Social Media Breakfast – Minneapolis/St. Paul
At Tech-Pro we are just beginning to explore the true potential of social networking. If you have any tips or best practices please feel free to share with me as well. The SMBMSP is a group of local social media gurus who get together to talk about various topics. This month the topic was using social media in your job search. Here is a quick summary from what I took away from this meeting. If you are interested in discussing social media topics check the group out at http://smbmsp.ning.com/
- In this economy you need to use as many job search strategies as possible. The old method of blasting resumes out just isn’t working. You need to utilize your network, social networks, recruiters, professional groups and associations, and national job boards.
- Always try to find an actual person in the company. Even if you apply directly to a website use your network to find a live contact. You can also work through a recruiter who has these relationships.
- Phrase your objectives (and interviews) in a way that demonstrates how you can help the company not how getting the job will help you achieve your own personal/professional goals.
- Create a professional e-mail address. First.lastname@mailcleint.com is a great format to use. Do not include nick names, kids names, pet names, hobbies, etc in your e-mail address!
- Don’t wait until you do not have a job to start networking. Do not only contact recruiters or your network when you need something. Keep in touch and be proactive.
- When networking think about how you can help the person you are reaching out to instead of thinking only about how they can help you.
- Social networking is a great way to expand your network, but you need to move those relationships to a face to face basis whenever possible.
- Put yourself out there. Don’t be afraid to tell people you are looking for a job. Update your linkedin status to say “seeking a new contract in ___”
- Consistently update your online profiles. Use linked in as a 30 second elevator pitch. Include acronyms as well as full keywords to ensure you will be found in searches. Include appropriate interests/groups/associations to make a personal connection with someone reading your profile.
- Once you find a job, thank everyone who helped you in the process. Pay it forward – is your new company hiring? You have an opportunity to help your new company fill urgent needs and help your network by getting someone else into the right opportunity.
Here are two articles I recommend along that relate to this topic. An article on Twitter http://thetalentbuzz.com/2009/02/find-a-job-using-twitter-and-networking-twitter-job-search-strategies/ and another article on the cold hard truth of finding a job in this market http://people-shark.blogspot.com/2009/01/cold-hard-truth-for-jobseekers.html. The key points for me that relate to social networking are to build a network before you need it and that nothing will replace face to face relationships (make a point to meet people you connect with online whenever possible)
Working with Recruiters
I believe the right recruiter can help you open doors at companies you would not be able to otherwise access through your own network. Kirk Walton, another recruiter from Tech-Pro was recently highlighted in an article titled “Recruiting Results” published by the Star Tribune. Here are a few highlights from the article that I couldn’t agree with more.
- Good recruiters will meet you face to face. I am a firm believer that you cannot get to know someone and truly understand how to help them in a job search without meeting face to face.
- You should work with a few different recruiters, but not too many. Different recruiters can offer access to different positions. Some focus on independent consulting while others focus on full time work. The key is to make sure positions do not overlap. I recommend working with 3-4 good recruiters. When you start to work with any more than that it is easy to lose track.
- A good recruiter will always ask your permission before submitting your resume for a specific requirement. This is extremely important in making sure that you resume is not double submitted to a hiring manager.
Check it out at http://www.startribune.com/jobs/career/38489119.html?elr=KArksUUUU
Resumes
- Hiring managers are receiving more resumes than ever right now. For example, one of my clients recently reported that they received over 300 resumes for a development opportunity within 24 hours. Unfortunately, managers are looking for a quick reason to exclude you from the stack. Don’t give them a reason! Make sure your resume is tailored to the specific position you are applying for, that it is easy to read, and does not contain mistakes.
- Tailor your resume to a particular job. One way that I have found to be successful is to create a “Experience Synopsis” section at the top of your resume. This allows you to highlight relevant, although not necessarily recent experience at the top of your resume.
Include keywords and buzzwords, but make sure you are able to speak to everything on your resume. Do not list any technologies or methodologies that you cannot speak to. - Keep your resume short and relevant. The first page of your resume should include a snapshot of your career, technical skills you have, and details of at least your most recent position. In my opinion, it should not be any longer than 4 pages.
- There have been a number of articles recently published about resumes. Here is one that stood out to me, particularly the first two points. http://www.usnews.com/articles/business/careers/2009/01/22/5-rsum-mistakes-youre-probably-making.html
