Minnesota Headhunter

Minnesota Job And Career Fair 2013

April 18, 2013 the Minnesota Recruiting and Staffing Association is hosting their 4th annual job, career and skills summit and I will once again be one of the speakers.

This will be the 3rd time for me speaking at their event and I am really looking forward to this one as MNRSA is reaching out to our military veterans to help them in their job search process.

To be able to talk with these folks… means a lot to me and I look forward to saying thank you to them.

The event is free to attend and open to all job seekers.

Last year 700+ attended and the feedback was very positive.

I will be speaking from 10:00 am to 11:30 am and doing my “Be Your Own Headhunter” presentation. I will be showing folks how I would be do a job search using LinkedIn, job boards, networking, Twitter and Facebook along with some strategy tips including how to market oneself, when to follow up, finding contact names and more.

It is an aggressive approach or as many have called it either a “wake up call” or a much needed “kick in the pants”.

3 Steps To Kick Off Your Executive Job Search

The following post is courtesy of the Recruiting Blogswap

Sometimes getting a good start with an executive job search can be challenging. It's often difficult to know which steps to take to make sure you're finding the right employers and positions to apply for. While every job search is unique and there is no specific template available that ensures an executive job search will flow perfectly, there are some steps you can take to start on the right track.

Here are three to consider:

QR Codes, Use Them To Enhance Your Executive Resume

The following post is courtesy of the Recruiting Blogswap

As technology evolves, new opportunities continue to emerge that enhance executive resumes and overall job searches. One relatively new concept that job seekers are taking advantage of is the QR code.

The QR code, also known as the quick-response code, is a 2-dimensional bar code that contacts a set of data (text, numbers, or a hyperlink). If the code is placed on an executive resume, it can instantly link a hiring decision maker to important details about you as an applicant.

Why QR Codes Are Beneficial

QR codes add to the new generation of advancements shaping the world of job seeking. These unique codes are becoming popular as marketing tools and are often found on business cards, in magazines, and even on billboards.

When applicants add a QR code to their resumes, hiring managers with QR readers can scan the code to be directly routed to information embedded in the code. Codes may contain a link to a LinkedIn page or Google profile, display a telephone number or message, or simply share anything interesting that can increase knowledge about the applicant.

What Every Employer Assesses for When They Hire Someone

The following post is courtesy of the Recruiting Blogswap

What does a company want to find out about you when they interview you? What are they trying to find out when they evaluate and assess you?

In most cases, hiring staff or temporary workers starts out with a job description. Someone sat down and consciously thought of what skills and experience they needed on their staff. As such, most firms hopefully start off by assessing for competence (I say "hopefully" because so many people report that they work with incompetent colleagues). Hopefully an employer has developed a series of questions that help them evaluate and assess skills competency for the skills that are needed.

But skills competency is only one element of what a company is assessing for. These all fall into the category of soft skills-hard to assess for qualities that differentiate one person from another.

The second "c" that companies look for is chemistry. How do you fit in to the firm and its corporate culture? This soft skill is derived from the interviewer's interpretation of how you will fit in to the organization and how well you will work with your colleagues.

Exaggerated Resumes Can Quickly Ruin Your Job Search

The following post is courtesy of the Recruiting Blogswap:

As you can imagine, lying on your resume is always a no-no. If you feel you must avoid the truth, then you are probably applying for the wrong job. But what if you want to just exaggerate a bit—such as switching your title to one that sounds more impressive? Or stating that you won an award that you were only nominated for?

The truth is, no matter how you slice it, there's nothing to gain from exaggerating on your resume. But if exaggerating is out of the question, how can you make yourself sound more impressive? Take a look at a few ways you can make improvements to your overall job search without stretching the truth.

Organizing Your Executive Job Seeking Network

The following post is courtesy of the Recruiting Blogswap:

It’s no secret that networking is one of the most critical aspects of executive job seeking. While the standard approach to securing a job—sending in an application, cover letter, and resume—does work, a large percentage of executives find their positions through networking connections.

The best way to ensure you get the most out of your networking experience is to keep close tabs on your current networking buddies, along with new people you meet through professional organizations, social networking sites, and industry conferences. And by taking the additional step of organizing those connections, you can benefit from always knowing just how to manage your interactions with them.

Here are some great ways to organize your network:

Set Up a Spreadsheet and Categorize Contacts Into Groups

The first step in organizing your executive job seeking network is to set up a spreadsheet that allows you to list all of your contacts. Once you’ve listed them, you can then separate them into groups to help you determine which connection resources are most helpful in your search.

9 Ways Your Public Library Can Enhance Your Job Search

The following post is courtesy of the Recruiting Blogswap:

As the Internet age continues to flourish, the public library increasingly seems to be one of the most overlooked and underutilized vehicles for job seeking. Ironically, it remains as one of the best resources for finding job opportunities. Don’t believe it? Here are nine great ways in which your public library can enhance your job search.

1. Free Job Hunting Books

The public library is an amazing resource for the most current and up-to-date job hunting books that offer advice on every aspect of the search. You may also find books on the best companies to work for.

2. Computer Classes

If you need help learning programs like Microsoft Office and Adobe, the public library typically offers free classes to cardholders who sign up.

3. Resume Writing and Interviewing Services

Many libraries offer free resume writing and interviewing services. Even if you don’t feel weak in these areas, it’s good to take advantage of the services to strengthen your skills in these areas.

What You Shouldn’t Add To Your Executive Resume

The following post is courtesy of the Recruiting Blogswap:

In your attempt to create the perfect executive resume, you’ve probably run into a lot of information regarding what should be included, but oftentimes, what shouldn’t be included is just as critical. The last thing you want is for a key decision maker to think: “I would have called this candidate for an interview if only her resume weren’t so …” To prevent this statement from being made about your resume, it’s good to avoid adding information that’s not needed.

Objective Statement

Once upon a time, the objective statement was used to explain a candidate’s reasoning for applying for a position. Typically formatted in the following way, “Seeking executive sales position with XYZ Company to build client relations, achieve marketing growth objectives, and lead sales teams to success,” it was considered a good piece of information to place on a resume.

But over time, employers began to find objective statements redundant because they tell employers what they already know: you want a job. So now, objective statements are replaced with branding statements.

It’s Time To Write A Fresh Executive Branding Statement

 The following post is courtesy of the Recruiting Blogswap:
 

Writing your own executive resume can feel extremely intimidating if you’ve grown accustomed to having a professional do the work for you. But there’s something to be said about taking a look at yourself and finding the words to describe who you are and what you’ve accomplished.

One piece of your resume that does an amazing job of describing your accomplishments and potential value to a company is your branding statement. There are many examples out there that can help you write one, but none will help you deliver your message as authentically as when you craft your own fresh, high-quality branding statement.

The Quality Branding Statement

A quality branding statement accomplishes a number of goals. It shows prospective employers just how many qualities you bring to the table. Also, it provides examples of just how those qualities align you with the goals they hope to accomplish. In other words, your statement stands as a testament to exactly why you’re the right person for the job.

Job Seekers, Beware! 7 Mistakes to Dodge At All Costs

The following post is courtesy of the Recruiting Blogswap:

Are you in the process of searching for a new job but can’t seem to get the callbacks you want? It may be that you’re making some common yet avoidable mistakes along the way. Don’t continue your job searching without being sure. Take a look at the following seven job-seeking mistakes that you should dodge at all costs:

1. The Aimless Search

If you’re sending out resumes without knowing what your ideal job is, you’re wasting your valuable time. So before shipping off another application, be sure to sit down and define what type of job you’re looking for. This way, you’ll have a more focused search and can create a goal-oriented resume to match.

2. Bad Interviewing Habits

Do you have bad interviewing habits? In other words, do you assume you’re on a first-name basis with interviewers? Or do you slouch in your seat? If so, be sure to learn about appropriate body language and ways to address interviews so that you can always come across as a confident candidate with plenty to offer.

5 Great Ways To Prepare For An Online Interview

 The following post is courtesy of the Recruiting Blogswap:

As many companies fine-tune their hiring processes, they are embracing alternative ways to conduct interviews with candidates who may not reside in the same city. One of the more recent options is the online interview.

Companies have long conducted telephone interviews in place of face-to-face interviews, when needed. But now, with technology such as Skype available, employers can get as close as possible to the in-person interview experience. So how can you as a candidate prepare for this unique interview?

1. Know How the Online Interview Works

In order to get the most out of your interview, you’ll want to make sure you know in advance how it is going to work. Make sure you have all of the proper software downloaded to your computer, that your camera and microphone are working properly, and that you know exactly how to navigate the system. If possible, request information days in advance about the software you’ll need so that you can take some time to learn it before the interview starts.

Left Behind, Making Your Move In Your Job Search

The following post is courtesy of the Recruiting Blogswap:

"Change before you have to." - Jack Welch

The other day I had to start my day in a different building for my company. While I've visited this building many times, I never started my day there. As luck would have it, the building is the same subway stop as my previous job (some 3 years ago).

So I headed directly to the corner coffee guy and, believe it or not, he not only remembered me from 3 years ago, but also remembered how I liked my coffee! We chatted for awhile and it was as if time was turned back to 3 years.

I then realized that, although I had moved to a new job and my little world changed, everything that existed in my previous routine continued on as if in some parallel universe.

So, I'm sure you are wondering, what's the point?

Executive Resume Writing: Revealing Your Personal Brand

The following post is courtesy of the Recruiting Blogswap:
 

Your executive personal brand is what defines you as a top candidate in your field—and it should be felt throughout every professional action you take, whether you’re networking or blogging.  Of course, when writing your resume, your executive brand is a major piece of the puzzle, as well.  This is why it’s important to take the steps necessary to reveal your personal brand before ever putting pen to paper.

1. Assess Your Top Brand Attributes

When thinking in terms of the value you offer to any role you might assume, as well as your field as a whole, what conclusions do you draw?  Come up with about three or four adjectives that best describe the value you offer, incorporating a few words that best describe your personality.

2. Define Your Vision and Purpose

Another important step in revealing your personal brand is defining your vision and purpose as an executive.  What goals do you hope to accomplish over the remainder of your career?  How do you think you make a difference in your field?  And how do you want to make changes that will improve any company you work for in the future?

How To Beat The 10-Second Resume Scan

The following post is courtesy of the Recruiting Blogswap:
 

It’s hard enough to get past the ATS software scanning your resume for the right keywords, but if you can get past it and get an actual human to review your resume, then you have about 10 seconds (on average) to tell them what they want to hear. If you can get their attention during the first ten seconds, then you have a greater chance of them investing more time into reading your whole resume and getting a call for the interview. So what are some strategies you can employ to up your chances of successfully getting past the initial ten-second resume scan?

Use a job target/title

At the top of your resume utilize a bolded job target or title at the top of the resume. Here you use the exact title of the position you’re applying for; this tells the reader you have experience in that exact position and you’re qualified.

Create a keyword-rich branding statement

Executive Job Search Not Panning Out? Consider 3 Tips To Smooth Out The Process

The following post is courtesy of the Recruiting Blogswap:
 

Conducting an executive job search is challenging work.  There are often so many documents to submit, so many interviews to take part in, and so many associates to keep track of for networking purposes that getting the job done can be more than a notion.

If you have been looking for work but realize that it’s just not getting you the callbacks you desire, it may be time to consider a few tips that might help you conduct a successful search:

Consider Applying for More Jobs

There’s no doubt that an executive job search requires that you dedicate a significant amount of time to looking through postings, checking for recommendations from your networking circle, and initiating contact with recruiters.  With all of the searching, you don’t want to forget that it’s more important to submit applications in order to move the process along.  Don’t fret; there will still be time to keep on searching after you’ve submitted a handful.

Developing Your Executive Brand On LinkedIn

The following post is courtesy of the Recruiting Blogswap:
 

One of the most important aspects of any job search is developing a brand that helps define you as a top professional in your field. At the executive level, it becomes even more pertinent that others are able to quickly identify the level of expertise you can bring to the table by seeing your name or title.

LinkedIn has become an amazing tool for the executive job seeker who wants to build his or her brand. But the site is useful only for those who make the most of the opportunities it presents. So what steps should you take to effectively develop your executive brand on LinkedIn?

Give Yourself the Appropriate Professional “Headline”

A great first step in branding yourself on LinkedIn is customizing your Professional “Headline.” This headline not only showcases how you define yourself as an executive in your field; it makes you easier to locate when people conduct keyword searches on the site and in search engines.

Headlines can simply define your role (e.g., Chief Financial Officer), but it’s recommended that you dig even deeper by describing yourself in your role(s) (e.g., Veteran Chief Financial Officer and Visionary Entrepreneur).

C-Level Executive Women: Make The Most Of Your Job Search

The following post is courtesy of the Recruiting Blogswap:
 

Did you know that nearly 73 percent of Fortune 500 companies now have at least one female executive officer? This percentage, provided by Catalyst, a New York research group, proves what many have said for years: the pool of highly qualified executive women is growing—and companies are taking notice.

As a C-level executive on the rise, you don’t want to miss your opportunity to secure your next amazing position. But with so much competition out there, it’s important that you make the most of your job search.

Demonstrate Value in Your Resume

The only true way that an employer can believe you’re good enough to take on a chief executive position is that you show you have been and will be valuable to any company you work for.

Of course, value looks very different at the C-level from any other position on the corporate ladder because of the level of responsibility you must assume. So it’s important to focus on the right skills and accomplishments to prove you are an amazing asset.

Resume Keyword Mistakes - Are You Making One?

The following post is courtesy of the Recruiting Blogswap:

Appropriate keyword use is a big deal for job seekers working on their resumes. Many employers now use some form of scanning software as an initial screener that helps them determine which candidates are obviously qualified for the job.

Even when your resume makes it passed the screening process, if a hiring manager can’t glance at your resume and determine through your use of keywords that you mesh with the position you’re applying for, you resume will likely land in the decline stack.

The best way to ensure your resume will be taken seriously is to avoid the misuse of keywords.

What Are Keywords?

Keywords are words or phrases that employers use to find the right candidates for positions they’re offering. The concept is similar to that of looking up information in a search engine. The more keywords you use to conduct your search, the more closely the information you find will match what you’re looking for.

How To Use Keywords On Your Resume

The following post is courtesy of the Recruiting Blogswap:
 

All this talk about keywords on your resume everywhere you turn, but how do you know when and where to use them? Applicant tracking software picks up certain search terms within your resume and returns those results to the person conducting the search. So while you want to have the right keywords in your resume, you also don’t want to just stuff your resume with an excess of words either.

First, you need to determine the right keywords

Where do you find them? Look within the job description or ad posting first. Many times employers will put exactly the skills or experience they’re looking for right within the job ad itself. Search the ad for these keywords and make sure they appear in your resume. Another way to find appropriate keywords is to use salary.com or other similar tool where you can research online a specific position and its responsibilities. This gives you a great starting point for researching industry-specific keywords to add to your resume.

Where do the keywords go?

3 Steps To Creating An Attention-Grabbing Resume

The following post is courtesy of the Recruiting Blogswap:
 
In a time when millions of workers are unemployed and competition for positions is higher than ever, you want to make sure that you’re able to stand out among your competition.  But how can your resume make an impact when so many others are applying?  Take a look at these three steps to creating an attention-grabbing resume:

Start with Visual Attractiveness

It may seem that creating a visually attractive resume isn’t important, but nothing could be further from the truth. While you don’t need to spend your time adding pretty borders or cutesy fonts, you do need to ensure that your document is readable.

Creating white space with the use of bullet points and subheadings improves readability tenfold.  Also, ensuring your fonts are professional can make a huge difference in guaranteeing your resume will be read by a hiring manager.

Create a Standout Branding Statement