By J.T. O'Donnell
With the creation of blogs has come a wonderful opportunity for people to become better informed on a variety of topics. Just visit www.Alltop.com and you'll find a 'magazine rack effect' of blogs on almost any subject you can think of. In fact, when you click on the careers tab, you'll find plenty of content providing advice. However, not all of it is worth taking.
Blog readers beware! Some online writers aren't giving accurate or sound advice. Here's why...
As more blogs are created, it gets harder for sites to increase readership. So, the need to stand out becomes critical. It starts with crafting intriguing titles for their posts so they can capture a reader's attention and get that all-important 'click' on to the site. But, when that doesn't result in enough hits, a blogger may opt to go beyond the headline and into the body of text with advice and commentary meant to shock and gain attention. There's an old saying, "any publicity is good publicity," and many bloggers today are embracing that strategy. They believe that creating a buzz is more important than creating a valuable resource. Sadly, the result is a lot of bloggers offering insights that are more than just a little off-base.
So, how does an innocent reader do a litmus test to make sure what they are reading is viable advice? A few suggestions:
1) Confirm the author can back up their advice with reputable facts. A single success is an accident. 2-5 times could still be just luck. But, an ability to provide dozens of examples - now that's a fact.
2) Assess the credibility of the source. What's the writer's credentials? Should they be giving you advice on this subject? What qualifies them?
3) Follow your gut's BS meter. A simple but true test. If the advice flies in convention and makes you think, "Really? Why then aren't more people embracing it?" Leave it alone and let someone else try it first.
When we reached out to the current career experts (all 15 of them!) donating their time to answer career questions from followers of the Twitter Advice Project (T.A.P. into CAREREALISM), we chose people with a wide range of experience. The key word in that phrase: experience. Better still, we chose a large number of experts to participate so those seeking advice could see the collective thoughts of the group on the subject. This enables us to offer advice consensus and deliver a comprehensive answer to each career question received. It's a known fact the IQ of a group is always higher than the average of its participants. So, it only made sense that we would create a career advice tool that would leverage the power of a team.
In closing, I ask you this:
At the end of the day, would you take medical advice from a team of doctors with PhDs and a successful track record of healing, or would you go with the Witch Doctor in the crazy outfit who just landed on the scene?
It's your career, treat it well. Seek advice from credible sources to ensure you get the right advice. The health of your career is at stake.By J.T. O'Donnell
With the creation of blogs has come a wonderful opportunity for people to become better informed on a variety of topics. Just visit www.Alltop.com and you'll find a 'magazine rack effect' of blogs on almost any subject you can think of. In fact, when you click on the careers tab, you'll find plenty of content providing advice. However, not all of it is worth taking.
Blog readers beware! Some online writers aren't giving accurate or sound advice. Here's why...
As more blogs are created, it gets harder for sites to increase readership. So, the need to stand out becomes critical. It starts with crafting intriguing titles for their posts so they can capture a reader's attention and get that all-important 'click' on to the site. But, when that doesn't result in enough hits, a blogger may opt to go beyond the headline and into the body of text with advice and commentary meant to shock and gain attention. There's an old saying, "any publicity is good publicity," and many bloggers today are embracing that strategy. They believe that creating a buzz is more important than creating a valuable resource. Sadly, the result is a lot of bloggers offering insights that are more than just a little off-base.
So, how does an innocent reader do a litmus test to make sure what they are reading is viable advice? A few suggestions:
1) Confirm the author can back up their advice with reputable facts. A single success is an accident. 2-5 times could still be just luck. But, an ability to provide dozens of examples - now that's a fact.
2) Assess the credibility of the source. What's the writer's credentials? Should they be giving you advice on this subject? What qualifies them?
3) Follow your gut's BS meter. A simple but true test. If the advice flies in convention and makes you think, "Really? Why then aren't more people embracing it?" Leave it alone and let someone else try it first.
When we reached out to the current career experts (all 15 of them!) donating their time to answer career questions from followers of the Twitter Advice Project (T.A.P. into CAREREALISM), we chose people with a wide range of experience. The key word in that phrase: experience. Better still, we chose a large number of experts to participate so those seeking advice could see the collective thoughts of the group on the subject. This enables us to offer advice consensus and deliver a comprehensive answer to each career question received. It's a known fact the IQ of a group is always higher than the average of its participants. So, it only made sense that we would create a career advice tool that would leverage the power of a team.
In closing, I ask you this:
At the end of the day, would you take medical advice from a team of doctors with PhDs and a successful track record of healing, or would you go with the Witch Doctor in the crazy outfit who just landed on the scene?
It's your career, treat it well. Seek advice from credible sources to ensure you get the right advice. The health of your career is at stake.
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This time of year offers special opportunities for job seekers. Holiday networking events, for example, can be great chances to meet professionals you might not encounter otherwise. Additionally, some employers are still eager to fill positions before budgets reset or headcount is finalized in the new year, making it a prime time to stand out with a strategic approach.
Here are five ways you can stand out from the competition this holiday season and find a job before the end of the year.
1. Showcase The Right Skills On Your Resume
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When updating your resume, focus on aligning your experience with the specific demands of the industry. Go beyond just listing responsibilities; dig into job descriptions to identify the core skills that consistently appear for your target roles. By tailoring your resume with these keywords, you not only capture the attention of hiring managers but also boost your chances of passing applicant tracking systems (ATS), which are often programmed to scan for these key terms. It's all about keywords!
During the holiday season, hiring managers are often managing tight timelines and high demands, making it crucial for candidates to demonstrate that they’re ready to hit the ground running. Highlighting industry-relevant skills shows you're not only familiar with the landscape but also equipped to make an immediate impact. Be sure to include examples of how you've leveraged these core strengths in previous roles to support team goals or tackle challenges (aka quantify your work experience). The holidays are hectic, so share with the potential employer how you'll be a positive addition to the team by leveraging your strengths and emphasizing your value as a business-of-one.
2. Dress The Part
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Don't underestimate the power of a great first impression. Dress for the interview in professional attire. Even if the job description mentions a casual dress code, such as jeans and a sweatshirt, it’s essential to show respect for the employer by dressing in a way that demonstrates your commitment to making a positive impression. Wearing attire that reflects your professionalism shows you care about how you're perceived and the impression you leave on others.
Not sure what to wear? We recommend dressing conservatively in clothing one level above what the current employees at the company are wearing. You want to look professional, but not like you don't fit in with the workplace culture.
3. Show Your Connection To The Company
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Employers like to hire candidates who have a passion for what they do. Why? Because when people are passionate about their work, that enthusiasm often translates into a higher level of commitment, creativity, and productivity. This intrinsic motivation can lead to consistently strong performance and a positive impact on the team and company as a whole.
In your disruptive cover letter (and during your job interview), demonstrate how and why you admire the company. Highlight what you love most about their products and services. Give examples of how you have personally used them in your own life with success. The more you can show them you understand and respect the business, the more likely you'll impress the hiring manager and move forward in the interview process.
4. Demonstrate Your Value
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It's important to remember that you're a business-of-one, and you're trying to sell the service you provide as a business-of-one to employers (the customers who will be paying you for the service).
To find a job during the holidays, you must adequately demonstrate your value as a business-of-one and highlight your strengths and the specific benefits you bring as a potential employee throughout the hiring process. How do you do this? Well, make sure to quantify your work experience on your resume. Use numbers to showcase your accomplishments. Clearly state how you'll make or save the company money with your employment. Do this, and you'll easily become one of the top candidates for the position.
5. Express Gratitude
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The holidays are busy for everyone. When you're applying for jobs during the holiday season, keep gratitude in mind. This positive mindset not only helps you stay resilient but also shines through in your applications and interviews, leaving a memorable impression on potential employers.
After every job interview, always send a thank-you note. It's just the polite thing to do, and you'll score more points with the hiring manager. Even if you get rejected, or never hear back about a position, make sure you send an email thanking the employer for the opportunity and wish them the best of luck with finding the right job candidate.
Don't be bitter. Be gracious. You never know what will happen in the future. You might want to apply for another job at the company down the line. So, don't let your frustration get the best of you. Remember: If you get rejected, they didn't say, "No, not ever." They just said, "No, not today."
A successful holiday job search depends on a solid strategy. Follow the guidelines above and land a job this holiday season!
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