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The new economy is here — and so is Job Search 3.0

The new economy is here — and so is Job Search 3.0
As the great recession and social media have defined a chapter in the new economy, COVID-19 and the incessant use of technology marks the midst of “Job Search 3.0!” Successful career advancement means your job search becomes a lifestyle. To disengage from any career advancement efforts for more than four to six months creates a career chasm. It puts you light years behind your competition, who are always ready to move, shift, or find an additional job. It’s lethal to your livelihood and you want to avoid it like the Corona Virus.
The merge of technology, business, and reliance on resumes and job sites in short, but not entirely, describes “Job Search 1.0.” The defining moments of “Job Search 2.0,” in my view, coincides with Web 2.0 where web traffic is generated by content and social media. Job seekers had a new way to stand out if they adapted to these social tools and generated content to show their value in order to get hired.
COVID-19 has disrupted every industry in one way or another. But it shouldn’t disrupt your focus to find a new job, change a career, or bounce back from a forced separation (being fired).

The time to advance career your career is NOW! 

What you need to know, if you don’t know already, is that your job search needs to be a lifestyle. Perhaps we should call it “Job Search 3.0.” This is not just something you say you’re starting to do, it’s a perpetual engagement in the war against mindless meme posting and incessant entertaining videos.
You’re already swiping up, down, left or right a dozen times a day. It’s the shift from a technology novice to an intentional job seeker. You’re always connected, even if you’re just using text. You’re communicating with others outside of your work meetings, church services, and fellow travelers. “Job Search 3.0” simply means you’re always in a job transition, transformation, and career advancement mode. You’re one decision away from a job move or career change.
The role needs to change to adapt to the mindset of a consultant:
  • Always listening for industry pain points to solve
  • Assembling a portfolio of your work demonstrating a range of results, solutions, and innovation
  • Knowing which companies would benefit from your value
Even passively looking and entertaining advancement opportunities is part of “Job Search 3.0.” I had a mentor who practiced interviewing once a year just to remain on the cusp of her career. You may want to adopt this spirit by grasping your current or new industry’s innovation trends moving towards new or away from old technology, delivering results, and new positioning.

Here are 16 actions and strategies for your immediate consideration:

  1. Exchange value with your network and give more than you get.
  2. An active and engaged network will bring you opportunities and visibility to employers/recruiters.
  3. Stay on top of the changing technology trends.
  4. Sharpen your negotiating skills (compensation packages).
  5. Promote yourself on social media, and keep those who boast about you in front view of you and your followers.
  6. Maintain quick access to relevant references, mentors, and sponsors in your industry.
  7. Understand the short life of your skills.
  8. Do not fear job separation nor allow the myths associated with it penetrate your goals.
  9. Career transformation is a necessity, preferably to have it occur seamlessly but that might not always be an option.
  10. Young careerists (30 and under) should have a wealth of informational interviews under their belt.
  11. Who is on your team?
  12. Engage in industry organizations, online groups, and committees.
  13. Create a robust LinkedIn presence with a convincing profile.
  14. “No” is a valuable asset, but also the drive behind motivated discontent.
  15. Building a personal brand that creates a demand for your work.
  16. Choosing your employer is more important than who is your employer.
Some of you are thinking (but you’re really resisting) about the challenge of changing from your comfort zone:

Is this going to be more to add to my to-do list for each day?

We already do this. According to a recent Vox article, the average American smartphone user had an average of three hours and thirty minutes a day on their phone.  If you have more than two hours of screen time, I’m sure there are 45 minutes a week for you to comment on LinkedIn a couple of times, watch a free YouTube DIY (Do-It-Yourself), or participate in an industry organization call or video conference.

How are we supposed to remain in “job search mode”?

Your mobile apps are tools. I’ve written several articles over the last three years that the apps we can download allow our phone to be a job search hub and a lifeline. Our mobile phones empower our ability to learn, connect, research, and apply. The right mobile apps are the power supply to engage in a continual job search without extra equipment or expenses.

Why can’t I focus on my job now and look when I don’t have one like I always have?

It takes too long to gear up. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported in fall of 2019 that the average time of unemployment is nine weeks. Since the BLS does not report underemployment numbers, the true extent of an effective job search is immeasurable. Nine weeks is not an eternity, even in a job seekers market where it’s assumed jobs are plentiful. Another report from the BLS shows the amount of people quitting are twice as high as separations (layoffs and terminations). Conclusion: no one wants to be without a job in any economy, recession, or even in a job seeker’s market.

Why are some many people emphasizing the use of LinkedIn?

You’ll be more attractive as a job candidate to recruiters. Job seekers making the best use of LinkedIn are treating it as a living and breathing, online document. They are updating their status, engaging in conversations, and offering original thoughts. If you’re not active on LinkedIn, recruiters will not find you. Recruiters have explained to me that they’re checking out a target candidate’s activity more than once before engaging them with a potential opportunity. Treating your activity as a passive tool doesn’t serve your job search as an asset.
There is so much to unfold in the upcoming months as we find out the industries that will take hits from COVID-19. We can also expect technology will disrupt our lives in a major way because our lives will be changed forever. Will the healthcare and insurance industries experience another crippling blow? How will small businesses survive the challenges of working remotely or brick and mortar businesses completely closing? If you haven’t already built your own expertise in an industry that will drive your career, you’ll probably need to take the time to decide where your current skills are most needed. If you’re deciding to take any job that crosses your path, you may be waiting a long time.

About Mark Anthony Dyson

I am the "The Voice of Job Seekers," career consultant, job seeker advocate, career writer, and founder of this award-winning blog. I help the employed, unemployed, underemployed, and under-appreciated find jobs using job search strategies to navigate the new job market. I aim to give a safe place online to those with different needs, cultures, and ethnicities to find their voice in the job market. Thousands have read my career advice throughout the web as I write about everything from job search strategies to the mobile job search. I have published more than 400 articles on this blog and some of the largest career sites such as Recruiter.com, YouTern, and Come Recommended. I've been quoted in major online publications such as Monster, TIME/Money, Fortune, Business Insider and MSN. FlexJobs, JobMonkey, Aerotek, Career Pivot, and CareerSherpa listed my podcast as one of the top podcasts to help your job search. Love for you to sign up for the weekly newsletter. I share the latest articles I've written, new podcast episodes, and answer any questions you may have. The new job search is scary and if you need help, I am here for it!

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5 Easy Ways to Make Employers Notice You

5 Easy Ways to Make Employers Notice You

 

Last summer, Geoffrey Owens, once a regular on the legendary Cosby Show, was seen working a — *gulp* — regular job at Trader Joe’s. The press quickly ran with the story, and people around the world began making negative comments about Owens’s situation. Owens ended up quitting his job because of all the unwanted attention.

However, there was a silver lining in all of this: Tyler Perry invited Owens to join the cast of his show, The Haves and the Have Nots.

Think about this: Press coverage put Owens’s name out there, and while there was a little turbulence at first, that coverage also led to a new job for Owens.

There’s a lesson here for every job seeker. Today’s job search is all about making yourself seen. If employers know who you are and what you can do, they’ll turn to you when they need someone with your skills.

So few job seekers use all the tools available at their fingertips to stand out. While different searches will require different strategies, there are a few easy steps almost anyone can take to maximize their visibility:

1. Showcase Your Personality on Social Media

As I always say, employers can’t train great personalities — they have to hire them. Why not spice up your public social media profile pages with exciting cover art and other details that showcase who you are as a person? Instead of coming across as a generic job seeker, personalize your profile and give people a reason to stay on your page a little longer. Tell a story about yourself — a sincere, personal story. Help employers see you as more than just another candidate.

2. Create a Facebook or Instagram Business Page for Your Job Search

Employers want to see your personal Facebook page because it tells them a lot about who you are, but your privacy settings say, “No way!”

No problem: You can create a public business page for yourself instead. This can be dedicated to your professional journey while keeping your personal page personal. Use your business page to share your professional musings and post content that delivers value to your readers and potential employers.

You can also use your business pages to run ads to better target employers on these platforms. Master entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk swears by Instagram ads for brands. Why shouldn’t you try a similar strategy to increase your own visibility?

3. Start a Blog

While a social media page can be a good supplement, your professional presence should really have its own headquarters on the web. A blog hosted on WordPress or a similar service is a great way to do this.

With your own dedicated site, you can control the positive professional narrative about your abilities, explore ideas, take your readers on your journey, and tell great stories about your achievements. At a basic level, a WordPress site costs less than $50 a year to maintain. That’s a small price to pay for a robust, multimedia professional portfolio.

4. Host a Local Radio Show

Does your community have a local radio station? Ask if you can host a weekly show.

Many cities have local stations that encourage community members to participate in content creation. Go ahead and get involved! You can use your show to interview employers and entrepreneurs, chat with industry experts, and answer questions from listeners. Not only will you create a valuable resource for your community, but you’ll also build a powerful channel for reaching potential employers.

5. Volunteer

Charity work is a great way to hone specific skills that can help you land your next job, even if you’re currently employed. If you’re not employed, it’s also a great way to gain additional experience and fill the gaps in your resume.

Additionally, Antonio Boyd, CEO, and president of The Think Tank Consulting Group, once told me that volunteering also enhances your understanding of people. This boosts your soft skills and makes you a better team player.

Finally, volunteering can also connect you with organizations you want to work for. By working with a nonprofit, you can meet local employers who support that nonprofit’s mission. These connections can be leveraged into job opportunities once you’ve demonstrated your value through your volunteer work.

—

When you’re building a stand-out brand, use these strategies plus any others that can help you broadcast your value effectively. Whatever tactics you choose, be sure they truly assist your job search and capture the attention of the right audience.

About Mark Anthony Dyson

I am the "The Voice of Job Seekers," career consultant, job seeker advocate, career writer, and founder of this award-winning blog. I help the employed, unemployed, underemployed, and under-appreciated find jobs using job search strategies to navigate the new job market. I aim to give a safe place online to those with different needs, cultures, and ethnicities to find their voice in the job market. Thousands have read my career advice throughout the web as I write about everything from job search strategies to the mobile job search. I have published more than 400 articles on this blog and some of the largest career sites such as Recruiter.com, YouTern, and Come Recommended. I've been quoted in major online publications such as Monster, TIME/Money, Fortune, Business Insider and MSN. FlexJobs, JobMonkey, Aerotek, Career Pivot, and CareerSherpa listed my podcast as one of the top podcasts to help your job search. Love for you to sign up for the weekly newsletter. I share the latest articles I've written, new podcast episodes, and answer any questions you may have. The new job search is scary and if you need help, I am here for it!

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7 Ways to WOW Employers This Year

7 Ways to WOW Employers This Year

 

 

How to impress employers is the question to answer today, but the answer is the same as yesterday’s: Find their need, then be the one to meet the need . If you do, then you have a right to have a mutual excitement about whom you partner.

Part of the challenge is that most job seekers are still co-dependent on job boards, bracing themselves for interrogation during the interview process, and hoping to get picked. What’s unfortunate is waiting to be chosen, often by the company, as if it were the NFL draft. Many will even go with the company that’s the wrong fit for them.

Instead of being the shepherd of their career, they settle for being the hired hand. They do enough to say they did something. It’s an intrinsic battle we have at least once during our careers. I have done it when I needed the check. It’s not the worst decision ever, but unfortunately, for some, it’s the only way to navigate career moves.

Yes, you can have a say in where you work. It’s a relationship. You choose each other. You still need to impress employers, however. And you can WOW them before your first interview. You’ll need to keep in mind there are no quick fixes or immediate results here. Build an online presence over time, and you have built a powerful referral engine directly and indirectly. Here are a few suggests on how to do that:

1. WOW employers by weathering the storms

Resilience is a powerful attribute to show. If you’re telling your story online, part of it must explain how you navigate challenges and overcome fears. Show how you create workarounds without complaining about obstacles. You can also show how you weather online criticism and how you create solutions to silence the noise. It’s tough to do, but it’s doable.

2. WOW employers with your diverse network

Showing you can work with different types of thinking and people from various backgrounds demonstrates communication skills. You will also notice your networking opportunities will open global possibilities. Engaging conversations with the diversity of thought also helps you hone your craft. What you say is not nearly as important as how you say it. It is creating an engaging learning environment for your network and readers of your website.

3. WOW employers with a consultant mindset

Good personal trainers assess your physical movement before prescribing exercises. They will not offer training to weaken a weak body part even if the exercise strengthens the muscle. The trainer may defer to your doctor for further tests or a physical therapist who knows how to rehabilitate the weak muscle. In the same way, the consultant mindset tests to see where the source of the problem is. If there are several things, you may need an additional consultant.

4. WOW employers with your agility

Depending on your industry, kicking and screaming when there is new technology to learn is not a good thing. Companies are spending millions to make work life and profit easier, faster, and better. You must demonstrate enthusiasm and the ability to toggle between various forms of technology. You add value if you can show others how to make the transition too.

5. WOW employers with a bold delivery of solutions

Don’t ever underestimate the power of audio and video. When using these mediums as storytelling tools, you can ensure ways to be memorable. Creating or being a guest on a podcast, radio, video, or television show changes how you are remembered and valued.

6. WOW employers with your use of video

Video can help you reach employers in many ways, and you can optimize its use on Facebook (Facebook Live) and Instagram (Instagram Stories). Recruiters and employers actively use both, and there is a growing use of Instagram by showing their culture and employees as brand ambassadors. In addition to using YouTube, Zoom, a video software for video conferences and online meetings, can be a tool to create value for an audience of industry peers and colleagues. All of this can transfer to interviewing for jobs with companies that use it in the first part of their interview process.

7. WOW employers by extending your resume to the web

Your resume needs more than accomplishments and results to stand out in a very competitive job market. Blogs, vlogs, and podcasts are slowly growing as a way for job seekers to demonstrate expertise. A recent article on JobMob.co.il shows 17 examples of people who found creative and bold ideas to present their credentials to target employers. When it didn’t work for the original target employer, it helped her stand out to other companies like the intended employer.

It takes time at the beginning of your job search to find out what employers want. Since so many job candidates don’t have anything online employers want to see, for you, it’s where you want to lead them. Business cards, word-of-mouth, and maybe a QR code on your phone are great ways to have people you network with or potential referrers find you easily. Even LinkedIn has a new feature, providing a QR code, and those who scan it will go to the user’s profile. So many people do not put the consistency and the thought to build an impressive online presence either.

Consider this advice an opportunity to make it easy and insightful for employers to find you, and at times, discover you before you know they are looking.

About Mark Anthony Dyson

I am the "The Voice of Job Seekers," career consultant, job seeker advocate, career writer, and founder of this award-winning blog. I help the employed, unemployed, underemployed, and under-appreciated find jobs using job search strategies to navigate the new job market. I aim to give a safe place online to those with different needs, cultures, and ethnicities to find their voice in the job market. Thousands have read my career advice throughout the web as I write about everything from job search strategies to the mobile job search. I have published more than 400 articles on this blog and some of the largest career sites such as Recruiter.com, YouTern, and Come Recommended. I've been quoted in major online publications such as Monster, TIME/Money, Fortune, Business Insider and MSN. FlexJobs, JobMonkey, Aerotek, Career Pivot, and CareerSherpa listed my podcast as one of the top podcasts to help your job search. Love for you to sign up for the weekly newsletter. I share the latest articles I've written, new podcast episodes, and answer any questions you may have. The new job search is scary and if you need help, I am here for it!

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