Job Archives - Page 12 of 17 - The Voice of Job Seekers

Job Networking Lessons from My ‘Hood

Editor’s note: The beautiful photography is owned by Tieshka K. Smith whose bio is at the end of this article.

I cannot express how vigilant some people in my neighborhood are into watching, listening, and talking to people in our neighborhood. There are some who know everything that happens to everyone. At one time, I just couldn’t stand people who appeared intrusive, nosy, and obtuse. Until I started to understand the person. Then I understood their story. And now I’m appreciative that they have their finger on the pulse of our home, at least what goes on the outside. Job networking requires vigilance, diligence, and conversation. Are you doing all three?

Everyone is waiting for a radical change in the job market? But what are you doing to radically change and enhance your chances.

Everyone is talking about the scarcity of jobs, but what does that say about you?

Job seekers should be vigilant like your neighborhood watch person when it comes to their selected careers. Sometimes you have to sit and watch, and test what people say works and doesn’t work. Then apply the good to yourself customizing it to fit you.

Finding out who’s successful is important and we’ve discussed that before. But what not to do is important to find out. Looking successful is one thing, but maintaining a successful heart will spill over to the outside. It is much harder for success in a suit or facial expression occupy an unsuccessful space on the inside.

When something appears to be wrong, question it

I own a two flat building and cringe anytime my tenants drop something that’s heavy. Objects like a bowling ball, or a person is loud. I discerned at that time if I need to go see what made the noise. If you are watching and listening to your industry news for changes and developments, then you have a great chance of being successful.

It also doesn’t hurt to sound the alarm by sharing news through your social media channels or blog. It may change your interview responses. Or your resume. The good information should get implemented immediately, while the old information is not relevant.

Be where the idea exchanges occur

In my neighborhood, the barber shop (or beauty shop) is the hub of all opinions right, wrong, or indifferent. The no holds barred conversation is enlightening to what people are thinking. Sometimes the conversation exposes the root of where the idea originates. Are you where ideas are exchanged? How about your professional organization meeting? How about your LinkedIn group?

If you want to be sharp and conscious at networking events and interviews, participate in the conversation. Social media often provides that barbershop mentality and there are tools for that. But there is something special about seeing, hearing, and experiencing people’s responses first hand. Live networking events are paramount to know what others are talking about.

A happy disposition is infectious. No one is attracted to a scowl. Concentrate on things that will make you happy!

Read, read, read. Know what your target industry is saying and saying. Understand how it is evolving. Some professions change trends like hairstyles. To work in that industry, know how that trend will effect business and the world.

The road less traveled is a lonely one

All of us want the job that is just for us, without competition, and to win effortlessly. Well, how will you know if it’s right for you if no one talks about it? If it’s easy to obtain, how much value will it sustain over time? The suggestion to partner with someone is not a new idea, but a bold one. Just to keep each other accountable.

Only if you could just talk to the person next to you.

Just because the job search is competitive doesn’t mean each person is an enemy. Like we discussed, engage through different channels about specific employers.

A confidence and smile despite hardship

To be likable and optimistic, you have to look it. There are people who have lost jobs, have the worst circumstances, yet have the most positive attitude. When it feels the worst, you have to find your own reason to keep going. Yes you can rely on quotes, sayings, and inspirational sayings for a short time, but your own personal narrative will create endurance, confidence, and resistance. No matter who you are.

So I wonder what’s on your mind.

The year is coming to a close, and I hope during our conversation, you had one with yourself. How will your outlook change in the near future? Does it need to change? Let’s discuss below or on the new Facebook page.

And I still want you to smile.

Tieshka Smith is a Philadelphia-based photographer who makes images that challenge prevailing notions of otherness. Her body of work explores the ways that marginalized people interact with one another in and with shared but unsanctioned public/community spaces. A Chicago native, Smith is a graduate of Northwestern University and Keller Graduate School of Management, DeVry University.

Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/photographywithoutthepretense

Portfolio: http://500px.com/momofthreephotography

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

Interview: 2012 Job Preparedness Indicator

The Job Preparedness Indicator is an annual survey conducted on behalf of the Career Advisory Board, established by DeVry University. It offers data, trends and advice for job seekers on how to bridge the skills gap and meet potential employers’ needs. One of the sticking points from the survey stated only 17 percent of hiring managers say job seekers have the skills and traits their organization is looking for in a candidate.

I spoke to Alexandra Levit, a member of the Career Advisory Board and targeted the questions below. As you know, I interviewed Levit last month regarding another survey conducted on behalf of the Career Advisory Board, DeVry University, and the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). Some of the questions were rephrased but the gist her answers were more than appropriate and relevant. In addition, I included the infographic which was the focus of our discussion.

Please note that you may need to adjust the sound when Alexandra is speaking. My internal speakers failed but the external speakers captured response in lower volume. Her answers are audible when listening with earphones.

1) Lots of Job Seekers are feeling more confident about changing jobs or employment as 1 in 3 are willing to journey even if they have few transferable skills. What do you think this group has learned about the job search that they didn’t before?

2) I remember the NY Times from July 2011 stating that employers are disqualifying candidates and looking at the research, this still is a trend that continues…will this hurt the progress made in hiring, or will it depend on the available talent seeking to be hired.

3) What advice have you given to hopeful job seekers changing to new careers?

4) How important is for the job seeker to understand today’s hiring manager and the discretion he or she has to disqualify candidates with little experience?

5)Let’s discuss the critical future skills & career development: Ability to be cross-functional, understanding technology (both are not new), a global perspective, and social media (kind of new). Could you define for listeners the significance of a global perspective and social media?

6) To gain a perspective on what hiring managers are asking for, the new hire may need a perspective of a supervisor, the supervisor a department manager, and a department manger a director and so on?

7) Through my experience with entry level or candidates that have only 2 or 3 years experience in the workforce many of them do not expose themselves to obtain the business acumen, strategic prospective, or networking effectiveness. Would you say that will be expected in the professional careers in the near future? To some degree we would have to add negotiation to that skill set too, right?

8) The study states that employers put professional development in the hands of the job seeker. As you know pro development is quite expensive these days. What are some non-traditional and inexpensive ways job seekers can obtain additional training that the company will not pay for?

9) So based on what we discussed, how can job seekers become more successful in getting noticed and interviewed?

About Mark Anthony Dyson

by Mark Anthony Dyson

Book Review: How to Find a Job Now by Jim Stroud

After listening to Jim Stroud’s podcasts, and watching his videos, I knew that if I read this book that it wouldn’t be a traditional discourse of job hunting with links and references to boot. His style of writing and presenting would satisfy traditional book readers but engulf others who adapted a learning style that requires a visual approach to learning. How to Find a Job Now (And Never Have to Look Again!) infuses conversation, commentary in one thoughtful and demonstrative training guide.

He states at the front of the book that,

“My approach in writing this book is to write as little as possible. (Crazy right?)”

“How to Find a Job Now” is.the first job search book that I’ve read in the last 16 months (I’ve read many them) that I wanted to have a conversation after reading it. That’s a good thing too because Stroud breaks it down by showing you more than telling you. And for readers and non-readers, you are not laboring to learn as you would in academia. The educator in me would say for job seekers to read a portion, implement it, continue.

Here a few reason’s I recommend Stroud’s book:

1. You hear the recruiter’s point of view

Stroud explains how recruiters use Google to “source” (look for resumes) to find qualified candidates. To tone of “How to Find a Job Now” is not just preparing your résumé but also your online portfolio.

2. Resources that you have never seen

Stroud provides some resources that you are unlikely to hear if you are not pursuing a consulting or freelance career. He makes a great point about using freelancing to get paid for giving advice (as part of the keeping a job part of the book).

3. How to use Facebook to search for jobs

The discussion about privacy settings continues as a job seeker needs to ensure that the best attributes are accessible online, and perceived as negative. Stroud suggests terms to search using Facebook to find potential opportunities.

4. About freelancing

Here is a convincing long-term answer for staying employed: Position yourself to refuse work! Beautifully said as most of us would love to have more choices to make a living. One of the best sections in the book.

The book is free through TheRecruitersLounge.com and JimStroud.com. It is a good reference and guide for those either beginning or continuing a job search.