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 try to 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
If you are in New England, please check out my JOBS in New England compilations.
(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
*****
SHAMELESS SELF-PROMOTION
In shameless self-promotion mode, I’m 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.
Ask 6
https://davidhuntpe.wordpress.com/2015/03/11/ask-6-still-more-questions-to-ask-in-interviews/
** The latest in my series of unusual and “penetrating” questions to ask on interviews.
Two Kinds of People in the World
https://davidhuntpe.wordpress.com/2015/02/25/two-kinds-of-people-in-the-world/
** Thoughts on how the two different kinds of people in the world view and react to new information that doesn’t match what they already believe.
And I’m going to, at random, hype an essay from earlier on – changing every time:
Case Study: Choosing Plastics for a LEGO Toy Truck
https://davidhuntpe.wordpress.com/2014/01/23/choosing-plastics-case-study-lego-toy-truck/
** A walk-through of how I selected plastics, and shrink rates for molding, on this application. This has been republished by the Society of Plastics Engineers, and one university professor told me he assigned his students to read it.
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TOP OF THE FOLD
How To Research An Employer Before A Job Interview
http://www.forbes.com/sites/lizryan/2015/03/15/how-to-research-an-employer-before-a-job-interview/
** A good story and useful tips. Related:
How To Vet Employers and Why You Should
https://jobmob.co.il/blog/how-to-vet-employers/
** You cannot not do this!
—
7 ways to set yourself apart in the job search
http://thingscareerrelated.com/2015/03/15/7-ways-to-set-yourself-apart-in-the-job-search/
** It’s all about differentiation! Related:
Good Grief! Listen to the Employer and Learn What They Value!
https://jobmob.co.il/blog/learn-what-employers-value/
** Put yourself in their shoes; it’ll give you a leg up!
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How To Defeat Any Form of Job Search Discrimination
https://jobmob.co.il/blog/job-search-discrimination/
** VERY important.
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Getting Interview Feedback – Basic Tips
http://www.theemployable.com/index.php/2015/03/20/getting-interview-feedback-basic-tips/
** My take is “good luck” – very rarely can you actually get feedback.
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How to Cut Your Jobsearch in Half
http://forwardmotioncareers.com/blog/how-to-cut-your-jobsearch-in-half/
** Strong foundational questions to ask yourself.
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FOR OLDER WORKERS
Why Ageism Isn’t Your Real Problem
http://chameleonresumes.com/2015/03/06/ageism-isnt-your-real-problem/
** Yes and no. I agree that if you can convey your value, you have a chance like everyone else. At issue, though, is the fact that you may not even get the chance the moment they see you are an older person.
—
Over 50? Here’s How to Beat the ‘Old Timer’ Stereotype in Your Job Search
http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2014/09/29/job-search-beat-old-timer-stereotype/
** Important to understand this. Related:
Why Ageism Isn’t Your Real Problem
http://chameleonresumes.com/2015/03/06/ageism-isnt-your-real-problem/
—
6 Lessons from the World’s Top Hiring Managers
http://talent.linkedin.com/blog/index.php/2013/09/6-lessons-from-the-worlds-top-hiring-managers
** What can you glean from this to use in a presentation / interview to differentiate yourself from the youngsters? And the same comment applies here:
Why Hiring Exclusively for Experience Doesn’t Make Sense
http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/230842
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Do You Hide or Show Your Age on Your Resume?
http://www.social-hire.com/career–interview-advice/5004/do-you-hide-or-show-your-age-on-your-resume
** I would argue that if you hide it, that in itself is a signal.
—
5 Ways You Look Out-of-Date in Your Job Search
http://www.job-hunt.org/boomer-job-search/5-ways-you-look-out-of-date.shtml
** You need to be up to date.
—
Job Search Advantage of 50+
http://www.job-hunt.org/onlinejobsearchguide/article_jobsearch_over_50.shtml
** You have assets and strengths.
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NETWORKING
How To Develop A Strong Network On LinkedIn
http://www.careerealism.com/develop-strong-network-linkedin/
** LinkedIn is such a useful tool it’s incredible!
—
7 Networking Secrets Everyone Should Learn In Their 20s
http://www.businessinsider.com/networking-secrets-everyone-should-learn-2014-6
** Wish I’d known these things in my 20’s.
—
Learn to Dig Your Well Before You’re Thirsty!
http://www.thewisejobsearch.com/2009/10/learn-to-dig-your-well-before-youre.html
** Amen!
—
If You Hate to Network…
http://www.job-hunt.org/job-search-networking/i-hate-networking.shtml
** For most people, this is not a natural activity. And related:
10 Success Tips for Reluctant Networkers
http://www.job-hunt.org/job-search-networking/tips-for-reluctant-networkers.shtml
—
7 Ways to Truly Understand How to Network Into a Job
http://www.youtern.com/thesavvyintern/index.php/2015/03/08/7-ways-to-truly-understand-how-to-network-into-a-job/
** It does take time!
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How to Find a Hiring Manager’s Contact Info
http://www.flexjobs.com/blog/post/find-hiring-managers-contact-info/
** I’m finding more and more hiring managers push people away.
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How to Craft a Memorable Elevator Pitch
http://www.flexjobs.com/blog/post/craft-memorable-elevator-pitch/
** It’s a conversation starter.
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COVER LETTERS
10 Ways to Make Your Cover Letter Stand Out
http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/6920-cover-letter-tips.html
** Some of this contradicts the “short and sweet” advice.
—
What Should Your Cover Letter Contain?
http://www.job-hunt.org/resumes/cover-letter-content.shtml
** A little “motherhood and apple pie” but essential in the basics.
—
How To Write A Hot Cover Letter
http://www.careerealism.com/how-write-hot-cover-letter/
** I don’t know. The more you divide your attention, the less progress you actually make.
—
Cover Letter Tips: A – Z
http://jobsearch.about.com/od/coverlettertips/a/cover-letter-tips-a-z.htm
** Comprehensive.
—
What You Need to Know About Cover Letters
http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/outside-voices-careers/2015/03/18/what-you-need-to-know-about-cover-letters
** Some good ideas – after all, it’s worthless if it’s not read.
—
Getting into the Employer’s Frame of Mind with Your Cover Letter
http://www.resumetarget.com/blog/getting-into-the-employers-frame-of-mind-with-your-cover-letter/
** It’s got to be about them and the value you bring to them.
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RESUMES
How to get past the robots that are reading your résumé
http://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-get-past-the-robots-that-are-reading-your-resume-2015-2
** If you can’t network in, you need to beat the ATS (and more companies are forbidding networking now; I’ve run up against this repeatedly at several of my target companies).
—
Make Your Resume Stand Out!
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/make-your-resume-stand-out-liz-ryan
** A different model.
—
How to: Keep Up with Changing Resume Trends (Infographic)
http://www.socialtalent.co/blog/how-to-keep-up-with-changing-resume-trends-infographic
** I can see this working if you can get it to a person. There’s a risk, though, in this being perceived as sizzle-not-steak.
—
3 Psychological Hurdles Standing Between You and a Better Resume
http://www.jewishworldreview.com/0315/Resume_Psychological_Hurdles.php3
** Remember, it’s a marketing document. That doesn’t mean lie, but… what are you trying to do with it, anyway?
—
35 Resume Filenames Recruiters Won’t Respond To
https://jobmob.co.il/blog/resume-filename-mistakes/
** A huge issue. And a good excuse to bring up an essay of mine:
Resume Ruminations
https://davidhuntpe.wordpress.com/2015/01/02/resume-ruminations/
—
6 Great Resume Resources
http://careeralley.com/resumes/6-great-resume-resources/
** Great!
—
Six Essentials That Recruiters Look For On Any Resume
http://www.social-hire.com/career–interview-advice/5061/six-essentials-that-recruiters-look-for-on-any-resume
** Some things you can control, and some you can’t.
—
How Far Back Should My Resume Go?
http://www.forbes.com/sites/lizryan/2015/03/14/how-far-back-should-my-resume-go/
** It’s a marketing / branding document.
—
7 Ways to Make Hiring Managers Say “Wow!”
http://www.youtern.com/thesavvyintern/index.php/2015/03/18/7-ways-to-make-hiring-managers-say-wow/
** Some good ideas, but they really assume you can get a person’s attention. If you can, though, these sound really good.
—
CAUTION: Do NOT put this information on your RESUME
http://www.resumetemplates101.com/blog/caution-do-not-put-this-information-on-your-resume/
** Agree.
—
Even Small Resume Lies Raise Red Flags
http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/6939-common-resume-lies.html
** The old adage “A liar must have a good memory” applies here.
—
Why personal interests on a resume are a waste of time
http://www.resumetarget.com/blog/why-personal-interests-on-a-resume-are-a-waste-of-time/
** Mixed feelings on this. IMHO if a personal interest is applicable and can be a good talking point to highlight a strength, then I think it should be there if you have the room.
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INTERVIEWING
The 1 Most Impressive Job Interview Question to Ask
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/1-most-impressive-job-interview-question-ask-dave-kerpen
** Some really good questions; I do disagree, however, with #11. (And I think he made a typo in the title!) Instead, try this approach:
Am I A Fit?
https://davidhuntpe.wordpress.com/2014/01/11/am-i-a-fit/
** This way you avoid having the hiring manager try and think of something negative to associate with you.
—
And the correct answer to “What are your strengths?” is …
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/correct-answer-what-your-strengths-lou-adler
** Don’t leave the door open to an elephant; think first, then answer specifically.
—
How to make a lasting impression in a job interview
http://mashable.com/2015/03/12/best-job-interview-experience/
** Which, of course, brings up my own take:
Differentiate Yourself in an Interview: Beyond Your Background
https://davidhuntpe.wordpress.com/2014/07/06/differentiate-yourself-in-an-interview-beyond-your-background/
—
Job Interviews: What You Say & What They Hear [VIDEO]
http://talent.linkedin.com/blog/index.php/2015/02/job-interviews-what-you-say-what-they-hear-video
** There’s a definite mismatch; not only on interpretation, but on crossing lines. To wit, my essay:
Fuzzy Limits
https://davidhuntpe.wordpress.com/2014/10/27/fuzzy-limits/
—
The New Style of Job Interview Adopted By Employers for 2015
http://www.social-hire.com/career–interview-advice/5207/the-new-style-of-job-interview-adopted-by-employers-for-2015
** Important to understand what the “cutting edge” might be.
—
How To Prepare For Difficult Interview Questions
http://www.careerealism.com/difficult-interview-questions-prepare/
** There’s no doubt interviews are getting tougher.
—
10 Interview Tips
http://evilhrlady.org/2015/02/10-interview-tips.html
** Excellent basics. And related:
50 Most Common Job Interview Questions
http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/5796-job-interview-questions.html
—
How to Ensure Your Final Round Interview Lands You the Job
https://www.themuse.com/advice/how-to-ensure-your-final-round-interview-lands-you-the-job
** If you’re getting to second interviews, you’re doing something right. Can you seal the deal?
—
Who do you respect? Why? (Job interview question)
http://www.lioncubjobsearch.com/2014/05/who-do-you-respect-why-job-interview.html
** Based on this essay this seems to be a trick question.
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BRANDING / SOCIAL MEDIA
3 LinkedIn Job Search Basics For Targeting Companies
https://jobmob.co.il/blog/3-linkedin-job-search-basics/
** There are so many benefits to targeting companies, not specific jobs, it’s hard to capture them all.
—
4 Job Seeker Blogging Strategies That Will Get You Noticed and Hired
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/4-job-seeker-blogging-strategies-get-you-noticed-lisa
** Nice ideas for those blog-inclined.
—
4 Ways to Use Big Data in Your Job Hunt
http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/outside-voices-careers/2014/02/04/4-ways-to-use-big-data-in-your-job-hunt
** You have to be findable.
—
Do Job Seekers Need a Premium LinkedIn Account?
http://theundercoverrecruiter.com/linkedin-job-seeker-premium-accounts-waste-money-or-fast-lane-success/
** IMHO it’s worth it.
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GENERAL
How useful is pre-employment personality testing?
http://www.bizjournals.com/bizjournals/how-to/marketing/2015/03/how-useful-is-pre-employment-personality-testing.html?page=all
** Quote: “When there’s a test to fall back on, managers inevitably step back from responsibility and surrender to the test, instead of asking the tougher questions.” Which is something I’ve been saying for… how long now?
—
8 Business Body Language Tricks That Help Advance Your Career
http://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/8-business-body-language-tricks-that-help-advance-your-career.html
** Some good points. Just remember, it’s possible to overthink this. More:
15 Body Language Blunders Successful People Never Make
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/15-body-language-blunders-successful-people-never-make-bradberry
** Again, interesting, but don’t become paralyzed through over-analysis:
Why Body Language Matters In Life [INFOGRAPHIC]
http://theundercoverrecruiter.com/image-is-everything-body-language/
** I’m bookmarking this one… and one particular data point: “People size you up within 2 seconds.” Which brings up:
7 seconds – why that’s all you may have to succeed or fail at interview
http://40pluscareerguru.blogspot.com/2013/08/7-seconds-why-thats-all-you-may-have-to.html
** And thanks to Neil Patrick for reblogging my essay. Please check his site out!
—
25 Ways to Breathe Life into a Painfully Long Job Search
https://jobmob.co.il/blog/long-job-search-tips/
** And never, ever give up. And two related articles:
Practical Ideas For Job Seekers Who Think They’ve Tried Everything
http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2014/06/20/help-and-hope-for-the-depressed-job-seeker/
How to Revitalize Your Job Hunt
http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2014/12/19/revitalize-your-job-search/
—
3 Tips For Following Up After Submitting Your Resume
http://www.careerealism.com/following-up-submitting-resume/
** And there’s a fine line between persistent and pest!
—
Success tips for using email and voicemail to get hired
http://40pluscareerguru.blogspot.com/2013/12/success-tips-for-using-email-and.html
** Communication is key. Related:
Get The Interview: 5 Tips For Leaving A Great Voicemail
http://www.careerealism.com/tips-leaving-voicemail-interview/
—
Five Must-Have Documents for Executive Job Search Success
https://www.bluesteps.com/blog/must-have-documents-executive-job-search.aspx
** Not just for executives.
—
7 Things Job Seekers Do That Instantly Turn Employers Off
http://www.careerealism.com/job-seekers-things-turn-employers-off/
** The first rule: don’t screw up.
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UNDERSTANDING THE OTHER SIDE OF THE TABLE
How to Avoid Making a Bad Hire: Follow This One Easy Tip
http://www.mainstreet.com/article/how-to-avoid-making-a-bad-hire-follow-this-one-easy-tip
** The Number One fear of hiring managers: being the one to make a DA DUH DAAAA “bad hire”.
—
How to Interview Candidates in 3D to Determine a Cultural Fit
http://theundercoverrecruiter.com/how-interview-candidates-three-dimensions-and-determine-cultural-fit/
** If you’re in the room, they think you can do the job. The question then is “Will you fit in?”
—
9 Things You Wish Job Candidates Knew
http://www.inc.com/jeff-haden/9-things-you-wish-you-could-say-to-job-candidates.html
** Very useful to understand!
—
Birchbox co-CEO: How to nail a job interview
http://fortune.com/2015/03/17/katia-beauchamp-birchbox-hiring/
** Useful perspective.
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SALARY
You are almost certainly starting salary negotiations wrong
http://qz.com/356612/you-are-almost-certainly-starting-salary-negotiations-wrong/
** Going counter to the conventional wisdom.
—
Addressing Salary Requirements In Cover Letter
http://www.careerealism.com/addressing-salary-requirements-cover-letter/
** Some interesting approaches.
—
Find Out How Much You Are Worth to Employers
http://www.gotthejob.com/blog/find-out-how-much-you-are-worth-to-employers.php
