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Career Management Tip #2 for LinkedIn
Hi Friends!
LinkedIn is one of the greatest online career management tools to date. Career management is the lifelong, self-monitored process of career planning that involves choosing and setting personal goals, and formulating strategies for achieving them. Many times we’re so consumed with our current work – either for a current employer, freelance contract, or entrepreneurial venture – that we forget to manage our own career. Remember, you’re career is YOURS to take care of. Keep a handle on it even when it seems like it does not need your attention.
Here’s three super quick career management tips for LinkedIn:
Record your accomplishments and projects as soon as they happen. When you successfully complete a special project at work, go right to the PROJECTS section on your profile and tell us about it!
Keep your profile fresh and up-to-date – Make sure your professional profile photo is current and fresh, and that it looks like YOU. Make sure the information on your profile is current. If you no longer work for a particular employer or if you’ve graduated from school, update your information. When a recruiter looks you up on LinkedIn (as they do about 90% of the time before calling you for an interview) you want them to see accurate information from someone who cares about their professional reputation.
If you need a less revealing platform, check out www.poachable.co (“.CO” not “.com”) – Do you want potential employers and recruiters to know that you’re passively open to new opportunities, but don’t want your current LinkedIn contacts to know? Poachable provides an anonymous platform you might find helpful.
As I always say: “It’s YOUR career – you take care of it!” Reach out if you need help!
Success to You,
What Did That Hiring Manager Say? Take an Inside Look
We’d all love to believe when our résumé and cover letter hits hiring manager’s hands rays of blissful light springs from it, and skittles candy rains down from the sky and fills the room. Right? Well, I’m sorry. I’m here to help, so cannot leave you living in fairyland. Hiring managers probably roll their eyes at more résumés than you can imagine. I’ve noted a few of their comments below. It’s up to you to take an honest look at yourself (meaning your résumé and cover letter approach) and take some corrective action. Here we go…
“Every time a job seeker uses a meaningless descriptive word on their #resume like energetic, another hiring manager becomes just a little more exhausted.” (posted by B. S. on LinkedIn)
- What to do: eliminate the fluff!
“If I have to spend more than 30 seconds finding out what you have accomplished, forget it … Likely, I will ignore the whole thing…”
- What to do: Again, eliminate the fluff and target the resume to the job
“Of the probably close to 1,000 I’ve received, I’ve read less than a hundred submitted cover letters from start to finish. Why? Most people do not take the time to make the letter worth reading.” (poster: Jenny Yerrkin Martin of Careerealism)
- What to do: Read and do the suggestions made in the article: Score! 4 Secrets To Winning Cover Letters by the author, Jenny Yerrkin Martin
“If you’ve been unemployed for a long stretch of time, it makes me wonder what’s wrong with you…” (poster unknown)
- What to do: Stay enrolled in some type of job training/college course AND get busy volunteering at a reputable organization. List both on your resume.
“Applying online is a losing game… We build our application process to weed out candidates…” (poster unknown)
- What to do: Focus more on networking (both in-person and virtually) to get your foot in the door
THAT’S ALL FOR NOW; BUT THERE’S MORE TO COME. CHECK BACK SOON!
Michelle Walker-Wade
Workforce, Training & Development
Professional
Read more here:
Interesting Statistics About Resumes
The Competition
- Yahoo gets roughly 2,000 résumés a workday
- Google once got 75,000 résumés in a single week!
- 27,000 other resumes are posted on Monster alone each and every week
- Online job postings often draw hundreds or thousands of responses within just 24 hours
- One job posting on Monster can generate 200+ résumés in less than a day and most of those résumés will not be qualified for the job
- Generally, companies receive 50 to 75 résumés for each skilled position and up to 300 for customer-service and entry-level positions.
- A typical medium-large company gets around 100-200 job applicants per position.
- These 100-200 are quickly filtered down to a group of 25 with a 10-30 second glance
- The 25 are given a second look, and then filtered down to about 5-10
- These 5-10 candidates are given an assessment/test that filters the group down to 3-5
- 3-5 get interviews
- 1 gets hired
The Challenge of Getting Noticed
- 75 percent of candidates are eliminated by their résumé alone
- 53 percent of résumés contain falsifications, and the résumé reviewer can often sense it before even meeting you
- A recruiter or hiring manager only gives most résumés an initial 10-30 second glance and then sorts it into 1 of 3 piles: Keeper, Maybe, Trash
- The initial glance generally looks at 1) job titles, 2) companies you worked at, 3) start/end dates and 4) education.
- Only 17 percent of recruiters bother to read cover letters unless you make the short list
- 60 percent of resumes reviewed by a computerized scanning system are never seen by human eyes.
Your Online Footprint
- More than 90 percent of employers are using some form of social media in their quest to find new talent.
- Most recruiters find résumé reading to be their least preferred method for finding good talent; networking, word-of-mouth, and blog and social media postings are more preferred
- For every 10 minutes you spend on your résumé , you should spend an hour on LinkedIn.
- 73 percent of recruiters have hired someone who was introduced or discovered through a social media/networking site.
Your Résumés Format
- Your résumé should be no longer than 2 pages
- Your font should be 10 -12pt; no larger, no smaller
- Your margin should be 1″. Definitely no less than .8″
- Your career summary should be no more than 3-5 lines
- 1 percent of recruiters will automatically dismiss a résumé because it contains a single typo
- 43 percent of hiring managers will disqualify a candidate from consideration because of spelling errors
- 76 percent will reject the résumé if you have an unprofessional email address
- 60 percent of résumés are ignored because they’re not formatted correctly or are too cluttered
Miscellaneous Stats
- Over 50 percent of applicants for a typical job fail to meet the basic qualifications for that job
- 90% of the time your “passion” is not what the hirer wants or needs
- 80 percent of those receiving an offer will accept it
The statistics above were taken from a variety of online sources. One article in particular deserves credit for several of the facts shown above. I encourage you to read the article in it’s entirety: “Why You Can’t Get A Job … Recruiting Explained By the Numbers” by Dr John Sullivan
Watch Out for Job Scams
Desperate to create income, people are willing to try just about anything to find work. Hence, the increasing rise of job scams.
I was recently on Craigslist where I saw a job advertisement that looked absolutely wonderful for me. The job tasks, public exposure, and the mission and vision of the company all seemed to be something I’d love to be a part of. I emailed the posting to myself so I could look at it more closely in preparation for my targeted résumé and cover letter. While closely reviewing the ad, my warning antenna began to pique. Long story short: The job posting stated the company and position’s location were somewhere in the Central Valley of California, when in fact it was in New York.
In this situation, job scammers had taken a real job ad from a reputable company and created a look-alike job advertisement as a scam. What tipped me off ? First of all, the job ad did not include a hyperlink to the organization’s website. Second, the rate of pay was very inconsistent with the position level and demands of the job. Finally, when I hovered my mouse over “Apply Here” the screentip displayed a suspicious looking web address. I flagged this position and got it removed from Craigslist.
Here’s another true story. A lady was recently scammed by a “recruiter” who contacted her through LinkedIn. The company offered a much better paying position than her current job and requested she resign immediately and start working for them the following week. The lady took time to research the company, checking the Better Business Bureau, Glassdoor, and examining their website. She did not find any negative or positive information on this company, which appeared to be about eight years old. She accepted the position and began working as a 1099 employee on September 10th. She worked for 2 weeks and 2 days and without being paid, lost all communication with the company (this was also a telecommuting position). After 17 years working as a telecommuter, with her old position no longer available, this lady joined the nation-wide force of desperate job-seekers.
I don’t want you to think any less of Craigslist or LinkedIn as viable job search options. Job scams are everywhere and can come from any source. It’s important that you, the job-seeker, carefully examine a position, a job ad and the company before engaging in potential employment. Flexjobs.com suggest the following tips to safeguard you from being scammed.
Be cautious about unsolicited e-mails: E-mails from unknown sources that promise to find you work-from-home jobs should be ignored completely, and of course deleted.
If you think you’ve found a scam, ask yourself these questions to be sure:
- Is the hiring company’s name listed in the job listing?
- Do you need to pay to get the job?
- Does the job listing sound too good to be true?
- Does the company ask you to provide your social security number, driver’s license number, credit card number, or bank information?
- Does the job sound like any of the following common work at home scams? Unsolicited contact, wire transfer, stuffing envelopes, data entry, assembly work, multi-level marketing or pyramid scheme, shipping manager, rebate processor
For additional information on how to avoid job scams, take a look at these articles from Flexjobs.
Also consider joining FlexJobs. The nominal subscription fee is worth it. If you join them, please tell them Michelle Walker-Wade referred you.
In the meantime, be careful, be safe, and look before you leap.
~ Blessings!
Michelle Walker-Wade
Workplace Literacy &
Career Strategy
Expert
5 Top Resume Suggestions Made to Job-Seekers
On June 28th I participated in the Northern California Silicon Valley Career Strategies Forum event as a résumé reviewer; we had over 200 job-seekers in attendance. After reviewing many résumés that day, I want to share with you the top five résumé suggestions I made to various attendees.
You can take a look at my youtube video to hear the details, and I will also list them briefly below.
FIVE Top Suggestions in a Nutshell
- Don’t try to make one résumé fit all jobs.
- Make sure you use the first page of your résumé most effectively.
- Let go of the objective statement, and use a career profile or a summary of qualifications instead.
- Be more compelling in describing work experience .
- Format your text so it is easy for the reader to view; this pertains to font sizes, line spaces, margin size, etc.
I hope you take time to watch the video. I believe you will find the information to be useful. Feel free to ask questions or leave feedback below.
~ Blessings!
Michelle Walker-Wade
Workplace Literacy &
Career Strategy
Expert
Twitter: @mwalkerwade
FaceBook: http://www.facebook.com/mwalkerwade
Blog: https://workplacelit4adults.wordpress.com
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/WorkplaceLit4Adults
What Can I Do With That Degree?
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We have built up the idea of getting a college degree as the complete key to success; yet, we clearly see that simply having a great education and an earned degree isn’t enough to keep you from being an unemployed (or under employed) job-seeker. Vocational colleges, on the other hand, have tooted their horn that students can quickly get in, get the skills needed for a particular career, and get to work.
I’m an advocate of education, and my particular area of interest is career education, having over 12 years of experience in this field. I talk to many adults trying to make decisions about their career, who are in transition, and who wonder should they go back to college for a 4-year degree, or go to a vocational institution and get a new job skill. There is no one right answer. Determining which way to go, and WHEN to take which move first requires a series conversations, soul searching, and personal research. The money and time you are getting ready to invest in “re-tooling” yourself should not be a quick, brash decision. As an adult learner with adult life responsibilities you must critically listen to college and career institution recruiters, and then do your own research. You should take time to find the answers for yourself to questions like:
- What can I REALLY do with that degree?
- Will that degree be enough, or will I need an advanced or accompanying degree to land a good job?
- How plenteous are the jobs in this field in my geographical area?
- What companies in my area look for people with my degree and or skill?
- Will my degree be enough, or will the employer want me to have other skills as well?
- What is the future of my industry of choice?
- Will the jobs I see now still be the same when I’ve finished my studies?
These questions can be daunting, time-consuming, and if not approached with the right attitude, could make a person less motivated to persist. But, trust me, and the thousands of degreed job-seekers whose student loan payments are eating them alive, getting the strategy upfront is much better than dealing with the crisis afterwards.
My opening question was: What can I do with that degree? Not looking at degrees such as Business, Marketing, Education, and other job-focused degrees, I want to give you a few resources to check out. The information here is just enough to give you some ideas, but it is in no way enough to say you’ve done your research. Take a look, and leave some feedback if you will.
DEGREE PROGRAMS
If you have any insight on the following degrees (undergraduate level preferred) please do share.
~ Blessings to you!
Michelle Walker-Wade
Workplace Literacy Expert
Could using a target job title help your résumé get noticed?
Could using a target job title on your résumé (instead of an objective statement) help your résumé get noticed? Should you use a target job title, or is it best to stick with using an objective statement?
Watch the following video and get answers to these and other questions:
- What is a target job title?
- What are the three components of a target job title?
- Why should I consider using a target job title?
- What can I do with the other components of my résumé to make it more targeted to the open position?
– Résumé- Using A Targeted Job Title –
[See more videos at: www.youtube.com/user/WorkplaceLit4Adults]
If I can give you one primary take away message from this video it would be this: A résumé must be targeted to the job. Generic résumés are less likely to get noticed and could be prolonging your job search.
My advice: Think “customization” every time you submit your résumé and cover letter.
~ Blessings to you!
Michelle Walker-Wade
Workplace Literacy
Career & Business Strategy
Expert
How To Choose The Next Idea or Opportunity to Pursue
CLF bulb in grass Provided by iStockphoto
I get so many ideas and opportunities that I’m constantly mentally weeding through them to determine which to do and when. Kenneth Manesse shared this video clip in our Christian Micro-Entrepreneur’s FaceBook group, and I enjoyed it so much I wanted to share it here as well.
One of the points Dr Shannon Reece makes in the video suggest the first step in determining whether to pursue a particular idea is to first ask: “Does this align with my (five) highest priorities?” With this thought, I have taken time to identify my top five priorities I can use as my first line filter for weeding out opportunities and ideas to pursue.
These top five, in no particular order are:
- Time – Will it completely take over my life? Do I have time to commit to this? Is it worthwhile enough to eliminate something else from my schedule so I can pursue this one?
- Christ-centered ethics and beliefs – Is there anything about this idea or opportunity that will conflict with my personal ethics and belief system?
- Money – Will this idea generate money? Will it pay for it’s self? Will it make a profit?
- Passion & Pathway – Does this idea or opportunity align with the institutions, industries, populations, and concepts I am most passionate about? Does this idea or opportunity help create and/or maintain the pathway I am currently journeying on? Will it help me reach my goals? Does it keep me mobilized according to my purpose and God’s plan for my life?
- Family & loved-ones – Will this idea and opportunity be something that is not only fulfilling for me, but also makes my family and loved ones happy to see prospering in my life?
These are my top five priorities, and I encourage you to create a list for yourself. Having these points pre-determined will help keep you headed in the right direction when you need to make a quick decision.
So, what are your top five priorities? Don’t stop at only thinking about what these might be; document them, post them, and use them.
Offered 1099 Work or To Be Paid Under the Table?
Getting paid “under the table” seems like a good thing when it’s happening. Being told “this job is a 1099 job” often doesn’t seem like a big deal. People who have not worked in a while, desperate for any job they can find unknowingly accept these terms of work and pay as if it is a good thing, even when it probably is not.
Working as a 1099 employee isn’t a bad thing when it’s done right and when both parties know the risks and benefits. I’ve worked many 1099 jobs (or gigs) but with the awareness that I have to make a conscious effort to make sure I fund my own income protection insurance, health insurance as well as my retirement fund. Additionally, I must make sure I pay (or save money to pay) the federal, state, and self-employment income tax I will be assessed during tax season. I am likewise aware of the benefits of working as a 1099 employee, such as complete flexibility in how and where I do the work, ability to write-off tons of justifiable business expenses and the ability to negotiate pay and payment terms.
When you work as a 1099 employee, you cannot simply think about the monies the employer is presently putting in your hand. You should understand that if you get sick or injured there is no such thing as “sick pay” or “workers’ compensation” for you. If the work decreases and there is no longer a need for you, you will not be able to collect unemployment benefits. You, as the “business owner” have to think ahead; you have to think of how to protect your health, your long-term quality of life, and your personal finances.
Take a look at this video on the misclassification of employees:
While this video focuses on labor-intensive jobs, the same risks exist for other types of job opportunities as well. You could get carpal tunnel or some other repetitive strain injury as a result of work you’re doing; or you could get in a car accident while conducting work-related business. As a 1099 contract employee, the employer would not be responsible for any medical expenses you would incur and would most likely terminate the work contract with you and hire someone else to complete the job.
This is just a little something for you to think about…
I don’t want to shed a completely bad light on 1099 employment; like I said, I have taken many 1099 contractor positions. I do, however want you to know your rights, and I want you to be ready to responsibly exert with those rights as needed.
Click here to read about your rights as a 1099 contract employee.
I sometimes see job ads claiming to be a 1099 contractor position that actually legally violates the terms of this employment status. Here are some examples from jobs found on craigslist:
This craigslist job posting violates independent contractor laws because the employer can not require the contractor to regularly report to work at set hours. The contractor must maintain control over his/her schedule.
Job: Part-Time Receptionist (foster city, CA) Posted: 2012-04-02
Terms: Hours starting at 25 hours per week, Monday through Friday, from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM or around that time frame.”
This craigslist job posting, while laying out many details and requirements of the job, has just enough flexibility to maintain it’s 1099 status; however they may be skimming the surface by naming the pay rate because 1099 contractors have the right to negotiate their own pay and payment schedules:
Job: Outreach Consultant for Educational Services Company $50 hour (Bay Area, CA) Post Date: 2012-03-19
Rate: $50 per hour ($25 per hour for Driving Time); Bonus potential!
Terms: Approximately 20 Hours per week (14 hrs. regular rate and 6 hrs. driving rate), 10 Months per year — No hours: 6/25-7/31 (summer), Thanksgiving Week, 2 Winter Holiday Weeks, Schedule: Flexible. Must be able to attend evening and weekend events.
This craigslist job posting seems to legitimately allow the contract employee with the flexibility he/she is legally entitled according to the law:
Job: Drapery/Blind/Shade Installer (San Jose south) Post Date: 2012-04-02
Terms: Work is part time to full time depending on the amount of work we have and your availability. We need someone who can work at least 3 days a week. We will schedule multiple jobs for you on days you agree to work for us. Your pay will be based on our window covering install price sheet…
Would you like me to evaluate your individual situation? Contact me here online. A small consultation fee may apply.
~Blessings!
Michelle Walker-Wade
Workplace Literacy Expert
Survey: U.S. Workers Feeling Overwrought and Unproductive – Latest News – Workforce
Read the complete article by clicking the link, or just checkout my highlights below.
Article: Survey: U.S. Workers Feeling Overwrought and Unproductive – Latest News – Workforce. By Garry Kranz
HOT POINTS OF THE ARTICLE
Nearly 30 percent of employees readily concede being “too stressed to be effective” at work for at least five days in 2011.
Two-thirds of U.S. workers reported feeling fatigued and that they have no control over what happens in their workplace.
Due to current economic crisis, employees are being asked to do more work, work longer hours than they have in the past, and under more stress than they did in the past.
Such stress creates a domino effect:
- Increased conflicts with co-workers
- Increased difficulties balancing work and personal obligations
- Increased worries about job security
- Increased absenteeism,turnover, and productivity losses
So, what’s the good news? 24 percent say the increased stress does not have a negative impact on their job effectiveness.
MY OUTLOOK
Those of us who have a job in times like these should consider ourselves blessed (or lucky – however you see it). I’d rather be on this side of the stress than to live with the instability of joblessness and unemployment benefits. I’m relieved that our government finally agreed to some sort of extension of unemployment benefits for the 13.9 million people in the country who are currently out of work, many of whom receive a combination of federal and state unemployment benefits. But don’t get too comfy with this extension; the devil is in the details.
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Workforce Training & Development with Michelle W. 