As a part of my own job search I read a lot of articles about things like networking, cover letters, resumes, interviews, etc. One thing I try to do to help others in the same boat is by aggregating these into my on-going series of “Article Aggregate” posts. For reference, I post one of these about every 5-7 days.
If your material is mentioned here – and there are a lot of people whose good work I try to capture – please RT this broadcast to reach and help others.
If you contact one of the people / organizations mentioned because of my post (e.g., a resume consultant, a job search coach, etc.) please tell them you heard about them through me.
If you tweet one of the links here specifically, please include me in your tweet (i.e., by adding “via @davidhuntpe” to the tweet) – and consider following me: @davidhuntpe
Please check out my Original Essays; shares welcomed and encouraged.
In general, if you like what you see please spread the word about my blog: https://davidhuntpe.wordpress.com
(Plug: If you really like this aggregate – and consider that I put a fair amount of time into this! – please check out my SRG page; buy from my affiliates who pay me a commission. If you’re not feeling commercial, consider giving to one of the charities I support. Or take a look at the kind of places I’m looking for work – perhaps you know someone, or know someone who knows someone, who works there; an introduction would be welcomed!)
Thanks!
David Hunt, PE
*****
MY LATEST TWO ESSAYS
In shameless self-promotion mode, I’m going to start putting links to the last two Original Essays I’ve published here at the top. Reverse-chronological order. These will, of course, change as I publish new ones.
Resume Ruminations
https://davidhuntpe.wordpress.com/2015/01/02/resume-ruminations/
** I’ve seen a lot of pieces of advice on resumes: e.g., general formatting, key words, and so on, and I’ve got a RESUME section, below, too. But here are some tidbits I think are relevant, but haven’t seen most of them elsewhere.
—
Peeing in the Candidate Reservoir
https://davidhuntpe.wordpress.com/2014/12/29/peeing-in-the-candidate-reservoir/
** The treatment of candidates by the majority of companies is a sore point, not only with me but with many others. What’s interesting to me is that this treatment is now getting some serious attention with multiple recruiting industry people writing about it. Here I collect and quote from several articles, and then opine at the end.
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A COLLECTION OF JOB-SEARCH TWITTER ACCOUNTS TO FOLLOW
40 Must-Follow Twitter Accounts for Job Search 2015
http://careersherpa.net/40-must-follow-twitter-accounts-for-job-search-2015/
** And links to the lists from 2013 and 2014. That’s a lot of people to follow!
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TOP OF THE FOLD
Stop Doing This One Thing in Email Introductions to Busy People
http://www.inc.com/michael-simmons/stop-doing-this-one-thing-in-email-introductions-to-busy-people.html
** Excellent thoughts when introducing one person to another.
—
How to Succeed in a New Industry
http://playbook.amanet.org/succeed-new-industry/
** With a lot of people – myself included – looking to change industries, this is very important.
—
The Hidden Reason You Aren’t Selected for an Interview
http://forwardmotioncareers.com/blog/the-hidden-reason-you-arent-selected-for-an-interview-2/
** Important information.
—
You need an “Elevator Pitch” to interview effectively and get that great new job
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/you-need-elevator-pitch-interview-effectively-get-great-jack-kelly
** Part of the interview, certainly, but an essential part of networking or “informational meetings”.
—
11 Scary Job Search Stories That Will Make You Cringe
https://jobmob.co.il/blog/scary-job-search-stories/
** You think your interview went badly? On the lighter-but-darker side. *shudder*
—
Why Job Boards Won’t Work For You
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-job-boards-wont-work-you-louise-kursmark
** On a statistical basis, job boards are near-worthless.
—
How Are You Different?
http://thesalesblog.com/blog/2015/01/06/how-are-you-different/
** Exactly. How can you stand out? And somewhat related to this:
2015 Job Hunt: 4 Ways to Stand Out From the Crowd
http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/7647-tips-for-getting-hired.html
** Some ideas for how to do it. And more on this:
How To Answer “What Sets You Apart From Other Candidates?”
http://www.bubble-jobs.co.uk/blog/interview-advice-2/answer-sets-apart-candidates/
** Broad overview article.
—
How to Tell a Story People Will Remember
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/successful-you-must-memorable-bruce-kasanoff
** Very useful; people respond to stories much, much more than dry facts – even if the facts themselves are impressive.
—
Tips to Explain Why You Were Fired
http://www.net-temps.com/careerdev/crossroads/index.htm?op=view&id=5682&newsletter_id=1369&archive=1#axzz3OL5BUVPe
** A must-read.
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SITES WITH A BUNCH OF ARTICLES
Blue Sky Resumes
http://blueskyresumes.com/blog/
** Collection of articles on job searching.
—
Career Advice from Resume Target
http://www.resumetarget.com/blog/
** Ditto.
—
Things Career Related
http://thingscareerrelated.com/
** And some other links to other sites on the right.
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FOR OLDER WORKERS
Over 50? 10 Reasons Why Employers Will Want to Hire YOU!
http://feistysideoffifty.com/2013/02/12/over-50-10-reasons-why-employers-will-want-to-hire-you/
** Stuff you can leverage! Another from the same site:
Your Post-50 Job Search: Use Your Age to Your Advantage!
http://feistysideoffifty.com/2013/10/15/your-post-50-job-search-use-your-age-to-your-advantage/
** Short video.
—
Is this what you are up against?
http://40pluscareerguru.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/is-this-what-you-are-up-against.html
** Video. And some good thoughts to use in a presentation. Including diversity.
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NETWORKING
Networking: A Three-Step Approach to the Hidden Executive Job Market
https://www.bluesteps.com/blog/networking-hidden-executive-job-market.aspx
** Relationships, relationships, relationships.
—
Hate Small Talk? These 5 Questions Will Help You Work Any Room
http://www.fastcompany.com/1843752/hate-small-talk-these-5-questions-will-help-you-work-any-room
** Useful, especially if you’re not good at it. Related:
Shy? These small talk tips will help you network in 2015
http://business.financialpost.com/2015/01/07/shy-these-small-talk-tips-will-help-you-network-in-2015/
** Ditto.
—
8 Creative Ways To Grow Your Job Search Network
http://jobs.siliconindia.com/career-news/8-Creative-Ways-To-Grow-Your-Job-Search-Network-nid-176845.html
** Some basics, some exotic.
—
Networking Tips for Entrepreneurs
http://www.jasonnazar.com/2010/06/29/networking-tips-for-entrepreneurs/
** Not just for entrepreneurs!
—
How to introduce someone
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20140804150132-54266575-how-to-introduce-someone
** A huge part of networking is connecting people who could benefit from the introduction.
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COVER LETTERS
Is Your Resume Holding You Back?
http://theundercoverrecruiter.com/resume-holding-back/
** An argument for cover letters.
—
4 Goals Your Cover Letter Introduction Should Accomplish
http://www.careerealism.com/cover-letter-introduction-goals/
** Amen!
—
Writing a cover letter – what to include and mistakes to avoid
http://www.theemployable.com/index.php/2014/10/24/writing-a-cover-letter-what-to-include-and-mistakes-to-avoid/
** Good stuff.
—
Writing for Success: Learn How to Prepare an Ideal Cover Letter
http://www.jobcluster.com/blog/best-format-to-activate-cover-letter/
** I don’t know that there is one perfect format.
—
Out With The Old, In With A New… Cover Letter!
http://www.net-temps.com/careerdev/crossroads/index.htm?op=view&id=5681&newsletter_id=1369&archive=1#ixzz3OL7WnB9C
** An interesting approach.
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RESUMES
13 Resume Tips to Get You Noticed
http://blueskyresumes.com/blog/13-resume-tips/
** Cool.
—
Fire Up Your Resume with Dragon-Slaying Stories!
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/fire-up-your-resume-dragon-slaying-stories-liz-ryan
** At issue is space – like the idea of testimonials (assuming you can get anyone to cooperate with those).
—
How To Write a Resume For The Senior Professional [INFOGRAPHIC]
http://theundercoverrecruiter.com/resume-senior-professional/
** With ideas for all regardless of seniority.
—
How to Choose the Perfect Keywords for Your Resume
http://www.youtern.com/thesavvyintern/index.php/2015/01/07/how-to-choose-the-perfect-keywords-for-your-resume/
** At least as far as the ATS portal goes.
—
Seven Tips for C-Level Resumes
https://www.bluesteps.com/blog/seven-tips-for-c-level-resumes.aspx
** Remember, it’s a marketing document, not an exhastive enumeration of what you’ve done.
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INTERVIEWING
I Have a Job Interview, Now What?
http://careeralley.com/interviews/job-interview-now/
** Basics.
—
Attention Millennials: How to Excel at the Dying Art of Phone Conversations (Infographic)
http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/241287
** I have literally watched two people in their 20’s talking at the same table via text. Insane.
—
Your Interview Begins Earlier Than You May Think
http://forwardmotioncareers.com/blog/your-interview-begins-earlier-than-you-may-think/
** And when you’re going there, be in “interview mode” when you get in the car. That person who cut you off a mile from the company, and who you flip off, might be the hiring manager. Same for when you’re on the way home.
—
Job-seekers: Dealing with Incompetent Interviewers
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20130515222938-15454-job-seeker-s-counterattack-handling-the-weak-interviewer
** And a lot of interviewers have not been trained.
—
How to Sound Credible at Interviews
https://www.recruiter.com/i/how-to-sound-credible-at-interviews/
** There needs to be a balance between “I” and “We”. Too much of the former and you sound like an egomaniac; too much of the latter and you sound like you didn’t do anything on your own. Of course, where that balance is – is a mystery.
—
How to answer the interview question ‘What attracted you to this role?’.
http://www.theemployable.com/index.php/2014/11/04/answer-interview-question-attracted-role/
** Do your research… this is a major suck-up-to-the-company opportunity.
—
The Tough Interview Question: Why Did It Take You So Long to Find Employment?
http://www.jobcluster.com/blog/handling-difficult-interview-question/
** An important question that you need to know how to answer.
—
5 Ways to Bomb an Interview!
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/5-ways-bomb-interview-michael-devlin
** Facepalm-inducing. And related:
The Worst Job Interview Mistakes of All Time (So You Can Avoid Them)
https://www.themuse.com/advice/the-worst-job-interview-mistakes-of-all-time-so-you-can-avoid-them
** Slideshow.
—
5 Signs Your Interview Didn’t Go Well
http://www.bubble-jobs.co.uk/blog/interview-advice-2/5-signs-interview-didnt-go-well/
** Classic signs.
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BRANDING / SOCIAL MEDIA
How To Stand Out On LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20140330200601-13027962-how-to-stand-out-on-linkedin
** Recruiters search LinkedIn all the time. It’s important to be visible and findable.
—
Step 1: Creating a presence on LinkedIn for your job search
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/step-1-creating-presence-linkedin-your-job-search-bob
** And you have to be on LinkedIn!
—
Getting More Eyes On Your Profile
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/getting-more-eyes-your-profile-carol-kaemmerer
** Eyes on your profile is a big thing.
—
5 Reasons Why Your Social Network Isn’t Working
http://www.careerealism.com/5-reasons-social-network-isnt-working/
** Good thoughts.
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GENERAL
3 Things You Must Do on Your Job Search
https://jobmob.co.il/blog/3-job-search-musts/
** Definitely don’t just be a lump on the couch!
—
For Job Seekers: How to Make a Well-Designed Business Card
http://www.interviewsuccessformula.com/job-search-advice/for-job-seekers-how-to-make-a-well-designed-business-card.php
** Have to have cards; give them some thought.
—
The 6 lessons to learn from the school of the job search…
http://thingscareerrelated.com/2015/01/04/the-6-lessons-to-learn-from-the-school-of-the-job-search/
** Prepare the foundation before building.
—
It’s 2015: Do You Know the 5 NEW Job Search Basics?
http://www.youtern.com/thesavvyintern/index.php/2015/01/05/its-2015-do-you-know-the-5-new-job-search-basics/
** Good thoughts.
—
After the Job Interview, What’s Taking So Long?
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/susan-p-joyce/after-the-job-interview-w_b_6431100.html
** I both agree and disagree. I understand they won’t call you in a week. If it takes more than a month or two for them to decide… that’s an indication to me that they’re not really serious.
—
Sample Job Interview Thank You to an External Recruiter
http://www.job-hunt.org/job_interviews/sample-interview-thank-recruiter.shtml
** Even recruiters need a “Thank you”.
—
How to Write a Check-In Message Without the Dreaded “Just Checking In … ”
http://blog.hubspot.com/sales/how-to-write-check-in-message-without-just-checking-in
** This is useful! I don’t know how many “Just touching base…” emails I’ve written.
—
5 sections of a résumé and LinkedIn profile that show your value
http://thingscareerrelated.com/2015/01/08/5-components-of-a-resume-and-linkedin-profile-that-brand-you/
** Consistency.
—
Make Job Seeking Effective With 10 Proven Tips
http://www.jobcluster.com/blog/10-effective-job-seeking-tips/
** Be active!
—
10 Reasons You Didn’t Get A Callback For The Interview
http://www.careerealism.com/interview-didnt-get-callback/
** Agree with some, disagree with others… but one thing that irks me is the attitude (perhaps unintentional) that all this is your fault.
—
10 Essential Qualities That All Employers Look For In Their Potential Employees
http://www.social-hire.com/social-recruiting-advice/4956/10-essential-qualities-that-all-employers-look-for-in-their-potential-employees
** All correct. But are the expectations too high?
—
What If Your Ex-Employer Has A No-Reference Policy?
http://recareered.com/blog/2012/01/30/what-if-your-ex-employer-has-a-no-reference-policy/
** And… co-workers, internal and external customers, vendors you’ve worked with at length.
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UNDERSTANDING THE OTHER SIDE OF THE TABLE
I am your Interviewer, and I’ll be judging you today
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/i-am-your-interviewer-ill-judging-you-today-stephen-o-donnell-firp
** Who is interviewing you? A unique perspective.
—
Fix These 4 Timeworn Job Interview Questions
http://www.talentculture.com/talent-management/fix-these-4-timeworn-job-interview-questions/
** How could these old standbys be reworded?
—
Questions to Ask in a Job Interview
http://www.jasonnazar.com/2011/12/06/questions-to-ask-in-a-job-interview/
** What might they be asking? Videos.
—
Applying for jobs without any luck
http://advice.careerbuilder.com/posts/applying-for-jobs-without-any-luck
** While I agree with the sentiment – getting your resume reviewed, applying for “good fit” positions… but somehow I felt like I was being talked down to by the commenters in the video.
—
Interviewing Star Candidates
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/interviewing-star-candidates-sally-stetson
** Don’t forget the need to translate what you’ve done into them thinking what you could do for them!
How to turn yourself into a winning job candidate
http://40pluscareerguru.blogspot.com/2014/01/how-to-turn-yourself-into-winning-job.html
** Thanks to Neil Patrick of 40pluscareerguru for republishing my essay.
—
5 Steps to Hiring the Right Employee
http://theundercoverrecruiter.com/steps-hiring-right-employee/
** What’s their process?
—
Recruiters: What’s Your Behavioral Interviewing Strategy?
http://www.talentculture.com/talent-management/recruiters-whats-your-behavioral-interviewing-strategy/
** Useful insights into their tactics.
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SALARY
Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda: Asking For A Raise
http://careersherpa.net/woulda-coulda-shoulda-asking-raise/
** If you don’t ask, you won’t get.
—
The 10 Commandments of Salary Negotiation
http://time.com/money/3656185/10-commandments-of-salary-negotiation/
** It’s still a black art, and it strongly depends on the economy and your level of differentiation.
—
Surprise! Millennials Aren’t Asking For Raises (But Should Be)
http://www.payscale.com/salary-negotiation-guide/negotiation-tips-for-millennials
** Everyone should be.
