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5 Ways to Score in the Job Search This Fall

Most job seekers are finding it hard to keep up with the trends of the job search game. One reason is that employers are finding new ways to exclude and filter candidates from the race. The onus is on the job seeker to present his or her best, and the advantage is on the employer side. So what must you do to get noticed?

There are many sources to find the answer, but I will share this infographic from CareerShift to find some of those answers in one place. Here are some of the highlights:

94% of recruiters use or plan to use social media in recruiting efforts
78% of recruiters hire through social media
72% of active job seekers use mobile devices in their job search
Employee referrals account for 40% of all hires

What does this mean for you? Well, here are some things you should be doing now:

Your social media accounts are assets showing value
You are participating in the “social” by connecting, adding to conversations, and practicing tact and respect at all times
Do you have a mobile version of your resume? That’s how many recruiters and employers are viewing them
Getting referred is the most effective way to get an interview. Consider all of your social network contacts/followers/readers as potential referrers. Of course, you’ll do your homework first right?
Keep your references apprised of your progress good or bad. They will be helpful, and they will provide useful information when they are contacted about you.
Your references will be inspired by your resilience and perseverance, and may go the extra mile in helping you succeed. All the more reason to keep him or her in the loop.
Your network includes people who are not online at all. Don’t discount the value they offer

What are some of the trends listed here that affect y?ou the most

by Mark Anthony Dyson

The Science of Successful Job Hunting with Mildred Talabi

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Today’s job hunting requires being proactive in every way. This means using social media and other tools including video, blogging, and Twitter. It is one of the ways to stand out, and today’s episode we’ll discuss how important it is to be proactive and get noticed.

Thanks for joining us for a very special edition of this podcast! It’s special because for the first time, there will be a video version of the podcast on YouTube which is now live. There is a slight difference in the editing of the video, but the same conversation. I am always open to suggestions for switching it up. If you have suggestions of any kind, you can contact me in three with ways:

Email: mark@thevoicefjobseekers.com

Phone: 708-365-9822

Blog: TheVoiceofJobSeekers.com

Twitter: @MarkADyson

My guest for this episode is Mildred Talabi (@MildredTalabi). Her latest book is The Science of Successful Job Hunting. She started out as a journalist and eventually, became a career advisor on the side. Her career advice has appeared on a Google forum (you can find this on YouTube), JobMob, and Guardian.

When I first talked to Mildred last May, she was writing a book regarding youth unemployment and the affect joblessness was having on them. Then she shifted and was inspired to write a book for the general job seeker population.

Writing about youth is not a stretch at all. In fact, Mildred works a full-time job in training 16-24 year-old youths career development.

Two things you should know about the episode recording:

1) This was recorded on Labor Day when people were in a festive mood. You will hear a little music in the background.

2) Around 4: 00, Mildred’s audio dramatically improved through the use of headphones. The audio editing reflects.

Here are some highlights from our discussion:

2:35

Mildred explains that she is an accidental career advisor. Her background is in journalism and as an assistant editor she had to recruit people, and saw people were forward horrible CV’s. Mildred started her first book (7 Keys to a Winning CV) while professionally working as an editor for The Guardian.

6:48

Mildred expands on the notion that passion is a good start but you can’t live off of it. Skill can be developed and that passion and skill is good.

9:30

We agree that you can pilot your passion, meaning that you can charge minimally with friends and family, and grow from then. Once you can test and get results, then you can charge more. Mildred give some examples from her career to reach that “sweet spot.”

13:11

Mildred and I discuss how job seekers should blog, stand out, and be innovative. It allows employers to Google and find you to leave a positive impression of you.

15:38

Mildred also shares how much she’s learned by blogging and reading. “There is so much available out there as far as knowledge…”

17:56

Mildred agrees that it is an employers’ market in the hiring process to eliminate candidates from the basic level.

Our conversation lasted more than 45 minutes. I decided to publish it in it’s entirety because of the loads of gems she offers. You can download a free sample chapter today of Mildred’s latest book.

By the way…

Hey, don’t forget to sign up on the blog for the e-zine, and by doing so you receive my new e-book, 5 Easy Ways YOU Can Create an Amazing Online Presence. I would love to hear and/or read your feedback about the show.

by Mark Anthony Dyson

Why Career Centers Should Teach Lifelong Job Skills with Denise Felder

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Career Centers must prepare high school, and college students to job search for life. It is a hindrance to the student if the teaching and engagement is short term or assumed.

Thanks again for listening to the podcast. I would love your feedback, the good, bad, or ugly (please be tactful).

The Blog: TheVoiceofJobSeekers.com

Call me: 708.365.9822

Email me: mark@thevoiceofjobseekers.com

Denise Felder (@DeniseMpls) is the Director of Professional Development, Career Technical Education for the State of Minnesota Colleges and Universities. She has been a Career Advisor for 15 years working with teens and adults in nonprofit agencies and schools. She currently helps educators, administrators, and advisors who teach in high schools, colleges and universities. She still volunteers with community organizations helping low-income people to make education and employment decisions.

Highlights from our conversation:

Schools that have placement offices can be a hindrance because it is not teaching students the job finding skills, and additionally puts pressure on staff to find any job. Her goals are to teach students life long skills to go with the mentality of, “… Teaching them how to fish…”
The local economy impacts the success of the program, but the entry level jobs help a student see their specific career trajectory
Faculty can aid in the students’ vision if they are familiar or working in the current field to understand career trends in hiring. If the faculty doesn’t, then enlisting the help from career services
Alumni can play a huge and relevant role in mentoring students. They can provide experience to student through informational interviews
Denise talked about the “new world of work” as each student and job seeker needs to prepare to be an independent contractor. Her advice is to think long-term and your “career identity”