Plus a Q&A session at the end!

Name
Email

The Job Search Sucks…We’ve Got an App for That

Last month, I met Sharon Feingold, creator of the Hire My Friend  application for Facebook. I was struck by not only the “pay it forward” power of this tool, but by Sharon’s entrepreneurial and giving attitude in creating it.  Simply put she had an idea and developed an application for no other reason than to help people find jobs.  How cool is that?  

It goes without saying that I had to talk to her.  Sharon spent a few minutes shedding some light on Hire My Friend, how it came to be and what it does. 

Kevin:  How did you come up with the idea behind Hire My Friend? 

Sharon: As a former healthcare recruiter turned freelance creative in New York City, I often find myself trying to connect people that might be great collaborators. The referral system is how I’ve built my career as a voiceover talent. If it weren’t for countless people assisting me and referring me to others, I would not have been able to build the career I love. 

So from that, I learned how important referrals are as a way to help your career growth – but much more importantly, as a way to help others.  According to my religion, Judaism, finding someone a job is actually the highest form of charity.  

Kevin: That is a great perspective.  One of the things I really like about the application is how it leverages the exceptionally powerful viral effect that social media can have while being entirely selfless.  It’s more advocacy than networking. 

Sharon:  Exactly.  Hire My Friend as an idea for a Facebook application really began to evolve after I co-organized and ran a couple of networking events for young creatives in the entertainment/media industry. At these events last year, the fallout of the recession become so apparent. A large majority of our attendees were out of work – but still grateful to meet people in new circles of influence. We had some great success stories from these events, and people found new positions and collaborators.  

In that same spirit, when I send out a quarterly newsletter to my friends and colleagues, I always include a section called “Shameless Friend Promotion”, where I feature a fellow creative who is either unemployed or freelancing. Then it dawned on me that everyone could do “shameless friend promotions” so easily using Facebook.  A producer always needs a director, a director needs a writer, a writer might need an animator, and so on and so forth. And I realized that each promotion on Facebook would create a new avenue of exposure for someone looking for work, no matter what industry or path they’ve chosen. If 10 friends showcase a friend, and each has 500 friends, the potential is exposure to 5000 friends. But even more – exposure to whoever those 5000 people might know in their own individual networks. Friends like to browse through other friends’ profiles, so if they become accustomed to looking to see who their friend is showcasing, Hire My Friend could become a powerful tool.  

Kevin:  I love it because this is crossover from that fine line of personal and professional networking in a very non-pushy way.  Completely transparent and aimed at “paying it forward,” which social media respond to very well. 

So, tell us, how exactly does “Hire My Friend” work? 

Sharon: The funny thing is, it’s just a very, very simple tool. If you are the one showcasing a friend, once you add the application, it prompts you to select a friend, and write a little bit of information about that friend and the position they are looking for. This then creates a little “profile within a profile” under your list of friends in the column of your profile page, as well as an announcement in your live feed for all of your friends to see. Viewers can see what type of position your friend is looking for, as well as find a link to add them as a friend, send them a message, or view their LiinkedIn profile.  

If you are the one looking for a job, you fill out a form on a different tab asking a friend to showcase you. Facebook sends a notification to that friend letting them know they have a request pending. Once that friend adds the application they can complete the request by writing their personal recommendation and then posting it to their feed and profile. 

Kevin: Thanks again, Sharon, for not only developing this app but taking some time to share both what it does and the muse behind its creation! 

Want to learn more about Hire My Friend and meet its creator Sharon Feingold?  She will be one of my special guests on the free webinar “Using Facebook as Part of Your Job Search Strategy” on Tuesday, February 23^rd at 12:00pm EST.  I hope you will join us…and please share this with anyone you think might be interested!

Finding the “Open Door” in the Job Market

Given the current economic climate, I thought discussing how the job market looks opportunity-wise might be timely.  My answer is likely going to surprise you.  I see a lot of opportunity out there.  There’s gold in them thar hills folks!

The reality is that there are a lot of examples of failure right now.  The ability to shine when the economy is rolling – to be the king or queen of “low hanging fruit” – is rather easy.  But challenging times require a different skill set – more leadership, more resourcefulness and more creativity.  As I work with clients, these are some of the areas we focus on to develop opportunities:

• Leadership, leadership, leadership –  Poor leadership is what got us into many of these messes and strong leadership is what is needed to correct the course.  In the Infantry we used to say, “There are no bad soldiers, only bad leaders.”
• Show Me the Money – If you have a track record of success and can quantify and qualify those accomplishments (saving money, making money, creating efficiencies), wayward companies who realize they are in bad shape need your expertise.
• Be MacGyver, not MacGruber – Along those same lines, experience with companies where you had to do more with less is key right now.  Every company is aiming to be as efficient as possible.  You can highlight your success (I refer to this as “Your Solution”) here with a small company and leverage it into a larger one where they need creative thinking.
• Free Agent Status - Consulting is a very viable option for many – companies and job seekers alike – right now(we discussed this last week).  Many companies need change agents for the interim which they transition.  This can be both a lucrative and rewarding avenue if you are unemployed and position “Your Solution” to address a key pain that a company is experiencing.  Keep your options open here.

No doubt, the economy has presented some unique challenges.  But, in keeping with economics, the terms of supply and demand come to mind. Most make reference here to the talent pool being high on the supply side.  But, look at it another way. For those with the skill sets outlined above, the demand is high but the supply (or your competition) is low.  “When one door closes, another one opens.”  I think that is very fitting here.

Having trouble finding opportunities in this difficult job market?  Want to learn how to uncover the “hidden” job market?  Join me for a free webinar hosted by MedCareerVillage on Thursday, February 25 at 12:00pmEST – 5 Secrets to the Perfect Job Search. Not sure you can make it?  No worries…I will send you a recording.  But, you must register for the call.

____________________________________________________________________

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

about

 

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!

Making You the Most Viable Next Hire

Being flexible, creative and adaptable in today’s economy is the cornerstone to survival.  The job search is no different and, with unemployment rising, requires just as much vigilance.  One way you can keep your options open and make yourself even more marketable is by considering Consulting in addition to your quest for full-time employment.  Often perceived as an “either-or” scenario, Consulting offers you just as many benefits as it does your “would be” employer:

·         Track record of Fixing Problems?  Career-wise, people typically fall into one of two categories: those who thrive on problem solving and the prospect of a new challenge –or- someone who is exceptionally good at steering the ship once it is on course.  If the thought of fixing something that is broken appeals to you (versus has you thinking about reaching for the Tylenol), then Consulting might be an avenue to explore.

·         A More Flexible Interview – Quite often, what a company needs is someone to tackle a specific problem, not a new full-time employee.  Identifying this in the interview and being able to present yourself as the solution to their problem (at a lower cost), can ultimately create a job tailor made for you and your skill set.  No one can compete against that.

·         Dating Before Marriage – A consulting engagement can give you the opportunity to see if this company is a nice place to visit or a great place to live.  The only thing worse than a prolonged job search, is ending up in a position that results in you being unemployed again in 6-12 months.  Consulting lets you do more due diligence than you could ever accomplish in an interview.

·         “Consulting” on Your Resume – To many recruiters, seeing “consulting” as your current role without any clients/engagements is just a way to dress up being out of work.  But, with a list of key accomplishments at those engagements, you show that you are in demand, have more control over your search and are broadening your experience.  The latter is extremely important if you are looking to transition industries.

·         Change Agent – For companies looking to make some sort of change internally (and you should like this if you have a track record of fixing problems), consulting is a more preferred approach versus hiring a permanent employee.  It is much easier to come in as a consultant, effect the course correction and then hand it off to the internal leadership.

·         Money – Besides the obvious benefit of having income during your search, it also gives you breathing room to be more objective in selecting your next job. 

·         It’s Easier to Find a Job When You Already Have One – So much of what makes this true is that fact that when you are employed, you tend to be a bit more objective because you have a “bird in hand.”  Consulting (in addition to easing that financial strain, which helps here) can provide the self-assurance that comes along with being employed, which can get whittled away while unemployed.

about kevin

SME Mastermind Call: Marci Reynolds – “Twitter and Your Job Search: The Secrets to Harnessing this Tool for Maximum Success

Our next Subject Matter Expert (SME) Mastermind Call is January 19th at 12:00pm:

Twitter and Your Job Search: The Secrets to Harnessing this Tool for Maximum Success

If you’re not using Twitter for your job search, then you are missing out on one of the most valuable and fastest growing internet tools available to you. It is easy to learn and it is free! 

According to a recent survey by Jobvite.com, 80% of employers use or are planning to use social networking to find and attract candidates. Hiring managers, human resources staffers and recruiters covering every industry, profession and geographic area are using or plan to use Twitter. And, you want to be found! 

Marci Reynolds is the CEO of J2B Marketing, a “Job Seeker 2 Business”™ Internet Marketing & Online Copywriting Services Firm based in Boston, MA and the author of the new ebook, “How To Use Twitter For Your Job Search.” In this informative session, Marci will cover the three, most frequently asked questions from job seekers about Twitter, which are:

• Do I have to use Twitter? Why? How will it benefit my job search?
• Who should I follow?
• What should I Tweet about?

In addition, she will cover these bonus areas…

• How to use Twitter as a job board
• How to find expert job search advice on Twitter
• How to network within the Twitter community for your job search
• Quick overview of Twitter tools 

This call is ONLY for Career Mastermind Group members.  Not a member yet? Join now to access this call (as well as the archived calls and training materials) with Kevin’s special F.R.E.E. 1 month Membership trial.

By joining you also get access to past SME Calls (Ilona Vanderwoude on Resumes, Chuck Csizmar on Compensation Negotiation, Wendy Weiss on Cold Calling Hiring Managers, Katherine Moody on Networking, Lorena Stanley on Interviewing and numerous Q&A calls with Kevin) plus everything else the program has to offer.  Learn more about the Mastermind Program and take advantage of a one month F.R.E.E. trial.

How to Use Twitter and Hootsuite in Your Job Search

A video straight from my Job Search 2.0 Bootcamp System and Career Mastermind Program – I share the techniques I give my clients to use Twitter (via the Hootsuite Platform) to begin networking, building relationships and uncovering the "hidden" job market. Let me know what you think!

If you want to know how you can get started now using these techniques and more to:

• stand out in a crowded market place
• establish yourself as a Subject Matter Expert
• uncover the "hidden" job market
• drive opportunities to you without recruiters or the job boards
• cut significant time off your job search…

Learn more about my Job Search 2.0 Bootcamp System and Career Mastermind Program

7 Categories of Who to Follow on Twitter for Your Job Search (guest blogger and SME Marci Reynolds)

When you first join Twitter, one of the challenges you may experience  is trying to determine who you should follow to maximize the success of your job search. This blog post will discuss the goals, the seven categories and the “how to” of who to follow on Twitter for your job search.

What are your job search Twitter follow strategy goals? By following the right mix of Twitter users, you will reap many job search benefits; It will help you stay current with industry knowledge and trends. You will get access to up to the minute information about and connect directly with leaders at the companies you may want to work for. You will get expert job search advice and links to helpful tips and articles. You will get access to real time job postings and recruiters that specialize in the jobs you are interested in. And, it opens up another audience for networking.

Ultimately, you have the ability to fast track your job search by increasing your knowledge, skills and targeted connections via Twitter.

There are seven specific categories of Twitter users that I recommend you follow on Twitter to maximize your job search success:

1. Experts, Top Bloggers & Thought Leaders:  For example: David Meerman Scott @dmscott is a well known expert in Social Media Marketing, Jill Konrath @jillkonrath is a well known expert in Sales and Guy Kawaski @guykawaski is well known for his technology and entrepeneurial advice.
2. Industry News Alerts & Industry Magazines: For example, technologists may want to follow CIO Magazine and fitness professionals may want to follow Fitness Magazine.  (Check out this Magazine list on Twellow.)
3. Recruiters: There are thousands of recruiters on Twitter, some working for specific companies and many working for independent staffing firms. For example, Peggy McFee, aka @salesrecruiter, is considered the “medical sales recruiter” and Harry Joiner, aka @ecommercejobs is an (you guessed it) ecommerce jobs recruiter.
4. Job Boards: Every major job board, ex. Monster, Careerbuilder and many niche boards, ex. GreenJobs, Tweet on Twitter. Their content includes a mix of job search advice, info about events and specific job postings.
5. Career Coaches: It’s amazing how much job search advice you can find on Twitter on topics that include interviewing, resumes, social media, career fairs, personal branding and much more. Some of the most popular career experts include: Alison Doyle from About.com, Susan Joyce of job-hunt.org and JT O’Donnel, founder of CareerRealism.com and, of course, Kevin Kermes, founder of Build the Career You Deserve.
6. Alumni Associations: Most alumni associations have a presence on Twitter and provide a conduit to learn about networking and career related events, and may give you direct access to other Alumni in your area. Your Alma mater wants to help in your job search success.
7. Companies: Hand picked by you- these may include companies you want to work for, Senior Leaders within a company you want to learn more about, ex. CEO or CMO, or even competitors of companies you’re targeting.

How do you find all these Twitter users? There are several different options: Leverage the Twitter “Find People” search function. Use Twitter search and enter job search related hashtags including #career, #jobs, #interview. (Click here to learn more about Hashtags.) Use directories like TweepSearch and Twellow. Use Twitter “who to follow” lists posted on TweepML and Twibes. And, you can Google “Top Twitter users to follow for XX” and insert the topic of your choice. Many bloggers have posted their recommendations for who to follow.

To make this process even easier for job seekers, J2B Marketing did extensive research on items 1 through 5 above and has created a series of Twitter Follower lists on  TweepML.  To learn more, simply click on the link next to the list description.

Marketing Job Search Follow List

Jump start your marketing job search on Twitter by following this powerful mix of Marketing Recruiters, Marketing Industry Thought Leaders, Job Search & Branding Experts & Online Job Boards.

Sales Job Search Follow List

Jump start your sales job search on Twitter by following this powerful mix of Sales Recruiters, Sales Industry Gurus, Sales Trainers, Job Search & Branding Experts & Online Job Boards.

Green Job Search | Clean Tech Job Search Follow List

Jump start your Green job search on Twitter by following this powerful mix of Green Recruiters, Green News Tweets, Green Experts, Green Job Tweets, Career Experts & Online Job Boards. (Sustainable Energy, Clean Tech )

IT Job Search- Technology Job Search Follow List

Jump start your Technology job search on Twitter by following this powerful mix of Tech Recruiters, Technology Thought Leaders, Tech Magazines, Job Search & Branding Experts & Online Job Boards.

Want to learn more?  Marci is not only this week’s guest blogger, but my Subject Matter Expert (SME) Webinar for the Career Mastermind Group on January 19th.  Her topic – “Twitter and Your Job Search: The Secrets to Harnessing this Tool for Maximum Success”  Read more about how you can join this call and the Mastermind Group for free.

Marci Reynolds is the CEO of J2B Marketing, a “Job Seeker 2 Business”™ Internet Marketing & Online Copywriting Services Firm based in Boston, MA. She is also the author of the new ebook, “How To Use Twitter For Your Job Search” and the “social media for job search” expert blogger on the award winning website Job-Hunt.org. Previously, Marci was the VP, North America Sales Operations at Monster.com, the leading online careers website. Learn more at www.j2bmarketing.com, on Twitter @j2bmarketing.

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? Read about my Job Search 2.0 Bootcamp where this is just one piece of the puzzle to uncover the “hidden” job market and get you ack to work quicker – all without job boards or recruiters.

* * * * * * * * *

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

5 Reasons Why Social Media MUST Be Part of Your Job Search

There’s 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. You can equate 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.” There are a myriad of tools out there to help you build a network of likeminded, “give to get” individuals rapidly on the major 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.”

Social Media is only one part of Kevin’s 11 Module Job Search 2.0 Bootcamp System which not only uncovers the “hidden” job market – but drives those jobs to you. Learn more about this new system.

* * * * * * * * *

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 Pre-Interview Most Miss…and How to Pass it Every Time – Part 2 of 2 (guest blogger Lorena Stanley)

Now that I’ve spent some time demystifying what is happening behind the scenes, it’s time for you to understand what the Pre-Interview Test typically looks like.  Keep in mind, this really isn’t an identifiable “test”, rather it is a process that most companies follow in some form that I’ll describe. 

As a result of the sheer number of responses to openings, Companies are now typically sending out a Pre-Interview Test that comes in the form of an email or voicemail that could say something like: 

“Thank you for your Resume submittal.  We are currently reviewing your information and would like to ask you a few follow up questions. 

1.         Do you have experience with ______________?  
2.         Have you ever ________________?  
3.         When is the last time you ________________?  
4.         Write a short paragraph of why you want to work for us.  

Please provide us with the answers to these questions and please do the following: 

1.            Reply back with a Word version of your Resume attached.  
2.            The subject line of your email should read:  Answers To ______ Questions  
3.            Reply back to:  abc@xyzco.com  
4.            Please call (555) 555-5555 and leave a brief message with: 
               a.         your name
               b.         your number
               c.         the position you applied to
               d.         the date you replied back
               e.         good days and times for us to get back in touch with you

Thank you and we look forward to your reply.

 If you are at all interested in the opportunity, PAY CLOSE ATTENTION to all the requests they’re asking of you.  Each layered request is a test. Do not be fooled by the simplicity in what they are asking for.  Here are some HINTS on how to best respond to the various questions and requests.

 1.            HINT:  Don’t answer with a yes or no.  Please understand you are being evaluated.  Don’t show you are lazy or in a hurry with a one word answer.  Be concise, to the point, but give a solid answer showing your experience.
2.            HINT:  Again, don’t just answer with a yes or no.  Respond and then tell them when.
3.            HINT:  When answer something like this, don’t stop at the date, but tell them the results.  Remember, you are selling yourself as a candidate.
4.            HINT:  This is important!  Make sure you have a well written paragraph that shows you have done your research and give real reasons why you would want to work for this company.  Don’t be generic and just respond with how much the industry interest you, make sure you are being specific to their company when you give your answer.  You are being judged on your written communication; as well as content of your response.
5.           HINT:  Vista is not compatible with earlier versions of Microsoft.  I suggest playing it safe and send a Word (97-2003) version. If you want to include a .pdf that’s fine, but make sure it is in addition to not instead of the Word version they asked for.
6.          HINT:  This is huge!  Most people just hit reply and never change the original subject line of the email.  This shows the employer you were not following directions.
7.          HINT:  Again, this is huge.  The person who originally sent the email may not necessarily be the one that needs these responses.  Make sure you are following their instructions very specifically.
8.         HINT:  They are testing your phone presence, your energy level, and your verbal communication skills.  They are listening to make sure you answered all the questions they asked, and quite honestly, they are listening for if they like you.           

As you can see, this is not rocket science, but it is easily dismissed as not being important.

If you are not completely following each step, even just missing one thing, you’re going into the “not a fit” pile.  I’m very serious.  No matter how qualified you may be, a filtering mechanism is needed and although it may not be perfect, it does weed out a high percentage of “prima donnas”, “non detail oriented”, and “really were never interested in the position in the first place” candidates.

These tests are purely a simple set of questions or actions for you to follow; precisely, as a pre-screening tool.  Pay attention to the details and follow any instructions you are given during the interview process!  Here’s what’s interesting:  About 70-80% of applicants get eliminated right away because of their inability to follow simple instructions such as the ones in my example.

 HINT:  I routinely use these tests for my own internal Hiring and I can attest to 80% of the applicants are filtered out right away.  It’s always so alarming to see.  Follow my simple tips and you will be part of the 20% that’s still going to move forward through the process.

Want to learn more?  Lorena is not only this week’s guest blogger, but my Subject Matter Expert (SME) Webinar for the Career Mastermind Group on December 15th.  Her topic – “You’ve Got the Interview – Now What?”  Read more about how you can join this call and the Mastermind Group for free.

Lorena Stanley founded Lorena’s List in 2008 to help Six Figure Corporate Career Seekers Get Back to Work Faster.  She has been In the Executive Recruiting business for over 15 years both as an Executive Recruiter and as an Owner of a World Wide Executive Search firm; which is part of an organization that has 600 Offices and 6,000 plus Executive Recruiters. This allows her access to real life, real time information. This network places 3,000+ candidates a month and connects with conservatively 100,000 Hiring Managers and HR Professionals a month.  Lorena’s List information has been time tested and proven to work thousands of times over.

Next Page »