Keppie Careers

Social media speaker, social media consultant, job search coach

Are you a French fry or a job seeker?

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One of the first things I tell prospective clients who have received job hunting  advice elsewhere before coming to me is that a lot of job search is unscientific — what one person likes, another thinks is useless. A good example is the cover letter debate. Some recruiters expect a cover letter, others believe they are a waste of time. The fact that opinions vary about “right and wrong” is clear in resume-ology as well. The fact is, there is no absolute right way. There are best practices, and the rest is up to the job seeker or resume writer.

So, when I was speaking to a prospective client who told me he had been to a LinkedIn workshop and had his resume reviewed, I asked him to share a bit about what he had already learned, as I never want to confuse a job seeker from the get go with contradicting information.

Then, he told me that someone had advised him to suggest he was a “seasoned” professional in the headline of his resume. That’s when my coaching self control hit a road bump and I knew I needed to explain why he should not say he was “seasoned.”

I asked, “Are you a French fry?” (Actually, I didn’t really ask that. But, our discussion did hone in on that question.) Think about it: what is the chance that anyone has included the word seasoned in his or her applicant tracking system software (that scans resumes and helps identify the best ones) as a “grab this person if you find him” word? I’m thinking not very many.

I explained to the prospective client that it is so important to choose each word on the resume based on 1) the fact that it describes you (the job seeker) and clearly outlines what you have to offer (your skills and accomplishments – as they relate to the employer’s needs) and 2) the chance that the employer has flagged that keyword as important for the job.

Think about this when you get advice about your resume. Don’t just blindly incorporate information or words because someone mentioned them — think about what those words will be doing to help you get where you want to go.

Stay tuned for more advice about writing targeted job search materials!

photo by Gudlyf

Horror (and funny) job search stories, Part V

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halloweencollage1780738281_391e68f59b_mIn honor of Halloween week, I am continuing my job search horror story series. Today, some horribly funny stories! The goal is to share tales from job seekers (so you know you’re not alone) AND from hiring managers, so job seekers can learn what things might NOT work.

Revi Goldwasser shared some horror stories through the candidates with whom she works, coaches and places. She notes, “These stories are funny to me now – but when it happened – I wanted to shrink in my chair!!”

* Candidate shows up for an interview wearing her sunglasses. Turns out she forgot her regular glasses at home, and was using her prescription sunglasses so she could see.

* Candidate arrives to the interview, is greeted by the HR Manager and says, “Where can I throw out my gum?”

* Candidate is asked the following question during an interview, “Describe one of your weaknesses?” – His answer: “My current job starts at 8am, and I am always around 30 minutes late! But don’t worry – your job starts at 9am, so for your job, I’ll arrive 30 minutes early!”

* Candidate is being interviewed for an accountant position. When asked what he doesn’t like about his current job, his answer: “I really don’t like working with numbers.”

* A candidate arrives for an interview for a marketing coordinator opening. When the HR Manager arrives to begin the interview, the candidate tells the HR Manager that she really doesn’t want marketing, she wants Research – do they have any openings for that instead?

* During an interview, a candidate is asked a lot of math questions that he has to figure out in his head and give the answer verbally. The position is for a Trader with an Investment Firm, thus requiring a strong knowledge base in math and numbers. He did not do well. He then asks the HR Manager, “Don’t you guys use calculators?”

Another story that was horrible at the time, but that the teller laughs about now, from Alejandra Ramos, who now writes a food blog:

When I was just out of college, I interviewed for a communications position with a conservative non-profit in Washington, DC. Given the industry (and the city) I chose to wear a very staid and elegant designer skirt suit that I’d purchased at deep discount at Filene’s Basement. I arrived at the interview site 20 minutes early and was motioned to the lobby where I should wait for the hiring manager. As I was sitting down, some papers slid out of my portfolio and onto the ground. As I bent over to pick them up, I heard a very distinct tearing sound. I anxiously reached behind me and realized that the seam of my skirt had ripped nearly all the way up the back. Thinking quickly, I twisted the skirt so that the long rip was now going up my thigh instead of revealing my entire behind. When the hiring manager came out to greet me, her eyes immediately fell on the absurdly risque “slit” in my skirt. Needless to say, I did not get the job.

Don’t miss Part I, II,  III and IV to learn how to manage some of what you may encounter on the hunt!

What stories do you have? Funny? Absurd? Share them in the comments!

I can help with every part of your job hunt! Need a great resume? Tips to use social networking? Interview coaching?  If you need help mobilizing your networks and your job search plans, learn more about how I can help you! While you’re at it, don’t forget those social networks! Be sure to become a fan of Keppie Careers on Facebook…I’d be thrilled to have you as part of the community! Since we’re on the subject of doing something new…Are you on Twitter? Jump on and touch base with me @keppie_careers.

photo by pipnstuff

Horror job search stories, Part IV

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Have you been keeping up with horror story week at Keppie Careers? Where job seekers and hiring managers have a chance to share their tales of woe, in hopes that we can all learn something?

Today, thanks to Susan P. for some tidbits from her job searches:

Where do I start? I have had so many weird job interviews. I have had two that both lasted 8 hours where I was interviewed by everyone in the department and students too. Both of these were at universities. I can’t say that I was scared but it was intimidating. For one position, I started at the University, was driven to another location, then over to another place and back to the original place. And they did not even give me lunch or ask if I wanted a break for lunch. The questions I was asked were pretty typical. I did not get the job.

The other 8-hour interview had me speaking with professors, admin. assistants, students, and staff. I was given lunch, but was interviewed during the meal. I got this job but walked out (not my finest moment) after 4 months due to an extremely abusive supervisor.

But probably the strangest interview was for a temporary admin. assistant position at yet another university. The job involved being the admin. support for 11 student organizations and the entire programs department, plus filling in as front desk receptionist and answering the phone. The first interview took place in a conference room with 6 people asking me questions. One guy asked me what I had made in my last several jobs. I was also given a written problem to solve during the interview. I was called back in a week later for another interview with 4 more people in the department.

One asked what I thought one of my references would say about me in a recommendation. Another question was if the department head was told by someone in the department that I was overqualified for the job (which I was), how should she respond to this type of question. And on and on it went. All this for a $16/hour temporary position. The next day I called them to withdraw my name.

Horror story or par for the course? Having worked at a University myself, I am not surprised by the, ummm “in depth” nature of the interviews, even for a very entry-level type of job.

One good point to remember – if you are scheduling an interview – be sure to ask what to expect. Will it be an all-day affair? A half-hour meeting? Do you need to (literally) pack a lunch – or at least a snack – in your briefcase or purse? Asking what to expect makes you look like a planner and a detail-driven candidate.

If you are in an extremely long (all-day) interview process, it is important to request breaks as you need them, even if it means a long restroom break. If you need a drink of water, for example, be sure to ask for one. It’s also a good idea to use the breaks to jot down some notes you may use when you write thank you notes. It may be difficult to keep track of everyone’s name and what you discussed, so having some reminders is helpful.

How about the question about salary? Best to start out by avoiding stating a figure. “I am looking for a career opportunity, and salary is not my primary consideration.” If pushed, “I am sure you have a budget in mind for this position that would suitably compensate me for my skills and what I will contribute.” You get the picture! Click here for more about negotiating in a recession.

A theme in these stories – (don’t miss Part I, II and III), job seekers had a good sense that the opportunity might not be what they had hoped. I hope job seekers reading these stories will remember this the next time a red flag goes up at an interview!

So, what do you think? Is this a horror story? What’s YOUR story? Add it to the comments!

I can help with every part of your job hunt! Need a great resume? Tips to use social networking? Interview coaching?  If you need help mobilizing your networks and your job search plans, learn more about how I can help you! While you’re at it, don’t forget those social networks! Be sure to become a fan of Keppie Careers on Facebook…I’d be thrilled to have you as part of the community! Since we’re on the subject of doing something new…Are you on Twitter? Jump on and touch base with me @keppie_careers.
photo by tonyapoole

Potted Plants and Other Ideas to Make You Feel Better At Work

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Real Simple Magazine (October 2008) notes that, “Researchers at Texas State University, in San Marcos found that people who had a plant in their offices rated themselves as more satisfied with life and work than did those without them.”

So, if you notice a lot of new plants at work this month, you’ll know why!

Unsatisfied at work? Carly Chynoweth offered 10 tips to help make life at work better on the Work Bloom Work Satisfaction Blog:

  1. “Keep things in perspective.”
  2. “Recognize the possibility of happiness.”
  3. “Change your focus.”
  4. “Surround yourself with happy people…”
  5. “Accept reality.”
  6. “Do the best you can.”
  7. “Balance.”
  8. “Take a break.”
  9. “Take control.”
  10. “Be honest with yourself.”

What helps you keep sane at work? Social networking? Daydreaming? Focused goal setting? Going to lunch alone (or with a co-worker)? Please share your keeping sane strategies in the comments section. And, if you have a very unhappy co-worker, consider the gift of a nice potted plant!

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We can help you with a successful job hunt. Need a great resume? Career search advice? Visit Keppie Careers online for information about our services: www.keppiecareers.com.

photo by jark

Should You Hire Someone to Write Your Resume?

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Have you looked at your resume lately? Really looked at it with a critical eye? Does it highlight your skills and accomplishments? Or, is it a laundry list of “stuff” you’ve done? Are you sure it demonstrates all that you have to offer a potential employer?

Sure, you’ve shown it to your friends, maybe even a colleague or two. They think it looks fine, even great! When is the last time they studied the art of resume writing? Do they realize that, in some cases, human eyes will not even see your resume until after it is screened by a computer? Did they explain that you’ll be lucky to get a 10-second glance for your resume on a first go-around?

The fact is, most people are not resume writing experts. While everyone has an opinion, we all know how useful an uninformed opinion can be.

Have you been sending your resume out but not getting any response? Blaming it on the economy or your experience level? Those factors certainly have a role, but it is more than likely that a professionally written resume would yield better results. Do you really want to face the job market with documents that are not optimized?

Many job seekers don’t stop to consider how much money a less-than-optimal resume costs them. Consider, if you are unemployed, how much money do you lose for every day that you are out of work? If your resume isn’t top-notch, you may not appear qualified for the salary that you seek or deserve. A professionally written resume will help shorten your job search and may qualify you for a higher salary. Your return on investment in yourself may pay off substantially!

Does everyone need to hire someone to write their resume? No, I don’t think so. If you are a great writer and have kept up with resume trends, understand how to focus the reader on the key points and can objectively assess your document to ensure that you aren’t letting misplaced modesty prevent you from incorporating your very best accomplishments, you might be a great candidate for writing your own resume.

On the other hand, who has the energy or the inclination to keep up with “resume-ology?” I do! Helping people successfully navigate their job hunt is my passion. I keep up with the market, learn about new technology and approaches and stay plugged in because you don’t have the time, expertise or desire to do it.

Do you want to achieve your career goals and save money? Your career is one of your most crucial financial investments. Whether you are actively engaged in a search, underemployed or unhappily employed, it makes sense to hire an ally for your job hunt. An ally tells it like it is and helps you get where you need to be. Are you committed to discovering what you have to offer an employer?

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photo by mailophobia