?? How To Get a Sweet First Job After College or University

?? How To Get a Sweet First Job After College or University 81 Passed all your courses? Use this quick guide so you don't fail at finding a first job after college. Photo credit: JD Hancock This is a guest post by Veronica Wright. With a degree in hand and no job yet, are you wondering if it was worth all the years you spent in academia? Don’t fret, job hunting for new graduates is like a full-time job itself and has to be treated like one.eval You are not alone, and while your job hunt can be as hard as one of the classes you took in school, with diligence and presenting your resume in a way that it gets noticed, you can do this. Here's how to get your first job…eval How long did it take you to find your first job after college? Less than a week Less than a month Ask me later, I'm still looking for it View Results Free bonus: Download a PDF version of this article to use as a handy reference. Leverage contacts as much as possible The one thing that soon-to-be graduates need to do while still in college is to make contacts. Then, after graduating, follow up on some of those hands you shook at the many conferences, workshops, internships, and job fairs, etc., that you attended during your final year. Look through all of your books for notes, business cards and anything that was given you during these events. Call numbers you find, reminding those on the other end where you met them, and that now graduated, you are looking for employment. Name drop if you can, there is nothing wrong with it. To get in the door of many businesses today, you have to know someone or be recommended by someone. Reach out to former professors Revisit your school. Let previous professors know that you are stomping the sidewalks looking for a job after graduation and can't seem to find anything in your field, the field they educated you about. They may be able to offer teaching assistant jobs that don't pay much but can tide you over until you find a more lucrative position. While on campus, find out if you're eligible for job placement resources as an alumnus. Given your academic record, they might have suggestions about good jobs for you. Socialize Losing contact with your friends from college and your online connections happens, but build those connections back up. Those that you reconnect with may be able to lead you in the right direction, or you can even start a local group of recent grads and industry professionals that network to help each other find jobs. Check which of your acquaintances are working in relevant jobs or companies, and ask if their company is hiring, or if one of their colleagues can recommend a company that is. Update your social media profiles and look for active groups, pages, Meetups, etc., in your field. Pay particular attention to this: 94% of recruiters use LinkedIn when vetting candidates. 94% of recruiters use LinkedIn when vetting candidatesClick To Tweet A small paycheck at first is better than no paycheck Do what you can till you get what you want. Work at a grocery store? Any job that comes up, take it, especially if it's an entry-level role at a place company that you are dying to work for and will get you in the door. In the mail room? Use it to work your way up. Eventually, with hard work you'll be noticed. If you think that you're ready, start your own small business. Freelance writers are big now, and there are many online positions for those that are diligent in looking for them. Look for seasonal work in your area, or let perspective employers know that you are willing to relocate if need be. A good resume is a must Getting yourself ready for job placement is one thing, but getting that resume in the hands of those that make the decisions is another. Today, many companies are using applicant tracking software (ATSes) to sift through the hundreds if not thousands of applications that come across their networks every day. This software looks over your resume before a human being lays hands on it. Here are a few essential tips on how to make your resume “robot-proof”: Don't waste space. For instance, in your contact information: Email: joeblow@xxxxx.com. You don't need the word “Email”. There are actually companies that will have their robot check for unnecessary words. Resume keywords are important. Research the company that you are applying for and use relevant keywords in your resume such as those mentioned in the given job description. When it comes to your skills section, don't just list that you know “the Microsoft Office Suite”. The robot will be looking for any word but Office or Suite. Instead, specify Excel, PowerPoint, etc. Don't use a minus sign to separate wording, only use em dashâ€"between words or numbers. Grammar is extremely important when submitting your resume, because the ATS will simply trash those that it cannot understand. Make use of strong action words. Update your resume every 3 months. Don't include your whole life story. Go back at most until your freshman year unless relevant for a given role. Only include related course work. Use a professional resume writer. Consider the following “professional experience” description. Example 1 was prepared by the job applicant, and Example 2 one was done by a professional resume writing company for the same person. Which would you choose? Example 1: Developed relationships with current and prospected customers Analyzed market data for senior analysts Performed daily trade verifications Maintained monthly and quarterly revenue figures Oversaw domestic and international accounts Example 2: Partnered with two brokers to develop and foster relationships with current and prospective customers to increase market share by 35% Analyzed market data using Bloomberg and FactSet to tailor and pitch trade recommendations specific to customer needs to senior analysts Performed daily trade verifications ensuring the execution of trade details were entered correctly Maintained monthly and quarterly revenue figures utilizing Excel to compare quarterly and yearly revenue amounts for profit projections Managed and oversaw over 12 domestic and international accounts covering Asian emerging products totaling up to $500 million When you can show your future employer what you changed for the better at a previous company and what you can possibly do for them, they invite you in. When you start getting interviews Getting that phone call that they want to sit and have a chat with you is mind numbing. You jump up and down when you hang up the phone, and run around yelling that you have an interview! You want to leave a lasting impression. Be prepared: Start the night before. Iron your clothing, make sure everything is neat and clean. Appearance is everything. Eat a good breakfast. Try adding a banana, they relax you. Review the things about the company that interest you so you can bring it up at the interview. Have a list of questions to ask your interviewer(s). Aim to leave for the interview early. Have the phone number, address and office number in your smartphone in case of emergency. Stand straight, do not slouch. Shake hands upon entering the office and wait to be asked to be seated, while smiling. Never ever go into anyone’s office without a smile on your face Make eye contact Comment on how nice their office is. The cliché says that it's a full-time job looking for a job. Those that work on it every day are those that find employment. Your education was worth it and it will pay off eventually, but you're the one who needs to make it work. Good luck in your search! Once you get that coveted job in a corner office, pass these suggestions on to the next person that may need them. Bonus: Life After College: How to Get a Job, Dealing with Debt, My Experiences About the author Veronica Wright is Co-Founder of Resumes Centre, blogger, and career coach. Her main passions are self-improvement, career guidance, and traveling.

How to Write a Resume Cover Letter

How to Write a Resume Cover LetterWhen we are seeking jobs, we often find ourselves asking for examples of resume cover letters. This is a question we frequently get from others who have written them but don't know how to write one themselves. Good job writing should be so easy that anyone can do it, but unfortunately it isn't quite as simple as some would have us believe. There are a few simple rules for you to follow that will make your resume cover letter an easy to write one for you.Your first task is to sit down and draft the cover letter. First come up with the basic information you want to include about yourself. Include in your resume what you have done for past clients that will let potential employers know more about your business than just what you can do for them. Next, remember that not all employers have the same language when it comes to cover letters. One company might prefer a more direct type of communication, whereas another might prefer a warm and human tone. Use these as examples of resume cover letters and match them up to your needs.Layout your resume properly. Choose the proper font and size, but the basic rule for anyone who wants to create an effective resume cover letter is to keep things simple and straightforward. You can do this by paying attention to small details like using black ink on a white page. Also, make sure you use a neat table of contents and your resume is finished! By following these simple guidelines, you'll not only have a ready made resume letter, but you'll also have an easy to write one as well.Choose the overall style you would like to convey with your letter. Do you want to write a personal letter or an employer-friendly one? There are lots of different styles you can choose from. Either way, be sure to be respectful when addressing the person who will receive your resume. Remember, a resume cover letter will be your first contact with the person who is reading your resume.Another question I often get asked is how to write a resume cover letter that is brief. Yes, your reader is probably busy and trying to work on more important matters, but your reader's mind is a limited one and it's easy to forget to add some details here and there. It is important to remember that the resume cover letter is your first introduction to the person reading your resume.Include testimonials in your resume cover letter if they are applicable. This can be good or bad depending on the person you are writing the letter for. Remember, that not everyone will have the same needs and motivations as you do. Make sure that you are respectful and allow them to know exactly what you offer them and how you can help them realize those needs.The final question I get asked is how to write a resume cover letter that makes the reader feel as though they know you and your business. While this is a subjective question, I can provide you with an example of a resume cover letter which will give you an idea of how you can achieve this. For instance, you could include a line or two about your favorite hobby, what you like to do when you are not working and how you see yourself as a leader. Remember, it is not just about you, but it is about the reader as well. Remember, they are the ones who will have to decide whether or not they hire you and whether or not you are the best fit for the position they are looking for.These are some of the tips I have used over the years to successfully navigate the sea of information out there about how to write a resume cover letter. Take some time and learn how to write a resume cover letter by learning from the examples I have shown you.

Works a Bitch and Then You Make it Work! - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Works a Bitch and Then You Make it Work! - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career Today, I spoke with Andrea Kay, who is one of the nations most well-known and respected career experts.     We discuss why people dont like work, kill the myth of work/life balance and discuss various tips you can use to turn your passion into money!     Andrea is here to give you hope, despite the bad economy and to give you some great advice about what you can start doing today to make a difference in your own life. Andrea, does work have to be a bitch? Absolutely not! Of course, nothing is perfect. No matter how much you enjoy your work and career, you will have annoying moments, difficult interactions and duties you don’t  relish. But your career doesn’t have to be so bad that you suffer because of itwhich is what is happening. The complaints, frustrations and feelings about things being unfair and a “bitch” have become louder than ever. People subscribe to the understanding that the work relationship is one of exchange. But that relationship is off kilter, with workers feeling there’s a big imbalance in the relationship between them and the workplace. They feel they have no life, due to the perception or reality that they have to work more or be constantly connected to work. They feel companies don’t careâ€"that companies treat them like inventory. They feel they are working harder and getting less. In the job hunt, they feel like they’re treated badly. They feel helpless and powerless. All of thisâ€"and more I talk about in the bookâ€"can add up to bad days at the office and a lamentable career outlook. But there are six steps you can take to lesson, even eliminate your sufferingâ€"despite everything that is wrong and broken in the workplace. Even though there are many forces you don’t control, there is plenty you can do to stop your work and career from being a bitch. The first one this: Decide to start where things are, not where you think they should be. You may think something is unfair or shouldn’t be the way it is. That may be, but unless you decide to examine how else you could look at the situation and then change what you’re doing about itnothing will be different and you will be pissed off and powerless. What types of work do you consider would be a bitch and why? It’s not a matter of the type of work someone does that’s a bitch. It’s circumstance, situations and treatment that make things seem intolerable. There are interactions with certain customers and co-workers. Bosses that can’t think their way out of a paper bag. Managers who don’t keep promises. Poor references when you’re job hunting. Not knowing where you stand in your company. Interview processes. People who don’t do what they say they will do. Being fired. Not getting  recognition. Not feeling secure about your career, where you fit or how to stay valuable. Being replaced by technology. Not getting a response when job hunting. Constantly being barraged by technologyâ€"cell phone, e-mail, Blackberries. Not feeling like you can contribute, speak your mind and do good work. What tips do you have for people who want to make money doing what they love, but have financial problems and a weak degree?  Basically, someone who feels forced into a corner, and has given up both hope and confidence in their career. A degree and finances is not what stops someone from making money doing what they love. What stops them is clarity about how what they love to do fits into the marketplace. Why would someone pay you to do this work? Then it takes a step-by-step plan and strategy to get there. If you need more or different training, that’s part of the plan. You may or may not need that. Look at how you got “forced into a corner.” What did you give up? What didn’t you know or do? Unless someone is holding a gun to your head, you’re free to make a plan and work it. Get to it. You can do anything. But it does take work, planning, sticking to your plan, strategic marketing, focus and patience. Why would you give up what you want? Have you done everything you can to get it? Probably not. How would someone create a work environment that makes sense for them? The question you need to ask yourself, is what kind of environment do I like to work in? Being inside, outside or a combination. Do you want to be in a lab or an office? Do you want a lot of structure? Do you want a more formal and hierarchical environment. What’s your ideal? Is work/life balance dead?  Is it still possible to manage your work life and social life, even in a poor economy? To me, the notion of trying to find, have or get “work/life balance” is silly. It just isn’t a thing. The idea notion of  â€œwork/life balance” implies that it’s something “out there” that you can strive for and get. That if you spend less time connected to work, you’ll have “it.” That’s not how it works. You find balance in knowing what matters to you. If you know what matters most to you in life, then you live your life accordingly and won’t need to seek “work/life balance.” I have an exercise in my book to help people understand this. What’s the economy have to do with it? Andrea Kay is a career consultant and executive coach who has helped thousands of job hunters and employees cut to the heart of their frustration and dissatisfaction to take control of their careers. She has published five books, including her latest one called Works a Bitch and Then You Make It Work: 6 steps to go from Pissed off to Powerful.       Andrea has presented workshops and counseled employees at such companies as Procter Gamble, Apple Computers, Westinghouse, Frito-Lay, and General Electric.

How to Recruit the Perfect Team

How to Recruit the Perfect Team Within a matter of months, recruitment has become candidate centric. With a skills shortage and high levels of employment, the candidate is now in control and has the pick of recruitment agencies. So what does this new recruitment environment mean â€" how can companies ensure they are in the best position to compete in the Year of the Candidate? The key is to create the right team, with the right skills, working together in the right way. As Toby Conibear, European Business Development Director at Bond International Software, explains, both client and candidate expectations of a recruitment consultant have changed radically and companies must empower consultants with the right culture, skills and technology to support the new candidate centric business model. New Skills Set While a burgeoning jobs market may seem to offer unprecedented opportunities for recruiters to make money, the demands being placed on recruitment consultants today are new and challenging. In the past, a consultant could rely on great inter-personal communication and an understanding of a specific market area; but these skills alone simply don’t cut it in today’s 247, social media dominated world. Today’s consultants require not only great face to face communication skills, but also familiarity with social media, search tools and mobile technology. Consultants need to know not only how to use LinkedIn and Facebook â€" that is a given. They must also understand when to pick up conversations online, how and when to engage with a potential candidate, and have the confidence to identify the best time to escalate the relationship to a face to face meeting. Switched on consultants will also proactively exploit the power of social media to build reputations, for example by encouraging both clients and candidates to make recommendations after a successful placement. Rapid Turnaround In this market, with growing numbers of job vacancies, speed of turnaround â€" from candidate location and recommendation through to interview â€" is becoming critical. However, with the ever expanding raft of internal and external data sources, it can be easy for consultants to miss candidates if they continue to use the old, tried and tested approaches to search. It is therefore essential that companies continually review the fast developing range of innovative search tools now available and both train and encourage consultants to explore these tools to ensure maximum exposure to the market. From formal training courses to informal mentoring or simply building a culture of skills sharing, a company can ensure that consultants rapidly gain essential skills in search technology and techniques. Indeed, the evolution of company culture is an essential aspect of the new model required in the Year of the Candidate. Companies need employees that are willing and able to learn new skills; and they also need staff that are committed to working more flexible hours. Given the turnaround times now increasingly demanded by clients and the job surfing undertaken by candidates during evenings and weekends, consultants working nine to five, Monday to Friday, will miss out on key opportunities. It is therefore essential to introduce new ways of working, such as shifts, evening only, or even considering an ‘on call’ model. However, simply arming staff with smart phones and tablets to enable them to check email is not good enough. Consultants need complete mobile access to the CRM plus a willingness to use real time access to information in order to improve responsiveness at every stage of the process. Facilitating Achieving Collaboration Given this new pace of recruitment and the need to enable more flexible working practices to support the extended working week, it is becoming important to enable consultants to work together more effectively. A collaborative model offers huge benefits from business expansion to enabling individuals to concentrate on their strengths rather than weaknesses. While offering significant opportunities, a collaborative business model is not a traditional approach for the recruitment industry that has, to date, been very focused on individual performance. To make collaboration work, companies will require a fundamental change in culture, embracing a top down approach that actively embeds collaboration and information sharing across the organisation, rewards individuals and fosters innovation. To enable this shift, it is essential to be able to easily share information across the business â€" from hot candidates to new leads. Underpinning the right culture with effective technology is key to creating a truly collaborative business model. Empowering Effective Recruitment It is also important in a collaborative model to ensure that an individual’s key skill sets are recognised and used effectively. Few consultants will be skilful at face to face communications and social media and search â€" it is important to be able to support consultants in different areas. Using tools to track activity in the CRM, a company can rapidly identify the strengths and weaknesses of staff â€" and quickly reveal areas in which the business overall may be weak.   This insight can be used to introduce appropriate training or mentoring to develop new skills and determine the profiles and skill sets required by new recruits. Given the huge changes in both technology and culture now being embraced, it is also important to look to the future. Does the current recruitment process still work in this market? Would it be more efficient to adopt a new model that evolves from the one candidate/one consultant approach to a more collaborative one that leverages the strengths of individuals? Innovative thinking is also required to attract the right people post Google, millennials are looking for more than a good financial package. Does the business have a positive, collaborative culture? What makes it a good place to work? Attaining the right balance of skills diversity, collaborative process and company culture is going to be increasingly important to retain a competitive position. Conclusion The recruitment market is changing rapidly â€" and organisations that fail to respond will struggle to remain competitive. In addition to putting the right teams with the right skills in place and facilitating efficient and candidate centric business processes through collaboration, agility is key. Organisations need to recognise that the needs of both clients and candidates are changing â€" in a fast evolving marketplace, business agility is going to be essential to respond rapidly to newly identified opportunities. The new skill sets required across the business are significant. It is now essential to identify any gaps and use training, mentoring and the introduction of new staff to achieve the breadth of skills required â€" and to ensure the right technologies are in place to enable staff to exploit both expertise and experience. With the right business culture, a cross-skilled, collaborative work force will be empowered to not only respond to the challenges faced in 2015 but will drive innovation, identify opportunities for growth and underpin continued success. [Image Credit: Shutterstock]

Tips on How to Choose Resume Services Online

Tips on How to Choose Resume Services OnlineIt is a fact that any person who is not able to write a resume can hire some of the resume services online. In this case, all you need to do is to make sure that you understand what the resume services do before you hire it. Here are some of the tips that will help you in this regard.o The first thing that you should check is the cost of the resume writing service. Make sure that the one who will be writing your resume will be able to provide you with a quality product. You should never opt for the cheapest one.o Make sure that the writer is capable of writing and typing and knows the most common forms of writing such as resume format, grammar, punctuation, vocabulary, etc. o Look for someone who has a good understanding about the product he will be writing. Someone who understands the issues and does not hesitate to provide you with correct answers will be the best option to look for.o Make sure that the person providing the resume service s online will give you customer service after you have sent the completed resume. Customer service is a basic feature that most people look for when they go online to search for resume writing services. You should make sure that the person who will be in charge of customer service will be available in person. Even if he doesn't, you should find someone who will be available on the telephone for you.o You should check whether the resume service provider has records or not about the work experience and education of the writer. Check whether the resume writing service provider has any proof that the writer has the required education or experience for his task. You should also make sure that the writer has the experience and works with others in their business. If the writer has a past record, then it is a proven factor that he is a qualified writer.o Get some feedback from those who have been using the writer before. Check if they like the experience they have had. The best option for this is to ask the writer for his email address. You can send him a personalized message to tell him about your doubts or concerns.o If you are not able to hire a writer at first, you can try looking for the company website and try to contact the author. This will be the best way to determine if he will be able to offer you the best service. You can use a private message feature to ask him how the process works. You can also find out if he has his own e-mail address, and any other addresses for his previous clients.There are lots of factors that should be considered when choosing resume services online. You should not settle for the first one who comes to your site.

Storytelling as a Successful Strategy in Job Interviews

Storytelling as a Successful Strategy in Job Interviews A job interview can be one of life’s most stressful moments.It’s definitely the most stressful part of the employment search, and according to a study done by Harris Interactive on behalf of Everest College, 92% of adults stress over at least one aspect of the interviewing process.evalA little anxiety can certainly be beneficial, but too much can be detrimental. Luckily, there are a few tried and true tricks to calming those nerves, all of which involve preparation.Prior to the interview, it is imperative to do some research about the company.What activities are carried out by the company, and what types of positions are available? And more importantly, how can you benefit the company by filling one of those openings? What are the company’s goals, and how will you help achieve those targets? What was the company’s past performance, and how could you add value to it?Know the company’s mission and values, the top executives, its locations, its goods and services, its public p erception, etc. And be prepared to use this information during your sit-down.Additionally, it can be valuable to review the job posting and position requirements, particularly the keywords mentioned therein. Be prepared to use these as your own keywords in your resume and also as your talking points during the interview.The third piece to pre-interview preparation is perhaps the most important: practice. evalFirst, research commonly-asked interview questions. There are countless sources from which to pull lists of such questions, but many of them can be broken down into three categories: abilities, strengths and weaknesses, and work history.One thing that is sure to set you apart from the crowd is having a compelling story to go along with your answer to each question. These stories should amplify your response and should explicitly demonstrate to the interviewer how you fit the company’s values, how you not only meet their needs but how you can positively impact their bottom line .It can be very helpful to record some important notes/talking points for every job experience. `evalFor instance, the interviewer is likely to ask the question, “What are three strengths that you bring to the company?” The simple answer would be, “I am a team player, I am a good communicator, and I am innovative.” Though the traits presented may differ, the format of the answer is largely similar among other applicants.To ensure you stand out from the crowd, tell a specific story about how you were a team player, how you exhibited strong communication skills, how you displayed innovation.You may discuss the time that you collaborated on a successful advertising campaign, the time that you were asked to keynote a presentation at a convention, the time that you developed a strategy to save your company time and money.In essence, you share information about a positive change you introduced and the results you delivered. Describing those particular instances instead of respondi ng to the question with three simple words allows the interviewing team to directly see how you have exemplified such characteristics.It will certainly prove helpful to brainstorm possible interview questions as well as your answers â€" supported by the aforementioned stories that support them.Another way to prep is to review your resume and consider the strongest story to support each position you have previously held. For instance, what was your biggest accomplishment when you interned at the advertising firm? What was a difficult problem that you solved in your position as a data analyst? What was a stellar example of leadership you showed as an accountant?Identifying strong skills and evidence that supports them prior to entering your interview will ensure better preparation and calmer nerves.Photo Credit â€" Pexels.comWhile storytelling and providing examples is a key component to a strong interview and something that will surely set you apart from other applicants, there is a caveat: be sure that these recollections are precise and concise.Obviously, it is important to be truthful, factual, and honest regarding every aspect of your interview. Additionally, it is absolutely imperative to be concise.evalWhen the interviewer asks you about your weaknesses, for example, you do not want to drone on and on and on about all of the ways in which you could improve.Select one or two examples and provide a brief explanation as to each. Avoid telling a long, drawn-out story and instead focus on the most important details, those that will most effectively and efficiently convey the information you desire.Consider how you would answer the following questions with stories of success from previous experiences:In your previous position, of what are you most proud?What is an important lesson you learned in your previous position?How do you perform well as both an individual contributor and as a team player?Describe your success working in a high-stress environment.How do you make decisions and/or solve problems?What are you most challenged by in your professional career?What are your strengths and/or weaknesses?What is your greatest success and/or failure?How do you handle conflict in the workplace?What were the strengths and/or weaknesses of your former boss?What kind of a boss are you?Having responses that include precise and concise stories of specific experiences will positively impact how you are received by your interview team. All our successes, disappointments, and everything in between in our work life is a story worth noting down.Interviewing for a new job can understandably be nerve-wracking, and while a small amount of anxiety is not only normal but beneficial, being better prepared will assuredly help assuage the majority of your worries, allowing you to have a less stressful and a more impressive experience.evalIn conclusion, for each experience be ready with a story which tells how you made a difference, and it is almost guaranteed th at your conversation will be more engaging and your chances to land your dream job increase exponentially. All the best!

Tips for using a mobile device to land your next job

Tips for using a mobile device to land your next job Tips for using a mobile device to land your next job Call me old school. As a hiring decision-maker, I didnt care to receive mobile-based messages from a job seeker for several reasons. First, it comes across as the easy way out, like something they were doing while driving or watching TV. Second, there are inevitably typos, use of THX and no signature block. Finally, I wouldnt want them using that method to respond to customers or executives. However, Im slowly coming around to the future. To help me (and you) learn some of the tricks of mobile job search and recruiting, I asked a pro. Kimberley Kasper, chief marketing officer at Jobvite was kind enough to share some ideas about how job seekers can best use mobile devices to land their next jobs. Here are her top three recommendations: 1. Dont let someone else steal your dream job Picture this: youre in a meeting and you receive an alert informing you of a job opening at your dream company. In just a few taps of your smartphone, you could have filled out and submitted a job application before other candidates vying for the same career change even check their laptops. While I cant condone job searching while at work, you can see how being able to job hunt at all times means edging out the competition. With so many qualified workers searching for jobs, an always-on mindset is critical to edging out the next competitive candidate. The benefits of using mobile in your job search are obvious: anytime, anywhere, you can stay plugged in to your job hunt, beating out those who are loyal to their laptops. But having your smartphone handy isnt enough to have a competitive edge in your job search. You must be savvy with your job-search tactics. Without the ability to quickly upload and submit a résumé or cover letter, theres no way you can get there first. Store a variety of résumés and documents in a Dropbox app or Google drive on your mobile phone for easy access, so you can apply quickly and easily to similar roles that have different titles. In that same vein, keep your LinkedIn profile as current as possible with information on who you are, why youre a fit, and what youve delivered in the past. In the end, youre applying to jobs on mobile because it is easy and efficient, so make sure your strategy facilitates that. If youre not prepared, your colleagues on their mobile phones will assuredly beat you to it. 2. You can judge a book by its cover Its no secret that were spending more and more hours at work these days. In fact, the average American workday is significantly longer than the traditional eight hours were used to, and were only expecting work commitments to increase. As a result, recruiters are hiring even more for culture fit â€" if were going to be spending more time and energy at work, it better be with people who have the same priorities, right? As a job seeker, a work environment that aligns with your priorities is essential to a harmonious match. But how can you know what a company is like from the outside? While some questions will need to be answered by an interviewer, take a look at their career site for some insight into the companys commitment to innovation. If the company has a mobile-oriented career site, they are on the leading edge of technology. Spend time going through other pages on their website to learn how innovative they really are. 3. Are you grabbing recruiters attention? In this always-on job market, job seekers arent the only ones constantly on the hunt. With such a scarcity in high-quality, qualified people, finding the right candidate is like searching for a needle in a haystack. So when great candidates come along, recruiters are ready to pounce. When getting hundreds of responses to a specific post, the first 20 résumés might grab attention. If youre not quick, however, yours runs the risk of becoming white noise. After all, most recruiters spend an average of six seconds on your résumé, so finding a way to stand out has never been more necessary. This is exactly where mobile comes in. If getting your résumé in front of a recruiters eyes quickly is the key to nabbing the perfect job, mobile facilitates that tenfold. Many of us already spend over two and a half hours per day on our mobile devices, so if you find yourself checking Facebook mobile or playing Candy Crush, change your routine and be proactive. Be the first one to apply for a job â€" right when the requisition appears â€" by checking mobile career sites, signing up for alerts, and staying on top of your application status. Also, try applying mid-afternoon, since emails tend to pile up overnight. To get a recruiter to spend some serious time on your application, go for the 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. window. Note of caution I learned a lot from Kimberleys suggestions and will certainly be more open about the future of mobile recruiting. However, candidates, be sure not to swing your pendulum too far. Dont just spray your résumé around. And I strongly recommend a tailored cover letter as Page 1 of your résumé, which may be a challenge to do on your mobile device. Be professional and thoughtful about which device you use for each aspect of your job search. Dont rush to push something unprofessional out on your mobile device when you can shine brighter from your laptop or desktop!

How to find a (second) career you love -

How to find a (second) career you love - Job search is a challenge for everyone, but experienced job seekers, especially those who realize they want to change   careers, may face special challenges. Marc Miller, Career Design specialist with Career Pivot and author of Repurpose Your Career â€" A Practical Guide for Baby Boomers, suggests these five key steps to follow when making a career change. Career change: how to find a career you love? 1. Decide what you want.   Avoid moving from one job or career to another before you narrow down how you want to spend your working hours. For example, ask yourself if autonomy is crucial, or if using your creativity is most important. 2. Once you narrow down what you want to do next, Miller suggests you craft an elevator pitch to highlight what you offer your target employer. The best pitches clearly explain how and why you are a good fit for your ideal job. 3. Build your team. Miller calls this your “tribe.” These people are willing to help and support you during your career transition. 4. Act on facts, not assumptions. We all get caught up in the popular myth that “the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.” Miller reminds career changers: “Remember, sometimes, that greener grass turns out to be Astroturf!” 5. Network strategically. When you meet new contacts, make sure they understand why you are a good fit for the type of job you want. Use social media tools such as LinkedIn and Twitter to find and target individuals who can be your allies and develop relationships with them. 6. Learn to ask for help. Miller reminds career changers that it’s tough (maybe impossible) to head into new territory and to succeed without help. He suggests you “Set aside your pride in order to reach for something new. Career change is hard at first; but it gets easier.” Read the entire post on my U.S. News World Report column.