What's Working Well?TM Blog

Here are the lessons learned in 2009 compiled last week at the SLC Job Club.  Thought it would help others in job search mode.  All are welcome, next meeting Thursday, January 21, 2005 1:00 PM Draper Library.

We had a great turn out for our first meeting at the Draper Library.  Below are some of the lessons learned we compiled from 2009.  One theme that was reiterated by many was: how humbling the job search process has been.   We all committed to being compassionate with others who are unemployed and returning emails and calls.  We understand people are busy but when someone you consider a close colleague doesn’t return your call it can be devastating.  As a reminder: don’t take it personally. 

2009 LOOKING BACK

What Worked Well

·         Linked In has enhanced its effectiveness for job-seekers

·         Phone Calls (Warmth and Connection) – don’t expect the company to find the resume – once you apply follow-up with a call.

·         Use Careerbuilder.com site to test resume

·         Tailor resume specifically to the Job Posting (Use Key Words from Posting in Resume)

·         Network (Be prepared to tell about your career interest in any situation)

·         Copy/Paste the Job Posting to your resume(white text)

·         Conduct Informational Interview in industries and companies to identify excellent prospects

·         Give what you want to receive – Help others

·         Opportunities may appear randomly – Target your effort to control/create more synchronicity

·         Pay attention and Follow-up

·         Volunteer/Non-profit service (Stay connected and support your well-being)

·         Take part-time work in a company that is solely for personal interest/fun (Eg. retail)

What Didn’t Work Well

·         Dumping resumes online (Ladders, Monster)

·         Walk-ins or Cold Calling with Hiring Managers

·         Companies have a larger applicant pool and post for the perfect candidate the “must meets” is more critical than before.

OTHER OBSERVATIONS:

·         Linked In JOB POSTINGS took off this year

·         Facebook , Twitter and other Social-Networking sites are emerging

·         If you select a recruiter/headhunter, you should vet them for fit and compatibility

o   Retained Recruiters – get paid no matter where the candidate is found

o   Contingency Recruiters – only get paid for the candidate they present

·         Disclose all companies and contacts with whom you have made direct applications when working with recruiters

·         A well-written cover letter can still help you stand out from the crowd.  This makes a much bigger impact in smaller companies vs. the large employer.

·         Today’s market is about Income Security NOT Job Security.  The concept of free lancer who cobbles together projects and assignments matches over 1/3 of the current working population.  Don’t discount an opportunity that is short term or part time especially if it improves your skill set.

·         Occasionally salary offers may be less than the prevailing industry standard in recent years

Be prepared to offer a clear case for the salary you expect.  Recent data that was released this week from the Department of Labor shows many job seekers are taking as much as a 25% pay cut.  Unfortunately, the report also pointed out it’s difficult to ever recoup such a pay cut through someone’s career.