Getting a New Job During a Pandemic

February 17, 2021

Congratulations, you’ve decided to start looking for a new job! You might be feeling nervous, excited, overwhelmed, or all three. The good news is that people are actively getting jobs right now, in the middle of the pandemic. With the Federal Unemployment rate at 6.3%, the job market is pretty competitive, so might take a bit longer. As a job seeker, that means you should use all the tools available to give yourself a competitive advantage in this job market. We’ve rounded up some of our best tips to help you take your job search to the next level.

woman on couch wearing a mask in front of a computer looking for a new job

First: Networking

If you only take one thing away from this article, let networking be it. Networking is the MOST POWERFUL tool that you have at your disposal. The best part about networking is that unless the position has already been filled, it’s not too late to use it. When you apply for a job or see a posting that you’re interested in, the first question that you need to ask is if you know anyone at the company. Honestly, LinkedIn is one of the best ways to find this information out, but you can also search other social networking sites or even your email history too.

Right now, job postings are getting a lot of applicants. So many that sometimes recruiters and hiring managers can’t screen everyone manually. The intention behind networking is to have someone inside help your resume get to the top of the pile. If you have an internal employee recommending you for a position, even if they’re not in the same department or have nothing to do with HR, it can help get through the computer filters and get you in front of a real person.

Second: Keywords

woman at a table with a resume on a clipboard writing on a post it note.

So, what if you don’t have any connections at the company? Then you’re going to need to put in some work on that resume. Gone are the days of creating a single one-size-fits-all document that you can blast off at lightning speed for hundreds of jobs. While you might get a few hits playing the numbers game, you’re going to see much stronger returns if you directly reflect the job description keywords in your resume.

Now, this doesn’t mean you should copy the job description word-for-word in your resume. Try to incorporate the technical language and some soft skills as written in the posting. This customization will help you edge up higher in the ranks of applicants.

You may have heard this advice before, but here’s why it is crucial. In a competitive job market or a popular job (looking at you, project manager), there’s can be hundreds of applicants for a hiring manager or recruiter to go through. Applicant tracking systems help by sorting resumes for them and hiring managers start with the ones that the computer has determined to be the most likely best fit. The hiring manager can also filter and sort resumes based on experience, education, location, and other criteria. Still, if you don’t have the right keywords, your resume may never reach a real human.

Third: Online Interviews & Onboarding

A lot of companies have moved the entire hiring process virtually, from interviewing to onboarding. As you’re entering your job search, put some thought into your strategy for virtual interviews. There are many things to consider, and you want to be ready before you get the call from a hiring manager inviting you to interview. Check out our post on virtual interviews for more information and how to get prepared.

Coworker networking zoom meeting. Laptop with multiple faces in a meeting. Flowers and a coffee cup on the table as well.

Congratulations! You got the job. Now, to onboarding. As many positions are currently virtual, your onboarding may look different than what you’ve experienced in the past. Building relationships with a virtual team can take more effort and energy than meeting someone face-to-face. Non-verbal communication makes up a large part of our relationships, and connections are harder to build through emails, so if possible, turn on your camera.

If you can, take advantage of social networking invitations at work where you can get some off work face time with colleagues. One word of caution, being at home can make it feel more comfortable and casual than after-hours meetups but remember you still have to work with these people. As you’re building these relationships, stay professional, and imagine that someone from your HR department is listening in.

Next Steps:

If you’re preparing for a job change, we can help. We provide resume, interview, and career coaching services to clients across the US. Reach out to info@soundinterview.com for a free consultation.

How To: LinkedIn Connection Requests

November 18, 2020

If you’ve been looking for a job, chances are you’ve heard the infamous statistic that something like 70-80% of all jobs are gained through networking. As a job seeker, that can be a scary number, especially for introverts. In a perfect world, you know someone who can connect you to someone at that dream company in what we’d call a “warm handshake.” However, what do you do when you don’t have a connection? That’s where LinkedIn can come in handy. LinkedIn connection requests are one of the best tools to help you network virtually. Here’s how to send connection requests that will be accepted.

LinkedIn Connection requests

Some days I get upwards of 20 LinkedIn connection requests, and I don’t accept all of them. 99% of the time, I will decline these requests if it appears that the person is trying to sell me something (I’m looking at you, Financial Planners). Connection requests are relatively low effort to send to people, and, unlike some, I’m not a fan of collecting connections on LinkedIn. Initially, I took the approach that I’d only connect with people I’d worked with or encountered in my daily life. I’ve backed off that perspective a bit, and I’ve made meaningful connections with people I haven’t met in person. So, when I receive a connection request, here’s what I look for:

Do I know this person? If so, this is an easy yes!
Is there something in common with this person? Maybe we’ve worked together in the past or been affiliated with the same organization.
Is this person in a similar industry/profession as I am? I see this as a potential networking opportunity and sharing best practices.
Can I help this person? The best way I can identify if I can help a connection is if there’s a personal message included in the connection request.

Who to connect with

When you are looking for a new connection on LinkedIn, be intentional about who you are connecting with. Like the list above, you’re more likely to get requests accepted by people you know or when you have something in common, like a group or previous organization. Additionally, look at connecting with hiring managers or recruiters in the organization. While it might be nice to connect with the CEO or other C-suite leaders, unless you’re targeting positions reporting to them directly, they’re less likely to have the time for informational interviews and the time to build a relationship. Regardless of who you choose to send a connection request to, you’re going to have much more success if you personalize it.

Writing a LinkedIn Connection Request

When you’re reaching out to connect with someone on Linkedin, the best approach is to be clear about your motives. A personalized message will go a long way in helping them decide if they want to accept the request, and it’s pretty easy to do. Here are a few templates that you can customize:

Informational interview: Company

Hi “name,” I have been following “Company,” and I’m interested in learning more about “what.” I had a few questions, and I am hoping to connect. Thank you.

Informational interview: Job

Hi “name,” I see you are a “title” at “Company.” I’m currently a “title,” and I’m curious about what you enjoy about your current role. Would you be willing to answer a few questions? Thank you.

Looking for a position: Recruiter or Hiring Manager

Hello “name,” I see that you work at “Company.” I am a “XYZ professional with x years of experience” and would like to discuss potentially working together. I’d love to see if my background would be a fit for “Company.” I look forward to connecting. Thank you.

Connection Accepted, Now What?

Congratulations! The connection request worked. Now what? The worst thing you can do once you’ve made a new contact is not do anything. Within a few days, follow up with a message. Thank them for connecting with you. Networking relationships should be mutually beneficial, so it is an opportunity to offer any services or help you could provide along with your ask. A script could sound like “Hi “Name,” Thanks for connecting! I hope you’re doing well. I was hoping you’d be willing to answer a few questions about “topic,” if so, would you prefer email or phone? Also, please let me know if there’s anything I can help with.” Thanks, “Your Name.”

Once you’ve started the conversation, work to keep that relationship going. Please make an effort to check in via direct message every so often or engaging with the content your new connection is posting. Remember to avoid any political or other controversial topics on LinkedIn, and don’t say anything you wouldn’t want your future boss to read.

If you need some help building your job search strategy, our career coaches can help. Check out our career coaching options or email me directly at amie@soundinterview.com to create a custom plan.

Should I Go Back to My Old Company?

September 12, 2019

One of my clients, frustrated with the job search process, recently asked me about the pros and cons of going back to their old company. Deciding to return to a former company is a pretty individualized question, and there are many factors to consider when making that decision. Here are a couple of questions to ask yourself and some tips on how to be a “Boomerang Employee.”

In the Baby-Boomer generation, people rarely switched jobs, and even fewer people ever returned to their previous companies. Now, as careers are becoming more fluid, people stepping in and out of the workforce, employers see considerable value in welcoming past employees back. Organizations are setting up alumni network groups and newsletters to keep in touch with potential boomerang talent. Most of the time, previous employees have priority status in applicant tracking systems, and in some cases, companies even abbreviate the hiring process.

Benefits of Going Back

There can be lots of benefits to returning to a previous company. For one, you will likely get paid more. Typical annual raises range between 2-5%, but when you take a new job, your salary can jump as much as 15% in a move. Second, you’re going to have an easier time onboarding. Since you are already familiar with the systems and procedures, there’s less of an adjustment period. Finally, if you still have a strong network, the chances are that you will have an established reputation there.

Why Did You Leave?

What was it that motivated you to change roles? If you left your last job because you had a great new opportunity that came up or a different challenge, going back might make sense. If you left because you felt frustrated with the company, people, or the work that you were doing, take a harder look to see if this is the right decision. Ask yourself what was it about the organization that you enjoyed, and what were the things that made you crazy. It can be helpful to write out the plusses and minuses of the company. Ultimately, if you left because something was not a good fit, ask yourself if that reason is still valid.

What’s Changed?

If it’s been a few years since you worked for the company, take some time to catch up and see what’s new. Check out news articles, company earnings calls, and talk to previous co-workers to get a feel for how things are going. You are going to be bringing some new experience to the company since you last worked there. Think about what roles you are targeting.

Getting Started

You’ve considered everything you’re ready to boomerang back to your previous company, now what? First, start with your network. Find out whom you know that still works there. LinkedIn is pretty useful here since you can search by the company and see who is in your network that works there. While you’re there, explore the group section for “Company” Alumni or former employees of “Company.” Often these groups are monitored by the organization and will have valuable information about returning to work.

Using your Network

Now that you know who’s who, it’s time to start reaching out. Find time to connect with your network, who are still at the company. Ideally, your first meeting should be someone with hiring influence at the company. Try to make this meeting can happen face-to-face and if you can afford it, pick up their tab. Ask these questions:

Are they happy there? What’s different since you left?
Are they aware of any openings coming soon that might be in line with your experience?
Is there an employee referral program, are past employees eligible, and would they be willing to refer you?

Ultimately, using your network to get back into a company is the ideal strategy. If it’s been a long time since you left and you no longer have contacts there, reach out to a recruiter and try to establish a connection. After that, start applying to the positions on the company website. You will want to include your previous job there, even if it has been more than 10-15 years since you’ve worked there. If you are looking getting started or building a job search strategy, we can help! Email info@soundinterview.com to learn more.

February 4, 2019

Job Search Tips: Networking 101

Searching for a new job can be intimidating, especially if it’s been a while since you’ve been in the market. I often hear about how overwhelming it can be, and it is hard to know where to even begin! One approach the job search like any other internet search – type some keywords into Indeed or LinkedIn and see what happens. From there, you can spend hours studying job descriptions until finding the perfect job or applying to everything that maybe, possibly, potentially could fit, and seeing what happens.

While applying online can work, we know networking leads to faster job placement, higher wages, and longer employment duration (Source). So, if networking is so great, why aren’t more people doing it? In a lot of cases, people don’t know how, or where to start. Anxiety and imposter syndrome can also sneak in and make it difficult for people to reach out. Sometimes, clients are afraid to ask for ‘favors’ from others.

Imposter Syndrome

As in, “I’ve been successful in my career, but most of that has been a result of being in the right place at the right time. Someday they’re going to find out I’m not as good as they think I am.” If you’ve ever thought something along these lines, you might be suffering from Imposter Syndrome. It can be tough to recognize the potential that others see in you and own it. The hard part about networking and job seeking, in general, is that if you aren’t confident that you can do the work, employers won’t be convinced either. Don’t let your fear get in the way of a new job. It might seem silly, but power poses and having a mantra to repeat can help build confidence. Check your body language: shoulders back, head up, take a deep breath and go! Remember, you’ve got this. You could be the perfect person to take on that stretch job.

Asking for Help

Repeat after me: “Asking for help is not a weakness.” Asking for help can build a stronger bond with you and another person. When you ask someone for help, that person feels useful, and that you trust them. Asking for help can be a powerful tool to strengthen all kinds of different relationships, so spread the love around. It’s always better to get a warm introduction to a possible employer than reaching out blindly. Here’s the catch. When you ask someone for help, be willing to return the favor. Try not to rely on the same person consistently, our you might burn them out. Also, be sure to thank them for the connection, even if nothing comes of it. A simple handwritten note or even freshly baked cookies can go a long way in building those relationships.

Getting Started

So now that we’ve overcome a couple of common obstacles to networking, where the heck do you start?! There are a few ways you can get started. First, find out who you know. You can use social media or look through your phonebook. One underutilized method of networking is to send out an email to your contacts just letting them know you’re in the job market. Be selective about who you’re sending this to, especially if your employer doesn’t know you’re looking for a new opportunity.

If that’s not quite your style, help recruiters find you on LinkedIn by setting up your job notifications. This tool will help recruiters find you more easily and match you to potential positions that fit within your expectations. You can set preferences about the types of work you’re interested in, company size, industry and more. Don’t forget to double-check that your profile is up to date and reflects your most recent positions.

Creating your Top 10 list

Need more help narrowing it down? When you build a targeted list of companies you want to work at, you can see progress as your search progresses. First, do your research – what is it about the company that makes you want to work there? Awesome culture? Cool products? Stability and benefits? Great! Check out this spreadsheet to start brainstorming (hint: download a copy so you can make edits). If you feel like you’re stuck in your job search, this is a great tool to help you get unstuck.

Each week pick 3-4 companies and do something to build a network there. It could be setting up job notifications on their website, engaging with their social media pages, setting up informational interviews or even contacting a recruiter. Then, write it down and give yourself credit for the work you’ve done. By tracking your progress, you can see what strategies work as your networking progresses.

If you’re overwhelmed with where to start and need some help building a networking strategy or getting your job search kicked off, let us know. We can help with your resume, LinkedIn profile, cover letter reviews, and overall job search strategy.

November 14, 2017November 13, 2017

Building Rapport: Making Small Talk Work for You

Every interview starts with a casual conversation; maybe it is about the weather, sports, or even traffic. The hiring manager wants to put you at ease and avoid any awkward silence before the interview officially starts. It’s pretty well-known that small talk is an essential factor in building rapport for a long time, but a Harvard Business Review article lays out exactly how important.

The researchers did a study of 163 applicants and interviewers to see how much a first impression influences the interview. Half of the interviewers spent 2-3 minutes making small talk with the candidates. The other half watched a recorded video of the interviews and provided ratings. The interviewers who made small talk wrote down their initial impressions before moving on to the interview phase. When researchers reviewed the notes about the first impression, they found that they were directly related to job-related attributes. The hiring managers are judging your ability to perform the job the moment you walk in the door.

The researchers also found that the first impressions had the most significant impact on the first few questions. Interviewers rated applicants higher than deserved if they made an excellent first impression, and lower than justified if they made a poor impression.

It only takes 5 seconds for someone to have a first impression of your personality, trustworthiness, and intelligence, and you never know who is providing feedback on your behaviors. Hiring managers may very well ask the admins or other staff for input on how applicants treated them. There are a few things you can do to build rapport and increase your chances of getting hired.

Strategies to Build Rapport

For some, building rapport comes easy — **For some lucky people, building rapport comes easy.**

Physical Communication

There are a lot of bad handshakes out there, so find a partner and practice. Match the pressure of the other person; your handshake should be firm, but not a bone-crusher. On the other side, if you don’t apply enough pressure, you’ll also make a poor impression. Do your best to make sure your palm is perpendicular to the ground. If you turn your palm up you’re indicating submissiveness; downwards communicates dominance.

Be aware of your body and the messages you’re sending. Crossing your arms tells the interviewer that you’re closed off. On the other hand, be mindful of the space you are taking up and avoid spreading out or slouching. Since the first impression happens so quickly so be sure you’re practicing this while you’re waiting. How you use your head can also help make a positive impact. An article by PsychMechanics explains that tilting and nodding your head slowly conveys that you are interested and agree with what’s being said.

Mirroring

An article by PsychologyToday recommends mirroring the other person to build a stronger connection. When you’re mirroring, you are subtly reflecting behaviors. This includes the language they use, their tone, body language, and energy level. If the interviewer is using a quiet voice and not making a lot of hand gestures, you would do the same. When you’re nervous, mirroring can be a tough task to master. Practice mirroring with your friends and notice your how your behaviors change when you are around other people. By working on it beforehand, it will come more natural to you at the interview.

Verbal Communication

Topics are relevant. When you are trying building rapport, you should be looking for common ground and asking open-ended questions. Do your research on the hiring manager beforehand. Scope out them out on social media and see if you can find any common ground. Then, when you’re making small talk, look for opportunities to bring it up, but not in the “I-stalked-you-on-the-internet,-how-was-your-cooking-class-last-night” kind of way. Stay away from controversial topics like politics and religion, even if you think they’ll agree with you. Bringing up sensitive issues at the interview is always a bad idea.

Open-ended questions are another excellent way to get them talking. Asking questions that begin with how, what, and why can get the interviewer talking. The next step is to be a good listener. Don’t think about what you’re going to say next, just focus on what they are telling you. Do your best to be friendly and comfortable in the conversation, but remember this person could be your boss, so don’t forget to stay professional.

Practice through Networking

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Building rapport is a skill, and you will get better at it with practice. Every time you meet someone new, you have the opportunity to develop your skills further and build a bigger network. I know that for the introverts out there, this can be a daunting task but it will pay off dividends if it helps you get the job. You never know, the next person you meet could have an incredible job opportunity for you.

February 8, 2017February 8, 2017

Jump Start Your Job Search

Congratulations, you’re ready to start a job search! Change can be exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. If you aren’t quite sure where to start, you’re in the right place. Before you start applying for a new position, the first step is to update your resume. Then, it’s time to start checking out the job market to see what’s out there. To help you in your search, we sharing some of our favorite job search resources and how to best leverage them.

One of the best things about using LinkedIn for your job search on LinkedIn is that you can see who in your network at companies where you’d like to work. Personal referrals are still an excellent way to find out about new positions and get positive references for jobs. The other nice thing about LinkedIn is that allows you to signal to recruiters that you’re looking, without making it known on your profile. If you are planning on using LinkedIn as a tool, be sure that your profile is updated before you start reaching out.

It’s considered poor form to send out connections to people you don’t know, without some explanation. If you come across a profile of someone you don’t personally know and want to connect, be sure to personalize the request. Introduce yourself and be clear about your intentions. If they accept the connection, be sure to follow up with a thank you note and be patient while you wait for a response. Be sure to be respectful and proofread your message before sending it off.

Indeed is my favorite site to use for a job search. The site is a basic aggregator, which means that it pulls together job postings from all over the internet. If you are only going to use one website to search for jobs, this is the one I would recommend. Indeed is easy to use and doesn’t require you to sign into an account to see the postings. Of all the sites, this one offers the most inclusive list of positions which ends up saving lots of time.

Another helpful thing about Indeed is that they don’t charge companies to post on the site. If you’re primarily interested in working for smaller companies who don’t have a big corporate recruiting budget, this is one of the places you’re likely to find the jobs.

I have to admit, as a former HR professional, my feelings on Glassdoor are mixed. I think that it’s a useful tool for job seekers, because it includes salary data and a lot of information on companies. There does tend to be a lot of noise in the system. Generally speaking, most people don’t take the time to write reviews unless they’re really happy, or really not happy. I’ve seen some unfair reviews written by individuals who had obvious issues with the company. On the other hand, there is great information about the interview processes for businesses and their interface is pretty easy to use. Overall, I appreciate that it is a comprehensive tool, just be sure not to make your decisions based solely on a few negative reviews.

Your Network

When you’re ready to go public with your job search, one of the most powerful tools you have is your network. Consider who you can reach out to that might be able to help. Your network can be one of the strongest advocates for you. They might know about positions that haven’t hit the job boards quite yet, and they can put you in touch with the primary decision makers at organizations.

Sending emails and making phone calls are both decent ways to stay in touch and reconnect with your network. If you want to make the biggest impression, make time to meet with them face to face. In-person meetings tend to drive stronger connections that will leave longer lasting impressions, so they are always preferred. Finally, after you’ve applied for positions, be sure to brush up on your interview skills and stories too. You never know when a recruiter will call you and ask if you have a moment to chat!

November 21, 2016November 21, 2016

Lessons from Seattle Startup Week

Last week I was lucky enough to attend Seattle Startup Week. Determined to make the most in the time that I had, I attended 17 sessions over 4 days. Seattle Startup week pulled together amazing presenters and fantastic networking opportunities. I learned SO much and by the time the conference ended I was exhausted. Once it was all over, my notebook was filled with pages and pages of thoughts, ideas, and takeaways. You could feel the rooms buzz with creativity and electricity throughout the conference. This week I’m sharing a few of my key learnings from the sessions.

Key Take Aways

Networking is like Rolling a Dice

cube-689617_1280 Everyone has different opinions on networking and how effective it is. But when it comes down to it, Networking is ultimately just getting to know new people. Now, at these events there are a LOT of people, at one point I heard that 3400 people had gone through the 150+ sessions and one of the key benefits that Seattle Startup week offered was the opportunity to meet like-minded people.

So, how is networking like rolling a dice? For one thing, you’ve got about a one in six chance you are going to connect with someone and have relevant, meaningful conversation. These are gold. Maximize these connections and follow-up with the people later. Meet them for coffee and do your best to continue the conversation later.

Now, on the other hand, you also have about a one in six chance of getting stuck in a conversation that’s not going anywhere. Maybe you got cornered and can’t escape a conversation, or maybe the person is really passionate about a topic you’re not even the tiniest bit interested in. Knowing how to politely excuse yourself from a conversation is a skill any seasoned networker should perfect.

Building Networks versus Building Relationships

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Most networking conversations started with a handshake, a quick introduction and the “What brings you here?” or “What do you do?” questions. These are great but tend to be really superficial. Building relationships is a lot harder. I’d say I probably spoke to over 200 people while I was at startup week, but there’s probably about 10 people who I made really strong connections with. I actually spent 2 1/2 hours sitting at a tiny table with one person. Of all the connections I made, that was probably the best. My new friend and I just seemed to vibe really well. The conversation flowed really easy and it was pretty obvious that we’d built a relationship. And just in case he comes across this, Hi George!

The next big takeaway was the idea that you should give first. Think about your relationships with others like a bank account. When you start building a relationship, you should make deposits into your checking account. Do that by giving, helping, and advising. Maintain relationships with your network so that when the time comes that you need help or a favor, you’ve built up a big enough balance that you can make a withdrawal. Focusing on building your network before you actually need it, so that when you do need a favor, you know who to ask.

Working at Startups

I spe Startup office nt a lot of my time on the “Talent” track so I could learn more about what Startups look for when hiring employees. While startups and smaller companies aren’t usually able to compete with the Amazons, Microsofts, and Googles of the world, they have a lot to offer. The rooms buzzed with energy. Everyone I talked to was passionate about their work and you could see eyes light up when they talked about the business. There’s so much opportunity to build skills and influence change at a smaller company. They’re more nimble and flexible than bigger organizations.

Startups and small companies have to work hard to recruit the right people, and those employees become irreplaceable. If you decide that you want to work for a startup, chances are, your benefits and paycheck aren’t going to be as competitive. You’re going to work a lot of hours. The office might be a co-working space or someone’s basement, but it’s probably not going to start out being super sexy. On the plus side, you’re going to learn a lot. You get the opportunity to really stretch your skills and have multiple roles. They’re usually a lot more flexible with vacation, but you’re definitely going to earn it. Your team is going to be really close & you will build some amazing relationships with your coworkers.

Tell Good Stories

Throughout the week, there were some amazing stories. Stories are incredibly powerful tools to connect with people. Whether you’re giving a presentation, having a casual conversation with someone or even interviewing, stories help people understand you. We are all storytellers and the more you practice telling your stories the more powerful they can become. Think about how you use them in your day to connect, communicate and share. Be conscience of the message you send with your stories and how they’re perceived, especially if you are in a position of power. Think about a leader who talks about the importance of work-life balance but contradicts that with stories about consistently working late or never taking a vacation. The leader’s personal stories and behaviors will make the bigger impact on how the team works and manages their own time.

It’s Okay to be Vulnerable

hands-1044882_1920 One of the common threads during the week was the power in vulnerability. I went to a session called “The Dark Side of Entrepreneurship” where five leaders told their stories about failure, self-doubt, and depression. It was probably one of the most impactful sessions for me. Being vulnerable helps people connect and relate to you. Have the ability and self-awareness to admit when you made a mistake or need help on a project.

At another session, Jenn Briggs talked about focusing on 80% instead of 150%. You can’t do 150% well, but if you keep a little bit of time for yourself, you’ll end up happier and more productive. I’m a wife, a mother, and a business owner. Most days it’s pretty difficult to balance everything. It was really helpful to hear that it’s impossible to be good at everything at the same time. There are days when I am going to be an amazing business owner and not a great wife or vice versa. The key is to have balance and most of the time we know when we need to make adjustments.

Next Steps

Over the next few weeks, I’m focusing on applying some the key takeaways to work. My focus this week is on spending time reviewing my notes and working through my list of action items from Seattle Startup Week. I’ve committed to taking at least one day off and reconnecting with one person in my network each week. What are you focusing on?

November 30, 2016October 6, 2016

Incognito Mode: Let LinkedIn Recruiters Know You’re Looking

LinkedIn just announced a new feature called Open Candidates, helping active job seekers go incognito. This feature lets LinkedIn recruiters know that you’re looking, without your boss finding out. In the past, we told clients not to publicize they’re looking for a new position unless they’ve conversation with their leader first. There are a lot of reasons why you might not want your employer to know you’re looking for a job. You might be worried they’ll treat you differently once they know you are looking or believe it would affect your work assignments.

Now, it might not be perfect yet, but it’s a start. LinkedIn says they’ll do their best not to let recruiters who work at your company know that you’re looking. There might be a few situations you’re current employer could find out you’re looking. If your business recruiters haven’t updated their current employer in their profile, or if your company goes by multiple names, they still might be able to see you. They assign companies ID’s, and if your company’s ID matches the recruiters, you’re not visible to them. If your business uses agency recruiters to fill positions, there might be a chance the agency recruiter comes across your profile.

How to Update your Settings for LinkedIn Recruiters

If you’re ready to open the floodgates of InMails from recruiters, here’s how you can get started. First, make sure your profile is up to date and recruiter ready. If you’re set on your employer not finding out that you’re looking, turn off your update notifications in your profile. This way your connections don’t see your profile changes in their LinkedIn newsfeed.

Once your profile is ready to go, it’s pretty easy to turn on this new feature. From your LinkedIn home page, click on Jobs. Here you can search for jobs, explore suggested jobs and update preferences. The Open Candidates feature is located under the preferences menu. LinkedIn has set your preference to off as a standard, so you’ll need to turn the feature on. From there, you can narrow down your choices. Decide the types of jobs, start availability and set an introduction to recruiters. Then you choose your interests, including industries, experience level, company size, and locations. Hopefully, providing this information will help you get in front of the right people. Recruiters will be able to see the date you flagged yourself, your interests and the types of jobs you like.

I want to hear your thoughts on this new tool; do you think that it’s going to be helpful in your job search? If you’re not planning on using it, tell me why. If you found this article helpful, please share it! Sound Interview Professionals is on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn and I’d love to connect with you.

November 30, 2016October 2, 2016

Social Media for Job Seekers Part 3: Lessons Learned

Every day people are finding new ways to use social media to get a job. As a job seeker, creativity will get you noticed. This is the last post in our Social Media series, and we wanted to share some of the successes and failures we’ve come across. I Take a moment to check out Part 1 and Part 2 of our series if you haven’t already.

Socially Awesome

Facebook Ads & a Trending Hashtag

About ten years ago, my close friend Scott decided he wanted to work at ThoughtWorks Australia. He had a tendency to be a bit impatient back then, so instead of waiting for them to get back to his application he decided that he wanted to help expedite the process. He launched a campaign to get hired that included two Facebook ads that led to microsite complete with a slide show and the ability to prank call people.

The slideshow he created demonstrated how his values aligned with those of the organization and included his accomplishments. Scott’s campaign became so popular that the ThoughtWorks Australia employees started #DearScott, which trended on Twitter briefly in Australia. He made it through their interview process and signed on as an employee not long after.

Scott did a lot of things right. He was intentional about his word choices for the advertisement, focusing on being a part of the team instead of being an employee (with/for). When people clicked, the site didn’t just lead to a resume; it was interactive and engaging. He connected to the company values and focused on his accomplishments instead of his previous duties. The prank call aspect let his personality show through in a fun, harmless way.

Lego Girl Gets a Job!

About two years ago a recent college graduate used Legos to apply for internships at creative agencies. She created a mini-scale Lego model, complete with packaging that she used to apply for jobs at her top two companies. She customized the colors on the packages to match the agency branding and included an “instruction book” highlighting her skills. In addition to sending the kits, she posted the photos to Reddit, which got a lot of attention from the industry. Her initiatives worked, and a few weeks later she posted this follow-up.

Socially Awkward

It’s important to be careful because mistakes on social media can cost you a job, or worse, your professional reputation. The next story is about another job seeker using Facebook advertising to get noticed by an employer. This time, it didn’t work out quite so well. The second example is a good reminder to be cautious of everything you post online, not only on your professional social media accounts.

You, Your, You’re…OUT!

One of my marketing friends told me about a failed ad campaign that an applicant tried. The company name and job seekers name are hidden for privacy purposes. From what she tells me several employees spotted the ad, first appearing on their personal Facebook feeds. Then it also popped up in at least one article or blog post an employee was reading.

The ad might have worked if it weren’t for one mistake. The position was in marketing, and this candidate used the wrong version of you’re, not once, but twice in the same advertisement. In a job where attention to detail is so important, the candidate pretty much guaranteed they won’t be getting a callback.

OKCupid to Facebook to LinkedIn to NOPE

An interesting article came across my news feed from SHRM, a professional organization for HR people. The article headline was “Vulgar Comments on Dating App Cause Recruiter to Dismiss Candidate.” The short story is that a recruiter was cruising Facebook when she saw her friend shared a Not Safe For Work Screenshot of some vulgar and threatening messages she received from a man on her Facebook news feed.

The recruiter thought the guy looked familiar, so she did a reverse google image search of his OKCupid photos. It turned out that the picture search led her to the guy’s LinkedIn profile, with the same photo. She rejected him from the candidate pool and sent a note telling him to be nicer to women. Her actions in dismissing the applicant were completely legal. If she had decided to move forward with the candidate given what she had seen and some issue happened at work, the company could be held liable for negligent hiring.

What’s the key takeaway here? Don’t use your professional profile photos in places you don’t want your employer to see. Be careful what you post online in general. There is an increasing blend of people’s personal and professional lives. Anything you put out into the world can be captured and shared. Think about what you’re putting out in the world and who you’re sending these things to. And honestly, just be a nice person.

Attention to Details

The other day this came across my Facebook feed just in time for this article. A friend of mine works at Zulily, and he recently received a mysterious hand delivered letter. Before he opened it, he posted a photo on Facebook. His name and photo are blurred for privacy. The person sending the message put in a lot of work and thought into his efforts. He researched the company, and he included an original signed recommendation, and he followed up on LinkedIn after it was delivered.

Unfortunately, there were critical errors. Remember when we talked about proofreading? Here is another example of a spelling error. It comes across as a lack of attention to detail. The second error was that he had the wrong hiring manager. My friend did end up passing the information along to the right person in the end, but those two mistakes might be a deal breaker for the hiring manager.

Oh, and as far as my friend’s informal survey? Two people said creepy/unprofessional because of the spelling along with sending it to the wrong person, and one person voted for being a go-getter.

Thanks for sticking with us through the series. Have you ever tried any of these tricks? We’d love to hear if they worked out for you. Tell us about them in the comments.

November 30, 2016September 26, 2016

Social Media for Job Seekers Part 2: Using Social Media to Get a Job

In the first part of our Social Media series, we talked about platforms job seekers should use to build connections and find positions. In part two we’re giving you our best tips on how to use social media to get a job, networking and building an audience.

Introduce Yourself

If you want to use social media to get a job, you need a summary. Use this section to talk about your professional skills, experiences, and what interests you. This information should be public, so double-check your settings. If you haven’t told your boss you’re looking for a job, don’t mention it in your profile, unless you are ready for an awkward conversation later.

LinkedIn: Focus on your summary, work history, education, certifications and volunteer experience. LinkedIn allows plenty of space to create an engaging summary and walks you through setting up a complete profile.

Twitter: You only get 160 characters, so focus on your career, industry, and interests, but avoid buzzwords that aren’t meaningful (perfectionist, strong performer, etc.).

Facebook: You can make the “about me” section public, but keep personal details out of it. Recruiters don’t need to read about your home-brew hobbies or the heavy metal band you play in unless it’s related to the jobs you’re applying for.

It’s best to leave out personal information, especially in your summary. Marital status, children, sexual orientation, age, religion and political views are illegal to ask about in the hiring process. Yes, it might be easy to tell from your name or photo some of these things but providing extra personal details isn’t going to help you get a job.

Be Active

Get noticed by posting new content, starting meaningful conversations and asking thought-provoking questions. By engaging with others, you’ll increase your audience and your chances of getting noticed by a recruiter. Search for industry-specific groups to join and events in your city where you can network in person. These groups will help you stay on top of your industry and learn about jobs before they get posted.

Once you landed the job, stay engaged. You’ve spent a lot of effort building a network so don’t abandon it. Keep your network open and post to it at least weekly. You never know when you might need help, or be able to be a resource for someone in your network. Also, hiring managers love to engage passive job seekers, people who aren’t looking for a job because they’re already employed. The next fantastic opportunity could be around the corner

Be Professional

Anytime you are using social media to get a job; your profile should be professional. That includes user names, photos and ‘about me’ sections. Use your real name and a professional email address like first.last@email.com for all professional communications. Ensure that you are using professional usernames, vanity URL’s, and photos for these accounts. Anyone can still click-through your previous profile pictures on Facebook, even if your profile is private.

Ask yourself if you’d be okay with your supervisor seeing your content or comments before you post it. If not, don’t post it. Recruiters and hiring managers will judge you based on your posts. Proofreading is especially important when you are looking for a job. Double check spelling, grammar and content to make sure it’s work appropriate.

Be On Topic

You’ve started a Twitter account, LinkedIn profile, and joined some Facebook groups to begin networking, Fantastic! Now the next step is to make sure that the content you’re posting is on-topic and relevant. Use caution with controversial topics; they are tricky, and it might be better off to avoid them, at least at first. If you decide to go down that road, they should be related to the industry, promote thoughtful discussion, and a have balanced perspective. Watch the content carefully and shut it down if it becomes offensive.

It’s important to keep in mind that just because you have separate personal accounts doesn’t mean that recruiters won’t find them. Recruiters are getting excellent at researching candidates these days. When you post content on your personal accounts, there’s still a good chance it could be seen. Double check your privacy settings and beware, even if you do have strong privacy settings, someone could take a screenshot, and your post could end up all over the internet.

Be Positive

We all know the one person from work or school who is ALWAYS complaining. This person might be fantastic at what they do, but their attitude affects everyone around. Don’t be that person on social media. Consistently complaining or posting negatively will drive hiring managers away fast. Yes, we’re looking for individuals who can do the job, but we don’t want to kill the culture at the same time. So, don’t badmouth your bosses or companies, and don’t vent. It’s okay to disagree with someone as long as you’re respectful. Stay away from personal attacks and negative comments because they’ll just make you look bad.

Be Resourceful

Are you curious about what it’s like to work at a company? Most companies have social media accounts that you can follow. You’ll learn about their values and the initiatives they have in work. Search for people who list the company as their employer and see what they are saying. If you are using LinkedIn, personalize any connection requests that you send!

To connect, send a friendly note introducing yourself and ask a few questions. After you’ve had a successful exchange, consider asking if they’d be open to a short (15-20 minutes) informational interview on the phone. If they agree, prepare questions about the work, company, the challenges & why they like it. The intent is to learn about life at the organization, not to try to sell yourself.

If you have an upcoming interview, you can search for the interviewers to learn about them. Look for things you have in common so you can bring up topics to casually build a rapport. For example, If you learn that the hiring manager is a big baseball fan, you can ask if they saw the game last night (without mentioning you looked them up of course!). Be tactful in how you approach these conversations, though, you don’t want to come across as creepy.

We concluded our Social Media series in Part 3, with examples using social media to get a job (and some that didn’t work so well). Be sure to subscribe to our blog, so you don’t miss out!