Comments on: Job Search Software http://www.jibberjobber.com/blog/2009/12/04/job-search-software/ advocacy for the job seeker Thu, 09 Feb 2012 02:23:17 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.5 By: Shane Smith http://www.jibberjobber.com/blog/2009/12/04/job-search-software/comment-page-1/#comment-440538 Shane Smith Fri, 04 Dec 2009 23:01:13 +0000 http://www.jibberjobber.com/blog/?p=3000#comment-440538 #3 Network, network, network! This means, get away from your computer and meet people face to face. Know what you want and make sure it’s clear to the listener! Give them in writing some of your skills plus a few suggested target companies and then “listen” yourself. Ask the people you meet if they would give you a warm introduction to someone else in their network. And the most important thing of all, SAY THANK YOU! Someone making time to help you is one of the greatest gifts you will receive. Appreciate it and yes, US mail still works in this fast pace world of technology. #3 Network, network, network!
This means, get away from your computer and meet people face to face. Know what you want and make sure it’s clear to the listener! Give them in writing some of your skills plus a few suggested target companies and then “listen” yourself. Ask the people you meet if they would give you a warm introduction to someone else in their network. And the most important thing of all, SAY THANK YOU! Someone making time to help you is one of the greatest gifts you will receive. Appreciate it and yes, US mail still works in this fast pace world of technology.

]]> By: Jason Alba http://www.jibberjobber.com/blog/2009/12/04/job-search-software/comment-page-1/#comment-440533 Jason Alba Fri, 04 Dec 2009 22:37:12 +0000 http://www.jibberjobber.com/blog/?p=3000#comment-440533 great additions all, thank you! great additions all, thank you!

]]> By: Sophie Lagacé http://www.jibberjobber.com/blog/2009/12/04/job-search-software/comment-page-1/#comment-440437 Sophie Lagacé Fri, 04 Dec 2009 15:23:32 +0000 http://www.jibberjobber.com/blog/?p=3000#comment-440437 (Ooops, clicked too fast.) All of these additional tips can be performed entirely online if you want too (though I prefer to draw from a variety of source). (Ooops, clicked too fast.) All of these additional tips can be performed entirely online if you want too (though I prefer to draw from a variety of source).

]]> By: Sophie Lagacé http://www.jibberjobber.com/blog/2009/12/04/job-search-software/comment-page-1/#comment-440436 Sophie Lagacé Fri, 04 Dec 2009 15:20:59 +0000 http://www.jibberjobber.com/blog/?p=3000#comment-440436 - Identify the areas where you want to grow and buff up, whether through readings, classes, online training, etc. Yes, do this while you are searching. This is a good time to brush up on marketable skills. - Write or get help writing a *really* good resume. Most of us need help, no matter how good we think our resume is. Shop for a good, reputable resume service (Jason has many posts on the topic). - Keep informed about job search tactics and compare advice from several credible sources. There's some bad advice coming from big-name sources too, so evaluate to see how well it fits what you're observing; but if the same advice comes from several strong sources, consider using it! - Assemble an interview wardrobe with an eye for quality and taste, but using simple tricks to keep the cost down, such as shopping on sale, at consignment stores, or online; pick clothes that remain safe bets over the years and in different settings: good quality jackets, blazers, cardigans, skirts (if applicable) and slacks in neutral colours you can mix and match, a couple of pairs of good jeans, some shirts/tops and sweaters in colours you can coordinate, and a few nice white shirts. To get more variety, accent with scarves and striking jewelry (for women) or with elegant ties (for men). - Identify the areas where you want to grow and buff up, whether through readings, classes, online training, etc. Yes, do this while you are searching. This is a good time to brush up on marketable skills.

- Write or get help writing a *really* good resume. Most of us need help, no matter how good we think our resume is. Shop for a good, reputable resume service (Jason has many posts on the topic).

- Keep informed about job search tactics and compare advice from several credible sources. There’s some bad advice coming from big-name sources too, so evaluate to see how well it fits what you’re observing; but if the same advice comes from several strong sources, consider using it!

- Assemble an interview wardrobe with an eye for quality and taste, but using simple tricks to keep the cost down, such as shopping on sale, at consignment stores, or online; pick clothes that remain safe bets over the years and in different settings: good quality jackets, blazers, cardigans, skirts (if applicable) and slacks in neutral colours you can mix and match, a couple of pairs of good jeans, some shirts/tops and sweaters in colours you can coordinate, and a few nice white shirts. To get more variety, accent with scarves and striking jewelry (for women) or with elegant ties (for men).

]]> By: JP McDermott http://www.jibberjobber.com/blog/2009/12/04/job-search-software/comment-page-1/#comment-440429 JP McDermott Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:28:49 +0000 http://www.jibberjobber.com/blog/?p=3000#comment-440429 Great tips! Here's one I recommend - form a 'Success Team' of others (people you like, maybe similar geography, industry, level, etc.) and meet at least once a week. The main purpose other than a great support team is to hold each other accountable - like a workout buddy. Share resumes, do mock interviews when one member has one scheduled and celebrate when one lands her job! Great tips! Here’s one I recommend – form a ‘Success Team’ of others (people you like, maybe similar geography, industry, level, etc.) and meet at least once a week. The main purpose other than a great support team is to hold each other accountable – like a workout buddy. Share resumes, do mock interviews when one member has one scheduled and celebrate when one lands her job!

]]> By: Steve Levy http://www.jibberjobber.com/blog/2009/12/04/job-search-software/comment-page-1/#comment-440423 Steve Levy Fri, 04 Dec 2009 13:52:04 +0000 http://www.jibberjobber.com/blog/?p=3000#comment-440423 Since all aggregators have some area of non-overlap, it's a good idea to have them for many sites. Even more, many "municipalities" have business journals (like www.LIBM.com here on Long Island) - sign up for their newsletters and alerts; you never know when a key tidbit can pop up. As far as networking, contact all local outplacement centers - www.right.com, www.lhh.com, www.dbm.com, etc. and find out if they have specific job lead groups in your area. Many LinkedIn groups have gone brick and mortar; Tweetups and Meetups (www.meetup.com) are sure to be in your area too. What Jason said about visibility is critical; I need to find you - so make it as easy as possible. TIP: Some arrogant recruiters may not like this but pffft them...if you have friends you are job seeking, bring their resumes along to your interview and give them to the recruiter - you never know. Since all aggregators have some area of non-overlap, it’s a good idea to have them for many sites. Even more, many “municipalities” have business journals (like http://www.LIBM.com here on Long Island) – sign up for their newsletters and alerts; you never know when a key tidbit can pop up.

As far as networking, contact all local outplacement centers – http://www.right.com, http://www.lhh.com, http://www.dbm.com, etc. and find out if they have specific job lead groups in your area. Many LinkedIn groups have gone brick and mortar; Tweetups and Meetups (www.meetup.com) are sure to be in your area too.

What Jason said about visibility is critical; I need to find you – so make it as easy as possible.

TIP: Some arrogant recruiters may not like this but pffft them…if you have friends you are job seeking, bring their resumes along to your interview and give them to the recruiter – you never know.

]]> By: Jason Alba http://www.jibberjobber.com/blog/2009/12/04/job-search-software/comment-page-1/#comment-440419 Jason Alba Fri, 04 Dec 2009 13:43:31 +0000 http://www.jibberjobber.com/blog/?p=3000#comment-440419 @Steve, your #6 is what I was going to write for #5 before I decided to open it up - google alerts... they are sooooo powerful. @Steve, your #6 is what I was going to write for #5 before I decided to open it up – google alerts… they are sooooo powerful.

]]> By: Steve Levy http://www.jibberjobber.com/blog/2009/12/04/job-search-software/comment-page-1/#comment-440418 Steve Levy Fri, 04 Dec 2009 13:38:21 +0000 http://www.jibberjobber.com/blog/?p=3000#comment-440418 5. Share your job leads with others; if you get that interview, ask the recruiter about other jobs on the docket and actively become a source the recruiter. 6. Create job alerts for Indeed.com and SimplyHired.com 7. If there's a local chapter for a professional or technical association to which you have some affinity to, go to the Holiday Party and bring a friggin ray of sunshine ;) 8. ... 5. Share your job leads with others; if you get that interview, ask the recruiter about other jobs on the docket and actively become a source the recruiter.

6. Create job alerts for Indeed.com and SimplyHired.com

7. If there’s a local chapter for a professional or technical association to which you have some affinity to, go to the Holiday Party and bring a friggin ray of sunshine ;)

8. …

]]> By: Julie Walraven http://www.jibberjobber.com/blog/2009/12/04/job-search-software/comment-page-1/#comment-440416 Julie Walraven Fri, 04 Dec 2009 13:06:36 +0000 http://www.jibberjobber.com/blog/?p=3000#comment-440416 Well said, Jason! Echoing yesterday, positive attitude. I know, easier said than done, but someone who goes around blaming, angry, whining, etc. is not going to rise to the top of the group when interviews are scheduled. In this day and age, that includes comments on blogs, twitter posts, Facebook comments, etc. Employers can choose now, it's their market. First of all, when you have a positive attitude about things, it rubs off. People are attracted to you, they want to help you. Second, you feel better. Anyone who really knows me, knows that I have plenty of reasons that I could whine, complain, be upset, etc. but if I stay there, I will not help anyone, especially myself. Find the good, stay busy, volunteer, or just help a neighbor or family member with a project. This is also networking but it two-fold, networking to stay visible and networking to stay positive. Well said, Jason! Echoing yesterday, positive attitude. I know, easier said than done, but someone who goes around blaming, angry, whining, etc. is not going to rise to the top of the group when interviews are scheduled. In this day and age, that includes comments on blogs, twitter posts, Facebook comments, etc. Employers can choose now, it’s their market.

First of all, when you have a positive attitude about things, it rubs off. People are attracted to you, they want to help you. Second, you feel better. Anyone who really knows me, knows that I have plenty of reasons that I could whine, complain, be upset, etc. but if I stay there, I will not help anyone, especially myself.

Find the good, stay busy, volunteer, or just help a neighbor or family member with a project. This is also networking but it two-fold, networking to stay visible and networking to stay positive.

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