Get Paid to Sell Your Boss

Get Paid To Sell Your Boss!! Isn't Youtube wonderful! See the video below.

Jigsaw in the Job Search

Bypass gatekeepers. Go straight to decision makers and influencers. If you're in the job hunt, Jigsaw can save you precious time.

Jigsaw (http://www.jigsaw.com/) is an online rolodex of more than 8 million business contacts. Every contact in Jigsaw is complete with full name, title, postal address, hard-to-find email address and telephone number. So what does Jigsaw have to do with your job search? Have you ever wanted to contact the Hiring Manager or Recruiter directly for a job posting? Jigsaw can help you do that. Recruiters and sales people use Jigsaw to get direct contact information on passive candidates and customers and you can too.

When I first visited Jigsaw, I was very impressed with the ability to search for a particular job title, industry, and company. What's great is Jigsaw is free if you enter your personal contacts into the site. Points can also be purchased. Once you purchase your contacts, I recommend phoning your contact directly first. Prepare a short script of your interest in the position, highlight your skills and qualifications, and what the next steps are prior to calling the decision maker. Send an email after you leave a message with your resume attached along with a day and time when you will be following back up.

The key to Jigsaw is that the information is only as accurate and reliable as those who enter the information which is why I am still optimistic that this is a great tool for recruiters, sales people, and job searchers alike.

Next time. . . Assessment Test Success Stories

Keeping Your Job Search Secret

Keep your job search secret with these tips.

• Job search on your own time. Companies can view the websites you visit and emails you send during business hours and on your computer

• Block your resume from being viewed. Monster has a great feature called Privacy Plus that allows the candidate to block up to 20 companies from viewing their resume when a company searches for candidates.

• Be discrete. Don't blab to everyone in the office that you're looking for a job. Keep your search to yourself.

• Confidential Resumes on Job Boards. You can use these on job boards, however I'm not a fan. I normally contact the candidate directly from my work email and keep their resume saved. Recruiters skip over these candidates because they aren't worth the trouble. Consider using your maiden name or your middle name in your contact information. Later on in the interview process, you can let the company know you go by Patrick instead of James.

• Ask the prospective company not to contact your current company. Although, this is supposed to be confidential, it does happen. Let the prospective company you would like to keep your interest confidential.

• Use a headhunter or recruiter. They will submit your resume confidentially. Depending on the position and your position level, this is an excellent option for in demand industries, high level, VP and above candidates.

Why Your Resume Isn't Cutting the Mustard

I sat down today at my desk and spent an hour reviewing about 50 resumes as I prepared to begin the interviewing process for an open requisition/position I am trying to fill. And out of those 50, only 7 made the cut. I was interrupted a handful of times with phone calls and questions. I spent roughly 15-20 seconds skimming each resume. Yes, I said 15-20 seconds, some less, some more. So what made those resumes stand out above the rest?

• Be qualified for the job. The job board revolution has made it easy for recruiters to access active candidate's resume and has changed the way most recruiter's fill positions. However, this revolution also allowed candidates easy access to millions of jobs with the click of a mouse. About 30% of the resumes I reviewed today, didn't meet the minimum qualifications for the position. I recommend not applying for that pie in the sky job unless you have a networking contact at the company who can testify to your excellent sales skills or experience in accounting.

• Less is more. Less words, less pages, less bullets, less objectives, less stuff is more. Do you want the Recruiter to spend 15 seconds reading your long objective or do you want the recruiter to view your experience and qualifications? Remove distracting items like crazy text, photos, or unnecessary personal information like your hobbies or the number of grandchildren you have.

• Tailor your resume to the job. If you are interested in a position as a Bookkeeper, include your skills that relate to bookkeeping on your resume. Include the words that relate to the position you are applying for as well as and relevant computer or software programs you have used, any certifications, or special training you received. You don't always have to include every position you have worked, just the jobs that are relevant to the position you are applying for. In other words, leave out your bartending position if you are applying for a position that has nothing to do with bartending if you are looking for a Dental Assistant position.

• Include a coverletter. I recommend this especially if you have recently relocated, applying for a position outside of your experience, or to give the hiring manager more information to set you apart from the rest. Typically, I don't read coverletters unless something doesn't add up in their resume. Some companies require a coverletter and will disqualify the applicant if they do not include one.

• Network. If you have read previous posts, you know that I am passionate about networking. Networking allows you the inside scoop about unadvertised jobs, provide testimonials about you as a candidate, and dramatically increase your odds of landing a job. Out of those 50 applications, 2 were from referrals in my network. It doesn't guarantee them the position, but it definitely gives the candidate an edge.

Join My Bloggingforjobs Community

Click on the link below to join my online community with MyBlogLog! I'm looking forward to connecting with you. You'll receive updated posting and more information that ties in with the bloggingforjobs blog itself along with the ability to connect with others within my network.



Cheers!
Jessica

ASK the Recruiter

Beginning next week, I will have a weekly segment called ASK the Recruiter. Please email me your question to jmiller-merrell@sbcglobal.net or visit my myspace page or linkedin page to ask your question.

One question will be selected weekly and posted on my blog. Don't be shy. I know there's a question you have been dying to ask a Recruiter or HR Professional.

Cheers! Jessica

Contact ME:
jmiller-merrell@sbcglobal.net
www.myspace.com/kansasgirl4133
www.linkedin.com/in/jmillermerrell

Networking When Relocating

Relocating to a new city and beginning a job hunt is definitely a challenge. Some companies steer away from new residents because of perceived complications and added expenses. As a recruiter and also someone who has relocated, I love recruiting folks who are in transit or recently relocated. These candidates often offer a fresh take on the environment and geographic area they are relocating to, and I believe are a recruiting gold mine.

I would recommend that if you are relocating to a new city to consider the following:

• Notify your network. Your network is more powerful and effective than submitting your application on a job board or responding to a newspaper advertisement.
• Get a P.O. Box in the new city ASAP. This is a great way to look local. Include in your cover letter that you relocating and give them the timeline. Depending on the position and the recruiter's timeline, you might be able to receive a job offer 4 weeks, 2 months, or 6 months out.
• Connect using Social Networking. Sites like Linkedin, Facebook, and others are growing, growing, growing. Don't be afraid to search for recruiter or hiring manager's in the area or network and ask for assistance.
• Cold Call your Top 100 Companies. Take a sales approach and make the call. Develop a plan to contact companies either by phone, email, or snail mail. Be creative. I recommend using online rolodex sites like jigsaw.com.
• Power Networking Lunches are Essential. While you are visiting your new city prior to the move, I recommend having lunch and coffee with as many contacts as possible. Develop a relationship, send emails, and keep your name and face in front of them.
• Research Spousal Relocation Programs. If the reason you are relocating is because of a spouse or family member's new job, ask if their company offers relocation assistance with a job coach or other job service company. Check the state's unemployment rules. Usually you can qualify if you quit your job to relocate because of a spouse.

Next time. . . Using http://www.jigsaw.com/ in the job search.

Need a laugh??

I love youtube! Check out this great video called bad day office. Makes my workday seem not so bad.

The Salary Negotiation Process

You've made it through the multiple interviews, and it's job offer time. As if the job interview process wasn't tricky enough, you're faced with the salary negotiation process. You have mixed emotions. On one hand you're excited to receive a job offer and often relieved and on the other you try to maintain your cool. So what's the standard process?

Typically, you receive a job offer either by phone or face to face with the recruiter or hiring manager. Each job offer situation is different. Here are some points to consider.

• Be upfront. If the hiring manager gives you a lowball offer, express your disappointment and your expected salary range based on the position requirements and qualifications. Sell yourself!!

• Be professional. This is most important. No matter what the situation is don't beg or treat the hiring manager unprofessionally. Often times the salary negotiation process takes time. Keep your game face on.

• Don't feel pressured. Take the time that you need before you jump in. Measure the pros and cons. Speak with family members and your professional mentor. If the company wants you, they'll wait just not forever.

• Ask questions. Hopefully, during the interview process you've already asked some questions and gotten a feel of the culture and environment that you might be working in. Make a list and don't be afraid to ask as many questions as you need.

• Be realistic. Don't make crazy demands that are unrealistic. I am always upfront with the candidate especially if they are expecting a salary that I can't offer. Unfortunately, not every company or recruiter is. Follow your gut.

• Don't be afraid to ask for more. . . money, vacation, pto, benefits. This is your one chance to be in the driver's seat with the company you're interested in working for. Be realistic but if you feel you deserve a company car, more vacation, a larger salary, or medical benefits from day 1 of employment, let the hiring manager know. I recommend that you be prepared by doing your research on industry standards as well as being prepared to sell yourself and the reasons why you deserve __________ (add benefit or salary here).

Good Luck and Happy Negotiating!! Next time. . . Networking when Relocating

Job Hunting on the Edge Part II

In this job market, one in the job hunt needs to be creative to get that competitive edge and develop their own personal brand that will get you noticed and on your way to the career of your dreams. Here are some ideas while job hunting on the edge:

• Creative Marketing Materials-Get noticed with unusual business cards or a video resume on CD or jump drive.
• Rent an airplane banner-Although expensive, this will definitely get people's attention. Use your website to draw people in and go from there.
• YouTube Video-Start a sensation with a YouTube video. These videos can be reposted on blogs like this one and myspace and facebook pages. Start a grass roots event using your online network.
• Speak Publicly every chance you get-Give public presentations and speeches at every opportunity to broaden your network and your public image. Make sure you have those marketing materials handy.
• Be googleable. Get your name and information out on the world wide web. Get a website, a blog, or a myspace, facebook page. Get on zoominfo. Customers, clients, and prospective companies often google candidates during the hiring process.

Setting yourself apart from the rest takes time and a lot of effort. Do what's right for you and good things will follow.

Next time. . . The Salary Negotiation Process

College Job Search-How to Plan for Success

Recent college grads learn very quickly that the job search process can be long, drawn out, confusing, and uncertain. Students often graduate from college without a clear understanding of what their future plans are or how their college degree will play into their professional future. I speak from personal experience. I graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Anthropology and a minor in Business. I will admit I had no idea of the job I wanted to do or the field or industry I wanted to work in. I was fortunate enough to receive a job offer several months prior to graduation with Target as a retail manager and eventually fell into the Human Resource profession. However, not every recent grad is so lucky.

1. Set yourself apart from the rest. As a college student, every person in your degree program should be considered your competition in your job search. It's important to differentiate yourself from your competition through internships, part time jobs, and other clubs and activities.

2. Get your marketing materials together. It's never too early to put together a professional resume or portfolio. I recommend ordering professional business cards for yourself to hand out as you meet new contacts at job fairs, college, and networking events. Never miss an opportunity to make a life long professional connection.

3. Join organizations and networking groups outside of your college and university. Spread your wings and get out there in the real world. Join local organizations specific to your degree program like Women in Communication or Society for Human Resource Management. Don't be afraid to join local organizations outside of your degree program like Toastmasters or the Chamber of Commerce.

4. Internships & volunteer work are essential. These are becoming more and more important for valuable experience and networking. Use your networking to your advantage to gain unadvertised internships. Volunteer for extra projects and ask for more. Don't be afraid to talk to someone within the organization you are interning with about career opportunities upon graduation at their company or any they recommend.

5. Create your own destiny. Don't just sit on the sidelines. Start your own company or ask for more responsibilities and experience at your current company. Let the company you work for or volunteer with know that you are available for future projects in your degree field. For example while in college, I started my own residential and commercial cleaning business allowing me to gain valuable business, accounting, and marketing skills that I continue to use to this day.

6. Get a mentor. Develop a relationship with a professional in your field of professional interest. Ask for their advice and assistance in professional decisions like attending graduate school or internships.

7. Do your research. Read articles, attend seminiars, meet with professors and professionals in your field of interest. Don't be afraid to ask companies you are interested in to schedule an "Informational Interview." These interviews allow you to gain valuable insight into what qualities and qualifications specific companies are looking for.

Your professional job search should begin months or even years before you actually graduate. Stay focused and keep your goal in mind in everything you do and say. Be creative, take risks, and don't be satisifed with the norm.

Sales and Your Job Search

The job search isn't just about resumes, responding to newspaper job ads, and interviewing anymore. It's all about selling yourself. Here are some important points to consider as you begin your job search.

1. Follow the Girl Scout motto: Be Prepared. Do your research prior to meeting or contacting the company you are interested in working for. This means a variety of things inlcuding visiting the company website, researching their stock performance, and knowing that position qualifications and speaking to them. Have marketing tools ready to go including your sales pitch, resume, coverletter, business cards, and portfolio.

2. It's a numbers game. Sales is a numbers game. I often use a deck of cards as an example. Consider the face cards as sales or interviews. The remaining cards are all no's. As you flip through the deck of cards you may come across 12 consecutive no's before coming upon a yes.

3. Be confident. Part of being a successful sales person is being confident, and it all starts with you. Dressing the part, a firm handshake, and good eye contact are a good start.

4. Keep it professional. Unless you are indepently wealthy or just lucky, having a job means being able to pay your bills. It's very easy to cross the line from professional to personal. Always try to keep an open mind, an even keel, and keep your focus.

5. Opportunity knocks. Your sales opportunity can happen anytime and anywhere. Greet everyone you meet. Be ready with marketing materials and be prepared to sell. Networking opportunities happen at the most unusual places including Starbucks, the grocery store, movie theatre, and a Halloween party.

Finding the right job that meets your personal, professional, and finaicial goals is a full time job. However, with proper preparation, research, and a little bit of luck you'll be off to a great start.

Next time. . . More Job Hunting on the Edge. Crazy, creative networking and job search ideas to get you noticed.

Blog Testimonial

I received my first testimonial with regard to this blog. I'm so excited!!!!

". . . I for some reason was drawn to your linked in account and I read your job search blog. I just finished reading The Little Black Book of Connections. I am so excited. I want to work in HR and I know I need better networking techniques and after reading this book I want to share with everyone that is job searching.. so all I want to say is THANKS... " Carla

And to Carla I say your welcome! That is exactly what this blog is about. Searching for your dream career doesn't happen over night and takes a lot of work. It's about passion and taking the bull by the horns to make things happen.

THANKS CARLA & GOOD LUCK!!

Superbowl Ads & Interviewing

Who knew that both the Superbowl and Interviewing would ever be a blog topic. Did you see the Tide commercial where the guy (candidate) is sitting in an interview and each time the guy tries to talk about his qualifications, the stain on the guy's shirt talks over him?

Tide-to-Go Superbowl Commercial, My Talking Stain Ad

Add to My Profile More Videos


Often times a candidate's dress or characteristic takes center stage over the interview which is why the Tide commercial is such a good example that actually happens. A friend of mine had a candidate come to an interview with his pet iguana. During the interview, the iguana kept pacing back and forth across the candidate's shoulder. Apparently, the iguana was nervous. My friend had a hard time focusing on the candidate for obvious reasons.

A nervous habit can also be magnified in the interview. In the past, I had a candidate repeat the following phrase about 75 times in the interview, "And Everything." It was very distracting and was very hard for me not to begin counting the number of times he repeated, "And Everything" and everything.

The point is as a candidate you want to be your best. Be prepared. This includes dressing appropriately, leaving distracting accessories (iguana) at home, doing your homework on the position and the company and practicing your pitch and interview questions with friends or in the mirror. It's normal to be nervous in the interview. Preparing appropriately for the interview allows you the opportunity to let your qualifications shine through and not distractions.

Generation Y Can't I Get a Job

Check out the interesting article I found out at itzbigblog.com. Generational Stereotypes are out there, and while I'm not a believer in placing labels it's still a common topic and sticking point for a large number of recruiters and hiring managers. I am from the Generation X camp and will say that often times I feel like I'm having to constantly prove myself and my worth just because I'm the same age as someones daughter.

I think it's important to take a step back and evaluate the situation. I've done a lot of research and read several books and articles that discuss the so-called differences between generations. While I personally do my best to not make assumptions, it's good business to understand the people you are working with and for.

Next time-Sales and Your Job Search


****************************************************
Generational Workplace Woes: Geezers vs. Geeks

As a result of efforts to retain aging workers longer and to fill the new jobs being created as well as replace retiring workers, the workforce is becoming much more multigenerational. Today, we have four distinct generations sharing the workplace: the "Traditional" older workers, the Baby Boomers, Generation X, and Generation Y (also called the "Millennials" or the "Net" generation.) This means that the workplace will be increasingly characterized not just by an aging workforce, but also by increased age diversity.

According to a survey by Lee Heckt Harrison, more than 60% of employers say they are experiencing tension between employees from different generations. The older generation has always complained about the younger one, but, in the modern workplace, the misunderstanding works both ways. Today, you might have a fresh college graduate managing a person thirty, or even forty years older! It can be difficult, on both sides, to handle the disparities of this reality.

I recently overheard the following discussion that summed up the problem. Common conversation between "seasoned" workers is that "I can't find young people to put in a good week's work anymore" (aka - 60-hour work week). To that young Millenials reply: "I will work 60 hours if I have too!" What Gen Ys are really saying is "I'm sorry it takes you 60 hours to complete in what takes me only 40 hours." Gen Ys will work long and hard - they just don't want it to be a way of life.

This generational "crowding" is making for some major conflict and miscommunication in the workplace. That's because each generation has its own distinct set of values, shaped by their unique social conditions, political events, economic conditions, major crises and childhood experiences. Each generation also reacts to the generation before them, and this reaction becomes part of its own identity and defining characteristics. These differences can lead to major misunderstandings between coworkers raised in different eras.

Authors Warren Bennis and Robert Thomas have their own unique view of this situation. They see the generation gap as being between what they call the "geeks" (the younger, "digital" generations) and the "geezers" (the older, "analog" generations.) The analog world in which today's older generations grew up was primarily linear. It rewarded specialization and experience, followed a mechanical understanding of the world, and favored organizational hierarchy. The digital world of the younger generations is nonlinear; it favors a flat organizational structure and rewards the generalist with the beginner's mind. Rather than a mechanical view of the world, it favors a more fluid and changing "living systems" model. This is a major paradigm shift that increasingly divides different generations in the workplace.

Managing this conflict, and finding ways to value the unique contributions made by these four unique generations in the workforce, will be a challenge for all businesses in the future. To learn more about bridging generational gaps and reducing workplace conflict, got to http://www.super-solutions.com/generationalstyleassessment.asp or call 800.803.4303.

Recommended Reading

An important part of the job search process is selling yourself. An easy read is Jeffrey Gitomer's Little Red Book of Selling. Check out his website at http://www.gitmore.com/. In addition to a large selection of inexpensive books, Gitmore has sales training and seminars at various locations and venues throughout the country. I, myself will be attending his Little Black Book of Connections Training in late January here in OKC and I'm totally psyched about it!!!!

A quote from his book, Little Black Book of Connections I felt really hit home. "To climb the ladder of success, you don't need more techniques and strategies, you need more friends." I'm considering this as my mantra for 2008.

Happy Reading!

Check out my sister blog. . .

I'm pleased to announce, my sister blog's debut. It's called Recruiting for the Non Recruiter and is geared towards professionals who are involved in the hiring process. Now bloggers can understand multiple perspectives--those in the job search and those who conduct the candidate search.

Feel free to check out at:

http://www.ere.net/blogs/Recruiting_for_the_Nonrecruiter/.

The ERE Network is a professional site for those involved in selecting, recruiting, and hiring. I feel very privileged to be a part of their site and the recruiting professionals who use and are affiliated with the site.

Recruiter's Take on Resume Posting on Job Boards

For myself as a recruiter, online job boards are a great source of candidates. In the staffing business, we call this resume mining. As a recruiter, when I log onto Monster, Hotjobs, or CareerBuilder and select the search function, I can select the parameters to mine resumes. Some options include search by zip code, recent updated or newly posted resumes by 1 week, 30 days, 60 days, or 90 days, and by keyword search.

Some things to consider when you post your resume:

1. Update your resume frequently. Resumes that are updated frequently get more hits and contact from a recruiter. Resumes are listed by relevancy to keyword search and by most recent.

2. Consider the title of your resume. When your resume title is, "J-dawg's updated resume," a recruiter can see this. What first impression do you want to leave the recruiter with? Consider creative and professional ways to get the recruiter's attention in 7 words or less.

3. Use a professional email address. Hotchick59@yahoo.com and others are absolutely not appropriate to use for an email address on your resume. Use gmail, yahoo, or hotmail to create a new, professional email. I caution you from using the year you were born in your email address as well.

4. Make sure your resume includes "buzz words." Buzz words are industry or position specific words that as a recruiter I will search for resumes that include these words. Do some homework to determine which words are commonly used.

5. Be honest. Don't waste your or the recruiter's time by misrepresenting yourself with a false resume.

6. Steer clear of confidential resumes. Include at the least an email or a phone number where a recruiter can contact you. Yes, you will receive some spam and unwanted solicitations but it is much easier for me as a recruiter to associate a name with your resume. If you are concerned with identify theft, don't include your address or only use the first initial of your last name like Steven P.

Next time. . . Generation Y--Y Can't I Find a Job??

The Proof is in the Pudding. . .

Another interesting article on networking. See below. Sometimes attending every networking function isn't a good idea. I'm more for Quality not Quantity.

http://men.style.com/details/features/full?id=content_5871&pageNum=2

Funny story from one of my recent candidates who was recommended to me by a networking contact. My candidate was shopping at the $1 store when a woman asked her if she was looking for a job. Through the course of the conversation, the candidate learned she was a HR Manager and that the position the HR Manager was recruiting for wasn't a fit for her. The HR Manager did, however, provide her with my information and some basic information on one of the Sales positions I was and am recruiting for. The candidate emailed me her resume later that day and the rest they say is history. Her first day was earlier this week!!

Ever wondered about posting your resume on one of the online job boards? Tune in next time to find out. . .

References Revisited

Below is an excerpt from an interesting article regarding the topic I discussed last week, references and networking. Check out www.employmentdigest.net. It's a great site that has interesting information. Within your cirlce of networking, everything you do is important and can affect you in the long term. Never burn a bridge and be honest with the company you are interviewing. See below to learn more.

Fine-tune network skills for job hunts Connect without wrecking prospects
Posted: 31 Dec 2007 07:40 AM CST at http://www.employmentdigest.net/

An e-mail that a veteran marketing executive recently blitzed to 12,000 contacts begins: “On Sept. 11, to my complete and utter surprise, I was terminated …”

She identified her ex-employer and why the small market-research firm fired her. Copies of her message inadvertently landed in her old boss's inbox, prompting the company to make her sign a separation agreement limiting how she spoke about her departure, her attorney said.The otherwise effective technique could have been hassle-free. Broadcasting bad news about your job is a bad idea.

“I am a prolific networker,” the dismissed executive said in an interview.
But in hindsight, she concedes, the emotionally charged e-mail “wasn't the most professional or politic way to do it.”

Everyone knows you must network to find work following a job loss. Too often, however, unemployed people make networking missteps, prolonging a job hunt.

A common flub involves name-dropping without knowing how a contact feels about the person.
A few weeks ago, an out-of-work executive phoned recruiter Jane Howze for permission “to stop by your office and have you look at my resume.” He cited an unimpressive candidate whom she met once in 2000 but never referred to an employer.

Howze, a managing director at Houston's Alexander Group, refused to see the job seeker. “He was a little presumptuous,” she states.

Exaggerating your relationship with mutual acquaintances can set you back, too.
Recruiter Fred Whelan conferred with a financial-services marketing vice president soon after his layoff because he had claimed to be a client's friend.