Mar 26, 2008

Standing out in a crowd

How do I get a recruiter to see me?!

I have a couple ideas of ways to get attention so that you are brought up for EVERY possibility within an organization. It may seem as though some of these things are a waste of time, but I promise they are not and may be the key to helping you find the position you really want and not just one you are qualified for.

#1 Tell people what you want and can do not what you think you could do if it was the last job on the planet. ( you will be more passionate and will deliver a more promising pitch of your skill base)

#2 Write a cover letter that shows your communication skills and explains many of your "hidden talents" that may not be listed on a resume. (this can also help explain any time gaps)

#3 Find out characteristics of your hiring manager or recruiter, it is always good to connect with someone on a personal level..... And maybe you can help each other in more than one way!

#4 Ask for the Linked-in connection to the Recruiter or hiring manager. This will not only help you to expand your network, but to also ping a decision maker without being pesky :) This can also help with opportunities down the road, where numbers and emails get lost the networking site will be there to connect to old contacts.

#5 Find out who you both know and have in common. Sometimes this can be conquered by sending in a reference sheet early. It will be viewed and you could possibly know the same individual... It is perfectly reasonable to ask the decision maker to contact you first before using the references :)

#6 Humor. This works for everything

#7 Ask for a visit. If you can catch a person off guard and snag a visit with them it always gives you an opportunity to sell what you can do and again connect with other people

#8 Provide updated contact information.... This seems like common sense, but that mass email letting everyone know you are moving onto a new position or have changed your phone number can make a difference.

#9 Be upfront about your current interviewing process. Recruiters always want to stay in touch, whether they get you the job or not. Be sure to let them know where you are interviewing and how far you are in the process--- maybe they know someone and can help:)

#10 Referring colleagues. This is a no-brainer. Most recruiting firms offer referral bonuses and would much rather have a candidate that is a known entity. No matter what your friend is looking for send their resume to your most trusted recruiting pals. They will be grateful.

This is all I have for the day :) New sites to take a look at:

www.atlantawomensnetwork.com

www.thethinpinkline.com

www.zoominfo.com

www.atlantaevent.com

Mar 6, 2008

Quote of the day :)

"Aerodynamically the bumble bee shouldn't be able to fly.
But the bumble bee doesn't know it.
So it keeps flying."

Feb 6, 2008

Networking Sites

With the news that many people have been laid off from The Home Depot (THD) corporate office I have been pounding the pavement so to speak on the networking sites.

It is amazing the response I have gotten from one email on LinkedIN. My company has decided to use some time to assist the individual's impacted most from the recent THD decision. I have received so many emails from people who would like to help. It has kept me VERY busy!! This has also made me realize how important online networking truly is.

In our fast paced environment it is imperative that we are engaged with others in as many ways as possible. Our networking sites afford us the ability to stretch far and accomplish so much in a short amount of time.

Here are a few tips I have for Networking online:

#1 PLEASE take some time and email out to a few contacts how you could be of help. Or who know that could help. This can cause a waterfall effect (pay it forward) that can help so many.

#2 Make sure your contacts know you are there and not just another name on the contact sheet. Stay in touch!

#3 Start with your neighbors, friends, and close colleagues. Then watch the list grow :)

#4 Join groups. This is the fastest way to make a lot of contacts who have similar interests

#5 Remember that you use networking sites. This may sound simple, but if you never mention it in a meeting with new people, or in an email with a new client that you would like to "friend" them you may lose them in the long run.

#6 Add it to your business cards. This is an awesome idea brought up by one of my co-workers.

#7 Have at least 10 contacts from your field. This will help if you ever need help on a project, job search, or continuing education questions.

Here are a few of my favorites

www.plaxo.com

www.linkedin.com

www.facebook.com

Jan 28, 2008

Buyer's Market

By no means do I think I have any idea what I am talking about when I begin this conversation about the economy.
This is something on everyone's minds and as I happen to see exactly what corp America is hiring for everyday, I feel like I should lend some relief to this stress.
Just as with the real estate market right now, you will find that the job market is a "buyers" playing field. Anyone with great skills and background will find many choices when deciding to find a new position. Just as they say it is the best time for people looking for a new home to buy....

It is definitely time for an individual looking for a new career path or position to make the jump, the time is now.

Also, with all the jumble happening lately with the market, I know that everyone is looking at the possibility of a tax rebate and what to do with the money. I have turned to take a look at an individual who has made sense about what to do during this strange time with money and savings. I hope you take a look and use some of her great advise.

http://www.suzeorman.com/

Jan 16, 2008

Face time

Networking.

I have read a few things that tell you more people find positions through friends than any other way. Well, that made me think. How do people meet ALL of these 'friends' with similar professional backgrounds and needs for your expertise? clubs, sporting events, kids, neighborhoods, social events, and NETWORKING :)

I have been able to find a number of Networking events in my area I want to share with you. The best ways to connect with the person you need to connect with and the best way to find the job or help someone else in their path.

The most important thing about Networking I have found is to go with the attitude that you may be able to help someone else. By trying to help someone else with their current problem whether it be finding a job, new customers, new business, or a new soccer coach for the kids, you may be able to find someone that will dig into their social network to help you too!

story time:
I was attending a networking event and met an individual that was trying to sell her new notepads and marketing materials to companies that are in need. I thought back to my company's full closet of unused notepads, pens, and yes the ever so popular keyboard dusters. I was in no need of any of her items and felt as though I would be wasting her time to talk with her.

We hit it off regardless and began talking about life. Her kids, where she lives, schools, etc. Then she told me that her husband was a project manager for a large company. I started in on my short elevator speech explaining that if at anytime he was looking for a new position to keep me in mind. This is where email and telephone conversations run short.

She then explained that her husband was feeling as though many changes were taking place and he may be looking soon. The very next week I gave him a call and helped him to update his resume, learn about the market and what he could expect. This individual was timid about diving in, he had been with his company for 8 years and was not sure where to start!

I have realized that each person in a room of networkers represent hundreds of people. There is nothing more important than face time with business partners right?
Well, sometimes there is nothing more important than face time with the business partner's closest circle of friends or family.

I have listed a few networking events below that have been helpful to me and could be helpful to you regardless of your current dilemma.


www.scsjobs.com -- Kennesaw career ministry

www.atlantaevent.com -- Calendar of Atlanta networking events

http://connectgrowprofit.net -- extended networking events

www.youngbucksatl.com - Young Buckhead professionals

www.networkingforprofessionals.com -- speed networking multiple state listings

Please give me some feedback as I have never blogged and feeling a little wobbly

Jan 14, 2008

What is to come :)

New to blogging I sit here wondering how to begin. Of course I think of bringing brilliant ideas to the people I talk to everyday in hopes of silent applause for all my great hints. However, reality hits and I realize that at the least I hope that someone takes the time to read this blog, a series of "cliff notes" to the articles I read and the experiences I have on a daily basis.

I realize this is a nessecary tool in reaching new places in my networking career and helping more people. Everyday I get asked questions on how best to present a resume, win an interview, find the right fit, and make the next best decision in a change of career path.

I hope to bring some humor to your life and share some of the ideas I have for an easier and smoother career transition or how I think I could do things better. I welcome your comments and hope that you leave them.