I love cats. I had two in my life at one point, and one of them was my Best Buddy. I brought him to work one time (long story involving him hiding behind a piece of heavy furniture).  

A potential employer might also love cats. And the hiring manager might think it's cute if you use your cat's name as part of your email address: " FluffytheImperialQueen@google.com.' Hey, look at this person's address...! So cute!"

Except, it's not.

When you are crafting your job seeking materials, follow this rule:

• Keep it professional
• Keep it simple
• Make it easy for reader

The best thing? Use your name, so everything matches. 

Your resume has your name at the top (and on page 2). 
Your LinkedIn profile contains your name.

Your email address should also contain your name (example: Sarah.Davidson@gmail.com). Don't worry if you have a few numbers after your name. It's unavoidable nowadays. But try different combos, such as using a "dot" between the names, or a dash, or an underscore. Try using a middle initial.

Yes. It's more professional. But it also ensures that whoever is reviewing the resumes will find yours easily on the list of emails in their inbox.

And here's another tip: Use gmail. It has become the accepted standard. You may think that this doesn't matter. But trust me, if you have an AOL address, you are dating yourself! You don't want to be seen as behind the technology curve.

Here's a bonus: When you create a NEW personal email account, it will become the main place where you can find all your job-related correspondence. That way you won't miss that email about a possible interview.

Need help creating your search plan? I'm here to help. Let's set up an appointment to chat.  

​You’ve got a great resume. It lists your achievements. It showcases your value.
You’re ready to get that job!

Except, you are not ready.

Most job seekers start first thing this way. They believe if they check that box, all they have to do is start submitting the resume, and the interviews and offers will flow.

Thing is, hiring is not about the resume.

Sure, you need it. It’s a visual representation of your underlying value and can be easily shared by recruiters and read by hiring managers. But the real “meat” of the search comes through your contacts.

Getting a job requires letting the right people know that you are there to solve the company’s problems.  So here are three things you can do in addition to rebooting your resume:

1. Reach out to your friends, especially former colleagues and bosses. Former clients are great, too! Ask them how they are, start a conversation, then ask if they would be willing to chat with you about further connections. Do they know anyone at your target companies? Anyone they think would be a great connection? Always offer to help them in exchange.

2. Make new connections within the target companies. Connect with folks who have the role title you’re seeking. Tell them you are trying to widen your circle and find out how things are going in the industry.

Gradually, you can ask them about how they like working at that company, and if they’ve heard if hiring is gearing back up. Are there any professional organizations they belong to? Maybe you can attend the next meeting. Ultimately, you might find out about the company’s direction and goals, and maybe you will hear about an unadvertised job.  Never forget to thank them! 
 
3. Attend professional events. This can be virtual OR in person. Aim for organizations in your industry. This is where you can find out the most about trends, get additional training (always good for your resume!), and meet hiring managers. Volunteer for a committee! Great way to make new friends.

When you do see an advertised role, you will be ready to let one of your contacts know you’re applying! You might even get connected to the hiring manager through your new professional friend. You might also find out about roles that are not advertised! (Many jobs are not.)
​
Your goal here to be seen and known and to gather intel. You simply cannot do that just by submitting a resume! 

Need some help putting together your strategy? Schedule a call with me here.

lLinkedIn just published this alert:

"Small business hiring is now outpacing that at larger companies. Hiring at businesses with fewer than 200 employees ticked up by 0.4% month-over-month in May, while companies with more than 10,000 workers pared back by 40%." 

If you're looking for a job, you might consider looking at smaller shops. There can be advantages: more flexibility, more chance to make a bigger difference. If you have struggled working for large corporations, this could be your ticket!

Here is what you should do right now if this is the path you want to follow:

1. Take a look at your career goals. What is your personal mission? What kinds of project excite you?
2. Research smaller companies and investigate whether their values match your own. 
3. Double back through your resume and LinkedIn profile to ensure you are communicating why you are 
    the ideal candidate to hire. Your research should help you by informing you about what companies 
    are looking for. 

Taking some time to consider these points, regardless of the size of the company you are targeting, will help you focus your message. 

Still have questions? I'm here! Contact me. I am now offering a review of your resume and strategy!
 

I want to share with you an article written by my friend Laura DeCarlo, president of Career Directors International. She writes:

When you are in transition or targeting your next big step, working with an expert resume writer or career coach can be extremely helpful. These talented guides can assist you in landing more interviews for targeted roles, at a faster pace and often at a higher salary. However, when an industry like this is not regulated, there are those who will exploit others simply for profit.

During periods of drastic market change, it's not uncommon for fly-by-night resume writing, career coaching and other career services businesses to explode on the scene. Suddenly, anyone can call themselves a career coach or resume writer. Plus, websites can provide a glossy promise, hiding ill intent.

Buyer beware! After 25 years in the industry, I've seen it all. It's not uncommon for scammers to:
• Publish professional looking websites that copy content from real practitioners.
• Create fake professional associations and certifications — along with logos — and list both.
• Show thumbnails of industry books, implying they are included in them.
• Provide made-up testimonials.
• Call themselves award-winning in their specialty with no actual award ever granted.
• Display resume samples stolen from other writers on the internet.

I add to her article questions you should ask:

• How will we work together?
• What should expect from our working arrangement? 
• Do you have a contract or a scope of work? (Be suspicious if they don't! You should know what their payment policies are.)
• What is the progression of activities? (They should know the steps.)
• We will get to talk during the process? How often? (Will they be hard to reach?)
• How can I reach if I have questions or need guidance? (They should be accessible!)

It seems pretty bleak: Hiring freezes. Furloughs. Layoffs. Isolation. 

What's going to happen to the economy??

Here's my take on things: Ultimately, business will have to resume. Here's what I'm seeing: Hiring is happening, even now. One of my clients got a great nonprofit leadership position. Another one is managing several warehouses. Conversations with recruiters are happening.  Employers are browsing.

Be ready. Do not stop your networking. In fact, it's a great time to do more, because so many people are working in isolation and are constantly in front of their computers. 

Here's a tip:

• Make a list of the jobs you've identified and/or your target companies. 
• Start looking at their websites, at LinkedIn, and at your own contact list to find out who is associated with that position. Who works in that division? Who has a lateral job? Who is the hiring manager?
• Then reach out and make contact. Start conversations about what's going on right now. Be curious. What's happening in the industry right now? What problems are emerging? Consider what insights you can offer. Along the way, you're likely to find out what's going on with that job you saw, or hear about other opportunities. 

     This is just one of the tips I'm starting to offer, twice each week, free, via your inbox! Don't get left out.  

Years ago I interviewed for a job in my field - journalism. The paper was well known in the region. It would be a step up in the reporting hierarchy. I was thrilled to get an interview.

When I got there, my nerves were on high alert. Eight people interviewed me, firing questions at me almost nonstop for a couple of hours. It was draining.

I took a writing test. 

And they made me an offer on the spot.

But something just didn't feel right. An offer? So fast? What was going on?

I asked for a day to consider it, went home, and called a friend who worked there. She warned me away. It was a toxic work environment, she said. People were leaving almost weekly. 

I turned the job down. I was so glad I called her! 

You can do the same thing. Do not take a job just because it's offered. Do your due diligence. Make friends with employees. Ask them about the company and the role. Read about the employer. Trust your gut!

They are shopping for you - but you are also shopping for them!

Need a pep talk about your search? Email me at ruth@polish-publish.com.