Back To Work (with or without a job)

With the holidays behind us, we are ready to concentrate on work after taking some quality time off.? For some others however who are less fortunate, this time is to get back into search mode and become gainfully employed again.

This year, much like last, we are learning more about the job market and how to digest challenges as best as possible.? Contributing factors to these challenges include more aggressive company goals, tighter spending, employer expectations, worker perceptions, more available talent/competition, economic stagnation.? Please know even during these obstacles you may be experiencing, that there is still the opportunity to stand out and create your own value proposition to an organization.? If you have been researching and following companies you admire, you don’t need to wait for them to decide on hiring to expand your network and discover more about their business and future employment opportunities.

As someone who has been recruiting in different industries and a myriad of professions, here are some observations which can turn into insights for you.? These serve also as reminders as I still see common mistakes by those looking for a job rather than wanting the chance to shine.? I’ve structured these around three focus areas:

1.???? Identifying job opportunities

2.???? Your resume

3.???? Interviewing

Your goal is to get in front of the right people, at the right time, and distinguish yourself separately from others.? But if responding to a posting, please read the job description more than once and if you don’t possess most of the requirements necessary to be successful in the job, you are wasting time for everyone.? Throwing your hat in the ring is contributing to the length of time not to mention a poorer candidate experience for everyone.? Turn this instead into a networking opportunity.

It’s awesome when you find a person to contact direct, and don’t just apply to a job online.? But please remember, hiring supervisors and corporate recruiters are busy and often overwhelmed with other applicants (many who don’t have the qualifications but still apply anyway).? If sending a message over email or LinkedIn, please craft a communication that will grab the reader attention and give a reason for continuing a discussion.? You didn’t like it when companies in the past would post the ambiguous “We are hiring” without details, so don’t do the same with “I am available.”? If the emphasis in your communication is “I recently ended my last job” or “Finished my degree” or “Just started looking”, your message has less chance of being read since it doesn’t demonstrate what you are offering.? You are in sales mode now, so give your best elevator pitch.

What if you don’t meet the job specs but want to apply to other positions in the future?? Most company career sites have a talent community to join, and most applicants don’t bother or forget to register so they can be alerted of new jobs.? Companies do well at keeping their careers page updated with approved positions, so why not hear about an opening early when it posts.

Expand your search beyond job sites and social media channels.? Networking is still best over posted jobs by utilizing past contacts, associations, local events, national conferences and even volunteering.? Also, you can certainly follow where others you know have went but be sure to also pave your own path.

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Nothing has replaced the obligatory resume (not to be confused with curriculum vitae).? Common resume mistakes include:

-??????? Not spell-checking

-??????? Lengthy- too many pages (by the way more than one page is acceptable)

- Too many words (you're not at the interview phase yet)

-??????? Using bold font too often or randomly

-??????? Going too far back with dates, it could be held against you

-??????? Not adding accomplishments, instead only describing job duties

-??????? Not putting irrelevant or freelance positions into a separate “other” section

-??????? Not listing technical skills

A few tips to help you with your resume:

1.???? Don’t use your LinkedIn or Indeed formatted resume as the one you submit to employers- very cryptic, not personalized.

2.???? I’ve been told in the past it’s not good to have an objective on your resume.? Not true- It’s a helpful introduction so put a sentence or two to give more reason to read down the page.

3.???? Don’t separate your employment by jobs over employers otherwise it appears you move around too often.? Combine them by company so it doesn’t appear you job hop.

4.???? Ask for someone’s professional opinion on both the content and cosmetics of your resume- someone experienced in hiring in your profession would be ideal.

5.???? Highlight if you come from the same industry as the position available, to separate yourself from others.? Recruiters and hiring managers are looking for this.

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Remember, if recruiters don’t catch the right skills and key terms on your resume, AI tools will.?

In addition, it’s good to show that you have stayed busy- could be in the form of coursework, consulting, writing or research projects, volunteering, board opportunities, etc.? If an employer sees gaps or unemployment for too long, they could get the impression you have not been productive.? Also gives a sense of what you do professionally in your spare time.? Please don’t describe your personal interests or activities.? Having that in common with someone doesn’t get you an interview.

For best results, and in a separate communication, an applicant who stands out above others is someone who will outline and match the job requirements to his or her own experiences.? Rather than bullet your generic looking skills or competencies, instead compose a side-by-side comparison of the top 5-7 things you have in common with what the organization is looking for.

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Interviews have become more and more behavioral based and for good reason.? All jobs now work with people- team members, customers, suppliers, influencers, leaders.? If you have not interviewed in years, these traits are key to demonstrate:

·?????? Flexibility

·?????? Ability to make informed decisions

·?????? Honesty (Interviewers spot bullshit)

·?????? Stability (some see this as loyalty)

·?????? Preparedness and confidence

·?????? Level of tone showing interest

And if dealing with a recruiter in the early stages, the impression you make WILL be shared with the hiring manager next.

Here are some mistakes to avoid:

-??????? Not being prepared for tough questions including not preparing examples of past achievements

-??????? Lack of expression or motivation during the interview.? Not showing some personality.? Not asking questions to stay engaged

-??????? Stating you are about “solutions” and “impact” without backing these statements up with your approaches and outcomes

-??????? Getting off-topic, rambling, not directly answering the question

-??????? Not closing the discussion in a positive way (same as closing a sale)

-??????? Not sending a thank you afterwards (trust me, employers will remember this)

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The job market is very much like the housing market now.? You can be selective but put your best foot forward and don’t regret taking chances.? Contact me if you want for any more advice.? Happy hunting and don’t get discouraged, as we have all been where you are now.

?Bruce