Articles - Page 235 of 258 - The Voice of Job Seekers

Is Your Social Network Working?

Editor’s note: Sandra Tedford is a regular contributor and founder of WE Talk Today (@WETalkToday). She offers this article as a conviction of hers.

When it comes to making a career move, your online network is your most valuable asset to land your next dream job.

Chances are your connections are just well connected but have the power to help you land your next gig. Your online network is most likely connected to decision makers at companies or are the hiring managers who can help you move your career forward.

Leverage Your Network

Leveraging your online network is sometimes tricky. Sometimes friends either make the best advisors or the worst colleagues. You’ve heard the saying of “never hire a friend”. There’s some truth to the saying, however having friends at the office is invaluable. Your connections can give you the inside scoop on upcoming projects or job openings that may be a good fit for your skill set. Friends can also provide the skinny on the corporate culture and what I like to call “hidden networks” that often influence office politics. Sometimes business people have relationships that transcend the office setting. If you utilize your contacts wisely, they can help you navigate the complex terrain within that organization.

Working Your Network

Here are a few ways to work your online network

Like & Subscribe: Follow the interests of your connections by clicking “like” or subscribing to their page. Pay particularly close attention to organizations your contacts are involved in related to your industry.

Comment on Blogs: Show that you have something to offer by blogging. Blogging is a great way to provide your perspective about your industry. Start commenting on blogs written by people in your network.

Join Groups on LinkedIn: Join the discussion and provide valuable insight. By joining a group, you have the opportunity to increase your visibility in the community. Attend group member’s events offline to show your support. Ask former employers and colleagues for recommendations. Request recommendations from people you’ve worked with on volunteer projects as well. People within your network will see that you are a valuable contributor to any organization.

4. Share information: Notify your network of events and interesting news stories. Ask people in your network to reciprocate. People love getting and sharing information about events.

Staying plugged into your network online and increasing your exposure will give you an edge with those who the decision makers at the companies you’re interested in working.

by Mark Anthony Dyson

Are You Chasing Away Future Employers?

Job seekers must practices awareness of what they say about current or future employers while searching. Anyone despite looks, wardrobe, or how casual anyone can have a major influence in your career. Let me tell you two stories illustrating this point.

My theatre professor was quite eccentric. He was very much into taking risks, and liked students to call him “Marvin.” I liked him, and gave me opportunity to do my thing in class, although I was the least talented actor. His introduction to us was acting like us, while sitting among us while the rest of speculated.

“He’s fifteen minutes late!”

“Who is this guy?”

“What does he look like?”

One person was more concern about the waste of money he was paying for the class (after all, the semester was only 16 weeks long).

Fortunately, none of us slandered him or said anything inappropriate but to think that the opportunity was there. Marvin bearded, long thin build, and looked like Kenny Loggins (add round spectacles and 20 pounds less).

And although I was the least talented in the class, he offered me a semester scholarship 100% fully paid!

The next story demonstrates what could happen if he or she is publicly negative about an employer. Below is a story as it was told to me by a friend who is a CEO of a successful small business:

“…talking about your old boss especially with people you don’t know will kill your job chances. Went out with friends, woman joined us and talked trash about her current boss. That trash talker had filled out an application for an opening we currently have at our company. Her application was great. Had planned to meet with her to actually offer her the job today! Emailed her last night and canceled the interview. She still doesn’t know I was in that group of ladies at the lunch.”

The lessons are obvious, but just so that you have perspective:

If research was done by soon-to-be jilted job seeker, she would have found a Linked In profile picture and a profile.
Self-control is the best control of your career chances. Know your role, shut your mouth (shout out to The Rock!).
You gain nothing by publicly trash talking any employer. You don’t know who is listening.

Did you ever experience or know someone who experienced a smack down as a result of bad mouthing an employer? If you have, please share.

by Mark Anthony Dyson

What Young Job Seekers Can Learn From Mature Adults

There are job lessons job seekers have learned from being “caught” and not “taught.” Job search strategy comes from experience or from those who are experienced. To watch and learn is one thing, but “think and listen” is harder. It’s tough. But when it gets tougher you listen to anyone.

My dad is 91. He is clueless about the job search of 2012. But he knows the nature of people, and understands that never changes. I need that perspective, and you do too:

1. Patience and steadfastness

Mature people come from generations that taught “good things come to those who wait.” This remains true in today’s job market. Hiring processes are longer than ever, so any job seeker must be prepared to wait patiently without quitting.

2. Understand the big story

The kid that always asks “why” in class is usually the smartest kid in the class. He or she wants to understand the big picture. It just seems annoying to the people who don’t care to know. That is why mature people ask young people a lot of annoying questions. That’s why toddlers ask grown ups many questions.

3. Mature people are witnesses

Although the job market has changed, and the workplace has evolved, the nature of people remain the same. Mature people have seen the world change, and understand how we got to this stage in our culture, environment, and economy.

4. Mature people value time and timeliness

Being on time means as much now than it did 30 years ago. But mature people also understand that everything good comes in time. Timeliness is making sure that you have facts and presenting it when it’s asked for or needed. They won’t waste your time, nor like their time wasted.

5. Respect is offered to everyone as earned by anyone

Job seekers who treat everyone with respect despite mistreatment will stand out. Most mature adults will tell you that is the biggest difference between young adults of yesterday and today’s young job seekers in general. Respect is still the attribute that everyone desires. Why not be the first to give it.

We didn’t talk about how mature adults are better judges of character. Their advice can only help your job search. Give them a listen.

What advice has helped you from those older than you? Let me know in the comments.