An article published in HR Magazine (the most widely read and respected human resources publication in the world) told the story of a physician who didn’t get a job at a small mid-west town hospital because she liked books on witchcraft on her Facebook page. This isn’t the first time we’ve heard of Facebook content resulting in lost job opportunities. In today’s age of social media, looking up future employees is the common trend for hiring managers, and as the article in HR Magazine stated, “There is nothing that screams more accurately who you are than a Facebook page.” So how can you clean up your Facebook so it’s appropriate? Read More
Getting the Most Out of Your Internship: Goal Setting
Internships are an increasingly important way for job seekers to gain experience, master new skills and position themselves in the job market. To optimize your internship, it’s important to have specific goals and a plan for meeting them. At the highest level, your goals are: gaining valuable experience and growing your network. But once you’ve determined where you’ll be spending your internship, you need to go deeper.
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Job Search Spring Cleaning
What better time to revitalize your job search than spring? Spring is a time for cleaning out cupboards, flinging open windows, and freshening up. Just as you spring clean your home, clean up your job search and hit the market fresh and ready for success. Five quick ideas to capitalize on improved hiring conditions this spring: Read More
A Step-By-Step Guide to Answering “Tell Me About Yourself”
Can you define yourself in 15 seconds or less? The ability to clearly state who you are and the value you bring to the workplace is an important and challenging part of job search. You will use it when networking, interviewing, during chance encounters and at events.
The most classic use of your self-definition is when someone asks you, “So, tell me about you . . .” This question is a good starting place for creating a strong self-definition. Read More
Job Search and the Multi-Generational Workforce
Becky was telling me about a recent job interview at a local technology firm that left her frustrated and confused. She described her interviewer as a “girl” half her age who dressed casually, asked unexpected questions and spoke in shorthand. As an older worker, Becky is not alone in her reaction to the traits and behavior observed in “the younger generation”. But understanding new ways of communicating and working can really help older workers in their job search. Read More
March Madness and Your Job Search
March madness is coming towards the end. If you’re a basketball fan, you have had your pen out and your brackets filled, and your fair share of ups and downs. While your mind might be on the court, the game of basketball and the game of interviewing have a lot in common. Don’t believe me? Check this out: Read More
How the Hidden Job Market Works
Are you skeptical about the hidden job market, or maybe not even sure what it is? It sounds a little mysterious, but the hidden job market is real and it does work to help get people hired. Read More
Help! I Have No Online Presence!
A job seeker asks “What is online presence and why do I need it to find a job?” In today’s job search, you can have great qualifications and excellent connections, but without online presence, you may be overlooked. Online presence is your value displayed and expressed online. It’s what people find when they search on your name. It’s how recruiters and hiring managers notice your expertise and how you show your value to others in your industry. Read More
3 Quick Things to Shake Up Your Job Search
Feeling stuck in your job search? Here are three quick things to do right now that will revitalize your search and get you back on track: Read More
Answering: Why Do You Want this Job?
The interview question “Why do you want this job” or “Why do you want to work here?” is a variation on “What interests you about this position and our company?” In a dating situation, this is the equivalent of “Why me?” or “Why are you interested in me?” Your answer should be about why this employer is unique and special in your mind and how your skills are a match to their needs. Read More