February Tip 6 - Filling out Online Applications - Black Hole?

Do you spend alot of time applying for jobs online? That's the new recruiting model right?
Yes and No. Similar to my last post about 80% of jobs not ever being advertised, being a candidate for the 20% that do get posted, can mean a very low yield for most applicants.

Applying online alone will not be enough. Try to identify someone within the hiring organization to refer / recommend you as a candidate. While this may not always be possible, research using LINKED IN and people research databases like Zoominfo.com, can help identify contacts. That said, you will likely have to fill out the online application at some point in the process. Always prepare your cover letter and resume before you got started is because you don't want to time out of the system before you complete your application

Getting Started

Create your account on the company's website. If possible, create a free email account that contains your full name, or something “branded” to you. Stay away from “cute” email address and don't use your work email address. Most online applications require personal information, such as name, address, telephone numbers and reference contacts. One of the keys to improving your chances of getting called for an interview includes completing all the application fields.

Keywords

Most Companies utilize Applicant Tracking systems to screen resumes and select candidates with the right keywords in their resume. It can be a bit of a guessing game but safe to start with the job description and make sure you have addressed the stated requirements within your documents. Keywords to focus on are typically job titles, business functions, responsibilities, required strengths, degrees or diplomas, and computer applications.

Salary

If the application allows you to write in any response, we recommend leaving an open ended response such as “to be discussed” or “negotiable” In the case where the form forces you to put in a response you can handle it in a few different ways, all of which can pose a problem. You can write $0 and the screener will know you are avoiding the issue and may screen you out based on that. You could try and inputting a range that includes your bottom line number and hope that the position is within those parameters. Here you run the risk of underselling yourself. You can write in what you were or are making currently, especially if you have insight from someone inside the company or significant research gives you confidence that the number you are entering is in their target range. None of these options is ideal, and all have the risk of screening you out. In a perfect world we suggest avoiding the “black hole” of the online application and instead find internal contacts to refer you directly to the hiring manager.

Attaching Resume and Cover Letter

Many online application processes allow you to upload attachments. Use your formatted resume for uploading here, as well as your cover letter. In most cases, you can attach documents in Microsoft Word format or in PDF format. Consider using PDF format if you have formatting that you want to preserve in your documents. Always attach a cover letter, even if the application says it's optional. Recruiters prefer to see a cover letter and your cover letter gives you another chance to use key words and phrases that match the job description as well as another chance to brand yourself.

Including Links to your Online Profile

Most Recruiters are going to look for you on LINKED IN, so it is recommended that you have a strong online profile. This is another opportunity to highlight keywords. Make it easy for them to find you by providing a link directly to your profile. It goes without saying, but make sure your resume and LINKED IN profile are consistent. If you have been published or have had any positive media attention, include links to those in your resume and/or cover letter.

Confirmation and Follow Up

Once you complete your application, double check your email to ensure you receive a confirmation email that your application is accepted by the system. If you don't get a confirmation email and the application process says you should have received one, contact the employer's help desk. Mark your calendar to follow up on your application within the week. When you contact the company, refer to your application number or an identifying number for your job submission. 

February Tip 5 - Informational Interviews

Why are informational interviews an important part of career planning?
80% of jobs are never posted and informational interviews are a great way to tap into these unadvertised opportunities.
Many candidates don't really know what they want to do...what job they would be good at.
Informational interviews can open up possibilities that aren't even on the radar.
What is the best way to approach an informational interview? How to request?
Family, friends and connections in your network are a great resource for suggestions and ideas of professionals who would be willing to take the time to meet with prospective candidates.
For example, my 22 year old son, a college senior starting his job search went grocery shopping with me last Saturday. It was 9 am and we went to a store that is a bit out of the way hoping to avoid the crowds. In the course of our journey (which also included a stop at a Marshalls), we bumped into five people from our community (so much for going to an out-of-the-way store). In each case, the person immediately asked my son what he is doing. As he explained he is in his final semester, the person dug a little deeper. What is he hoping to do? Where is he looking? what field/discipline? Before we left the store, I had a text message from one, sharing his contact information and asking my son to send him a resume. By the next evening, I had another text with an invitation for him to connect with a niece who works for Deloitte. He is scheduling an informational meeting with her as we speak.
I am confident that each of you has a similar network waiting to be helpful to you!

February Tip 4 - Look for a Company - Not a Job
For those who are in a job seeking mode - how do you search for opportunities?
Job Boards, Linked In? Help Wanted Advertisements? Company Websites?
Those are certainly all logical and appropriate places to look.
But how do you know if the company is a good match for you? If you are a good fit?
Try researching based on the quality, reputation and credentials of the leadership team.
Read about what applicants and employees have to say about key leaders, the culture, etc.
OR
Research up-and-coming, innovative products and services entering the market.
Many publications have an annual "Best Places to Work" edition, take a look!
Here are some of my go to for researching new possibilities;
Fast Company - annual most innovative companies...be sure and sort by Top Tens category
Inc 5000 - search by geography? industry? growth rate/profitability?
Best Places to work-many different publications produce these lists every year.
CEO Corner - every week in the Sunday New York Times hear from CEOs about what they look for and value in their work force - great insights.This link features a friend and local CEO, @tom_eric.
What are some of your ideas about sourcing opportunities? Please share.

February Tip 3 -Visibility in the Marketplace
Are you known in your industry? Well connected?
Do you aspire to be? Will it help your career?
My opinion is yes...If you are seeking growth, promotability and greater financial reward.
There are many different ways to do this both internally (inside your current Company) and externally (in the industry, community, professional associations associated with your role/position).
You can start by researching thought leaders in your field and start following them through social media (twitter, linked in, etc). Also join groups and post comments or pose questions through online forums. Write an article for your industry association newsletter. Join a panel discussion at a business association meeting. Volunteer at a conference or university to add new credentials to your resume.
Inside your Company you can teach a lunchtime seminar or volunteer for a strategic committee. These are just a few ideas you can try that will get you noticed. These are actions that show leadership and commitment. It makes talking about what you do easier and builds credibility.
I hope some of you will join this discussion and share your ideas and suggestions.

February Tip 2:
Network When You Aren't Looking for Anything
I know you are sick of hearing about networking as an important career development and job search strategy. Like it or not, networking can be a positive factor in managing your career. But, you hate networking. You find it awkward, uncomfortable and you think you aren't good at it. I would argue that its timing, and the way you go about, the way you think about networking that can make or break your success at networking. Start by doing it when and where the stakes are low. Ideally when you aren't looking for anything. Ideally when you are in a confident, stable place in your life and career. Do it when you are in a good position to add value for someone else. Be open to helping others. If you do this consistently throughout your career, Then, if and when you are in transition, and looking for something, you are in a much better position to tap into the contacts and connections you have made through your various networking events and activities and ask for help. It takes time, but be selective and pick events, associations and organizations that are likely to bring new ideas, energy and possibly skills enhancement while you are simultaneously meeting and cultivating new connections. Here's a couple of resources to source events, groups and associations in your area. They are sortable by geography and other filters to match up with your interests:
https://www.eventbrite.com/
https://www.uschamber.com/members/chambers

Who needs a jumpstart? The month of February I will be sharing a tip a day to help anyone who is looking ahead and wanting to make a change in their work life. I would love it if you would share any ideas you have that others could benefit from. 
Tip 1:
Creating Your Branding Statement:
What are you known for? Any easy way to build this out is to conduct an informal survey of those who know you best.
How do they describe you? Your strengths? Your unique attributes?
Another place to collect this information is to look back at past performance reviews and look at the trends, what did your manager cite as your strengths?
Also you can look at the LINKED IN profile of folks you admire and thoughtleaders in your profession that you aspire to be like. There are definitely clues and ideas that can be gained to modify and make your own.
Why is this important? Being clear about who you are and what you bring to the table is key to projecting confidence. From there you can use it in networking conversations, informational interviews and impromtu conversations which could lead to new opportunities.
Reach out to me if yo want help with this. Hope you are looking forward to working well in 2015!