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! And please consider that I have broadened my geographical search area.)
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.
Give Your Resume Bullet Points High-Caliber Impact
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/give-your-resume-bullet-points-high-caliber-impact-david-hunt-pe
** How to format your bullet points to grab a reader’s attention, and get them to slow from skimming to reading your resume.
The Robot/AI Curve Accelerates
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/robotai-curve-accelerates-david-hunt-pe
** The tidal wave of automation is almost upon us, and it’s not just First World jobs at stake.
And I’m going to, at random, hype an essay from earlier on – changing every time:
Risk and Reward
https://davidhuntpe.wordpress.com/2013/11/03/risk-and-reward/
** A Game Theory thought experiment on how to get more business creation and job growth.
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TOP OF THE FOLD
Transforming the Long-Term Unemployed into a Sustainable Pipeline
http://www.hreonline.com/HRE/view/story.jhtml?id=534358517&
** Forward this far and wide. Maybe it’ll be seen by a few people who need to see it.
—
How To Make Persuasive Eye Contact
http://www.spring.org.uk/2014/06/how-to-make-persuasive-eye-contact.php
** This kind of thing is important to know, but you can drive yourself crazy – not to mention sabotage yourself – obsessing about this kind of thing. Related:
9 body language signals you shouldn’t ignore
https://agenda.weforum.org/2015/04/9-body-language-signals-you-shouldnt-ignore/
How to Use Body Language to Get Ahead in Your Career [INFOGRAPHIC]
http://theundercoverrecruiter.com/body-language-job/
—
Keeping Up Appearances in Interviews
http://theundercoverrecruiter.com/keeping-up-appearances-in-interviews/
** Not just interviews. And if there is “something” with you, for example, you’re heavily overweight, tell the person up front. The theory is that if you have “something” that might create a negative first impression, by telling the person ahead of time you give their rational mind time to take over by giving them warning so they’re not surprised (I read this idea in an article a long time ago).
—
No Easy Answers: Job Tests Get Harder to Outsmart
http://blogs.wsj.com/atwork/2015/04/14/the-new-job-application-personality-tests-that-cant-be-outsmarted/
** The more companies test to find the hypothetical “ideal” person for <Position X> the less they show they value the potential for growth beyond that position.
—
5 Toxic Beliefs That Can Derail Your Executive Job Search
http://executivecareerbrand.com/5-toxic-beliefs-that-can-derail-your-executive-job-search/
** These have the potential to derail any job search.
—
Dumb Down Your Resume? Nah! Aim Higher, Not Lower!
http://www.projecteve.com/dumb-down-your-resume-nah-aim-higher-not-lower/
** Agreed. And there’s another thing – remember, if they’re serious, they will attempt to vet you on social media. You’ll need to “dumb yourself down” everywhere, and consistently.
—
How to Create a Reader-Based Cover Letter and Résumé
http://forwardmotioncareers.com/blog/how-to-create-a-reader-based-cover-letter-and-resume/
** This is an important sentence: “Many recruiters will not consider someone who doesn’t have any recommendations for past work on their LinkedIn Profile.”
—
How to Build a List of Target Companies
https://premium.linkedin.com/content/premium/global/en_us/index/jobsearch/resources/get-connected/how-to-build-a-list-of-target-companies
** Knowing where to look is half the battle. And related:
Proactive Job Search, Part 1: How to Identify Potential Employers with LinkedIn
http://www.job-hunt.org/IT-job-search/identifying-companies-linkedin.shtml
Proactive Job Search, Part 2: How to Research Potential Employers
http://www.job-hunt.org/IT-job-search/researching-potential-employers.shtml
—
5 Reasons You Should Hire Someone Who Has Been Fired
http://www.inc.com/suzanne-lucas/5-reasons-you-should-hire-someone-who-has-been-fired.html
** Good stuff to use to address the fact you’re not employed.
—
Recruiters, Resist The Personality Test!
http://www.recruitingblogs.com/profiles/blogs/recruiters-resist-the-personality-test
** Some strong arguments against such tests. And another:
What no one tells you about psychometric testing
http://www.recruitingblogs.com/profiles/blogs/what-no-one-tells-you-about-psychometric-testing
—
7 Traits That Make You a Great Candidate
http://www.simplyhired.com/blog/jobsearch/job-search-tips/7-traits-make-great-candidate/
** Stand out!
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SELECTED JOB SEARCH / COUNSELING SITES
Interview IQ
http://interviewiq.com.au/
** Top-shelf advice from down under.
—
The Essay Expert Blog
http://theessayexpert.com/blog/
** Look on the right partway down – lots of links to job-search-related advice.
—
Things Career Related
http://thingscareerrelated.com/
** New England based.
—
>>> If you contact any of these people, please let them know you heard about them through me.
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FOR OLDER WORKERS
Combating Age Discrimination While Job Searching
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/combating-age-discrimination-while-job-searching-beata-staszkow-mba
** Good ones. I also recommend losing weight – yes, definitely an uphill battle, but never mind the health benefits, people view being overweight as a proxy for energy level.
—
Age discrimination is still seen as okay in the workplace
http://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2015/apr/02/ageing-retirement-workforce-discrimination
** A key point, quote: “Mixed-aged teams, meanwhile, are shown to increase the relative productivity of older and younger workers alike [PDF]. Yet a recent labour market study by the private sector membership group Business in the Community (BITC) suggests companies are missing out on such benefits by failing to attract and retain older staff.” And the PDF link mentioned:
https://espe.conference-services.net/resources/321/2017/pdf/ESPE2010_0271_paper.pdf
—
7 mistakes that make your professional resume – and you – look old
http://info.theladders.com/career-advice/outdated-resume-mistakes
** And this is a good excuse to bring up my resume essay:
Resume Ruminations
https://davidhuntpe.wordpress.com/2015/01/02/resume-ruminations/
—
Are you More or Less than 40 Years Old?
http://www.organicresumecreations.com/#!Are-you-More-or-Less-than-40-Years-Old/c16g1/A0327F8C-6D68-4CCE-B5B7-C6DC8EF4D9E3
** Certainly having an “old” resume can peg you.
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NETWORKING
Networking Your Way to Your Ideal Job
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/networking-your-way-ideal-job-lesa-edwards-mpa-cjss-acrw-celdc
** Don’t let this be your only path, but it’s definitely the way to set yourself apart. To the degree company policies about networking will allow, of course.
—
11 Top Questions Researching Employers
http://www.learningtoleap.co.uk/2015/04/questions-researching-employers/
** Some good starter questions for a networking conversation.
—
20 Tools to Find Local Networking Events Quickly
https://jobmob.co.il/blog/networking-events-tools/
** You’ve got to be meeting people, and in person. Related:
Better Than a Job Board: Local Networking Groups
http://www.workcoachcafe.com/2013/12/10/local-networking-groups/
—
The #1 Secret To Getting An Employer’s Attention
http://www.careerealism.com/getting-employers-attention-secret/
** Remember, though, this is an investment; it’s not an instant gratification thing.
—
How to Network for a Job: 7 Tips about Cold Calling
http://www.social-hire.com/career–interview-advice/4000/how-to-network-for-a-job-7-tips-about-cold-calling
** Older article – and pleased to see I did, indeed, comment already.
—
5 Ways to Network Your Way to a Fulfilling New Job
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/5-ways-network-your-way-fulfilling-new-job-diana-yk-chan-mba
** Some solid advice – and I’m going to check out tenthousandcoffees.com.
—
Toxic Executive Job Search Beliefs: Networking is not for me
http://executiveresumebranding.com/toxic-executive-job-search-beliefs-no-networking/
** If you’re not networking, you’re not going to be working.
—
3 Ways to Refresh Your Network in 2015
http://ynpnboston.org/3-ways-refresh-network-2015/
** Always good to take a step back and re-evaluate once in a while.
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COVER LETTERS
The Cover Letter Is Dead
https://www.recruiter.com/i/the-cover-letter-is-dead/
** Cover email, not cover letter. Though if you’re going through an ATS, it’s a cover letter.
—
Cover Letter Essentials
http://forwardmotioncareers.com/cover-letter-resumes/cover-letter-essentials/
** Quote: “It’s my opinion and experience that the purpose of the cover letter is to take the reader to your résumé.”
—
Applying for jobs without experience? Here’s how to build and sell your skills
http://www.theguardian.com/careers/careers-blog/job-career-how-to-sell-yourself
** Know yourself.
—
Do speculative cover letters work?
http://www.theguardian.com/careers/careers-blog/speculative-cover-letters-work
** An intriguing approach.
—
Learn How to Prepare an Ideal Cover Letter
http://www.jobcluster.com/blog/best-format-to-activate-cover-letter/
** There is no one template that works everywhere.
—
Read This Before You Copy and Paste Another Cover Letter
http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2014/10/09/cover-letter-tips/
** Just don’t make it all about yourself.
—
The Quick & Easy on Cover Letters
http://www.hersavvycareer.com/2015/03/16/cover-letters-101/
** Embedded link to PDF.
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RESUMES
How To Write A Resume That Beats The 10-Second Review
http://www.careerealism.com/write-resume-10-second-review/
** The idea of a “One line statement” is very interesting.
—
Seven Tips for C-Level Resumes
https://www.bluesteps.com/blog/seven-tips-for-c-level-resumes.aspx
** Not just for C-level people though.
—
How to Properly Format Your Resume [Infographic]
http://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/resume-format-tips
** You’ve got to make it easy to read.
—
3 Ways to Make Your Resume Stand Out From the Crowd
https://www.recruiter.com/i/3-ways-to-make-your-resume-stand-out-from-the-crowd/
** Basics. And more basics:
8 Reasons Your Resume Stinks
http://www.resumetarget.com/blog/8-reasons-your-resume-stinks/
—
INFOGRAPHIC: Matching your resume to the job you want
http://advice.careerbuilder.com/posts/infographic-matching-your-resume-to-the-job-you-want
** Important highlights.
—
5 Resources for Visual Resumes
http://careeralley.com/resumes/5-resources-for-visual-resumes/
** I am intrigued by the idea of a visual resumes; at issue – you need to get it to a person.
—
The Real Reason You Shouldn’t Put Your Address on Your Resume
http://www.avidcareerist.com/2014/02/02/address-on-resume/
** If you’re willing to put up with the commute – whatever it is – it should be none of an employer’s business… but understand, they’ll use a long commute to screen you out.
—
What is Your Resume’s Personality Type?
http://blog.rezumeforward.com/2014/11/your-resumes-personality-type.html
** An interesting perspective.
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INTERVIEWING
The Interview: Know Thyself
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/interview-know-thyself-lesa-edwards-mpa-cjss-acrw-celdc
** Important. A couple more by the same author:
Answering the Toughest Interview Question
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/answering-toughest-interview-question-lesa
Job Interviewing and Dating
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/job-interviewing-dating-lesa-edwards-mpa-cjss-acrw-celdc
—
How to Perfect an Interview [Top 8 Ps] #WisdomWednesday
http://theundercoverrecruiter.com/8-perfect-interview/
** Perfectly pertinent points.
—
Be Bold with Interview: How to Act Like You Have the Job to Land the Job
http://chameleonresumes.com/2014/03/24/act-like-you-have-the-job-to-land-the-job/
** All of this, if I might be so bold, boils down to getting the hiring manager to start thinking of you as having the job.
—
Executives Preparing for Unconventional Interview
https://www.bluesteps.com/blog/executives-preparing-for-unconventional-interview.aspx
** Good, and an important point – the longer you can get things to last, in general, the more likely to get the job. A short, curt interview is not a good sign.
—
88 Great Behavioural Interview Questions To Help You Prepare For Your Next Interview!
http://interviewiq.com.au/88-great-behavioural-interview-questions-to-help-you-prepare-for-your-next-interview
** Maybe a repeat, but even so… forewarned is forearmed.
—
The Worst Things You Can Do at an Interview
http://theundercoverrecruiter.com/worst-thing-do-interview/
** The first rule: don’t screw up. Related:
What not to do in the interview
http://advice.careerbuilder.com/posts/what-not-to-do-in-the-interview
The Number One Thing to Avoid Doing in a Job Interview
http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/7933-interview-deal-breakers.html
—
The Two Interviewing Formulas You Must Know
http://chameleonresumes.com/2014/11/25/two-interviewing-formulas-must-know/
** There’s STAR, and CAR, and…
How to turn yourself into a winning job candidate
http://40pluscareerguru.blogspot.com/2014/01/how-to-turn-yourself-into-winning-job.html
** SPARTACUS!
—
5 Tips To Ace The In-Person Interview
http://www.careerealism.com/in-person-interview-tips/
** Good advice.
—
The Next Evolution of Behavioral Interviewing
http://www.social-hire.com/social-recruiting-advice/4211/the-next-evolution-of-behavioral-interviewing
** I seem to recall posting this before.
—
15 Interview Philosophies That Attract Job Offers
http://theundercoverrecruiter.com/interview-philosophies-attract-job-offers/
** Very useful!
—
The Psychology of the Interviewer
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/psychology-interviewer-alex-freund
** At the risk of getting all bellicose, “Know your enemy”.
—
Craziest Interview Questions – and How to Answer Them
http://boredomtoboardroom.com/craziest-interview-questions-and-how-to-answer-them/
** While I appreciate the desire to see how people “think on their feet”, I still maintain that some of these are just tests to see how much you’ll put up with to get the job. Because that can be a measure of how much you’ll put up with to keep the job.
—
15 (More) Hilarious Tales of Job Interview Embarrassment
http://www.inc.com/suzanne-lucas/15-more-hilarious-tales-of-job-interview-embarrassment.html
** Chuckle. Though I’d like to address #7: That can be a viable reason, especially for older workers who can point out stability and non-job-hopping coming from living so close.
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AFTER THE INTERVIEW
Sample Job Interview Thank You Email
http://www.job-hunt.org/job_interviews/sample-interview-thank-you-email.shtml
** Although odds are high they’ve already made up their mind, this must be done. It could make the difference, and it could be the difference between a “no” and a “no, but let me refer you to someone”.
—
How to Come Back From a Bad First Impression
http://theundercoverrecruiter.com/come-back-bad-first-impression/
** Not sure if you can, but it’s always worth a try.
—
10 Things Not to Include in an Interview Thank You Letter
http://jobsearch.about.com/od/thankyouletters/fl/10-things-not-to-include-job-interview-thank-you.htm
** The first rule: Don’t screw up!
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BRANDING / SOCIAL MEDIA
Unemployed? 3 Suggestions for a Powerful Executive LinkedIn Profile
http://chameleonresumes.com/2015/04/10/unemployed-suggestions-powerful-executive-linkedin-profile/
** LinkedIn is where many people looking to hire search, and definitely a place where they will check you out.
—
How to Bring Your Personality into Your LinkedIn Profile!
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20140619212629-25298675-how-to-bring-your-personality-into-your-linkedin-profile
** I’m a believer in the idea that your personality needs to come out. Some will disagree, but… at work, sooner or later, your personality will come out. Better to find out you don’t “fit” now rather than later.
—
Building Personal Brand Content for Your Executive Job Search
http://www.job-hunt.org/personal-branding/building-branded-content-executives.shtml
** Foundational basics.
—
How to write the best LinkedIn headline (and why it matters)
http://blog.firebrandtalent.com/2015/04/how-to-write-the-best-linkedin-headline-and-why-it-matters/
** You have to grab attention.
—
5 Signs Your Personal Brand May Be on the Fritz
http://www.infusionsoft.com/blog/5-signs-your-personal-brand-may-be-fritz
** What concerns me is that there are so many ways to sabotage yourself.
—
5 Major Personal Branding Mistakes Which Can Derail Your Career
http://www.social-hire.com/career–interview-advice/5277/10-major-personal-branding-mistakes-which-can-derail-your-career
** Quote: “At its core, a personal brand is other people’s total experience of you.”
—
How to Use Twitter to Find a Job
http://biginterview.com/blog/2015/03/twitter-jobs.html
** Definitely a longer-term investment of time.
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GENERAL
Why the wrong people get hired and how to turn this to your advantage
http://40pluscareerguru.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/why-wrong-people-get-hired-and-how-to.html
** Some useful lessons.
—
How your personality can help you land or lose a job
http://www.keppiecareers.com/personality-can-help-land-lose-job/
** Know yourself; it determines how you will “fit” – which is critical.
—
7 ways to drop the ball in the job search
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/7-ways-drop-ball-job-search-bob-mcintosh-cprw-mbti
** Must-read.
—
6 Reasons You Need A Smartphone To Job Search
https://jobmob.co.il/blog/smartphone-job-search/
** Personally I think we’re going a little tech-mad, but if this works for you, go for it.
—
Why Your Knowledge, Skills and Abilities No Longer Make the Cut
http://forwardmotioncareers.com/blog/why-your-knowledge-skills-and-abilities-no-longer-make-the-cut-2/
** A very useful perspective!
—
How to find hope amidst catastrophic loss
http://forwardmotioncareers.com/blog/how-to-find-hope-amidst-catastrophic-loss/
** This is a good article about having a positive, hopeful attitude. But there’s also a hidden nugget of truth about offshoring that could be used in discussions.
—
Are You Taking these Key Steps to Land a Job?
http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2015/04/13/are-you-taking-these-key-steps-to-land-a-job/
** Hopefully.
—
Hilarious Responses to College Rejection Letters
http://www.payscale.com/career-news/2015/04/hilarious-responses-to-college-rejection-letters
** Call me twisted, but I wonder what would happen if you sent one of these rejections, reworded, to a company after they said no.
—
Skip The Job Application And Still Get Hired!
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/skip-job-application-still-get-hired-liz-ryan
** I love the approach, but it seems like more and more, companies are closing this door by official policy.
—
Whose Career is it Anyway? Why You Don’t Own Your Employment File
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/whose-career-anyway-why-you-dont-own-your-employment-santiesteban
** Keep your own file – offsite! PRs, emails from people who praise you, attaboys from your boss, and so on.
—
Launching Your Job Search – Job Search 101
http://careeralley.com/job-search/launching-your-job-search-job-search-101/
** Basics.
—
Why Recruiters Won’t Get You a Job
http://epiccareering.com/why-recruiters-wont-get-you-a-job/
** That’s not their job; their job is to fill a position, but not necessarily with you.
—
5 Things You Need to STOP Doing
http://www.organicresumecreations.com/#!5-Things-You-Need-to-STOP-Doing/c16g1/55281fcb0cf21933cd507717
** Above all, don’t mistake activity for progress.
—
Deflategate and Your Job Search
http://arleenbradley.com/2015/01/deflategate-and-your-job-search/
** Don’t give them a reason to do a background check and rule you out.
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UNDERSTANDING THE OTHER SIDE OF THE TABLE
How I Hire: How to Blow a Job Offer
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20130924100617-266437464-how-i-hire-how-to-blow-a-job-offer
** Ouch.
—
What do employers look for? Companies offer advice for job-seekers
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/article/20150411/NEWS/150419950
** More entry-level oriented.
—
Don’t Disregard the Wildcard
http://newmanstewart.co.uk/news/view/43/don-t-disregard-the-wildcard
** Some reverse-engineering arguments if you’re not the “perfect fit”.
—
You Might Be Surprised How Much Commute Issues Hurt Hiring and Retention
http://www.ere.net/2015/04/20/you-might-be-surprised-how-much-commute-issues-hurt-hiring-and-retention/
** I find it ironic that, when I mention a short commute to nearby companies, they don’t seem to register that as a plus.
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SALARY
How to Negotiate Nicely Without Being a Pushover
https://hbr.org/2015/04/how-to-negotiate-nicely-without-being-a-pushover
** It doesn’t have to be a battle (but it often is). Related:
How To Negotiate A Job Offer
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-negotiate-job-offer-michael-wheeler
10 Tips to Use Psychology to Win Higher Salary Negotiation
http://www.jobcluster.com/blog/higher-salary-negotiation-infographic/
4 ‘Never-Fail’ Negotiation Tips from an Expert
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/4-never-fail-negotiation-tips-from-expert-skip
—
Salary Negotiation: 33 Things To Negotiate Other Than Money
http://www.kennedyexecutive.com/salary-negotiation-33-things-negotiate-money/
** A lot of things can be on the table.
