The Resume Reconstruction Part I - Get rid of your Objective

Ok, so it’s been ages since I’ve blogged but honestly, it’s been a great 6 month break.  Much needed.  I feel refresh and energized to start blogging again so I hope you’re ready.  I’ve got a bunch of content lined up so it should be fun again...which is always important for me.

Quick update on me before this weeks topic….we are settled quite nicely out here in CA.  It’s farking expensive but the weather, availability of most everything and live at the Mothership it’s hard to complain.   I’m still a boy of the 603 but the 408 isn’t so bad.

With that, I’ve been talking to a lot of recruiter friends (nod to referrer!) and have come to a conclusion...it’s time for a resume revolution.  The whole state of resumes is terrible.  The entire thing is just messed up.  Most of them don’t tell the right story and get good candidates rejected without any conversation.  So, for me, that tells me it’s time to just nuke the whole approach and start fresh.  Let’s start at the top and take a look at the “Objective”.

Honestly, I’ve probably read about a million of these things and for the most part they all suck.  The objective of your resume is to get you a job (or the job).  Period.  End of story.  The objective really isn’t to get you a rewarding and challenging position that blah blah blah blah blah…..it’s to get you the job.

True story, I’ve received SEVERAL resumes where the objective has resulted in an instant reject.  I mean, instant.  Sending a recruiter that says “To find a role at WRONG COMPANY” will get you rejected immediately.  Last one I saw was looking for a role at Amazon….that’s great, I love Amazon but um, I don’t work there.  Trash.

Alright...so I’m not a big fan of just complaining so in lieu of an Objective what should you do?  Here are a few options.

1) Don’t stress it.  Start your resume with your best attribute (Education or Experience) so when a recruiter or manager sees your resume it JUMPS to their attention.  This is always my preference on a resume.

2) Start with a summary of skills or experiences.  I don’t love this to be honest but if you’ve got a bunch of skills/experiences that an employer will really value than sum them up, show them off and then dig into the details later in your resume.

Make sense?  I hope so, my big issue with resumes right now is that they are filled with junk and don’t truly show off what makes a person exceptional….so over the next few posts we’ll blow it up.  I leave on vacation this week but will be posting from parts unknown….until then, enjoy the week

Your priorities define you...

Happy holidays everyone!  Hope things are going well.  It’s been a little while since I’ve blogged but I really wanted to share something.  I had an interview this week and the candidate made a comment to me that I really loved, I mean….loved.  They said:

“The priorities we set define us”

It got me thinking, for those of you experience a job search or thinking about moving your career needle...what kind of priorities have you set?  Now, the idea of priorities is pretty complicated and honestly only you can set your priorities but I did spend a lot of time thinking about this and had a few thoughts I wanted to share

Rank your priorities - This one is obvious right?  The question really is, do you want to be the best parent in the world?  Best recruiter?  Does money matter?  Do you work to live or live to work?  Literally, there are a bunch of things to consider.  What you need to do is figure out what really matters to you...define it and then optimize your more tactical priorities from there.

Set sub-goals - Ok, so you have your high level priorities set.  Awesome...huge step and most people never get there so feel good about this.  Next, start trying to define what each one of those priorities really means and what you need to do to accomplish them….and be realistic.  

Build a timeline - You’ve got your priorities set and you’ve got a bunch of tactical steps you need to take to accomplish your goals...now you need a timeline.  The timeline will keep you honest and make you focus.  A key here again will be to be realistic.  For example, you can’t say you are going to interview for 50 jobs in the next month...not enough days in the month.  So, really focus on setting a timeline that you can work with and get things accomplished.

Get going - This is the most important step.  Get going and get it done.  The difference between superstars and everyone else is superstars get stuff done.  Now is the time to define yourself by not only setting priorities but getting them done.

That’s it this week, I’ll try to get a few more posts done by the end of the year and start strong again in 2014.

Good luck out there, the holidays are a GREAT time to amp up your job search

Living on a Prayer - Recruiting Advice from Bon Jovi

Alright, hope everyone is doing well.  As some of you know...I’m on vacation back east.  Spending a bunch of time off the grid in Maine or New Hampshire.  We did however venture out to see Bon Jovi in concert.  It was pretty awesome, nevermind the fact that the J. Giles Band opened....it was great to see Bon Jovi and relive my 80’s metal days.  As such, I wanted to write a quick blog with a few recruiting/career inspiration from Bon Jovi.  Now, before you make fun of me....most of the lyrics are from older tunes in the catalog...what can I say, I’m getting old.

Ok, here you go....

Rainy night and the worked all day, We both got jobs cause there’s bills to play, We got something they can’t take away, Our love, our lives - Born to Be My Baby

We’ve all had these days right?  Rainy day?  Daylight Savings Time?   Let’s face it, everyone has a day that just sucks.  But at the end of the day, remember.....work to live, not live to work.  It’s really important to walk away, get home and enjoy life.  If you can’t do that...its time for a new job.  Trust me, it’s happened to me and I’m a better man for it.

Take you higher than you’ve ever known - In and Out of Love

I’m pretty sure this lyric is about sex in the original song....but that’s not the topic here.  This line really makes me think of mentors....at your job or externally a great mentor will help you get higher than you every dreamed in your career.  Don’t have a mentor?  Find a few immediately....

Faith: you know you’re gonna live thru the rain

Lord you got to keep the faith

Faith: don’t let your love turn to hate

Right now we got to...Keep the faith - Keep the Faith

Pretty simple message here....through the tough times and rough days...keep the faith and focus on getting your job done.  If you can’t....maybe it’s time to look around for something better.

Right now the rules we made are meant for breaking - Lay your hands on me

This line is definitely about sex but I guess this is what I get for a Bon Jovi themed blog....honestly though..this is a great line.   Rules are meant for breaking....sometimes, not all the time.  The key is knowing when to ask for forgiveness or permission.....great employees bend rules or break rules when the need to do the right thing for the business.....just think twice :)

Tommy used to work on the docks

Union’s been on strike, He’s down on his luck...it’s tough, so tough

Gina works the diner all day, Working for her man, she brings home her pay

For love - for love - Living on a Prayer

Obviously a great song, one of the best.  The moral here?  You’ll have ups and downs through your career but you’ve got to keep working to bring home the bacon for the family (or retirement, or whatever)

Never say goodbye, never say goodbye

You and me and my old friends

Hoping it would never end - Never Say Goodbye

Insert “Jeff Moore always tells me to network in his blog” comments here......

Well now that we’re together

Show me what you can do - Raise your hands

Great line here, and a great moral for your career.  Once you get the job...you’re like 10% done.  Once you are there, you’ve got to produce.  Get it done.

It’s all the same, only the names will change

Everyday it seems we’re wasting away

Another place where the faces are so cold

I’d drive all night just to get back home - Wanted Dead or Alive

My favorite Bon Jovi tune by far, so good.  This one made me think of having a long commute.  Man, nothing sucks more than a long commute.  I’ve got a short one now so I’m spoiled but meh....I’d drive all night to get home.  Think of that next time you take a job, go on an interview or transfer locations....a crappy commute can ruin your job.

Ok, that’s it for tonight.....I might write a few more this week, we’ll see.....lots of ideas the question will be motivation!

Good luck out there

Don't be Costanza.....Interview Inspration from George Costanza

 

My first week in California is almost done, lots of time watching bad TV....but I’ve been catching up on a ton of old Seinfeld reruns....which got me thinking.  They talk a lot about hiring and interviewing on the show...usually it’s George who’s having issues.  I saw a couple of episodes this week that made me think....we can learn something there.  So, here we go:

George is interviewing for a job with the Yankees...Cushman is the hiring manager.

Cushman: Why don't you tell me about some of your previous job experience?

George Costanza: Alrighty. My last job was in publishing. I got fired for having sex in my office with the cleaning woman.

Cushman: Go on.

George Costanza: All right. Before that, I was in real estate. I quit because the boss wouldn't let me use his private bathroom. That was it.

Cushman: Do you talk to everybody like this?

George Costanza: Of course.

Cushman: My niece told me you were different.

George Costanza: I am different, yeah.

So, a few things....don’t sleep with people in the office (obviously) and the whole private bathroom thing is just weird.  What’s interesting to me, is that different can be and in many cases IS good when it comes to interviewing.  You can don’t want to be Costanza different.  When you’re interviewing you want to show off why you are exceptional and what makes you different from the rest of the candidates.  Got it?

Ok, later in the interview George gets to meet Mr. Steinbrenner...

Cushman: I gotta tell you, you are the complete opposite of every applicant we've seen. Mr. Steinbrenner, sir. There's someone here I'd like you to meet. This is Mr. Costanza. He is one of the applicants.

George Steinbrenner: Nice to meet you.

George Costanza: Well, I wish I could say the same, but I must say, with all due respect, I find it very hard to see the logic behind some of the moves you have made with this fine organization. In the past twenty years, you have caused myself, and the city of New York, a good deal of distress as we have watched you take our beloved Yankees and reduced them to a laughing stock, all for the glorification of your massive ego.

George Steinbrenner: Hire this man!

One thing you want to do in interviews is speak your mind.  Tell the truth and then really answer questions as truthfully and honestly as you can.  No doubt.  However, George pretty much attacks Steinbrenner here.  It’s honestly a hysterical exchange if you have the chance to see the show.  Very rarely will someone say “Hire this man” after being assaulted verbally like this.  Answer truthfully, be direct and if you’re the right fit....someone will want to hire you.

More soon, I’m trying to write a ton and as always good luck out there....having a great career isn’t easy

A few thoughts on having a great career and loving it

By the time I post this, I'll be moved to the Bay Area…crazy, but excited by the challenge.  This blog is one that I'm excited to write, @TedVessenes commented on a recent post of mine about finding something you love for a job..even better, having a career.  Ironically, I've been thinking a ton of the top of not only doing something you love for work but also moving beyond "jobs" and into having a career plan/trajectory.  It's probably a book, but who am I kidding I've got no time to write a book at this point.

So, a few thoughts on finding something you love and doing it for a career.  No matter where you are in your career…hopefully you'll be able to take a few of these nuggets with you.

1) It's hard…like, really hard to have a great career - Honestly, how many people do you know who've had a spotless beautiful and amazing career?  I'm guessing not that many.  Why? Because it's hard.  In order to have a great career you've got to work on it all the time and focus not only on kicking ass today…..but how to prepare yourself to kick more ass in the future.  Tough stuff. But, eventually you can figure it out.  I don't think I realized I truly loved recruiting until about 7 years ago.  I always enjoyed it and the checks clear if you know what I mean……but now, I'm a recruiter and it defines me.

2) Your early aspirations likely won't matter in the long haul - You probably won't hear this advice in the Career Services office but most likely what you "think" you wanted to be when you grow up ….will be very different from the "real" you that you'll become.  I went to school wanting to be a teacher….got into politics and wanted to be a lobbyist….and have been recruiting for 15 years.  In 1998, I had no idea what a recruiter was or why anyone in their right mind would want to be one.  Unless you have a VERY specific education or training….your career is likely going to be a wild ride.  Buckle up and enjoy…no doubt it will be crazy.

3) Passion comes in many shapes and sizes - In order to have a great and fulfilling career you need to do something you love. Well, maybe.  I mean, sure I'd love to have a career based on listening to heavy metal and watching football……but it's not likely to happen.  Thankfully, I love helping people with their career and pushing the envelope of recruiting…but work is work and metal is metal to me.  I honestly think you can have a great career doing something you enjoy, but doesn't have to be the ultimate passion of your life.  It helps, don't get me wrong…..but as long as you can do something you enjoy and do it well you can have a great career.

4) Jobs are for suckers - When I write a book, this will be the title because it's true.  Look, everyone needs a "job"….but if your looking at a job as an "end" you're a sucker.  Jobs are experiences and each experience should in theory lead you to a better NEXT job.  Fifty years ago, you took a job at a company and they took care of you for life….those days are over.  Figure out what you want your career to look like….and then get jobs at move you along that path.  Simple advice that will change your life.

4)  Bad experience, is eventually good experience - Every now and again you have to have a crappy experience to really appreciate the good ones.  I've seen a lot of crazy stuff in my career, but honestly some of my failures and train wreck experiences have made me stronger and better than I was before.  You don't want your whole career to be one crap experience after another…..but every now and again a little does of WTF will help you grow.

5) Coworkers matter - Your coworkers are ridiculously important when it comes to long term career success.  Why?  Two things..first they'll teach you new things and push you to do better.  Working in a vacuum will never get you to the next level, only great coworkers will do that.  Second….your current coworkers are likely to lead you to your next job.  Anyone who's read this blog before knows how much I preach the gospel of networking……your current awesome coworkers are tomorrows invaluable networking connections.

6) Company culture matters even more - I've had the luxury of working in some of the best corporate cultures in my career..and some that were not so the best.  A great culture will really help you achieve great things and enjoy your career.  A great culture pushes you to succeed but understands when you fail.  A great culture rewards strong performers and ruthlessly gets rid of bad behavior.  A great culture values you as a person and respects your work/life balance.   When you find a great culture, and a great team….doing work you love….you are in the zone to really focus on your career and get things going in the right direction. 

7)  If your job sucks or doesn't align with your career goals…..get a new one - Life is too short to be miserable at work.  I've said it once and I'll say it again…..don't settle for "ok" or "fine"….don't settle for a crap job and keep looking until you find one you love that helps you accomplish your carer goals.

That's it for this post, sorry if it's a little scattered……writing on a plane is not a personal strength!

Fun. Recruiting! Recruiting advice from the album "Some Nights"

Another one of my musical themed blogs.  Now, some of my loyal readers are probably thinking...”Wow, Jeff listens to pop music” instead of my normal hard rock or metal....well yeah, I like a little pop every now and again :)

I won’t get into too much of an overview of the band, because by now Fun. is one of the biggest new bands around and their album “Some Nights” is REALLY popular.  Anyway...I love it and honestly find it to be really inspiring.  It’s a great, album and if you give it a listen...I think you’ll find some job search/career inspiration too.  With that...Fun. Recruiting Advice:

Give me a second I need to get my story straight - We Are Young

Ok, simple lesson here...before you go on an interview make sure you are prepared. You’d be shocked at how many candidates don’t prep and bomb the interview.  Don’t be that guy.

Ten years of this, I’m not sure anyone understands - Some Nights

I love this line, and think it’s pretty relevant to a lot of people.  Sometimes you feel like no one really understands the work you do.  That sucks.  Don’t fall into this trap.  Take time to celebrate your work and make sure that you’re not the only one who appreciates your work.

Why don’t we break the rules already?  Some Nights

Ahhhhh.....one of my favorite topics. Rules are in place for a reason, gotta follow them.  However, sometimes it’s better to ask for forgiveness than permission.  So, every now and again break a rule.  Get shit done and clean up the broken glass later. Got it?

If you’re lost and alone or you’re sinking like a stone...carry on - Carry On

Yeah, so if you ever find yourself feeling like this at work?  Carry on out to a new job.  Seriously, life is too short to be miserable and getting depressed at work.  If you’re feeling lost and alone...get a new job.

We are shining stars, we are invincible, we are who we are - Carry On

No real recruiting lesson here but this makes me think of some of the teams I’ve managed, especially the one I manage now.  Superstars think they can do anything and get any task accomplished....so, if you’re as good as you think you are.....you’re invincible.

For once I feel like I belong - Why Am I The One

This is really about workplace culture.  When you find a place that really truly fits your personality.....stick with it.  Great cultures are hard to find and you should cherish your time working somewhere with a great culture.

Why can’t you see that no one is going to save us - Stars

Probably my favorite lyric for this blog.  Lets face it, for your career...you are the only person that has responsibility for your path.  You’ve got to always be thinking about #1 and making sure that you’re happy and enjoying what you do.

That’s it this week...I’ve been out in California getting to learn my new role so it’s been a little busy.  Lots of more content soon.  Good luck out there!

Spring cleaning and your career

With this whole moving to California thing I’ve been doing a lot of cleaning and getting ready for the move.  I was walking around outside today and was totally shocked at how beautiful it was...one of those epic spring days.  Anyway, the nice weather and cleaning really got me thinking about how you can apply a little spring cleaning to your career.  With that, here are a few thoughts on cleaning up your career:

Get a new job - Duh...what better way to clean things up than to get a new job and start fresh.  This is probably the most dramatic move right?  But hey, sometimes you’ve got to do the dramatic

Switch roles or take on a new project - Sometimes it doesn’t always make sense to get a new job...for whatever reason.  So, switch roles or find a new project.  There are lots of ways to refresh your career and a new challenge might be just the right idea.

Hire an intern - That’s right, no way to get things cleaned up and refreshed than to hire an intern.  This will make you responsible for someone else and force you to come up with cool work for them to do while they intern for you.

Take a class - You can never lose by getting more education.  I’m not saying you should go get your PhD or anything...but picking up a class or two and learning some new skills is a great way to clean up your career.

Volunteer somewhere - You didn’t think I’d say this did you?  Well, a GREAT way to clean up your career is to start volunteering and exploring your passion.  For a lot of us, work is work...and that sucks.  If you can find a volunteer gig or opportunity to help a group you're passionate about you may find it evolves into a new career path....and, it will feel great.

Get a new mentor - Mentors are some of the most important people in your life.  If you don’t have  a mentor, get one...if you don’t have three or four mentors....get a few more.  You’ll find great mentors can help steer you to greater things in your career.  Now...go get them now!

That’s it for today, I’ll try to write more later but the posts might be kind of sporadic until I get out to the Bay Area...but, I am going to be doing a few guest posts for Brazen Careerist so when those go live I’ll make sure to post links.

Enjoy the rest of the week!

Go Big or Go Home

Kind of a funny blog post this week, some of my old friends will laugh...hopefully my new friends will appreciate learning more about me and take away a few key thoughts on their career search.

A few years ago I stumbled across this movie about this guy Laird Hamilton who’s this crazy “big wave” surfer.  TONS of movies and documentaries have featured him and his crew of surfers.  The thing about them, is that they got stuck and couldn't figure out how to ride bigger and bigger waves.  Until one day, they took it to the next level and started using a jet ski to TOW them onto the waves.  Sounds crazy right?  We’ll it’s hard to even explain it so I’ll let this picture from ESPN speak for me:

Silly stuff.  We’ll...I’m sitting here watching this movie for about the millionth time and it got me thinking.  This dude really took it to the next level.....so, what are WE doing to take our jobs to the next level?  A few thoughts on how to take it to the next level.

1) Seek inspiration - Honestly, inspiration comes in all shapes and sizes....find something that inspires you and relay it to your work.  It doesn’t matter how you find inspiration......think outside of the box and draw the parallels.

2)  Talk it out - That’s right, talk it out.  Find a friend who knows nothing about your work and talk through your ideas.  You’ll be surprised at how much it helps.  A totally fresh perspective can change your entire outlook.

3) Take a shot - Everyone gets comfortable, it’s a fact of life.  Every now and again, you’ve got to take a shot.  Launch a new project, get a new job, run a marathon....doesn’t matter what shot.  Just take it
4)  Ask a mentor - By now, you’ve got a mentor or even better a few folks who you trust who you can tap for advice right?  So, when you’re feeling stuck or just looking for that inspiration....ask a mentor for a few tips and with little luck you’ll be on your way.

I’ll have another post later this week, until then, if you’re getting stuck or needing inspiration in your career....watch this video and channel your inner Laird....

Required vs Preferred - Getting beyond the job description

I’m a little late this week but really excited to write this post as it’s a request from an old friend but also a REALLY great topic that I think people really struggle with during a job search.

The topic is how do you navigate around having all of the “required” skills an employer looks for versus stressing the skills you do have that are “preferred”.  Figuring out how to do this is the difference between getting a job...and not.  With that, here are a few ways to show off your skills to a potential employer and navigating your way through what they require or prefer.

1)  Customize your resume for the job - Right?  Honestly, why send the same resume to a hundred jobs and see what sticks.  Bad idea jeans (anyone get that reference?).  If you see a job and it looks really cool, write a customized resume that speaks to the description and greatly increases the odds you’ll get an interview.

2) Get the interview, no matter what - Here’s the deal.  Employers get hundreds (even thoughts) of resumes for most roles.  Thinking you’ll apply and magically get an interview? Probably won’t happen.  So, what you need to do is get the interview at all costs.   Find a referral?  Meet someone at a career fair?  Use LinkedIn for a connection?  Do an informational interview?  Whatever, you need to talk to someone, anyone who can help.  Getting yourself to be more than a piece of paper will allow you to get the interview and then answer questions....in person.  FTW!

3)  Focus on your skills - Ok, so you've customized your resume and have the interview.  Perfect. Now, when you get asked a question where the answer immediately seems like “no”... you've got to find a way to focus on what you've done and how it relates to the job.  Let me show you and example:

Question - “Jeff, give me an example of when you built a car and how it worked.”
Answer 1 - “Um.....I can’t even change my oil”

Not good....here’s a better try

Answer 2 - “Well, although I've never built a car.  Last summer I did fix my lawn mower engine.  We had an issue with the fuel line and my neighbor and I took it apart and fixed the line.  I think with this experience I’ll be able to pretty quickly come up to speed on fixing cars”

Better right?  Clearly, the goal here is simple. Rather than just seize up and give a one word answer.  You want to take a deep breath and give an answer that shows you've got the core skills that the company is looking for even if you don’t have everything that’s “preferred” or “required” on the job description.

Happy hunting out there this week, ping me if you need any advice and I’ll get back ASAP

Finding a job in a foreign country...you can do it.

Ok, sorry for the lack of content lately.  Ten days of vacation and the following dig-out has put me WAY behind.  Regardless...I’m back, I’m rested and ready to write.  This week's post comes at the request of Alexey Tokarev and I really appreciate it as I think writing posts via request is my favorite thing kind of blog.

Anyway, Alexey asked me to give a few thoughts on networking for a for a job in a foreign country.  Here we go:

1) Understand the visa or work requirements - This might seem like overkill but honestly, this has to be step one.  You need to be an expert in how things work and what you need to do to legally work in the country.  Why you ask?  Because you’ll want to be able to articulate how easy or difficult it will be to get there.  Some places it’s easy to work....some it’s impossible and you need to know that before you start.

2) Go local - You’re going to need to do some hardcore networking to find a gig in another country.  Start be networking with local offices and use those relationships to to leverage connections in your target location.  

3) Know your, um stuff - Take time to really understand the country/location you are targeting.  Having a solid understanding of the language, culture, traditions and job market will show potential employers that you’re serious and interested in trying something new.

4)  Visit - This one is tough because it costs money...potentially a ton of money but if you really want to show people you are serious about going to another country...take a trip.  Set up a ton of networking meetings, cups of coffee and hopefully interviews...and do them in person with a little luck.

Ok, hope that makes sense.  Getting a job or internship in another country is TOUGH stuff...but people do it all the time you just have a to be diligent, have a plan and execute.  Good luck and if anyone has other tips I’d love to hear them.

London Calling - Networking thoughts from my trip to London

Ok, sorry for the lack of content lately…just getting back from a week in London meeting my team there.  It was a great trip, tons of fun in an amazing city but more importantly it got me thinking about the importance of networking.  I know I talk about networking a lot in this blog but really I can’t talk about it enough.  Networking will change your personal and professional life like you never imagined.  You’ll have to wait for the “Jeff Moore – The life and times of a recruiting knucklehead” book for personal stories about networking but here are a few thoughts/lessons that really hit home during this trip.

1) Find like-minded people, and ENGAGE with them – A few years ago I went to an event called truBoston which was a recruiting event in town.  There I met a bunch of folks via Bill Boorman (@BillBoorman) like Mark Babbitt (@YouTernMark), Johnny Campbell (@socialtalent) and Mike Vangel (@MikeVangel).  What was great then and is still great today is that those folks are engaged and really pushing the envelope in my field.  We met at an event, engaged and I’m still learning from them today.  Kick ass.

2) Networking takes time and effort – Prior to about 2008, honestly, I HATED networking and didn’t really find most other recruiting folks to be that interesting.  Seriously, I was pretty sure I knew my shit and didn’t need to network to get better.  Um wrong.  You may remember that September when the world fell apart, well for me, everything changed.  TONS of my colleagues and friends were laid off a looking for work…..I was fortunate to have a great job but people came to ME for help….and my network sucked.  Long story short, I realized it was time to buck up and get out there.  Without a great network I was just another recruiter and eventually would find myself needing to network.  Hence this blog, my tweets, the hundreds of networking coffees and phone calls since.

3) Pay it Forward - The best kind of networking is when you help someone accomplish their goals....NOT just a one way street for your own advancement.  So, pay it forward.  That’s right, help people out and then w/ a little luck and karma when you need help....your network will be there for you.

4) In person matters - This might seem like common sense, but meeting people in person matters.  There is nothing quite like having a conversation face to face.  I spent a little time last week with some old Google colleagues, nothing better than having a beer and catching up on things.  It’s hard today in the global world we live but finding time to meet people in person will pay for itself in spades.  

5) Keep it going - Last point but perhaps the most important.  Once you get yourself networking and building relationships it’s important to keep it going.  Keep meeting new people, expand existing relationships and push the envelope.  You’re never done networking....ever.

Ok, that’s it for now.  I’ll try to get another post out later this week.  Good luck with things this week!

My thoughts on “The 2-Hour Job Search” by Steve Dalton

I don’t know Steve (@Dalton_Steve) but if I’m ever down by Duke University I’m going to look him up because this book rocks.  So good.  Honestly, this is probably the best book I’ve read for someone who’s looking for a new job.  I’d definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a job.  With that, here are a few of my thoughts on the book:

The Resume Black Hole -  On page 3, Steve talks about a student named Becca who’s been applying for tons of jobs....with no luck.  I talk about this a lot and this paragraph stresses the point.  Applying online is inefficient and unlikely to result in a new job.  You have to do it...but don’t get your hopes up in amazing results.

LinkedIn Start-up - There is a great, quick start-up guide to getting your LinkedIn profile working for you on page 14.  This page is really all you need to get up and running.  Great stuff and as loyal readers know....LinkedIn is critical to your job search.

The LAMP Methodology - The real meat of the book is the LAMP methodology that Steve recommends.  It’s FANTASTIC.  Very similar to some of the advice I give but broken down into a very easy to understand format.  I won’t go into a massive amount of detail (buy the book!) but this is exactly the kind of thing job seekers need to be doing in order to successfully find a job...and a great job at that.

The 99.9% - Great statistic on page 16, there are 27.5 million businesses in the US, only .1% of them have over 500 employees.  Think about that for just a minute.  99.9% of businesses in the US have less than 500 people.........that means, for every big company you know is hiring there are literally hundreds of companies you’ve never heard of hiring too......wow!

Quick Start Guide - The last few pages of the book are literally a quick start guide on how to get the LAMP method working for you.  It’s great.  If you are looking for a job, this is exactly what you need.  Check it out.

Ok, that’s it.  This is a great book...not good, GREAT.  I’m going to recommend this book to anyone I know who’s looking for a job.  Great stuff, and Steve if you ever read this and are in Boston...coffee is on me.

Good luck out there this week everyone, enjoy the summer....it won’t last forever.

Job Tip of the Week - Have a plan

I realized that it's been a while since I've done a "Tip of the Week"....talk about a slacker.  Thankfully, I've got one this week.  I hope it helps.

One of the most important things you can do during your job search or career really....is have plan.  Now, I'm not talking about having your life scripted out so you much that you feel like the Truman Show but you've got direction.  During an active job search this especially important so you can not only keep making progress but keep motivation.

Wonder what a "plan" would look like?  Here's an idea:

- Submit 3 resumes a week online
- Contact 1 (or 2) former colleagues or classmates a week for networking
- Contact 1 person OUTSIDE of your network a week for networking
- Attend 1 networking event a week (month?) to meet additional people
- Meet with 1 recruiter a month to develop a network of people looking at roles for you
- Find a mentor who can help advise you on your search

Now, this is pretty aggressive but  if you think about it....this is what, eight hours of work?  If you're looking for a job or between jobs eight hours is nothing.  Get it done.

Good luck out there!

Oh yeah, we'll keep your resume on file....

Ok, so by now most of my readers realize this is my personal blog and not that of my employer.  Right?  Ok, got it?  Because this post is absolutely positively 100% Jeff here...nothing more.

With that shameless C-Y-A...I will now discuss the famous (infamous?) “We’ll keep your resume on file” line you hear from many recruiters.  A lot of people assume that means it’s off to the trash...not entirely true.  It’s actually pretty complicated so I’ll address the potential outcomes for you when a recruiter tells you that they’ll keep you on file.

1) They actually do and they call you - I’ve done this SEVERAL times.  Meet a candidate and for some reason the timing is off so we have to pass....for now.  I’ll usually tell the person “I’m not just saying this, we’ll call you back.  I might not be for two years but we’ll call back”.  So, obviously this is the best outcome and it does happen.

2)  They like you but don’t know where you fit - Again, this happens all the time to recruiters and they are keeping the door open for you.  Now they might not be thinking their current company or even an unnamed future company but they want to keep in touch.  Take it for what it is, and hope for the best.

3) They have a really good ATS - Some companies have awesome Applicant Tracking Software...as such, they have great databases of candidates and when they say “we’ll keep you on file”  they mean it.  A new job opens up and the FIRST thing the recruiter does is search the database and call people.  Don’t I always tell you to apply online?  This is why.

4)  They don’t know what else to say - Another common one.  Lots of recruiters hate conflict and don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings.  So, rather than just giving you the straight dope and telling you it’s not a fit they come up w/ some lame excuse that ends with keeping you on file.  It sucks, but it happens.

There you go, next time a recruiter tells you they’ll keep you on file ask if you can connect on LinkedIn.  That way you can build a connection beyond the resume, network a bit and maybe if you are lucky move from #4 to getting #1.......