Networking and Job Search

Networking and Job Search Cathy Peterson National Recruiting Manager Analysts International

Agenda • Resume Preparation • Posting online • Searching for jobs • Networking for both employed and unemployed • Questions and Answers

Resume Preparation • Cyber-safe Resume • For online resumes, limit contact information to designated email and cell phone number. • MS Word or HTML text is best. • Hard copy should be printed on white, scannable paper. • Not more than 2 pages long unless have more than 15 years in business, then no more than 3 pages MAX. • Hiring managers prefer chronological resumes as opposed to functional resumes.

Resume Preparation • Key Words • What are they? Relatively new thinking of writing resumes so they will come up on searches on the Internet and ATS. • Should use standard job titles instead of company ones, or use both. • Names of job-specific,profession-specific, and industry-specific tools that you use or qualified to use including education. • Names of techniques or methodologies used • Industry and professional organizations that you belong to including acronym and complete name.

Resume Preparation • Keywords • Common “insider” words, terms and acronyms. • Consider adding a section to the top of the resume titled “skills” or “keywords”. • Some even say to include the word resume in the title somewhere especially if you have a homepage for those recruiters who do advanced Boolean searches. • Keywords should be used often for those systems that rank resume based on occurrence of each word.

Resume Preparation • Write your resume in terms of what you can do for the employer. • Each job should show some type of value-add, cost savings, revenue contribution, or other benefit the company received for you performing that tasks. • Don’t use generic team terms for such as “responsible for” or “duties included”; use action words that are individualistic. What was your role as the team member?

Resume Preparation • One Size does not fit all • Customize your resume for each opportunity. • Yes, it is work, but it shows your direct experience quickly and easily. • Time spent might be reflection of how interested in job. • Put yourself in HR shoes who is not likely to have the industry knowledge – does your resume match? • Don’t assume anyone will say…..”if he did this job, then he can surely do this one.”

Resume Preparation • Outline of Resume • Cover letter – needs to be short and very specific to job applying for…..no summary of job career needed. It’s not likely to be scanned. • First page • I prefer Summaries over Objectives. Objectives are useful if changing careers, otherwise skip them. • Skill or Keywords section: each word must be referenced in body somewhere • Current job with date, title, and location for 15 years back; summarize for older years. • Education – if you have masters or better should be first page, but if not, then it should be at end of job experience.

Resume Preparation • Outline of Resume • Second page • Continue with jobs • Education if less than Masters • Professional Organizations only • Conferences attended or papers written/presented • References will be available – not necessary but ok if you want to add • No personal information at all; EEOC will eventually say we will have to trash resumes that have any kind of information on them like this. • Remember, not more than 2 pages if less than 15 years, 3 pages max.

Posting Online • Six Online Job Search Mistakes • Protect your privacy – get private email and use cell phone. If get an application, then fill it our thoroughly. • Don’t use your employer’s assets and email account for job search. • Privacy Foundation 2001 survey said 33% of firms are monitoring your mail….check handbook. • Send resume as an attachment, not within body of email.

Posting Online • Six Online Job Search Mistakes • Using a crazy or weird name on your Web-based email account. • Hackerking@aol.com, Wildwoman@hotmail.com, CouchPotato@msn.com are not advised. • Avoid too much information on your resume • No photographs or other personal information • Don’t include everything; be focused • Avoid too many graphics and multimedia on your resume. • Remember, it needs to be easily scanned • Disregard if applying for a creative or graphic position, but then should be on your personal WebPages.

Searching for jobs • Using the Big boards • Monster.com – the largest by far; used by most every major employer • Can currently do search without registering, but is changing that soon • Can keep resume profile private if desired; if unemployed, then don’t. • Search agents that you can set up to be notified of new listings. • Other big ones include Headhunter.net, hotjobs.com, and new one coming out directemployers.com.

Searching for jobs • Boolean searches for those niche sites • Prefer altavista.com or copernic.com • Go to advanced search and enter in a string similar to this: skill AND location AND (job OR apply) = fiber-optic AND (texas OR tx) AND (job OR apply) • Professional organization websites have great links to other jobs; check both national and local pages if applicable • Career Books: see CareerXroads handout

Networking • Christmas can be a jolly time to network • US Department of Labor states December, January and February are actually the 3 best hiring months. • Many people wait until January or Feb. to look for a new job so you have less competition in December. • Lots of parties are held during the holidays – great time to network when people are in the giving mood. • Allows for you to visit contacts or friends you haven’t seen in awhile

Networking • For the employed • Self-promotion is networking within your own organization. “If you can’t promote yourself, then how do you expect others too.” • Know who has the power to promote you and make sure your networking efforts familiarize that person with your work. • Send email messages to your supervisor describing activities and accomplishments. • Always look for additional projects that you can take on even in other departments if appropriate.

Networking • For both employed and unemployed • Become officers or committee chairpersons in professional organizations. • Try to get on a corporate or non-profit board; check for advisory boards in your local governments or schools. • Get on Headhunter’s A-lists – establish relationships with a few reputable ones; give referrals when asked and it will be remembered if you ever need it. • Find a mentor, the ultimate network contact. A mentor is someone who is committed to you and deeply interested in your success. • Volunteer to write articles, speak at conferences, or groups. It usually requires a recommendation or an application.

Networking • For the unemployed • Find a Recruiter’s network for the area you are interested in….. Send me an email and I will post your resume. • Temporary work is a great arena for networking; approach firms that have hiring freezes and see if they have any contract or short term jobs. • Network through your kids – soccer games, PTA meetings, volunteer for school projects. Don’t be afraid to let people know you are searching for a position.

Networking • For the unemployed • Start a job search or networking club in your industry or field. Be willing to share ideas and other jobs you have found. “To have a friend, is to be a friend.” • Include the “gatekeepers” in your network • Secretaries, receptionists, and administrative assistants can be your best friend as you network. • Learn their names and make friendly conversation with them. • Many of them “run the company” anyway and have great influential powers. • Many of them also where different hats so they come across administrative assistants, but could also be resume screeners and ones who set first interviews up.

Networking • For the unusual • Real-estate agents know who is moving in and out of town first • Holiday travel – who is sitting next you on plane? • Nail or hair salons • In line at a grocery store • Clubs centered around hobbies • Sporting events – who is sitting next to you? • Book stores/coffee shops • Church functions – look for career resources or start one • Reading business section • Toastmasters • Golf – don’t get four people you know, go as single

Questions and Answers • Don’t be afraid to ask, I love the challenge. • Had a difficult question that you didn’t know how to answer? • Need resume advice, send me your resume and I will critique it. • What else?

THANK YOU Cathy Peterson Cathypeterson@analysts.com 972-406-5077

Networking and Job Search