Posts Tagged ‘job hunting tips’

The job-loss numbers in America are staggering. Every day, more companies announce layoffs, only increasing competition for the positions that are available. Job hunters need think creatively if they want to rise to the top of the resume stack.

Try these four job-hunting tricks to put yourself ahead of the pack:

1. Pull out all the stops. Aggressive job hunters may want to take a cue from Joshua Persky. He’s strolled New York City’s streets wearing a sandwich-board resume declaring “Experienced MIT Grad for Hire.” While it may seem a bit extreme, his stunt worked! He’s now employed as a senior manager at accounting firm Weiser LLP, thanks to a recommendation by a recruiter who saw him in all of his sandwich-board glory.If nothing else, Persky’s approach shows us that no tactic is too “out there” when looking for employment — and that creativity counts. If you’re not ready to parade around town wearing your resume, try hand-delivering it to businesses instead. This will give hiring mangers the opportunity to match an actual person with a name, setting yours apart from an inbox full of faceless resumes.
2. Use your social network page as a business networking platform. It’s important to put your best foot forward, even online. But in addition to tailoring your page as an interactive resume, take the opportunity to “friend” business acquaintances, former colleagues or anyone else who can help you with job leads and recommendations.
3. Check out alternative job boards. Websites like CareerBuilder and Monster are great resources for job hunters, but be aware that everyone else is looking there too. Instead, try Craig’s List or company websites where you’d like to work.Also, look into job boards specific to your industry, like MediaBistro.com for media industry professionals. From teaching to healthcare, construction to fashion, a simple Internet search will reveal job boards in many professions.
4. Make a video resume, and bring your image into the 21st century. If a picture is worth a thousand words, then a talking picture is priceless. A video resume is a great option to explore if you’re confident you can pull off a dynamic, professional-looking piece that will boost your employment opportunities.

Today’s job hunters face incredible challenges. Thousands of positions are slashed every week, making employment competition tougher every day. Everyone needs an edge that will pull him or her ahead of the pack. The first rule of job-hunting is to ensure that you put your best foot forward, on paper and in person. But in addition to presenting an impeccable resume and impressive portfolio, job hunters today have to concern themselves with how their personal lives are portrayed online — information that for many is readily available on multiple websites.

Social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace offer potential employers windows into the private lives of job hunters like never before. Most job counselors would advise you to take down personal pages, as they can only hinder your chances of getting hired. But in an ever-changing economy and working environment, why not use such sites to your advantage?

Here are six ways social networking sites can boost your image, your job opportunities and ultimately your bottom line:

1. Market yourself to employers. Delete any compromising photographs of you and your friends, and tailor your page to portray yourself in a positive light. Maybe that means posting a G-rated photograph of your family on vacation, or an image of you pitching in at the local community service project. Employers prefer well-rounded candidates, so put your many dimensions on display.
2. Make your page an online portfolio. Have you been featured in a news article? Are items you’ve authored or designed available online? Post your online accomplishments on your page so employers can see all you have to offer.
3. Use the “About Me” section for your best sales pitch. Employers don’t need to know how you like to spend your Saturday nights. Instead, treat the “About Me” section as valuable real estate; use it to your advantage. Write a summary of your accomplishments and goals.
4. Inform your friends that you’re on a job hunt. Ask them to refrain from posting objectionable material on your page, or to avoid making public references to your drinking habits.
5. Keep your work and contact information updated. Make yourself as available as possible to employers.
   
6. Join a social networking site dedicated to making career connections. Sites like LinkedIn.com are dedicated to maintaining and expanding business contacts. The site also hosts job listings.