In recent years the art of job searching has changed significantly. Your Internet presence should be extensive and notable, clearly portraying your brand, and emphasizing the value you can bring a potential employer.
The LinkedIn application is a great tool in your marketing arsenal. It is constantly being upgraded to provide the business networker and job searcher one of the best online tools to secure a new appointment.
When building your branded profile on LinkedIn make sure you avoid the following mistakes which can damage your brand image. First impressions count!
Not including a photo.
Make that instant connection, you engage a person's interest more with a photo. It reinforces your brand and persona, lending credibility.
Not personalizing your LinkedIn address.
When you sign up for LinkedIn you are allocated a default address with a string of letters, slashes and number after your name. To give a more professional and positive image take a minute to edit to your "Public Profile" to your proper name.
Not clearly portraying your brand, the unique promise of value that will have a memorable impression with profile viewers.
Ensure your profile contains pertinent key words in the headline that will elevate your searchable status and position you as a top candidate.
No recommendations.
Actively solicit relevant recommendations from your peers, vendors, employees and current or past managers. Try to obtain 2 recommendations per position. Testimonials speak volumes about you!
Not adding links to websites and other online media.
Always include links to the company, your personal website, blog, Visual CV, Twitter or Facebook. Never miss out on the opportunity to strengthen your online presence.
Not proofreading.
NO typos or grammatical errors are acceptable in any communications. What does a mistake say about you?
Not updating the profile frequently.
LinkedIn is an active and participatory application. It provides you with the opportunity to market yourself as an expert and define the environment you want to market in. To maintain your presence in the minds of your network, share information including articles and and blogs regularly.
Not joining and participating in groups.
Join appropriate groups, contribute to conversations in groups, ask throught provoking questions, answer questions.
Inviting people you don't know to connect with you.
You want to connect with individuals who can bring value to your career. Past bosses, peers and employees who know you and could be referrals are ideal. So are other key stakeholders including Recruiters. The point of LinkedIn isn't to connect with as many people as you can. The quality of your relationships is more important than the quantity. Recruiters are now asking questions about your connections and their value to you!
Automatically accepting invitations.
Don't accept all invites! Look at how they could bring value to your business network and review profiles to make your own judgement.
Sending the canned invitation.
Don't send the impersonal invitation. Personalize it with a compelling and enticing introduction. Why do you want to connect with them and why should they connect with you? Far more impressive!
Not using the LinkedIn and Twitter interface.
This new addition is a way to succinctly double your message to the audience you have gathered. Use it, it works!
You should be embracing LinkedIn when gainfully employed as well as when you are in career transition.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Executive Career Management Advice
"There are plenty of career opportunities for today's executives and professionals, if they know the rules of the new job search game. Hear executive expert MARTIN BUCKLAND share the new ground rules. How has the face of resumes changed? Is it enough? What are the key ways we can leverage social media? What else do we really need to know if we are to succeed in landing our career aspirations?"
Elizabeth M. Lengyel, People Coach, interviews Martin on her radio show: BIZ Juice, "Straight-Talk With The Masters".
Friday, October 29, 2010
Boo! Are you scaring away opportunities or the competition?
Scare away your competition not your opportunities! Successfully managing an Executive Career requires the maintenance of a current resume, establishing a personal brand, career planning, networking, an impressive attire and an updated and professional online photo. If you wish to be noticed and to have a positive influence on those in a position to offer you new opportunities you must look the part!Authenticity, transparency and a genuine brand are no longer optional. If you find this uncomfortable or insist on discussing your right to privacy, DO NOT consider setting your sights on an executive career. Establishing a false brand will eventually lead to a disasterous outcome! Just ask Tiger Woods. A conscious decision to withhold information, hide behind an alias or use anything other than a professional photo, is a clear indication that you have something to hide. Opportunities are not offered to those who lack credibility.
Exuding confidence, establishing a consistent and credible brand and presenting a professional appearance could scare away much of your competition and position you in the lead as a potential candidate in your job search. So go ahead and scare away the competition but don't scare away opportunities by wearing a mask, unless it's Hallowe'en!
Happy Hallowe'en!
Martin Buckland, Principal of Elite Resumes provides executive career management services for a global clientele.For further information on job search resources please find the following professional advice from other members of the Career Collective, Collaboratively Helping Job Seekers:
Is Your Job Search Making You Feel Like a Smashed Pumpkin?, @DebraWheatman
Hiding in Plain Sight, @WalterAkana,
Don't make these frightful resume mistakes, @LaurieBerenson
How Not to Be a Spooky Job Seeker, @heathermundell
A Tombstone Resume:Eulogizing Your Experience, @GayleHoward
The Top Ten Scary Things Job Seekers Do, @barbarasafani
Oh, Job Search Isn't Like Trick or Treating?, @careersherpa
A Most Unfortunate Resume Mistake No One Will Tell You, @chandlee
Oh no. Not the phone!, @DawnBugni
Halloween Caution: Job Seeker Horror, @resumeservice
Boo! Are you scaring away opportunities or the competition? @MartinBuckland @EliteResumes
Your Career Brand: A Scary Trick or an Appealing Treat?, @KCCareerCoach
How to avoid mistakes on your resume, @Keppie_Careers
Sc-sc-scary Resume Mistakes, @erinkennedycprw
A Flawed Resume is a Scary Prospect, @KatCareerGal
Job Search Angst: Like Clouds Mounting Before a Storm, @ValueIntoWords
Does Your Career Costume Fit You?, @expatcoachmegan
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Friday, October 1, 2010
The ROI from a Professional Resume
There are few investments that are entered into without first evaluating the potential for a return on that investment. A decision to invest in renovating your home may result in an increase in property value or simply a more comfortable atmosphere to live in. In order to realize a significant benefit or a measurable return you will need to rely on your own due diligence to secure the best company for the job. You may choose to volunteer for a charity event or fundraiser, in which case the return on your investment of time will be a boost to your self-esteem, unless you discover it was not a reputable organization. A professional resume will also provide a significant ROI if you exercise your due diligence in hiring the right Certified Professional Resume Writer. As with any product or service, the best recommendation is word of mouth but don't stop there. Verify company history, certifications and review testimonials. Invest the time in discussions with the individual who will be writing your resume to ensure there is a comfortable exchange of information. After all, this professional will be working with you at great lengths to ensure you receive a professional resume that represents your brand, your value and your achievements to position you as a potential candidate who will stand out from the crowd.
Investing in a professional resume from a Certified Professional Resume Writer can provide a significant return on your investment by:
Increasing confidence and self-worth
Reducing the time required to find a job
Generating several job offers
If you have a substantial work history, you may find it difficult to recall all of the many accomplishments and successes you have achieved in your career. A professional resume writer is experienced at delving into your background and uncovering your most influential, significant and quantifiable accomplishments. Relaying these achievements in your resume and emphasizing your value to a potential employer should result in a boost to your self-confidence. HR Professionals and recruiters agree that confidence is one of the most significant factors in their decision making process.
It is not unusual for an executive job search to take up to 12 months or longer. A rule of thumb that continues to provide a reliable estimate is to allocate one month for each $10,000 in salary that is earned. Every month you are out of work is a significant expense and the sooner your resume gets you noticed, the better. Recruiters recognize a professional resume and the investment you have made in the management of your career adding to your credibility as a potential candidate. There will be no risk of elimination due to spelling, grammatical or formatting errors and HR professionals will acknowledge it as a professional document that warrants their attention.
Getting noticed in this highly competitive job market is imperative. In addition to reducing the time in career transition, which could be a significant return on your investment, a professional resume will generate more job interviews increasing the potential for multiple job offers and the opportunity to negotiate an increased salary.
What is the potential ROI in securing a professional resume from a Certified Professional Resume Writer? If a professional resume results in a higher salary and reduces your job search by as little as one month, what is the value to you? The potential for a significant monetary return on your investment in a professional resume is evident but it is also an investment in you, your career and your future. Your personal and professional success is priceless!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Canadian Resources for Job Seekers
Resources are so abundant for job seekers that it can become confusing and possibly overwhelming especially when a google search for “job search websites” exceeds 162, 000 results! In an effort to provide the most valuable resources for your job search, it is necessary to understand the following three facts:
Resources are so abundant for job seekers that it can become confusing and possibly overwhelming especially when a google search for “job search websites” exceeds 162, 000 results! In an effort to provide the most valuable resources for your job search, it is necessary to understand the following three facts:
Friday, September 24, 2010
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Refresh, Renew, Stay Current
How competitive are you in today’s job market? Will you or your resume appear outdated? How familiar are you with today’s technology, fashion trends, terminology, favourite TV shows and social media? ........
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Monday, July 5, 2010
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Friday, June 18, 2010
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Are you concerned about your age in your job search?
Hardly a day passes in my Career Management Practice without hearing “I’m too old; I feel I’m being discriminated!” Yes sadly, discrimination exists everywhere but there could also be a number of external issues inhibiting you from advancing in your career.
Despite your maturity, you can bring a wealth of talent to a potential employer. I heard recently that 55 is the new 40!
Here are some strategies I recommend to assist the mature job seeker meet their goals and simplify the search.
1. Reinvigorate Your Resume
Does your resume portray yourself to the optimum? A combination format is generally the best format to choose to emphasize your personal brand, soft and hard skills and a comprehensive list of accomplishments in each appointment. Summarize the early part of your career and show the dates! This is an honest document, your are building trust and credibility with a future employer. If the dates are omitted red flags are activated!
2. Evaluate your position in life
This is the time to take stock of your past and look to the future. What are your personal and professional goals, skills values, interests and individual traits? What is so special about you at this stage of life? Why should I employ you? What is your differentiator? What exactly do you want to do? Too many questions to answer? Seek help from a Career Coach.
3. Stay Positive
Staying focused and positive is a major component of job search success. Career transition at any time is stressful, however in latter years emotions run deeper with more at stake. Anger, rage and frustration can take a huge toll on one’s morale and can consume you. Seek professional advice, read personal development books or listen to motivational CDs.
4. Become a Subject Matter Expert
The market is fierce and competitive; you have to position and market yourself as a winner! Everyone has their areas of strength. Are you an expert? If not, increase your visibility by writing, presenting, optimizing social media messaging and consulting, relaying a consistent message of knowledge in a particular area. Try to support the designated area of expertise with references ready to articulate your area of proficiency.
5. Networking, Networking and Networking
You cannot have too much networking a very important ingredient to your career, business and personal success. After an extensive career, your network should be comprehensive but do you maintain and nurture it? Are all your contacts ready to help you? Don’t hold back in asking your network for help. They might need your help some day! Be diligent in your approach to spend valuable time with people who can provide influential leads.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
Friday, April 9, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
What about gaps in my employment dates?
It is not uncommon to have gaps or absences in employment, and this is acceptable. However, it needs to be addressed and explained in the resume. No questions should be left unanswered or any doubt cast during a search; you are opening up honest and open communications with a future employer!
There are many acceptable reasons for taking a break. It may be as a care giver to elderly parents. What about a travel sabbatical where you gained cultural and geographic knowledge? How about becoming a parent? That’s a full time job in itself!
Employers are seeking clarification on gaps, be open and be honest!
There are many acceptable reasons for taking a break. It may be as a care giver to elderly parents. What about a travel sabbatical where you gained cultural and geographic knowledge? How about becoming a parent? That’s a full time job in itself!
Employers are seeking clarification on gaps, be open and be honest!
Friday, March 19, 2010
Does your resume stand out from the competition?
In today’s cut throat and performance-driven world job applicants need to deliver a memorable impression. We employ legal professionals to prepare our wills and provide other legal services. We use the expertise of service providers to repair and maintain our homes. How valuable is your career? Do you make an investment in your future? Are you ambitious? Do you create and deliver a striking image and synopsis of your work?
How about investing in a professionally written resume? It will convey a unique tone and approach that makes you look impressive and effective and most importantly, gets YOU noticed.
So what can you expect from a professionally written resume? What makes you look outstanding and compelling?
The ‘WOW’ factor.
A resume is a psychological document; the format has to be impeccable and seductive. A reader needs to see the title of the position you are seeking, as well as a series of soft skills and the hard skills you can bring pertinent to the job. This top section relays a message on who you are and what your core strengths you offer!
Includes the differentiator branding positioning statement.
We are all unique, many Human Resource Leaders have the same skill sets and knowledge, however, each one has their own distinctive brand! Are you communicating that brand to the reader to achieve maximum exposure to induce a further read?
Separates job descriptions from accomplishments.
North America is the most performance-driven society in the world. A future employer is going to hire you based on consistent delivery. Extracting accomplishments into bullet points based on the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique advances your candidacy to the next level and separates you from the other applicants.
Uses concise strong language to attract optimum impact.
A professionally written resume is free from spelling, grammar and punctuation errors. Use of strong enticing language, rich in action words, key words and dynamic phases is very important.
An experienced and Certified Professional Resume Writer invariably knows your profession. When conducting due diligence into a resume writer ask some probing questions, drop acronyms to see if they are familiar them. Build constructive and open dialogue to understand their perspective on how they would meet the challenge of portraying you!
How about investing in a professionally written resume? It will convey a unique tone and approach that makes you look impressive and effective and most importantly, gets YOU noticed.
So what can you expect from a professionally written resume? What makes you look outstanding and compelling?
The ‘WOW’ factor.
A resume is a psychological document; the format has to be impeccable and seductive. A reader needs to see the title of the position you are seeking, as well as a series of soft skills and the hard skills you can bring pertinent to the job. This top section relays a message on who you are and what your core strengths you offer!
Includes the differentiator branding positioning statement.
We are all unique, many Human Resource Leaders have the same skill sets and knowledge, however, each one has their own distinctive brand! Are you communicating that brand to the reader to achieve maximum exposure to induce a further read?
Separates job descriptions from accomplishments.
North America is the most performance-driven society in the world. A future employer is going to hire you based on consistent delivery. Extracting accomplishments into bullet points based on the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique advances your candidacy to the next level and separates you from the other applicants.
Uses concise strong language to attract optimum impact.
A professionally written resume is free from spelling, grammar and punctuation errors. Use of strong enticing language, rich in action words, key words and dynamic phases is very important.
An experienced and Certified Professional Resume Writer invariably knows your profession. When conducting due diligence into a resume writer ask some probing questions, drop acronyms to see if they are familiar them. Build constructive and open dialogue to understand their perspective on how they would meet the challenge of portraying you!
Monday, March 15, 2010
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Friday, February 5, 2010
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Monday, February 1, 2010
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Are you managing your online profile?
Be eloquent in all your public messages shared on the Internet? No derogatory remarks; no swear words or negative comments. Every message is a footprint, cannot be erased even if you think you can erase it!
Decision makers in your career can uncover all your postings on the Internet. Foolish comments will come back to haunt you!
Decision makers in your career can uncover all your postings on the Internet. Foolish comments will come back to haunt you!
Friday, January 29, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
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