If you are currently a job seeker or expect to be in career transition in the near future you are aware that it can become an extremely stressful time. Concerns increase over time regarding the emotional and financial stability of a household and fear of the unknown can result in a feeling of desperation and vulnerability. Despite the discouragement that may be present at times throughout the job search process, it is imperative that you proceed with the utmost of due diligence prior to obtaining the services of any company, especially those requesting a substantial fee.

Unfortunately there are too many organizations that prey on the vulnerability of others using a scam that enables them to sell inferior products or services. The diet industry is likely the best example, generating billions of dollars selling products that just don’t work. Desperation and vulnerability lead many to accept offers including diet pills that are not regulated or approved. As in most industries, the career industry is also not free of scams with organizations sending out mass mailings that sound personal and guarantee you a job…… for a fee; a substantial fee! You will read the same canned spiel often from a variety of company names. The majority will ask you to set up an appointment to come back with your spouse. No amount of money will guarantee you a job as you will learn from the reputable and legitimate career services that are available. It is not difficult to find out who’s who, just Google It and  Avoid a Scam!

The Internet and especially the advent of social media provides the ability to share our voice and experiences with ease. Although many scams still exist, it is becoming more and more difficult for those running them to keep ahead of the online feedback even though they respond by changing their company name on a regular basis. Before you sign a contract and hand over a substantial amount of money, Google it! Simply enter the company name and beside it type scam. Many companies share the same name so be sure the results relate to the particular company you are searching by confirming the location or names involved. Check out sites such as Ripoff Report, About.com, Consumer Scams in Canada, http://www.armydiller.com/financial-scam/. You will be amazed at how much information is available online! Further to Google searches for company names and scams, frauds, etc, most companies have a website and legitimate organizations are proud to include contact details and names. Linkedin is the top social media site for professionals and offers the opportunity to search for millions of individuals and companies to seek out further information. Testimonials are also available for review and are posted by the author, not the recipient.

The next time you are interested in doing business with anyone, Google the name prior to making a commitment. In the career industry it is safe to say that a reputable company will have a visible online profile. 

A job search can be an extremely discouraging experience for many people. Sending out a resume over and over again to recruiters, companies and job boards and waiting beside a phone that never rings. Is your resume to blame? 

Before you blame your resume, it is important to have a clear perspective and a good understanding of the job market. Did you know that online jobs account for less than 5% of all available jobs? Did you know that close to 80% of jobs are obtained as a result of networking? How many resumes are you submitting to online job postings versus those submitted from leads obtained by networking? Is it possible that your job search strategy is to blame and not your resume?  

When applying for a job, is the experience noted on your resume closely matched to the job description that you are applying for?  Do you have the qualifications that the potential employer is seeking? Some companies are willing to accept experience in lieu of a degree but if you don’t have the experience or the education, do you think you should be called in for an interview? Are you still blaming your resume?

Your resume is a critical document in the job search process and is more often than not, the only chance you have to create a dynamic first impression. As an introduction to a job interview, you must present a professional and accomplishment based resume if you intend to catch the attention of a decision maker. It is just as important to ensure your resume reaches the individual who is in a position to make a decision for a viable job and to apply for positions that you are qualified to fill.

Of course your resume could be to blame for your lack of job interviews but this need not be the case. Email your resume to Elite Resumes for a free resume critique from a Certified Professional Resume Writer. Don’t take any chances on a missed opportunity for a job interview because of a poorly written resume.

Real-time content provided by millions of individuals utilizing social media,  specifically Twitter has given power to the voice of the people like never before in our history. After an earthquake was felt by thousands of people, The Globe and Mail and CNN were contributing simply by retweeting tweets on Twitter provided by those witnessing the quake.

xkcd posted a great comic about Twitter in relation to the earthquake called, Seismic Waves.

There are 100 million users on Twitter and with the click of a button we have the ability to share tweets and links, or simply put, information about anything we choose to post online. The number of users adds credibility as seen when the first tweet was posted about the earthquake and then confirmed by other tweets that we had indeed felt the effects of an earthquake. Tweets were posted later in the day as storms blew in and a tornado touched down in Midland, Ontario. Further tweets that day were reporting the longest tennis match ever recorded.

It was an eventful day but regardless of these newsworthy tweets, Twitter is a user-friendly, social media site offering the ultimate resource to satisfy any interest. There is no fee required to sign up for a Twitter profile but it will require an investment of time and a strong commitment to establishing a suitable following. Also key to successfully utilizing all of the social media sites is a strong focus on engagement. Interacting with others requires establishing valuable relationships online. Choose to accept followers and follow individuals or businesses that are relative to your interests and goals.  

If you are currently in a job search, include details of what you are looking for in your bio and carefully consider the keywords you use to ensure they are common within the industry you are seeking a job. Use keywords to search for colleagues within the same industry. You will have the ability to find out about available jobs, connect with others and follow industry trends.    

If you have any questions about Twitter, Google it! Search results for Twitter Tips produced 325 millions results!

Everything you do online will influence your personal and professional brand! How are you perceived? What impression do you want to leave with colleagues, friends and decision makers? Recently I wrote, Heated Conversation Threads after reading far too many negative personal responses “gone public” and it seems that no one is paying attention.

Of course we are all more easily influenced by a negative comment or issue, which is why it is extremely important to exercise restraint prior to posting comments online! First and foremost, according to Internet World Stats, the population of North America is 340,831,831 and the number of Internet users are reported to be 259,561,000. Over 76% of the population of North America have the ability to provide online content! With these statistics in mind, is it possible that everything that is posted online is valid and accurate information? Do you believe that over 76% of the population of North America has the expertise, common sense and the sense of responsibility to avoid exaggerating or overstating the facts? Seeking to gain attention has led many a reporter to stray from the facts or present a sensational embellishment of an otherwise less than newsworthy event. Are you really expecting everything you read online to be the truth?

At one time, a very small percentage of individuals were producing media content, much of it focused on current events as well as on the most elite and renowned individuals of the time. We know that it was not difficult then or now to manipulate the perception of the audience with less than accurate information. Consider Rock Hudson; tall, dark, handsome, suave, debonair and husband and lover of beautiful women. The “sexiest male icon in movie industry.” Did I say women? What about Tiger Woods and his squeaky clean portrayal as husband and father? Or Bernie Madoff, as a trusted and brilliant investment advisor convicted of defrauding billions of dollars? Until these people were actually exposed, little of what you read about them was the truth! 

There is a reason you have heard all your life, “take it with a grain of salt”! Today, it is even more prudent as the amount of content posted online is infinite and should be viewed with the utmost of rationale prior to acceptance as fact! Currently there is an article about a company not hiring someone who is not employed that has gone viral. Everyone is jumping in to post comments online thrashing various HR departments across the world for unethical performance and using this as an excuse in their failure to land a job! I referred to it in, Job Search Strategy when I noted a valuable post that referenced the article and specifically said, “read beyond”, “take a deep breath”, as the advice was consistent with good job search strategies. According to most of the comments, no advice was heeded as that one negative reference fuelled and continues to fuel the fire with a hugely negative impact while all the positive advice is ignored.

Please stay level-headed, leveraging common sense in your evaluation of any online information. Try not to distort the relevance by extracting a single thread of potentially irrelevant information. There is no doubt that discrimination exists in some organizations’ hiring practices but job candidates, for the most part, are determined by qualifications, confidence, professional demeanour, expertise, articulation, confidence, reputation, brand, academic background and most importantly, accomplishments! Millions of companies and organizations have not implemented a new rule to deny consideration to potential candidates that are currently unemployed. It is highly recommended when posting  comments online to relay positive information that will highlight your expertise rather than damaging your professional image with negative comments and announcing your inability to secure a job because you believe all HR department’s discriminate against you.

From massive layoffs to hiring frenzies. Who is hiring? Where are the jobs? How many recruiting agencies are searching to fill positions? Who are they? What positions are they trying to fill? Are there really that many job boards? Regardless of the answers to any of these questions, it is more critical to focus on a job search strategy that involves a strictly managed career path based on your ability, qualifications, aspirations, cultural fit, passion and goals. Take control of your job search by targeting specific organizations, companies, contacts and industries. External influences are beyond your control and although it is important to stay current, it is not possible to succeed in a job search based solely on economic indicators, predictions or job board postings that may or may not be valid.

Applying for jobs posted on job boards is the least effective job search strategy as it is estimated that only 3% to 4% of jobs are posted online so it is extremely important to manage your time wisely. The highest % of available jobs are hidden, which is why networking is the most effective job search initiative. Confidence is an extremely influential trait and highly regarded by recruiters and HR professionals. Combining a well managed career that clearly targets specific companies and positions with effective networking will result in a noticeable competitive edge in any job interview as you will most certainly be perceived as professional, confident, knowledgeable, qualified and enthusiastic. Applying for a job just because it is posted online will not provide you with the competitive edge that is required to land a job.

BNET has a great post by Suzzane Lucas, Unemployed? Then Don’t Bother Applying as long as you read beyond, “So, take a deep breath.”, as there are a few comments suggesting otherwise. The message concurs with applying for jobs you are qualified for, staying away from mindless applications and most importantly, network, network, network!

Contact Elite Resumes to speak with Martin Buckland, Certified Job Search Trainer. 

Summer is fast approaching and plans for summer holidays have likely been in the works for awhile now inspired by an early start to the cottage season due to unusually temperate weather during the month of April. If you are in an active job search, are you coordinating your holidays around your job search? If you are considering a long term suspension of your job search to opt for an extended summer holiday, you may want to reconsider.

The advantages of a summer job search are really quite astounding. Most of the year your resume will be one of hundreds or possibly even thousands, all hopeful to secure the opportunity for a job interview. The competition is fierce as we slowly recover from an economic downturn that resulted in record job loss rates throughout North America. What if your resume was only one in thirty instead of one in one hundred?

Did you know that 70% of your competition withdraws from their job search during the summer months? Whether this consistent phenomenon is due to those who would rather spend their summers at the cottage or those who don’t believe a successful job search is possible during these months, the fact is, should you decide to stay in the race, your opportunity to reach the finish line just got that much greater!

Now is the time to ramp up your job search and take advantage of the summer months. You’ve just outrun 70% of your competition and all you had to do was stay in the race!

For further information on job search strategies contact Elite Resumes to speak to Martin Buckland, Certified Job Search Trainer and Job and Career Transition Coach.

What job search strategies are you utilizing? Since we know that networking is the most effective and successful job search tool available have you made it your top priority? If so, are you prepared to network in person and online?

Professional networking opportunities are easily discovered but don’t ignore opportunities to network at any social venue including your church, fundraisers, local organizations, special interest groups and Birthday parties! Someone knows someone and that someone could very well be the key contact that will lead you into your next appointment. Always be prepared to reach out and share information about yourself and never be shy about including the fact that you are seeking a new position. Remember first impressions are critical so take note of the following:

• Look in a mirror! Are you well dressed and well groomed?
• Do you have an elevator pitch, well practiced and in both a short and long version depending on the opportunity?
• Does your business card look professional and is it current?
• Are you prepared to ask for contact information and to follow up?

Networking online is no longer an option, it is a must. HR professionals and recruiters agree that Linkedin is a top resource in their recruitment of candidates. To ensure you are successful with online networking, take note of the following:

• Create your Linkedin profile using content from a professionally prepared resume.
• Display an enticing tag line. 
• Acquire a professional photo for all online profiles.
• Clearly describe the position you are seeking.
• Be diligent in updating your status and increasing your network of connections with a personalized invitation.

Linkedin currently provides access to 65 million professionals but don’t ignore the significant impact of networking offline within your circle of colleagues, friends and relatives. It is only a few degrees of separation that connects us all and it only takes one contact to succeed in your job search.

Visit http://aneliteresume.com/execunet/ for information on Executive Networking Meetings held three times a month in the GTA.

The most dramatic changes we have seen in networking for job opportunities are related to Internet use and specifically, social media. Gone are the days when your entire network consisted of friends, family and co-workers. Today we are able to connect with millions of people and target specific industries, companies and people opening up a whole new list of job search strategies and increased job opportunities.

Not so long ago, a company interested in hiring would have put an advertisement in a newspaper, you would submit your resume and then sit back hoping to be called in for an interview. Today, they are more likely to post the position on the Internet. Whether a company or recruiting website or job boards, an online search has the potential to provide results for thousands of jobs from around the world. The emergence and rapid growth of social media has given recruiters and HR professionals the resources to seek out potential candidates through online profiles and studies show 80% are logging in to Linkedin. With access to 60 million professionals it’s no wonder! With a population greater than all but two countries in the world, Facebook is evolving into the ultimate social media networking and marketing tool. Gone are the days when only businesses actively marketed products and services. Potential candidates are networking online to market their expertise and position themselves as the next CEO or VP.    

Networking with HR professionals and recruiters is an obvious and necessary component of your job search online and off. So too, is attending networking meetings to share information with other professionals in career transition and develop valuable contacts and leads. What about networking with employees? Those who are gainfully employed could offer a valuable connection as many companies offer their employees a substantial bonus, $2,000 to $10,000 for referring a potential candidate who is successfully hired to fill a position.

Networking is the most successful job search tool available surpassing all other strategies combined. Online job boards account for only 3-5% of jobs so the next time you are online, allocate your time accordingly. Present a professional online profile, update your status regularly and NETWORK online and off to secure job opportunities and land the job that’s right for you!

Visit ExecuNet for further information on three executive networking events held each month at Toronto venues.

Which companies are you targeting in your job search? Have you given consideration to a cultural fit or a shared vision? In a previous blog post, What Skills Should You Be Flaunting, a cultural fit and shared vision were given top priority in a decision to hire. Are you interested in a company that publicly communicates sustainability objectives or policies? A company actively engaged in community and social causes, procedures to improve energy efficiencies or progressive plans to reduce environmental impact? Your job search should consist of targeting companies that share your values and vision. In doing so you just might end up with the competitive advantage needed to land your next job and position yourself within an organization with a bright future. 

“Corporate Social Responsibilty in the Noughties”, clearly relays the growing trend in a survey of over one thousand CEO’s on the importance of corporate social responsibility with 56.2% believing it to be a high priority in 2007 and increasing to 68.9% in 2010. Consumer expectations continue to grow with the understanding that a corporations actions and behaviour do have social consequences. Marketing a product at a great price is no longer a successful strategy on its own if it is at the expense of social, economic or environmental conditions. Social media continues to provide a more level playing field for millions of consumers to share their concerns. Companies are listening, interracting and responding to consumer feedback realizing that the once one-sided, in your face marketing campaigns are no longer acceptable. 

Sustainability is the long term maintenance of well being, which in turn depends on the well being of the natural world and the responsible use of natural resources. Wikipedia provides the most quoted definition from the Brundtland Commission of the United Nations, 1987 as, “sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.  Sustainable organizations are slowly emerging and with some investigation you may just find the perfect employment opportunity providing a cultural fit and a shared vision.

B Corporations, Corporate Knights, InCourage, Orenda, MaRS, 3BL Media  

How are you conducting your job search? What strategies are you implementing? Are you utilizing the vast array of social media tools available? If it has been awhile since your last job search, you will find that effective job search strategies have changed dramatically!

There are still many basic strategies that have remained constant as follows:

• Show determination and confidence
• Invest in a professional resume and cover letter
• Develop relationships with recruiters
• Research and identify potential employers
• Prepare questions for the job interview
• Follow up with thank you letters
• Network
• Be patient and persistent

The following blog, The Ultimate Social Media Check List for Job Hunters, is an excellent resource containing more than a few job search strategies that you may not be as familiar with including:
Broad Networking- Linkedin, Twitter, Local/Trade-specific Professional Social Networks, Facebook, Bookmarking/site sharing networks
Build Your Brand - Providing Content- Create a blog, Create a Gravatar/OpenID, Video Interview/YouTube
Also included, Links You Must Visit –  ”30 Ways to Land a Job in 2010″, ”50 Twitter Users to Follow for Your Job Search”, ”Global Twitter Recruiting System” and “JobMob, One of the leading career/job search blog”; to name a few.

If you are a little overwhelmed with these job search strategies, Making the Most of Social Media Marketing – Links, includes a comprehensive list of Social Media Tips, Guides, Plugins, Platforms, Analytics Tools, Apps and other resources. Another excellent resource.

Contact Elite Resumes to speak with Martin Buckland, Certified Job Search Trainer.