Writing Cover Letter, not the online application, Got the Interview

As part of The Five O'Clock Club methodology, we encourage job seekers to make direct contact to get meetings, not to just answer ads online (if answering ads gets you meetings, that's great, but other methods tend to have less competition).

One of the people I am working with received a phone call for an interview after sending a cover letter and resume directly to the employer. After scheduling the interview, she was asked to complete an online application. This candidate had already completed the online application, but it wasn't noticed - the personalized cover letter caught the employer's attention and resulted in an interview!

Take the time and make the effort to reach out directly to potential contacts - the results will be worth it!

Job Search during the Holidays

It is Thanksgiving weekend, and many job seekers are focused on shopping, family events (still very important) and under the illusion that companies will not be hiring and the search will be "slow" during the holiday season. However, this is a great time for the serious job seeker to persevere. If a company does have an opening, they will want to fill that by the beginning of the year, and you have a better chance of being noticed while other applicants are shopping.

For example, I am recruiting for a position and received a very few emails this week in response to my job opening. Yesterday, an excellent resume arrived in my inbox, and within 5 minutes, I called the candidate - to be told that he is going shopping, and will speak to me next week!! "Is your client really in a hurry?", he asked. The answer is "yes", that resume could have been reviewed yesterday and we could schedule an interview next week. We will move forward, but the point is that you have a better chance to shine and be noticed while the competition is out shopping.

Article on Facebook for Job Seekers

My son suggested that I read the following article regarding Facebook for job seekers. Check out the link: http://www.openforum.com/idea-hub/topics/the-world/article/how-to-go-on-the-offensive-with-facebook-guy-kawasaki

We have had several discussions and I have been researching the use of Facebook by other recruiters and as a recruiter myself. This article puts a spin on the use of Social Networking, suggesting ways to play up traits that job seekers want to promote to potential recruiters.
I do think that more companies and recruiters are going to social networking sites to attract potential candidates, and many are checking out the social profiles to get a true picture of the potential candidate.

My advice is to be careful about what you post on Facebook or other social networking sites. It is never good to publicly post negative information about your current or past job, employer, or supervisor - even one of your "friends" could misuse that information, and that type of communication is a negative reflection on you. I feel that you should allow the world to see a general public profile on you, but keep the personal info, pictures, etc., "private", realizing that any posting on the internet is never completely private.

Is your email address appropriate for job search?

As I am reviewing resumes this morning that have come in over the holiday weekend, I continue to be surprised by the number of very professional resumes with non-business email addresses. This may be a small detail, and many job seekers probably have not given any thought to changing their email address for their resume and business contacts.

Most employers or recruiters will be making contact by email. If the address is long and silly, such as ezeeeeee@yahoo.com, it may give the wrong impression - as well as may be copied incorrectly. I see some that give a little too much personal information or may make the person not seem to be serious (livetogolf, ladyinthebathtub - true examples).

A better option is to set up an email with your name, simple, clear, and perhaps to maintain a separate account for all career related correspondence. Crisp, concise, professional - details to carry out in all parts of the job search. Just a thought on this Labor Day.

Sometimes taking charge of your career is like having a toothache

I discovered a dull pain in my mouth this week, debated about going to the dentist right away, but knew that something wasn't right and that waiting might only make things worse. So, I went to the dentist, was back the next day for a root canal (not totally pleasant), and am now recovering. It is a bit uncomfortable, but not nearly as painful as it would have been if I didn't seek professional attention.

If someone is in a job where they aren't really advancing, not learning new skills, I feel that they might have that dull ache that something isn't right, but aren't motivated to seek help or actively start looking for new opportunities until they are forced to do so (by downsizing, poor review, or the pain/frustration becomes unbearable). If someone is employed, spending time developing contacts, learning new skills, and reaching out to other professionals will keep them energized and engaged - and open to hearing about new and better opportunities.

If it appears that looking for a new job is inevitable, an employed person can start a targeted job search if they are prepared to devote 15 hours a week, enough to gain momentum and get some meetings. It is painful at first to get started, but a job search is manageable, and taking control of one's destiny is much more positive than waiting for career decay in a stagnant position.

How to Get your Resume Noticed!

When you see a posting that is an excellent match for your background, you want the hiring team to also see your resume and realize that you should be considered for the job. Sometimes, as a job seeker, you need to facilitate this process by pointing out that you meet the qualifications for the position.

A strong cover letter to accompany your resume can make a difference. Using a two-column format in your cover letter, one side showing the requirements specified for the position, alongside a column with your qualifications, can make it easy for a person reviewing resumes to see the fit (if you truly meet those requirements). I am working with a client who has been called for an interview every time that she has been able to use this approach (and now has several possibilities in the works and is close to accepting an offer).

If the posting is online, try to find out the name of the hiring manager and send the cover letter and resume directly to them as well as to the advertisement. Often, resumes are screened by a junior person and never reach the hiring manager. If the application does not allow you to include a cover letter, at a minimum mail a letter and clean resume to Human Resources and also try to find the hiring manager. Even consider dropping your cover letter and resume off in person if the company is relatively nearby - in this day of internet communication, you will stand out from the crowd of applicants.

The Details can Make the Difference

When searching for a new job, and in managing your career if you are employed, professional details can make the difference between success and disappointments. Maintaining a distinction between business and personal life is critical.

For example, it may seem harmless to send emails from your business email account. However, that address is for company business only. Some companies do monitor outgoing email as the message is representing their company and should be appropriate. Even if your messages are not being monitored, the receiver sees that the message was initiated from your current job.

If you are sending out correspondence to a potential new employer, consider the way this appears to them. Why is this person writing to me about a job from their current job? Will they do this to me? Even if they are not taking time from their job, there is a perception of impropriety that may prevent the job seeker from being considered for the new position.

At this time, being cautious, thinking about the details, can make the difference!

The Difference Changing your Resume can Make!

I am working with a client who had a pretty typical resume. She had the information on her jobs, responsibilities of those positions, and an objective. This client had been sending out her resume but not receiving any responses.

We worked together to identify her specific accomplishments, develop a summary of her skills to include at the top of the resume, and used bold type and underlining to really draw the eye to her most significant points. The information is more powerful and so has been the response!!

Two resumes sent out in the new format generated two phone calls for interviews!! We used The Five O'Clock approach to resumes and are getting meetings. Our next step is to develop an effective cover letter for targeted mailings using the same concepts.

Contact me if you would like the details on this type of resume revision.

Job Clubs - Should you join or start one?

One of the stories on Good Morning America this morning focused on the benefits of joining or starting a Job Club. The concept of a Job Club is a good one, especially if the club's members are clear that this is not a "pity party" but a meeting of active job seekers to strategically help each other in their job search.

The Five O'Clock Club's Insider Program offers weekly "meetings" by telephone, and the critical difference in this method is that the group is led by a Certified Career Coach, trained in proven methods to effectively find new opportunities. Yes, there is a fee to participate in this group, but the expertise offered and group support have a proven track record of success.

If you do decide to start your own Job Club locally, consider engaging the services of an experienced Career Coach to lead your group in their strategy sessions. The group's members may be willing to share the cost of the coach, who will guide the group and ensure that their efforts are going in the right direction.

Internships - Career Planning for College Students and new Grads

In yesterday's Miami Herald, there was an article about the number of internships that are now unpaid, and discussion of whether it is worthwhile to participate in an internship for "free." If a student looks at an internship as a learning opportunity, and part of the educational process, they will realize that having hands-on experience related to their career is invaluable as they look for full-time employment after graduation. Ideally, an internship is mutually beneficial for the employer and the student - the employer takes time to "teach" the student practical skills related to their career, and the student completes assignments that benefit the employer and increase their own knowledge.



Of course, some internships actually are co-operative employment arrangements, with job responsibilities and guidance from the employer, and generally do offer compensation. Many traditional internships are coordinated through the college or university, the student receives college credit for the internship, and may not be paid.



In either case, college and graduate students should look for internship opportunities as they plan their schedules. Practical experience will be a key to finding permanent positions after graduation.

Have you "googled" yourself lately?

With the increasing popularity of social websites, including Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace, employers are using these sites to recruit candidates and to check their profiles. A social site can be a great place to quickly reach out to many "friends" with the news that you are in the job market, or to respond with a lead to someone in that situation. However, there is a risk in sharing too much of your personal life on a site that might also be viewed by professional contacts.

A word of caution - do use the privacy settings that are available to ensure that only your true "friends" have access to your pictures, public comments, and postings that others might tag you with on the site. Check your public profile to make sure that would be comfortable if a potential or current employer saw your information. If you do invite business colleagues to be your "friends", be careful about your language and any negative remarks about business!

LinkedIn is the most popular site for professional networking. While you have the ability to make frequent updates on your status, comment on various discussions, and use the site for professional development, you have control over the comments associated with your profile.

The best test is to "google" your name, see if any negative information appears that could be seen by the public. A first impression is a lasting one.

It's vacation time, should I continue my job search?

Although many people do take vacations around July 4th, Labor Day, and generally during the summer months, serious job seekers persevere during these slower times - an effort that may very well pay off. Do take advantage of this time when other job seekers may be taking a break from their job search. Keep up the momentum of your networking activity, researching potential companies for new contacts, and following up on the positions that are open.

Positions are filled during the summer months, and during the winter holidays, so keep working on your personal job search marketing plan.

Setting Targets for your Job Search

At The Five O'Clock Club, we encourage job seekers to use a systematic approach to their job search, and to establish targets for potential positions. When establishing targets, the job seeker takes into consideration 3 components of the target:

1. Industry or Organization size
2. Job Function
3. Geographic Area

Research shows that a successful search will be based on targeting 200 potential positions (not openings or companies), but pursuing 200 jobs that the job seeker might be able to do (even if that job is not vacant today). Many job seekers are frustrated by the lack of activity in their searches, and it may be due to the fact that they are not pursuing enough positions.

While the task of identifying 200 possible openings may be daunting, it is possible and can yield some very positive results. Brainstorming and research are essential during this process, and working with a coach may be helpful.

Never let the hiring company know that you "need" the job - even when you are desperate

Times are tough right now, and many job seekers are anxious, desperate to find a job. They have an interview, it's a solid company, but remember that when you are interviewing, it is about what you can do for that company if you join them. During the interview phase, the hiring company is looking for someone who will add value to the group, wants to be part of the team, but does not appear to be desperate to take "any" job.

A job seeker recently went on an interview, and then spoke in great detail about their personal life, how they had been out of work for months, and really needs this job. It was all about them, but no mention of what they could do for the company, how they would make a contribution, what benefit the company would see if they made this person the offer.

This is a process, and like any relationship, a foundation has to be built, their is give and take, and the job seeker needs to remain positive, confident, and willing to do what it takes, but focused on the employer's point of view.

Are you sure your resume is being read?

Many jobseekers complain that they send out so many resumes, and have no responses. In this market, there are many applications for any advertised position, so you have to work harder (and coaching can help) to make sure that your resume reaches the right people.

There are some basic things that you can do to make sure that you are actually sending your resume in a format that is easy to open. ]

1. Do make sure that you actually attach the resume to a cover letter or that it uploads to an online application. Often, I receive responses with no resume attached. Many employers will not take the time to let you know that they did not receive your resume.
2. Send the resume as a word 97-2003 document. These are easy to open. For users of Vista, the new version is not compatible on older computers. Also, resumes from a Mac should be sent as a word document (.doc), .dat will not open on all computers.
3. Adobe format protects other users from changing the document, but is difficult to save to most resume databases.
4. For online resumes, do make sure that your resume is "scannable". A lot of bullits, etc., may prevent the resume from being scanned into an electronic system. Have a good copy of your resume to send with cover letters, applications where you can attach a document, and to take with you on interviews. Also use a plain version for online applications.

Good article in today's Miami Herald - relates to Building Career Insurance

There was a timely article in the Miami Herald Business Section this morning for employed people in these uncertain times. The article is titled, Raise your profile, Keep your Job - good points.

When I talk about building Career Insurance, How to Survive in a Downsizing World, I am trying to emphasize to the employed to stay involved, be noticed. If you haven't added anything new to your resume in the last 6 months, no new accomplishments, etc., it is time to volunteer for a new project, take on more responsibility - you will be growing professionally, adding valuable skills, and be recognized as a team player.

The article also mentions the importance of representing your company at industry associations. Effective networking and ongoing career education are critical, both in improving your knowledge of the industry, representing your company, and increasing your visibility and network as an "insider" in your field. Building strong connections while you are employed is invaluable if you do need to look for a new position.

Cover Letters - Stand out from the Crowd

In today's electronic environment, many job seekers are busy applying for positions online, direct to company websites, and do not take the time to write cover letters. A cover letter is an effective tool to generate interest in your resume, and also shows that you have taken time and effort to focus on this particular position, and identify why you are someone worth noticing! Each letter should be personalized for the job you are applying to, and there are critical components to a strong cover letter. I am available to work with clients on developing effective cover letters.

Workshop at the Pinecrest Library - Valuable Information

I was fortunate to be one of the panelists at a program at the Pinecrest branch of the Miami Dade Library System last Saturday. Other panelists included Roselyn Smith, PhD, and Concepcion Tuma, a local Human Resources professional, as well as Claire Berger, Business Broker. Our goal was to share information to provide support and strategies to deal with this recession environment. A common theme from all the presenters stressed the importance of understanding who you are, what skills you have to offer (and enjoy!), and the overall importance of self-assessment. We also talked about ways to stand out from other applicants if you are looking for a job with a company, as well as the ways to approach buying or starting a business. The library will conduct 4 more workshops related to the economic issues of today, and I hope that more people will attend the upcoming workshops. Dates are 6/27, 7/11, 7/25 and 8/15 at 2:00 - for more informatio, call the library at 305-668-4571, for information on the Financial Bootcamp series.

Creating a Marketing Plan for Job Search

Many job seekers are frustrated by the progress (or lack of progress) in their job searches. They are looking for a job, so they reach out to some friends and colleagues, answer ads online, contact a few agencies, and then wait for a response. This "lottery approach" to job hunting is very reactive, and the results may be disappointing.

A proactive, organized approach to job hunting involves developing a plan - a written marketing plan. This marketing plan will consist of a list of companies that are in the right industry, location, etc., and are companies to directly contact. They might not have advertised openings right now, but there are people who fill jobs today - who might not be there next week, or next month. Identifying potenial employers and developing strategies to reach out to those companies will give job seekers an edge and a feeling of greater control.