Articles - Page 203 of 257 - The Voice of Job Seekers

9 Dangerous Job Search Land Mines to Avoid

When you have to walk through land mines that others have laid it is understandable, but when you have laid the mines yourself, then there is a bigger problem.

Land mines are meant to be a surprise for the enemy. Instead, self laid land mines are a surprise for… Well, the person that laid them. Is that you?

Digging up those land mines you’ve laid will help you in several ways:

You’ll be able to keep your job search in control. There are so many things you cannot control already such as, decisions by the employer, salary, personality differences and more. Why not think through potential issues and reconcile them?
The truth will set you free. No need to look over your shoulder.
You want the hiring process and background checks as seamless as possible. If you know there is a skeleton in your employment closet, and it’s found out, expect to be disqualified. It’s more than getting out of your own way. People in general lay land mines in their relationships. Job seekers do similar damage to their careers and job search resulting in long and unnecessary durations of unemployment that he or she could control.

by Mark Anthony Dyson

Job Seekers Can Stand Out in the Job Search Using Video

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Job candidates should consider video as a way to stand out in his or her job search. CEO and founder Josh Tolan (@AllThingsBiz) of Spark Hire has built a site that allows the job seeker a way to be noticed through video, and employers to video as a way to screen applicants. Spark Hire is a video powered hiring network that connects job seekers and employers through video resumes and online interviews. The job interview doesn’t have to be a nerve racking experience, but an opportunity to leave a more personal positive impression.

Josh says that candidates that use Spark Hire receive some coaching in their attire, how to look at the camera, and how to relax and present themselves overall.

Josh shares how his marketing job gave him an opportunity to be a part of the interview process and learn how the call center worked. All of which he employed in building Spark Hire.

We also talked about how some job seekers using video as a job search tool are introverted but through practice, reading content from blogs and “realizing the opportunity that video gives you.” Employers are embracing video interviewing because it allows them to view a lot of candidates for high volume positions and a lot more insight on candidates earlier on in the hiring process.

Josh also said that surveys are showing how beneficial video is being quickly adapted as a tool so Spark Hire is glad to be a part ramping up of its use.

by Mark Anthony Dyson

The Voice of Job Seekers Podcast

We are very excited about the new podcast series that is now available in iTunes for job seekers everywhere who want help navigating this complex and difficult job market.

The podcast will cover everything job seeker related just as the blog has done since its first post in July 2011. Our goal is to provide solutions to job search and career problems, obstacles, and mysteries. We will have a cast who has with years of experience in his or her niche, and all who are successful in his or her field. All of my co-hosts are contributors to the blog and bring a special perspective and voice that will articulate the job seeker and life struggle:

Sandra Tedford (@wetalktoday) is the founder of WETALKtoday that stands for “Web Entrepreneurs Talk” and provides a platform for business and tech savvy entrepreneurs with information and resources to grow their business in the new economy.

Bianca Michelle Thompson, Chicago native, has worked in the corporate arena within the Chicago Loop for over twenty-five years. The last thirteen years have been within the Human Resources profession. Her experiences within the Human Resources field and her personal life inspired her passion for training and coaching. Bianca has done extensive self-development, team-building and coaching coursework within the corporate and non-profit arenas and with Phoenix Arises Seminars.

Keith Townsend (@virtualizedgeek) is a great example of someone who uses non-traditional methods of job searching to find opportunities in companies that promote diversity and inclusion. His blog, VirtualizedGeek.com displays the depth of knowledge and expertise in his field to the point of being approached for opportunities, not the other way around.

We will publish an episode weekly of either the cast (any combination thereof) or an interview from an expert or someone with a unique job seeker perspective. You can look for us in iTunes and other directories soon. Please subscribe to our channel in iTunes and feel free to provide an honest review of our show.

Currently, we published five interviews for the first episodes that we had posted earlier in the summer. We did those so that new listeners will find useful content previously not available in iTunes. Wednesday, we will have a brand new episode for you to engage.

Please note that now you can leave us a voicemail with your question or comment, or you can write a comment below. In future podcast episodes, we can address any resume, job search, or career related question or concern you may have on the recording. We will also have the ability to replay your inquiry.

We look forward to bringing you personable and direct advice for you. We will continue with articles and features with the best job search advice possible. Thanks for your support. This has been an honor to serve and give, and to be here for you.