You’ve heard the news. It sometimes seems virtually impossible to land a job. Some employers are receiving 25,000 applicants and insisting NONE of them are qualified. [Read more…] about Stop looking for a job and land one now!
Why you are not getting a job
No doubt, you’ve seen and heard stories about how software, not people, reads your application when you apply for a job. Known as the “applicant tracking system,” or ATS, this software is programmed to look for keywords and phrases in your resume and to select applications belonging to presumably qualified candidates. [Read more…] about Why you are not getting a job
What’s the best avatar to use on social media?
Are you “shadow face” on LinkedIn? An “egghead” on Twitter? Do you use a symbol or a picture of your dog as your avatar? Now is the time to rethink your plans about your online image. According to LinkedIn spokespeople, people are seven times more likely to click through to learn more about you on LinkedIn if you have a photo uploaded on the site. [Read more…] about What’s the best avatar to use on social media?
How to figure out your skills
“To thine own self be true.” It’s more than just a line from Shakespeare! Wouldn’t it be nice if everyone who worked had the luxury of spending their work hours doing something that they enjoyed and was true to their values and skills? If you are considering a new career, have you done any thinking about how that career intersects with who you are (or want to be)? [Read more…] about How to figure out your skills
How to succeed at a career fair
Put your best foot forward! Career fairs can be the perfect occasions to network with recruiters who could help you land an interview. Don’t waste your chance to make a good impression.
Follow these tips to make the best impression:
1. Know what type of job you want. Don’t attend a career fair without knowing what type of job you want to land.
2. Be able to introduce yourself to potential employers. This isn’t as easy as it might seem.
3. Know about the company. There’s nothing more appealing to an employer than prospective hires who actually know something about their organization.
4. Have some good questions to ask. Once you know the basics, it’s easy to draft several inquiries to make you look smart, informed, and on target.
5. Know about the recruiter (if possible). If you can identify the recruiter who will attend the career fair, then look her up on LinkedIn ahead of time.
6. Look the part. It is absolutely crucial to dress professionally. This typically m
eans a business suit that fits, a clean, pressed shirt or blouse, and polished shoes.
7. Have copies of your resume, but expect to be told to apply online. You can’t show up at a career fair without copies of your resume, but don’t plan to drop them off with the recruiter in lieu of applying online.
8. Swap business cards. Even if you’re not currently employed, create a professional business card with your name, a headline that illustrates what you do, and your contact information.
9. Follow up. Send a follow-up note that references your meeting and conversation. (The notes you took from the fair will come in handy for this.)
10. Adjust your attitude. What kind of impression will you make at a career fair if you pout and have a negative demeanor?
Read all the details at my U.S. News & World Report post.
