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.
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(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!)
SPECIAL CHARITY BLEG! Help fund Purim baskets for IDF soldiers! (I am on the governing board for this group, Connections Israel.)
Thanks!
*****
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.
Job Seekers: Watch Your Back(ground)
https://davidhuntpe.wordpress.com/2015/02/07/job-seekers-watch-your-background/
** About how I discovered an error in a private criminal background database, what I had to do to get it removed, and how I think it was costing me job offers.
Show Me the Stupid
https://davidhuntpe.wordpress.com/2015/01/23/3138/
** Every company has them: those policies, practices, or just things-that-happen that make an outside observer do a facepalm. Here is a collection of such things, scrubbed (and not all from my own experience!), presented without comment in an effort to get people to start looking at their own organization with fresh eyes.
And I’m going to, at random, hype an essay from earlier on – changing every time:
The Name’s the Thing
https://davidhuntpe.wordpress.com/2014/02/15/the-names-the-thing/
** When you meet people, pay attention to names. They’re important. How you address people affects their perception of you.
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SUPER DUPER!
25 Reasons Job Fairs Are Not a Waste of Time
https://jobmob.co.il/blog/job-fairs-reasons-to-go/
** Wow… I chimed in with an idea for #26 – Jacob Share added it. THANK YOU!
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TOP OF THE FOLD
The 9 Things People Decide Within Seconds of Meeting You
http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/242880
** Just like most interviews are over in seconds:
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 once again, thanks to Neil Patrick for republishing my essay.
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7 Lies Employers Use To Trick You Into Working For Them
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/7-lies-employers-use-trick-you-working-them-j-t-o-donnell
** Incredibly important things to watch for as you interview! Remember that you are interviewing them too.
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An Editor’s Guide to Writing Ridiculously Good Emails
https://www.themuse.com/advice/an-editors-guide-to-writing-ridiculously-good-emails
** Every email is an ambassador for you!
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Perseverance and 8 other P words in the job search
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/perseverance-8-other-p-words-job-search-bob-mcintosh-cprw-mbti
** Perfect primer to proactively poke procrastination.
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6 Tips To Get Out of Job Search Paralysis
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/6-tips-get-out-job-search-paralysis-louise-kursmark
** Definitely.
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6 Reasons Customers Aren’t Opening Your Emails (Infographic)
http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/242883
** Useful – as a job seeker, you are in sales. Related:
Dealing with ‘I’ll get back to you…’
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/dealing-ill-get-back-you-mark-whitehead
** This is very useful. More on sales/persuasion:
14 Secrets of Really Persuasive People
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/14-secrets-really-persuasive-people-dr-travis-bradberry
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The Number One Deadliest Mistake that Most Jobseekers Make
http://forwardmotioncareers.com/blog/the-number-one-deadliest-mistake-that-most-jobseekers-make/
** People want to help you; be specific in your requests.
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5 Classic Job Search Tools That Still Get Results
https://jobmob.co.il/blog/offline-job-search-tools/
** Applying by fax. A bit retro, but… interesting thought.
—
A Resume Without a Job Search Strategy is Like…
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/resume-without-job-search-strategy-like-wendy-nolin
** Excellent advice.
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THIS EDITION’S FEATURED SITES/COACHES
Organic Resume Creations
http://www.organicresumecreations.com/#!career-job-search-blog/cdh6
** Found her because of her essays on LinkedIn.
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About-dot-com Careers
** Whole lot of stuff on a wide range of topics.
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FOR OLDER WORKERS
Digital Ageism: Technology and the Older Worker
https://talenttribune.softwareproviders.com/digital-ageism-technology-older-worker/
** Good point, but I think the dismissal of the idea that young people will work crazy hours for lower pay is a little… premature.
—
Are you More or Less than 40 Years Old?
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/you-more-less-than-40-years-old-yuleni-pulido-
** Managing expectations and assuaging fears of early-jumping/gunning for a bigger chair seems to be a huge factor here.
—
What are the Main Benefits of Hiring Students or Graduates?
http://theundercoverrecruiter.com/hiring-students-benefits/
** Understand the mentality of what companies are thinking, and then proactively counter these. And I commented too.
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The A-List Formula for Executive Career Success
https://www.bluesteps.com/blog/a-list-formula-executive-career-success.aspx
** Excellent pointers.
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What’s the real cost of ageism?
http://40pluscareerguru.blogspot.com/2014/04/whats-real-cost-of-ageism.html
** Some good points to leverage.
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NETWORKING
News Flash: Your Network WANTS To Help
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/news-flash-your-network-wants-help-louise-kursmark
** Well, not everyone. But help them help you. Be specific in your requests.
—
6 tips for getting out of the house during your job search
** Amen! Related:
Want to improve your job search? Step away from your computer!
http://www.thewisejobsearch.com/2014/04/want-to-improve-your-job-search-step.html
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Building Your Network: 5 Tips For Shy Networkers
http://www.careerealism.com/network-tips-shy/
** Even if you’re an extrovert it can be daunting.
—
4 Steps For Taking Your Networking To The Next Level
http://www.careerealism.com/4-steps-networking-level/
** I also stress the first point.
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No More Networking… Let’s Build Real Relationships!
** In the words of someone I know – so this is NOT mine – “It’s not who you know, it’s who knows you.”
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How To Start A Conversation With Someone You Don’t Know
** A good recipe to open conversations. Related:
How to turn small talk into smart conversation
http://ideas.ted.com/how-to-turn-small-talk-into-smart-conversation/
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The Five Deadliest Networking Mistakes
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20140716070738-52594-the-five-deadliest-networking-mistakes
** I can’t say this often enough: it’s about building relationships.
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The Job Market is Getting Hotter, but Not if You Apply Directly!
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/job-market-getting-hotter-you-apply-directly-lou-adler
** Network like your job depends on it – because it does.
—
Old School Networking – It Still Works
http://careersdonewrite.com/blog/old-school-networking-it-still-works.html
** Yes, it does.
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COVER LETTERS
5 Steps to Cover Letter Success
http://jobsearch.about.com/od/findajob/ss/Five-Steps-to-Cover-Letter-Success.htm
** Solid basic advice.
—
4 Red Flags Employers Watch For On Cover Letters
http://www.careerealism.com/cover-letters-red-flags/
** Especially – proactively allay concerns.
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RESUMES
Gone in Six Seconds: Why I Passed on Your Resume
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/gone-six-seconds-why-i-passed-your-resume-danielle-krause
** And this assumes a human even looks at it!
—
Writing a Functional Resume: Do You Need One?
http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/7770-functional-resume.html
** Mine is a hybrid between reverse chronological and functional.
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Does a Short Term Job Belong on Your Resume?
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/does-short-term-job-belong-your-resume-lisa
** Realistically, “it depends on if you think it will help or not”.
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Your Resume: Contact Information pitfalls and perils
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/your-resume-contact-information-pitfalls-perils-brian-brandt
** Useful!
—
What Really Happens When You Submit a Resume Online
** So network, network, network.
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Are resume buzzwords an HR buzz kill?
https://jobmob.co.il/blog/resume-buzzwords-get-you-rejected/
** I see tremendous irony: loading your resume with keywords to get through the ATS only to have those same keywords knock you out when a person reads it.
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How to Make Your Resume Stand Out from the Crowd
http://jobsearch.about.com/od/resumewriting/qt/resume-stand-out.htm
** Differentiation, baby!
—
Resume Help: Don’t Be Dense When It Comes to Your Resume
http://careersdonewrite.com/blog/resume-help-dont-be-dense-when-it-comes-to-your-resume.html
** It has to be readable by a person as well as by an ATS.
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INTERVIEWING
Four Tips to Make the Most Out of an Informational Interview
http://ynpnboston.org/four-tips-make-informational-interview/
** Don’t use the word INTERVIEW in your request; it has a very loaded connotation. Instead, request a “networking meeting”.
—
Don’t Blow It Part I: The Phone Interview
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/dont-blow-part-i-phone-interview-kelye-perrin
** Pardon the pun: Sound advice.
—
The One Interview Question Most People Are Not Prepared For!
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/one-interview-question-most-people-prepared-you-bernard-marr
** Never had this question, but it’s a potential stumper – prepare.
—
Why You Should Love the “Tell Me About Yourself” Interview Question
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-you-should-love-tell-me-yourself-interview-yuleni-pulido-
** And another stock question:
How are you supposed to answer “What are your weaknesses?”
http://advice.careerbuilder.com/posts/how-are-you-supposed-to-answer-what-are-your-weaknesses
** I wonder what would happen if… “So, David, what are your weaknesses?” “Tortellini with basil pesto and extra garlic with aged grated romano, chocolate mousse or tiramisu, and a strong deep-red burgundy.” (I have a fantasy of winning the lottery so I never need to work again, but going on interviews just to answer questions like this.) 😉 And another stock question:
Job Interview Question: What’s Your Greatest Accomplishment
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/describe-your-greatest-accomplishment-tough-job-interview-joyce
—
Who would win in a fight, Superman or Batman? Some of the crazy questions posed by employers during job interviews that leave candidates red-faced
** More pop-psychology questions that might be asked.
—
Interview Insanity: “Where Do You Want to Be in Five Years”
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/interview-insanity-where-do-you-want-five-years-jan-johnston-osburn
** Some worthwhile thoughts on how to change the direction of the question.
—
How to Take a Hiring Manager’s Breath Away
http://theundercoverrecruiter.com/take-hiring-managers-breath-away/
** What it boils down to: 1) prepare, and 2) anticipate their pain points and be a solution.
—
5 Ways To Prepare For An Interview [Sketch]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbjPZ1C8TyU
** Short video.
—
3 Things You Must Say At Every Job Interview
https://jobmob.co.il/blog/3-unique-job-interview-tips/
** Yes. What’s in it for them? The better you can answer that fundamental question, the better.
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BRANDING / SOCIAL MEDIA
Give Your Job Search a Boost: Do the Unthinkable!
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/give-your-job-search-boost-do-unthinkable-daisy-wright
** There’s a fine line between innovative and just plain desperate. What, and where, that line is… is a mystery and very definitely in the eye of the beholder.
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Are These LinkedIn Mistakes Sabotaging Your Job Search?
http://www.careerattraction.com/linkedin-mistakes-sabotaging-job-search/
** Interesting, but a little non-specific.
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Will Blogging Get You a Job?
http://www.thewisejobsearch.com/2011/06/will-blogging-get-you-job.html
** Opinions differ, but I believe you need to let some of your personality show. For example, I have an enormous humor content… pictures, jokes, etc. Hey, I like to laugh.
—
6 Great Benefits of LinkedIn Groups
http://www.job-hunt.org/IT-job-search/linkedin-groups-benefits.shtml
** It’s a pity you’re limited on groups. Just be careful; some groups might be “controversial” and so you should make sure they’re not displayed on your profile.
—
6 Incredibly Easy Things You Can Do Right Now To Attract Recruiters, Head Hunters and Employers To Your LinkedIn Profile
** Helping people who want to hire find you.
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GENERAL
More Than Money: 5 Things to Consider Before Taking the Job
** But money is important. Don’t ignore that either.
—
Are These 4 Attitudes Negatively Impacting Your Job Search?
** If they don’t even affect you a little… can I have what you’re taking?
—
Which hobbies help your employability?
http://www.theemployable.com/index.php/2014/09/23/hobbies-help-employability/
** Genealogy is one of my hobbies; patience and being meticulous is essential.
—
5 times to send a thank-you note during the job search
http://thingscareerrelated.com/2015/02/15/5-times-to-send-a-thank-you-note-during-the-job-search/
** It never, ever hurts to be polite.
—
3 Things To Do After An Interview
http://www.careerealism.com/after-interview/
** Never stop looking until 1) you’ve landed, and 2) you’re convinced you want to stay, and they want to keep you.
—
Underqualified? 7 tips to inspire employers to give you a chance
** Useful in getting them to be more open-minded.
—
How to find (nearly) anyone’s email
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-find-nearly-anyones-email-lavie-margolin
** Finding their email is one thing; getting their attention is another – though this is a good step.
—
Best Advice: Understand Your Talents, and Make Them Your Strengths
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/best-advice-understand-your-talents-make-them-strengths-charlene-li
** What differentiates you?
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8 Reasons Why You Didn’t Get the Job
http://chameleonresumes.com/2013/12/03/8-reasons-why-you-didnt-get-the-job/
** What can you avoid on this list?
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6 Tips To Modernize Your Job Search
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/6-tips-modernize-your-job-search-hannah-morgan
** Endorse.
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Job seekers: You don’t need to reinvent the wheel to get a job
** Being awesome is the baseline.
—
20 Funniest Job Search and Work FAILs
https://jobmob.co.il/blog/funny-job-search-work-pictures/
** Just funny. I don’t see anything unsavory or risque here, but… YMMV. The same applies to this one:
33 Most Unique and Funny Items Sent To Recruiters
https://jobmob.co.il/blog/unique-funny-items-for-recruiters/
** I admit I have a wry sense of humor, so… YMMV. And while some are funny, some are screaming-willies-inducing.
—
Responding to Job Rejections and Assessing Job Offers
http://forwardmotioncareers.com/blog/responding-to-job-rejections-and-assessing-job-offers/
** Will you necessarily win points and contacts by trying after a rejection? No. But it won’t hurt to try.
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UNDERSTANDING THE OTHER SIDE OF THE TABLE
EMPLOYABILITY: ARE YOU WHAT EMPLOYERS WANT?
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/employability-you-what-employers-want-kimaileen-white-ma
** I agree there are no guarantees. But this article seems to push the idea that we’re all totally on our own. And then companies wonder why there’s no loyalty and no innovation.
—
What employers are looking for in interviews
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-employers-looking-interviews-tristan-ramus
** Solid basics.
—
What are the 5 Toughest Interview Questions Executives Need to Master?
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-5-toughest-interview-questions-executives-need-master-garver
** Wow.
—
You’re Hiring; Now, Do it Well: How to Avoid the Number One Hiring Mistake
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/youre-hiring-now-do-well-how-avoid-number-one-mistake-carson-tate
** Some really good perspectives.
—
When Sizing Up Employees, Don’t Forget Culture Fit
** Fit is critical. Turn these around to make sure you vet the company’s culture too. And a few thoughts in an essay of mine on investigating a company culture:
Cultural Splinters
https://davidhuntpe.wordpress.com/2013/09/08/cultural-splinters/
** And also while not from the “other side” this is topically-related:
How to be a cultural fit
http://www.keppiecareers.com/cultural-fit/
—
How to Recruit the Perfect Job Candidate
http://blog.brazencareerist.com/2015/02/03/how-to-recruit-the-perfect-job-candidate/
** If you want to get caught, think like a fisherman. And related, from the same author:
7 Simple Ways to Conduct Better Job Interviews
http://blog.brazencareerist.com/2014/12/01/7-simple-ways-to-conduct-better-job-interviews/
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SALARY
How To Answer “What Was Your Last Salary?”
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-answer-what-your-last-salary-liz-ryan
** I really hate this question. It’s none of their business. I’m willing to work for a minimum of $X. If that’s feasible, let’s talk.
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How To Push For An Above Average Salary Bump
http://www.social-hire.com/career–interview-advice/1420/how-to-push-for-an-above-average-salary-bump
** The danger is that the higher your salary goes, the more incentive they have to find a way to dump you and replace you… and the harder it gets to find a new job at a similar salary if – er, when – that happens.
—
Salary Negotiation Tools and Advice for Your Career
http://thevoiceofjobseekers.com/68/
** Podcast.
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The Do’s and Don’ts of Talking About Your Salary
http://www.hrbartender.com/2015/employee/dos-donts-talking-salary/
** Useful perspectives.
David Hunt, PE... Mechanical Engineer on the loose! 
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