3 for Friday Social media edition - Sterling Career Concepts

3 for Friday Social media edition 3 for Friday: Social media edition A day late but worth waiting for asthis weeks collection ofposts discusses the relationship between social media and job searching today. Ill show you mine if you show me yours.QR code, that is.They are popping up everywhere in magazines, on products, in real estate materials, on the front or back of business cards, and now on resumes. Technically-advanced candidates or job seekers inhigh-tech, marketing, or Internet-related fields may want to consider adding a QR code to their resume or networking card to link the reader to more information, perhaps a blog, LinkedIn profile, or online profile of work samples. QR codes are a hot topic of late in the careers field. As they continue to take off in the US, their presence on job search materials will proliferate. Read more here: Standing out from the crowd with QR codes; 3 ways tospark your job search using QR codes; andWhat is a QR code and why do you need one? Resumes are not joining thedinosaurs. My esteemed colleague Jacqui Barrett-Pointdexter wrote a compelling andeloquentresponse to the topical debate of whether resumes are a dying entity. Read Jacquis post here:Is your resume disposable?andsee why Jacquiarguesthat your resume is the heartnot the predecessorof your online career profile. Jacqui explains thatexceptional resumes require introspection, well-thought-out story ideas, the fleshing out and parsing of career case studies mapped to your target audience’s need, and then crisp, yet brilliant, hearty, high-impact writing that markets your value in a way that entices the reader. Positions available. Companies are hiring nationwide. Take agander atMSNs list and see if your skill set isa match withthese companies hiring this month.

How to find (and land) a legitimate job that lets you work from home

How to find (and land) a legitimate job that lets you work from home How to find (and land) a legitimate job that lets you work from home Who wouldn’t like to work at home? Pajamas, the cat (or dog), the telephone, the computer, and you’re ready to roll. Ever tried to look for a job that will let you do that? The work-from-home job market is rife with scams and too-good-to-be-true jobs, including those “stuff envelopes at home” offers. So, how can you find legitimate telecommuting jobs? Real jobs where you can work from home successfully? The dream of working from home is becoming a reality for millions of people. Telecommuting participation has grown 103 percent in the last 10 years with 4.5 percent of Americans working from home full-time every day. Another 37 percent work from home regularly, at least a few days each month. And a recent survey by FlexJobs, a job-search service that specializes in telecommuting and flexible job listings, found that telecommuting full-time is the most popular type of flexible work, beating flexible scheduling, partial telecommuting, and freelance work options. I recently spoke with Brie Weiler Reynolds, director of online content at FlexJobs, to get her advice on how to search for â€" and land â€" telecommuting jobs, and what it takes to be a successful telecommuter. Here’s what she suggests: Focus Your Ideas Before You Start Searching There are a lot of variations and options when it comes to telecommuting, says Reynolds. Some jobs let you telecommute 100 percent of the time, always working from home. Others may require you to work from the office occasionally â€" or even regularly. And some have location requirements even though you’ll be working from home. In order to find the right telecommuting job for you, ask yourself these questions: Do I want to work-from-home all the time, or would I be okay with working from an office occasionally? How much travel, if any, do I want to do? Would my current employer be open to letting me telecommute? For that last question, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that you can telecommute in your current job. Reynolds recommends that you do some research to see if other people in your company work from home and ask them how they got into it. Then set up a meeting with your boss to discuss your options. Know the Most Common Telecommuting Industries and Jobs The most common fields for telecommuting jobs are, in order, medical and health, sales, customer service, administrative, computer and IT, education and training, accounting and finance, account management, data entry, and bilingual jobs. As far as location goes, these 10 states have the highest number of telecommuting residents: Montana, Vermont, Colorado, Oregon, Idaho, New Hampshire, Arizona, South Dakota, Utah, and Washington. While these career fields and states have the most telecommuting jobs, Reynolds notes that there are open telecommuting jobs in more than 50 career fields and in all 50 states, so don’t be discouraged. Your search may take a bit of extra effort, but there are telecommuting jobs in almost every industry and location. Use the Right Keywords In Your Job Search Reynolds recommends staying away from keywords and search terms like “work-from-home” and “work-at-home,” which are commonly associated with job scams. Both the FBI and the Better Business Bureau have issued warnings against those phrases. Instead, she recommends searching for remote work, virtual jobs, at-home jobs, distributed teams, and telecommuting jobs to find real listings. Showcase Your Best Telecommuting Skills Hiring managers like to see previous telecommuting experience, says Reynolds. If you’ve ever worked from home, even just during bad weather or when you were waiting for the cable guy, use that experience in your job applications. It shows them that you understand what it takes to be successful when working from home. Regardless of whether you’ve ever worked from home before, Reynolds says that these are the types of skills and attributes most sought-after by employers that offer remote jobs. Be sure to highlight whichever of these skills you possess in your job applications. Strong written and verbal communication skills The ability to manage your own time and attention Focusing and keeping yourself on task, even amid distraction A dedicated home-office space and high-speed Internet access Previous experience communicating through IM/chat, email, phone, web conferences, and video conferences Once You Land the Job, Focus On Communication and Results When it comes to being a successful telecommuter, Reynolds says communication is paramount. Observe (or ask about) how your new team communicates with one another, and quickly learn any new programs or communication tools as necessary. Discuss meetings and regular communication with your manager, and make a plan to keep him or her informed of your progress. When in doubt, always speak up and ask questions. Reynolds emphasizes that the most successful telecommuters are open communicators who actively grow and maintain connections with their coworkers and managers, even if they’re working thousands of miles apart.

Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Resume

Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a ResumeThe saying 'write a resume to land the job you want' seems as dated as the national holiday of Christmas, but it is true that resumes play an important role in the employment process. A resume is the first impression of the candidate in an employer's eyes, and when it isn't good enough, the employer will probably not bother to follow up with another interview.There are plenty of mistakes that can be made when writing a resume. Some of these include not knowing your purpose or not knowing how to present yourself. Both of these things can be problematic, so it is always a good idea to double check your resume before sending it out to employers. In this article, I will briefly discuss a few tips that you should consider when writing a resume.Your work history: It is very important to make sure that your past work experience and education match what you are applying for. If you didn't attend college or have a good work history, then this can make it very difficult for you to get hired.Skills: In addition to your work history, you should also consider the specific skills that you possess. Employers look for specific types of skills. For example, an IT specialist should have knowledge in operating a computer and programming, but not necessarily knowledge in mechanics, writing, or accounting.Experience: At some point, you will need to give a written description of your most recent position, and this should reflect what you will do at the job. You should also make sure that your educational background is up to date so that employers will see that you have made the necessary effort to pursue a degree.Format: When writing a resume, you should always have a list of references and a sample of your work. In addition, keep it short, and make sure that your personal information is accurate. Also, make sure that you include your phone number in case the employer needs you to call them.Your resume should be an honest reflection of your ski lls and experience, but you must also be wary of possible errors that could affect your chances of getting hired. Following these simple tips can go a long way towards helping you avoid such errors.

Reference Page Template and Tips (Examples Included) - ZipJob

Reference Page Template and Tips (Examples Included) Spread the loveWhen it comes to job hunting, the resume references page is one of the biggest areas of confusion. Should you include a references page? If you do, how should it look? How many references is too many? Who should you use as references?  Well show you  a good resume reference page template to follow as well as some awesome tips.  In another blog post, we discussed why you should NEVER voluntarily include references on your resume.BUT, what if your employer asks for references specifically? Of course, in that case, you’re going to need to provide them.Reminder: You should always have a references page ready to go. BUT, you should never provide it to anyone unless specifically asked.Should you include references on your resume?No, not unless you’re specifically asked to do so. Even in the case that you’re asked for references, they should never be included on your resume itself.You want to create a separate references page. We cannot stress this enough. This referenc es page should NOT be included with every resume submission.Build an awesome references page and keep it on hand. That way, when youre asked for references, you can provide them immediately and confidently without stumbling.How many references should you include on the page?Generally, you want to be able to provide three to four references. At the executive level, you want to provide a few more. Five to seven will do the trick at the highest level.It is important, however, to have more references available than those you will submit to the employer. That way, you’ll always be able to choose the most relevant references to the job you’re applying for.It is very unlikely the employer will reach out to all your references. For that reason, it’s incredibly important to list the strongest and most relevant references first.Who should you use as professional references?Your best references will be the people that know you best professionally. Including family or friends isn’t terr ible but just keep in mind that the employer will know that they tend to be biased.A former boss can be a great reference. However, many larger companies forbid them from acting as references. Remember that when putting together your reference page.The best references come from professional peers and those for which you provided service. That includes former coworkers, clients or even professors (if youre new to the workforce).How to attain professional referencesYour references aren’t just words on a reference page. They are real people. If you want to use a person as a reference, you must build some sort of relationship with them.This means reaching out and asking them if its OK to use them as a reference. It also means you should be thanking them and keeping them in tune with your job search.You want your  references to be ready for a call. If they are not expecting it, they may be caught off guard. Worse yet, they may just ignore the calls.Even after you’ve landed a job, kee p in touch with your references. Chances are you’re going to need them sometime in the future. After all, networking is the most important aspect of a successful job search.  Resume References Page TemplateGeneral InformationFirst, let’s go over what information you should include on your resume references page.Must include:EmployerJob TitleNameBusiness addressContact information In addition to these basic details, it is great to provide a short description of your relationship with the reference. For example, a short description of a project you worked on together or a skill set that you’ve worked together to improve.Reference Page  ExampleHere is a generic resume references page template. You can use this as a template. But remember, your references page should very closely resemble the style of your resume. Don’t forget to make any necessary style adjustments.Sarah Johnson New York, NY 10006 (212) 555-5555 rooaac ReferencesForrest Gump Manager, Pong Champ LLC. Anywhere, Mississippi 38600 (601) 555-5595 gpsipo Mr. Gump was my direct manager during my time at Pong Champ.George W. Bush Former President, USA Ranchland, Texas (214) 555-6655 Mr. Bush was my democratically elected leader for 8 years.Charles Kelly Custodial Artist, Various Pubs Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19116 (267) 555-5505 kldsc Mr. Kelly was a coworker during my early career.Yoda Jedi Master, Distant Galaxy (999) 555-5555 yodaforce.co Yoda was my professor and tutor for many years. StyleStylistically, your reference page should strongly resemble your resume. That means same font, same text-size, and same margins. It can also mean using bold or italic lettering in a similar fashion.Final WordsResume references are an important part of any job search. However, unlike a resume or cover letter, references should only be released upon request.So, build relationships and build up your references. But do not share them until someone asks you to. Bring a reference page to every interview. That way, if youre asked you will be prepared.For more awesome job hunting and resume tips, check out the rest of the ZipJob blog here.We also offer an awesome free resume review service. Get your resume checked by a professional resume writer!

The Best Way to Answer the Arent You Overqualified Interview Question

The Best Way to Answer the Arent You Overqualified Interview QuestionIn an ideal world, wed all be applying for (and getting) a job that is a perfect, snug fit for ur skills, experience, and career goals. In the real world, thats not always an option. Maybe you were laid off, and are seeking a foot (any foot) back in the door of your career path. Perhaps youre feeling stalled in your current job, and are looking to move back a step or two to get new skills and experience. Whatever the reason, it could very well lead to the dreaded arent you overqualified for this stelle? question in an interview. googletag.cmd.push(function() googletag.display(div-gpt-ad-1467144145037-0) ) Does overqualified necessarily have to translate to disqualified? While this question can feel judge-y and like a bit of a dead end, it doesnt have to be that way. Here are some strategies to consider if/when it comes up.DO emphasize your commitment to the job at hand.This question is really about the interviewers concern that you will fly the coop as soon as a mora suitable job comes along. So your first step in answering should be managing that concern. Acknowledge that you may have more experience or seniority than the job description requires, but make sure the interviewer knows that you are interested in the long-term potential for this position.DONT turn it into a joke.When acknowledging that yeah, you might have more experience than necessary to be a junior copywriter, dont use it as a *wink wink, nudge nudge* jokey moment. Even if youre kidding when you say something like, Oh, its really only temporary. Im outta here as soon as my lottery money comes through, it can confirm the interviewers fear that youre just looking for a for-now paycheck, and s/he will be rehiring in six months time. Its a serious question, and deserves a serious, well-thought-out response.DO be honestIf youve been unemployed for a while, your resume will show that. Its okay to be up front and say that you unders tand that this might not be the most orthodox choice for someone with your history, but that youre looking to commit to something permanent, with growth potential. Emphasize that with the job market the way it is, youre seeking a place to put down roots and flourish, using everything youve learned along the way.But DONT feel like you have to tell the whole story.If you applied for an entry-level position (despite 15 years of experience) out of desperation, try to keep that note out of the discussion. A sob story may get pity from an interviewer, but its not likely to net a job offer. Make sure the focus stays on your qualifications, and your commitment to the job.DO emphasize the opportunity presented.If necessary (like if the interviewer has a blatant case of Skeptical Face), make sure you drive the point home that you see this position as an opportunity, not a settling point. Talk about how the skills you have can push the position to a new level, while you learn even more about t he field. Talk about where you want to grow professionally, and how the job fits in with that goal.DONT shut the door to future growth.If the interviewer suggests (or says outright) that there may not be raises or promotion opportunities in this particular position, stick to your forward-looking script I understand that this particular position may not be where I want to be in 10 years, but Im confident that the company would offer other opportunities for me to grow professionally and be of service. This company is where I want to be, and this job is the right starting place.And the most important dont of all in this case DONT let it discourage you. If the interviewer truly thought your experience welches an automatic dealbreaker, you never would have gotten the interview call in the first place. This is a chance for you to make your case, and explain how your many qualifications work in your favor. Dont let your hard-won experience pull you down. It can, will, and should work for y ou if you know how to spin it.

How to Find a Purposeful Career, From 5 Women Whove Done It

How to Find a Purposeful Career, From 5 Women Whove Done It Grinding through long days while building a career you can be proud of is hard if you dont feel that yure living your purpose. Purpose fuels the long days, the stressful projects and the times when you question what youre doing and why. If youre struggling to find purpose in your career, take these five tips from these women who are successfully doing it every day.1. You cant find purpose in your career if you dont know what motivates you.This welches the case for Amanda Stewart, Founding Partner VP of Valeo Groupe, U.S., the parent company of EPOCH Clemson. She is now able to live out that purpose in zu sich career. She said I found purpose in my career by first identifying what was most meaningful and motivating to me. I feel fortunate in the position I am in, because my purpose aligns with parte of our companys mantra which is helping otzu sichs.The key, however, is finding ways to realistically live your purpose in your career. Stewart explained This doesnt mean I am coordinating and planning large fundraiser for children in need, but rather trying to have a positive impact on each person I work with daily.Shes using small acts of helping someone else from a smile in the hallway to supporting and motivating a manager to stay aligned with the purpose that drives her in her career. When you have this purpose alignment and find ways to live it out in your career, youll have greater staying power during challenging times.Stewart says that when shes feeling stressed or overwhelmed, she takes a step back and remembers her purpose This gives me an opportunity to reflect on my recent wins which align with my purpose and then determine where I have opportunities to help more.2. To find purpose in your busy and growing career, look outside your job first, suggests CEO and Co-Founder ofVirtual Vocations, Inc., Laura Spawn.She explained My best advice for finding professional purpose is to be mindful what i s most important to you personally, in terms of values and priorities, then find ways to incorporate those tenets into your day-to-day work and career.When you can identify what you want to achieve personally, you can find ways to make your work more purposeful as often as possibleeven if your company isnt saving the world or helping kids in need. For Spawn, part of her purpose is having a genuine interest in others experiences and helping them in times of need.At work, this translates to taking more time to be personable in emails, being transparent when I connect others not only as a CEO but also as an individual, and reminding myself of the reason why I founded my company which was to help others find telecommute jobs so that they can obtain greater flexibility in life and work, said Spawn.Use your personal values to understand your purpose in work, and weave that into everything you do.3. Find a career that allows you freedom to explore.Not everyone loves their job or the work theyre doingbut that doesnt mean you cant find purpose, says Ali Boone, entrepreneur, real estate investor and lifestyle designer. She explained One thing that helps in finding purpose in your career is realizing all the ways you can be connected to your purpose through your career. For instance, I run my own company and while I enjoy the things I sell, I dont love them. They arent my passion. But my passion lies in the freedom that selling those things allows me to have.If youre not finding purpose in your career, consider how your work affords you opportunities to explore the things that do light you up when youre outside the four walls of your office.While its great to find purpose directly through your career, sometimes if you arent able to find it there, you can find it in sneakier places. Once you find those places, you can truly connect to your purpose via your career, said Boone.4. Take your time.Purpose lies at that wonderful intersection between your talents and your value s, said Karen Southall Watts, coach, author and speaker. This is why you may not know what your purpose is yet it takes time to uncover it.As Southall Watts said Most of the time we dont just find purpose in our work. We have to uncover it, work for it and create it. Even when youre lucky enough to work for an organization thats driven by a mission you believe in, you still need to find your individual, special contribution.This is how Southall Watts found her career purpose. In working with educational and community organizations, she saw her value was in seeing peoples potential and encouraging them. In her career, regardless of the job, this is where she places her focus.She explained I concentrate there and support colleagues as they do the other tasks that eventually equal a whole experience for students or clients.Southall Watts suggested that finding this purpose is directly linked to self-awareness. Know what you do well, and where you can provide value. Then, ask yourself How can I bring this into my career?5. Consider what you want to be known for.While it may sound morbid, a trip to the graveyard may be what you need to find purpose in your career, according to Donna Miller, Co-Founder and CEO of Purse Power, Inc. She explains As an executive coach, I used to ask my clients to go to a graveyard, think about the end of their life and then write down (as if their life was over) what they wanted it to have been about.This exercise brought up something different for all of Millers clients. Some found their purpose was family. For others, it was making a difference or leaving a legacy. The value of this exercise, she explained, is simple Once you figure out why you are on this earth, priorities become crystal clear and you can plan backward from there.If you dont want to look back on your life with regret, finding your purpose is critical. This is a great way to put yourself in a place to truly ponder those life-altering questions.At the end of their da ys, people generally dont regret what the DID do, they regret most what they DIDNT do. I am living my dream and want to encourage others to do the same, Miller said.

The Key to Successful Strength for Resume Writing

The Key to Successful Strength for Resume Writing Getting in a position to spot areas of improvement demonstrates that youre a well-rounded candidate. You have to avoid belittling different people or past work colleagues during a work interview. If youre interviewing for work in social networking, for example, never say that technology or communication is your weakness. Dont forget that weaknesses arent permanent, and simply because you have a couple weaknesses does not indicate that youre doomed. In most instances, your soft skills can boost your hard skills. Leadership skills ought to be included only in the vorstellung you have sound work experience to prove them. Top Choices of Strength for Resume Writing Highlighting your key strengths is the best way to demonstrate an organization youre worth the opportunity to interview. Few positions need an employee to perform one particular task only. To achieve that goal, you must effectively convey your key strengths in a man ner that convinces the hiring manager that you have the required tools necessary to fill the organizations open position. If your old resume contained a whole lot of Industry specific verbiage, you may want to recognize every chance to it pull back. Facts, Fiction and Strength for Resume Writing Place a checkmark near the strengths which correspond most highly to the needs of the job which you want to land. If youre asking for a job which has unique requirements, you might need another edition of your resume to completely demonstrate your qualifications. Many jobs have set schedules, but if youre eager to stay past the conclusion of your shift to complete work, you will stick out from other applicants. It isnt necessary to to be aware each job you have ever had. There are minimum requirements for each position. At work, an ability to work nicely with others is an indicator of succeeding. Choose strengths that you truly possess. Mixing and blending relevant core strength f or at least one position isnt necessarily a simple thing, but its possible. When youre requested to identify your weaknesses, be certain to have an answer ready. The capacity to coordinate with your co-workers is a vital strength that might help to land work. Place your energy into your strengths statementwhat you need to offer you. The Truth About Strength for Resume Writing Writing something for which you dont have much enthusiasm is truly hard work. You will discover that the secret to success is right preparation, but that looks true for so lots of things in business. Demonstrate that it was a learning experience that wont make a difference in your upcoming work. Since you may see, the capacity to tell a story by means of your response will provide you with a leg up on the competition.