Are You Using the Right Job Search Tools?

Are You Using the Right Job Search Tools?

By Yolanda Salazar

For the past 50 or 60 years, resumes have been the thing to do in putting your name out there for a job. Resumes do serve their purpose; however, with today’s technology, there is so much more out there to take advantage of in order to announce to employers that you are available and ready to work.

I am going to summarize a few tools that might come in handy for you in your job search efforts. Some of them may be right down your line and others may not even be of any interest to you. Go over each of them and see if there is something that might be able to help you get noticed or something that you had not even thought about doing in your job search.

JOB SEARCH TOOLS

Internet1The Internet

You can search for jobs anywhere on the Internet by simply going to a search engine (such as Google, Chrome, Safari or Firefox) and entering the type of job you want and the location, for instance, and the Internet will locate the types of jobs you are looking for in the area you want them. You can also look up names of companies and see what they have in their own particular websites to see what job positions are open.

Social Media

Social media is all the buzz right now. You can’t turn the corner on your street without somebody knowing where you are, what you are doing and where you are going, maybe even how you are feeling! But social media can especially be used in working your job search. You can get alerts, make comments, search for jobs, or even re-tweet information. There is so much you can do with social media.

  • Twitter2Twitter: 140-character (or less) messages can be sent and received between Twitter registered users. If an employer is on Twitter, you, as a job seeker, can choose to follow them and see all the news for that company as it happens. They can also post jobs and other pertinent information.
  • LinkedInLinkedIn: LinkedIn is a business-oriented social networking service that can be used by employers to connect with registered interested individuals of jobs that they post. They can also establish and document networks of people they know and trust professionally. It is almost like a business version of Facebook or Twitter.
  • Facebook-Icon-2Facebook: Facebook was started as an online tool for fellow students to connect and share photos around campus. The idea spread to other colleges and then, it went public. Now, it is not just for friends and family; it also is being used by employers to post jobs and job information. By creating a business page, they can make contact with various registered individuals as this tool offers users a variety of ways to publicly or privately share data. Users can “like” a business page and then be connected to everything that is posted for that particular employer.
  • youtube_logo_stacked-vfl225ZTxYou Tube: This web tool allows users to upload short videos for private or public viewing. This allows job seekers to post a video of themselves for the benefit of an employer seeing it. The only drawback to an employer being able to see it is that everyone else can see it as well — not very secure for this purpose. A job seeker can, however, view company information or data posted on the site for the purpose of filling a position.

There are other social media avenues available and used such as Pinterest, Flickr, Foursquare, Instagram and many, many others. Check them out at your leisure and find out if any of them will work out for you.

BlogBlogs

A blog is a web log that can be created by an employer or even just another person and you can read information relevant to the topic they are discussing. If it is an employer, they will, most likely, be talking about a job or event such as a job fair. If It is simply another person, they could be discussing anything. However, if you research and find job blogs, then, you can read the entries and if you care to, you can post to their blog. You can even register with them so that you can get notifications when new things are posted. You have the option of just reading, responding or joining in the discussion.

Forum poster conceptual design. Online public discussion message backgroundForums

A forum is a communication tool that individuals, schools, companies and employers use to engage with other individuals. Employers can use a forum for posting job information or positions. A forum is used to distribute information with regard to a company position, listing all pertinent data with regard to a particular job or category. I have seen a forum that lists various job categories and the job seeker is able to click on a category and it will take them to various positions within that category. At the end of the forum, there is usually a website or link where you can apply for a particular job or send an e-mail to a certain e-mail address.

E-Mail NotificationsE-Mail Notifications

If you register with certain employment websites, you can choose to have e-mail notifications sent to you by a company website. You can manage how you want those notifications to come into your e-mail box.  Go to your Settings, click on Notifications and indicate what notifications you would like to receive and where and what you do not want to receive. Employment websites can send you notifications of job openings, closings or job or hiring events, if you are registered with them.

WebsitesJob Websites

This form of tool is similar to just using the Internet. It simply allows for a job seeker to google or search a company name and be able to select how much or how little information they want to see or read. In this medium, everything you ever wanted to know about a company can be accessed. Job websites give you instructions of how to apply for jobs, the location of the position, telephone numbers with names of individuals posting the jobs or doing the interviewing.

unnamedRSS Feeds

An RSS feed is a vehicle for delivery of information. This format is used when news needs to be spread to various other places. When the information is distributed, it is called a feed. Many employers use RSS feeds so that their company information, to include job announcements, can be widespread. You, as a job seeker, can choose to receive partial feeds or full feeds. Partial feeds can include a headline and some content with a link to take you back to the website where you can read the entire story.

A full feed just delivers the entire article to your news reader and you don’t have to go back to the website to gather any of the content. You can receive all the latest news right away without having to do a search on the web. Simply set up your preferences one time and then, the news or content comes straight to your desktop. Your subscription can remain anonymous; you don’t even need to supply an e-mail address. Search the web to find out how to subscribe to a news reader so that you can begin to receive RSS feeds for particular companies.

These are just some of the tools available to job seekers. There are literally thousands of websites, feeds, search engines, employment sites and company sites that can help a job seeker. Take a few minutes and explore the Web for resources you can use. Good Luck in your job search endeavors!

When Opportunity Knocks…

When Opportunity Knocks…

By Ayunne Collins

when-opportunity-knocksWhen opportunity knocks, do you answer?

Well, do you?

Everyone is always told to never give up. Many people take that advice, but others may not always follow suit. At a certain age, you start to get hit with life quotes and I am throwing one at you. Here is one that may apply to most.

“When one door closes, another opportunity will come knocking on your door.”

Opportunity-KnockingHave you ever been out looking and applying for jobs, just to find out that you didn’t get the job? Well, view that as a door closing, but pretty soon, another job will come up and that will be your other opportunity knocking at your door.

Never give up, even if something should go wrong because another opportunity is always on the way to you and it can only get better.

87You can fall down 7 times, but you need to get up 8 times. Don’t let your fallen opportunities make you. You should keep striving and getting where you feel you should be and where you belong. Make the best of yourself and of your life. Make your family and friends proud of what you can accomplish. Make yourself proud!

positivityPositivity is the best key to success. Things may not be presented to you right to your face, but that doesn’t mean you don’t deserve it. As soon as you see that opportunity knocking, get up and open that door. Take it! Say, “Opportunity, come on in!”

Don’t let anyone else tell you what opportunities to take or discard. Make up your own mind what will work best for you and for your family. Don’t get discouraged. Do something about it. Many times, people will miss opportunities, even when they are staring them in the face, because they are so focused on not getting what they want. They complain and they moan about it, but they won’t do anything. Why? Because they are afraid. Afraid of what, you say? Failure, change, the unknown. So don’t fall into this category. Get up and do something about it. You will feel better.

Today

Is Your Career Blooming?

Is Your Career Blooming?

By Silvia Seelig

In searching for a job, many things need to be taken into consideration when selecting the companies that interest you. You should think about the type of job you want, the type of work environment that best suits you, and what a company has to offer you as an employee.

Compass Pointing the Way to Business OpportunityOne important thing you should do is to determine whether a company offers advancement opportunities that you can take advantage of in order to create job longevity. You can take control of your job advancement opportunities by identifying a company and what it has to offer before you accept a job with them. After you have been hired, you need to find out what you need to do in order to be considered for a promotion or another position within the company. By selecting stable and secure companies and companies that will advance you from within, you can create job security for yourself.

OJTMany companies today look at their employees to promote into positions within the company or give them the opportunity to apply for jobs that become available. If you are interested in advancing within a company, knowing what they offer and how you can best take advantage of the opportunity will help you reach the desired position you are seeking. You may find that in order to get into a desired company, you may need to accept an entry level position and work your way up into your desired position. Many companies offer on-the-job training and then, quickly advance individuals into higher positions.

IBEX GlobalOne company that is new to the New Braunfels area, IBEX Global, is such a company. It offers its employees the opportunity to advance into higher positions within a few months of working on the job. They offer on-the-job training and advancement opportunities including having employees apply for job openings within the company.

IBEXThey have quickly identified employees that show leadership skills and have positioned them to be promoted into team leader roles and management positions. IBEX Global is an advocate of looking at its own employees to promote and supports them as they seek to move into other positions within the company.

How can you grow within the company you are working for, you may ask?

LearningFirst of all, identify the advancement opportunities that exist and determine what you need to do in order to be recognized and considered for a promotion or for a job opening you may desire. You may need to learn a few new skills or take a class or two in order to qualify for the position, but you may find that the company offers educational incentives and/or training. Take advantage of any training your employer may offer to further develop your skills.

perform engageSecondly, take the initiative to increase your visibility within the company. Increase your responsibility to show your value and abilities to your employer. Your action will show your employer that you are able to handle more responsibility and will increase your chances of being promoted or considered for the job you desire. You want to position yourself so that when a job opening becomes available, your job performance and abilities have already been recognized.

Thirdly, let your employer know that you are interested in advancing within the company. You may find that your employer will work with you to establish a long-term job opportunity for you and turn your job into a career.

opportunity_careerGrowing and advancing within a company is a win-win situation for you as the employee as well as your employer. Take the time to find out if the company you are looking to work for offers job advancements and lateral job moves. If so, take advantage of every opportunity offered and create job security for yourself.  Remain visible as a valued and qualified employee and be prepared for any opportunity that presents itself.

 

If Not Resumes, Then What?

If Not Resumes, Then What?

By Silvia Seelig

Regular resumes have almost become obsolete. It is still a good idea to have one, but don’t stop there. We suggest that you always have an electronic resume at your convenience, but other than resumes, we will also discuss other job search tools available to you.

Electronic Resumes

InternetThe internet has become a tool widely used by many individuals searching for a job and many companies are now using the internet to find qualified candidates for positions they need to fill. Many companies are now requesting that job candidates apply online through their company websites for jobs instead of filling out paper applications or just providing a resume.

In order to be prepared for the online environment in your job search, you should have an electronic resume in addition to a paper resume. You may ask why have an electronic resume or what are the advantages of having one?  Very simply, you will be able to submit your electronic resume to potential employers or individuals helping you find a job within minutes of talking with them by e-mailing your electronic resume to them. The internet provides you with the opportunity to immediately submit your resume with just a click of a button.

Also, since most people have e-mail capabilities on their phones today, you can access your electronic resume from wherever you are and are able to forward it to any interested party. Being able to take quick action in submitting your resume for a job could make all the difference between you getting a job versus being too late in submitting your resume for consideration.  Having an electronic resume keeps you prepared for any opportunity that may arise.

Employment KeywordsA paper resume is written for a visual scan by an individual while an electronic resume is written to be searched by a computer. Putting an electronic resume together requires that you follow certain guidelines in order to have success in your job search.  When employers look at electronic resumes, they use key words or phrases to find qualified candidates. In writing your electronic resume, you should focus on nouns to describe yourself to employers. These keywords should provide information on your work experience, education, and skills. Keep your electronic resume simple … remember that it is a computer that is reading your resume. Some simple guidelines to be effective are to use white paper, simple templates, no underlining, and if using bullets, be sure to space between the bullet and the text that follows. These guidelines can help your electronic resume stand out from the pool of resumes that are being searched by employers.

Applicant Database and Tracking

Applicant DatabaseMany companies are using resume database services that maintain pools of job applicants and having an electronic resume is mandatory for any applicant to be entered into the employee candidate pool of resumes. CampusJobXpress (CJX) uses such a database system for applicant information as well as tracking. Employers provide CJX with specific qualifications required for a job by using relevant keywords or phrases which will be used to match the specific qualifications to possible candidates by having the system search the database.  Again, using nouns as your keywords and/or phrases on your electronic resume will make it easier for you to get noticed when employers are looking for qualified candidates and it can be done quickly.

With the Applicant Tracking tool, CJX can maintain a job seeker’s process as they interview from company to company. The job seeker’s job search efforts will be followed closely and monitored throughout the process of finding employment by company, dates and various other criteria.

Employment Web Page

PastedGraphic-1There are many online platforms available to those seeking jobs today. There are job bank sites, recruiting companies, and company websites that allow you to submit an electronic resume. These platforms can range from being able to submit only an electronic resume or to those sites that offer you the opportunity to submit video bios and pictures of yourself. CampusJobXpress offers free employment web pages to all job seekers. This database site offers those individuals seeking jobs an opportunity to create a personalized web page on the CJX platform at no cost to the job seeker. Job applicants are able to submit an electronic resume, a picture, a summary of qualifications, and a video resume. These individuals are then entered into an applicant job pool and their resumes are then available to any employer who is seeking candidates for its job openings.

This type of database offers job applicants an opportunity to be considered for a job without having to apply for it because employers are contacting CampusJobXpress and asking that they search their applicant pool database and search through the electronic resumes to find qualified candidates for them to contact. These types of services are more effective in helping you find the job you are looking for without having to go from one company to another. Take advantage of the online services available to you and have more success in your job search.

The Employment Web Page consists of your electronic resume, your summary of qualifications or bio, your professional photo as well as a video resume. It also provides a URL for job seekers to send to interested employers or other individuals.

Resume

Once a job seeker registers onto campusjobxpress.com, they can upload their resume to the CampusJobXpress platform. This resume will be available to any employer seeking applicants.

Summary of Qualifications

This bio will either be extracted from the resume itself or one will be developed for the job seeker to showcase their qualifications, education, experience and skills and abilities. The employer will be able to view the job seeker’s bio at a glance and know which applicant they would like to interview.

Professional Photo

The job seeker can either upload their own photo to the website or request to have one taken. Photos should be taken with a clear background and the job seeker should wear clothing of solid colors, not heavily patterned. A smile is always nice on a professional photo. CJX Staff will approve all photos uploaded to the website.

Video Resume

The video should be no less than 30 seconds but no longer than one minute. If the job seeker chooses to record their own video, they can then upload it to the website for viewing capabilities by any employer on the CJX database system. Again, remember to have that clear background and no noise factors while you are recording. Just as in the photo, remember to smile during or at the end of your video. Thank the viewer for taking the time to view your video. If the job seeker does not have the capability or the tools necessary for creating a video resume, then, they may request from CampusJobXpress to have one done for them. This can be requested by simply sending an e-mail to info@campusjobxpress.com.

URL

A URL is created for each job seeker who creates a video resume. This URL is a link that appears at the bottom of the Employment Web Page. The URL can also be placed anywhere on the job seeker’s resume or if the job seeker chooses to send it to an interested employer, they may provide the link by e-mail, text message, or any other means available to them.

All information on the CampusJobXpress website is secure and password-protected and can only be viewed by registered employers, never by other users!

 Register NOW for your own Employment Web Page at campusjobxpress.com!

Employment Page