April-June 2015 Top Picks

Enjoy some of our favorite career articles from April, May and June!

Job Search Strategies

How to Find Flexible and Work From Home Jobs in Retirement

http://www.mylifestylecareer.com/recommended-resources/recommended-sites/how-to-find-flexible-and-work-from-home-jobs-in-retirement-17-helpful-resources/

9 Tips to Help Job Seekers Beat Age Bias

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/9-tips-to-help-jobseekers-beat-age-bias-2012-11-21

5 Things Not to Do During Your Job Search

http://www.glassdoor.com/blog/alienate-job-search/

9 Real Reasons Overqualified Job Seekers Are Rejected

https://jobmob.co.il/blog/reasons-overqualified-job-seekers-are-rejected/

Exploratory Interviews: How to Land Them and Make Them Work For You

http://chameleonresumes.com/2015/04/24/exploratory-interviews-land-and-make-them-work-for-you/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ChameleonResumes+%28Chameleon+Resumes+|+Reinvent+Yourself!%29

Common Salary Negotiation Pitfalls

http://www.masterworkresumes.com/2015/04/20/common-salary-negotiation-pitfalls/

10 Simple Tips to Give You an Edge When Looking for a Job

https://www.myjobmatcher.com/news-and-advice/10-simple-tips-to-give-you-an-edge-when-looking-for-a-job/

Resume

The Resume – But Not As We Know It

http://careerenlightenment.com/the-resume-but-not-as-we-know-it

5 Things to Find Out Before Writing Your Resume

http://robinresumes.com/2015/05/five-things-to-find-out-before-writing-your-resume/

What is Your Email Provider Saying About You?

https://resumewriternatalie.wordpress.com/2015/04/30/what-is-your-email-provider-saying-about-you/

5 Phrases You Never Want to Use in a Resume

http://aneliteresume.com/resume-writing/5-phrases-you-never-want-to-use-in-a-resume/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ResumeWritingServices+%28Elite+Resumes%29

Make Your Resume Shine with the Top Skills of 2015

https://resumewriternatalie.wordpress.com/2015/03/31/make-your-resume-shine-with-the-top-skills-of-2015/

How to Write a Resume

http://careerenlightenment.com/how-to-write-a-resume?

Networking

 12 Types of Job-Search Networkers; the good and the bad

http://thingscareerrelated.com/2015/05/21/the-12-types-of-job-search-networkers-the-good-and-the-bad/
 

Veterans Need a Good Elevator Pitch, Too

http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/outside-voices-careers/2015/05/20/veterans-need-a-good-elevator-pitch-too?src=usn_tw
 

This Might Be the Best Way to Network, Ever

https://www.themuse.com/advice/this-might-be-the-best-way-to-network-ever

 

LinkedIn and Social Media

How to Ring Your Bell on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-ring-your-bell-linkedin-joshua-waldman?midToken=AQE6QYrASX5vNA&trk=eml-b2_content_ecosystem_digest-network_publishes-277-null&fromEmail=fromEmail&ut=3LKr2Sr5g6TCE1

Double LinkedIn Recommendations With Style

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/double-linkedin-recommendations-style-joshua-waldman?midToken=AQE6QYrASX5vNA&trk=eml-b2_content_ecosystem_digest-network_publishes-277-null&fromEmail=fromEmail&ut=31FNvD2mRH1mI1

Interviewing

Sorry Recruiters! You’re Not Getting My Salary History

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/sorry-recruiters-youre-getting-my-salary-history-liz-ryan?midToken=AQE6QYrASX5vNA&trk=eml-b2_content_ecosystem_digest-recommended_articles-382-null&fromEmail=fromEmail&ut=2Re2WQ33BU1mI1

How to Ace the Video Interview

http://carolinedowdhiggins.com/how-to-ace-the-video-job-interview/

Interview Insights – Interview Question: What other companies are your interviewing with?

http://melissallarena.com/news/interview-insights-interview-question-what-other-companies-are-you-interviewing-with/

How to Know if You Didn’t Get the Job – 7 Signs Your Interview Didn’t Go Well

http://www.brazencareerist.com/blog/2015/05/25/how-to-know-if-you-got-the-job-7-signs-your-interview-didnt-go-well/

Career Management/Professional Development/Continuing Education

Put Yourself First (Even If You Think You Can’t)

http://www.careerfolk.com/2015/06/09/put-yourself-first-even-if-you-think-you-cant/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=put-yourself-first-even-if-you-think-you-cant
 

4 Ways to Build Success from Scratch

http://www.careerealism.com/build-success-from-scratch/  

Frustrated in Your Role at Work? Understanding Your Personality Type Can Help

http://www.cppblogcentral.com/education-blog/frustrated-in-your-role-at-work-understanding-your-personality-type-can-help/

 

Entrepreneur

The Best Freelance Websites: 50+ to Bookmark Right Now

http://www.brazencareerist.com/blog/2015/05/11/the-best-freelance-websites-50-to-bookmark-right-now/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Brazen+Newsletter+May+14+2015&utm_content=Brazen+Newsletter+May+14+2015+Version+A+CID_811569e2c9162cc9d395c157fbf6bfe1&utm_source=email%20campaign%20monitor&utm_term=Read%20more

Entrepreneur-Thinking is the New Job Security

http://www.jibberjobber.com/blog/2015/05/01/entrepreneur-thinking-is-the-new-job-security/

UK Alumni Career Q & A - Interview Follow Up Etiquette & Difference Between a Resume/CV

Q: I interviewed for a job a few weeks ago and still have not heard back from the employer? Should I follow up or is this too pushy?

A: This is a common question we receive from our alumni in career transition. Yes, you should follow up. First, try placing a phone call to the head of the search committee or the person that seemed to be the lead interviewer. Simply state that you are still very interested in the position, felt that you were a good fit, wanted to see where they are in the search process, and if you are still being considered. This will give you peace of mind to know if you are still in the running or if it’s time to move on. If you are not being considered, use this follow up call to facilitate dialogue about future openings and experience that you may have lacked for this job. This strategy is a great way of tapping the hidden job market. If you are still being considered, offer to follow up with any additional materials that may support your relevant skills. Also, ask if they have any concerns about your background or experience. Then you can clarify or share additional experience, skills or training that would strengthen your candidacy. You could even prepare a case statement on a problem the company may be facing and how you could help. Additionally, your references could go ahead and send the committee a short email of support. If you are not able to make contact by phone, the same information can be sent by email. Ideally, before leaving an interview, be sure to ask how soon the selection committee will be making their decision, will you be notified, and who will be the point of contact if you have additional questions.

Q: What is the difference between a Resume and a Curriculum Vitae (CV)?

A: If you’ve ever wondered about the difference between a resume and CV, you are not alone. Though resumes and CVs have a similar purpose, they do have distinctions. Both documents serve as a marketing tool to display your individual skills, experience, knowledge, and qualifications. However, there are a few things that clearly differentiate the two.

1.)   When to use a CV: Commonly used when applying for a position in academia, science, or research. Additionally, some graduate programs, fellowships, or grant applications may request a CV upon application. A CV aims to showcase your full academic and professional history.

2.)   Length: Resumes are typically two pages maximum. On a resume, you will choose your most recent/relevant experience and qualifications that pertain to the target position and employer. CVs have no length limit and can be as long as necessary.

3.)   Typical sections found on a CV: Teaching Experience, Research Experience, Grants, Presentations, Publications, Dissertation, References. We encourage you to organize the sections based on pertinence to your audience.

4.)   Emphasis: CVs focus on marketing academic and scholarly achievements. Resumes focus on professional experiences, job-related skills and accomplishments.

Tailor both a resume and CV towards your specific industry and audience. The ultimate goal of both documents is to prove that you are the best fit for a position of interest.

February 'Best Picks' Career Articles

Job Club facilitators read dozens of career blogs and publications each week.  Attached is a compilation of  their 'best picks' for the month of February.

Job Search Strategies

3 Reasons Employers Give Good References for Fired Employees

http://www.avidcareerist.com/2014/01/16/references-fired/

6 Habits of Remarkably Likeable People

http://www.inc.com/jeff-haden/6-habits-of-remarkably-likeable-people.html

One Small Communication Change That Could Help You Land The Job

http://www.thedailymuse.com/job-search/one-small-communication-change-that-could-help-you-land-the-job/

Surprise! You Shouldn’t Answer the Phone When Recruiters Call

http://jobmob.co.il/blog/dont-answer-when-recruiters-call/#axzz2rySmRtkE

15 Things You Should Know About Job Searching

http://jobsearch.about.com/od/best-tips/fl/15-things-you-should-know-about-job-searching.htm

Companies Hiring Unemployed Workers 
http://jobsearch.about.com/od/jobsearchtips/fl/companies-hiring-unemployed-workers.htm

Job Search Dos and Don’ts

http://jobsearch.about.com/b/2014/02/02/job-search-dos-and-donts.htm

Laid Off at 60: What to do Next 
http://www.nextavenue.org/article/2012-05/laid-60-what-do-next

Resume

6 Overused Resume Statements to Nix

http://money.usnews.com/money/careers/slideshows/6-overused-resume-statements-to-nix

This Resume Tip is Almost Too Easy 
http://ezinearticles.com/?This-Resume-Tip-Is-Almost-Too-Easy&id=8291653

Networking

6 Habits of Great Connectors

http://www.inc.com/ilan-mochari/6-habits-connectors.html
 

7 Steps to Delivering a Powerful Elevator Pitch

http://www.businessinsider.com/7-steps-to-delivering-a-powerful-elevator-pitch-2014-1

LinkedIn and Social Media

How Recruiters Fine Top Talent on LinkedIn

http://www.vault.com/blog/networking/how-recruiters-find-top-talent-on-linkedin?utm_source=WCU_Letter&utm_medium=Newsletter&utm_campaign=1_23_2014&referer_ID=7778&utm_source=WCN012314&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=86264
 

10 Steps Toward a Successful LinkedIn Plan (Part 2)

http://thingscareerrelated.com/2014/01/14/10-steps-toward-a-successful-linkedin-plan-part-2/

LinkedIn Activity Feed: Optimizing Your Exposure to Stay Top of Mind

http://chameleonresumes.com/2014/01/14/linkedin-activity-feed/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ChameleonResumes+%28Chameleon+Resumes+|+Reinvent+Yourself!%29

Random Social Media Thoughts for #Jobseekers

http://recruitinginferno.com/2013/05/07/random-social-media-thoughts-for-jobseekers/

Interviewing/Salary Negotiation

Why Would I Hire You?

http://www.linkedin.com/today/post/article/20140123120812-32175171-why-would-i-hire-you?trk=tod-posts-post7-ptlt
 

How to Negotiate a Job Offer

http://www.forbes.com/sites/lizryan/2014/01/27/how-to-negotiate-a-job-offer/

9 Stept to Countering a Lousy Loball Job Offer

http://www.avidcareerist.com/2010/06/06/9-steps-lowball-job-offer/

Career Management/Professional Development/Continuing Education

10 Things to Think About Before Going Back to College

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/10-things-to-think-about-before-going-back-to-college-again/
 

Resignation Letter Samples

http://jobsearch.about.com/od/resignationletters/a/resignationlet.htm

Wildcat Resume Boosters

In order to make your resume more accomplishment oriented, ask yourself the following questions for each position listed:                                                                                                     

·         Did you initiate anything new?

·         How is this company better off now than when they hired you?

·         What did you do to enhance this position that your predecessor or co-workers didn’t do?

·         Did you volunteer for a project/assignment or were you selected?

·         Did you increase/generate ___________ (i.e. sales, productivity, new accounts or business, etc.)?

·         Did you help to company decrease ___________?

·         Did you save the company money by_________?

·         Did you help the company make money?

·         What problems did you solve?

·         Did you create, design, launch, build, organize or develop any new product, program, system, or process? If so, what were the results?     

·         Did you recommend or implement a better or more efficient way to________?

·         Did you receive any awards or special recognition?

·         Did you exceed goals or quotas? Did your team get recognition for_________?

·         What changes did you make to turn things around, increase productivity etc.?

·         Did you supervise or train others?

·         How was your work used (i.e. manual, annual report, presentation) to help others or the organization?

·         Did direct reports get promoted because of you?

·         Do you have a notable record/reputation of accomplishing your job?

·         Are you known for being especially good at something that distinguishes you from your peers?

·         Have there been particularly challenging situations in which you have excelled?

·         Did you meet an impossible deadline through extra effort?

·         Did you complete a major project under budget? How did you make it happen?

·         Did you take on new responsibilities that were not in your job description?      

·         What are you most proud of accomplishing in this position?

·         Why were you hired, selected, or promoted for a role? Was there a particular challenge the company was facing?

Be sure to quantify (#, $, %) your results whenever possible. Explain the positive benefits this made to your employer.

Resume Renovation

Is it time to give your resume a face lift? Whether your actively job searching or not, it’s always a good idea to have an up-to-date resume. The resume that served as your golden ticket to your last position may not cut it in today’s job market. On average, employers devote less than 30 seconds to peruse a resume. They are scanning opposed to reading. Today’s resumes should be clear, concise, and keyword rich.

At a glance, what is the employer going to learn about you? Are your relevant experience, skills, and accomplishments easy to identify?

Your resume has two main goals:

1.) Make it through the company’s Applicant Tracking System (ATS)

2.) Hook the reader’s attention

§         Organize your contact information in a concise manner. Include one email address, one phone number (even if you have more than one!), and your LinkedIn URL.  Hyperlink your email and LI URL to make it easy for the employer to reach and research you. Your physical address is optional, but recommended when applying for local positions.

§        Replace the outdated “Objective” with a Headline and Professional Profile. Use a Headline for immediate impact, giving the reader a good understanding of your industry/goal (i.e., Nonprofit Marketing Executive). Incorporate short branding statements in place of paragraphs. Focus on two to three things you want the reader to know about you. Keep the content on-brand with the position you are seeking.

§        Maximize the space in your Experience section. Concisely illustrate skills, action, and results. Omit full sentence paragraphs (they will be overlooked) and day-to-day tasks. Don’t reiterate your job description. Rather, emphasize your individual contributions and successes. Help the employer see what makes you good at what you do. Polish bullet point statements to highlight results.

§        Bring your format into the 21st Century. Avoid “old-fashioned” fonts (i.e., Bookman, Times New Roman).  For alternative fonts, view this List of Fonts Common to Windows and Mac Systems. Limit bullet points to three to five in a row (long lists of bullet points tend to look like paragraphs and get skipped). To keep your resume to 2 pages, minimize page margins and make blank lines a smaller font size.

In today’s job market, your resume is just one piece of the job search puzzle. It is a critical tool, and in combination with strategic networking, can help you stand out from the crowd!

Posted by Kelly Allgeier