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<MISC> Resumes-Ones That Work
Dan:
This may not be what you are looking for but Computer User put out a great
article in regards to job searching -
************************************************************
C O M P U T E R U S E R . C O M N E W S L E T T E R
25 August 2003
Visit our Home Page: <http://www.computeruser.com/>
http://www.ComputerUser.com
Networking resources
Tap in to your skillset.
By Elizabeth Millard
Q: I'm unemployed, and people keep telling me to network. I'm not good at
conferences because I don't like to schmooze. I also don't like the idea of
joining an association just to approach people about a job. How important is
networking, really? Can I get a job without having to first wear a nametag
at a cocktail party somewhere?
A: As someone who also scopes out the exits whenever I enter a conference
hall, I can understand your reservations about upping your "hi, howareya"
skills. With that said, let me give you the bad news first: networking is
crucial, especially in this job scene. If all you're doing is sending out
your resume and failing to network in the meantime, you could be looking at
some pretty lean days ahead.
Now we can turn to the good news. Networking is not what you think it is.
Although there is quite a bit of value in conferences and association
meetings, that's only one place to consider as a networking opportunity.
Here's another: your mom's house. Also, you can think of that weekly
gathering with your friends at the corner pub as an excellent networking
spot, as well as the offices of every job you've had before.
Networking is about getting the word out that you're looking for a new job,
and about finding open positions that haven't been advertised or are just
being created. It's important to meet other people in your industry, as
tough as that might be for shy people, but it's also critical to understand
what connections are right in front of you. Often, friends and family know
you're unemployed, but don't make the connection between you and that open
job at their friend Bob's company. It's up to you to suggest that link.
You'd be amazed at how casual conversation about your skills can suddenly
spark an idea among your pals about where to send your resume. Also, despite
the downturn, some companies still give their employees referral bonuses for
bringing in good candidates. That's because, as HR gurus know, the best
workers are usually those who come in via referral.
Beyond your immediate circle of friends and family lies other, job-rich
circles that you can also explore. Muster
up the courage for at least some of those conferences and association
meetings. Set up informational interviews at companies where you'd like to
have your nameplate. Join clubs that meet and discuss niche areas of
technology that you like, such as security, gaming, or biometrics. Jump onto
online discussion boards and be vocal. This is the professional-level
networking that puts your name and skills in front of executives, managers,
and IT directors.
Let's move on to presentation. When networking at the non-friends level, you
have to think about how others see you and, most important, how you want
them to see you. Understand what makes you a valuable candidate and find
ways to make that come out through casual chat. There's no need to turn
yourself into a bore and prattle on at length about yourself, your
awe-inspiring abilities, and how much you need a job, but there are ways to
emphasize your worth during a conversation. When your fellow networker is
talking about a difficulty that he's having at work, maybe you can suggest
ways to tackle the problem. If the conversation turns to larger issues about
your industry, throw out a few insights that show how much you pay attention
and care about the field. One thing to always avoid is any kind of negative
talk about your former employers. As all this networking will demonstrate,
you never know how people are connected, and who knows who. Keeping upbeat
and positive about your past associations will keep you from getting burned
from badmouthing.
Finally, work on your ability to shoot the breeze. Sure, cocktail party
chatter can be tedious, and lead to lengthy discussions about someone's dog
training troubles or mother-in-law issues, but to be honest, conversation is
what you make it. With practice, it doesn't happen to you, it happens
because of you. Rather than enter the room feeling defensive and ready to
bolt, look at it as an opportunity to meet others who share your
professional interests. Don't hold your breath and think that this is the
only way you're going to find a job. Rather, just relax and see it as a nice
way to spend an evening and perhaps meet some useful contacts at the same
time. We've all met the guy who's obviously not happy to be chatting with us
because he hates small talk, and is only doing it because he thinks it will
benefit him in the long run. Don't be that guy. Be the one that other people
like to meet and enjoy talking with, because that's the guy that people love
to hire.
Elizabeth Millard is senior editor of ComputerUser. She can be reached at
************************************************************
Sincerely,
MATTHEW P. KILEY
Work: (512) 723 - 5261
-----Original Message-----
From: Dan Mehlhorn [mailto:
Sent: Friday, January 23, 2004 12:27 PM
To: EDI-L Listserv
Subject: [EDI-L] <MISC> Resumes-Ones That Work
I've been going through the postings today. After meeting a few
people
from the list yesterday at the AITP meeting in Rolling Meadows, I'm going to
keep most of my postings on a more serious note.
That being said, what works in a Resume? I've seen and tried several
styles, but they don't seem to sell the true me to prospective employers.
I'm 25 years out of college, and have been continuously employed (I include
my time as an independent contractor) the entire time. With the world as it
is, it is prudent to clean up the mess I have called my Resume.
Also, what are the thoughts about Salary Histories?
Thanks,
Dan Mehlhorn,
Enquiring upon behalf of me, myself, I and the 6 cats I support.
.
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