Tuesday, April 30, 2013

JOB FAIR QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS

Saw a lot of nice folks at the Rehoboth Beach Job Fair and found a lot of common questions and concerns from the attendees I spoke with.  I thought it would be helpful to share their concerns and some of my advice in the event any of my readers find it helpful:

How do I get noticed when the employer wants me to apply online?

The way to do this is follow up - especially important if the employer is asking for an online application that doesn't really allow you to shine!  You might have to do some digging to get contact information and names, but do anything you can to get a traditional cover letter submitted to follow up the application: In person, fax, email, snail mail, overnight mail - just do it!  Not many other applicants will be.... I guarantee it.

Am I not getting called for interviews because I didn't finish college?

I hear this so often - the answer is usually no! Unless you are interviewing and the employers are telling you I'd like to hire you, but you just don't have the degree/certification we are looking for - the answer IS no.  This doesn't mean you might not benefit from improving certain skills; if this is the case improve those certain skills. Otherwise if you have solid skills and work experience an employer for many industries is just not going to be concerned about the fact you didn't finish that last class or internship to get the actual degree!

Don't I have to have complete sentences?

No.  Don't use I or me on your resume - you don't need to have any sentences at all.  If you do then please use commas and periods appropriately.  Usually wording such as "Provide excellent service through anticipating customer needs" is appropriate.  It is most important that the wording you use is clear, concise, and sells you to employers.

I thought I was supposed to have a lot of white space! 

Sometimes you can have too much of anything.  If you have too much white space it tells the employer you don't have too much to include in your resume and he or she might not read further to find out.  Likewise, if you have too much white space you may not be including all of the good skills and abilities that will convince an employer to hire you.  Step back and look at your document overall - are the margins too wide?  the fonts too small?  are you double spacing?

I don't think my resume needs any changes - the librarian/ my brother/my wife helped me with it. 

I have NEVER reviewed a resume done by anyone (including another expert) that I thought couldn't be improved.  Resumes should be considered a fluid document and should reflect the needs of employers and the labor market.  Different people will also tend to notice or look for different things. Librarians, your brother, your wife and anyone else who is not an expert is very helpful, but not trained or experienced in developing a resume.

Another career expert has already reviewed my resume.

I reviewed several today that embarrassed me as a career expert - literally.  That having been said, different experts will have different opinions as well as different levels of expertise.  What they tell you may or may not be wrong and may be more a matter of preference. If you are not sure ask why!  If you don't agree - agree to disagree.  You are the customer and therefore are always right.  If you need to, consult another expert. I always provide a free consult. 

What is a functional resume?
I have to say, this was the topic de jour!  Almost everyone who thought their resume was possibly to blame for them not getting interviews was using a chronological resume when a functional resume would have made more sense in their situation. Many of the job fair attendees did not know there was any other than a Chronological resume (if this format is right for you make sure that your dates are reverse with most recent first unless your field dictates otherwise).

                                                             Free resume review online             


Functional Resume

In general, a functional résumé will be best for online applications. This format highlights your skills and abilities so that employers can very quickly scan your résumé and decide to put you into the pile for consideration.

In general most employers only spend a few seconds reviewing the initial batch of résumé s received in response for an ad. Their goal at this point is to weed through the enormous stack of résumé s received and get it down to a manageable level.

The employer’s goal is exactly the opposite of yours, which is to be considered for the position for which you have just applied. In order to be kept in the pile for further review, it is imperative that your résumé allow the reader to quickly scan down the document to see that you have the general skills and abilities required to be considered for the job.

                                                             Free resume review online             


For example if you are applying for a Customer Service Supervisor Job, you would likely include subheadings under the Skills and Abilities section that include: Customer Service, Administration, Sales and the like. Your Skills Section might look something like:

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Supervisory
 Supervise up to 15 workers, ensuring quality and quantity guidelines
 Schedule assignments according to skil and ability
 Monitor and document progress
 Redirect behavior/activity as needed

Customer Service
 Exceptional customer service and telephone operations; handle customer inquiries and phone directing to the appropriate sales staff
 Identify customer needs and present appropriate company product and services
 Ability to gain customer trust and provide exceptional follow-up, leading to increased repeat and referral business
 Excellent verbal and interpersonal skills
 Capable of determining customer needs

Administrative
 Knowledgeable in using computer to look up specific information
 Operate office equipment, fax, copier, computer, and multi-line telephones
 Daily logs of calls and work performed

If nothing else, the reader can quickly ascertain that you have 1) Supervisory, 2) Customer Service, and 3) Administrative Skills and will likely keep your résumé for further review.

Another advantage to the functional format is that it allows you to quickly reorder, add, or remove subsections according to the job for which you are applying. This makes it easy to tailor your résumé to the position to which you are responding.

Microsoft Office provides some free, simple and easily customizable templates you can use to get started.... If you need help just let me know!

I hope this helps!

What Job Fair Questions and Concerns do you have? Comment below or email me! 

Saturday, April 27, 2013

THANK YOU

A great big thank you to my readers, followers, colleagues and friends for the emails and notes if concern!  I have not  been as active online as I have been having some medical issues that have kept me running between doctors offices, medical centers and physical therapy.

While not resolved, at this point I have gotten the answers I need and have followed  all the recommended treatments. For now I am at somewhat of a plateau and will be satisfied with that.

Thanks again for your concern and well wishes.... I look forward to reigniting our frequent exchanges and online relationship!

JOB FAIR APRIL 30 REHOBOTH BEACH

4/30 Job Fair, 10am-3pm, Rehoboth Beach Convention Center, Rehoboth Beach. Presented by Delaware's congressional delegation. For more information on how to participate, whether as an employer or job seeker, call U.S. Senator Chris Coons's office at 573-6345, or email workshop@coons.senate.gov

Job Fair April 30 Rehoboth Beach

4/30 Job Fair, 10am-3pm, Rehoboth Beach Convention Center, Rehoboth Beach. Presented by Delaware's congressional delegation. For more information on how to participate, whether as an employer or job seeker, call U.S. Senator Chris Coons's office at 573-6345, or email workshop@coons.senate.gov

Friday, April 12, 2013

#FF #Follow Up #Friday April 12, 2013

Here are some great career-related articles shared by some of my esteemed colleagues this past week...

12:42 PM  -  Public
Why are Career Professionals STILL making these FOOLISH Mistakes in Today's Job market? http://thecareerengineers.wordpress.com/2013/04/11/tces-top-10-ways-to-not-get-hired-and-stay-broke/
A bona-fide TCE Career Pull-up Post: I've just created a new TCE math formula for winning a great career opportunity! Here it is -- getting hired is 80% (Engagement/Hu

12:37 PM  -  
HootSuite
  -  Public
3 Steps To Landing Your Public Relations Dream Job http://ow.ly/2w8bDq
Public relations is a growing industry that can offer a rewarding career--how can you tap into it? Here are three steps to land the PR job of your dreams.

12:00 PM  -  Public
Research your dream company before you get the #interview - here's how.http://ow.ly/jRipQ
CareerCast helps job seekers find a job, create a resume, get email job alerts, read career news and best job rankings. Employers post jobs to multiple sites.

Karalyn Brown
11:58 AM  -  Public
Tell me about yourself – Great tips and examples to help you nail this question without embarrassing yourself! http://bit.ly/12U1vRN ...
Examples and powerful tips to help you answer the dreaded tell me about yourself interview question


11:05 AM  -  Public
7 Ways to Discover - Who Do I Want to Be?https://recareered.infusionsoft.com/app/hostedEmail/18073103/b131076c4951cb19

Sometimes this is the most difficult question to answer in your career search. Here's 7 tips to help:https://recareered.infusionsoft.com/app/hostedEmail/18073103/b131076c4951c
  -  Public

Nice article to end your week with.
It's Friday! As the week comes to a close (for most of us), consider making these habits routine before leaving 


10:52 AM  -  
+1'd on www.forbes.com
  -  Public
The algorithms are coming! LinkedIn devises a new way of using big data to help recruiters find the best job candidates.


9:49 AM  -  
Mobile
  -  Public
In my opinion, couples should talk as if the back door is completely locked, there's no other options, and believe everything will work out despite shifting desires and aspirations.
Your most important work relationship is the one you have with your spouse.


11:57 AM  -  Public
How to Stand Out During the Interview: Use These 25 Questions http://ow.ly/2w7b4t
Interviews can be stressful, but if you’ve done your research, prepared your answers, the next thing is to create a list of questions you will ask during the



Monday, April 8, 2013

BE PERSISTENT IN YOUR JOB SEARCH FOLLOW UP

MONDAY MISSION

Many job seekers fear follow up.  Others just get stymied by the methods some employers use to block applicants from wreaking havoc on their workdays.  The hiring process is difficult for employers too!  They are running a business and performing their own duties.  In addition, now they are reviewing hundreds of resumes and fielding just as many calls.

If an employer says no phone calls, though, that may just mean he or she doesn't prefer phone contact. Certainly it
http://www.morguefile.com/creative/Dzz
means they do not want every applicant to call and follow up on their resume submission.  As an applicant, you may need to get creative to ensure your application has reached the right person and to glean the information you need to secure an interview!

No phone calls does NOT mean no emails, faxes, or mail.  A postcard to a bus manager means they don't even have to open an envelope to read your message.  If an ad does not say no phone calls, you may still have difficulty determining who the hiring manager is, when interviews will begin, and how best to impress the employer. 

A receptionist or automated phone system may be "employed" (pardon the pun!) to keep you and your follow up efforts at bay.

To overcome an automated phone system try:
  •     Listening to a directory -- sometimes they provide titles!
  •     Pressing 0 for receptionist or # or * for other options
  •     If you have to leave a message do so:  This is FirstName LastName, a counselor, I am extremely interested in the ______ position and wanted to make sure that my application was received and to schedule an interview if possible.  My number is ___________.
To overcome a receptionist blocking you from the hiring manager.
  •     Butter her or him up - "Thank Heavens, finally, a friendly voice. I know it seems silly, but I don't trust the computer applications and I wanted to double check that my resume has been received by the right person.  Can you tell me who that is or put me in his or her voice mail?"
  •     If that doesn't work, ask if they know when interviewing or hiring will take place?  Anything at all they can share?
  •     If still blocking call back after hours and see what info is available on the automated system.
  •     If you reach a service or general voicemail.  Leave a message for the "Director" or other likely appropriate title and give your name and number and ask for a return call.
Again, if you really want the job (and it is appropriate for the setting and level of job you are looking for) dress for an interview and deliver your resume in person. Regardless of how you do it, following up will make you stand out from all the other applicants sitting at home submitting resume after resume online!
What kind of problems have you had following up?  Do you have any tips or tricks to share?  Comment below or email me!

My Blog List

Follow me on Google +

Popular Posts