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 three weeks or so.
- 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. (And if I have your article here but didn’t tweet to you to announce its inclusion, it means I couldn’t find your twitter handle.)
- 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 several hours into each of these! – 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 essays I’ve published here at the top. Reverse-chronological order. These will, of course, change as I publish new ones.
So… my last two original essays:
The Quest for the Purple Squirrel
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/quest-purple-squirrel-david-hunt-pe
** An attempt to understand why hiring managers obsess about the “Purple Squirrel”.
Dinner Guests from History
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/dinner-guests-from-history-david-hunt-pe
** In which I answer one of my own “penetrating questions”. (Insights into yours truly.)
And I’m going to, at random, hype an essay from earlier on – changing every time:
An Engineer’s Life: David Hunt Explains why he became a Mechanical Engineer
`** An essay I wrote, by request of the SPE Automotive Division, about my past and why I became an engineer.
=====
TOP OF THE FOLD
How to Convince an Employer to Take a Chance on You (and Ignore the More Qualified Candidates)
** Interesting, but IMHO a lot easier said than done. Related:
5 Ways to Stand Out When You’re Competing With Really Qualified Candidates
—
7 Reasons Employers Will Hire You #WisdomWednesday
http://theundercoverrecruiter.com/7-reasons-employers-will-hire-you/
** All good, but… ultimately, it’s because you seem the best suited to solve the problems they’re having.
—
Is World of Warcraft a Better Hiring Test than a Job Interview?
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/world-warcraft-better-hiring-test-than-interview-santiago-iniguez
** It’s a gimmick. And it’s a way to avoid having to take responsibility for the hiring decision. “The test said they were OK!”
—
A Dozen Critical Trends That Will Affect Employment Search in 2015
** What are the trends you need to know?
—
How to Avoid Long-Term Unemployment
http://workalpha.com/how-to-avoid-long-term-unemployment/
** I actually find this believable. Related:
How to Thwart Concerns About Your Long-term Unemployment
http://forwardmotioncareers.com/blog/how-to-thwart-concerns-about-your-long-term-unemployment/
** Excellent advice!
—
Eat, Drink, and be Hired-Tips for Dining with Your Future Boss
http://careerdirectors.com/eat-drink-hired-tips-dining-future-boss/
** How you behave at a meal can make or break your candidacy.
—
11 Ways to Identify Your Next Employer
http://epiccareering.com/11-ways-to-develop-an-effective-target-company-list/
** Identifying places to target can be one of the biggest challenges.
—
Your Job Is Not Your Job (2.1)
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/your-job-21-fred-kofman
** This really made me think about my presentation during an interview.
—
Acing the American Job Interview (for International, ESOL, and Multilingual Candidates)
http://biginterview.com/blog/2015/05/esol-esl-multilingual-interview.html
** This is very useful for people who come from overseas.
—
Should You Apply for a Job When You Don’t Have all the Qualifications?
** Short answer: It depends.
=====
SELECTED JOB-SEARCH ADVICE SITES
The Career Experts
http://thecareerexperts.com/career-articles-advice/
—
Inspire Careers
http://www.inspirecareers.com/blog/
—
Call To Career
http://www.calltocareer.com/category/blog/
—
LegacyMedSearch
http://www.legacymedsearch.com/refresh/templates/candidate_resources.php?id=4
—
JobMob
=====
FOR OLDER WORKERS
Age Discrimination and Job Search?
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/age-discrimination-job-search-alex-freund
** I’ve tried to remove myself from multiple databases – not for age reasons, but just privacy. It’s a vain effort IMHO. Not only do I keep reappearing, but with so many databases, it’s a Herculean task.
—
The Stigma of Long-term Unemployment… and Yet Another Round of Ageism
** A great piece by Marcia! And another:
How to Thwart Concerns About Your Long-term Unemployment
http://forwardmotioncareers.com/blog/how-to-thwart-concerns-about-your-long-term-unemployment/
—
Are We the Job Hopping Generation?
http://theundercoverrecruiter.com/job-hopping-generation/
** As an older person, you can use this to your advantage. Related:
What Increased Job Hopping Means for Employers
http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/8188-job-hopping-trends.html?cmpid=514642
—
40 And Irrelevant? I Don’t Think So!
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/40-irrelevant-i-dont-think-so-matt-schmidt
** I know people who write code who are 50+ and can code circles around younger people.
—
Top 10 Job Search Strategies for Executives Over 40
https://www.bluesteps.com/blog/top-10-job-search-strategies-for-executives-over-40.aspx
** Some basics.
—
8 major job-search changes for older workers
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/8-major-job-search-changes-older-workers-bob-mcintosh-cprw-mbti
** Definitely a whole new world if you haven’t been job-seeking for a long time.
—
5 Reasons To Diversify Your Workforce
http://recruiterbox.com/blog/5-reasons-to-diversify-your-workforce/
** Can you, as an older candidate, use “diversity” in your favor?
=====
NETWORKING
Why Your Bio Is More Important than Your Resume
** This looks like a useful tack. Not sure how well it works, but… do remember, people get engaged by stories, not dry facts.
—
Turn Gatekeepers Into Allies!
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/turn-gatekeepers-allies-hank-boyer
** Definitely don’t want to piss them off.
—
Do This, and You’ll Always Be the Most Popular Person in the Room
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/do-youll-always-most-popular-person-room-betty-liu
** Very pertinent to when you’re talking with someone. Related:
8 Ways to Be the Person Everyone Wants to Talk to at a Networking Event
** I liked this.
—
How to Introduce Yourself in a Way That’ll Make People Care Who You Are
** Good techniques.
—
How Can I Get A Hiring Manager’s Attention?
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-can-i-get-hiring-managers-attention-liz-ryan
** I admire the concept and attempt to practice it. However, networking is becoming more and more difficult. Sort-of related:
3 Tactics You Can Implement Today for Higher Email Open Rates
http://blog.crazyegg.com/2014/06/05/high-email-open-rates/
—
Best Tips to Network Authentically and Successfully
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-network-authentically-make-work-you-kara-goldin
** All good. (Though I am reminded of a Groucho Marx witticism: “Sincerity is the key to success; if you can fake that, you’ve got it made!”)
—
Seven Ways to Keep in Touch with Your Contacts
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20140801150616-438471-seven-ways-to-keep-in-touch-with-your-contacts
** I agree with all of these, except – perhaps! – the idea of a constant-contact type email. Mixed feelings about that; might work, but might be viewed as over the top.
—
Why Networking Must Be More Than An Event
http://www.careerealism.com/networking-more-than-event/
** Precisely. I will reprise, once more, an anecdotal story I heard of a six-figure job being landed because of a conversation in a supermarket checkout line.
—
10 Killer Networking Questions That Spark Meaningful Conversation
http://mymarketability.com/blog/10-killer-networking-questions-that-spark-meaningful-conversation
** Always good to have a variety of ways to open a conversation.
—
Why Networking Is More Important Than Your Resume
http://www.payscale.com/career-news/2015/06/why-networking-is-more-important-than-your-resume
** Networking is critical.
—
Five Networking Lessons I Wish I Learned in High School
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/five-networking-lessons-i-wish-learned-high-school-barbara-safani
** It’s amazing to me how cliquish companies of *cough* adults can be… and how akin to high school many *cough* professional environments are.
—
The 5 Keys to No Fear Networking
http://www.youtern.com/thesavvyintern/index.php/2015/07/09/the-5-keys-to-no-fear-networking/
** Very good basics.
=====
COVER LETTERS
3 Good Reasons To Spend More Time On Your Cover Letter
http://www.careerealism.com/cover-letter-time/
** Definitely, can’t just dash one off.
—
How to Write an Honest Cover Letter to Avoid the Wrong Job
http://theundercoverrecruiter.com/write-honest-cover-letter-avoid-wrong-job/
** DO’s and DON’Ts.
—
Before You Submit That Resume…
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/before-you-submit-resume-lisa-cawley-ruiz
** Good reasons to write one.
—
Your Cover Letter: Write About Opportunity, Not Pain
http://www.avidcareerist.com/2015/07/09/pain-letter-opportunity/
** A nice flip of the “pain letter”.
—
No-Fail Cover Letter Strategy
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/no-fail-cover-letter-strategy-kristi-dosh
** You can’t be generic.
—
6 Ways to Ensure The Cover Letter You Write Is Read
http://chameleonresumes.com/2012/08/09/6-ways-to-ensure-the-cover-letter-you-write-is-read/
** If it’s not read, it’s worthless (unless they still read your resume).
—
Should You Include a Cover Letter If it’s Not Required?
http://jobsearch.about.com/od/coverlettertips/qt/cover-letter-not-required.htm
** Short answer: yes.
=====
RESUMES
Alex Freund: “Front load” accomplishments on your résumé
https://psgcnjnewsletter.wordpress.com/2014/01/25/4691/
** Assuming you get through the ATS, you have to catch attention – and quick.
—
Résumé Keywords Are the Keys to Be Found
http://www.landingexpert.com/job-search-tips/resume-keywords-are-the-keys-to-be-found/
** The trick is to know what keywords to use!
—
How to Use Numbers to Make Your Resume Stand Out
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-use-numbers-make-your-resume-stand-out-nancy-anderson
** I’m not sure I agree with the idea of bolding, but if it works for you…
—
How to List Multiple Positions at One Company on Your Resume
http://theundercoverrecruiter.com/ive-multiple-positions-inside-one-company-write-resume/
** Especially pertinent if you’ve been at a company for a while.
—
How I Hired Talent
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-i-hired-talent-lynda-spiegel
** At issue is understanding how to present yourself as that solution mentioned in the article.
—
Screening Your Resume: What Recruiters Look For in 15 Seconds
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/screening-your-resume-what-recruiters-look-15-seconds-lisa
** Reverse engineer this and apply to your resume! Related:
Why Do 90% Of Resumes Go In The Bin (Without Ever Being Read)?
http://arielle.com.au/why-90-of-resumes-go-in-the-bin-without-being-read/
—
Get Rid Of The Boring Career Summary On Your Resume, Use This Instead.
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/get-rid-boring-career-summary-your-resume-use-instead-darius
** Mixed feelings. I can certainly see how this approach might grab attention, and that’s good. OTOH, might it be a little too self-centered? YMMV.
—
How to Match Your Resume to Every Job You Want [Infographic]
** You can’t not try to match them.
—
10 Resume Quick Fixes
http://www.organicresumecreations.com/#!Do-it-Now/c16g1/559593d40cf2c7ea473d135b
** Foundational basics.
—
How to Format Your Resume for Electronic Job Applications (What You Don’t Know Won’t Hurt You. Is That So?)
http://workalpha.com/format-resume-electronic-job-applications-dont-know-wont-hurt/
** IMHO “ATS” really stands for “Application Termination System” given the statistics about how many qualified candidates do not get through.
=====
INTERVIEWING
How to Ace the Face-to-Face Interview
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-ace-face-to-face-interview-holly-bunn
** There is a window between being scripted and being so polished you sound canned. What that window is, however, is a mystery. And don’t think CAR, think SPARTACUS:
How to turn yourself into a winning job candidate
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-ace-face-to-face-interview-holly-bunn
** My essay, reblogged.
—
Are You Prepared For This Interview Question? (Most People Are Not)
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/you-prepared-interview-question-most-people-bernard-marr
** Just heard a good chemistry joke: “What comes after 16 sodiums?” “Batman.” (Na na na na na na na na na na na na na na na na BATMAN!)
—
5 Reasons You’re Getting Knocked Out in the First Round of Interviews (and How to Stop)
** The first rule: don’t screw up!
—
Investing in Your Interview Wardrobe Pays Dividends
http://www.landingexpert.com/job-search-tips/investing-in-your-interview-wardrobe-pays-dividends/
** First impressions will make or break you – in a matter of 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
—
Interviewing is a Game. Here’s How to Win.
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/interviewing-game-heres-how-win-anne-dicarlo
** Good basics to review. (Though, seriously, someone who enjoys job hunting?)
—
7 THINGS YOU MUST SAY TO GET HIRED
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/7-things-you-must-say-get-hired-cheryl-palmer
** Yup.
—
Information You Must Have before the Interview
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/information-you-must-have-before-interview-don
** Prepare, prepare, prepare.
—
10 Things To Bring To Every Job Interview [INFOGRAPHIC]
http://www.jobcluster.com/blog/things-to-take-to-an-interview-infographic/
** I agree with some of these, but… passport pictures and protein bars?
=====
AFTER THE INTERVIEW
7 Great Questions to Ask an Applicant’s References
http://www.eremedia.com/ere/7-great-questions-to-ask-an-applicants-references/
** These are good ones to forewarn references about.
—
How to Write a Memorable Thank You Note
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-write-memorable-thank-you-note-jessica-breunig
** Don’t just say “Thank you”.
—
65% of Successful Job Seekers Say “Thank You for the Interview” via Email — RESEARCH FINDING
http://www.avidcareerist.com/2015/07/12/interview-thank-you-email-sent/
** Note that correlation does not imply causation, but… IMHO you cannot ignore sending thank you emails.
—
Thanks! 20 Job Interview Thank You Note Tips
http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/7134-thank-you-note-tips.html
** Worth reading, though don’t do all of these at once!
—
Does Following Up With Employers Really Matter?
http://www.greatresumesfast.com/blog/2015/06/09/does-following-up-with-employers-really-matter/
** The short answer: yes. Just remember, there’s a fine line between persistent and pest… and that line is not easy to spot.
=====
BRANDING / SOCIAL MEDIA
12 egregious mistakes you don’t want to make with your LinkedIn profile
** Good advice from Bob! And another by the same author:
4 reasons why you need a strong LinkedIn Summary
http://thingscareerrelated.com/2015/06/28/why-does-your-linkedin-profile-lack-a-summary/
—
The 7 Linkedin Tips You Need to Find Your Dream Job Today
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/7-linkedin-tips-you-need-find-your-dream-job-today-peter-wilford
** Just remember, this doesn’t take the place of doing the work.
—
De-mystifying LinkedIn Keywords
http://chameleonresumes.com/2014/04/28/de-mystifying-linkedin-keywords/?utm_source=LinkedIn
** And an idea I’ve been playing with – which I’ve seen elsewhere – is to use wordclouds to identify trending keywords.
—
How to Leverage Blogs in Your Job Search
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-leverage-blogs-your-job-search-beverly-harvey
** This is one of the reasons I blog! Related:
Blogging Your Way to the Top: A Beginner’s Compendium
https://www.bluesteps.com/blog/how-to-blog
—
Deadly LinkedIn Mistake: No Professional Photo
http://executivecareerbrand.com/deadly-linkedin-mistake-no-professional-photo/
** Consider a photo session an investment.
—
3 Reasons You’re Not Getting Hired
** It could be you… but then again, it might not be.
—
Is Your Online Presence Visible Enough for Social Recruiters?
** It better be – because that’s where people are looking.
=====
GENERAL
How NOT to Impress a Prospective Employer [INFOGRAPHIC]
http://theundercoverrecruiter.com/puts-employers-off-candidates/
** The first rule: don’t screw up.
—
How to Make Competition Irrelevant
http://chameleonresumes.com/2014/07/28/make-competition-irrelevant/
** Some good advice, though I don’t think you can ever make the competition truly irrelevant.
—
What? That was part of the selection process?
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-part-selection-process-nick-deligiannis
** Very definitely, small things matter:
10 tiny things that can ruin your chances of getting hired
http://40pluscareerguru.blogspot.com/2015/05/10-tiny-things-that-can-ruin-your.html
—
3 Little Known Ways to Conduct a Long-Distance Job Search (Relocation)
http://chameleonresumes.com/2014/09/17/conduct-long-distance-job-search-relocation/
** Sometimes moving is an option, or even a desire.
—
Endear Yourself to the Buyer
http://www.landingexpert.com/job-search-tips/endear-yourself-to-the-buyer/
** If you want to be caught, think like the fisherman. What do they want and value? Related:
4 Ways to Turn “No” Into “Yes”
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20140603162542-16092438-4-ways-to-turn-no-into-yes
** After all, this is a sales and marketing gig.
—
The Biggest Mistake Candidates Make On Assessments
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/biggest-mistake-candidates-make-assessments-ji-a-min-masc
** Written by an employee of a company that makes such assessments, so take with a grain of salt. Still, good thoughts on how to game the system.
—
3 Quick Tips to Demand Attention in Today’s Job Market
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/3-quick-tips-how-demand-attention-todays-job-market-melanie-l-
** Worth a try.
—
How Your Attitude Defines Your Job Search
http://www.careerealism.com/attitude-defines-job-search/
** There is, IMHO, a difference between having a can-do, positive attitude, and having a soma-induced, plastic smile, oh-boy-it’s-dog-food-again attitude no matter how you are treated in the job search. You get mistreated, consider this a commandment: tell others how the company treated you:
Peeing in the Candidate Reservoir
https://davidhuntpe.wordpress.com/2014/12/29/peeing-in-the-candidate-reservoir/
** Companies that treat candidates (and employees) poorly need to die from their own misdeeds towards what they purport are their “most valuable assets”:
Death by Lethal Reputation
http://www.asktheheadhunter.com/halethalrep.htm
—
8 things that can kill your job chances
http://advice.careerbuilder.com/posts/8-things-that-can-kill-your-job-chances
** There’s no question body language is important, but you can paralyze yourself worrying about it – and that paralysis, and consequent lack of authenticity, will doom you.
—
Volunteering and Your Job Search – A Job Search Tip
http://careerandresume.com/blog/2015/06/12/volunteering-and-your-job-search-a-job-search-tip/
** It’s a good way to both meet people and to show your character.
—
Companies hire skill sets, not job titles
http://write-solution.com/2013/01/10/companies-hire-skill-sets-not-job-titles/
** True.
—
The Shoo-in Trap
http://epiccareering.com/the-shoo-in-trap/
** Don’t get cocky. You don’t have it, until you have it.
—
How To Apply For A Job Properly: 3 Things We Know You Don’t Do
** Interesting thoughts.
—
10 Shortcuts Only The Smartest Job Seekers Know
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/10-shortcuts-only-smartest-job-seekers-know-bernard-marr
** Solid tips.
—
3 Best Job Applications Ever
https://applierapp.com/blog/best-job-applications-ever/
** I’m surprised these worked, but…
—
5 Key Tips to Wow Recruiters
http://careerdirectionsllc.com/5-key-tips-to-wow-recruiters/
** This is the money quote: “Companies are awash in resumes, even at the executive level.” Which is important – you need to differentiate yourself at every level.
=====
UNDERSTANDING THE OTHER SIDE OF THE TABLE
One in Three Employees Are a Mistake
http://theundercoverrecruiter.com/employee-mistake/
** Read this, then read this again. The tone of the article is telling hiring managers that the Fantasy Date exists (and, of course, they promise to find them); thus, it reinforces in their minds that they can wait, and wait, and wait.
—
Plays Well with Others: How to Hire the Best Team
** Fitting in is a huge consideration.
—
4 Benefits of Psychometric Testing Candidates
http://newmanstewart.co.uk/news/view/55/4-benefits-of-psychometric-testing-candidates
** Understand what they’re reading about this kind of test. And for some negative opinions:
10 Reasons Why Time’s XQ Article on Hiring is Based on Bad Science
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/10-reasons-why-times-xq-article-hiring-more-bull-than-lou-adler
How HR optimizes rejection of millions of job applicants
http://corcodilos.com/blog/8064/how-hr-optimizes-rejection-of-millions-of-job-applicants
** I understand there are studies, but… consider that the people pushing this stuff are the people selling this stuff.
—
6 Ways to Win Over Any Hiring Manager
http://www.resumetarget.com/blog/win-hiring-manager/
** What are they thinking? Get inside their heads.
—
Seven Lies Every Job Interviewer Tells That You Must Be Aware Of!
http://www.jobcluster.com/blog/7-annoying-lies-job-interviewers-tell/
** Read between the lines.
—
4 Interview Questions to Determine Cultural Fit
http://hr.sparkhire.com/cultural-fit/4-interview-questions-to-determine-cultural-fit/
** This is a huge insight.
=====
SALARY
5 Powerful Negotiation Insights For A Better Deal
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/5-powerful-negotiation-insights-better-deal-ben-stewart
** Useful advice; just remember, if you’re unemployed, you have very little leverage.
—
How to Master the Prickly Salary Question With Confidence
http://forwardmotioncareers.com/blog/how-to-master-the-prickly-salary-question-with-confidence/
** I have no objection to being asked what I want, salary-wise. I strongly object to being asked – or worse, mandated by a form – to say what I made elsewhere.
—
The Secret to Smarter Salary Negotiation: Vacation Time
http://www.payscale.com/career-news/2015/07/the-secret-to-smarter-salary-negotiation-vacation-time
** I, and others I know, have had very mixed results on this.
David Hunt, PE... Mechanical Engineer on the loose! 