While there are job leads on Craigslist, CareerBuilder, and Monster there really isn't any guarantee that the postings are real jobs, or even timely job leads. Don't get me wrong-not all job postings are bogus and certainly one can obtain a job using these leads, but in this kind of market I think it would be prudent to try to unlock the mystery of the un-posted job. That's the job that gets filled by word of mouth and never gets on that job board, newspaper, or recruiter requisition form.
Monster and CareerBuilder will try to sell you services such as resume blasters and other tools to get your resume in front of a high number of recruiters across the board. I've never bought into these services, but I have listened to the feedback from people that have used these services. Some feedback was positive, but some feedback was not positive, so I came to the conclusion that finding un-posted job leads may take a different approach.
In this mindset I'm convinced that the M.O. is to get your marketing materials out to your desired audience. I know this sounds crazy, but the last thing I want to do in this scenario is send my resume to the HR Manager or the HR Director of a targeted company. I know-I know-sounds crazy. This week my goal was to identify at least one lead that could generate an opportunity to interview for a job in the un-posted job market. I wrote out a plan and this is what I came up with:
Industry (Research)
My first step was to identify an industry. I decided to go with the 3rd Party HR related vendor industry. This is very broad, so I narrowed it down to companies that provide payroll/HR services to mid size companies. Pick whatever interests you. I picked this industry because I have friends in this industry to help me carry out my next step...finding trend/activity/newsy resources to tell me what is going on in the industry. Get in touch with the industry. Pay attention to the news and read smaller local magazines (if your search is local). The goal is to identify business trends. Look for the acquisition of new contracts, changes in laws pertaining to the industry, or even when a non-profit lands a grant for a new project.
Contact (Networking)
This isn't about acquiring a list of every CEO in the county. This is about finding out who in the industry is responsible for developing or executing the plans that resulted in some sort of movement in the industry that is now being showcased in your resource reading. Who was just named the new business development manager? Who just opened up a new of business in your target region? Who was just promoted? Who just retired? With every business action there is a name or a set of names associated with that business action. I don't want phone numbers-I want names and email addresses. Remember: the M.O. is to get your marketing materials to the right audience. Call the front desk of the company, and just ask for the person's email. They will provide it, and if they don't pay the company a visit. Most companies list a directory or have business cards out on the reception office. If that's not available...do a Google search or a LinkedIn search. The information is out there waiting to be found!
Show your knowledge (Anticipate needs)
After doing your reading you should be able to identify a trend or a new development. Sit back and think--can you anticipate the company's need resulting from this new development. Monitor the competition. What is the market doing and what is the competition doing as the company you are researching is rolling out their new initiative or new business model. This is the hard part---to see the relationships and to perhaps even anticipate the business need before they do! It sounds unlikely, but sometimes companies move forward and don't fill in the gaps of details needed until much later. Once you have identified the need (which you can fill), you now need a cover letter and a customized resume of your skills and background that will communicate your proposed solution (you being hired) to the key players in that organization.
Outcome
After going through these steps I sent out 5 cover letters and resumes to various contacts. The research and extra leg-work paid off. I have secured an interview for an un-posted job lead. Mission accomplished. If it doesn't pan out--then back to the plan. I'm sure results can be duplicated. This plan works!
About Me
- ~Pat
- Decisions...decisions. Some good...some not so good. One thing is for sure-the more questionable the decision the more entertaining the story.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Unemployed: Week 3
Being unemployed has its advantages and disadvantages. The top disadvantage of being unemployed is an obvious one---a shrinking savings account. The advantages are the blessings because I get to spend more time than I've ever spent with my daughters and I'm there to see their smiling faces each day when I meet them after school. The other advantage is that I'm able to work out regularly and can do it when most people are at work. With that being said, week 3 of being unemployed took an interesting turn as I participated in more phone screenings and face to face interviews.
I saw two offers come my way, that were hopefully just a fluke and not a sign of things to come.
In each scenario a certain pay range was introduced but not followed through when it came down to receiving a written offer. I was very disappointed that in both offers the pay rates were significantly lower than the pay scales we had conversed about in earlier meetings. In one case, the budget has been adjusted and changed from the time that they did the posting of the opportunity and from the time when the offer was finally extended. In both cases I couldn't make ends meet with the offers on the table. Fuel costs, childcare, and my basic need to pay my rent pretty much dictated my having to decline the offers. I'm in disbelief that employers in San Diego County would offer such low paying wages. I mean, how exactly can someone live in San Diego on the wages they were offering? I was sort of taken back because I don't have a very high cost of living arrangement currently, and I'm debt free and I don't have a car payment. The one thing I do have is a child care cost, but it is very reasonable and would not be an issue if these employers would have offered a competitive salary.
This week I also received some follow up emails from employers that will not be considering me further in their recruiting process. That was brutal feedback, but it was much appreciated, because it's nice to know which interviews are actually viable. Of the original 6 positions I originally interviewed for.....2 gave horrible offers, 2 disqualified me, and two remain viable. I'm grateful that I continued to send out resumes, since now I look forward to seeing if any of my new submissions will become phone screenings.
I'm keeping my head up and not letting these two negative offer experiences and the 2 rejection notices impact my morale. There are other opportunities and I have to focus my energies on those and not dwell on the failed attempts of other opportunities. I have to look to the horizon and believe that an offer that makes sense is just around the corner.
I saw two offers come my way, that were hopefully just a fluke and not a sign of things to come.
In each scenario a certain pay range was introduced but not followed through when it came down to receiving a written offer. I was very disappointed that in both offers the pay rates were significantly lower than the pay scales we had conversed about in earlier meetings. In one case, the budget has been adjusted and changed from the time that they did the posting of the opportunity and from the time when the offer was finally extended. In both cases I couldn't make ends meet with the offers on the table. Fuel costs, childcare, and my basic need to pay my rent pretty much dictated my having to decline the offers. I'm in disbelief that employers in San Diego County would offer such low paying wages. I mean, how exactly can someone live in San Diego on the wages they were offering? I was sort of taken back because I don't have a very high cost of living arrangement currently, and I'm debt free and I don't have a car payment. The one thing I do have is a child care cost, but it is very reasonable and would not be an issue if these employers would have offered a competitive salary.
This week I also received some follow up emails from employers that will not be considering me further in their recruiting process. That was brutal feedback, but it was much appreciated, because it's nice to know which interviews are actually viable. Of the original 6 positions I originally interviewed for.....2 gave horrible offers, 2 disqualified me, and two remain viable. I'm grateful that I continued to send out resumes, since now I look forward to seeing if any of my new submissions will become phone screenings.
I'm keeping my head up and not letting these two negative offer experiences and the 2 rejection notices impact my morale. There are other opportunities and I have to focus my energies on those and not dwell on the failed attempts of other opportunities. I have to look to the horizon and believe that an offer that makes sense is just around the corner.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Se Habla Español?
I mentioned in an early blog posting that San Diego's job market appears to be very dynamic. In stating that I realize that I also have to place into perspective the amount of job postings given San Diego's workers population. I don't have statistics or research to tell you how more dynamic the job market is in comparison to Riverside or San Bernardino's job market. All I can tell you is that I see new job postings on a daily basis on the three job boards I am routinely checking for the two geographic areas I am monitoring (Temecula and the San Diego area just North of the I-8 freeway.)
The job postings I am mainly focused on require bilingual skills in Spanish. It appears to be the niche for HR and Benefits positions in the San Diego area. The compensation rate for these positions is generally a little higher and normally recruiting managers require testing to prove your bilingual skills. I was a little nervous initially about these tests, so I took a free online assessment of my Spanish skills to figure out where I rated. I took my assessment at: http://www.gostudyspain.es/Spanish-Level-Test.htm. This site allowed me to rate my Spanish and provided an excellent review of spelling and grammar.
Once I was able to identify my weaknesses in Spanish grammar a trip to the local library was called for. I came across a couple of books that helped me prepare for my Spanish assessment testing. After my studying I felt very confident and scored very well with potential employers. I'm very pleased that I was able to find these tools to improve my writing in Spanish and actually add quite a few words to my Spanish business vocabulary.
The job postings I am mainly focused on require bilingual skills in Spanish. It appears to be the niche for HR and Benefits positions in the San Diego area. The compensation rate for these positions is generally a little higher and normally recruiting managers require testing to prove your bilingual skills. I was a little nervous initially about these tests, so I took a free online assessment of my Spanish skills to figure out where I rated. I took my assessment at: http://www.gostudyspain.es/Spanish-Level-Test.htm. This site allowed me to rate my Spanish and provided an excellent review of spelling and grammar.
Once I was able to identify my weaknesses in Spanish grammar a trip to the local library was called for. I came across a couple of books that helped me prepare for my Spanish assessment testing. After my studying I felt very confident and scored very well with potential employers. I'm very pleased that I was able to find these tools to improve my writing in Spanish and actually add quite a few words to my Spanish business vocabulary.
Unemployment benefits (EDD)
I was very impressed with how streamlined the process of filing for unemployment benefits has become. The website was easy to locate (www.edd.ca.gov/) and the online claim form took approximately 10 minutes to complete. Within 5 business days I was sent a letter notifying me that I had a scheduled call with EDD on a specific date and I was provided a 2 hour window of time of when the EDD representative was scheduled to call me.
The letter contained information relaying my estimated benefits to be paid if benefits were granted and also had a section on the back that listed the questions I was most likely going to be asked pertaining to my claim. I took a few minutes to complete the questions on the back even though this isn't required, just to make sure I presented all the information I believed was pertinent to my claim.
EDD claims are usually denied or approved based on the circumstances of the termination. If a termination is involuntary claims are usually approved as long as you did not participate in gross misconduct on the job. If a termination is voluntary then the circumstances are evaluated to see if you left your former job for good cause.
The letter contained information relaying my estimated benefits to be paid if benefits were granted and also had a section on the back that listed the questions I was most likely going to be asked pertaining to my claim. I took a few minutes to complete the questions on the back even though this isn't required, just to make sure I presented all the information I believed was pertinent to my claim.
EDD claims are usually denied or approved based on the circumstances of the termination. If a termination is involuntary claims are usually approved as long as you did not participate in gross misconduct on the job. If a termination is voluntary then the circumstances are evaluated to see if you left your former job for good cause.
Good cause might include:
- Change in travel time or distance
- Moving beyond reasonable commuting distance with a spouse or registered domestic partner
- Being required to care for a seriously ill child
- Protecting yourself from domestic violence
- Leaving an employer that did not address serious harassment or safety issues
- Going to school
According to EDD the following do not generally constitute good cause:
EDD now offers the ability to set up a 4 digit passcode via their automated telephone service. By setting this passcode up you can then by phone complete the continued claim form and save a stamp on returning those forms by mail. EDD benefits are being paid out through a debit card system. Since I have not received my first unemployment payment I cannot share how that new process works for me.
I am just very grateful that employers pay into the Unemployment Fund to provide unemployment benefits when you are in between jobs. While the payment is only equal to a minimum of $40 and a maximum of $450.00 per week, this cash flow does help a family survive during periods of unemployment.
- Leaving due to increased child care costs
- Looking for another job
- Demotion or change in job duties
- Moving with a significant other that is not your spouse or registered domestic partner
EDD now offers the ability to set up a 4 digit passcode via their automated telephone service. By setting this passcode up you can then by phone complete the continued claim form and save a stamp on returning those forms by mail. EDD benefits are being paid out through a debit card system. Since I have not received my first unemployment payment I cannot share how that new process works for me.
I am just very grateful that employers pay into the Unemployment Fund to provide unemployment benefits when you are in between jobs. While the payment is only equal to a minimum of $40 and a maximum of $450.00 per week, this cash flow does help a family survive during periods of unemployment.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Morning interview- Don't skip breakfast
I'll never forget when I was on the other end of the interviewing process as a Human Resources Manager for a media company. I interviewed a young man for a sales position and for the next 30 minutes pretended not to hear the hungry growls coming from his apparently very hungry stomach!
Rule of thumb-never skip breakfast when you have a morning interview. My favorite pre-interview breakfast is slightly toasted whole grain bread, wonderfully buttered with a generous sprinkle of cinnamon sharing a plate with a whole apple cut into small cubes. (I have braces so the whole apple I prefer is just a dream for now). Along with my green tea- this perfect breakfast carries me through the morning without a single growl from my tummy! Only use generous sprinkles of cinnamon if you are accustomed to doing so (might upset your stomach), otherwise just stick to a light sprinkle. Cinnamon is known among my diabetic friends for stabilizing sugar levels. I'm not a diabetic, but I really like the taste of cinnamon on my toast.
Unemployed: Week 2
Week Two of being unemployed was an incredible experience. The cover letters and resumes I sent out received responses and I think a lot had to do with following through with what I posted earlier regarding these tools. Each letter was customized for a specific employer and each resume was tailored around the position I chose for consideration.
The job market in San Diego appears to be very dynamic and new help wanted ads appear daily on the job bulletin boards I have chosen to monitor. I do have to point out that in making my unemployment status a public announcement friends are referring positions to me which is an even bigger help in my search.
As I go through my search there's been a lot of soul searching. I know what I do best and what I feel in my opinion I need development and improvement. I've chosen to apply to positions that call on my strongest attributes and so far that strategy has been producing phone screenings and actual face to face interviews.
In the last two weeks I have secured 8 phone screenings that have allowed me to move forward in 4 different recruiting cycles for 4 different positions. Today I secured a 9th phone screening and I'm very excited about the possibility it creates. I think the most important aspect of my job hunt is that I'm keeping an open mind, keeping myself balanced, and most importantly putting my best foot forward.
I'm doing everything to control and manage the things I can control and manage. The rest is part of the job seeking game. Remaining positive and taking each contact as a learning experience makes this a very fun and educational time for me.
I thank my friends for the support and encouragement they give me on this journey.
My next blog will feature how to manage the EDD call. The one you receive after applying for unemployment benefits. Now that was fun, and I'll share that with you very soon!
Pat
The job market in San Diego appears to be very dynamic and new help wanted ads appear daily on the job bulletin boards I have chosen to monitor. I do have to point out that in making my unemployment status a public announcement friends are referring positions to me which is an even bigger help in my search.
As I go through my search there's been a lot of soul searching. I know what I do best and what I feel in my opinion I need development and improvement. I've chosen to apply to positions that call on my strongest attributes and so far that strategy has been producing phone screenings and actual face to face interviews.
In the last two weeks I have secured 8 phone screenings that have allowed me to move forward in 4 different recruiting cycles for 4 different positions. Today I secured a 9th phone screening and I'm very excited about the possibility it creates. I think the most important aspect of my job hunt is that I'm keeping an open mind, keeping myself balanced, and most importantly putting my best foot forward.
I'm doing everything to control and manage the things I can control and manage. The rest is part of the job seeking game. Remaining positive and taking each contact as a learning experience makes this a very fun and educational time for me.
I thank my friends for the support and encouragement they give me on this journey.
My next blog will feature how to manage the EDD call. The one you receive after applying for unemployment benefits. Now that was fun, and I'll share that with you very soon!
Pat
The INTERVIEW
Nothing is more satisfying than learning you have survived the phone screening and you have been selected for a face-to-face interview when you are a job seeker. Unfortunately shortly once the happy endorphins settle in you realize that you're a little nervous now. Being nervous is actually a good thing if you can channel it into a productive phase of preparing for the interview.
Hopefully the HR or recruiting manager has confirmed with an e-mail and forwarded you the logistic details of your interview, but if they have not make sure you know where you're heading with plenty of lead time. Directions aren't something you should be hunting around for on the day of the interview. For my fellow navigation system users I strongly recommend making a mock trip to anticipate the trip time, parking situation, and traffic patterns around the area. Surprises are not good on an interview date. The golden rule is to arrive 10-15 minutes early.
What to wear?
Now this is a tricky area, because being overdressed or underdressed can play a part of your first impression with your potential employer. I'm old school and I find myself opting for a blue pants suit I feel very confident and professional when I wear. You don't have to spend a great deal of money to look well. Just make sure what you are wearing is clean, pressed, and professional for the setting you will be in during the interview. For ladies I would recommend skipping perfume or using it very lightly. Less makeup is probably more in an interview setting. For the gentlemen I would recommend a clean shave or a tidy facial hair look. I would also be careful with the cologne and would opt for a nice shirt and tie or at the very least a collared shirt. For both sexes I would recommend learning what your employer's stance is on visible tattoos and piercing and take action accordingly. By all means show up looking your best and COMPATIBLE to your potential work place. Showing up dressed as if you may be showcased in the latest R&B music video may not be the best if you are interviewing at an attorney's office or a bank. I think you get the message. Dress as if you could be working there at that moment.
Well, now that you know what you are going to wear it's time to prepare for the actual interview. Keep in mind that the phone screening was just a glimpse of what to expect during the interview. The hiring manager is going to most likely be posing questions that will help them determine your technical skills for the job, your personality while working, and how your style and working personality will fit in with them and the group as a whole. Some of these questions will be behavioral and will require you sharing experiences. These questions can be difficult for you if you haven't prepared by thinking out examples that you can apply to the questions. Most importantly is when you listen to the question is for you to quickly make a logical connection to what the employer is trying to learn from you as they ask the questions that they do.
There are complete books on understanding behavioral questions and it's probably just better for you to understand a few categories and be prepared to be asked these types of questions. Here's a link (copy and paste this URL into your browser) that gives you a crash course on behavioral questions.
http://www.jobinterviewquestions.org/questions/behavioral-questions.asp
I would recommend practicing with these questions and if you have a willing friend that will humor you, a mock interview would be a great way to get familiar with these types of questions and help you with your answers.
When showing up for the interview you really should have an understanding of what your future employer's company accomplishes and understand some of the current events in that industry. I would make it a point to pick up a newspaper or go to your Google or Yahoo news and find out what's going on around you. This will come in handy if the interviewer wants to chat with you about current events. If the employer has a website please make sure you go through that website to understand any new developments within the company, news releases, or anything that could help you appear to be completely engaged with this company.
First Contact:
Your first contact as you arrive to your interview will most likely be a customer service representative or the receptionist. Make a note to say hello and let them know in a kind and courteous manner who you are here to see and ask them to please let them know you are here. The interview begins as soon as you walk into the door. It's not uncommon for the hiring manager to ask the front desk person for feedback on your exchange with them. Let's hope it's an enjoyable and professional exchange.
Meeting your interviewer:
This is your time to shine, so take full advantage of it. Shake their hand and make it a memorable experience. Speak clearly, concisely, and confidently. Make sure to make appropriate eye contact, and make the interview a positive experience. This is your opportunity to share with the interviewer how you can make a contribution and improve their team with you joining it. Answer their questions and don't get carried away--if you do quickly get back on track.
After the interview:
Nothing is more charming than a legible, sincere, and positive thank you note. Make sure to send out a thank you note. I would recommend buying a pack of thank you cards and stamps, so you could send one out immediately after the interview. A few sentences sharing your continued enthusiasm for the role, and a sentence or two on how your experience/skills can aid in your seamless transition in this role.
Pay attention to spelling. No spelling errors allowed. Tear it up and start over, but never send out a card with the person's name misspelled or with any errors in it.
An interview is an opportunity to make a great first impression, and to relay a message. I can do this job, so pick me, and let's get this employment started!
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