Things are much easier than it used to be but there are still some things that you need to keep in mind. You can fill out many job applications very quickly for numerous listings on sites like careerbuilder.com and many others but what about timing of your application? What about the contents of your resume?
Careerbuilder and many of the others career sites really makes it easy for you to save your resume and then submit it to the postings on the site except for when they link over to the actual company or a search firm's site. In this case you usually have to jump through many hoops before you get to submit your application. This can be done to keep the number of applications down from the thousands that typically apply to a single postion. It may also be done to make sure that you are qualified.
The timing of your application can be important. You want to make sure that you are either one of the first to apply or one of the last. The first ones to apply are many times going to at least be contacted. So make sure to get up early in the morning and do a search before you start your day. The ones in the middle are the ones that are ignored because of the high response. The ones at the end are sometimes evaluated if the first one selected didn't pass the phone or in person interview. So don't let the posting date stop you from applying from a position you want. You may not hear back but there is a chance that you have caught the hiring manager or HR rep at the right time.
The contents of your resume are very important. You've probably spent a large amount of time making sure that you have the most impressive skills represented in the most efficient way but are you using the best words? Are you making sure that the terms that you are using to describe what you have done are the right ones for your industry? Make sure that you include those terms in your resume. Those are the terms that hiring companies will use to conduct their search of resumes posted and those that are submitted. Think about the terms that you would use on the search engine to find the job that you want and that may help you.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Under Valuing Yourself
Are you under valuing yourself?
I know that I am and I keep on doing it to myself. The next time that someone calls about a job and they ask how much you want raise it by 40%. If they don't choke, hang up or otherwise end the conversation right there. You have just given yourself a starting point. If they continue the conversation, as has happened to me twice recently, you are still low. In my case I found that the second time that this came up the person was a little hesitant and that was the key to letting me know that I'm dead on.
If you've had trouble with this in the past and you've accepted jobs later to find out that you've left money on the table try this out next time. Start applying for jobs that you don't want so that when they call you can use them as your measurement.
I know that I am and I keep on doing it to myself. The next time that someone calls about a job and they ask how much you want raise it by 40%. If they don't choke, hang up or otherwise end the conversation right there. You have just given yourself a starting point. If they continue the conversation, as has happened to me twice recently, you are still low. In my case I found that the second time that this came up the person was a little hesitant and that was the key to letting me know that I'm dead on.
If you've had trouble with this in the past and you've accepted jobs later to find out that you've left money on the table try this out next time. Start applying for jobs that you don't want so that when they call you can use them as your measurement.
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Beware The Excited Interviewer
Beware of the excited interviewer. They might be a damn good sales person. I don't like to be pushed and I don't like to be sold to. My time is too precious and so is yours.
When you get on the phone with someone, whether it is a recruiter or the hiring manager be careful of the person that spend too much time telling you that this is an exciting opportunity rather than telling you why. they need to explain to you the reasoning behind their thoughts why.
This usually happens with recruiters that are really good at selling people on jobs. They are also usually really skilled at getting people to accept horrible positions that they normally wouldn't want to do. Then you end up in a position that you hate and are waiting for the time to expire on the clock.
That's not the place where you want to be. You want to take some control over the interview in a situation like that. How do you do that?
When you get on the phone with someone, whether it is a recruiter or the hiring manager be careful of the person that spend too much time telling you that this is an exciting opportunity rather than telling you why. they need to explain to you the reasoning behind their thoughts why.
This usually happens with recruiters that are really good at selling people on jobs. They are also usually really skilled at getting people to accept horrible positions that they normally wouldn't want to do. Then you end up in a position that you hate and are waiting for the time to expire on the clock.
That's not the place where you want to be. You want to take some control over the interview in a situation like that. How do you do that?
- Take some control in the conversation.
- Break in with your comments on what you have done that has to do with what they are saying.
- Let them know you are listening and that you agree or disagree. Note: If you disagree you better have a great example and have a great reason that supplies the interviewer with some groundbreaking research.
The interviewer won't know what you don't tell them. So if you have the excited talkative interviewer on the other line of the phone or in person take some control. They usually aren't skilled interviewers and if you don't take control they will usually walk away with a poor impression of you.
Monday, June 4, 2007
Relocation or Bust
Taking a step past the landing your next job phase I'd like to take a step forward and take a look at what should happen during the relocation phase. If you happen to be a transplant or soon to be transplant this is for you...
Perhaps you have worked with a relocation company such as SIRVA or maybe not but there are some things that you need to think about. I hope for your sake that you aren't stuck with SIRVA.
So you got the job. Congratulations!!! The relo package is on the way and your adventure is about to begin. the adventure begins with the receipt of your package that has no doubt been fully explained to you over the phone by either an HR rep or someone from a relo company. Ask them to explain your benefits through email when they are going through them with you. This is the time to negotiate you relo benefits. Documentation is your friend.
Upon receipt of you relo package read through the document and even ask the relo rep to run through it with you. It is a great idea to have your email with the original description with you while you are going through this. Many times company's HR department won't know what is being offered through their relo company. Compare and let your HR know when something is wrong. They are there to supposedly help so make them earn their pay check. When a difference occurs as it most certainly will point it out. They made an offer in their email and should be held to it.
Lets jump forward to after the move. By this point you have had a mover treat you poorly, relo or HR rep forget to call you back and treat you as if they are doing you a favor by doing their job(did someone mention SIRVA?), something will break and something will be missing. But the fun is just beginning.
Make sure that you clearly fill out any reimbursement forms. Most of the time the forms have areas for notes. If your receipts are higher than an allowable amount then you need to explain that as clearly as possible. I'm sure that sounds a little basic it is important to not hold any one to high standards in a situation such as this. Even after you have stated clearly on your forms what your expenses were and what you expected to be reimbursed for a mistake on the relo or HR reps part could happen. They also might ask you to repay them weeks after you thought you were done working with a company like SIRVA. Are you ever really done though?
Its not over until the phone stops ringing, the email stops coming and you can enjoy knowing that the relo people are locked away in their little cages annoying someone else.
Remember you are the customer.
Here is a short check list:
Perhaps you have worked with a relocation company such as SIRVA or maybe not but there are some things that you need to think about. I hope for your sake that you aren't stuck with SIRVA.
So you got the job. Congratulations!!! The relo package is on the way and your adventure is about to begin. the adventure begins with the receipt of your package that has no doubt been fully explained to you over the phone by either an HR rep or someone from a relo company. Ask them to explain your benefits through email when they are going through them with you. This is the time to negotiate you relo benefits. Documentation is your friend.
Upon receipt of you relo package read through the document and even ask the relo rep to run through it with you. It is a great idea to have your email with the original description with you while you are going through this. Many times company's HR department won't know what is being offered through their relo company. Compare and let your HR know when something is wrong. They are there to supposedly help so make them earn their pay check. When a difference occurs as it most certainly will point it out. They made an offer in their email and should be held to it.
Lets jump forward to after the move. By this point you have had a mover treat you poorly, relo or HR rep forget to call you back and treat you as if they are doing you a favor by doing their job(did someone mention SIRVA?), something will break and something will be missing. But the fun is just beginning.
Make sure that you clearly fill out any reimbursement forms. Most of the time the forms have areas for notes. If your receipts are higher than an allowable amount then you need to explain that as clearly as possible. I'm sure that sounds a little basic it is important to not hold any one to high standards in a situation such as this. Even after you have stated clearly on your forms what your expenses were and what you expected to be reimbursed for a mistake on the relo or HR reps part could happen. They also might ask you to repay them weeks after you thought you were done working with a company like SIRVA. Are you ever really done though?
Its not over until the phone stops ringing, the email stops coming and you can enjoy knowing that the relo people are locked away in their little cages annoying someone else.
Remember you are the customer.
Here is a short check list:
- HR or relocation rep explain relo benefits on phone.
- Negotiate (Yes, this is negotiable most of the time)
- HR or relocation rep emails you relo benefits that match what you were told on the phone.
- Receive print copy of relo benefits and check to make sure that they match your email.
- Arrange moving through company.
- Fill out reimbursement forms with notes.
- Receive your reimbursement and wave bye to the relo company.
- Hope that you are done with them.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
The Recruiter Call Gone Wrong
The recruiter call is one of those experiences that you start to receive the moment your resume hits a job site. It is one of those things that is really hard to say whether it will turn out to be positive or a total waste of time. I've wasted a good amount of time talking to recruiters that have no position open. They just want you in their database. Which if you haven't figured out so far, it is a waste of time. The recruiter that calls is usually anew one that needs to get some people in similar to the beginning stock broker. No doubt that a good percentage of them will want to waste more of your time with having you come into their office to qualify you for their clients.
That is what I expect from a recruiter most of the time. But there was a day I was wrong. I received a message from a recruiter asking me to call them back. So I did...
Ring, Ring, Ring...
Recruiter: Hello? (Indian accent, static on the line, most likely in India)
Me: Hello, I am returning your call regarding the !@#$ position you mentioned.
Recruiter: Yes.
Me: I would like to learn a bit more about the opening that you mentioned. Please tell me some more information concerning this opening.
Recruiter: Hello?
Me: Can you hear me?
Recruiter: Yes.
Me: Hello, I am returning your call regarding the !@#$ position you mentioned.
Recruiter: Ok.
Me: I would like to learn a bit more about the opening that you mentioned. Please tell me some more information concerning this opening.
Recruiter: Hello?
Me: Can you hear me?
Recruiter: Yes.
Me: Hello, I am returning your call regarding the !@#$ position you mentioned.
Recruiter: Ok.
Me: I would like to learn a bit more about the opening that you mentioned. Please tell me some more information concerning this opening.
So at this point I realized that something was wrong and ended the call. At least I hope that I realized it at that point. It might have gone one more round. I felt sure that this would make it to an episode of Crank Yankers.
I have to say that this entertaining call was one of the most valuable recruiter call for me. On average recruiters don't understand how to help the job seeker.
I have to point out that I have used recruiters and been placed in positions due to their work. But those are the rare occasions.
That is what I expect from a recruiter most of the time. But there was a day I was wrong. I received a message from a recruiter asking me to call them back. So I did...
Ring, Ring, Ring...
Recruiter: Hello? (Indian accent, static on the line, most likely in India)
Me: Hello, I am returning your call regarding the !@#$ position you mentioned.
Recruiter: Yes.
Me: I would like to learn a bit more about the opening that you mentioned. Please tell me some more information concerning this opening.
Recruiter: Hello?
Me: Can you hear me?
Recruiter: Yes.
Me: Hello, I am returning your call regarding the !@#$ position you mentioned.
Recruiter: Ok.
Me: I would like to learn a bit more about the opening that you mentioned. Please tell me some more information concerning this opening.
Recruiter: Hello?
Me: Can you hear me?
Recruiter: Yes.
Me: Hello, I am returning your call regarding the !@#$ position you mentioned.
Recruiter: Ok.
Me: I would like to learn a bit more about the opening that you mentioned. Please tell me some more information concerning this opening.
So at this point I realized that something was wrong and ended the call. At least I hope that I realized it at that point. It might have gone one more round. I felt sure that this would make it to an episode of Crank Yankers.
I have to say that this entertaining call was one of the most valuable recruiter call for me. On average recruiters don't understand how to help the job seeker.
I have to point out that I have used recruiters and been placed in positions due to their work. But those are the rare occasions.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Typical Job Search Advice
Ok... I took a look around for an example of the typical advice that one will find when looking for help on searching for the next job and within minutes I was at a newspaper in Indianapolis, the Indianapolis Star. The article, Develop resources to expedite the job search, really exemplifies what you must do in order to start your search but leaves you at a loss on what to do next in any of the situations they describe.
Sad! The situation is sad. "Focus on your strengths." How often have you heard that? Too many times. You've probably thought about your strengths and practiced the different forms of the question "What are your strengths?" but without knowing that you need to do more with this to truly land your "dream job" you will be left frustrated.
What do you do with your strengths? You need to use them! Not just make a list and know what to tell the hiring manager. Take advantage of your skill set. Sometimes teaching your skill will put you in position to reach out to those that are interested in your field. Thats just one eaxmple but the possibilities are endless. Try to use your skill to help yourself and not just your current employer.
"Keep an open mind." Thats a great idea! I'm sure you've already gone out and taken a look at what is available in your area and thought to your self that there aren't that many openings, you aren't hearing back from anyone or any numerous other worries. But don't get carried away with applying for anything. You should keep an open mind but don't apply to things that you either aren't qualified for or is totally in the wrong field of work. It is good to open up your options sonewhat but keep in mind that when you get a call you don't want to site there and say, "why did I apply for that? I would never do anything like that."
So what about Networking? That is the best idea yet. Many people find their next position through someone that they know. This is also the reason that you may not want to apply for any job out there. You may meet the person that you sent your resume to for the Chairman of the World Bank position and they will immediatelylaugh at you discount you and your abilities even if you are qualified for something else. This person or their contacts may be the key to your next job.
I would be remiss for not mentioning that with the amount of resumes that a hiring manager receives these days that they probably won't remember you if you apply to something that you aren't qualified for but do you want to chance that?
Try out some of the networking sites such as LinkedIn. You migt be surprised at some of the people tat you might have known from past positions that you may be able to leverage in your search.
Be sure to use what you have and think about who you know and get out there and search!
Sad! The situation is sad. "Focus on your strengths." How often have you heard that? Too many times. You've probably thought about your strengths and practiced the different forms of the question "What are your strengths?" but without knowing that you need to do more with this to truly land your "dream job" you will be left frustrated.
What do you do with your strengths? You need to use them! Not just make a list and know what to tell the hiring manager. Take advantage of your skill set. Sometimes teaching your skill will put you in position to reach out to those that are interested in your field. Thats just one eaxmple but the possibilities are endless. Try to use your skill to help yourself and not just your current employer.
"Keep an open mind." Thats a great idea! I'm sure you've already gone out and taken a look at what is available in your area and thought to your self that there aren't that many openings, you aren't hearing back from anyone or any numerous other worries. But don't get carried away with applying for anything. You should keep an open mind but don't apply to things that you either aren't qualified for or is totally in the wrong field of work. It is good to open up your options sonewhat but keep in mind that when you get a call you don't want to site there and say, "why did I apply for that? I would never do anything like that."
So what about Networking? That is the best idea yet. Many people find their next position through someone that they know. This is also the reason that you may not want to apply for any job out there. You may meet the person that you sent your resume to for the Chairman of the World Bank position and they will immediately
I would be remiss for not mentioning that with the amount of resumes that a hiring manager receives these days that they probably won't remember you if you apply to something that you aren't qualified for but do you want to chance that?
Try out some of the networking sites such as LinkedIn. You migt be surprised at some of the people tat you might have known from past positions that you may be able to leverage in your search.
Be sure to use what you have and think about who you know and get out there and search!
Welcome
Welcome to the new souce for the latest in interviewing news and information. After going through numerous interviews from both sides of the table it is now time to share some knowledge. The information that is out there fails to tie it all together. So, this is the attempt and hopefully a success at brining all of the available information on interviewing together and making sense of it with real world thought and applications.
Stay Tuned...
More to follow.
Stay Tuned...
More to follow.
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