<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<!--Generated by Squarespace V5 Site Server v5.13.157 (http://www.squarespace.com) on Tue, 21 May 2013 10:50:05 GMT--><rss xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" version="2.0"><channel><title>Resume Writing Blog</title><link>http://www.wordsetc.info/words-blog/</link><description></description><lastBuildDate>Wed, 15 May 2013 13:59:10 +0000</lastBuildDate><copyright></copyright><language>en-US</language><generator>Squarespace V5 Site Server v5.13.157 (http://www.squarespace.com)</generator><item><title>You're on stage - the video interview</title><category>Interview tips</category><category>informational</category><category>interview tips</category><category>video interviews Skype</category><dc:creator>Christine Speno</dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 15 May 2013 11:31:21 +0000</pubDate><link>http://www.wordsetc.info/words-blog/2013/5/15/youre-on-stage-the-video-interview.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">1444338:17582662:33717312</guid><description><![CDATA[<p><strong>Video Interview Preparation</strong><br />In the last few posts we talked about doing phone interviews.&nbsp; Now let's move on to the video interview.</p>
<p>But before we begin, a comment I received from a writing colleague/visitor to my link to this post on LinkedIn raised an important point.&nbsp; These tips for doing interviews apply to more than job seekers.&nbsp; Often writers are called upon to do phone or video interviews to prepare for stories they are writing.&nbsp; Or you may need to work with clients remotely. Although most writers prefer face-to-face interview opps, sometimes phone or video interviews are our only options.&nbsp;</p>
<p>With that said, if you are a writer or business owner or just need to communicate remotely - whatever the reason, you will also find these tips useful.</p>
<p><strong>Tools for the interview</strong></p>
<p>You can conduct a video interview on a laptop with a webcam, a traditional computer with a webcam, or using the <a href="https://secure.skype.com/login">Skype app</a>.Even though the interview is being conducted by webcam, this is a &ldquo;real&rdquo; live interview, and you should be as prepared as if you were sitting across the desk from the interviewer. In fact, you may have to prepare more! After all, you do not have to clean your room before going off to an in-person job interview, but you do need to clear a space for your Skype interview. Here are some tips:</p>
<ul>
<li>Be mindful of where you set up for your video interview. Be sure the area is free of visual distractions (clutter). Carefully consider what is in the background of your Skype interview. Make the background interesting, but not distracting. Plain white walls are fine, but boring. Can you frame a desk or bookshelves behind you instead?</li>
<li>Check out your technology well in advance of the interview. Make sure you have Internet connectivity and that your webcam and microphone are working. You may also have to download the software if it is the first time you are using the application. </li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Practice makes perfect</strong></p>
<p>One of the best things you can do to prepare for a live video interview is practice. Practice doing a couple of Skype interviews with friends or family members before your job interview. Be sure to:</p>
<ul>
<li>Check the lighting and your volume.</li>
<li>As with a phone interview, recording your practice video interview can help you identify areas to work on, or fix. Have your test partner take a few screenshots if you cannot record the call.</li>
<li>Make sure your webcam is providing a decent picture.</li>
<li>Clarify with the interviewer who will initiate the Skype call and double-check the username. Also be sure to account for any time zone differences.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Other Video Interview Tips:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Dress nicely &mdash; more than one jobseeker has scheduled a Skype interview, thinking it would be voice only &mdash; and then accidentally found himself or herself on a video Skype call.</li>
<li>Dress from head-to-toe. You may think you do not need to wear dress pants with the shirt and tie since the interviewer is only going to see the top half of your outfit. But you should always expect the unexpected. You never know when you might need to stand during an interview. Pajama pants or shorts with a dress shirt, tie, and jacket just do not work.</li>
<li>Keep your clothing color choice in mind. Check how the colors of your clothing appear on camera. Just like TV news anchors avoid some colors &mdash; and most small patterns, pick colors that will show up well on video. Jewel tones or pastel colors work best. Do not wear white or black.</li>
<li>Practice your Skype interview wearing the exact outfit you are planning to wear. This trial run will also allow you to test the volume of your system, see how the software works (if you are not familiar with Skype), and make sure your lighting is appropriate.</li>
<li>Check the lighting.If the light source is behind you, you may appear as a dark silhouette on the screen. Position a lamp or other light source in front of you.Ensure that your profile photo is professional. This is your first impression from a physical standpoint in a video conference.</li>
<li>Prop up the computer so that you are not looking down at it and practice where to sit so you are framed correctly by the webcam. Make sure your torso is visible &mdash; including your hands &mdash; especially if you &ldquo;talk&rdquo; with your hands.</li>
<li>Look at the webcam when you speak, not at the interviewer&rsquo;s face on your screen. When you look into the camera, it appears to the interviewer that you are looking at them directly.</li>
<li>Use a USB-connected headset for an interview instead of using the computer&rsquo;s speakers. Headsets are inexpensive and can provide a much clearer interview experience.</li>
<li>Use a wired Internet connection (plug directly into the Ethernet port) instead of using a wireless connection.</li>
<li>Check your power source and be ready for emergencies. You do not want to have to dig for a cord to keep the computer from shutting down.</li>
<li>Turn off notifications on your computer and close your other software programs. You do not want to be distracted by beeps every time you receive an email.</li>
<li>Pay attention, be enthusiastic and SMILE!</li>
<li>Take notes, butdo not take too many, or you will come off looking distracted. Take notes with a pen and paper, not on your computer.</li>
<li>If you have an online portfolio, keep the link handy. You may want to share it with your interviewer.</li>
</ul>
<p><br /><strong>Now that was a great list of things you SHOULD DO, but before we wrap up, here are a few things that you definitely SHOULD NOT DO:</strong><br /><br /></p>
<ul>
<li>Choose a cutesy or unprofessional Skype name &mdash; no nicknames and minimize numbers and keyboard characters. Online, your first impression is your Skype username and photo, so make sure both are professional. Your best bet is your first name and last name as your username.</li>
<li>Forget to verify the timing of your Skype interview &mdash; taking in account any time zone differences.</li>
<li>Be too quick to answer. With video, there is sometimes a delay or interference, so make sure you pause before answering a question to avoid overtalking the interviewer.</li>
<li>Forget to silence your cell phone when you are on a video interview.</li>
</ul>
<p>That wraps up this segment on virtual interviews.&nbsp; Good luck with your interviewing and <a href="http://www.wordsetc.info/contact/">contact us</a> with your questions!&nbsp; We'll see you next time...</p>]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://www.wordsetc.info/words-blog/rss-comments-entry-33717312.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>Preparing for a phone interview</title><category>Interview tips</category><category>Job Search Tips</category><category>interview tips</category><category>p</category><category>phone interviews</category><dc:creator>Christine Speno</dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 07 May 2013 19:58:43 +0000</pubDate><link>http://www.wordsetc.info/words-blog/2013/5/7/preparing-for-a-phone-interview.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">1444338:17582662:33521545</guid><description><![CDATA[<p><strong>Getting ready for that phone interview......</strong><br />As with an in-person interview,  preparation is key. Prepare just as well for a phone interview as you  would for an in-person interview. Otherwise, you might not get the  chance to get a face-to-face interview.</p>
<p>Some important points to remember when scheduling the phone interview are:</p>
<ul>
<li>The time of the call (and clarify any time zone differences)</li>
<li>Who is calling whom (and on what phone number)</li>
<li>How long to expect the call to last</li>
<li>Any specific preparation required for the call</li>
<li>Who will the call be with (name, job title)</li>
</ul>
<p>On  a piece of paper, write down the job title you are applying for, the  company name, and key points you want to remember to make in the interview. For instance:</p>
<ul>
<li> Position and industry-specific accomplishments</li>
<li>Unique assets you possess as an employee</li>
<li>Information about the company that you learned from your research that ties into your skills, abilities, and qualifications</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Anticipate  the conversation and practice<br /></strong></p>
<p>Think about the questions you might be asked and the  key points to include in your answers. Prepare a list of questions to  practice for the phone interview. You should also prepare questions ahead of time that you will ask in the interview.</p>
<p>One  of the best ways to prepare for a phone interview is to practice. Tape  record the practice call so you can identify areas to improve. Practice  speaking concisely and clearly. Many people are surprised to hear how  they sound on the phone. One easy way to do this is to use a free  conference call service, like Freeconferencing.com  (freeconferencing.com). There is no cost to use the service; your only  charge is for the long-distance call to access the conference line.</p>
<p>It is important to convey your enthusiasm in a phone interview &mdash; which can be done through your voice pitch, tone and volume.</p>
<p><strong>Find the perfect place</strong></p>
<p>Thinking  through where you will conduct a phone interview is critical. Pick a  location that will be free from distracting background noises &mdash; kids,  pets, phones ringing. Turn off the TV, computer, and/or iPad. Hang a &ldquo;Do  Not Disturb&rdquo; sign on your door.</p>
<p><strong>Other tips</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Do  a &ldquo;dry run.&rdquo; Call a friend or family member and have them test the  phone connection (volume) and whether there is anything distracting that  may affect the call.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>The more you prepare, the better. Review  the company&rsquo;s website. Google your interviewer. Make sure you are  thoroughly familiar with the job description or job posting.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Prepare  an opening and closing statement in advance. The opening statement  might be the answer to &ldquo;Tell me about yourself.&rdquo; This should include a  30- to 60-second statement of why you are qualified for the job, based  on what you know about the position. The closing statement should  include your desire to work for the company, reiterating your interest  in the job. But do not read these word-for-word.</li>
</ul>
<p>These tips and suggestions should help you conquer the phone interview.&nbsp; But what if you are to be part a video interview? We'll cover that next time.&nbsp; Stay tuned.&nbsp; And as always, please <a href="http://www.wordsetc.info/contact/">contact us</a> with your questions.</p>]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://www.wordsetc.info/words-blog/rss-comments-entry-33521545.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>Focusing on the phone interview</title><category>Interview tips</category><category>interview tips</category><category>job tips</category><category>phone interviews</category><dc:creator>Christine Speno</dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 01 May 2013 01:35:16 +0000</pubDate><link>http://www.wordsetc.info/words-blog/2013/4/30/focusing-on-the-phone-interview.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">1444338:17582662:33521438</guid><description><![CDATA[<p><strong>So what exactly will the phone interview tell the interviewer about you? Some information they seek might include:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Credential checks &mdash; the most common questions asked in phone interviews are those that corroborate facts or information on an application or r&eacute;sum&eacute; &mdash; or that fill in the blanks for missing information.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Experience check &mdash; if the hiring manager has determined you meet the requirements of the position, the phone interview may be used to verify the experience (asking specific questions about position responsibilities and accomplishments).</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Predictive information &mdash; the best predictor of future behavior is past behavior. Behavioral types of questions ask how you handled a challenge in the past, giving the interviewer insight into how you would perform on this job.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>How common is a phone interview?</strong></p>
<p>Last year, a <a class="offsite-link-inline" href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/susanadams/2012/02/07/how-to-ace-a-job-interview-on-the-phone/">Forbes article on phone interview tips</a> estimated that up to half of screening interviews take place over the phone, not in person. This makes sense. Phone interviews do not require as much time and can be conducted outside the company&rsquo;s normal work hours, which can be helpful for certain job applicants.<br /><br />Not all phone interviews are scheduled in advance. If you get a call from a hiring manager or recruiter and it is not a good time to talk (i.e., you are at work, you are driving, or you are someplace noisy, do not answer the call). Instead, call back as soon as you are able to. Remember, you only get one chance to make that first impression. It is better to have the call go to voicemail and call the interviewer back than to perform poorly in an interview you are not prepared for.<br /><br />If the prospective employer calls unannounced and you decide to do the interview right then, ask if you can excuse yourself to a quiet place and call them back in a few minutes. This will also give you time to prepare for the call. Even a five-minute break can allow you to prepare for the interview.<br /><br />Most hiring managers do not expect you to be available at a moment&rsquo;s notice. So if you need to schedule the call for the next day, that is generally fine. <br /><br />Because a phone interview is perceived as less &ldquo;personal,&rdquo; you may be asked &ldquo;difficult&rdquo; questions in the phone interview, like &ldquo;Why did you leave your last job?&rdquo; or &ldquo;Why are you looking for a new job?&rdquo; Remember, one of the primary purposes of a phone interview is its use as a &ldquo;screening&rdquo; tool.<br /><br /><strong>There are advantages for you as the jobseeker --</strong></p>
<p>You may also find it easier to ask questions on the phone than in face-to-face interviews. For example, at the beginning of the call, you can ask the interviewer for the correct spelling and pronunciation of their name. At the end of the call, you can ask about the next step in the interview process.</p>
<p>Next week, we'll go into a little more detail about preparing for the phone interview that is scheduled ahead of time.&nbsp; Have you ever done a phone interview?&nbsp; If you have, leave us a comment and share your experiences. Or <a href="http://www.wordsetc.info/contact/">contact us</a> with questions.</p>]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://www.wordsetc.info/words-blog/rss-comments-entry-33521438.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>The virtual interview - are you ready?</title><category>Interview tips</category><category>Job Search Tips</category><category>job seekers</category><category>phone interviews</category><category>virtual interviews</category><dc:creator>Christine Speno</dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 16 Apr 2013 11:30:00 +0000</pubDate><link>http://www.wordsetc.info/words-blog/2013/4/16/the-virtual-interview-are-you-ready.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">1444338:17582662:33391474</guid><description><![CDATA[<p>In the next few posts we're going to talk about phone interviews and video interviews.&nbsp; But first some basics.</p>
<p>Traditionally, virtual interviews (usually phone interviews) were used to conduct a pre-screening for an in-person interview and to answer any questions not addressed in the r&eacute;sum&eacute;. But, today, phone interviews are also replacing some in-person &ldquo;first interviews.&rdquo; You may be asked the same questions on the phone you might have expected would be asked in a face-to-face interview. So prepare like you would for an in-person interview.<br /><br />Virtual interviews are generally shorter than in-person interviews &mdash; they may be as short as five minutes, or last up to an hour. The typical phone interview lasts 20-30 minutes. When the phone interview is scheduled, that is the time to ask how much time to allow &mdash; and then add 30 minutes to it, just in case.<br /><br />In-depth phone interviews are also more common in management and executive positions &mdash; especially when relocation is required. For these positions, one or two phone interviews may be conducted before an invitation is made for a face-to-face interview.<br /><br />Virtual interviews can save you time &mdash; but they can also save you money. You do not have to drive to an interview (or travel, if relocation is required).<br /><br />As with a face-to-face interview, there are two possible outcomes from a virtual interview. Either you will advance to another interview (either by phone or face-to-face), or you will be eliminated from consideration.<br /><br />The most important advice for any type of interview also applies to virtual interviews: Practice really does make perfect.</p>
<p><strong>The Phone Interview</strong></p>
<p>So many first impressions are made on how a jobseeker looks. But what if the first job interview is a phone interview?<br /><br />This can actually be an advantage to a phone interview &mdash; it focuses on content, not appearance. What matters is what you say and how you say it. Phone interviews can be an advantage for jobseekers concerned about age discrimination or being judged by how they look.<br /><br />Approximately 70 percent of what we communicate is shared nonverbally. However, in a phone interview, all you have to rely on are verbal cues and context.<br /><br />One of the hardest things about a phone interview is you cannot use the interviewer&rsquo;s non-verbal cues to judge if you should keep talking or not. To compensate for this, it is best to keep your answers brief: allow the interviewer to ask follow-up questions if he or she wants more information.<br /><br />Phone interviews are huge time-savers for hiring managers. Some phone interviews are very brief &mdash; designed to make an initial introduction, clarify issues on the r&eacute;sum&eacute;, or discuss the position. Phone interviews are sometimes called &ldquo;screening interviews.&rdquo; That is because they are often used to &ldquo;weed out&rdquo; candidates before beginning a round of in-person interviews.</p>
<p>Next time we'll go into more detail about how to best prepare for the phone interview.&nbsp; In the meantime, please <a href="http://www.wordsetc.info/contact/">contact us</a> with any questions!</p>]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://www.wordsetc.info/words-blog/rss-comments-entry-33391474.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>Part 4 on Networking -- Keeping it confidential and wrapping it up....</title><category>Job Search Tips</category><category>job search tools</category><category>job seekers</category><category>networking</category><dc:creator>Christine Speno</dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 03 Apr 2013 10:53:31 +0000</pubDate><link>http://www.wordsetc.info/words-blog/2013/4/3/part-4-on-networking-keeping-it-confidential-and-wrapping-it.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">1444338:17582662:33182894</guid><description><![CDATA[<p><b>Tips for confidential networking</b></p>
<p>So here we are on the last part of networking.&nbsp; And remember networking isn't just for a job search, but for all of your professional activities. But if you are a job hunter who wants to use your network and yet keep your job search confidential, here are a few tips:</p>
<ol>
<li>Be sure you are building your network even when you’re not searching for a new job. Again, listen to Harvey Mackay’s admonition to “dig your well before you’re thirsty.” Having a robust network can also help you be more effective in your current position too by giving you access to people who can help you solve the problems you face in your daily work.</li>
<li>Contact members of your network individually about your job search instead of mass messages or social media updates. Let your contact know that you are conducting your job search quietly, and ask for their help in keeping your search confidential. </li>
<li>If your primary purpose of networking is for your job search, don’t network on company time or using company resources. And never use your company email to send emails to your networking contacts.</li>
<li>When you are updating your LinkedIn profile as part of your job search, turn on LinkedIn’s privacy setting about sharing notifications before you change your profile or add a bunch of new contacts. </li>
</ol>
<p><b>Adjusting your LinkedIn profile settings for privacy</b></p>
<p>Let's talk a little more about your LinkedIn account and privacy. In your LinkedIn account, in the upper right-hand corner of the page, access the drop-down menu under your name and choose the “Settings” option.<br>&nbsp;<span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://www.wordsetc.info/storage/New%20Picture.bmp?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1364919362613" mce_src="http://www.wordsetc.info/storage/New%20Picture.bmp?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1364919362613" alt=""></span></span><br><br>Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on “Turn on/off your activity broadcasts” under the Privacy Controls section.</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://www.wordsetc.info/storage/LI%20example2.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1364919567861" mce_src="http://www.wordsetc.info/storage/LI%20example2.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1364919567861" alt=""></span></span>On the “Activity broadcasts” pop-up, make sure that the box is UNCHECKED for “Let people know when you change your profile, make recommendations, or follow companies.”</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://www.wordsetc.info/storage/LI example3.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1364919622582" mce_src="http://www.wordsetc.info/storage/LI example3.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1364919622582" alt=""></span></span><br>&nbsp;<br>When conducting a confidential job search, this will ensure that your network of connections isn’t alerted when you make changes to your LinkedIn profile.<br><br><b>Keys to Success</b></p>
<p>So now let's recap:</p>
<ul>
<li>Don’t wait until you need a job to build your network. You should constantly be building — and strengthening — your connections with your network. One of the easiest ways to do this is using LinkedIn. One of the most effective ways to improve your network, however, is through personal contact. Do something to build your network each and every day, whether that’s sending an email to someone you haven’t talked to in a while, or identifying someone new you want to meet.</li>
<li>Ask for help. Most people will be happy to help you — but you need to ask!</li>
<li>Be specific in what you’re asking for. A specific request for assistance (“Does anyone know someone who works in the accounting department at Company X?”) is more likely to be fulfilled than a general request (“I need a new job! Help!”)</li>
<li>Prepare for networking. Have business cards made that are strictly for networking. You can have cards made very inexpensively on <a href="http://www.vistaprint.com" mce_href="http://www.vistaprint.com">VistaPrint</a> or use a more attention-getting format like<a href="http://us.moo.com/products/business-cards.html" mce_href="http://us.moo.com/products/business-cards.html"> Moo Cards</a> </li>
<li>Follow-up. If a networking contact gives you advice, a lead, or information, follow up on that information — and then also get back to that person to let them know how it went.</li>
<li>Remember to help others when they need it. By helping people who ask you for assistance, your network will be stronger when you need it.</li>
</ul>
<p><b>When You Get Your New Job</b></p>
<p>Finally, after you land your new job, be sure to thank your network — especially contacts that have specifically helped you with your job search. Send a personal note to everyone who assisted you in your search and consider sending or giving a small gift to those who were of particular help. And don’t forget to spread the word that you’ve accepted a new opportunity. Again, posting it on LinkedIn is a great place to start using the updates field as well as adding the new position to your profile.&nbsp; BUT don't forget to change those privacy settings back to reach as wide an audience as possible.<br><br>Don’t neglect your network just because you found a new job. One of the most important parts of maintaining your network is providing assistance when you are asked. Be responsive to requests for help from folks in your network when you are asked. Every person you meet is a potential networking contact. But networking is a two-way relationship. Don’t just see your network as contacts — see them as people. Learn about them and what they do. <br><br>Remember the advice of author and networking pro <a href="http://www.harveymackay.com/" mce_href="http://www.harveymackay.com/">Harvey Mackay</a>: “If I had to name the single characteristic shared by all the truly successful people I’ve met over a lifetime, I’d say it is the ability to create and nurture a network of contacts. A network replaces the weakness of the individual with the strength of a support system. You don’t have to know everything as long as you know the people who do.”</p>
<p>Words Etc. wishes you the best of luck in your job search through networking.&nbsp; If you have a question or we can be of assistance with your resume or your LinkedIn profile, don't hesitate to<a href="http://www.wordsetc.info/contact/" mce_href="http://www.wordsetc.info/contact/"> contact us</a> and be sure to check out other blog posts and our <a href="http://www.wordsetc.info/job-seeker-resources/" mce_href="http://www.wordsetc.info/job-seeker-resources/">resources </a>page.</p>]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://www.wordsetc.info/words-blog/rss-comments-entry-33182894.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>Networking Part 3 - You have your network list – now what?</title><category>Job Search Tips</category><category>informational</category><category>jjob search tools</category><category>job seekers</category><category>networking</category><dc:creator>Christine Speno</dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 26 Mar 2013 11:00:08 +0000</pubDate><link>http://www.wordsetc.info/words-blog/2013/3/26/networking-part-3-you-have-your-network-list-now-what.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">1444338:17582662:33150582</guid><description><![CDATA[<p><strong>Now that you&rsquo;ve created your network list, how do you use it to help in your job search?</strong></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://www.wordsetc.info/storage/networking.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1364260061918" alt="" /></span></span>There are several ways to use your network to find a new opportunity. The first is to contact specific people in your network &mdash; or your entire network &mdash; and let them know you are looking for ideas, information, advice and referrals. Create a networking cover letter and send the letter with your r&eacute;sum&eacute; to each of the contacts in your network. This is the broadest way to use your network, and can be useful if you are currently unemployed and not worried about jeopardizing your current job by visibly pursuing a new one.<br /><br />A more effective way to use your network is to implement a targeted approach. To do this, identify the specific need you have and then contact people who are in a position to help you reach that specific job goal.<br />For example, if you see an advertised opening for a position, go through your network and see who might be able to provide you with access to the hiring manager or someone else who works at the company, information about that specific company (such as the company&rsquo;s position in the industry) or information about the specific position you&rsquo;re seeking.<br /><br />You can use your network contact to make an introduction to a hiring manager &mdash; either asking them to pass along your r&eacute;sum&eacute; to that individual, introducing you directly, or allowing you to use their name when making an initial contact. <br /><br /><strong>Technology and Networking</strong></p>
<p>Social media can also be effective for helping you achieve your networking goals. You can let your network know you are looking for a new position by posting status updates on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. This is particularly useful if you are currently unemployed and you&rsquo;re not worried about your boss finding out you&rsquo;re seeking a new position. Just remember that even if you have your social media profile privacy settings locked down, anything you post online can potentially become public information &mdash; all it takes is someone you know taking a screenshot of what you&rsquo;ve posted, or mentioning the information, and it&rsquo;s no longer private.<br /><br />You can also research a potential connection using social media. Find out if the person has a LinkedIn profile, Facebook page, or Twitter account. LinkedIn is particularly effective in helping you take your existing contacts and leveraging them into even more networking opportunities. You can see how you&rsquo;re connected to a company or another individual using LinkedIn. <br /><br />Use social media to arrange in-person get-togethers. For example, if you make a new contact on LinkedIn, if they are local, arrange to meet them in person. Technology makes networking easier, but face-to-face interaction is still the best way to network.&nbsp; And on that note, don't forget to keep attending local networking events in your business community.&nbsp; Keep building that list.<br /><br />You can also use technology to personalize your networking, even when you are contacting many people at the same time. For example, you can use Microsoft Word&rsquo;s &ldquo;mail merge&rdquo; function to create personalized networking letters for each of your contacts.<br /><strong><br />Networking Cover Letters</strong></p>
<p>One of the most effective ways to network your way to your new job is to get your r&eacute;sum&eacute; in the hands of those who are in a position to help you. One way to do this is through a networking cover letter. The purpose of a networking cover letter is to let your network know you&rsquo;re looking for a position, and ask for specific help. You can send an email or a hard copy of the letter and r&eacute;sum&eacute; by mail.</p>
<ul>
<li>You might use this technique if you&rsquo;ve been laid off from your job. Here is a sample networking cover <a href="http://www.wordsetc.info/storage/LayoffLetter.pdf" target="_blank">letter after a layoff.</a></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Or maybe you&rsquo;re relocating to a new home. Here is a sample networking <a href="http://www.wordsetc.info/storage/RelocateLetter.pdf" target="_blank">cover letter for a jobseeker who is relocating. <br /></a></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>And don't forget to use networking cover letters to update contacts about a job search.&nbsp; You'll find a letter you might send them <a href="http://www.wordsetc.info/storage/UpdateLetter.pdf" target="_blank">here.</a></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Informational Interviewing</strong></p>
<p>Ask contacts on your network list to help introduce you to people who can help you find your next job &mdash; not necessarily the people doing the hiring, but the people who know those people. You might ask them to help you connect with local business leaders, government officials, bankers, commercial real estate professionals and others who can network you into the top opportunities within the area. Ask for the opportunity to meet with them to learn more about a specific company, opportunity, or the industry. Make it clear you are not asking them for a job &mdash; only for information which may be useful to your job search. <br /><br />Consider contacting members of the professional associations to which you belong. Your colleagues can be a tremendous asset in helping you find unadvertised opportunities. Write a letter or email them asking for their help and assistance. You want contact names and numbers, ideas, and company information. Be sure to ask if you can mention their name to &ldquo;get in the door&rdquo; with their contacts to arrange an informational interview.<br /><br />Get business cards from these contacts and write a personalized thank you note. Follow-up with your r&eacute;sum&eacute; and cover letter only when appropriate, or if you&rsquo;re asked to provide them.</p>
<p>This gives you a start on how to use that well-developed network list that you've created.&nbsp; These suggestions are especially helpful if you are currently without a job.&nbsp; Next time we'll talk a bit about how to conduct a confidential job search.</p>
<p>Please let me know if you have other suggestions that have worked for you in the past.&nbsp; Leave me a comment here or submit a contact form<a href="http://www.wordsetc.info/contact/" target="_blank"> here.&nbsp;</a></p>]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://www.wordsetc.info/words-blog/rss-comments-entry-33150582.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>Networking Part 2: Identifying contacts in your network.</title><category>Job Search Tips</category><category>contacts</category><category>job search tools</category><category>job seekers</category><category>networking</category><dc:creator>Christine Speno</dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 15 Mar 2013 12:00:43 +0000</pubDate><link>http://www.wordsetc.info/words-blog/2013/3/15/networking-part-2-identifying-contacts-in-your-network.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">1444338:17582662:33044322</guid><description><![CDATA[<p>Last time we opened the discussion about using networking in your job search.&nbsp; So exactly who is in your network?</p>
<p>Some of this is pretty obvious.&nbsp; Of course your first thoughts turn to friends, relatives, current and previous co-workers and managers, professional association contacts or community contacts.&nbsp; But think about all of the other people you interact with in all facets of your life.&nbsp;&nbsp; And have you ever thought of using your holiday card list (if you still send them!) as a starting point.</p>
<p>If you don&rsquo;t already have a networking list, it's definitely time to start one. Make a list of all of your contacts &mdash; past employers, vendors, customers, colleagues, competitors, bankers, and others. You never know who may have a great lead or know of an unadvertised opportunity.&nbsp; You'll find a more comprehensive list of suggestions <a href="http://www.wordsetc.info/storage/Network building contact suggestions.pdf">here</a>. Assemble the contact information for these individuals and add them to your list.<br /><br />You can also brainstorm contacts you need to make. Write your desired job target at the top of a piece of paper. Then, make a list of possible employers on the left side of the page. On the right side of the page, make a list of people you know who can connect you with these companies.<br /><br />Here are some more opportunities to develop your network:</p>
<ul>
<li>Attend networking events (for example, those hosted by your professional organization, Chamber of Commerce, and tips groups). Attend association meetings and take advantage of educational opportunities.</li>
<li>Work as a volunteer. For example, in your industry association, the Membership Committee is a great place to start. The Program Committee (that plans events) or the Finance Committee (that helps line up sponsors) can also be good choices. Getting involved in any organization is beneficial. Volunteering is one of the best ways to network your way to new contacts.</li>
<li>Participate in an online community. This can be a social networking site like <a href="http://www.linkedin.com">LinkedIn</a>, an <a href="http://www.classmates.com">alumni site</a>&nbsp; or your trade association&rsquo;s website.&nbsp; Find a list of trade associations <a href="http://www.usa.gov/directory/tradeassc/index.shtml">here</a> Often these sites have an elist or message board to connect to other members.</li>
<li>Contact your alumni groups. Your college or university should have an alumni association (often with a directory of members) that can be useful. You can mine the directory for contacts in your field, even if they didn&rsquo;t graduate in the same year as you. Your alma mater connects you. </li>
<li>You might also receive a monthly or quarterly alumni magazine that highlights alumni and is another source for identifying potential contacts. And by the way, don't forget to get yourself listed in your alumni magazine.&nbsp; Send an update of an accomplishment, a conference or training you attended with your picture and contact information and put yourself in front of others, especially those that may remember you from college days - whether they were last year or 20 years ago. This is also a great way to attract business if you do any consulting or freelance work.&nbsp; It's much like the updates you may post to LinkedIn from time to time. </li>
<li>Read your local business journal to find out about growing companies. Pay particular attention to the &ldquo;People&rdquo; section (the section that highlights promotions and new hires at companies) and see if there are any contacts you can make.</li>
<li>Has an article caught your eye online or in a magazine or newspaper?&nbsp; Make a note of the author, do a little research on them (LinkedIn is great for this) and decide if they are someone you might want to connect with. Often their email address appears in their byline or at the end of the article, so don't be afraid to send an email telling them you admired their writing or agree with their perspective, and ask if you can connect with them (on LinkedIn for example).&nbsp; I've had good luck with this on more than one occasion.</li>
<li>Reference directories can also lead you to the right people. For example, the <a href="http://www.manufacturersnews.com/">Manufacturers&rsquo; News</a> sells databases and print directories of manufacturing businesses and contact information for the decision-makers at these companies.</li>
</ul>
<p>So get busy and build that list.&nbsp; Next week we'll talk about just how to use this great list you've created.&nbsp; I'd love to hear from you so please feel free to leave me a comment on this blog or <a href="http://www.wordsetc.info/contact/">contact me here</a>.</p>
<ul>
</ul>]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://www.wordsetc.info/words-blog/rss-comments-entry-33044322.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>Networking - are you using this job search tool? -</title><category>Job Search Tips</category><category>job market</category><category>job search tools</category><category>jobseeker</category><category>networking</category><dc:creator>Christine Speno</dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 08 Mar 2013 13:02:00 +0000</pubDate><link>http://www.wordsetc.info/words-blog/2013/3/8/networking-are-you-using-this-job-search-tool.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">1444338:17582662:32921862</guid><description><![CDATA[<p><strong style="font-size: 110%;">Your next job could be just around the corner, or at least the connection to it could be! </strong></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 300px;" src="http://www.wordsetc.info/storage/dreamstime_xs_17439727.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1362511003561" alt="" /></span></span>Think about how many people you know and interact with and start (or continue) networking as this could be the best way for you to find your next job. The &ldquo;tried and true&rdquo; path of networking is still the most successful way to find your next position. <br /><br />According to a 2012 survey by <a href="http://www.rightmanagement.co.uk/">Right Management</a>, person-to-person networking is the single most effective way to find a new job, with 46% of jobseekers identifying networking as the reason they found their most recent job. <br /><br />Research consistently identifies networking as an important job search tool &mdash; anywhere from 40-80% of job placements are attributed to networking. Networking can also be a way to identify unadvertised job opportunities &mdash; accessing the &ldquo;hidden job market.&rdquo; (The &ldquo;hidden job market&rdquo; refers to jobs that are not advertised publicly. These positions may be filled through employee referrals, recruiters, or direct contact with hiring managers through networking.)<br /><br />It happens all the time. Someone in your network says, &ldquo;You know what? You should talk to John Jones at the XYZ Company. They&rsquo;re hiring.&rdquo;<br /><br />This guide will help you identify who is in your network and how to use these connections to find your next job.<br /><br /><strong>Build Your Network Before You Need It</strong></p>
<p><br />The single biggest mistake most job searchers make is not asking for help from their network. People want to help you &mdash; so let them! But don&rsquo;t wait until you&rsquo;re out of work to start developing relationships with your network.<br /><br />As motivational speaker and author <a href="http://www.harveymackay.com/">Harvey Mackay</a> says, &ldquo;Dig your well before you&rsquo;re thirsty.&rdquo; Develop your contacts, be willing to help these folks with their needs, and they will be there when you need them!<br /><br />The more people who know you are looking for a job, the more eyes and ears that will be available to help. Networking is about getting the people you already know to help connect you to the people who will help you land your next career opportunity.<br /><br />You can also tap into your network for specific assistance. For example, if you want to work at a particular company, ask people in your network if they know anyone who currently works for &mdash; or used to work for &mdash; &ldquo;Company A." Then contact that person and ask about the company, culture, and hiring practices. You might be surprised at what you discover or how this may lead to a door opening.</p>
<p>I've given you some things to think about as you continue to bring networking into your job search.&nbsp; Next time we'll talking about defining exactly who is part of <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>your </strong></span>network.&nbsp; Stay tuned.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://www.wordsetc.info/words-blog/rss-comments-entry-32921862.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>This is the first Words Etc. Newsletter and we hope you'll stick around!</title><category>Job Search Tips</category><category>Resume Tips</category><category>cover letters</category><category>informational</category><category>job</category><category>job seekers</category><category>newsletter</category><category>resumes</category><dc:creator>Christine Speno</dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 08 Mar 2013 13:00:00 +0000</pubDate><link>http://www.wordsetc.info/words-blog/2013/3/8/this-is-the-first-words-etc-newsletter-and-we-hope-youll-sti.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">1444338:17582662:32935344</guid><description><![CDATA[<p><strong><span style="font-size: 130%;">Hello</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-size: 130%;">!</span> Words Etc. is excited to launch our newsletter service</span></strong>....</p>
<p>We want to take the time to welcome you and let you know that we&rsquo;ll be sharing lots of ideas about r&eacute;sum&eacute;s, cover letters, job searches and LinkedIn&reg; to help you stay in touch with the most up-to-date strategies and techniques for keeping your professional profile top-notch.</p>
<p>Even if you already have your &ldquo;dream job&rdquo; or are an entrepreneur developing your perfect business plan, it&rsquo;s always important to keep your job tools in the best shape. Remember a strong professional profile is not only about getting a job or running a business. There are times you may be called upon to speak or present at meetings, conferences or seminars. Or you might seek membership in an organization or pursue a board position at some future point in your career, or even in your personal life, that requires you to share details of your background, skills and expertise. Keeping your information fresh and incorporating new accomplishments, professional development, certifications and skills as you acquire them is the best way to make sure you&rsquo;re always on top of the pyramid.</p>
<p>With that said, Words Etc. hopes that you will welcome the information that we will be sharing in the coming months. You&rsquo;ll find links to some of our past posts below so check them out and please take some time to explore our website.&nbsp; And do <a href="http://www.wordsetc.info/contact/">contact </a>me with any questions.&nbsp; If you do choose to unsubscribe, please remember that you can always check in with Words Etc. on our <a href="http://www.wordsetc.info">site&nbsp;</a> to resubscribe or to see our latest news and blog posts. We also welcome your connections on <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/christinespenowrites">LinkedIn&reg;</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/Words_Etc">Twitter</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WordsEtc?ref=hl">Facebook</a>.</p>
<p>Welcome and good luck to all!</p>
<p><span style="vertical-align: super;"><em>Christine Speno</em></span></p>
<p><em>Do your LinkedIn&reg; profile and r&eacute;sum&eacute; tell your true story? If not, give me a call!</em><br /><br />Christine&rsquo;s cell:&nbsp; 386-478-9409<br /><br /><br /></p>]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://www.wordsetc.info/words-blog/rss-comments-entry-32935344.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>Using online resources to find recruiters.</title><category>Job Search Tips</category><category>employment</category><category>job seekers</category><category>recruiters</category><category>resumes</category><dc:creator>Christine Speno</dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2013 20:55:15 +0000</pubDate><link>http://www.wordsetc.info/words-blog/2013/2/22/using-online-resources-to-find-recruiters.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">1444338:17582662:32861959</guid><description><![CDATA[<h4><span style="font-size: 110%;">In the last few posts, we&rsquo;ve been talking about recruiters so that you can decide if working with one is a good fit for you. In earlier posts we <a href="http://www.wordsetc.info/words-blog/2013/2/1/working-with-recruiters-is-it-for-you.html">defined the industry </a>and <a href="http://www.wordsetc.info/words-blog/2013/2/8/making-decisions-about-using-a-recruiter-in-your-job-search.html">how they work</a>. In the <a href="http://www.wordsetc.info/words-blog/2013/2/15/getting-your-resume-in-front-of-a-recruiter.html">last pos</a><a href="http://www.wordsetc.info/words-blog/2013/2/15/getting-your-resume-in-front-of-a-recruiter.html">t,</a> we started talking about how to get your </span><span style="font-size: 110%;">r&eacute;sum&eacute; </span><span style="font-size: 110%;">in front of a recruiter.&nbsp; Today, let's continue that by exploring a few online resources for distributing your r&eacute;sum&eacute;.</span></h4>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>R&eacute;sum&eacute;<strong> Distribution Firms</strong></strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>Last time we talked about using <a href="http://www.linkedin.com">LinkedIn</a>&reg; or simple <a href="http://www.google.com">Google</a> searches to locate recruiters, but you can also use a r&eacute;sum&eacute; distribution research firm to identify targeted recruiters to contact. For example, <a href="http://www.profileresearch.com">Profile Research&nbsp; </a>can research and develop lists of recruiters that are looking for candidates with your qualifications and expertise. For a fee, they will identify the recruiters and distribute your r&eacute;sum&eacute; and cover letter to these individuals (either via e-mail or offline).</p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong><strong>Paid Online Directories</strong></strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>Another option is to use free or paid online directories to access recruiters like <a href="http://www.kennedycareerservices.com">Kennedy Career Services</a>. On this site, you&rsquo;ll find an online directory of recruiters. They also publish an annual print directory of recruitment firms (&ldquo;The Directory of Executive and Professional Recruiters,&rdquo; known as the &ldquo;Recruiter Red Book&rdquo;).<strong><br /><br /><strong>Free Directories</strong></strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>One free directory option is<a href="http://www.searchfirm.com"> </a><a href="http://www.searchfirm.com">Search</a><a href="http://www.searchfirm.com">Firm. </a>This service is designed to help executive search firms connect with corporate clients across the globe, and jobseekers can search the database by specialty, geography, and recruiter name.</p>
<p>Another online directory that jobseekers can access to find member firms is the online directory of&nbsp; <a href="http://www.npaworldwide.com/DIRECTORY/">NPA </a><a href="http://www.npaworldwide.com/DIRECTORY/">The Worldwide Recruiting Network</a>&nbsp;</p>
<p>This site also offers you access to a job search tool to view listings posted by recruiters within their network. <a href="http://jobs.npaworldwide.com/indexj.html">Search the NPA Job Board </a>by job title, keywords, and/or specialties.</p>
<p>And as mentioned in the <a href="http://www.wordsetc.info/words-blog/2013/2/15/getting-your-resume-in-front-of-a-recruiter.html">last post</a>, often a referral from someone you know is your best resource for locating a credible recruiter that you can trust. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>Now you have lots of suggestions for locating recruiters. Click on the links to explore the sites or visit our <a href="http://www.wordsetc.info/job-seeker-resources/"><span>resources page</span></a> where you will also find links to most of these tools.&nbsp; Use the one that is best suited to you, and you are sure to find the help you need.&nbsp; If you have a success story with using recruiters, you are welcome to share it here with our readers.</p>
<p>Words Etc. wishes you the best of luck in <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">your</span></strong> job search. <a href="http://www.wordsetc.info/contact/">Let us know</a> if we can help!</p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://www.wordsetc.info/words-blog/rss-comments-entry-32861959.xml</wfw:commentRss></item></channel></rss>