Informational interviews are an invaluable tool for today’s job search. While you never actually ask for a job during an informational interview, many do lead directly or indirectly to employment opportunities down the road. In part one of our series on information interviews, we look at why you should do informational interviews. Read More
Working With External Recruiters
A reader recently asked us to address the topic of whether job seekers should proactively reach out to headhunters. The answer is yes! Headhunters, as some recruiters are called, can be a source of job leads and connections in your job search and should not be ignored. Read More
Picking the Right Size Target for Your Job Search
We talked about the problem of having a job search target that is too narrow. But equally problematic is having a target that is too broad, or a scattershot attempt to land any jobs. Instinct tells you that having a big target gives you a better chance of hitting something. Yet with job search, a huge target is not the best way to assure success. Here are some of the reasons why:
- Selling yourself as “I can do anything” makes you look like a dabbler who has done lots of things but is not deeply competent in any one
- Selling yourself as “I’m willing to do anything” makes you look desperate rather than appealing
- Lack of clarity around your strengths makes you less memorable
- People in your network find it hard to help if you are not clear what you’re looking for
- Lack of focus makes you less credible
- Pursuing jobs outside your area of expertise or well below your level is likely to leave you frustrated
- Applying for anything and everything, even jobs that are not a good fit, wastes your time and energy, taking away focus on finding jobs for which you are truly a match
How do you assure you’ve got the right size target? Read More
Avoiding Job Application Mis-Steps
You found a job that looks really interesting. The last thing you want is for a lame mistake to ruin the chance for making a good first impression, or worse, cost you a shot at a job. Here are some classic mis-steps and how you can avoid them:
Are Keywords Overrated?
There’s a lot of talk about keywords and how they can help your job search. Job seekers are told to load up their resumes with keywords so that applicant tracking systems (ATS) will “find” them. In fact, some resumes feature a huge block of keywords.
The reality is that keywords are just one of many tools in your job search. Here is where keywords bring the most benefit: Read More
Avoiding LinkedIn Faux Pas
Job seekers know LinkedIn can be a vital part of a successful job search. But use it incorrectly and you will alienate people in your network, create bad will and maybe even cost yourself opportunities. Here are some common LinkedIn mistakes and how to avoid them: Read More
Video Friday: When They Say You Are Overqualified
It’s not uncommon for a job seeker to be told he or she is overqualified for a position. If this happens to you, it is possible to respond in a way that keeps you in the running for the job. In today’s video blog, Jobfully’s Carrie Krueger explains what to do when you’re told you are overqualified. Read More
Improving Communication During Interviews
Good communication skills can mean the difference between success and failure in job interviews. If you are stalling at interviews, communication skills could be the problem. Here are four things to focus on to improve communication skills in interviews: Read More
Action Items to Jump Start 2013
The New Year brings new hiring, so for job seekers it’s critical to be diligent and strategic about your job search as 2013 begins. Here are five things you should be doing this month to get the year off to a great start and increase the chances of job search success. Read More
Why the Holidays are a Great Time for Job Search
There’s a common misconception that “no one gets hired over the holidays”. In fact, this time of year presents some unique opportunities for advancing your job search. Holiday tunes may be playing in stores, but it’s no time to back off on your search. Here are some easy ways to make the most of this time: Read More