5 Ways to Separate Yourself as a Job Seeker

5 Ways to Separate Yourself as a Job Seeker I was going through my LinkedIn Applications folder the other day and saw all of the applications sitting there. They were all for the same job so maybe seeing the same line of words repeated 50+ times in that folder made me think of it, but as a job seeker you need to separate yourself from the herd. In true head hunting it is all about finding the perfect candidate. But as much as every recruiter would like to tell you they are a modern day detective when it comes to finding people, the truth is a majority of positions will get filled through online applications. As a candidate you click apply and off goes your resume. Sure you are probably thinking you will be working for that company in 2 weeks, but so are hundreds of other candidates. It is on you to stand out to the hiring managers/recruiters who are doing the hiring. As one recruiter who I managed early on in my career once said; it is the pink envelope theory (place a pink envelope in a stack of white ones, and it will stand out). Below are 5 ways I highlight how you can be that pink envelope: 1) Read the job description in full  detail: This one seems pretty basic but it is probably the most overlooked. If a job says it requires 10 years of experience and a technical degree and you are junior level, chances are you won’t be getting a call anytime too soon. If you have to talk yourself into why you can look past the requirements, I can guarantee you that you will have little to no success talking the recruiter into your candidacy. 2) Reach out to the recruiter: Depending who you talk to this could be a no-no. But they aren’t writing this article, I am. And I can tell you this much; the candidates who message me directly about their resume will always get a longer or second look at their resume versus the candidates who don’t. We live in a very well connected world. You do not have to be a super spy to find the contact information of the person you are looking for. A quick search on Google, LinkedIn or Data.com will get you what you are looking for. With hundreds of resume’s it is easy to skip past one that is worth a second look. Reaching out directly to the person will get you that look. **Disclaimer** this does not guarantee an interview. Even after a second look, if you are not qualified I can do nothing for you. 3) Show off your work: Remember in 10th grade algebra when the teacher wouldn’t accept your final paper unless you show off your work? Well that doesn’t apply to just getting your high school degree. Let’s say I am hiring you to be my marketing manager or web developer. These positions have tangible results attached to them. In the case of the marketing manager it is to develop new marketing material for the company. For the web developer it is to give off a better web presence. In that case show your work to the prospective employer. Maybe send them a link to the website you created, or mail them some marketing material you made. As the saying goes, put your money where your mouth is. If you truly are as great at your job as you tell me than show me. I will be that much more inclined to speak to someone who has what I am looking for. For example when I was interviewing for my current job I showed my prospective employer all of the blogging I had been doing as it pertains to recruiting. I wanted them to know I just don’t recruit from 9-5, but it is something I am passionate about. 4) Do your research: By: Jisc Once your resume is selected for a phone or onsite interview the selection process doesn’t stop there. You may have made it past the hundreds of other applicants, but there is still competition for the position. If all things are considered equal, as a recruiter, I am always impressed with candidates who genuinely know information on my company. For example, this is no secret, but my company is planning on expanding into Korea. At the time this news was not all that public and I was interviewing a candidate who knew that and shared the information with me. It impressed me because it meant the candidate actually did their homework and really researched out company. They didn’t just come in regurgitating our “About Us” page on our website. It showed me the candidate was genuinely interested in being hired with my company and not just looking for another job. 5) Have an  interest in what the company does: I understand bills need to be paid and if you are out of work you will take any job that comes along. Please also understand that for most positions that doesn’t cut it. A company is not there to just help you get by. They are hiring you because you possess skills that will help them further their business. Which in turn will help you advance your career, a win for all. So when a recruiter or hiring manager asks you for your motivation to take the job, “more money” or “I need a job” does not cut it. The company wants to hire someone who has a genuine interest in their chosen career path and also the company who is hiring. For me taking the position I have now intrigued me because it was a global organization which would give me the exposure I had always been looking for. It was because I had a genuine interest in their business that I was positioned as a better candidate to propel their organization forward because I was engaged beyond just paying the bills. They weren’t looking for someone to just take up space. Take a little extra effort in your career path and you will be on the road to success. Unless you specialize in a field that .00001% of the general population knows about, there is going to be competition out there for the same job. And while you think your skills are exactly what the company is looking for, there are hundreds of other people who feel the same way.

On the Job by Anita Bruzzese What the Big Bang Theory Really Teaches Us

On the Job by Anita Bruzzese What the Big Bang Theory Really Teaches Us I am not crazy. My mother had me tested.Sheldon Cooper Devoted fans of the television show, The Big Bang Theory, rejoiced when the sitcom about a bunch of nerdy guys entered its eighth season this year, with some 18 million people tuning in for the seasons opener. But even though its Americas most watched show, critics have not been as enthusiastic. One reviewer recently commented that he not only doesnt watch the show, but he doesnt know anyone who does. The show consistently loses out on an Emmy, even though Jim Parsons has won four Emmy awards for playing Sheldon Cooper. So what is it about this show that grabs the attention of so many people despite its lack of critical acclaim? Could it be that we love the fact that the nerd culture has gone mainstream? That for once instead of being stuffed inside a locker by a high school bully, the nerd is successful, has friends and is fun to be around? One thing that cannot be denied by the constant presence of Big Bang (it runs in syndication all hours of the day and night), is that is has exposed many people to the true gifts of the geeks and nerds in this world. The show has made it clear that nerds are capable of more than just writing code or solving a complicated math problem they are also creative, innovative andcollaborative. If managers are smart, theyll take the shows message to heart: Its time to let nerds be nerds. In other words, stop trying to make them fit in. Theyll never be like other employees and thats a good thing. If managers learn to embrace a geeks geekiness, organizations can become more competitive, and learn to work smarter and more efficiently. By giving nerds the freedom to be themselves, we all may learn valuable lessons and benefit from these brilliant minds. Heres how: Innovation never stops.While some workers may check work emails after hours, nerds are going to do much more than that. Theyre going to think about what theyre working on even during their off hours, because theyre happiest when their brains are challenged. Managers shouldnt watch the clock when theyve got nerds on their team these employees are always going to be seeking challenges and striving for solutions. Consider this clip of Howard working on his robot arm even when hanging out (read more here) - See more at: http://quickbase.intuit.com/blog/2014/10/20/big-bang-theorys-biggest-lesson-let-nerds-be-nerds/#sthash.LnRsmoZ6.dpuf

How to Improve Your CV [15 Helpful Tips]

How to Improve Your CV [15 Helpful Tips] For many jobseekers, your CV is the first point of contact with a potential employer. It is the first opportunity to sell yourself, to get yourself noticed and, above all, to make sure any potential door is not closed to you. First impressions do count, so make this one work for you. As an environmental recruitment agency, we have worked with hundreds of graduates to kick-start their career in sustainability or the environment. But the tips for improving your CV apply whatever industry or sector you are looking to work in: It’s a good idea to have your CV prepared well in advance of spotting any job opportunities, and certainly well ahead of any closing date, so that it is not undertaken in a rush. This ensures that the basics will be there to build on, and you can tailor the CV for each specific opportunity without too much additional work. You’ve probably heard this before, but it’s worth repeating because there are far too many examples of people who ignore the advice â€" do make sure you check it through (better still, get someone else to check it through) for clarity, spelling and grammar. Mistakes will send your CV into the waste paper basket (metaphorically if it’s electronic). Given that your CV needs to be tailored for each job opportunity, double check it through to make sure that you are have the right version for that particular company or organisation â€" there’s nothing worse than focusing on your people management skills, for instance, when the company in question is actually looking for someone to work on their own as a self-starter. Make your CV easy to read and interesting â€" employers will have many CVs to look at, so don’t make it difficult for them â€" instead, make it a pleasure; think about the font (and please don’t be tempted to go for a quirky choice!), size of type and density of text; avoid colours other than black. Short blocks of text work well, and bullet points are fine provided the list isn’t too long â€" again, use the ‘pleasure principle’ as your overarching guide. Tables are also OK for small amounts of text, but don’t overdo it. Use the selection criteria where possible to align the skills and experience on your CV with the job description â€" wherever you can, give examples of how you match the criteria (approach it like marking criteria â€" how high can you score?). A profile (or personal statement) can work well, but only if you have some relevant points to make. This could be used to demonstrate your enthusiasm and creativity (to compensate for lack of experience perhaps) or to show your passion and commitment â€" but it is important to avoid clichés and buzzwords. Don’t include a photo â€" unless it’s a modelling job you’re after! Aim for 2 pages of A4 max, and remember you don’t have to detail every qualification and piece of work experience â€" if you have a degree or higher, the grades you got for GCSE are probably not too important, so just list the number of passes and subjects. References at this stage aren’t essential and they will take up too much space â€" just say ‘references are available on request’ â€" recruiters won’t be needing references at the CV filtering stage. Remember that life experience can be just as relevant as job experience when it comes to many key skills â€" project management, budgeting, communication skills, for example, can be demonstrated in different ways â€" so be creative Don’t forget to highlight professional qualifications and any relevant Continuing Professional Development (CPD) â€" what training have you undergone recently that shows that your skills are up to date? This is particularly important if you have been unemployed for a while and the employer is concerned that you could be out of touch in a fast-moving industry. Don’t be afraid to ask friends and colleagues what they think your strengths are â€" and if they have any other comments or advice on your CV. Finally, don’t think of your CV as set in stone. If you progress to the next stage, ask for feedback on your CV â€" what worked, what jumped out, what was irrelevant to the potential employer â€" and hone your CV accordingly. And do share your experiences with others â€" blogs and websites are a great community resource; if you give to others, they will give back to you. Remember, your CV is about bringing you and your experience to life, so give examples wherever possible, to help the potential employer quickly build a picture of you. RELATED: What Recruiters Really Want to See on Your CV Written by Karl McGrory, Head of Change Partnerships â€" ChangeAgents.org.uk. Change Agents is a charity that specialises in recruitment, training and support for a wide range of sustainability projects. Follow on Twitter  @changeagentsuk

Create Your Own Luck by Expanding Your Circle

Create Your Own Luck by Expanding Your Circle Post 2 of The Go-Getter Girls Guide series is about expanding your circle. First, lets start by reviewing a few career myths (which you need to start accepting as myths!): Successful people just got lucky. Successful people always know exactly what they are doing. Successful people are so talented in their field that they never needed others to help them get to the top. Loose acquaintances are not helpful in achieving professional success. WRONG! Now lets correct these myths: 1. Go-Getter Girls all have one thing in common: they are constantly expanding their circle. Why should you do this? Because expanding your circle means you can create your own luck. Chapter 3 of the book gives several great examples of how expanding your circle will lead you to luck and career success. I have several examples of how it has helped me in my life (including getting my current job). How has expanding your circle helped you create your own luck? Do you believe that successful people just got lucky? Do tell. 2. Successful people are actually the ones who have become comfortable being uncomfortable. Recent grads listen up: yes you have a solid four year degree you worked your ass off for. That doesnt mean youre going to know everything (or anything) once you get into your first few jobs. The career newbie who learns how to sit down and figure it out without asking is the one who will rise to the top. Also, get comfortable with uncomfortable conversations with colleagues, clients, superiors, and those you meet in your community- those conversations will undoubtedly lead you to good things. What uncomfortable situations have you been in at work? How did it help your confidence and progress? 3. Direct quote from Chapter 3: EVERYONE needs to seek out resources and support to get to the next level. Yes, I said everyone. This is why you need mentors- diverse mentors even who will guide you. How many mentors do you have? How did you meet them? 4. According to Chapter 3, loose acquaintances are the most helpful in your quest for professional or financial success. Family and friends are fabulous but at some point they are limited in what they can help you with. With each new person you meet, you are being exposed to a whole new network and a new set of experiences. Simply asking an acquaintance for an introduction or recommendation goes a very long way. Several examples of this are given in the book. When is the last time you emailed an acquaintance just to say hello and touch base? When is the last time you asked for something from them? In conclusion, successful Go-Getter Girls are curious creatures. They act on their curiosity in order to learn new things and meet new people. They know that they need others to help them get to success. Therefore, they are constantly expanding their circle- whether it be at the nail salon, walking into a managers office to introduce themselves or at the dog park. They continually scout out new info with a professional purpose. How have you created your own luck by expanding your circle? What do you feel is more of a factor in career success: raw talent or expanding your circle?

Barclays Q A Part 1 - Debut

Barclays Q A Part 1 - Debut What is the one personality trait that would make an interview candidate stand out at Barclays?   For a candidate to stand out at a Barclays interview be sure to demonstrate your passion and knowledge for the industry. This could be undertaken through a personal interest or a company you are following. Can you breakdown your selection processes for your roles at Barclays? Our recruitment process is designed to assess potential, skills set, values and most importantly motivation and commitment towards your chosen career path. Our recruitment process is typically three stages, an online application, one interview and and an assessment centre. Describe the typical day in the life of a Barclays graduate A typical day for a Barclays Graduate varies depending on the business in which you work. Regardless of where you work in Barclays you will always have the objective helping our customers and clients achieve their ambitions. You’ll also build relationships, your network, industry knowledge and expertise by working closely with colleagues throughout our business. What are the most common failings of applicants to Barclays and how can candidates avoid them? Some of the common mistakes which graduates make are: Not listening to Recruiters or business representatives Not researching Barclays and asking poorly prepared questions Not being able to communicate their ideas or complex issues clearly Not creating an impact e.g. not providing any personal information on their hobbies, interests or volunteering What are the technological growth areas that Barclays are investing in? Barclays wants to be the digital bank so whether we are investing in new technology infrastructure or launching product innovations such as PingIt or bPay we want it to be simple for customers and clients to do business with us. Connect with Debut on  Facebook,  Twitter,  and  LinkedIn  for more careers insights.

Make a Career in Employing Others - CareerAlley

Make a Career in Employing Others - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. Locating and securing the best talent for companies, organizations and institutions is a job description that falls within the scope of human resources; however, there are many different techniques and methods used by different companies to recruit the right candidates for their positions. If youre considering a career path as a recruiter, then there is a lot youll have to think about, and youll need to understand that, though the job can be fulfilling and exciting, it does have a lot of challenges as well. If you are cut for this kind of job, youll definitely find it interesting. Below are some helpful tips to help you determine whether a career in employing others is meant for you and how to choose the best path in this area of employment. Know the Requirements of the Recruiting Job Dealing with people and discerning talent is a job that requires intelligence, the ability to penetrate the soul of others and understand the stuff they are made off, and the patience to dig and identify hidden talents and skills. The kind of education a prospective candidate for such a position has is very important. When it comes to positions in human resources, candidates are required to complete a course in one of the following fields: Psychology, Human Resource Management, and Communications. An ongoing training in a business school, Graduate Degree, or certification program can offer you an advantage. You may also need to be computer literate, and have a good background in managing, training and educating people. You should start by getting the right educational background that will imbue you with the knowledge and the competencies required for positions in recruitment. The requirements for positions in recruitment vary from one company to another, but there are certain courses that you should consider if you think about a career path as a recruiter. The most common ones are: programs in labor relations, human resources, personnel management, and business. Determine whether You Can Successfully Fulfill the Job Description Being a recruiter will involve receiving candidates applying for positions in a company, screening them and discerning whether they are the right picks for specific jobs. Youll constantly communicate with prospective candidates, updating them about the status of their application and communicating decisions regarding their application in a professional manner. Recruiters will place ads, inform candidates about the company compensation packages, vacation, benefits, and work with Managers to write job descriptions for different positions. Know the Different Paths You Can Take A career in recruiting others is not limited to human resources. There are other career paths in recruitment that you can consider, but it is very important to ensure that youre choosing one that is right for you. You can work as an independent recruiter, which is generally referred to as a headhunter, locating and endorsing suitable candidates to employers. Another path to consider would be a job within a placement or recruiting agency. Youll be responsible for locating candidates, conducting initial interviews, screening, and preparing them for subsequent interviews with different companies. If you are into education, and think that you have the requirements needed for a job as a recruiter, then you can consider a career as a college recruiter. This means youll have to welcome, administer tests and screen suitable candidates for specific course programs in the university. There are many opportunities for you if you want to work in recruitment, but it is absolutely important that you discern properly and arm yourself with the right requirements for the position that you want before you start sending out applications. Investing time and money in training yourself for this job is very necessary if you really want to make a career in recruiting others. You should not ignore the human aspect of the job; youll need to develop your skills as a peoples person, learn the art of communication, develop question and answer strategies that can enable you to relate properly with others. Author Bio Joshua Turner is a writer who creates articles in the field of business. In this article, he offers a few career opportunities and aims to encourage further study with a masters in education law. This is a Guest post. If you would like to submit a guest post to CareerAlley, please follow these guest post guidelines. Good luck in your search. Visit me on Facebook

Resume Writing - Make Your Resume Impressive

Resume Writing - Make Your Resume ImpressiveResume writing is among the most important parts of job hunting. In the age of online job portals, resume writing is an extremely vital and crucial part of job hunting. While it is true that resume writing plays a major role in your search for a job, it is also true that you can create a resume that is both impressive and memorable.If you are thinking about writing a resume, you must first consider how your resume will appear. The placement of keywords will affect the impression people get from your resume. If you use search engines to find a job, you will definitely find that people do not search for 'job' with the same frequency as they search for 'enrollments.' These two words often work together to create a single term and are sometimes interchanged in the same sentence.If you don't know how to write your resume, you may be surprised to learn that career events are the best way to look for something. Some of the events you should includ e in your resume include volunteerism, service projects, school volunteer programs, community service, international travel, internships, thesis dissertations, lectures, industry experience, leadership, training and internship programs. These all come together in one, focused paragraph that summarizes your career and experiences. You need to know how to make a resume that impresses.Resume writing uses the first person. People read your resume to get an impression of who you are and what you can do for the company you are applying for. You have to present yourself and describe your skills and accomplishments in a way that shows your personality and writing style.When writing a resume, keep it to the point. Don't try to go into some deep descriptive detail, as you will bore your reader. Instead, stay focused on the gist of the application and describe how your application will benefit the company you are applying for.Even though resume writing is an essential part of job hunting, you should not take it too seriously. Yes, you want to give an impressive resume but you also want to show your personality so that you can land the job. Remember, this is a paper that your potential employer is going to see!It may seem like a lot of work, but your resume is what helps you get the job. One more thing to remember is that this is your first contact with a potential employer. So, don't send an unprofessional or boring resume. Use all the time you have to make sure that your resume is the best you can create.