Tapping into the Hidden Job Market Using LinkedIn

Let me tell you a secret: There is a Hidden Job Market out there, and it is responsible for filling over 70% of positions. If you have never heard of the Hidden Job Market, you are not alone. Most job seekers aren’t aware that one exists, unsure of what it is or how to access it! In short, the Hidden Job Market is a list of open positions that NEVER make it to the job boards. Instead, they are filled by people directly through strategic networking. Best of all, whether you are networking in person or online, LinkedIn is an incredible resource you can use! Here’s how you can tap in:

1.) Optimize your LinkedIn profile.

Make sure that your LinkedIn profile is optimized by using various keywords across your headline and summary. List your most recent accomplishments and work experience (10-15 years), as well as your educational history (sans dates unless you earned a degree in the past 3 years). You want to make sure you are highlighting what your top skills are, as well as what you can achieve.

2.) Expand your network

The more connections you have on LinkedIn, the better your chances of being found by a recruiter, hiring manager, or fellow employee. This goes beyond just connecting with individuals directly. Expand your network by hundreds or thousands by joining various industry-specific groups, as well as following companies of interest.

3.) Maximize your presence

Post relevant topics, respond to related materials, utilize hashtags, and follow the latest trends. Remember to always remain professional, never engaging in political or religious banter. Cheer on your fellow colleagues for their achievements, and be bold in sharing your own. Doing so can draw attention to your candidacy.

4.) Reach out to recruiters and hiring managers

Messages can be sent to any 1st-degree connection with a free LinkedIn account. And you can make new and beneficial connections, but be sure to include a note. You can, for example, say: Hi Jim: I see that you are a Senior Recruiter for [company name]. I am interested in talking with you. Can we connect? Rachel.

Or, if you are already connected: Hi Jim: I have been a Project Manager for 10+ years, and am most interested in working for [company name]. Any direction you could provide would be much appreciated! Thank you! Rachel

5.) Don’t stop there…

While most people focus on connecting with recruiters and hiring managers only, it is wise to connect with peers as well. For one thing, numerous companies offer employees a bonus for finding candidates that meet their needs, meaning people who are not necessarily within a position to hire are financially motivated to help fill a role. The more people you know, the better your chance of being that person! A simple message such as “Hi Jamal: I see you work for ABC company – I’ve heard many great things. I’m expanding my network and thought it made sense to connect. Thanks! Samuel” can open many doors!

No matter where you are with your job search journey, my comprehensive training program here at The Job Search School can help. Learn how to tap into the Hidden Job Market, optimize your LinkedIn profile and resume, nail your interview, and much more! I have helped thousands of job seekers land their dream job, and would love to help you too! Contact me today!

The Transition from the Military into the Civilian Workforce

If you are transitioning from the military and into the civilian workforce, I must start by thanking you for your service. While you may feel a bit unsure about this change, please know that individuals and companies alike value and appreciate what you have sacrificed for our country. With a bit of guidance, you will be well on your way to success.

You have soft skills that will transfer to almost any industry

Technical skills consist of a specific program or mechanical knowledge needed for certain industries. Still, soft skills are necessary for many jobs, such as team leadership, communication, project management, customer service, etc. So, while you may fall short with some technical points, soft skills can enhance your candidacy.

Know what you want to do before you start your search

Once you figure out what your top skills are, try to decide what positions are a match for you. Reflect on what industries spark your interest and what tasks make you feel fulfilled. I also recommend thinking about your salary requirements, desired benefits, and what you need from a position as far as work-life balance.

Create an ATS-friendly resume and an optimized LinkedIn profile.

Companies now use ATS (applicant tracking system) software to pre-screen applications. The higher your resume scores, the better your chance of an interview. To get your resume through the ATS, it needs to be free of formatting (such as images or borders) and customized for each position. Your LinkedIn will need to be updated as well, using industry-specific keywords.

Network with other professionals and locate military-friendly employers

Countless companies are committed to hiring and training veterans, encouraging service members to apply (and given preference). The US Department of Labor website and Veterans’ Groups are a great place to start. Networking with other professionals (in person or online) is essential as well, informing them of your search and interest.

Know that sometimes, internal candidates are involved, listings close, or companies change their offerings. As such, rejection can happen, and a job search can take some time. Continue to apply to jobs of interest, even if you are working through the interview process with numerous companies. It is best to keep the ball rolling until you have a firm offer in hand.

If you need additional assistance with your job search, my comprehensive program here at the Job Search School has helped thousands of professionals land dream positions. I am proud to say that many of them are veterans. With information on finding jobs of interest, creating the perfect resume, optimizing your LinkedIn profile, nailing your interview, and more, I would be honored to be a part of your journey.

Sign up for my FREE masterclass today to learn more.

Three New Questions Asked During Interviews That You Need to Prepare For

If you had told me that 2020 would have lockdowns and toilet paper shortages, I would have thought you had taken a ride on the looney train, and yet – it happened! What a year…Though we are all still trying to wrap our minds over what ensued as we resume life hoping to get back to the way things were before, it is safe to say one lasting change took place: remote work.

To keep operations running, as usual, many companies provided employees the opportunity to work from home. To go from commuting several hours to no commute at all each day is, well – amazing! The trouble is, companies want their employees to come back, and employees do not want to. You can’t blame them!

Employers are concerned about productivity, team collaboration, and their company’s work culture. I can understand some of their concerns, though I do think many employees have proven themselves worthy of some flexibility.

As companies begin interviewing candidates for open positions, there are a few new questions that they are asking, specifically designed to gauge where a candidate stands on the stay-at-home spectrum. Here are the top 3 and the types of answers needed to nail them.

1.) Can you complete a project without much supervision?

A recruiter or hiring manager will use this question to determine just how well you can perform from home. When asked, you should provide some specific examples that demonstrate your capabilities. You can do so by:

a.) Drawing attention to a specific project you completed.

b.) Explaining how you remained in communication with all appliable parties.

c.) Discussing your achievements and how they related to the company’s projections.

d.) Showcasing your strengths.

“While working remotely, I ensured our latest commercial build was completed on time and budget through regular Zoom meetings, emails, phone calls, and shared documents, keeping all parties on track to achieve set milestones. In addition, I conducted weekly site visits and accomplished everything per scope while reducing costs by 14%. As a result, my client satisfaction and compliance score skyrocketed, and I was immediately assigned to manage an even larger construction project.”

2.) What adjustments did you have to make because of COVID?

By asking this question, the recruiter or hiring manager is trying to see if you are adaptable. Saying “No changes were needed” is a lie, as we all had to adjust. Please share some of those challenges and how you handled them.

“One of the challenges we faced during the shut-down was the ability to ensure we had enough people on-site to complete the job on time while adhering to social distancing and safety guidelines. I created an even more detailed schedule to make sure our employees and vendors felt safe and did my absolute best to keep as many aspects of the project as possible digitized.”

3.) How do you feel about returning to the office?

This question is fully loaded. The recruiter or hiring manager wants to see if you will come back – they are just asking in a round-a-bout way. The key here is to remain flexible but clearly state your wishes.

“While I am fully vaccinated and able to come into the office, I appreciate having the option to work from home as needed a few days a week. I have found that this works best for me, from a work-life standpoint, and I can be just as productive – if not more. I am truly looking for a hybrid role.”

However, if working in the office is not what you want, share that. Remember, you are interviewing this company too. If they are not a fit for your needs, there are always other fish in the sea.

If you are currently searching for a new job, my comprehensive training program here at the Job Search School can help. With tips to find, interview for, and land your dream position, I have helped thousands of professionals and would love the opportunity to help you too! Are you interested in learning more? Then, sign up for my FREE Masterclass today!

What The Great Resignation Means for YOU!

After a year filled with uncertainty and record-breaking unemployment, millions of people have decided to leave the workforce—and I am by no means exaggerating. The Labor Department estimates that 4 million employees quit their jobs in April, placing job vacancies at a 20 year high. The trouble is no one wants to fill them! This is being called The Great Resignation, and whether you are a company or a job seeker, the implications are significant.

Employers:

2020 was tumultuous for individuals and businesses. Just how you analyzed operations, people used this time to reassess their lives. The flexibility provided through remote schedules (and paid unemployment) proved to be a valuable part of that. Without the stress of a daily commute or routine grind, employees have decided they want more – whether it be flexible schedules, additional pay, or simply a shift within their careers. Here is what you need to consider:

Let your teams work how they are most comfortable.

If you want employees in the office some of the time, consider implementing a hybrid work schedule. Most employees are not opposed to coming in one, two, or even three days a week, providing it is on their terms. They want to feel in charge of their day without losing hours on end commuting, missing children’s events, or feeling comfortable within their own homes. This is about empowering your employees to work in a way that ignites and engages them.

Increase employee incentives.

Note that while a salary increase never hurts, that is only one part of the package. Flexible, remote opportunities (as stated above) and other perks, such as vacation time or even paid family leave, are just as important. Consider what you can afford to do to incentivize employment. If you are not sure, just listen to what your top employees are saying right now. They are likely already expressing what you can do to make things better; you need only listen (or ask).

Make sure your company stands for something.

Gone are the days of working 9-5 without feeling as if you have made a larger impact. Employees want to feel as if you, as their employer, care about them and their community. They want to grow with an organization through talent development programs. They also want to ensure that diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the center of all initiatives. So, think long and hard about the culture you have built to find ways to improve it.

Employees:

Just because millions of people resigned from their positions does not mean that finding a job will be a piece of cake—it may now be much more competitive. The reason being that opportunities that are likely appealing to you, and others (work from home, remote positions) are far and few between. This means that millions of people will be vying for the same roles you are, with the same goals in mind. As such, you need to be strategic with your search:

Have clarity.

There is nothing worse than conducting a job search without direction. You must know what you are searching for to hone in, find, and prepare. If you are interested in transitioning into an entirely new career or industry, take inventory of your hard (technical) and soft (more transferable) skills to determine what trajectory to take. Then, note what your negotiables and non-negotiables are before you proceed.

Optimize your resume and LinkedIn profile.

Your resume should be ATS (applicant tracking system) friendly and customized for each position so that it scores high enough to land you an interview. You will need to gear your LinkedIn profile for these roles as well. If you are not sure how to do either, my comprehensive program here at the Job Search School can show you. All of your materials are personally reviewed by me (my methods are proven effective).

Learn how to network and negotiate.

It would be best if you connected with others effortlessly while effectively negotiating the terms of your employment. Doing both well is key to ensuring your next job, whatever that may be, is something that brings you much joy and purpose. You are embarking on this journey because the status quo is not what you want for the next phase of your career. As such, you must take charge of what you want and fight for it because no one else will do it for you.

What is next?

I believe The Great Resignation is a: 1.) demand for better working conditions; and 2.) an opportunity for employers and employees alike.

I am, however, concerned. Since people have saved money over the past year (with additional income rolling in), they may feel a bit emboldened. Please know that these funds will not last forever. If the money runs dry before people can find positions that place a spark within them, individuals may become desperate, settling for jobs that were worse than what they had before. Therefore, it is essential that you have the tools and resources necessary to succeed.

Gain clarity on your next steps, as well as your negotiables and non-negotiables, so that your next job is one that you love.
Find positions that match your wants and needs quickly – no more spending hours a day on end searching for a new job.
Transition into a new career with ease, using the skills and experience you already have.
Network effectively both online and in-person so that you are a prime candidate for positions that are never publicly posted.
Create a resume and LinkedIn profile that stand out to recruiters and hiring managers – landing an interview.
Prepare for and nail your interview with ease, knowing what to say and how to say it.
Negotiate the terms of your employment and salary to get what you want. And more!

I have helped thousands of professionals land their dream job and would love to help you too. Sign up for my FREE webinar to learn more! In the words of Winston Churchill, “To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.”

The One-Way Interview

La entrevista unidireccional se ha abierto paso rápidamente en el proceso de contratación convencional, a medida que las empresas revisan los vídeos de los candidatos antes de una entrevista en vivo, virtual o en persona. Si bien no estoy seguro de cómo me siento ante un proceso tan digitalizado, sé que dominar una entrevista unidireccional es vital para avanzar hacia una oferta de trabajo y no es tan difícil como puede parecer.

Durante una entrevista unidireccional, usted se graba respondiendo una serie de preguntas que la empresa ha preparado. No estás hablando con nadie en absoluto, simplemente contigo mismo en una pantalla. Excepto en el caso de unos pocos programas, todas las respuestas son definitivas y la retroalimentación posterior es mínima. Aunque puede resultar extraño realizar una entrevista de esta manera, la preparación es más sencilla de lo que piensas.

Dado que este proceso está altamente automatizado, puede estar seguro de que las preguntas serán, en el mejor de los casos, genéricas. Entonces, si bien siempre debe tener respuestas preparadas para preguntas más desafiantes que se sumergen en vacantes laborales o renuncias, esta parte del proceso probablemente será más manejable, como por ejemplo: ¿ Qué le interesa de este puesto? ¿Qué fortalezas tienes que crees que serían excelentes en este rol? Cuéntenos acerca de tres logros profesionales importantes que haya tenido en los últimos cinco años. Etcétera.

Así es como puedes prepararte:

1.) Investigue a fondo la empresa y su función. Practique las respuestas de antemano (frente al espejo si es necesario o con un compañero/amigo), expresando claramente su interés en el puesto mientras transmite sus logros. Concéntrese en su historial laboral más reciente en lugar de sumergirse en puestos de hace más de 10 o 15 años.

2.) Mire directamente a la cámara cuando responda preguntas, no a la pantalla. Sé que es difícil no mirar tu hermoso rostro (¡te veo, hermosa!), pero cuando miras directamente a la cámara, parecerá como si estuvieras mirando directamente a la persona que revisa el metraje de la entrevista. Esto le ayudará a parecer confiado, amigable y accesible.

3.) Mucha gente intenta hablar de una manera que no es la suya cuando graban un vídeo. Sea profesional, por supuesto, pero honesto acerca de quién es utilizando su voz habitual. Siempre quieres parecer auténtico.

4.) Las primeras impresiones son fundamentales y, si bien nunca debes ser juzgado por tu apariencia, no vestirte elegantemente puede mostrar una falta de interés o interés por el papel. En su lugar, vístete para impresionar como lo harías para una entrevista en persona.
No importa en qué punto de su viaje de búsqueda de empleo se encuentre, mi programa integral de capacitación aquí en la Escuela de Búsqueda de Empleo puede ayudarlo. Aprenda cómo hacer que su currículum pase el ATS, optimizar su perfil de LinkedIn, concretar su entrevista (unidireccional, virtual o en persona), negociar un salario más alto y ¡MÁS! Lo mejor de todo es que te proporciono muchos consejos y trucos para ayudarte a tener éxito durante mi Masterclass GRATUITA . Así es, ¡GRATIS! Regístrate hoy !

Why Do Some Employers Still Ask for My Graduation Date and How to Get Around the Age Biases That Causes

Ever wonder why some employers ask you for your graduation date on an application? Even though dates are not always an accurate way to gauge, employers will look at graduation dates alongside work history and make their best guess at an applicant’s age. Unfortunately, there are instances where job applications require a graduation date, leaving no other option but to include one, if you wish to proceed.

It is not illegal to ask this question on an application, but if they base their hiring decision on the date(s) provided, then they could be in violation of the law. This raises the question of why they ask for this information, especially if they do not actually verify education.

Too old, too young, too seasoned, not experienced enough… Ageism (particularly against more experienced, older workers) is alive and well. As such, I always recommend my clients leave dates off their educational history unless their degree was obtained within the last 3 years. Here’s what you need to do to work around this in your job search:

1.) Make sure your resume and LinkedIn profile are up to date.

Make sure your resume and LinkedIn profile both reflect your experience over the last 10-15 years, 20 years max. Focus on your most recent accomplishments. Recruiters and prospective employers are more interested in what you have been doing in the workforce for the last 5 to 10 years.

Note that you want to make sure that your resume is customized to meet the needs of the position you are applying, and that your LinkedIn accurately conveys your skills and background. It is also important that your LinkedIn experience matches your resume in the number of positions, dates, titles and company names.

2.) Have recent recommendations on display.

Whether it be recommendations or letters of recommendation uploaded as media on the particular past experiences they align with on your LinkedIn profile, recent reviews of your work will demonstrate your ability to perform your job well (present day). This helps to confirm that your skills are up to date, making your experience an asset rather than a liability.

3.) Be forward thinking.

When called for an interview, be sure that you are always forward thinking, expressing your desire to continuously learn and grow with a company. Share how enthusiastic you are for the position, and what you feel you can contribute to help the organization achieve their long-term goals and objectives. Show them how you can solve their current problems, fulfill the need they have in hiring for the position.

In the words of American Writer William Arthur Ward, “The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.” If you have been submitting application after application and have heard nothing back, it’s time to do something different. My program can show you how to generate a consistent flow of targeted opportunities, so you can get back to work — no matter what your age. Contact me today to learn more!

How to Write a Resume in 2021

Now that we are well underway in this new year, many of us still have hopes for our futures. If a new job is one of them, drafting a timeless resume is key. Here are 5 tips to ensure your success.

1.) Make your resume ATS friendly

Most companies use an ATS (applicant tracking system) to sort through and rate candidates of interest. Using a resume that’s not geared towards the ATS can hurt your chances of being called for an interview (no matter how qualified you are). Be sure to avoid prefabricated layouts – drafting a resume that has plenty of spacing with clear, concise information.

2.) Include a short strong summary that lists your top skills

Recruiters and hiring managers spend a whopping 7 seconds giving a resume a review before they decide if they want to read further. As such, including a short summary that includes a relevant accomplishment and some bulleted skills right at the top provides the “cliff notes”, enticing those reviewing your resume to want to learn more. Make sure that you customize this for each application.

3.) If you are out of work, there is no reason to provide a reason why

Let’s face it – 2020 was a challenging year. Millions of Americans lost their jobs. If you were one of many who lost a job due to the pandemic, there is no need to mention that within your resume. You are welcome to discuss your layoff during an in-person interview, but for the sake of time (and a need to sell your candidacy), focus on highlighting your experience instead.

4.) Include a job gap statement if needed.

While most recruiters and hiring managers understand that it does take time to find a new job, including a job gap statement on your resume could be useful if your gap is more than 9 -12 months depending on your level of authority. I recommend using the title you are seeking, and providing a brief synopsis of what you have been doing since (such as obtaining a certification or volunteering for a local non-profit).

5.) Keep it to 2 pages, 3 max

With the exception of higher academic positions, 2-3 pages is more than acceptable for any standard resume. Limit your resume to the last 10-15 years of experience (20 tops) to draw attention to your most recent accomplishments and condense your history. Be sure to list your degrees and certifications as well, sans dates (unless completed within the last 3 years).

If you are having a difficult time creating a resume, my Perfect Resume Builder can help. With an ATS-friendly template, and tips and tricks to help you customize your resume with ease, my program has been proven effective by thousands of fully satisfied clients (and counting!) who have made it past the ATS and onto an in-person interview. What are you waiting for? Take time to invest in your future today!

Should I Set Up Job Alerts Using LinkedIn?

If you are currently looking for a new job, one of the neat features LinkedIn has to offer is the ability to set up job alerts based on companies of interest and positions of interest. I have clients contact me on a regular basis asking if they should set up these alerts—wondering how they work and what it is they specifically do. The answer is always a resounding “YES!” providing they understand all the features LinkedIn has to offer as it relates to their personal job search.

How to Set Up Your Alerts

There are two ways to set up a job alert on LinkedIn: by a company or by position. A job alert that is set for a company will let you know when any new jobs are posted for that specific company. A job alert that is set by position will let you know when any jobs are posted that meet specific criteria you choose yourself. Both options can be selected simultaneously, and you can be notified via email or the LinkedIn app when a position is posted.

Best of all, regardless of which option you choose, you will be alerted to new openings almost immediately, which is important – the sooner your application is submitted, the better! There really is no reason to not take full advantage of this feature.

The Open to Work Feature

Now, another option that LinkedIn offers for job seekers is the ability to set a profile to “open to work”. This is an excellent feature; however, it is one that you should use with caution if you are in a confidential job search, as it lets recruiters and hiring managers know that you are searching for a job. While LinkedIn does have algorithms in place that prevent current employers from becoming notified, there are no guarantees.

If you are interested in using this feature, select the “add profile section” to the right of your profile photo. Then, select “intro” and complete the questionnaire that appears. If you choose to show this section to “Only Recruiters”, the only people who will be able to view that you are “open to work” are Recruiters who pay for Recruiter Premium through LinkedIn. This is important to select if you are keeping your job search confidential.

If you choose “All LinkedIn Members” then ALL members of LinkedIn (including hiring managers, decision makers and Recruiters who don’t use LinkedIn Recruiter) can see that you are “open to work”. This option should only be selected if your job search is not confidential. If you select “All LinkedIn Members”, LinkedIn will add a green frame around your profile photo with the hashtag #OpentoWork so that ANYONE sourcing for someone like you can find you.

The LinkedIn Profile is a Must for Professionals in a Job Search

LinkedIn is truly an incredible resource for anyone that is currently looking for a job. If you have a LinkedIn, I encourage you to use it to its fullest potential. If you do not have a LinkedIn, I strongly recommend you sign up for one, which is free to do. And, if you are unsure of how to begin, or what you can do to help optimize your LinkedIn profile, my free masterclass can help. As the famous saying goes, “Don’t be shy about asking for help. It doesn’t mean you’re weak, it only means you’re wise.”

To a successful job search!