Archive for Recruiting
These days, it’s not uncommon to see people tweeting or blogging about unemployment. In fact, it’s becoming quite the trend. With around 14 million people out of jobs, it’s not surprising that many find comfort in knowing that they are not alone in their hunt for a job.
Quite a few new hashtags and Twitter accounts have popped up by those who want to share the experience of being jobless. While some people are using social media as an outlet for their frustration and complaints, others are turning it to their advantage and landing jobs by posting about their most recent adventures in job hunting.
Sharing experiences about job seeking can be therapeutic in that people have someone who has similar experiences to talk to. Some of the unemployed may not be comfortable talking to their family or friends about what they’re going through, so having a social outlet can be useful and helpful in getting through an emotional swings of unemployment.
What Could Go Wrong?
You do have to be careful when posting about your life as an unemployed person. Remember that potential employers will be searching for information about you and if you have posted something unfavorable, it could cost you the job. Employers use social media sites to get insight into your overall personality – hopefully their investigation leads to finding a well-rounded, interesting person. Unfortunately, many people use it to vent their frustrations, completely unaware of who might view it, sending out the warning signals to any potential employers (including those who might not be hiring, but could recommend you for a position!). Venting too much, posting disparaging remarks about your ex-employer or badmouthing a company that didn’t hire you could make a contact think twice about making contact about an open position.
How People are Using Social Sites to Connect
Twitter and other social media sites are ideal for finding like-minded people in search of a job. TwitJobSearch and TweetDeck have partnered to create JobDeck, a platform that not only finds jobs on Twitter, but also sprinkles in advice for the jobless from recruiters and HR experts.
Profiles like @NJUnemployed and @unemployedsucks offer a gathering place for those united in the search for a job. Facebook has groups where the jobless can meet up with each other and network, as well. LinkedIn Groups like “Unemployed? Get a Job” also provide support and resources for the jobless. All of these networks offer a chance to connect with others in the same boat and can be helpful both in support and advice.
Blogs are also pulling in those without jobs and offering them support and advice. Unemploymentality covers the lifestyles of those without work. Another blog that follows the life of an unemployed woman is Bureaucracy for Breakfast, which covers marketing and news.
Social media is a valuable networking tool. Know how the information in your profile is your shared and how a potential employer could view it. Use it to connect with others, both employed and unemployed, and share your experiences in a positive way. Future employers will appreciate the effort and will see that you are a positive person who makes the effort to get out there, all of which are good qualities in an employee.
If you are looking online for your next job, I posted some tips on how to evaluate online job ads to make applying easier and help you provide the right information to the employers. See it here: How to Decipher Job Ads
When it comes to resume writing, the content is the most important piece. Formatting plays an important piece in how you present yourself as well. Depending on the job and your personal circumstances, you may be able to increase your chances of being asked in for an interview if you choose the correct format for the situation.
Types of Resumes to Consider
We’re going to look at three types of resumes. While there are variations of these, the three listed here are the ones most commonly used in the job market, and each has its own pros and cons. Consider which is most useful to you for each job application.
Chronological
The chronological resume is probably the one you learned to write in high school and the most widely used and accepted. It’s a simple reverse order list of your work experiences, with the most recent positions listed first.
This type of resume is best used if you have consistent experience in your field, where you can demonstrate upward mobility and new skills acquired in each of your positions. It’s a great choice to showcase your range of experience in the industry and demonstrate your loyalty to the companies you have worked for.
Functional
Of all the resume types, the functional resume is probably the least appreciated. It highlights your skills and education rather than the positions you have held. People use functional resume to focus on the skills a job description requires.
When you haven’t yet worked in the field you are applying for a position in or if you have a gap in your work experience due to extended leave, illness or another reason, you may prefer to point out your skills rather than the fact that you haven’t worked recently. This is also true for those new to the workforce and for anyone who is in the process of switching careers. Keep in mind that this may be a hard sell and it can be more difficult to land an interview with a functional resume.
Targeted
A targeted resume is similar to a chronological resume, but it is specifically tailored to the position being applied for. In most cases, this means eliminating any experience not related to the position you are interested in, instead focusing on the jobs you have had that relate to this one. The one downside is that it will need to be tailored to each job you apply for, which may be more time consuming.
Writing a Better Resume
Without a well-written resume, your chances of landing the job you want are much lower. Unless you’ve been recommended for the job, this is the hiring manager’s first impression of you. Check, check, and check again the document. Have a friend or two look it over and make sure it is error-free.
You could try combining two types of resumes for a more unique result. For example, you might mix the functional with the chronological format to ensure that the employer has what he is looking for in terms of work history, but rather than lead with your work history, you focus the beginning on the skills you possess that make you a good match for the position.
Don’t be afraid to inject your own personality into the resume, rather than writing it in a mechanical tone. Let the hiring manager know a bit about you through your style of writing before he meets you.
Finally, take a minute to check out some sample resumes to get ideas and to be sure you are on the right path. You’ll find plenty of samples available online (Indeed.com’s resume search and Docstoc.com).
Are you wondering how to ask for your employer for a salary increase? Over on US News & World Report, I have a few tips and factors for you to consider: How to Ask for a Raise
We know the unemployment rate has been in turmoil for a while, and numbers from Bullhorn prove it so. Recently, the staffing and recruiting software company studied 16 million candidate profiles and more than 5 million job orders from 45,000 recruiters nationwide. Their findings? While things aren’t looking good overall, the decline in new jobs is worse for certain industries.
The industries biggest hit are:
- Wholesale (down 40%)
- IT (down 31%)
- Entertainment (down 28%)
Art Papas, the CEO of Bullhorn, thinks this slowdown stems from a drop in business confidence caused by three things:
- European Crisis
- S & P downgrade shocking the nation’s confidence
- Gridlock in Washington
Industries like Education, Health Care and Construction have seen little to no drop in openings, probably because they’re more stable (and necessary) fields. And for us in the PR industry, it seems like every agency is hiring these days and business is on the rise.
What This Means for Job Seekers
The slowing of job openings affects everyone, on every level, looking for a job. Even PhD educators and those who’ve earned master’s degrees are finding the job market cutthroat these days. Fewer job openings means it’s harder for the 9.1% of the population that’s unemployed to find work. Job hunts are taking longer, and people on unemployment benefits are clinging to the pittance they receive while desperately seeking a job.
The major issue in unemployment is the long-term unemployment which accounts for 43 percent of the unemployed. These are people who have been out of work for at least six months and are still job seeking. Long-term unemployment means they are losing skills to keep them current with the market demands – creating a gap between the candidates qualifications and those the employer seeks.
Employers are seeing a flood of resumes for any given posting, many of whom are not qualified for the job they’re applying for. This is taking more time and energy than hiring has in the past.
It’s a lose/lose situation for both job hunters and employers, and it doesn’t seem to be getting any better any time soon.
Looking for the Lining
While there’s not much we can do about any of these contributors to job order slowdown, you can do your best under the circumstances to increase your chances of finding a job and staying positive about the whole process.
Look beyond the industry you’ve worked in for your next employment. You may find the type of role you’re looking for in other industries that aren’t suffering as badly as, say, entertainment. Or you might find something else you’re qualified to do in other fields. In this economy, job seekers can’t afford to be too picky. While you might be hired for a job that’s far from your ideal, you can work with it for now and make your move later if you’re unhappy.
Consider other types of employment, like contracting, freelancing or part time work. Employers are looking for less commitment when it comes to hiring, so if you’re willing to forgo the health benefits or 40-hour workweeks, you might open up new job possibilities.
Don’t give up! While it’s frustrating to constantly skim job ads, all it takes is one job to end your frustrations. Take a break when at the computer for long periods, sending off cover letters and resumes. Take a walk and a deep breath, and come back to tackle the job with renewed energy.
You’ve been interviewing with another company and just got an offer. Now it’s time to resign and your employer blindsides you with a counter offer. Promises for more money, a better title, new projects can be tempting, but may have unexpected consequences. On US News & World Report, I talk about what you should consider when you’re presented with a counter offer. Read it here: Think Carefully Before Accepting a Counter Offer
Times are still tough, but the good news is hiring has picked up tremendously in the PR field in the past year. More employers are finding it difficult to source the right candidates for the job and are turning to recruiters to support their open positions. And as probably many agency PR professionals could attest, recruiter inquiries about making a job change are increasing at an alarming rate – especially for Sr. Account Executives, Account Supervisors, and Account Director levels.
If you are thinking about making a change, any edge you can use to get ahead in the job hunt is one well worth taking. And sometimes, even though hiring activity is increasing in the PR field, finding the perfect job isn’t so easy on your own. More job hunters are turning to recruiters now, because they have their finger on the pulse of the industry, and they often know about jobs you won’t find anywhere else.
Why do employers give recruiters secret access to jobs? Usually they want to fill a position quickly and keep the flood of applications from hitting the desk of the hiring manager who just doesn’t have the time to review every application. It could also be a case of a confidential replacement. The employer wants to be presented with the top few candidates who can fill the need, preselected and interested. This is a benefit to the candidate because you know the candidate pool is smaller and you are one of a few candidates being presented.
How to Find a Recruiter
Finding the right recruiter for your job hunt may take a little time up front, but it will be well worth it. Recruiters are either generalists or specialists, and they may focus on different geographical regions, so take that into consideration when searching.
Ask others in your industry (discreetly, if you’re not making it public that you’re looking to change jobs), and check Twitter to see other PR professionals’ recommendations or which agencies are posting interesting opportunities. LinkedIn is a good place to look up potential resources, too. Look for other people who have worked with a particular recruiter, and always ask their opinion. It’s a good idea to develop a relationship in advance – before you start looking for a job.
Building a Relationship
Consider the relationship with a recruiter part of your networking circle. Even if you’re not currently looking for a job, stay in touch, and make sure to update your information (contact info, job skills, etc) so that you stay on her radar when you’re ready to change jobs.
The key to getting help from recruiters is to be a good job candidate. Treat them the way you would a potential employer, and be open, up-front, responsive, and stick to your word. If your recruiter gives you advice, such as tweaking your resume or advice before an interview, listen. She knows what her client is looking for better than you do – it’s invaluable insight into the process.
Recruiters can give you a leg up during your job search, but they can’t help you if you’re not qualified for the position or cooperate during the process. Accept the responsibility of making sure you are an attractive job candidate, and the rest will be a breeze.
The public relations industry is constantly changing. It seems like every day there are new tools to master. How can you make sure you’re up to speed when it comes to your next job interview?
Get Smarter
Blogs
Industry learning opportunities are endless. One way to stay current about happenings in the public relations field is by reading blogs, both about public relations as well as the industry you want to work in.
How do you find the right blogs to read? Start with this list of the top 100 PR blogs and then choose the ones you like the best. Check out the links and blogrolls for each blog to find find other related sites and blogs to read.
Press releases
Searching for releases in your industry or areas of interest will give you topic ideas and domain knowledge to potentially share in an interview. By reading press releases, you can get ideas you can incorporate in the releases you write for your clients, too. While we’re on the subject, you should be reading all the recent releases from any agency or company you interview with before the interview.
Twitter
Follow both industry journalists and other PR folks on Twitter. Once you find someone to follow, check their Twitter Lists to see if they’ve categorized other industry people you should follow as well. Sites like Listorious and WeFollow allow you to search a category to follow new people. It’s a great place to start in following thought leaders.
What Hiring Managers Want You to Know
When you’re in your next job interview, what will the hiring manager want you to know?
They expect you to be up to speed on changes in both public relations and the industry you want to work in. That means if Obama passed an economic stimulus package that affects physicians moving to electronic medical records and you’re applying for a job at a healthcare company, you better know all about it!
They expect you to know about the them. If they have a tagline, memorize it. If they have posted their mission statement, read it thoroughly. If you have the job description, you should understand it and have your questions prepared. Read through all their press releases – you should know about the company’s latest news and management hires. If asked, you should be able to name their top five clients. You should also have a general knowledge of the hiring manager’s background by checking out LinkedIn or doing a bit of internet research prior to the interview.
Hiring managers also like you to have diverse interests that will help in coming up with creative ideas and story angles. And every hiring manager in the public relations industry will expect better than average writing skills. Before the interview, prepare a few samples of your work and make sure they are relevant for the position.
Here’s a quick round up of what I’ve been posting on US News & World Report’s On Careers blog.
You’ve found a job online that seems like it would be a great fit and exactly what you’d like to be doing at this point in your career. One problem – the company is asking for five years experience and you are pushing 20 years in your field. While you won’t always be successful getting your foot in the door, I’ve given some tips on how you can get past some of the initial judgements and have more success landing those interview. Read it here: How to Apply for a Job When You’re Overqualified.
The week I wrote about how as an interviewer you should be asking the right questions to find out if the position aligns with your goals. Read the 5 Questions to Ask the Hiring Manager for a few ideas to make a fully-informed decision about your next job.
Hooray for long weekends! Happy Labor Day!
While most jobs will hold performance evaluations during the year to let you know where you need to improve, not all companies or managers will do this well. In some cases, you may find that the evaluations are neutral, giving you little or nothing to work with. In others, the supervisor may give unsatisfactory advice or simply forgo the constructive criticism you’d hope to hear in order to continuously improve your skills and performance. In these cases, you will need to come up with your own performance metrics.
Why You Need Goals
Without a good idea of where to improve, you’ll find yourself in a rut, and probably not very happy or challenged in your job. That’s why it’s a good idea to come up with your own evaluations if the company doesn’t offer you any suitable suggestions.
When you improve your work related skills, you’ll find that you increase your chances of:
- Promotion
- Earning more
- Learning new skills and gaining the confidence in your peers and managers to take on new roles and projects
Step One: Identify Trouble Spots
A few questions can help you figure out your weak spots, though you will likely have an idea already if you make a habit of evaluating yourself. Answer the questions and keep a log of the information down to help you keep track of it.
What have people spoken to you about in the past? It isn’t always your supervisor who offers the best criticism. If someone else has mentioned something you’ve missed in your job or on a specific project, then this could indicate an area you need to work on.
What areas do you struggle with in your job? Chances are you already have an idea of where you feel uncomfortable in your job. These are areas that could be improved and you are in the best position to identify them.
How could you better serve the company? Is there anything you could do to improve your efficiency? The more you bring to your company, the more likely you are to be recognized for your efforts.
How could you better serve your clients? In every company, the customers or clients are the most important factor, so it’s worth it to make sure you are serving them to your utmost ability. Think of how you treat your clients. Could you do anything to improve the experience for them?
Which areas or tasks do you tend to put off in your job? If you are avoiding certain aspects of your job or always procrastinate on the same thing, then it is probably an area you could work on.
Once you have your list of areas to improve on, it’s time to move to Step Two.
Step Two: Setting Goals for Improvement
Don’t attempt to fix everything at once. Instead, choose one or two areas to work on first. These should be areas that really affect your job performance and be noticeable if you work on them.
Make sure you choose realistic goals. Look at the big picture and break it down into the appropriate milestones. A plan will help you stay motivated and allow you to see your progress.
Don’t forget to give yourself a specific time limit to reach your milestones and goals. These should also be reasonable, don’t expect dramatic changes in just a few days, of course.
Take your plan to a supervisor and go over it. While the supervisor may not have been the one to come up with the ideas for improvement, he or she will likely see the wisdom of your ideas and can offer some tips or advice on improving in the areas you have chosen (and perhaps give you the additional feedback you’ve been hoping to hear). It shows your employers you are proactive and motivated in your career – all important characteristics to continue to move ahead.
Tips for Success
If you want to be successful in your pursuit of improvement, you’ll need to keep a few things in mind.
- Keep it simple.
- Be realistic.
- Make your goals measurable.
- Always be evaluating.
Remember S.M.A.R.T: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timely.
This blog is to share my recruiting experiences and discuss thoughts on the job market, PR industry and technology.
Alison Kenney is an independent PR practitioner with more than 15 years of PR consulting experience.
