you to be able to make it today, so I'm giving you two weeks notice to make sure you can come next Thursday. I've reserved the back room at the Caribou on Ingersoll from 10am-12pm.

We had about 10-15 people show up for very informal networking. Ben Stone of RPO Consulting even made an appearance! No speaker or program, just meeting new people, catching up with people we already know and making great connections over coffee. I received a lot of positive feedback about the event, so that's why we're going to do it again.

For those of you who were able to make it, what did you think? I'd love to hear your feedback!

See you all Monday at Net2Work at Connxions