Mark Anthony Dyson, Author at The Voice of Job Seekers

Jobseekers, Give Some Love to Your LinkedIn Profile Headline

Small branding statements can bring some interest to potential employers if you put the time in.

Right now, go to this article and read Pete Leibman’s (@PeteLeibman) article, “Is Your LinkedIn Headline Killing Your Personal Brand”on Dan Schwabel’s Personal Branding Blog. Pete, like other career experts, have made it clear that this is a key part of a functional LinkedIn profile, and makes your profile more attractive to lurking employers and recruiters. If his name sounds familiar, I reviewed his book last March and published his interview with me last April. Your LinkedIn headline is the first thing people use to decide to read on. That’s why it must be eye-catching and interesting. It’s critical.

In short, Pete offers this formula for a great LinkedIn headline:

“Step 1: Say WHAT you are.
Step 2: Say WHO you help.
Step 3: Say HOW you make their life/work better.
Step 4: Give PROOF that you are credible. ”

“Public Relations Specialist…” is BORING and says nothing! Leibman’s suggestion is much more functional. I would suggest to Jane Jobseeker this:

Public Relations Specialist increased media visibility for the Acme Company from 20,000 to 40,000 newsletter subscribers

This fits perfectly into the 120 character limit requirement with spaces!

There are a few other philosophies out there, but this is an interesting approach that would help you stand out. You are accomplishing several things:

1) You are stating your purpose. When potential business partners/employers look at your profile they understand your career direction.

2) You don’t have to say that you are a “problem-solver.” Instead a direct approach is professional and impressive.

3) Your accomplishments are featured. Awards, recognition, expertise, and the results highlighted inspire others to read more of your profile.

People often use the space just to say who he or she is professionally. Do just that if you want to be like everyone else. Again, approach this space as a way to sell yourself, and stand out. It will take some time to tweak and re-write but your profile will get a few more looks if you take the time to create an effective profile.

Keep in mind that you have 120 characters in that space. How does your headline look now? Comment below.

About Mark Anthony Dyson

I am the "The Voice of Job Seekers!" I offer compassionate career and job search advice as I hack and re-imagine the job search process. You need to be "the prescription to an employer's job description." You must be solution-oriented and work in positions in companies where you are the remedy. Your job search must be a lifestyle, and your career must be in front of you constantly. You can no longer shed your aspirations at the change seasons. There are strengths you have that need constant use and development. Be sure you sign up to download my E-Book, "421 Modern Job Search Tips 2021!" You can find my career advice and work in media outlets such as Forbes, Inc., Fast Company, Harvard Business Review, Glassdoor, and many other outlets.

by Mark Anthony Dyson

Job Tips Gleaned From the Olympics

After thinking about writing this post, there are all types of job tips to learn from this Olympics that I decided to just list a few and focus on one. Asides from admiring the fit bodies, and the next big personality, there are job tips to offer.

Train for every event if you plan to compete for it. If there are four components to a job to have the functional skill and experience to address the employer’s need. Whether IT related or customer service related, the potential employer likes seeing the improvement paying off immediately. Employers also want evidence that you have an invested interest in your own career, looking to improve in every area possible.
Criticize yourself, and only yourself. You never know when someone will realize negativity until it is your turn to receive. In other words, even if the person is perceived as non-threatening, it is better to err on the positive side.
The job search is not the fittest of the fastest, nor is it first come first serve. Therefore, timing is everything except when you press “submit” too fast without considering what a job posting is asking. Job seekers want to second guess the posting thinking it is all positions will say the same thing, but they don’t. There is a difference between, “DO CALL…” AND “DO NOT CALL…”

About that one error…

No matter how many years of training and experience anyone has, you can blow an opportunity faster stepping out-of-bounds. That is why you may hear more about learning from your mistakes to thrive at the next opportunity.

I must make mistakes…to make the last shot~James Citrin

About Mark Anthony Dyson

by Mark Anthony Dyson

Don’t Let Negative Feedback Derail Your Job Search

Editors note: Ivy Exec partners with The Voice of Job Seekers in exchanging monthly content. Look for the interview with a member of the executive team in the next two weeks.

We all love to get positive feedback when we do something well. It makes us feel great about ourselves. But when it comes to looking for a job, you sometimes get more than your fair share of negative feedback. And that can be hard to deal with. We often tend to hone in on the criticisms others offer. These criticisms can seem to outweigh and overshadow the many positive things people have said with virtually the same breath.

At Ivy Exec we bring resources and talent to help individuals with their job searches. While you’re searching for a job you receive feedback on your resume, interviews, and/or your overall job search. We have definitely noticed that if you’re in a prolonged job search, the negative feedback can add up and weigh you down. It can make you lose that spring in your step, procrastinate over applying for positions, hesitate to work your network, and overthink your next interview so much that it goes flat.

While the details vary for each job seeker, we’ve found a number of overarching themes that will help you process and overcome negative feedback. Here are some specific ways to deal with feedback during your search so you can fully focus on getting that dream job without breaking your stride:

WHO gives the feedback matters!- If a hiring manager or recruiter is giving you advice, their comments carry extra weight with regard to a particular position and your overall job search. However, if the person giving the feedback does not know your industry, or hasn’t searched for a job for a long time, then be cautious about implementing their advice. It just might not be as relevant for you.
Do not take feedback personally… – If you do get “constructive” feedback on your search, do not let it affect you negatively and burst your bubble. Searching for a job is only one aspect of your life. It does not define the whole YOU. In these times it is the norm, rather than the exception, for people to go through multiple job searches over the course of their careers. The important takeaway is to discard the unhelpful feedback, absorb the useful input, try to implement it, and keep moving forward.
Ask questions…many questions! – This will help you obtain more specifics on areas that need work, clarify any input that is “murky,” and will clearly demonstrate that you are interested in improving. Actively asking questions will also help you probe and assess the validity of any criticisms. When you actively engage in questioning, the person giving you feedback may be more willing to work with you to implement the feedback, and to provide more input in the future. By questioning, you may well add a fan to your following, if not a mentor.
Counter the negative feedback with positive action… – You can prevent negative feedback from overwhelming you by focusing on things that are going well –either in your job search or in other parts of your life. Make sure that your job search doesn’t define your life and YOU. Keep it in perspective and make sure it isn’t the only thing you do, but just one of many. A great addition to your schedule would be adding regular exercise to your routine. Or, take that photography class you’ve always wanted to take, but couldn’t find time for. Invest some time and effort in your outward appearance to give yourself a boost of confidence. A haircut, a new suit, or even focusing on your posture will help you feel more confident when facing any negative feedback that may come your way.

Every one of us has had to face negative feedback in our lives. If it is merited, use it as a springboard to become even better at your job search. The next time you receive negative feedback, if it’s valid, meet it head on and make the most of it. Remember, it’s not what was said that matters in the long run. It’s what you did with it.