The Importance of Networking

Posted on July 28, 2011 by admin

In almost every job search tip column or book there is a section dedicated to networking, taking us back to the age-old adage “it’s not what you know, it’s who know.” Some agree and some disagree, but research has in fact proven that the people you know can often be the key to unlocking your way into a company. It is important to understand why networking can help you, as well as how to establish and expand your professional network


Create a community, not just a network
People often perceive networking as quantity vs. quality, boasting how many people are in their online networks, etc. At the end of the day, it’s far better to have 3 strong connections than to have 300 people you’ve met in passing. Whether it’s your fraternity or sorority, past colleagues, your bowling team, or a trade association, networking within your groups can help establish stronger connections and ultimately help you learn about and get noticed for great opportunities


Be a resource
In general, what you put into something is what you’ll get out of it. Networking is not a one way street. If you expect to leverage people in your network, you have to be prepared for people to also leverage their relationship with you. Be proactive in sending opportunities to people in your network that you think they may be interested in. If people consider you a resource, they will want to return the favor and help you as well.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Tips for an Effective Job Search

Posted on July 24, 2011 by admin

Searching for a job is tough, especially in today’s job market. It’s easy to become discouraged when trying to find the perfect job, or even just an okay job. In a way, it’s almost like online dating-You read a great ad, write an engaging response showcasing you at your very best, then hope they like you enough to call you. Inevitably, some will call; and some will not.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when going through this process.


Set Reasonable Goals

For example, make it a goal to find and respond to a certain number of job postings every week. Hitting this goal will give you a sense of accomplishment and will also keep your job hunt going. It can take weeks for employers to respond, so make sure you are continually searching and applying; don’t sit back and wait for responses-keep going!


Consider non-traditional job search methods
Gone are the days of finding jobs in the classifieds, so think about trying social media sites such as LinkedIn.com, or Twitter to help you find opportunities. Consider creating a Twitter channel that focuses on the industry you want to work in, so that you can stay abreast of news. Start following others in that industry and pay attention to their posts.

Both of these things will help you feel productive as you continue your search. When you feel productive, you have more confidence, and that is a vital asset in any job search.

Posted in job search | Leave a comment

Two Common Interview Mistakes

Posted on July 11, 2011 by admin

We all know that it is never a good idea to bash your last boss, complain about all the rules you had to follow in your previous job, or start asking about salary before the interview even begins. But there are some other things that can take you out of the race before you even have the chance to start running. Read on to learn how to avoid these all too commonerrors.

  1. Describing yourself as “a team player, committed to getting the job done.”Simply put, this statement is just too obvious. It’s practically impossible to deliver it with any sense of sincerity, because everyone says it. Instead, try to provide specific examples of where you have followed through on a project, completed an important task ahead of schedule, or been part of an effective team. Employers know that past behavior is generally the best indicator of future performance, and by providing them with concrete examples you will be helping them to form an accurate impression of the type of employee you will be.
  2. Not having an answer to the question “Tell me about your weaknesses” or “Describe a time when you made a mistake and how you handled it.” These are very common interview questions and you should be prepared to answer them honestly. Denying that you have any weaknesses or have ever made mistakes does not come across as truthful or sincere. Everyone makes mistakes, and the ability to openly discuss them shows a level of maturity that will appeal to prospective employers. As always, real-life examples are the best way to go. Not only will your answer sound sincere, but you will also stand out from other applicants.

Posted in interviewing tips, job search | Leave a comment

Revamping Your Resume

Posted on July 8, 2011 by admin

It’s a tough job market out there right now and employers are seeing an unprecedented number of applicants for open positions. Does your resume stand out from the crowd?

A key factor is to update your resume to a more modern format. Styles have changed over the past decade, so what was considered “correct” in the past is not needed anymore. Like it or not, most recruiters and hiring managers are going to spend about 15 seconds looking at your resume, so you need to use that time well.

Here are a few tips to help you bring your resume up to date.

Get rid of the objective statement- This is normally where you would describe what type of job YOU are looking for. Companies today generally do not care what they can do for you; they are concerned with what you can do for them.

List achievements instead of responsibilities- Employers would rather read about what you have accomplished vice what you were responsible for. Swap those long, boring lists of responsibilities for a dynamic list of what makes you such a great catch.

Treat your resume as a 15 second sales pitch because that is essentially what it is. If you could have 15 seconds to speak with the person responsible for filling the position, what would you say? Now take that thought process and apply it to your resume. If you find you have trouble talking about yourself, consider using the services of an experienced resume writer. It’s often hard for us to be objective about ourselves and often, having someone else write about our achievements is the best way to get them presented effectively.

Posted in job search, Resume | Leave a comment

Reliability 2.0 Ft. Lauderdale recap – and other thoughts on the subject of CONNECTIONS!

Posted on April 24, 2010 by admin

On my flight from Atlanta to Ft. Lauderdale I had the good fortune of sitting behind a gentleman who was going to the same conference I was – Reliability2.0. I suggested we share cab fare to the hotel but he declined as he had a rental car. He did invite me to join him though and in the end it was the two of us and another individual from the same Plant/Facility as the first man.

As we drove to the hotel, I inquired about their purpose in attending the conference…what did they hope to get from this conference? Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment