Posts tagged Networking
Upcoming Grads: How to Prepare
Jan 18th
Graduating college is one of the most exciting experiences for students and young professionals. It can also be one of the most overwhelming times. You should start preparing for your next steps while you’re still in college. If you are a recent graduate, no worries, it’s never too late to start or continue preparing.
Not sure where to begin? Start my establishing your goals and objectives. This may sound corny, but it’s a sure way to get the ball rolling. Identify your goals, list the steps required to accomplish those goals then create a plan to achieve them. A little hint, one of those steps should be to do as many internships as possible. It’s the best way to gain industry experience, put your studies into practice and show to employers that you have serious interest. You can find internships through your school, networking and online job boards such as YouTern.
Another way to achieve your goals while still in school is to join clubs, organizations and sports teams. It’s a great way to meet other students, network and gain team work experience. Hey, you never know when one your of soccer teammates in college can provide you with an”in” for your dream job. Along these lines, volunteering is another manner in which you can network and gain valuable experience.
With regards to your resume, create a tailored resume. This can’t be stressed enough. Hiring managers and recruiters can spot a generic resume a mile away. Start by creating a generic resume; listing your skills, qualifications and accomplishments and from there tailor it for specific jobs.
And of course, don’t forget to relax and fun. Don’t succumb to the “all work and no play” motto. You are about to graduate after all, enjoy this time!
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on January 18, 2013 at 9:50 am, and is filed under Recent and Upcoming Grads. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
Job Search Tips: How to Stand Out from the Crowd
Jan 11th
As we’ve mentioned in previous posts, the start of the New Year is a popular time of year for job seekers. This is a great time to reinvent your job search and approach it with a fresh strategy. This new strategy needs to come with an approach on how to stand out from the crowd. Throw out your generic resume, focus on growing your network and tap into your creative side.
- Tailor your resume and cover letter
Focus on your two to three of your strongest strengths and link them to the primary responsibilities of the position you are seeking. Show how you have learned new tasks and adapted to changes in past positions. An interest in learning is always appealing to hiring managers, but just don’t say it, show examples.
- Grow your network
Position yourself as an emerging leader in your field by creating a content-rich blogs and establishing strong social media presence. Try to make yourself a go-to resource or “expert” on a specific subject matter. One way to build your network of followers is to cite articles and posts from industry leaders in your field. Become active on industry social platforms, such as specialized LinkedIn groups. Don’t limit yourself to only growing your online presence; attend industry networking events to meet industry leaders and members of your industry face to face.
- Tap into your creative side
Get creative with not only the job search process, but with the application process, too. With regards to job searching, look into niche boards with focus on your industry. These boards generally have smaller applicant pools meaning less competition. During the application process, consider a video, multimedia or infographic resume, if appropriate for the position you are applying to.
Remember, you need take action. You will go nowhere fast if you don’t make any moves. You never know what could come of new job search strategies.
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on January 11, 2013 at 10:22 am, and is filed under Job Search. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
The Top 10 PCG Blog Posts of 2012
Dec 31st
Here is a look back on some of the most memorable posts on The Job Pyramid in 2012!
1 .Job Hunting Tips for Recent Grads
Highlights: Your major does not define your career path. Your major should play to your strengths. Inform employers about the skills you learned through your major, not the major itself.
Highlights: One-way interviews pre-screen candidates by having them respond to pre-set questions without a recruiter on the other end. Two-way interviews are conducted using a video calling service, such as Skype.
3. Resume Writing: What Stays and What Goes?
Highlights: Did you know, 72% of resumes are never seen by human eyes? Unfortunately, there is no way of knowing if a company uses one or not. The best way to approach this problem is to tailor your resume just like you would for a hiring manager. You have to read through your resume, delete all of the clutter and focus on the important key words.
4. Topics You Should Mention in an Interview
Highlights: If you have done the proper research on the company before the interview, you may have knowledge of upcoming developments or recent/on-going projects at the company. You should definitely incorporate this somewhere in the interview, but make sure it’s organic. Other topics you should mention are your skills and how they relate to the job as well as the industry as a whole.
Highlights: You should always treat the phone interview the same way you would an in-person job interview. Make sure you are in an area that has good reception and quiet. Don’t get too comfortable in the room and if possible, schedule the interview for a time of day when you’re most alert.
6. Tips for an Effective Cover Letter
Highlights: Use your cover letter as a method of influence and persuasion. Captivate with the first sentence. Make a personal connection. Follow the “Don’t Overuse ‘I’ Rule”. Showcase your accomplishments. There is no “I” in “TEAM”
Highlights: Research the event to find out the types of people/clients that will be attending. This way you can think of a general topic ahead of time that most would be interested in discussing. Use your own experiences to add to the conversation. Ask people about their work.
8. How to Effectively Use Your Professional Profile
Highlights: Keep it up to date – whenever you have an update, post it. Refresh your keywords and specialties – search online for common words that best describe what you do and use these key words organically. Be aware – create multiple online profiles and a personal blog and make sure they are all connected to enhance your personal search rankings.
9. Mentionings: 10 Musts to Score Your Dream Job
Highlights: If possible, gain some internship experience in the field where you’re applying. Understand that there is a fine line between being persistent and being a nuisance. Make sure you emphasize your accomplishments and not your credentials. Always come prepared with questions to ask the interviewer and customize your resume.
10. Tips for Calming Down Before an Interview
Highlights: Draft some basic questions you know you’ll be asked and rehearse in front a mirror or a friend. Do not start to dream up scenarios about how the interview can go wrong. Think positively. Get enough sleep. Take deep breaths to release anxiety. Take a trip to the office building before the day of your interview. This will reassure you that you are able to get there, how long it will take and will give you a visual of what you’re walking into.
And that’s a wrap! Looking forward to continue writing in 2013!
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on December 31, 2012 at 9:25 am, and is filed under Chronicles For Candidates. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
5 Tips for Staying on Track with Your Job Search During the Holidays
Dec 21st
The holidays are a wonderful time of the year, it’s a time to see friends, family and enjoy your downtime. The holidays can also prove to be a great time for job searching. There are many great opportunities out there as companies tend to want to start the new year with the right talent on board. You just need to know where to look and how to approach.
Below are 5 tips for staying on track with your job search during the holiday.
1.Keep a schedule
First things, first, the holidays are not an excuse to lose track of time or your priorities. Spend a certain amount of time each day or week searching for jobs.
2. Network at holiday events
Just like at any other networking event, come in with a goal. Do your research on the event and some of the attendees so you don’t walk in blindly. Aim to develop several solid relationships that you can follow up on and as always don’t spend the time talking about you and your search. Listen to others and relax (though don’t throw caution to the wind), after all it is a holiday party!
3. Follow up with contacts
As always, a personalized thank you note goes a long way. Some people aren’t comfortable sending hand written thank you notes, because it’s the holidays, a holiday card is a nice touch.
4. Volunteer (‘Tis the season!)
The holidays are the perfect time of year to give back to your community. There is no shortage of community service opportunities and people from various career fields volunteer their time. You never know who you might meet and you have the joy of helping those in need.
5. Keep your networking going
Don’t just follow up once and let it fizzle out in the new year. If this is someone who can really help you find creative ways to stay in touch with that person. Finding common interests is one way to go about this or when you update your resume send it along to them based on the developed relationship.
Remain focused and keep moving forward. Wouldn’t it be nice to start of the new year with that new job you wanted?
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on December 21, 2012 at 11:11 am, and is filed under Job Search, Networking. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
Not Sure If You’re Ready for a Career Change?
Dec 7th
Are you considering a career change, but not sure if it’s the right move for you? Make no mistake, this can be a challenging time and you want to weigh all of your options carefully. Should I quit myjob to dedicate my time to a job search? Should I go back to school? Should I just remain where I am? These are all common questions that might be running through your head.
To bring some clarity and a starting point, here are 5 questions to ask yourself from Forbes when considering a career change:
- Am I happy?
- Do I feel challenged every day (and more often in a good way than the opposite)?
- What do I love about my job/life? What do I wish I could change?
- Do I see a path for growth in my current position? If so, what does it look like?
- What things are most important to me in a job (i.e. flexibility, autonomy, money, recognition, working with creative people)?
Don’t just answer these out loud. Write them down, read them, step away and reflect. You might be surprised at your answers.
If you aren’t sure about quitting your job or can’t afford to do so, set up Google Alerts and/or sign up for job notification emails from corporate job boards to keep current. Another great way to stay under the radar while working and deciding a career change is networking. Set up for after work events, establish rapport and keep in touch.
Remain level headed, don’t make any rush decisions and consider all of your options and you will make the right decision.
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on December 7, 2012 at 12:47 pm, and is filed under Chronicles For Candidates. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
A Holiday Networking Guide
Nov 19th
It’s that time of year again, the holidays are here. So many people believe they may as well stop looking for a job throughout the holiday season because no one will be hiring. This is not entirely true. Yes, some companies may have no budget left for hiring, but others still have openings they need to fill by the end of the fiscal year.
If you are a job seeker you should take advantage of holiday parties to network and build relationships with contacts that may be able to help you find a job. There are many do’s (Go, Go, Go’s) and don’ts (No, No, No’s) to holiday job searching and networking.
The Go Go Go’s
- Schedule a wide variety of networking opportunities.
Holiday parties aren’t your only source for networking (although they may be the most fun). Look for open houses, join a friend for a company event or host a dinner party where guests can bring friends. You know never who you’re going to meet! As they say “tis the season to be jolly!” People are generally in great moods this time of year. Capitalize on this point, just don’t overbook yourself.
- Build a holiday contact list.
Make a list of the contacts that will be at each party you are attending (if possible). This way you have a game plan going into each event.
- Send holiday cards as a follow up.
You are sure to stand out by sending a holiday card to your newly-made contacts. Handwrite a short note telling them how nice it was to meet them and include your business card if you didn’t already provide them with one. Don’t forget to include a personal mention from your conversation, too.
- Focus on volunteer projects in your industry.
As mentioned above, holiday parties aren’t the only way to network during this season. Look into local volunteer organizations, such as City Harvest or New York Cares.
- Use the period between Christmas and New Year’s to reconnect with previous interviewers.
This is a great time to let your past interviewers know that you’re still available and interested in their company.
The No No No’s
- Don’t slack off on the job hunt right now.
By continuing your job search over the holidays you might actually increase your chances of being viewed by a hiring manager since most seekers go on break until the new year.
This is a great time to make contact and build a relationship with hiring managers.
- Don’t pitch yourself at parties.
Focus on making friends and have fun! Make connections by relaxing and showing interest in others. Don’t come right out about your job search. If the opportunity presents itself, exchange contact information and invite this person to coffee or lunch. Maintain the relationship, and at the right time, you can ask about a job.
- Don’t drink too much.
This seems obvious, but it’s worth stating. You want to have fun, but keep the amount of drinks to a minimum so you do anything to tarnish yourself.
- Don’t forget your business cards.
Another point that may be obvious, but so easily we can forget to put some in our wallet or purse. Double check for your business cards before heading out to an event.
- Don’t expect a quick response.
Don’t assume someone is busy or available. The holidays are an unpredictable time of year. The best you can do is connect with the person and follow up a few days later. You don’t want to present yourself as too pushy or desperate.
Remember, remain steadfast and be persistent during the holiday season and your gift just may be the job you’ve been aiming for.
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on November 19, 2012 at 3:04 pm, and is filed under Chronicles For Candidates, Job Search, Networking. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
The 411 on LinkedIn
Oct 8th
I have one word for you: LinkedIn. There are so many articles out there from stating the right way to approach someone to what profile picture to post. But how do you cut through all the clutter to receive the information you need? The purpose of this post is to provide a breakdown of LinkedIn facts.
- Making connections
You should never send the general staple message provided by LinkedIn when you want to connect to someone you don’t know very well or at all. Where is the incentive in that for the recipient to accept? On the other hand, you don’t want to write a novel. Write a clear and concise message stating upfront what you are asking and remember to build a relationship. Show initiative and do some research on the person you are reaching out to.
- Professional headline
Your professional headline is the first thing a recruiter sees so make it count! Use the “|” to divide your text and create visual breaks. You’ll be surprised at how much easier it is to read.
- Selecting the right skills
Select skill sets that match the jobs you are applying to, find the exact same keywords in the “Skills & Expertise” section and select them. It’s important to choose the words that are the same because recruiters use these keywords to find you on LinkedIn. By matching up the two, you increase your chances of getting found! Here’s a tip – look for a handful of job descriptions to see what keywords are used the most.
- Settings
You may not want everyone to know every time you add a new skill or change your headline for a change. Click here to prevent this in the future.
To find out if all this work pays off, check your homepage to see if your search appearances and profile views have increased. A further indicator that your changes are working is if the people viewing your profile are in your target industry. The best indicator is if people start reaching out to you on and off LinkedIn. Once this happens opportunities begin coming your way and soon enough that long awaited job offer!
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on October 8, 2012 at 12:55 pm, and is filed under Job Search, Networking, Social Media. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
Networking Breakdown
Sep 28th
Most of us have heard the phrase “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” Granted this is a bit of stretch, you clearly need to have the skills to succeed in any position, but the significance of networking is not a stretch. Networking skills are very valuable and if used correctly, advantageous to your career.
First, you need to come up with a value statement, also known as an elevator pitch. Delivery is key so you must create something that sounds natural.
For example, “Hi, my name is Stephanie. I’m a freelance graphic designer. I design logos, advertisements, marketing collateral, you name it. I do it all and love everything about design.”
This doesn’t have to be said verbatim, but as long as you write something up and rehearse it, you will have a better chance of not stumbling over your words. Be sure to include these points in your statement:
- Name
- Position / Career / Title (do not say “I used to…”)
- Transitional phrase
- What do you do (one verb)
- Target group that is impacted by the verb
- The goal you help them to accomplish
- Share genuine emotion about what you do
The idea of networking or “schmoozing” is not natural to many of us. This doesn’t mean you can’t do it. Just think of it like this, networking is all about selling yourself and who better to sell yourself than you?! You have to engage others by listening to them and gaining their respect and trust. You might be reading this and thinking “easier said than done,” but there is a way to accomplish this without being awkward or too salesman like.
Next time you’re going to an event to network, try following these guidelines:
- Research the event to find out the types of people/clients that will be attending. This way you can think of a general topic ahead of time that most would be interested in discussing.
- Use your own experiences to add to the conversation.
- Ask people about their work.
Remember to do your research and focus on how you can engage with others.
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on September 28, 2012 at 11:27 am, and is filed under Networking. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
Networking: Online and Local Events
Aug 17th
U.S. unemployment and underemployment statistics are still a major issue effecting job seekers in our economy. Fortunately with the rise of social media as a job searching tool in recent years, sites such as Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter make the job hunt more accessible.
Make a list of target companies that offer roles on your projected career path. Follow them on Twitter and LinkedIn, and “like” their Facebook pages. This is a great way to stay up to date on the latest highlights, job openings and fillings. You should also check to see if you are connected to current employees at a company of interest. You may surprise yourself and discover you have a strong 3rd party connection somewhere.
It may also prove beneficial to reach out to individuals on already on your desired career path – perhaps friends of friends, college alumni, etc. Ask questions about how they arrived where they are now and advice you can follow to get there. You can also ask if they can refer you to another professional, but do not be straightforward and ask for a job on the spot. Remember, social networking is here to provide you some extra ease for connecting with business professionals and finding you a career – use it wisely.
Don’t rule out attending events in your area because you have an online presence. One on one interaction is always an added plus when networking. You have the ability to leave someone with a more memorable impression of you.
Here are some great rules when networking at an event:
- Try to avoid idle chatter. Sincere interest in the other person is the objective.
- If you want a successful event, talk your server staff, the event manager, the valet, not just the attendees.
- Try to speak positively—whether about other people, the event you’re at, or even the conversations you’re in.
- If the conversation has run its course, graciously exit. Then be the first with a follow-up email, a thank-you note, or an appreciative call.
For more rules to follow when networking, click here.
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on August 17, 2012 at 11:45 am, and is filed under Networking, Social Media. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
Job Hunting Tips for Recent Grads
Aug 6th
Congratulations, you’ve earned your degree! Are you now on the job hunt for your perfect job? Summertime used to be the time to where you could postpone responsibilities and have fun in the sun. It can now be easy to lose focus, but you cannot lose sight of your bigger objective: find a job.
Here are a couple of suggestions to keep you focused and away from sitting around in the sun all day without a career.
- Don’t feel limited by your major.
- Don’t be afraid to reach out to people that can help you.
- Don’t pass up opportunities (but don’t settle for what will make you miserable).
- Update your personal brand.
- Define the job you want.
- Write objectives.
Your major does not define your career path. Your major should play to your strengths. Inform employers about the skills you learned through your major, not the major itself. Don’t forget to take advantage of your campus resources and alumni networks. You never know what can happen. Make sure you learn how to effectively ask for help, reach out, and network. Alumni meetings can lead to great recommendations and/or job leads.
Job searches tend to pass up great opportunities because they think they won’t get anything out them. You should at least consider all of them and focus on what they have to offer. Don’t be afraid to take advantage of what’s placed in front of you and spin it to your advantage. You might have to start at a company or position that you think won’t help you get your dream job. Just remember, you can always spin things that you did during one job to make them seem applicable to another one, just like you can with your major.
For more pointers to keep on track click here.
| Print article | This entry was posted by pyramid-admin on August 6, 2012 at 12:37 pm, and is filed under Recent and Upcoming Grads. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
