Critical Tool: Job-hunt.org

If this Website is not already saved as an Internet favorite, we highly recommend that you do so. As a job search resource, its value cannot be overestimated. Along with a standard job search engine, it offers helpful directories for such tools as niche job boards, recruiters, job fairs, local networking and job search support groups, and unique employer connections. You’ll find a plethora of free and reliable job hunting resources (articles, ebooks, and tutorials).

It even offers advice in optimizing your use of other sites (such as craigslist and Indeed.com) to uncover new opportunities.

Tap Into Free Local Resources

Area workforce development centers and job centers offer assistance worth checking out, most of which is free or low-cost. For example, the Waukesha County Workforce Development Center in Pewaukee, Wisconsin features the following:

• 14 workshops related to job search and career development;


• job information and career development centers;


• access to Workforce Investment Act services, which includes training funds for laid-off workers and low-income populations;


• economic assistance programs.

For more information, go to http://www.wfdc.org/.

The Milwaukee Hire Center provides retraining and re-employment services specifically for dislocated workers in Milwaukee County. Further information can be found at http://www.milwaukeelabor.org/about_us/hire_center.cfm.

In addition to practical resources, these centers also provide a supportive environment and new opportunities for networking.

Optimize Your Layoff Downtime

Depressive feelings associated with being dislocated can impact your energy level if you allow this to happen. Remember there is a moment where we can choose between lethargy and taking action. Perhaps you need some time to process the feelings. Find someone you trust to talk things over and then consciously commit to move on by drawing up a plan of action.

No doubt that plan of action will focus on a “job hunt.” Notice the use of the term “job hunt,” instead of “job search,” which sounds a bit more passive. A job hunt has the feel of a confident and assertive attitude, the kind that can truly treat the task as a job in itself.

Of course, this needs to be your main priority with your time, but do not allow yourself the luxury to feel sorry for yourself. In fact, this is a time to commit even more to your development both personally and professionally. It can be an ideal time to pick up some new skills by taking some classes or studying for certifications. Check with your local Workforce Development Center. There are usually government funds available for training, as well as for support services such as child care and transportation. Keeping busy in positive ways will help you to move forward; inaction can set up its own paralyzing dynamic.

Another constructive way to use this downtime is by volunteering. Nonprofits are often more in need of volunteers during economic slowdowns as donations tend to drop. Even some businesses open up to the idea of accepting talented volunteers when reduced workforces become stressed. Volunteering can be beneficial for displaced workers in at least three ways:

1) As an entry on your resume, it indicates that you’re industrious and can make the best use of your talents even in a difficult situation.
2) It further broadens your network and the number of people who know what you’re seeking and realize what you have to offer. Look to volunteer in areas that will benefit from your highest areas of expertise. If you have managerial skills, seek to help organize an event or major project. If you have an executive background, research opportunities to join a board of directors in your community. Checking out volunteer opportunities can be started quite easily by doing a Google search using such terms as “volunteer work,” “nonprofit center,” etc.
3) Helping others feels good and silently works to repair damaged confidence and self-esteem.

You might also surprise yourself by picking up a new skill set or two.

In summary, keep moving forward by finding constructive things to do with your downtime; it’s a strategy that will help you to strengthen your character and gain strength through adversity.

Strategize Your Job Hunt

Many people focus their job hunt efforts on applying through online job boards, although research has shown this to be one of the least effective ways to obtain a position. As it’s so easy and quick, everyone is using this method; with people sometimes applying for positions which they are minimally qualified or even unqualified for in their rush to get out as many resumes as possible.

A recent article described a situation in which a basic office posting elicited over 500 resumes. HR only screened through the first 300; essentially it didn’t matter what resumes looked like if they were in the last 200 because they were never considered.

I recommend that no more than 20% of job search time be used for applying through online job boards. A strategized plan should address other areas such as:

Networking – still the #1 method cited for securing professional jobs.

Working with Recruiters – they can easily be uncovered by using the Yellow Pages / yellowpages.com; be sure to ask them about the success they had in your field.

Job Fairs – collect business cards for follow-up later.

Targeted / Direct Contact - research and determine employers you want to work for; apply through their website and seek a networking contact through LinkedIn or other sources.

Niche Job Boards – these are usually not as heavily traveled as the bigger, broad-based job boards.

Especially in today’s challenging job market, it’s important that your job hunt plan is diversified and well-thought out.

Safeguard Your Confidential Job Search

If you are protecting a current job while applying for other opportunities online, remember to safeguard your confidentiality when using major job boards. It could be highly unpleasant if a recruiter with your present employer discovers your resume in their prospecting activities.

To avoid this, be sure to look for and use the “confidentiality” features available on most credible job boards. Usually this will allow you to camouflage your resume – to remove contact information and disguise your current employment – while providing a method for communication. Another strategy is to just avoid posting your resume (essentially making it available for candidate prospecting) and instead only apply directly to jobs of interest. If you download your resume, be sure to change the file name so it also camouflages your identity.

If you’re working with recruiters, emphasize to them that your job search is confidential and that they should take great care (or check with you first) when sharing your resume. If is important, of course, in this case to be very selective in choosing recruiters.

Give References Context

It seems like we're almost at home base when we are asked for references after rounds of interviewing. But don't assume that a job offer is coming even if your references are committed to singing your praises.

Most of the reference lists I see are just that - lists of names with contact information. How can anyone tell from this why someone with a lofty title at an employer they cannot connect with a company on your resume would be qualified to talk about your fitness for a position? Perhaps she left a shared employer for a new job. She may be the person who can best articulate how you would be a great match but she could easily be overlooked or devalued as irrelevant.

This is why it's important to give your references context. This can be done as simply as "My supervisor in sales at XYZ for four years." It's short, sweet, and provides insight as to the reference's perspective on your qualifications. It's less likely that a person would be disregarded if the relationship is seen as important, and hiring managers tend to use references to verify qualifying information.

This is one of those examples of a small consideration that can make a big difference in the final steps of securing that great job.

Resume - The Most Important 15% of Your Job Hunt

I recently sat in a webinar of a professional job search colleague. He stated that having a solid resume is 15% of what it takes to get a good job these days.

At first this sounded pretty light, but when you think about how we also need to invest time in networking, researching potential employers, applying, interviewing, negotiating salary and other follow-up, it does make sense in terms of time and effort.

But what an important 15%. An effective resume should produce interviews. A stellar resume can differentiate us, can serve as a platform to soar in interviews, and can be the foundation for sharp salary negotiations. In fact, the resume is akin to the basement that supports a house. It may take up only about 20% of the space (in a house with garage and attic), but it provides the base for everything else and its condition seriously impacts the value of the remainder of the building.

A critical 15%; it's all the more important to ensure that the resume shines as bright as possible.

Should You Include Your LinkedIn Profile Website Address on Your Resume?

Af first glance, this question seems like a no brainer. It would seem the answer would be "yes" under all circumstances.

I agree that providing this link can result in a definite advantage, especially if your profile includes recommendations that lend credibility to your resume claims. It also shows how well connected you are in your field.

However, if you include your link in your resume contact header, be sure that your LinkedIn profile will do you justice and not backfire on you. Be sure it's up to date and (just like with your resume) contains no typos or grammatical errors. Many people copy material from their resume to put into LinkedIn, which is fine as long as the profile provides new and helpful information, not just duplication. Seek out recommendations (which you can often obtain by recommending others) and build a solid online network through this wonderful resource.

Baby Boomers' Retirement Decisions & the Job Market

We know that baby boomers have started to enter their "golden" retirement years. We also know that the impact of the economy on 401(k)s and other investment vehicles have forced many to put off the thought of retiring.

Now the early signs of a possible economic recovery include the climbing stocks. They are far from the heights they had fallen, but if we are in an actual recovery they should continue to climb. As a bit more time passes and if boomers get their confidence back, a continuing mass retirement of boomers could substantially open up the job market at a time when employers start looking to rebuild their workforce. This could lead to a reversal of the scarcity of jobs rather quickly. A note of caution with this optimism though - boomers have been scared and it may take awhile for the confidence to return, and the continued growth of global outsourcing could also have an impact.

We truly live in interesting times with its own type of uncertainty about things. But there is always hope, and a positive attitude will always prevail in dark times.

Resume Branding

These days much is made of identifying your brand and featuring it on your resume. Why is this important? How can you effectively do this?

Identifying your brand can help you stand out from the multitude of other applicants. It shouldn't be lengthy. It should be unique. We all recognize brands of Nike and Harley-Davidson as their unique qualities (and very specific impressions) come to mind. This is a result of effective marketing.

A resume is a self-marketing document. However, with a resume, there's one more thing to keep in mind. Your brand needs to be relevant and attractive to potential employers. First of all use a title at the top of your resume instead of an objective statement. Then identify what you have (through exploring your achievements and strengths) that makes you the best at what you do in your career. For examples of branding, see resume samples at www.aberleneresume.com.