Insider Tips on How to Find a Job

My new book called " Get Hired! A Recruiter's Inside Guide to Getting a Job" has just been published.  Inside job hunters and the unemployed can find inside tips and strategies on finding a new job. 

•  Learn how to use a recruiter's insider tips to create an attention winning resume 

• Understand how the real hiring process works and what employers and recruiters dislike. 

• Job hunters learn job hunting techniques that maximize job opportunities while networking, at professional events and job fairs 

• Learn interviewing skills and techniques to impress and understand what employers really seek during the interviewing process.

The book is available through Amazon in both hard copy and Kindle.  Kindle users can also access "Get Hired - A Recruiter's Inside Guide to Getting a Job"  free via the Kindle Library. 

Coping with Job Hunting Frustration

Avoid frustration though positive thinking

Maintaining a positive attitude is essential to finding a job. Interviewers will instinctively notice if your attitude is less than positive. Some may interpret the physical signs of frustration and stress as laziness, low self-esteem or poor attitude. A less than positive person is less likely to be hired so it is vital for job hunters to focus on their mental attitude, dress, body language and skill presentation. Despite company and government policies, how you look and present yourself does play an important role in the hiring process.

  

William Knaus in his book “How to Conquer Your Frustrations” describes how frustrations exist “... when our wants, wishes and desires get thwarted or interrupted.” Interviewing is difficult during the best of times, but the financial and emotional stresses of joblessness take their toll as time progresses. To avoid this pitfall of unemployment one must maintain a proactive and positive attitude.  

Job hunters may avoid this pitfall of lengthy job search by looking at the positive aspects of their career and the benefits they can offer a company. One way of maintaining a positive attitude toward yourself is to write down the best of your qualifications and read them daily. Network with former colleagues and professional organizations in your field, these personnel contacts will improve your job hunting outlook and possible provide you with a company introduction. Volunteer for charitable events in order to network with others. Isolation is your enemy while job hunting.      

Another is to see how your skills translate to other industries where jobs are plentiful. For example, a receptionist who has excellent people skills may wish to look for positions in healthcare field where strong office skills are required. This may mean some re-education but this proactive approach to job hunting will help to prevent job hunting frustration.

 
Remember learning to cope with job hunting frustration is a major factor in a successful job hunt. Think proactively to avoid job hunting frustration. 

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Build Job Experience with Internships

An Internship Access Card Opens Doors to Jobs (Photo credit: davidciani)

Many companies offer college students internships which often turn into real jobs.  Taking advantage of these internships takes planning but the opportunities for real work job experience with reputable and resume noteworthy companies and organizations is essential for a successful post college life. 

I often receive notifications from companies and other organizations with updates on current intern opportunities just by registering  my email with company job notification mailers, government agencies and industry newsletters. Internships are often nonpaying but the opportunities to promote and network yourself  within a company while gaining real job experience is priceless.   

The example below is an intern announcement I received on May 28th from the State Department notice the registration is for their spring 2013 session.


"We are pleased to inform you that we are now accepting applications for the U.S. Department of State's Spring 2013 Student Internship Program.
Click here (http://careers.state.gov/students/programs) to read more about the Student Internship Program, and to start the Gateway to State online application process. Please note that the deadline to submit completed applications is July 02, 2012.
To be eligible for this program, you must be:

• Be a U.S. citizen
• Be a full- or part-time continuing college or university junior, or graduate student (including graduating seniors intending to go on to graduate school).
• Have good academic standing
• Successfully complete a background investigation
• Be able to receive and maintain either a Secret or Top Secret clearance.

Please read the entire vacancy announcement carefully for all qualifications and requirements.
You can also visit our Student Programs forum (http://careers.state.gov/engage/forums/student-programs) to post questions or read discussions about this program.
We appreciate your interest in a career with the U.S. Department of State."


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Find a Government Job by Registering Your Email

Seal of the United States Department of State. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Staying up to date with government jobs openings is easy and fast.  You just have to register with the Government Department where your job interests and experience are best marketed.  I'm registered with State Department and they regularly send emails of positions they have open.  Each government agency is required by federal law to publicly post their potions so visit each agency's government website to find out how to receive free government job ads and information. When applying for such positions make sure to follow ALL application directions.


State Department Job Notification Email for 5/24/2012


Hello:

We are pleased to inform you that we are accepting applications for the U.S. Department of State's Foreign Service Information Resource Officer positions.
Click here (http://careers.state.gov/specialist/vacancy-announcements/iro) to read the vacancy and to start the Gateway to State online application process via USAJobs. The deadline to submit completed applications is July 06, 2012.

All potential applicants are strongly urged to read the entire Vacancy Announcement to ensure that they meet all of the requirements for this position before applying. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and at least 20 years old to apply, be available for worldwide service, and be able to obtain the necessary security, medical and suitability clearances.


Please visit our forums if you have any questions, or to search for answers regarding the Foreign Service Specialist selection process. The forums can be found under Engage on the careers.state.gov website. 

We appreciate your interest in a career with the U.S. Department of State.

How to Find a Job Using a Business Card - part three

Silas Peirce's Business card circa 1822 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

How to Use It-  Network!  Network! Network!

Carry your personal card wherever you go so when you find yourself chatting with someone you can mention you are looking for a job. Recruiters use a similar technique to network with perspective employment candidates. I have often started conversations with people while waiting in lines at the grocery store, amusement park and other places in order to recruit them for future career opportunities my clients may offer. How many times have you talked to someone while waiting in line? 

These job-networking opportunities can only increase your chances of getting a job and getting a personal referral from someone you may have just met may increase your chances of getting a job interview. You never know they may have a job opening in their company or know of a job opening. If the conversation clicks then that is when you hand them your job handbill or personal business card. 

It is essential to remember that once you have your  personal business cards made that make sure to carry it with you every time you go out in public. Also remember personal grooming and image is important when using this job search technique so only try it when you are looking your best. Standing in line half drunk at a bar or shopping without makeup is not a good time to use it.

How to Find a Job Using a Business Card - - part two

Zeke Meyer Studebaker Business Card. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Information to Provide

A handbill or personal card by its nature should be brief. You want someone to take 30 seconds and know all about your experience. Make sure your first list your contact information as you would do in a resume or on a business card. One of the reasons, I like personal cards is because they look like business cards on the front but carry your job information on the back. Their size also makes it easier to carry with you anywhere you go. 

On the front, list your personal contact information and your last career position. It is essential that you include your name and all your professional contact information. I do not recommend including your private social networking information but if you have finished polishing your online image, you should have a professional social network page. 

If you have room on the front, also put a tag line highlighting your area of experience. Create a tag line that can also be your 10 second this is my best experience sales pitch. For example, my personal card tag line may read, “Over 15 yrs. of Executive Recruiting and Hiring Management Experience”

Include a sentence or two on your professional expertise and level of education. Make sure to pitch any awards for example, 2009, 2010 and 2011 sales woman of the year.  Use bullet points to highlight your greatest professional accomplishments.

For example:

·         Over 13 years of executive recruiting experience for fortune 25 companies including eBay and Chevron Oil.

·         Over 11 years as an independent businessperson running various small business enterprises

·         Over 20 years of experience in management, business development and recruiter training

How to Find a Job Using a Business Card - part one

Job search handbills have become a popular job search tool to employers they just seem to be act as glorified advertising fliers. Job handbills may be a good networking tool for entry-level labor careers. However, for other more the professional and higher paying “white collar” positions this type of networking technique may reflect negatively on your level of professionalism. 

As a former recruiter, I am ambivalent about this job search technique so I recommend that anyone who decides to use this technique do it as professionally as possible by putting the job search handbill information on the back of a personal business card! Personal business cards look and feel like standard business cards but contain career information instead of company information. Actual handbill  fliers may work if you are seeking a paper route but for someone looking to make a living wage a personal business card will present a more adult and professional image.  So when selecting a business card for interviewing make sure to have your job search handbill information printed on its back.