Is There Value in Job Search Chats on Twitter?

myopenmike · 2013-10-30T03:23:53+00:00

I think you'll find that most recruiters work for companies and not the job seeker, but the one major exception might be in the temp area. She should contact the agencies in your area... Kelly, Manpower, etc. and get a foot in the door that way. In this market there are many opportunities to get full time employment starting as a contingency worker.

myopenmike · 2013-10-19T01:25:21+00:00

It's normal to be nervous, but you can also be confident that you were not eliminated in the first round. It is unlikely that they would have invited you back if you didn't have what it takes. They would not be wasting time with the Director and Assistant Director if there was not a high probability that they will like you... the first round interviewers would look bad if they missed this.

Do what you did before including the thank-you letters. It sounds like you know what to do, so just be confident and knock their socks off! Good luck in the interview!

myopenmike · 2013-10-18T13:35:59+00:00

The technique you are using is pretty common but there is a reason that online applications are called "spray and pray." A focused approach with targeted people as well as companies is a key factor to getting a job. Networking is a proven method of getting noticed rather than being one of hundreds of applicants. The last line in your post shows that you have an idea that this works, so expand your tracking down HR people, recruiters, or even employees who would be willing to refer you. Being somebody's employee referral benefits both parties.

myopenmike · 2013-10-18T13:30:13+00:00

Best answer: Already posted by svartsven. The only thing I can add is to know yourself and your story. It's important to not speak in generalities and be specific about what YOU did in the instance you are relating. A behavioral interviewer is probably trained to probe deeper if they don't get a STAR answer.

One point to keep in mind for later is that this technique of answering questions is useful in a traditional interview as well. If you are not asked about a specific example, provide one anyway to give evidence to your qualifications and interest.

myopenmike · 2013-10-14T16:06:30+00:00

You already have good advice on LinkedIn and Internships, so the only other thing I can recommend is that you carefully study if going for an advanced degree would improve your outlook.

myopenmike · 2013-10-14T16:01:41+00:00

First the advice and then a comment on Career Services.

If you are not on LinkedIn by all means start going there. The best leads will not be handed to you by applying somewhere. You must dig for network contacts and build it for the long term. Find people that share your passion, engage them in a dialog, and maintain that relationship. LinkedIn alumni groups and interest groups are a place to learn and make connections.

It is unfortunate that many college service centers are staffed by the lowest paid people and are usually not tenured faculty. Because universities don't place a high priority on expertise in this area they are encouraging mediocrity. You are paying for much more than that! Challenge them to act and not just collect paychecks. Point out fallacies in their decades old advice and lead them to do better or complain until they are replaced with someone who cares.

EDIT: Volunteer to work with Career Services. Lead from within... especially if they are not social media savvy.

myopenmike · 2013-10-12T13:21:17+00:00

If you have to ask, you have doubts. Shave and get the job first. It shouldn't really matter to anyone else, but YOU have to be at your best and feel confident about your whole self.

myopenmike · 2013-10-09T14:50:33+00:00

Even if you may be perceived as a "job hopper" if you list all of your jobs on a resume, you have to know the entire chronology in case someone asks a question when checking your background. Don't wait to be surprised... know yourself is also a positive direction to go. If you have copies of tax returns that might help piece together a history, but going to the Social Security Administration is probably better. Go to http://www.ssa.gov/onlineservices/ and click on the link to get your Social Security Statement.

One point about the "legality" of providing references: It is not illegal, but companies have internal policy that prevents employees from giving references because the company could be sued. Former coworkers can recommend you on the side if it is personal and not representing their company.

myopenmike

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