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!
*****
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.
But first, a special note: Neil Patrick was kind enough to guest post an essay of mine.
10 tiny things that can ruin your chances of getting hired
http://40pluscareerguru.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/10-tiny-things-that-can-ruin-your.html
Then, my last two original essays.
Is Networking Losing its Moxie?
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/networking-losing-its-moxie-david-hunt-pe
** Networking is a critical element of any job search, but it seems to be losing some of its effectiveness. I hypothesize why.
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.
And I’m going to, at random, hype an essay from earlier on – changing every time:
Show Me the Stupid
https://davidhuntpe.wordpress.com/2015/01/23/3138/
** A collection of case-study examples of things that cost companies money; in some cases, a lot of money. Hopefully these get you thinking.
=====
TOP OF THE FOLD
10 FBI Tips On How To Spot A Liar
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/10-fbi-tips-how-spot-liar-larae-quy
** I just got a book about this – haven’t had time to read it yet. But do you want to enter every human interaction with the presumption the other person is lying… and waiting until they prove they aren’t?
—
TIPS TO GET THE MOST FROM THE JOB FAIR
http://www.net-temps.com/careerdev/crossroads/index.htm?op=view&id=5797&newsletter_id=1401&archive=1
** And while you’re standing in line… network, network, network!
—
Linkedin endorsements and recommendations – pitfalls and best practices
http://40pluscareerguru.blogspot.com/2013/04/linkedin-endorsements-and.html
** Recommendations – yes. Endorsements – meh:
Tarnished Endorsements
https://davidhuntpe.wordpress.com/2013/09/04/tarnished-endorsements/
** Why I don’t like the LinkedIn “Endorsement” feature.
—
Follow-up 101
http://www.calm-water.com/follow-up-101/
** Critical at every stage.
—
6 Tips for the Best Body Language in Interviews #WisdomWednesday
http://theundercoverrecruiter.com/body-language-tips-interview/
** I keep saying this – although body language is important, you can paralyze yourself overanalyzing… to the point where you come across as rigid and robotic.
—
Being Unemployed Is Tough. Get A Great Job Fast. Advice To Help You.
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/being-unemployed-tough-get-great-job-fast-advice-help-anthony
** Worthwhile video! Related:
Why “The Unemployed Need Not Apply” Need Not Apply to You
http://absolutelyabby.com/searching/why-the-unemployed-need-not-apply-need-not-apply-to-you.html
—
20 Job Search Tips For Creating A List Of Target Companies
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20-job-search-tips-creating-list-target-companies-lisa
** Critical – need to know who to target, not just pursue openings. In a similar vein:
Pursue Companies, Not Jobs
http://asktheheadhunter.com/hapursuecos.htm
** And another article on that:
Why Smart Job Hunters Go After Only One or Two Target Companies
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-smart-job-hunters-go-after-only-one-two-target-companies-meehl
** And sort-of related to this:
Choose Your Next Boss Not The Money
http://www.social-hire.com/career–interview-advice/4817/choose-your-next-boss-not-the-money
** I have to say, however, that I can see this approach as being very limiting.
—
Treat Your References Right…Or Else
http://www.social-hire.com/career–interview-advice/4750/treat-your-references-rightor-else
** References are gold.
—
7 Tips For Better Public Speaking
http://thecareercafe.co.uk/blog/?p=15444
** Being able to speak in public is a huge advantage and asset.
—
How To Massively Crowdsource Your Job Search
https://jobmob.co.il/blog/crowdsource-job-search-online/
** The more people you can get to help you, the better! But to get this kind of help, you need to help others.
=====
SELECTED CAREER SITES
Career Solvers
http://www.careersolvers.com/blog/
** Quite a number of articles along the left.
—
CareerDirections LLC
http://careerdirectionsllc.com/blog/
** Ditto.
—
>> If you contact either of these people, please tell them you heard about them through me.
=====
FOR OLDER WORKERS
Job Search After 50: 3 Keys to Help You Beat The Age Bias!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/eileen-williams/job-search-midlife_b_7095472.html
** I do like the idea of proactively addressing age-related concerns, but… awkward!
—
Is Age Discrimination A Job Search Issue?
http://www.landingexpert.com/job-search-tips/is-age-discrimination-a-job-search-issue/
** Ultimately, if they want to know your age, they can find it out.
—
Where’s the Demand for Talented 50+ Workers?
http://linkis.com/www.nextavenue.org/a/aGtHc
** At issue is how to get people to not just read, but really understand, that older workers have value?
—
50+ Workers Are Critical Components of Successful Businesses
http://millyardcommunications.com/index.php?src=news&srctype=detail&category=News&refno=5303
** There is value in experience.
—
Could age discrimination derail your retirement plans?
http://www.cnbc.com/id/102641524
** Buried within this is a golden nugget: you have experience, you have contacts – these are assets, so leverage them!
—
Boomers and social technology
http://40pluscareerguru.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/boomers-and-social-technology.html
** For better or for worse, you need to be out there on SM. And another essay from the same site:
Great Tips To Overcome Ageism for IT (and other) Professionals
http://40pluscareerguru.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/great-tips-to-overcome-ageism-for-it.html
—
America Is Unready for the Era of the Aging Worker
http://www.nextavenue.org/blog/america-unready-era-aging-worker
** Unready… because they think there’s an unending supply of young, cheap labor. Some good stuff to use if you can open a conversation. Related:
Baby Boomer Brain Drain
http://www.recruitingblogs.com/profiles/blogs/baby-boomer-brain-drain
** Some good stuff to highlight why you are an asset.
—
9 Real Reasons Overqualified Job Seekers are Rejected
https://jobmob.co.il/blog/reasons-overqualified-job-seekers-are-rejected/
** Can you head these off proactively? Related:
How to Get the Job When You’re ‘Overqualified’
http://www.payscale.com/career-news/2015/05/how-to-get-the-job-when-you’re-‘overqualified‘
—
Board Director Career Trends: An Interview with Julian Ha from Heidrick & Struggles
https://www.bluesteps.com/blog/executive-search-consultant-board-director
** Are these insights you can leverage to differentiate yourself?
—
Job Search Tips for the Older Jobseeker
http://www.theemployable.com/index.php/2015/05/06/job-search-tips-for-the-older-jobseeker/
** Basics.
=====
NETWORKING
The Genius of ‘Want to Grab Coffee?’
http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2015/04/the-genius-of-want-to-grab-coffee/391334/
** An interesting data point on why it’s important to ask for advice in a networking conversation.
—
How to Start a Conversation With Strangers at a Networking Event
http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/244553
** I’ve often found “So, what brings you here?” is a great opener. And on this:
How to Talk to Strangers
http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/relationships/etiquette-manners/how-to-talk-to-strangers
** Also worthwhile thoughts.
—
Does size matter when it comes to your LinkedIn network?
http://www.winningimpression.com/open-networking/
** I agree; quality over quantity.
—
Networking While in Transition is the Key to Success
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/networking-while-transition-key-success-alex-freund
** It’s key, and critical, but it’s not easy to do well.
—
6 Tips for Connecting Well Online
http://www.personalbrandingblog.com/6-tips-for-connecting-well-online/
** Definitely pay attention to time zones! (Made that mistake – once! And if you’re calling internationally, this goes doubly!)
—
Why Your Network is Important
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-your-network-important-shelly-olliff
** People will “check out” your social media connections; how effective this is, I’m not sure. And they will definitely look at who has recommended you!
—
6 Ways Your Professional Network Can Help You
** Amen. And why would they do all these things? Because you’ve helped them.
—
Are You Worth Talking To or Just More Noise?
http://www.winningimpression.com/recruiter-are-you-worth-talking-to/
** Whadda ya know. Confirmation that people are being bombarded as I noted in my “Is Networking Losing its Moxie” essay, above. I find it interesting, too, that Boomers are not even mentioned.
—
3 Ways to Refresh Your Network in 2015
http://ynpnboston.org/3-ways-refresh-network-2015/
** Definitely, take stock. The time is worth it.
—
How to Create a Winning Elevator Pitch in 4 Steps
http://good.co/blog/2013/08/15/how-to-create-a-winning-elevator-pitch/
** Remember that an elevator pitch is only intended to get them to want to talk more.
=====
COVER LETTERS
Add A Little ‘Fire’ To Your Cover Letter…
http://www.net-temps.com/careerdev/crossroads/index.htm?op=view&id=5796&newsletter_id=1401&archive=1
** Yes.
—
Why We HATE Writing Cover Letters
http://www.careerealism.com/writing-cover-letters-hate/
** And focus on what their needs could be.
—
Catch a Recruiter’s Eye With These 7 Cover Letter Tips
http://www.popsugar.com/smart-living/How-Write-Good-Cover-Letter-24357796
** Remember, it’s a marketing document to get them to read your resume.
—
Learn How to Prepare an Ideal Cover Letter
http://www.jobcluster.com/blog/best-format-to-activate-cover-letter/
** Good, though I don’t know that there’s one “perfect” format.
—
Your generic cover letter, as experienced by a hiring manager.
** You’ve got to tailor it. Another by the same author:
The Cover Letters That Make Hiring Managers Smile (Then Call You)
https://www.themuse.com/advice/the-cover-letters-that-make-hiring-managers-smile-then-call-you
=====
RESUMES
Top 10 Resume Tips For Managers & Executives.
http://arielle.com.au/top-10-resume-tips-for-managers-executives/
** I especially like and appreciate the comment about using “local” spelling.
—
Meet the Robots Reading Your Resume [INFOGRAPHIC]
http://theundercoverrecruiter.com/robots-reading-resumes/
** Interestingly, I had a conversation recently where I learned that a local high-tech company has ditched its ATS because it realized it was losing out on too many good candidates who didn’t get through the filter. Related:
Will the real (ATS) Applicant Tracking System please stand up!
—
5 Insider Secrets for Beating Applicant Tracking Systems
** Imagine a person who bought a customer tracking software that rejected this many potential customers. Related:
New Job Search Service Helps Job Seekers Penetrate Applicant Tracking Systems
** Call me cynical… I would be very interested in the provenance of the people who started this service. Did they start out writing ATS software? And three more ATS-related articles:
8 Tips to Boost Your Resume Chances with Applicant Tracking Systems
Recruiting Software: 10 Ways Job Seekers Can Beat the System
How to Get the Applicant Tracking System to Pick Your Resume
http://biginterview.com/blog/2015/03/applicant-tracking-system.html
—
Ten tips on writing the perfect CV
http://www.theguardian.com/careers/cv-advice-expert-tips
** Lots of formats. Mine is a hybrid.
—
Résumés: Why the right keywords aren’t enough
http://forwardmotioncareers.com/blog/resumes-why-the-right-keywords-arent-enough/
** It has to be considered as a part of a whole.
—
Ask not what the company can do for you…
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/ask-what-company-can-do-you-jack-mulcahy
** An important point!
—
6 Commonly Misused Words on Your Resume
http://www.greatresumesfast.com/blog/2014/01/06/6-commonly-misused-words-on-your-resume/
** These things can make or break you.
—
Quotes on Your Resume: A Good Way to Waste Valuable Real Estate
http://www.avidcareerist.com/2015/05/12/quote-on-resume/
** I agree with the idea that putting reference quotes on a resume is a bad idea; doing so without explicit permission is a doubly-bad idea.
—
What Do I Put On A Resume If I Was Fired?
http://www.careerigniter.com/advice/what-do-i-put-on-a-resume-if-i-was-fired/
** I’m not sure that a resume is the place to address this.
—
7 Topics You Shouldn’t Include on Your Resume – Landing a Job
http://careeralley.com/landing-a-job-2/7-topics-you-shouldnt-include-on-your-resume-landing-a-job/
** The first rule: don’t screw up.
—
5 People Who Had It All and Lost It to CV Lies
http://www.grb.uk.com/news/5-people-who-had-it-all-and-lost-it-to-cv-lies/2015/04/08/2617
** A liar must have a good memory. And with all the background checking companies do, is it really worth the risk?
=====
INTERVIEWING
7 tips for your interview stories
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/7-tips-your-interview-stories-bob-mcintosh-cprw-mbti
** Stories engage, and at the emotional level; this leads to a better perception of your “fit”.
—
17 Clever Ways to Interview Like a Pro
http://theundercoverrecruiter.com/17-ways-interview-pro/
** Strong advice.
—
Interview answers must be short. Know why?
http://www.landingexpert.com/job-search-tips/interview-answers-must-be-short-know-why/
** I can’t disagree this is happening, but there’s a fine line between concise and too short. And, of course, it’s a lot easier to be that succinct when typing vs. in a conversation.
—
Interview Preparation: Are You Doing Enough?
http://theundercoverrecruiter.com/interview-preparation-enough/
** On the flip side, are you doing too much – and thus sound canned?
—
5 Things Every Prospective Employer Wants to Hear
http://www.greatresumesfast.com/blog/2012/09/24/5-things-every-prospective-employer-wants-to-hear/
** But don’t be afraid to tell them what they need to hear as well.
—
Job Seekers: Never Be Afraid to Tell Your Story
** Stories, as opposed to dry facts, engage at the emotional level – and thus create a huge impact.
—
How Successful Candidates Steal Job Interviews
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-successful-candidates-steal-job-interviews-brian-de-haaff
** I like the idea of doing things to differentiate yourself. With reference to #1 particularly, just remember that many places have NO tolerance for people who don’t play to-the-letter by the rules they set. (And I am reminded of an ad for some off-road SUV that has a humorless art teacher droning “Always color inside the lines…”.)
—
Prepare for a Job Interview by Writing Your Own Recommendation Letter
http://lifehacker.com/prepare-for-a-job-interview-by-writing-your-own-recomme-1700775135
** An intriguing technique.
—
4 Kinds of Interview Questions and How to Answer Them
http://www.levo.com/articles/career-advice/good-interview-questions-and-how-to-answer-them
** A useful categorization.
—
Keeping It Positive
http://careerandresume.com/blog/2015/03/12/keeping-it-positive/
** You definitely don’t want them searching for something negative. Instead, try this approach:
Am I A Fit?
https://davidhuntpe.wordpress.com/2014/01/11/am-i-a-fit/
** How to find out if they have any doubts without explicitly asking them if they have doubts.
—
How to improve your interview performance
http://www.therockincareercoach.com/career/how-to-improve-your-interview-performance/
** Short video.
—
11 questions hiring managers never want to hear
http://mashable.com/2015/03/17/bad-job-interview-questions/
** The first rule: don’t screw up.
—
How to Win at Every Telephone Interview
** I agree. And treat this like a serious interview – after all, they are.
—
Answering the Dreaded Request: “Tell Me About Yourself”
http://onlinecareertips.com/2015/04/answering-the-dreaded-request-tell-me-about-yourself/
** This is a great chance to show off.
=====
AFTER THE INTERVIEW
Are you making these major post-interview mistakes?
http://blog.linkup.com/2015/04/23/are-you-making-these-major-post-interview-mistakes/
** All good points.
—
7 Actions For Effective Interview Follow Up
http://chameleonresumes.com/2014/01/19/interview-follow-up/
** This is part of the interview too.
—
Thanking the Hiring Manager (Post-Interview)
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/thanking-hiring-manager-post-interview-christopher-anderson
** It always amazes me when I read that people don’t do this.
—
5 ways your thank-you note could cost you the job
http://info.theladders.com/career-advice/your-thank-you-note-could-cost-job
** The first rule: don’t screw up.
—
8 Reasons Why You Don’t Get that Call from the Hiring Manager
http://www.jobcluster.com/blog/reasons-hiring-managers-dont-call-you/
** I understand people are busy, and that you may not be “the one”; the widely-discussed poor treatment of candidates, however, has repercussions:
Peeing in the Candidate Reservoir
https://davidhuntpe.wordpress.com/2014/12/29/peeing-in-the-candidate-reservoir/
** The poor treatment of candidates by some companies is affecting the morale/attitude of all candidates, regardless of whether they interact with any specific company. That this is not a concern for corporate decision-makers boggles my mind.
—
Who Should You Send an Interview Thank You Note To?
** Useful. And by the same author on a related topic:
10 Things Not to Include in an Interview Thank You Letter
=====
BRANDING / SOCIAL MEDIA
Warning: Your Facebook Picture showing up in people’s Outlook
http://www.standss.com/blog/index.php/warning-your-facebook-picture-showing-up-in-peoples-outlook/
** Yet another reason I don’t “do” facebook.
—
What’s the best way to write your LinkedIn Profile?
http://40pluscareerguru.blogspot.com/2014/08/whats-best-way-to-write-your-linkedin.html
** If you laid all the resume/job search experts end to end you’d still never reach a conclusion. 😉
—
Navigating the Reputation Economy: Lies Do Count
http://chameleonresumes.com/2015/05/08/navigating-reputation-economy-lies-count/
** My motto: a liar must have a good memory. Mine’s good, but not nearly that good.
—
6 Things Recruiters Want To See On Your LinkedIn Profile
http://www.careerealism.com/recruiters-linkedin-profile-want-see/
** Understand what they’re looking for. Related:
How to get your profile to page 1 of a Linkedin search by tomorrow!
http://40pluscareerguru.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/how-to-get-your-profile-to-page-1-of.html
** And be visible so they can see you.
—
How to Find Relevant Job Openings on LinkedIn
http://mymarketability.com/blog/how-to-find-relevant-job-openings-on-linkedin
** LinkedIn can be a great source for openings. Related:
LinkedIn is truly a powerful job search and career management tool.
http://executivecareerbrand.com/deadly-linkedin-mistake-neglecting-seo-and-keywords/
—
Personal branding on LinkedIn: 11 mistakes to avoid
http://blog.firebrandtalent.com/2014/05/personal-branding-on-linkedin-11-mistakes-to-avoid/
** The first rule: don’t screw up.
=====
GENERAL
The Single Biggest Reason Executives Struggle To Get Hired.
http://arielle.com.au/the-single-biggest-reason-executives-struggle-to-get-hired/
** Not just executives. There is such a glut of people that it’s very hard to stand out from the crowd in the pile of resumes.
—
Interview questions you should never answer
http://info.theladders.com/career-advice/interview-questions-you-should-never-answer
** You can answer some; some will be obvious (e.g., you wear a wedding ring). And if you’re a parent, having them weed you out because they object to your possibly needing to run out for a kid emergency, etc., do you really want to work there anyway?
—
The Secret Keys to a Great Pitch
http://www.thoughtleadersllc.com/2015/05/the-secret-keys-to-a-great-pitch/
** Remember – finding a job is a sales/marketing job.
—
Summary Sunday: What It Takes To Score An Interview
http://careersherpa.net/summary-sunday-what-it-takes-to-score-an-interview/
** Several topics discussed.
—
Five Articles Job Seekers Need to Read This Week
http://acaciahrsolutions.com/five-articles-job-seekers-need-to-read-this-week/
** All worth perusing!
—
25 Essential Style Tips for Wearing a Suit, Every Man Needs to Know These Secrets
** Useful. More:
Basic tips on Dressing for Interviews
http://www.theemployable.com/index.php/2015/03/30/basic-tips-on-dressing-for-interviews/
** And how you dress will definitely affect the impression you give:
3 Simple Steps to Making a Good First Impression
http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/6271-good-first-impression.html
** And never forget – you have seconds in which their first impression is formed:
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
** Another essay of mine Neil reblogged.
—
Company Culture and Marriage: What Do They Have in Common?
http://good.co/blog/2013/08/31/company-culture-vs-dating-and-marriage-what-do-they-have-in-common/
** A lot of it is emotional and based on intangibles that people can’t even describe.
—
Top tips to improve your employability after a long term career break
** Some good tips if you’ve been out a while.
—
21 Evil Things To Do On Your Last Day On The Job
https://jobmob.co.il/blog/evil-last-day/
** Not advocating any of these… but they are funny!
=====
UNDERSTANDING THE OTHER SIDE OF THE TABLE
Motivation-Based Interviewing Gauges Can-Do Attitude
** Another tack they might try.
—
8 Questions Interviewers Use to Figure Out Who You Really Are
https://www.themuse.com/advice/8-questions-interviewers-use-to-figure-out-who-you-really-are
** Some of these, especially #8, are just head-games IMHO.
—
How to Prevent Bad Hires from Crumbling your Small Business
http://qandidate.com/blogpost/how-to-prevent-bad-hires-from-crumbling-your-small-business/
** I commented.
—
Why you shouldn’t dismiss the job hopper
** Aimed at HR, this has some useful things to consider in presenting yourself.
—
How to Spot a Fantastic Creative Candidate [Top 3 Traits]
http://theundercoverrecruiter.com/creative-candidate-3-traits/
** Good stuff on how to “spin” yourself to meet these.
—
Job Interview Questions – The 5 Things Candidates Must Address
** Proactively answer these.
—
7 Employee Qualities You Must Prioritize When Hiring
http://www.inc.com/drew-hendricks/7-employee-qualities-you-must-prioritize-when-hiring.html
** Important insights into what they’re thinking.
—
5 Kinds of People That Get Hired Most
http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/1582-best-people-to-hire.html?adbid=598578988835975171
** Can you leverage this?
—
Why Getting Feedback After the Interview is Hard (& What to Do)
** It is hard to get feedback. Some good tips.
—
The FIRST question I ask during a SECOND interview
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/first-question-i-ask-during-second-interview-salvatore-petronella
** Very useful!
=====
SALARY
The Right and Wrong Way to Renegotiate Your Salary
http://www.personalbrandingblog.com/the-right-and-wrong-way-to-renegotiate-your-salary/
** I like the part about making the boss feel like they’re still in control; easier said than done, though.
—
Why You Should Love the Salary Question
** I didn’t realize that this could be used to differentiate yourself, though this does have the potential to be a can-of-worms thing.
—
Should You Mention Your Salary Expectations In The Interview?
http://www.kennedyexecutive.com/should-you-mention-your-salary-expectations-in-the-interview/
** A counterargument to the “no you shouldn’t” conventional wisdom.
—
Making Concessions During Negotiations
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/making-concessions-during-negotiations-john-boyens
** You cannot not negotiate. Related:
Salary negotiation tips: How to negotiate a job offer
Reblogged this on The Arts Mechanical and commented:
Good stuff from David.