Balance Job Search Technology with In-Person Networking

by Career Transition Coaches Greg Moore and Ed Weirauch

Technology has clearly revolutionized job searches from online resumes and LinkedIn to resume screenings performed by a computer rather than a person. But really, technology only provides a foundation. What’s key is what you do with the gold that can be mined through online technology.

Technology’s greatest asset is its ability to open up a much wider realm of possibilities than was possible in the days before there was a computer on every desk. In those days, the Sunday newspaper provided the main source of job leads and in the bigger picture, maybe there was a handful of actual “help wanted” ads compared to the number of jobs actually available.

Today, just about every employer lists job leads on their websites. Job sites such as Monster.com are OK, but what you really want is to hook into a job lead aggregating site such as Indeed.com. First you’ll fill out your preferences (profession, titles, salary range and location) and from there, you’ll get all the job leads that match your preferences on a daily basis. That’s where you start.

Then what? Think of technology as a foundation for your search. You’ll find leads, some contacts and articles about prospective employers. Then you can really get to work. Here are some strategies for using the Internet as one tool rather than the only one you use.

Job Search Internet Strategies

1. Establish a database, preferably through LinkedIn.com. Link with former colleagues, managers, college friends, relatives and others who you think can help in your job search. And be sure you actually know your connections. You want this online network to be a tool that effectively connects you to others rather than just a listing of names.
2. Subscribe to a job aggregator such as Indeed.com. Barton Career Advisors offers an online aggregator to all its clients. You enter your relevant information: your profession, experience, distance you’re willing to travel, etc. and then like magic, you’ll receive a list of job leads as often as everyday. When you do get these, look beyond the list of leads. There might be a heading “other similar jobs…” click on that. Continue this string and your job prospect list will grow exponentially.
3. Don’t forget to check websites of your professional organizations as well. Part of these organizations’ mission is to identify job opportunities for its members.
4. Once you have identified a company, check its website especially under any “News” subheadings. That gets you insight on recent press releases so you can learn about their latest programs, products or developments.
5. But that’s just a start which really, anybody can do. Look beyond that to third party sites such as Dunn and Bradstreet (www.dnb.com) and Hoovers where you’ll find more objective information. Look for trends so if/when you do get an interview, you can be well-spoken about what really makes the prospective employer tick.

LinkedIn Tips

1. Here’s what we think is the greatest strength of LinkedIn. When you hear about a job with Company X, search your LinkedIn contacts to see if anyone already works for Company X, or if one of your contacts knows someone who works there. Now you can network to ask that contact for insight on the company and the specific opening, to recommend you to the hiring manager, or at least call attention to you. Your objective is to have an edge on all the job-seeking competition and this is a great way to get that.
2. Attach your current resume to your LinkedIn site.
3. Be sure to post a very professional picture of yourself. It doesn’t have to be a formal portrait; on the other hand, it shouldn’t look like a shot you took with your cell phone.
4. Update your LinkedIn site periodically but not too often. Remember that all your contacts get informed when you update your site so be strategic about timing. Every three months is reasonable.
5. Get testimonials from people you have worked with closely and encourage them to be specific about your strengths. Testimonials from former directors and senior corporate leaders carry more weight than your best work friend with whom you had lunch.

Remember that LinkedIn is a powerful tool not only for your use, but also for recruiters and hiring managers who are actively searching this site regularly.

Now to our most important technology message: get away from your desk. Use what you glean with your fingertips to connect in-person, to actively network and to make real job search progress. Here’s just one strategy: through your LinkedIn contacts, set up at least two in-person meetings a week for the next month. And remember, meetings over coffee, breakfast and lunch are far more common today than in a more traditional office setting across a desk.

No Really, How Do I Dress For My Job Interview?

by Michael Quinn, Certified Career Coach

Running a Google search on “how do I dress for a job interview” generated over 106 million responses in under 0.5 seconds. I will add my experience and opinions to the million plus others that you can research. Like it or not, the reality is that you will be judged on how you are dressed, so make sure what you wear makes a positive impression. Attire for job interviews has not changed – you should dress to impress. When in doubt, it is better to be overdressed than it is to be underdressed.  Have you ever gone to a social event, and you were obviously underdressed for the occasion compared to everyone else there? How did it make you feel? The same is true for an interview. Your nerves are already heightened, so make your attire a non-issue.

A few tips to prepare for what you will wear (please note that these tips apply to both men and women, as the guidelines are generally the same):

1. Do your research – Can you drive by the place where you will interview? How are people dressed? What do you notice? If you cannot visit the place beforehand, look online using the company’s website, LinkedIn profiles of people who work there, ask your network of friends and colleagues if they know what the attire looks like.
2. Prepare the night before – Set out your clothes the night before. Make sure everything fits well, is properly pressed or ironed, and it matches. Personally, I am partially color-blind and I make sure to ask my spouse if what I plan to wear matches.
3. Overdress – When in doubt, it is better to be dressed too formal than to be dressed too casual. I had a series of interviews in the Raleigh-Durham area with a healthcare information technology company. I went to the office the day before my interview, and sat in the parking lot around 5:00pm and took note of what people were wearing. For my interview I chose to wear a suit and tie. Upon my arrival, the executive with whom I first met told me I could “lose the jacket and leave it here in my office.”

Your first impression to a potential employer only happens once. Your attire can show that you are ready to impress and understand what it takes to be successful. Or that you just sort of threw something together – employers will assume that is also how you will approach your work. Regardless of your opinion, the way you dress will affect your potential employer’s initial impression of you and your work habits.
A couple of other things to consider include:

• Do NOT have your cell phone out during an interview. If you must bring it with you, make sure it is on the completely silent/do not disturb mode. The same is true for laptops, tablets, etc. If you will need them for the interview, then bring them; otherwise, leave them at home.
• Bring a professional briefcase or portfolio. Have any necessary papers and documents neatly organized.
• Breath mints – yes!  Gum – no!
• A cup of coffee or a soda – no!

Business attire has become more casual over the past decade, and once you have secured a position with an employer, your attire can more closely match the work environment. One final thought – we all want to be recognized as individuals, and I completely agree with this school of thought. When I go to an interview, I always plan to dress to impress. Good luck as you search for your next adventure!

Treat Your New Job Search Like a Full-Time Job

by Outside-In® Career Transition Coach

So your job has ended due to a restructuring, merger, downsizing, whatever. Time to hit the golf course, right?

Think again… you actually have a new job already: finding your next job!

I remember when I experienced my first restructuring and knew my days would soon be free. A still-employed colleague who knew I enjoyed bicycling said “summer is coming, I’d get out on my bike.”  Somehow I didn’t think that would go over too well with my family or my mortgage company. So while I did take a few more bike rides than usual, I also set about creating structure and goals for myself so that I would soon find work and keep my sanity.

The difference between a “real” job and a job search is now you’re the boss. You’re in business for yourself and your future is solely in your hands. So here are some tips to help you make the most of your new, and hopefully temporary, job:

Set a schedule. Be at your computer and desk every morning by 9am if not sooner. Be fresh and ready (which translates into getting showered and dressed). The benefits of a ‘work’ mindset far outweigh the comfort of staying in your robe and slippers (more on that later).

Refresh your personal brand. Update your LinkedIn site or create one if you haven’t already. If your company offered you outplacement services, jump at them. Sharpen your resume, consult your job/career coach if you have one. Make a list of the jobs you have had, what you liked, how you succeeded and from there, fine-tune your vision for your next job.

Subscribe to an “aggregator job site” such as Indeed.com or one your career coach suggests. At Barton Career Advisors, clients get access to such a site as part of our services. Our jobs portal searches the Internet for all jobs that match your preferences within a certain geographic radius. This saves you time from going site to site. 

Network, network, network! Set a goal to reach out to at least ten people you know or LinkedIn contacts by e-mail or phone calls. Let them know not that you are out of a job but instead that you’re in the market for your next opportunity, Remember to be very positive in your dialogue even if inside you’re still feeling kind of cynical about your last job.

Ask your contacts about other people they know who may be looking for someone in your field or would just be good for you to know.  Set a goal of adding at least five new people to your network each day.

Dress to impress. So if you’re doing all this at your desk, why not just stay in your robe and slippers? I guarantee you the day will come when you’ll suddenly hear about a last minute networking event and unless you’re ready to go… lost opportunity! The bigger issue here is that you can’t job search without spending a good portion of each week out of your house.

Personal contact is so important especially in an e-mail world where standing out and being remembered can be so challenging.  Start by asking some close friends and contacts to meet in person, maybe for coffee or lunch. Try former managers with whom you have a good relationship. Vendors you have worked with are great prospects… they want you to find a new job and then maybe they’ll get your new business.

Utilize local resources. Professional associations all have monthly meetings as well. Chambers of Commerce and Rotaries usually welcome guests. Maybe a friend who belongs to an organization can bring you as a guest. If/when in an e-mail or phone conversation someone says “we should meet…” your response should be “OK, when works for you?” Constantly be in the business of meeting new people.

Follow-up with people who share their time with you. A hand-written thank you note makes a lasting impression. If you come across an article that reminds you of one of your contacts, send it with a note saying “thought you’d be interested…” 

Evaluate your efforts and determine what you need to do in the next week to accelerate your progress. With this strategy, your job search will keep you motivated, crowd out any residual bad feelings about your last job and allow you to say quite naturally and confidently “I’m looking for my next opportunity.”

Good luck! Questions? Need assistance with your new job search? Contact us at 302-428-5270.