LinkedIn is the best social network for your career, whether you want to use it to find a job or just boost your hirability. It's not without its annoyances, however. If you're prepping your profile for the job hunt especially, you'll want to head to this setting on LinkedIn first, before everything turns to hell. How Can I Make LinkedIn More Useful in Landing a Job The setting is related to the "Say congrats on the new job!" notices that pop up on LinkedIn and your email inbox all the time. If you don't change it, every time you tweak your title (say, to be more specific to the kind of job you're looking for next), LinkedIn will tell your network and they'll assume you've just landed a new position. That's not really great if you're in the midst of looking for a new position and interviewing with companies while you adjust your LinkedIn profile. Donna Sapolin writes on Forbes that even her mother congratulated her for the "new job" and "promotion" because she changed the field under her name. To prevent this, you have to turn off activity broadcasts completely. Updated: Hover over your profile photo, then go to Privacy & Settings and under the Profile tab, look for Privacy Controls > Turn on/off your activity broadcasts. That way, no one else in your network will mistake editing your profile with a new job. Turn it back on when you're done so the status updates and whatever else you do want to share get seen.

How to be Ready for a Career Change

How to be Ready for a Career Change The idea of changing careers can invoke anxiety in some people, but it shouldn't. People switch careers every day. In fact, the average worker changes jobs after about 4.4 years. Millennials--those workers born between 1977 and 1997--change jobs after about three years, according to Forbes. Experts don't know how many of these new jobs are career changes rather than job changes. However, some career coaches believe the average person changes careers six or seven times. You can change careers, too! If you're unhappy in your current career, it's time to make a move to something better. Let's get you ready for a career change. Decide What You'd Like To Do Remember those career assessment tests you took in school? You know, the ones that asked you multiple choice questions about your personality and behavior? That test may come in handy now.A career assessment test helps pinpoint where you are in life and what you'd be happiest doing in the future. Maybe you're thinking, "I've already taken that test. What's the point in doing it again?" The answer is simple. You've changed since then. As you get older, and as you gained more experience, you changed. This could cause your career assessment test to yield completely different results. Take a test online to see what you'd be good at, then weigh your options. Plan With Goals in Mind What will it take to push you past the finish line when it comes to switching careers? A solid plan. This plan should include: Networking with industry leaders Researching the companies you'd like to apply to Gaining necessary certifications Becoming aware of industry trends Following thought leaders on social media Create a New Resume You may not have a work history in your new field, but you can still put together a great resume. Focus on certifications or education that relates to your new field. You can also make past work experience work for you. Take a serious look at your work history. What experience from your prior jobs would help you in a new job? For example, if you are an accountant and want to work as a chef, highlight how well you can budget and organize. First Steps Towards Your New Career Once you've created an action plan, it's time to put it in place. There are several things you can do to get moving in the right direction. Research careers online. Find out what education and qualifications are needed to get a job in your chosen career. If you need more education, begin researching and applying to programs. Look at your local community college if you need to earn a certificate; such colleges often offer certificate programs at reduced prices to local students. Get references. If you've done any work in your new area of interest, gather references. For example, if you want to be a chef and have cooked for your friend's dinner party, get a reference from her. References can demonstrate that you have the skills you need for your chosen career. Create job seeker profiles. Put your new resume online on job seeking sites such as Simply Hired. You should also create a LinkedIn profile. Ideally, that's the first thing recruiters see when they Google your name. Consider a career coach. Career coaches specialize in helping people gain the skills they need to successfully switch careers. Hiring a coach who is familiar with your target career can enable you to accelerate your progress. Your career coach can also provide encouragement and help you stick to your plan. If you're ready for a new career, think deeply about what you want. Consider what you have to offer. Then make a plan, and stick to it. You'll be thankful you did.

7 ways to use social media to find your perfect job by Carlos Gil on May 16, 2014

7 ways to use social media to find your perfect job by Carlos Gil on May 16, 2014 Share: 3 Ways (3)Finding a job today is a full-time job that requires determination and persistence. Whether you’re currently unemployed, or employed but looking for a better job, the process can be frustrating and time consuming without having done the proper research or a network to lean on. With social media, every professional from a recent college graduate to a C-level executive has access to the same tools and resources that makes the job search process easier than one might think. Here are my seven favorite resources for helping people find a new career using social media. 1. LinkedIn Groups LinkedIn allows you to join up to 50 groups, take advantage of this feature and join the maximum number. By joining a group, LinkedIn grants you access to connect with members of the group that helps you grow your first-degree network and communicate through direct messaging. For job seekers, having access to recruiters and hiring managers is a valuable commodity. In addition to HR/recruiting groups, join groups that are relevant to your industry or profession. Top LinkedIn groups for job seekers include: Linked:HR (#1 Human Resources Group) Job Openings, Job Leads and Job Connections (1.7 million members) The Recruiter Network (#1 Group for Recruiters) 2. Twitter Chats Twitter chats are a great way to engage in dialogue with job search experts, mostly recruiters, and grow your network too. Twitter chats such as #JobHuntChat (every Monday at 10pm EST) #HFChat (Friday’s at noon EST) and #TChat (Wednesdays at 7pm EST) are free, can be followed from your PC or mobile device, and feature career advice and tips from HR professionals, employers, recruiters, resume writers, and job seekers too. 3. Twitter Experts Overall, Twitter is a great resource for job seekers. It provides users with access to follow, and engage, with social media rock stars, brands, and recruiters behind the brands. Today, most companies place a major emphasis on social media for recruiting so it’s not too hard to find recruiters at major brands on Twitter. Following job-related Twitter experts also provides job seekers with insight related to job openings, tips, and access to some of the top hiring brands. Good job-search Twitter experts to follow are: @JobHuntOrg: Susan Joyce (real name) has created a list of the top recruiting brands on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/JobHuntOrg/lists/employers-recruiting. Follow these company handles for daily job updates. Susan’s tweets mostly direct users to valuable career articles. @Blogging4Jobs: Jessica Merrill is one of my favorite people to follow on social media, period. Her blog is a powerful HR and recruiting resource. In addition, her tweets provide job seekers with insight from an insider point of view. @alevit: Alexandra Levit is a workplace author and go-to expert for trends, including skills college grads can use to get hired. Tweets include everything from Gen Y advice to ways to reduce stress. Click here for a full list of the Top 100 HR resources/experts on Twitter. 4. Facebook Career Pages While most Facebook users tend to overlook its usefulness as a resource for job hunting, several notable brands actively have a Facebook presence for recruiting. Not only do brands maintain career pages to post jobs but most recruiters use Facebook as a search tool to screen candidates. In addition to job openings, use Facebook pages to learn more about the company/brand. Some great career pages on Facebook include: Home Depot Careers Verizon Careers Publix Careers 5. Social Meetup Sites Use sites like Meetup or Eventbrite to search for job events in your area and see who you may know already that’s attending one of these events. Whether it’s a networking mixer or a job fair, you can begin to engage for these events well ahead of time by leveraging social media to build conversation and awareness. If you’re job hunting, engage with the event organizers and if you get lucky you might just wind up with a listing of what employers will be there. 6. Your Own Blog Writing and creating content on your own is one of the best ways to prove you should be in a certain role without even interviewing. While blogs are often overlooked, they provide for great validation in lieu thereof a traditional resume or portfolio. If you’re not savvy with WordPress, or Tumblr, inquire about guest blogging for a site that aligns with your expertise or industry. 7. Finally, Your Personal Social Network Your biggest asset in social media is your own social network. If you’re actively engaging on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook you should be well on your way to building key relationships and your own brand identity. In a time of need, or crisis, your personal social network can help you discover opportunities which otherwise wouldn’t have been possible. My advice to job seekers, start within your inner circles before you let the world know that you’re actively searching. —-

Group Interview

To successfully handle a group interview, take time in advance to prepare. Ask who you will be interviewing with and ask for their names. That way, you can bring a copy of your resume for each interviewer and it will be easier to remember who's who. Check the LinkedIn Profiles of your interviewers so you can get insight into their role at the company and their background. Review the interview questions that are typically asked during this type of job interview. Be sure to research the company ahead of time. The more you know about the company, the easier it will be to respond to questions. Bring a notepad and pen and take notes. Again, it will be easier to keep track of the interview if you are able to jot down some notes. Connect With the Interviewers Connect with the group as well as the individual interviewers. When one panelist asks a question, respond directly to him or her, but also make eye contact with the rest of the group as you're answering. The more engaged you are - with everyone - the better impression you'll make. Try to find out a little about your interviewers if you have the opportunity during the early stages of the interview. Ask for their job titles and departments if that information has not been furnished with an agenda for your visit. Inquire about how they interface with the position for which you are interviewing. This information will help you to anticipate what they might be looking for in a candidate. When you are given the chance to pose questions in the later stages of the interview, try to frame questions geared toward the roles of as many of the interviewers as possible. For example, you might ask "Bob, given your role with the advertising department what would you most like to see in the new sales manager?" Pay attention to the group dynamics. How does everyone get along? What type of interaction do they have? Is it positive? You're interviewing the company as much as they are interviewing you and it's important to see how you will fit in, if you're hired. If you're not comfortable with the synergy between the panelists, think about what it will be like to work with them when making a decision on accepting a job offer. Follow Up After the Interview Ask for business cards and send a thank you note to everyone you interviewed with. If you don't get a chance to collect business cards, send a thank you note to the person who arranged the interview. If you do get contact information, compose an individual thank you letter to each interviewer. Incorporate a line or two referencing something specific which you learned from them about the organization. Another approach is to mention an asset which would help you to work productively with that person. Research the Company Before you go on a job interview, it's important to find out as much as you can about the company. That way you'll be prepared both to answer interview questions and to ask the interviewer questions. More Job Interview Tips Tips for phone interviews, second interviews, lunch and dinner interviews, behavioral interviews, interviewing in public, and more advice for interview success. Job Interview Videos For more interview tips and advice, take a look at our job interview videos. Share a Job Interview Tip Add your job interview tip to our list. Group Interviews Types of Job Interviews Group Interview Questions Panel Job Interview Job Interview Tips Job Interview Tips Interview Questions and Answers How to Dress for a Job Interview Job Interview Tips Job Interview Etiquette Tips Top 10 Interview Tips Job Interview Preparation Tips Related Articles What is a Job Interview Like? First Job Interview Tips Job Interview Advice, Tips and Questions Group Interview Definition Interview Tips: 5 Common Interview Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

12 Tips to Help You Make A Better First Impression April 18, 2011

12 Tips to Help You Make A Better First Impression

first_impressionWe talk a lot about personal branding and the need to have solid marketing documents that articulate your true value. However, if you can’t make a strong personal connection, it will be that much harder to demonstrate that you have the skills needed for the job. Making a great first impression is half the battle in impressing a hiring manager. Here are 12 tips to help you make a solid first impression, compliments of Alyson Kruger at Business Insider:

1. Dress to impress. Studies reveal that first impressions are formed within the first 17 seconds of a meeting, and 55 percent of that opinion is appearance. How does this affect your strategy for attire? Dress conservatively, even if the dress code for the workplace is casual or “funky.” Avoid loud accessories, hair styles, shoes, or anything that would take attention away from your skills. Also dress to show that you respect for the interviewee and the company.
2. Think before you speak. Seven percent of what we think of others is based on what they say. Think about how you want to come across, whether it’s humble, aggressive, optimistic, innovative, then make a list of words to convey that impression. Even if you don’t use those words it will help you prepare.
3. Watch your tone of voice. Thirty-eight percent of a person’s first impression is taken from tone of voice. Consider how you sound to others. Do you sound calm, enthusiastic, confident, humble, self-assured. Practice the way you want to be perceived.
4. Adjust your body language. Ninety-three percent of people’s judgments are based on non-verbal cues. A firm handshake, good posture, a smile, and eye contact will help reinforce a good first impression. Avoid gestures like crossing your arms or sitting too casually which may convey that you are bored or don’t care. Be aware of your physical attitude.
5. Use their name, often. People like to be acknowledged and studies show that addressing potential customers by name increases the likelihood of a sale by 36 percent. When you meet someone, say their name – “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Jim.” And repeat their name through the interview. It will help cement the relationship.
6. Be on time. Being late shows a lack of respect for others’ time. If you can, arrive 15 minutes early and use the time to collect your thoughts.
7. Focus on them. Even though it’s an interview, focusing too much on yourself will bore the other party. Prepare by making a list of questions about the other person and their company. You don’t have to go into great detail but show that you are interested in learning more about them.
8. Listen. We have talked about the need for good listening skills in the past. Exchange information, don’t dominate the conversation, and listen to the others closely. Also acknowledge what they are saying with phrases like, “that makes sense” or “interesting” or “can you elaborate on that” to show you are engaged.
9. Tain’t necessarily funny. Watch the use of humor. Avoid sarcasm or controversial jokes that could be misinterpreted, especially if you are meeting someone for the first time.
10. Bring your documents. Don’t assume they will have copies of your documents. Bringing your own paperwork shows you are prepared. And bring them in a portfolio or briefcase to show you are organized.
11. Do your homework. Learn all you can about the person whom you will be meeting. Check them out on LinkedIn, the corporate web site, and using other social networking tools so you can ask informed questions about them.
12. Be yourself. If you can, try to relax and be yourself – be authentic. To help you overcome nervousness, do something to relieve the stress. Exercise beforehand, listen to music, whatever helps you relax. Also give yourself a pep talk, list your best qualities, practice in the mirror, or call a friend to give you a boost. And during the meeting try to relax. You can never know what the other party is thinking so just be yourself.

How to Stand Out from the Competition!

Even if you have reached the top rungs of the corporate ladder, you might discover in this turbulent job market that potential employers will be looking beyond your core qualifications to your creativity, flexibility and fit into the company culture. Establishing yourself as a best-in-class professional, capable of easily adapting to and thriving during fluctuating economic cycles, will set you apart and enable you to more quickly land a career-enhancing opportunity. Some nontraditional strategies include:

1. Be open to interim positions or consulting projects. These will allow you to draw an income, keep your skills fresh and position yourself for prime roles once regular hiring levels return. So-called independent workers now comprise more than 30% of the American work force, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, demonstrating an increased willingness on the part of employers and professionals to consider unconventional working arrangements. With many companies unable to hire full-time employees, highly seasoned project or temporary professional workers are an appealing alternative.

2. Consider posts that are a pay grade or title below your most recent position. You’ll be positioned to exceed expectations and possibly turn the “downgrade” into a dream job later on. This is a particularly relevant strategy at organizations with reputations for promoting from within. By consistently over-performing and demonstrating your value to the company, you will ensure that you are at the top of its shortlist when more prestigious opportunities become available.

3. Be willing to relocate – domestically or even internationally. Look for opportunities that might ultimately keep you on the cutting edge of your field. While demand for talent will certainly rebound world-wide over time, job creation for top professionals may be more robust in emerging economies such as Brazil, Russia, India and China in the near term.

Career success in any type of job market is often as much about perseverance, preparation and timing as it is about talent and passion. Keeping an open mind about the path you take to reach your long-term career objectives is one of the best ways to ensure that you are seen as highly marketable. It will stimulate organizations – even those challenged by poor economic conditions – to see the advantage of hiring you.

Here are six New Year’s job-search resolutions to consider

As the end of the year approaches, we’re all inspired to make life-changing improvements. While you’re reflecting on 2010 and planning for 2011, take some time to think about your job-search strategy and include it in your resolutions.

Here are six New Year’s job-search resolutions to consider:

1. I will build my online presence.

If you’re reluctant about using social media tools for your job search, let go of your fears in 2011. Building an online presence is likely to take your job search to new heights. What do employers see when they do a Google search for your name? Consider starting a blog, uploading your VisualCV, participating in LinkedIn group discussions, and making new connections with like-minded professionals on Twitter. A strong online presence raises your visibility with potential employers and could help you uncover hidden job opportunities.

[See 10 Smart Ways to Use Social Media for Your Job Search.]

2. I will update my resume and personalize my cover letter.

Don’t lose an opportunity to apply for a job because you haven’t updated your resume. The beginning of the year is a wonderful time to reflect on your career accomplishments and future goals—and incorporate them into your resume, cover letter, online profiles and other job-search materials.

Check out the rest on US News and World Report’s On Careers blog: 6 New Year’s Resolution for Job Seekers