Keppie Careers

Social media speaker, social media consultant, job search coach

Archives for 2009

What Twitter applications should you use for your job hunt?

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Regular readers will know that I am a huge fan of Twitter for the job hunt. (Click HERE to learn tips to get started on Twitter and why it is useful.)

Since I wrote that post, there have been so many new Twitter applications that can be useful for job seekers. It’s hard to keep up with all of them! Luckily, Tawny Labrum of AskBinc just posted a comprehensive compilation of 15 great Twitter applications and invited me to share it with my readers!

ConnectTweet – See what is going on inside the doors of a potential company, through the Tweets of their employees.  ConnectTweet allows individuals at the front lines of the company to add a #tag to their company relevant tweets, those tagged tweets are then filtered and posted to the companies @org’s Twitter account, allowing the company’s followers to clearly see the human voices on the inside.

TwitterJobCast– A local job search that allows you to see who is hiring on Twitter by browsing for jobs by city, state or zip code. It works by making requests to the Twitter API. Additionally, the Yahoo! Maps API is used to translate locations into geocodes for use with the Twitter API.

TweetJobSearch – An open source search engine for jobs posted on Twitter, TwitterJobSearch has posted 44,165 new jobs in the last 7 days.  Many of the jobs listed are tech related jobs, but through their search you can look for the position you want in the city you want.

Twellow – Also know as the Yellow Pages for Twitter it allows you to cut through the clutter Twitter sometimes creates.  It enables you to find real people who really matter.  The Twellow service grabs publically available messages from Twitter, analyzes and then categorizes the tweets into categories.  By using this service you can narrow your searching to specific niches and find who you are looking for, that way you can follow specific Tweeters and network your heart away.

TweetBeep – “TweetBeep is like Google Alerts for Twitter” TweetBeep is very simple, you signup for an account, confirm your email and set up alerts to be delivered to your email.  Want to know whenever someone posts a job for a Java Dev?  Set up and alert for that and you will be notified through email on a daily or hourly basis.

HashDictionary– #Hashtags are a way on Twitter to group certain conversations about a particular subject.  If you want your Tweet to be included in a special grouping put the group’s #hashtag somewhere in your Tweet and it will be grouped with other updates using the same hashtag.  HashDictionary.com is a community based dictionary for hashtags on Twitter. Hash tags have been described as collective digital bookmarks and are widely used throughout Twitter. If you want to you can also search the most popular hashtags at #hashtags.org or Tagal.

JobMotel– Allows you to search web developer jobs listed on Twitter.  From what I can tell JobMotel mines Twitter for web dev related jobs and rss feeds them onto their site.

TweetDeck – One of the more popular Twitter 3rd party application, Tweetdeck is a desktop application that acts as your personal browser for staying in touch with what’s happening by connecting you with your contacts on Twitter.  With TweetDeck you are able to create groups from Twitter users and have all those tweets filtered into one screen.  It also lets you do a search for a specific topic and get a live feed every time someone Tweets about that topic.  It helps out with your job search because you can create a filter for the companies you are interested in, see what the Twitterverse is saying about them and be aware when they post open jobs.

TweetMyJobs – TweetMyJobs is a service that brings recruiters, hiring managers and job seekers together on Twitter.  They create Twitter Channels for major cities and job types, and an easy-to-use interface to subscribe to those channels. You will get instant notification of any new jobs as a text message on your cell phone. In your job search all you have to do it create an account on Twitter and TweetMyJobs, subscribe to the desired Job Channels, and have any new openings automatically sent to your cell phone as a text message via Twitter. You can also access job openings on the web at TweetMyJOBS or Twitter.

VisualCV – Not quite a Twitter Application, but you can create your online resume on VisualCV and include a link to your resume in your Twitter Bio.

TwitterSearch – You can find job information on Twitter Search.  Type in the keywords that are important to you it will display results with all tweets that have those keywords, you can either view all the tweets and follow the users or create a RSS feed to read the results later.  Other Twitter Search applications are Just Tweet It and TwitterTroll .

NearByTweets – Search Twitter by Keyword and Location – find out if there are any jobs available in your area or the area you want to work.

Twollo – Twollo allows you to automatically follow users that have similar interests as you.  You tell the application what you like or what you are interested in and the program will generate tweeters for you to follow that have similar interests as you.

Twitscoop – Find out what is being talked about on Twitter right now.  You can search by keyword, allowing you to see realtime info on jobs and networking events.

As an industry expert, often called upon by major media outlets to serve as a source regarding using Twitter as a job hunting tool, I am well situated to coach you! Contact me to discuss how I can help get your search moving!

Keep in touch with your job references

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phone2600570497_cd1a8038b1_mDo you know what your references are saying about you?

Many job seekers overlook this important part of the job hunt. Especially if you have often reached the final stages without landing the job, touching base with those who may hold the keys to your next position is a great idea!

Whom to Ask? Ideally, you should have a current or immediate past employer as a reference.  Co-workers and trusted subordinates may also be references, but most hiring managers will want to hear from employers. If you are a student or recently graduated, faculty members may serve as references. If you have had a leadership role in a volunteer organization, “supervisors” from that organization may be good references for you.

Keep a list of people to contact. Joann Lublin recently wrote about this topic for the Wall Street Journal and suggested taking this step to be extra prepared. It’s important not to be caught off guard. Having a list of contacts (and up-to-date information) is important. Lublin also reminds readers that it’s a good idea to keep in touch with references. Sending emails, notes, updates about your search – all of these are great ways to stay in touch with the people who are key to helping you land the job of your choice.

She quotes William Arruda, founder of Reach, a New York personal-branding organization, who suggests job seekers set up “Google Alerts” for references so that you can quickly email a congratulatory note. I always suggest that my clients set up Google alerts for networking contacts to give them an extra reason to be in touch; extending this idea to references is a great idea!

Ask permission. Once you have in mind who you’d like to serve, ask their permission. If they seem hesitant or hedge at all, allow them to bow out gracefully. You don’t want to browbeat your references into helping you. (They may hurt more than help.) The best references are those who are enthusiastically supportive.

Prepare your references to support you! Be sure they have the most updated version of your resume and a cover letter for the position if you have one. Let them know if you expect they will be called, and offer suggestions of topics they may want to emphasize.

When I was applying for one of my jobs, I knew that teamwork and the willingness to pitch in when necessary were crucial for my potential employer. I emphasized how I was the perfect match (I really was!) in the interview. I also asked my current supervisor (who knew about my search and was my #1 reference) if she could mention some examples of my teamwork when she spoke to my potential boss, who offered me the job as soon as he spoke to her!

Hopefully, you will have a strong relationship with your references and will be comfortable making them partners in your search. Let’s face it – you can get right to the job’s door by having a great resume and interviewing well. The key to get in is in the hands of those who are willing to recommend you for the job!

Don’t overlook anything in your job search! I will help you every step of the way! Need a great resume? Interview help? Contact me!

photo by willposh

Tell Me About Yourself: Storytelling to get jobs and propel your career

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tellmecovercorrect“So, tell me about yourself?”

Is that not the most obvious interview question? The one that every job seeker should anticipate and prepare to answer? Unfortunately, it may seem so obvious, many don’t spend the time they should focusing on how to answer it.

In fact, most aspects of the job search rely on being able to tell your own story.

  • Networking (the all important elevator pitch)
  • Your resume – connecting your accomplishments with the employer’s needs
  • Cover letter – another opportunity to sell your skills to a targeted employer
  • Portfolios – online opportunities to connect with people
  • Interviews – sealing the deal
  • On the job – to connect and advance

I highly recommend that job seekers take a look at Katharine Hansen’s new book, Tell Me About Yourself: Storytelling to Get Jobs and Propel Your Career.

Her book is organized into several sections:

  • Part I – Career propelling story basics
  • Part II – Using storytelling in your job search
  • Part III – Continuous storytelling

Katharine explains how stories can help you get a job by demonstrating your personality, helping to make you memorable and establishing trust. People who know how to tell good stories can communicate their value proposition, which is key for job seekers and careerists.

This book helps you with every aspect of telling your story – from figuring out what the story should be through tips for how to recall stories stored in your brain! (For example, give your stories names.) It is full of samples of stories and many, many ideas that are critically useful for job seekers and all professionals.

If you’re engaged in a job search – or maybe you should be – don’t miss this great resource!

UPDATED ON 6/21/11:

Could you use some help to come up with your story AND to learn how to tell it well in networking, interview and social networking situations? What about your resume? Does it tell your story and tell it well? I can help. If you’re ready to hire a pro to help you move ahead with your plans, contact me to find out how you can boost your job search – both online and off line. Check out my new book, Social Networking for Career Success, to learn how to tell your story in a way that can get you noticed.

Review of Me 2.0 by Dan Schawbel

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me-21I work with Dan as an editor for Personal Branding Magazine, so I’m delighted to review his book, Me 2.0. If you’re a regular reader, you have already learned about Dan and a bit about the book on my blog, but now that I have had a chance to read it, I thought I would share some highlights!

First, and most importantly, what is personal branding? Dan describes it as:

“…The process by which individuals and entrepreneurs differentiate themselves and stand out from a crowd by identifying and articulating their unique value proposition, whether professional or personal, and then leverage it across platforms with a consistent message and image to achieve a specific goal. In this way, individuals can enhance their recognition as experts in their field, establish reputation and credibility, advance their careers and build self-confidence” (p. 4).

Who can benefit from reading this book? It’s a great choice for job seekers and entrepreneurs who are looking for ways to differentiate in this competitive market. While the target audience is Generation Y, I believe the information is useful for ANYONE hoping to stand out and get noticed.

Dan’s step-by-step guide takes the reader through several stages:

  • Brand discovery
  • Brand creation
  • How to communicate the brand
  • Suggestions regarding how to maintain your brand

My favorite takeaway…

If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it 1000 times – networking is key to job search success. Dan notes that networking and relationship building is one of the many aspects of personal branding.

One of the goals of successful personal branding is to be known in your field or industry for your expertise. Ideally, once you have established this expertise via a campaign of connecting with your peers and colleagues via in-person and online (social) networking, instead of having to apply for jobs, people will find YOU when an opportunity comes up.

It’s not as difficult as it sounds! With the right tools and attitude, I believe that all talented job seekers can discover and share a personal brand in the marketplace. Dan’s book offers a road map of sorts to help readers establish an authentic brand and create a “personal branding toolkit” and suggestions for how to communicate your brand to your target audience.

Dan shares his own ups and downs as part of the book, demonstrating the adage, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again” is as true as ever.

If you are authentic, hard working, have something valuable to share, and are willing to see life as a giant networking event” Me 2.0 is just the set of directions that you need to get going. So, what are you waiting for?

I can help you optimize your personal brand for your job search. Contact me if you need some help with your resume, LinkedIn profile and techniques!

Facebook applications for your job search

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Facebook, Inc.
Image via Wikipedia

I highly recommend using social networking tools to help propel your job search. My favorites are LinkedIn and Twitter, but Facebook has a lot applications to help job seekers. Just remember that the BEST use of Facebook (in my opinion) is to make networking connections that will help inform your search. I don’t advise spending too much time looking for and applying to jobs online.

There are many Facebook applications that are targeted to job seekers…

I’m happy to share this list, as posted on AskBink: 

  1. jobsterJobster Career Network – Join the Talent Networks of your favorite companies, and get personalized job alerts based on your career interests. Plus, get career advice from your friends; post your resume online, search for jobs, and more!officebook
  2. OfficeBook – What would you tell a friend about your office if he or she was interested in working there? Love your company? Hate it? Say It!indeed
  3. Indeed – Job Search – Find jobs where your friends work. Search millions of jobs from thousands of job sites and company career pages. Receive job proposals and resumes from your profile page.testimonials
  4. Testimonials – Use Testimonials to gather your personal, professional and academic references in one place from your teachers, friends, and co-workers.
  5. Professional Profile – Create a professional profile on Facebook. With one-click,professionalupload your resume in or import your LinkedIn profile and recommendations. Get recommendations from friends. See resumes in your network.
  6. Career Builder – Find a Better Job – Users who add the applications will receivefind-a-better-jobcontinuously updated job and internship listings. Based on information like major in school, hometown and network, users will receive the most relevant jobs from CareerBuilder’s database in their profile. You can apply to jobs directly or access a link to search for more job on the CareerBuilder.com Web site.job_search_agent
  7. MonsterTrack Job Search Agent – Want to get jobs delivered right to your profile? Download MonsterTRAK’s Job Search Agent application today! Your own personal Agent will pimp your profile with only the jobs you want to see.work-with-us
  8. Work With Us by Jobvite – The Work With Us application displays jobs on profile or fan pages. Anyone can browse interesting opportunities at companies where friends work, apply to the jobs and send Jobvites to their own friends and contacts.meetingwave
  9. MeetingWave – MeetingWave is a business or social networking tool that helps you connect offline with people you would like to meet – whether traveling or near home. You can set up meetings with friends only or with a mix of friends and “new” people.
  10. Inside Job – InSide Job connects you to helpful people at places you want to work next by inside_jobgiving you access to where people have interviewed, worked, or are currently employed. Find the right person you are looking for. Post jobs. Get the inside scoop.
  11. Workin It by Simply Hired – Give gold stars to your friends to thank them—think of it as workin-itprofessional props for the people in your network. A good excuse to thank your friends…and a great excuse to get to know everyone else in your network a little bit better. You will thank YOURSELF when you need that “friend of a friend” to help you find your dream job or give you an internal referral at their company, since 80% of jobs are found through friends.seek-job-search
  12. Seek Job Search – SEEK & you shall find. The SEEK Job Search application lets you personalize relevant job search results in your Facebook Profile. Get the freshest jobs delivered every time you log in. Send it to your friends so they stay informed too.konoker
  13. Konoker Jobs – KONOKER Jobs is a job advertisement and job search tool allowing individuals to advertise regular and freelance jobs for free, as well as apply for postings from within the application. KONOKER speaks English and Danish and follow the users’ settingsjobs
  14. Jobs – Search thousands of open jobs, directly from employers. Find jobs where your friends work. See what jobs your friends are interested in. Find a job by updating your profile with your work status and dream job.brave-new-talent
  15. BraveNewTalent – BraveNewTalent.com is a new social networking site that allows you to connect to employers online. It allows you to take control of your career, engage directly with employers that interest you, and be part of their online incircle-connectionscommunity.
  16. InCircle Connections – Receive exclusive job opportunities. Connect with other members. Join inCircle today to get connected and get ahead.my-linkedin-profile
  17. My LinkedIn Profile – Promote your LinkedIn account with a badge on your Facebook profile.
  18. LinkedIn Contacts – LinkedIn Contacts allows you to view and share your LinkedIn linkedin-contactsContacts.
  19. Business Cards – Business Cards will help you network better on Facebook. business-cardsPersonalize your card and attach it to your Facebook messages! View postings and network with others!
  20. Easy CV – Easy CV is an add-on to the famous on-line resume service easy-easy-cvcv.com. It adds a short view of your CV on your profile and a dedicated page. Resume is available in PDF, MS Word or video. Take benefits of your network to get jobs opportunities!
  21.  CollegeRecruiter.com – CollegeRecruiter.com features 250,000 active job posting ads 

collegerecruiter1  from all industries.

 

For help with all things job search – contact me!

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