Why Social Media Must Be Part of Your Job Search Strategy
There is a lot of static out there about Social Media and its place in the job search process. Many think it is a bit of a time drain with little return on investment. And, like anything else, without a “plan” it can be just that. But, properly implemented, it can be a more powerful catalyst to getting your job search engine off and running than just about any other single tool out there. This is largely because it embodies a collection of qualities that, combined, can streamline your search efforts while putting the maximum amount of pressure on a pinpoint area – your target position:
Visibility – These mediums allow you access to an unlimited amount of professionals within your targeted audience. What’s more, Social Media sites by definition allow for and promote the organization of niche “groups” which make finding your audience that much easier. LinkedIn is a prime example of this, but Facebook and YouTube as well.
Transparency – This is a mantra to your success in Social Media environments. Perry Belcher equates it to going to a party. Would you set up a table and starting pitching your product (i.e. “Here I am, looking for a job”) or begin by connecting on common ground? This is particularly true on Twitter – one of the more transparent tools out there. It is the first step in the process of “Know, Like, Trust,” which we all go through in determining what we are going to buy. Or, in this case, who they are going to hire.
“Give to Get” – Coupled with transparency, it is the second key to success in Social Media. Help others to not only get them to help you but, of equal importance, discover who will help you. And, by way of this assistance, you get a third party endorsement or recommendation. You can start doing it by simply asking others, “How can I help you?”
Nobodies are the New Somebodies – Borrowed from Guy Kawasaki, in the simplest of terms you don’t know who can help you nor do you know who knows who. Connecting with the big wigs in your industry through Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn can be fun, but it’s that avid networker who you have never met or heard of who is your better bet.
The Quality is in the Quantity – This is how you get to the “Nobody Somebodies.” By using tools like Opennetworker, you can build a network of likeminded, “give to get” individuals rapidly on a number of platforms (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, etc.). By having a large number of connections, you have more choices from which to drill down and develop deeper, more meaningful connections. Think of it like filling your own networking event: pack the hall with as many folks as possible and then work the room to see who can help you (and, of course, who you can help).
It is clear that Social Media isn’t the fad some first claimed it to be. It is almost equally as pervasive off-line as it is on-line. By incorporating it on the front end of your job search efforts to “fill the funnel,” you will not only more effectively tie in with the opportunities you seek but also uncover that elusive “hidden job market.”
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WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, BLOG OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Kevin Kermes publishes the ‘Build the Career Your Deserve’ e-zine with over 21,000+ subscribers. If you are ready to empower yourself with the vital tools and information necessary to find the job you want and build the successful career you deserve, visit him now www.kevinkermes.com
2008 – 2009 (c) Kevin Kermes Inc. – All Rights Reserved
Career Mapping – A “Monster” Strike Out
It is no secret that I am not a fan of the job boards. That being said, I was actually a little excited when I saw that Monster had rolled out a new “career mapping” tool on its website. I thought, “Finally they are practicing a little more “give” than “get.”” But, when I took a test drive of the tool I was massively disappointed. While its aim is to provide you a resource to map your career, it bases this solely on hard skills associated with your current position (provided you can find it). So, it might be useful for someone looking to make a logical, linear career move (although, I am not sure why you would need a tool to figure that out). What it doesn’t do is take into account your soft skills or any of the elements key to navigating a successful career change. Let’s take a look at how you can create your own personal “career mapping” tool:
Do What You Like, Like What You Do – This is as good a place as any to start. Typically, people do well at what they like. When looking to make a change (particularly when you don’t know what that change might be) focus on what elements of your previous job you enjoyed. These are usually the areas in which you excelled. Write them down, put them together. This is your starting point.
The Push and the Pull – When making a job transition, you are almost always keen on what you are moving away from (the “push”) but often not what you are moving towards (the “pull”). Defining where you are heading and why is more important than how you got here. Take those areas where you excel…the areas where you like to be…and start shaping what that “pull” looks like.
You are a Solution – You know what you like doing and you do it well. This is Your Solution. There are companies out there in need of your skills – even if you don’t have their specific industry experience. Frankly, there are advantages to being an outsider in this marketplace. It is all about finding that pain which you and Your Solution address.
A Computer Cannot Do This – Put the mouse down and step away from the computer. To effectively make this career change happen, you have to take your brand…Your Solution…out to the marketplace. This means networking, meeting new people and getting your message out there. While there are many things the internet can do for you, ultimately it is you who will get you hired. The email or the resume isn’t going to get the job offer – you are.
Your job search is as individual as you are – particularly now. The name of the game is standing out and differentiating. Homogenized tools that “map” a path for you based solely on hard skills simply are not going to deliver when looking to switch careers. You need to create your own “career map” by defining what you do exceptionally well and then finding those companies that need your expertise.
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Looking for the tools to put all this together? My Career Mastermind Group puts solutions like we just discussed into action. This month’s Subject Matter Expert interview is with Ilona Vanderwoude (1 of 28 Master Resume Writers in the world). You can read more about this unique, information packed program by clicking here.
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WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, BLOG OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Kevin Kermes publishes the ‘Build the Career Your Deserve’ e-zine with over 21,000+ subscribers. If you are ready to empower yourself with the vital tools and information necessary to find the job you want and build the successful career you deserve, visit him now www.kevinkermes.com
2008 – 2009 (c) Kevin Kermes Inc. – All Rights Reserved
Special Announcement: Ilona Vanderwoude MRW – 9/22/09- Your Resume: Creating the Best Representation of You
Shouldn’t Your Resume Be as Unique as You?
The resume – it’s one of the first things you take a look at when starting your job search. There is a lot of advice out there on how to format – but it is all pretty “cookie cutter.” And we all know it is about standing out and differentiating these days. What better place to do that than with your resume? That leaves the question of – how?
We are going to tackle that on my next Career Mastermind call…
Tuesday, September 22, 2009 – 12:00pmEST
TOPIC: Ilona Vanderwoude, MRW on Your Resume: Creating the Best Representation of You
Ilona Vanderwoude (1 of 28 Master Resume Writers in the world!) will be joining us to adjust your perspective on your resume. It’s a more “holistic” approach that gets you thinking of this tool as a more integral part of who you are versus just a document.
On this webinar we will cover:
- The foundation of the resume- Your Personal Brand (and an exercise to help uncover your brand)
- Tips on how to overcome the obstacles on your resume (unemployment, spotty job history, career movement, underemployment, etc.)
- What’s the right layout for you? Functional? Traditional? Networking? All the resume “types” are covered
- The “10 Second Screen” – this is how long your prospective employer looks at your resume. We will put your resume to the test, tell you how it is being perceived and what you can do to fix it – LIVE on the call.
- And, as always, you can ask questions of Ilona on the topics most important to you regarding your resume
This call is FREE for all Career Mastermind Group members. Not a member? Join now to access this webinar and take advantage of all the Program has to offer.
I look forward to seeing you there!
Building Your Success.
Kevin
PS – Even if you can’t make the call live, all Career Mastermind members receive a recording of the call, so we’ve got you covered. Take advantage now
How I Got the Job – Using Twitter as a “Twool” in the Job Search
While Social Media platforms like LinkedIn have gained increasing popularity with today’s job seekers, many are still on the fence regarding Twitter. Not too long ago, I was one of those wondering if and how this tool might assist job seekers. While I had my own ideas, I thought what better way to uncover how it can really help those in the midst of a job search than to find people who had success using it. So, I interviewed two women who found their jobs using Twitter.
To listen to these two interviews and learn tips on how to incorporate Twitter as a “twool” in your job search, use the links below:
How I Found My Job with Twitter – Interview #1
How I Found My Job with Twitter – Interview #2 (this one is missing the first few minutes, but still has tons of great how-to information)
After listening, please share your thoughts and feedback below and, of course…
Interested in learning more about social media and your job search? Join my Career Mastermind Group to get up-to-date resources (training videos, downloads, SME webinars, Q&A sessions, etc.) to do just that!
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WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, BLOG OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Kevin Kermes publishes the ‘Build the Career Your Deserve’ e-zine with over 21,000+ subscribers. If you are ready to empower yourself with the vital tools and information necessary to find the job you want and build the successful career you deserve, visit him now www.kevinkermes.com
2008 – 2009 (c) Kevin Kermes Inc. – All Rights Reserved
Tackling the Post-Labor Day Job Market
For the past few months, I have not only been talking about the summer lull in hiring but also pushing out a good deal of information in the way of webinars and articles to help bridge the gap. But, today marks the traditional uptick in activity. Despite the lackluster employment statistics that came out last week, there are still several things you can do to capitalize on the increased movement – small or otherwise – that you will see in the coming weeks.
Social Media – Get engaged! Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube are great resources for information as well as connecting with individuals who can help facilitate your search. Not sure how to get started? Simply jump in! You will be amazed at how transparent and helpful the people you meet (or Tweeps on Twitter) can be – even total strangers. As Guy Kawasaki says, “Nobodies are the new Somebodies.”
Blogs – Find blogs and ezines (electronic newsletters/magazines) that provide timely, pertinent information on the job search. Some favorites of mine are Bill Vick’s Employment Digest, the WSJ’s “Laid Off and Looking” (Ellen Whaley of my June Bootcamp is a contributor) and Tom Ruff’s Blog. Of course, my “Build the Career You Deserve” ezine too (sure, I am a little partial).
Step Away from the Computer- It’s easy to get bogged down in the day to day of checking email, responding to emails, researching companies, etc.. But, get out and network in the flesh. This can be through an organization where you are a member, volunteering or finding some employment networking functions. Pink Slip Mixers is a great one. Don’t see any being hosted in your area? Reach out and volunteer to organize it. Some my Bootcamp Members have done it and it put them in the spotlight – exactly where you want to be!
Take an Interview, Any Interview – This is a rusty, perishable skill which may be in need of rejuvenation after a slow summer. Take any interview that comes along to keep fresh, engaged and on your “A” game. This way, when the ideal position comes along you are ready for whatever is thrown your way.
Create Your Own Opening – I talk a great deal about the “hidden” job market in my webinars. One aspect that many don’t mention is that your ideal job might have someone sitting in “your” seat right now. But, in many cases, these Kings and Queens of “low hanging fruit” only have their job because there isn’t a viable alternative. Through a combination of the techniques above, you can create your own opening by giving a future employer an option: the mediocre employee they have or the stellar employee they could hire (you!).
Albeit a crowded market out there, companies are still in need of top talent – especially now. Use these techniques to get a leg up on your competition. If you have any techniques of your own that have worked, please share them with other readers below. I know they would love to hear from you.
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Interested in learning more about my Job Search 2.0 Bootcamp starting September 14th? You can read more by clicking here or listen to my “5 Secrets to the Perfect Job Search.”
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WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, BLOG OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Kevin Kermes publishes the ‘Build the Career Your Deserve’ e-zine with over 21,000+ subscribers. If you are ready to empower yourself with the vital tools and information necessary to find the job you want and build the successful career you deserve, visit him now www.kevinkermes.com
2008 – 2009 (c) Kevin Kermes Inc. – All Rights Reserved
The Reference Check – It’s Not Time to Celebrate Yet
Two years ago, if a client told me that the company they were interviewing with was getting ready to check references, I would have thought, “Great! It sounds like an offer is not far behind.” But now, with unemployment at 9.7%, the job search landscape is far different and more competitive than ever. As a result, many companies are checking the references of multiple candidates in order to help make their final decision. So, getting it right with your references is extremely important. Here are a few tips:
- Be Proactive: Don’t assume the reference and reference checker will connect. Find out who will be calling your reference and let your reference know. I would suggest taking the steps to help schedule it. Not only will this help make certain it happens, but your reference will be in a better state of mind and more prepared for the call. You want them focused on selling you, not multitasking by driving, checking emails, etc..
- Prepare Your Reference: Schedule a call with your reference to review your background and the position you are interviewing for. Send them a copy of your resume. You want them understanding why this is a great job for you. They need to both think and speak in terms of why your past accomplishments are an indicator of what you are going to do for your future employer. It is all about being specific, quantifying and qualifying why you are the best hire – period.
- You are Only Good at What You Check: Follow up with your reference afterwards to find to how the call went. Were there any stumbling points? Any red flags they think you might need to address or be aware of? This way you know if there are any points you need to go back and re-address or affirm with your future employer.
There reference check is so much more than verifying employment. By taking these steps, you will not only properly prepare your reference, but you might discover you need to replace one of the people on your list. Remember, knowing they are checking references doesn’t mean you have the job, but it does mean you are a finalist. This is the last leg of your journey, so it’s time to pull out all the stops. Make sure your references tip the scales in your favor!
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This past week, I spent a little over 30 minutes talking about this point plus a few more. Most important, I shared some free tips and remedies on how you can get a system that works for you. If you weren’t one of the 1000 participants on the webinar, you can listen here to the “5 Secrets to the Perfect Job Search.”
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WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, BLOG OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Kevin Kermes publishes the ‘Build the Career Your Deserve’ e-zine with over 21,000+ subscribers. If you are ready to empower yourself with the vital tools and information necessary to find the job you want and build the successful career you deserve, visit him now www.kevinkermes.com
2008 – 2009 (c) Kevin Kermes Inc. – All Rights Reserved
What the? – Tales from the Job Search Front
A Very Unique Interview Indeed
I’ve spent over half my “career life” in the executive search business placing sales professionals. In preparing candidates to interview I would always tell them, “The sales interview is one of the only interviews where you are constantly demonstrating your skill set and touting your wares.” They can be challenging, frustrating and filled with obstacles. But, one I heard about this week left me at a loss for words.
The job seeker in question went in for a third round of interviews for a position with a nationally renowned sales training organization. As one of three candidates in contention for the opening, she was asked to do something rather standard: prepare a presentation for a group of people at the company. So, she shows up on interview day prepared to do what it takes to get the job. That was when the process to a turn – to a place I have never seen before.
When she arrived, the other two candidates were there too. Not completely untypical, but a less than kosher when it comes to maintaining privacy in the job search (since she is currently employed). Then comes the “what the?” moment. She and the other two candidates are informed that they will be giving their presentations together – all in the same room, in front of one another, one after another. If that isn’t enough, they are included on the panel of employees and able to ask questions of the other candidates – their competition. Have you ever heard of such a thing?
While wrong on so many levels, my primary beef is that the privacy and confidentiality of each job seeker was compromised without their consent. What do you think?
Do you have strange tales from the job search? If so, please share them with us at ezine@kevinkermes.com. (note – we will never reprint your story without your express consent).
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Interested in learning how to uncover the “hidden job market?” You can listen to my 5 Secrets to the Perfect Job Search.
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Kevin is the Founder of Build the Career You Deserve, a company devoted to empowering professionals with the vital tools and information necessary to find the job they want and build the successful career they deserve. Sign up for his free e-zine – Build the Career You Deserve – for insider tips on how to do just that!
2008 – 2009 (c) Kevin Kermes Inc. – All Rights Reserved