Using Technology to Find Your Next Job

Using Technology to Find Your Next Job Let me ask you three questions?

1. Are your still using the same old job boards to look for a job? a. If so, you need to see my presentation!

2. Are you still searching for the same job that you’ve had for the last xxx years? a. If so, you need to see my presentation!

3. Do employers think you’re too old? a. If so, you need to see my presentation!

Let technology be your guide to a successful job search strategy.

• Complete a quick skills gap analysis to determine if you have the skills current in today’s job market and how to use this information in Optimal Resume.

• Find employers who utilize your skills so you can target the right employer with the right skills

• Learn what tools other successful job seekers are using to find the right employment opportunities

• Learn what tools employers are using to find the right job candidate • Learn how to use Google to direct employment opportunities to your inbox on a daily

basis • Take the 30 second resume test and learn how to use this test to create an Optimal

Resume Template • Learn the secrets to overcoming the “Your Overqualified” syndrome utilizing today’s

technology! (Mature Worker) o Use up to date interview tactics and use the Optimal Resume Interview as a

training aide. • Overview on Using LinkedIn & Twitter for Employment Opportunities

o 71% of employers surveyed indicated that are going to increase the use of social media for marketing and posting employment opportunities

o Your online presence shows your transparency, establishes you as a person rather than a piece of paper (resume) to a recruiter

• Complete your Optimal Resume Portfolio with the following Tools. o Job Search Log o Skills Gap Review o Job Application Template o Other

Skills Gap Analysis The following information is provided to you by our Skills Gap Team. This is a step by step process for you to complete your analysis.

If at any time you have questions pertaining to this process feel free to contact our team during normal business hours. You can access and print the required information from any location which has internet and printer access including any Missouri Career Center location.

Walk Through: URL: www.careeronestop.org

1) From the CareerOneStop.org website select “browse occupations”

2) Select either “keyword” search or select your industry title by occupational title

3) Using the occupational search method you must select your industry preference.

4) Select Location

5) Follow the next screens to complete the Pre-Program requirements:

6) KSA’s: This information can be used when complete most Federal or Educational applications. Informational only, please disregard at this time.

7) Tasks and Activities; Detailed Work Activities: See instructions on the below screenshot on how to complete this portion of the Pre-Program requirements. If you have any questions for this portion please contact us.

Follow the directions on how to complete the first part of the Skills Gap Analysis contained in the following screen shot!

8) The following screenshots are for informational purposes only and screen size has been reduced to a minimum. The “Related Occupations” will be discussed during the completion of your Skills Gap Analysis.

Optimal Resume:

Utilize highlighted skills in your resume development and Summary:

CareerOneStop.org Select “America’s Career Infonet”

Select “Employer Locator”

Select “Search by Occupation”

Select “Missouri” (other other location)

Select “Occupational Group”

Select “Sub-Occupational Group”

Select “Industry Group”

Select “Region”

Select “Cities” Note: You can select up to five

Employer Matching

Highlight Employer

Frank Alaniz, Developer,

frank.alaniz@ded.mo.gov

Using to assist with your Job Search

When looking for career opportunities online, most job seekers use different techniques than typically

used while looking for information on the internet. They focus their search on job boards such as

Monster, HotJobs, and Career Builder, or aggregating job search engines such as Indeed and

SimplyHired.

Surprisingly the best job search tool on the internet is “Google”. If used correctly, Google can help you

find jobs you didn’t know existed.

Most of the time finding job information in Google shouldn’t be too hard to find. Using the following tips

over the next few pages will help you find more specific job search results versus just using job boards.

Test: I setup a test alert using the Search Term “Administrative Assistant” using Google Alerts, Indeed,

SimplyHired and CareerBuilder. Over a period of 3 weeks Google provided me with more than 50%

greater number of search results than Indeed and SimplyHired, and provided more than 70% over

CareerBuilder. Google, Indeed, SimplyHired and CareerBuilder provided both unique and duplicate

openings.

Secret Stuff: I’ve used Google Alerts most recently to assist an individual with very unique skills. We

were able to pull employment posting one to three days prior to the postings appearing on some of the

major job boards. This resulted with distinct advantage in the job search process. Google Alerts also

pick up openings from Craigslist and many smaller boards, most of which do not show up on the major

job boards.

Understanding Search Terms: Note that while Google is best search tool on the internet it can also be

as dumb as a bag of rocks. Google aggregates information based on “Search Terms”. Use the wrong

term (word) or be too specific in your search requirements and Google delivers you a good amount of

useless information. We also need to consider the employers “Search Terms” (position names) when

creating our “Search Terms”. One employer may call an Administrative Assistant a Secretary or maybe

an Admin Support Staff. As part of this process you will need to develop a set of search terms that are

most commonly used by employers and one or two that are unique to your skills.

Google Alerts: What is Google Alerts?

Google Alerts are email updates of the latest relevant Google results (web, news, etc.) based on your choice of query or topic. (www.google.com/alerts)

Setting Up Gmail (Google Mail): While Gmail is not required to utilize Google Alerts, it is required if

you want to use the advanced features including management of your alerts. Go to www.gmail.com

and select “Create an account” or just login to your Google Account and go to www.google.com/alerts

Setting up Google Alerts

1. Enter your search term:

o 1st in quotes the position you are seeking “Administrative Assistant”

o 2nd (space)

o 3rd +(location) i.e. +St Louis (note there is no space between the plus (+) sign and the

first word of your location)

Your Search Term string should look something like this:

“Administrative Assistant” +St Louis

2. Select the Type of Information you want:

o Use the term “Everything”. It will provide you with the most information pertaining to

your Search Term. The email will be divided into the categories below.

3. Select how often you wish to have the information delivered to your inbox:

o (Advice) Until you become familiar with using Google Alerts, I would recommend that

you use the “once a week” option. Using the “once a day” or “as-it-happens” will

quickly fill your inbox with duplicate information.

4. Select “volume” or how much information to send you with each email.

o Select “only the best results”. This will provide you with the most relevant information

for your job search. If you choose “All results” you can get a lot of information, it

depends on your “Search Term”.

Most individuals think that a lot of information is a good thing. In this case

“relevant” information is the best solution.

5. Enter your Email address:

o Reminder: Using Gmail will give the most options for the utilization of Google Alerts.

(www.gmail.com)

6. Select “Create Alert”

7. Google Alerts Results:

o Example of search results. Note: first posting is from Yahoo “Hot Jobs”. The next four

are from niche boards.

8. Disclaimer:

o As noted from AvidCareerist.com … “There isn’t a silver bullet for finding all of the on-

line openings for a particular job title. It’s good to set up both alerts and job board

feeds to find as many openings as possible.”

o Search Terms are my way of saying Job Titles or for those of you who are Geeks, search

queries. I’ve provided you with the simplest of search queries for this process. If you

desire to test your coding skills visit:

http://www.googleguide.com/advanced_operators.html

o For a more selective job search using Google Alerts use the following search string

"administrative assistant" AND (apply OR submit OR EOE) +St Louis

Use your Search Term and then type the rest of the search string exactly into

the Google Alerts search field.

This will give you a very limited but exact search. This string eliminates

almost all “non” job posting results. It also does not reflect a 100%

match on your search term. It’s looking for both your Search Term and

one of the following terms “apply”, “submit” or “EOE (equal opportunity

employer) which are commonly used terms on webapps and/or job

postings.

[Type text]

30 Second Resume Test

Resume Test

1. 30 Second Resume Test

a. Take your one of your resumes and fold the name/contact information towards the back of the document (show example)

b. Fold the employment history section towards the back of the document (show example)

c. Look at the remaining section of your resume. If I as an employer have only 30 seconds to determine what skills and accomplishments you are bringing to my organization does the remaining section of your resume reflect those skills?

2. Who Are You Resume Test

a. Turn your resume over b. Pass your resume to the person on the Right

i. When you receive a resume do not turn it over c. You now have 1 minute to review the resume and tell type of

employment this person is looking for and write that on the back of the resume.

i. Note: That gives you 45 seconds to review and 15 seconds to write the job title down.

ii. Note: If you can’t tell what type of employment the person is seeking write “unclear” on the back as your answer

d. Now pass the resume back to the person who handed to you i. (show of hands) Did the reviewer get your job title correct?

ii. (show of hands) How had “unclear”? iii. (show of hands) Reviewers: How many found this an easy task

to accomplish

[Type text]

Optimal Resume ~ Professional Resume Development

Review our Professional Resume Guide

Over Qualified Syndrome Here are some of the true reasons (i.e. employer’s worries and assumptions) behind the “overqualified” statement:

• The applicant will be bored in the job • The new hire will leave as soon as something better comes up • The overqualified worker will be resentful about the position or develop a

bad attitude • Worried the individual will be unwilling to do menial tasks or will feel the

work is beneath him or her • Uncomfortable managing someone older or more experienced • Insecure or competitive concerns about managing someone who may aspire

to rise in the ranks • Applicant does not really want the job but is simply desperate for work • Skills are stale. • Mature applicant is not a modern, flexible thinker • Old style communication a mismatch for fast-paced short-hand used in many

work places • Culture clash if 40+ worker is accustomed to a more formal workplace • Applicant may be difficult to work with, judgmental or unpleasant • Mature worker may be slow or struggle with new ways of doing things or, it

may simply be that there are too many qualified applicants, so hiring manager is looking for a flattering way to turn people down.

The issue is likely to come up at three possible junctures: 1. You may be told very early in the process you are not being considered because you are overqualified. 2. At some point in the interview, the interviewer may bring it up. 3. Near the end of the interview, when you “close the gap”, it is raised as a concern As soon as the issue is brought up, first and foremost, identify the specific concern. How? By asking for detail and elaboration. For example “Can you tell me what you mean by that?” or “Can you share more about your concern?” Through this answer as well as through what you’ve learned about the job, hiring manager and work environment, you will have some ideas about the true concern behind the label.

You should address these issues in both your immediate response, throughout your interview and follow-ups, as well as in your resume and elsewhere. In fact, even if you are never told directly that you’re over qualification is a concern, you should address it as you market yourself and interview. Here are some ways to address concerns: Show you will not be bored by listing specific challenges you’re looking forward to taking on in this position and use examples from the past to show how you kept yourself challenged Express passion for the job and company as a way of showing you would not quickly leave and are not taking the job out desperation Demonstrate a highly positive attitude to address issues of resentment or unwillingness to do menial tasks Help younger managers feel comfortable with a warm communication style, downplaying irrelevant achievements or successes from long ago Overcome age related issues with contemporary communication, stories of successfully working in fast-paced environments and problems solved through flexible thinking Quell competitive concerns by appearing eager to learn and grow but not ambitious about climbing the corporate ladder or regaining a previously held level Show what you’ve been doing to keep up with newer technologies and skills One of the best ways to avoid the issue of “overqualified” is to position yourself as a perfect match for the position and clearly communicate how your qualifications are an asset to create values for the employer.

The reasons why it would be wise to hire a highly qualified applicant seem obvious:

• Rapid ramp up • Able to do job fully right away • Ability to take on more than job requires • Teacher and mentor to others • Potential to create efficiencies and process improvements • Expertise from past jobs to share • Mature worker may bring increased stability • New point of view in work group • Variety in experience and background • History of problem solving, getting through tough times • Resiliency, experienced in dealing with challenges • Self-started, motivated, used to working without close supervision • Leadership skills and experience • More connections and contacts

Age Discrimination – Reality or Myth? It’s not how old you are, but how up to date you appear!

Quick tips on overcoming the perception of Age Discrimination:

Resumes:

• Never list the dates of graduation o Example: University of Missouri St Louis, 1982

• Be careful on stressing “many, many, many” years of experience o Example: Over 30 years of experience as a ……

• Use only the last 10 years of work experience o Rule of thumb: If you need to identify specific experience for a specific position, 15 years or less

may be identified on your resume. Focus on what the employer needs. If you have researched and cataloged your experience, it is likely you have identified transferable skills common with all of your previous experience. Use www.careeronestop.org to help you identify these common traits. These are some of your strengths and part of your maturity you bring to the employer.

• Use up-to-date descriptions of job duties and skills o Example: Secretary should be listed as an Administrative Professional

www.quintcareers.com has an excellent listing of up to date terms. • Emphasize Capabilities versus Experience

o Focus on the capabilities you acquired during your work life

Interviews:

• Send up-to-date visual message with appearance and dress o Don’t wear dated clothes/hairstyles/etc.

• Use up-to-date jargon. • Find out what the latest “buzz” words are for your industry. • Don’t act like a know-it-all

o Unfortunately, many employers shy away from hiring seasoned people because these pros are perceived as inflexible, over-trained and worst of all, think they know everything about everything! Note that you believe in constant learning, seeking out opportunities for new skills-

information. You do not have weaknesses that you can identify because when you find something you are not familiar with or sure of you take steps to learn and improve your skills set. You take a view of Constant Improvement or Life Long Learner.

o Downplay irrelevant achievements and success from long ago o Emphasize stories of working in fast paced environments and problem solving through flexible

thinking • Show what you’ve been doing to keep up with newer technology

• Talk more about the future than the past o Use terms such as “comfortable with change”, “teamwork”, “motivated” o Ability to do more than the job requires o Ability to ramp up or do the job fully right away

Networking:

• Network on an ongoing basis with peers, former colleagues, former bosses, and members of online and offline industry organizations. A recommendation from someone who knows you will do a lot to neutralize the age concerns.

• Use Social Networking (LinkedIn, Twitter) to enhance your technology skills. o A recent survey by JobVite.com (2010) indicated 92% of employers plan to leverage use of social

networks for recruiting, with LinkedIn leading the pack. o JobVite.com also indicated that 36% of employers will spend less on job boards

• Having a poor LinkedIn Profile. Some example are: o Not including a photo o Not having a vanity URL o Not having a searchable professional headline

Mindset:

• Whether you are under 30 or over 50 or somewhere in between jobseekers risk being view as out of date if they are not keeping up with technology.

o Job search strategies have changed from as little as 18 months ago. We must look at what is effective now not what has been “successful” in the past!

o Widespread use of the internet and social media has dramatically changed the mindset of recruiters and employers.

o “Being a Missing Person” I’ve recently met several individuals who were proud that if you “Google” them, they

were nowhere to be found. When I asked them why they weren’t participating in internet savvy world they said “I’m protecting my privacy”. This makes them a missing person!

Employers can only assume this person is out of touch with today’s technology and does not understand how the internet works.

• Dismiss Age Discrimination Thoughts! o Think age-neutral. If you go into an interview with the idea where you believe a young

person can’t possibly understand you, you’ve lost the interview. Show them your enthusiasm, skills, interest and your ability to get the job done!

o If the subject of being “overqualified” (buzz word for being too old) comes up. Ask for detail an elaboration as to why. You should address these issues with an immediate response. And if you are prepared with information about the position, hiring manager and employer you can successfully overcome their concerns. Position yourself as a perfect match for the position and articulate how your

qualifications and skills are an asset to the company

o Reasons a highly qualified candidate can be a good choice: Expertise from past jobs to share History of problem solving and getting things done through tough times Self started, motivated, use to working without close supervision Leadership skills and experience Teacher and mentor to others

o If you have done your homework, networking, and you have learned what the employer

needs and how you can fit it will be easier to bust the myth of older workers. Consider yourself a Product and You are the Salesperson. In order to make a Sale show how your skills, experience, maturity meet the employers needs and you have a chance at making the Sale (You).

Optimal Resume ~ Interview Questions Question Location

1. Briefly tell me about yourself Intro/Situational

2. What skill would you most like to improve in the short term? Skills and Abilities

3. How would you describe the culture at your last employer? Did you fit in? Work Styles

4. Persuade me to hire you? Zingers

5. Describe a situation where you worked with a group of people to accomplish a project or task? Interpersonal

6. What do you think are the talents and skills that set you apart? Misc.

7. Why have you left your prior positions? Goals

8. What have you been doing since you’ve been out of work? Nursing

9. Why are manhole covers round? Misc.

10. What is the one thing about yourself that has not come up in the interview that you want our company to know about?

Achievements

www.linkedin.com/in/frankalaniz www.twitter.com/@St8Wkr

LinkedIn & Twitter Overview Integrate the traditional and social media approach to

Networking

It’s no surprise that LinkedIn has been extremely profitable and successful as of late. Recruiters are starting to use LinkedIn as the main place for sourcing candidates because it’s free and the top professionals are on there. Many people don’t use LinkedIn to the best of their ability and fail to complete their entire profile, such that it says “100% complete.”

Just like any other search engine recruiters are using, keywords are extremely important. You want to fill out your entire profile, just like you would a resume, but include the same avatar you are using on Twitter and ensure that the summary section is complete. You’ll also want to get at least one recommendation from a supervisor or friend, which will give you a “1″ next to a “thumbs up” graphic when people search for you.

The more people you’re connected to the better because you’re only able to reach other people in your network (1st, 2nd & 3rd degrees) by having these connections. Finally, you should conduct searches on there for jobs that you may be interested in and reach out to those individuals that may supply you with an interview or referral.

New compete.com figures published by daype.com have LinkedIn in the number two spot on a list of US jobs websites.

www.linkedin.com/in/frankalaniz www.twitter.com/@St8Wkr

Twitter has become the ultimate utility to connect directly with recruiters and employees at companies you want to work for. By conducting Twitter searches, following recruiters on your account and using the “@” sign to communicate with them on occasion, you will start to learn a lot about them and their companies.

Before you follow anyone on Twitter, you HAVE TO have a completed profile. This means, you should have a short bio, the location where you’re from, a link to a site that recruiters can go to for more information (Recommend your blog or your LinkedIn profile) and an avatar of yourself (not a clown or Homer Simpson please). This way, you stand a better chance of securing an opportunity or a relationship with people who care enough to read your profile.

Most people get jobs on Twitter by already having hundreds or thousands of followers. For example, I’ve heard of at least ten people getting a job by tweeting “just got laid off, looking for a job in finance” and then receiving a few direct messages with people who want to help them. Of course, these individuals had built trust, credibility and relationships with their followers over time, so they were more inclined to come to their rescue. You can do the same, just start right now!

Last 30 days: 1,681,703 job tweets

www.linkedin.com/in/frankalaniz www.twitter.com/@St8Wkr

Optimal Resume Portfolio

Recommended Contents:

• Job Search Log • Completed Job Application • Resume • Cover Letter • Resume Guide • Cover Letter Guide • Veterans Information • Other Information

Resume Guide

1 This outline is a compilation of ideas from many sources and programs. Thanks to all who

have contributed their valuable time and efforts to assist others.

Name

Address

Telephone Number (List only one ~ do not label (i.e. home, cell)

Email Address

LinkedIn Address

Summary: An effective introductory Summary statement at the opening of your resume is

a critical component of effectively branding yourself to a prospective employer. This is the first

part of your resume that a potential employer will read, and the goal is to communicate clearly

what your expertise is and why you are qualified. Often an “Objective” statement tends to

focus more your own interests as the job seeker, while a “Summary” statement communicates

what you can bring to the table in the targeted role for the organization. Why should they hire

you, essentially? This is communicated by highlighting the most relevant strengths, skills & core

competencies that are unique to you as a candidate, versus a trait or skill that’s an industry or

professional standard (i.e. “multi-tasker” or “team-player”). The Summary statement should be

no more than 4 lines and speak only to your professional background, and not address any

outstanding circumstances (employment gaps, change of career, personal experiences, etc.).

Accomplishments: Let's start by understanding what kinds of accomplishments or

achievements are important to employers and hiring managers. In her book, Resume Magic,

Susan Britton Whitcomb explains that every jobseeker has "buying motivators" - these are the

contributions that you have made in your career that would encourage a hiring company to

"buy" you or in other words hire you. Simply put - every company listens to the same radio

station WIFI - What's In It For Me. Think of areas in which you have helped make your company

successful and create career-defining accomplishments. Don't be fooled - quantifiable

accomplishments are NOT only for sales executives. Your stories can be created around other

accomplishments.

Here are a few other examples of buying motivators:

Made money for the company

Helped the company save money or reduce costs

Implemented processes that save time or increase work productivity

Improved company's competitive advantage in the marketplace

Enhanced corporate image or building company's reputation in its industry

Resume Guide

2 This outline is a compilation of ideas from many sources and programs. Thanks to all who

have contributed their valuable time and efforts to assist others.

Skills: Transferable Skills: Simply put, transferable skills refer to the generally applicable

skills you've gained in your life to date. They include (but are not limited to) skills you may have

learned at a previous job, in academic settings, or even during leisure activities. Most job

postings list the skills required of successful applicants. Use this information to your advantage.

Tailor your resume letter to match by highlighting those activities and experiences where you

gained your most valuable skills. Limit your skills to those top ten skills listed on the employer’s

job posting supported by an additional set of skills (no more than 5) that will set you apart from

other applicants.

Employment History: The chronological resume is preferred by the widest variety of

employers, as well as by recruiters and many of the Internet job boards. Recruiters and hiring

managers tend to like this resume format because it's easy to read and clearly demonstrates your

job history and career advancement/growth. Include the company name, title, location

(city/state) and dates of employment. Provide information on skills and achievements for this

period. Show where skills (Skills Area) and achievements (Achievements Area) and how they

applied to this position. If you were at a company for several years and held different positions

list those positions separately under the original company heading along with skills and

achievements. Remember Volunteer opportunities are considered Work… List these as part of

your Employment History.

Examples:

(Contingency/Contract Worker)

ABC Inc, (company where you worked) Temps are Us (name of contractual employer) St

Louis, MO

Title: (Don’t use the title “Contractor” unless that is what your actual title was, use the title you

were hired to fill (i.e. Program Analysis, Administrative Professional, etc.))

(Volunteer)

ABC Inc, St Louis, MO

Title: (Use your actual Volunteer Title, i.e. Support Staff, Facilitator, etc.) (followed by

“Volunteer”, in quotes.

Education: Education/Training. Include all the pertinent information regarding education,

degrees, training, and certifications. Spell out names of degrees. Include the educational

institution's name and location. If currently enrolled in an educational program, list expected

graduation month and year. Graduates should list graduation year if within the last 10 years.

Affiliations: List all affiliations current and past if appropriate for this position

Resume Guide

3 This outline is a compilation of ideas from many sources and programs. Thanks to all who

have contributed their valuable time and efforts to assist others.

10 Resume Mistakes (Quint-Careers.com)

1. Resume Lacks Focus

2. Resume is duties-driven versus accomplishments driven

3. Resume items are listed in an order that doesn't consider the reader's interest

4. Resume exposes the job-seeker to age discrimination by going too far back into the job-

seeker's job history

5. Resume buries important skills, especially computer skills, at the bottom

6. Resume is not bulleted

7. Resume uses a cookie-cutter design based on an overused resume template

8. Resume has misspelled words or grammatical mistakes

9. References are listed directly on your resume

10. Resume's appearance becomes skewed when sent as an e-mail attachment and/or resume

is not available in other electronic formats (send PDF format if at all possible)

Cover Letter Guide

Your Street Address

City, State xxxxx

Email Address

Date

(Hit enter 4 times after date and then include the following information below.)

Hiring Manager Name

Company Name

Company Street Address

City, State xxxxx

Dear Ms. or Mr. Smith, (Use the name or Director of Human Resources.)

I am interested in being considered for the position of _________. I have _____ years of

experience in the areas of ________, ________, and _________ with an interest in

_________.

The reason for writing a cover letter is to introduce yourself to a potential employer, and to

highlight your best qualities that paint you in a positive light as the best candidate for the job.

This is where you may explain in more depth certain aspects of your experience or skills that

may be difficult to emphasize or communicate on your resume. A resume follows a specific and

fairly formal format. The cover letter gives you an expanded venue to discuss your credentials in

more depth, or address issues of importance. You might also address an employment gap in a

cover letter, if it otherwise appears as a big red flag on your resume. You do not address this on

your resume directly – there’s no room, and it overshadows your skills and accomplishments,

which is what they’re scanning the resume for in the first place.

Most job postings list the skills required of successful applicants. Use this information to your

advantage. Tailor your cover letter to match by highlighting those activities and experiences

where you gained your most valuable skills.

Your final paragraph should include your strong interest in the position, recap the

qualifications you listed above (List a total of 3 qualifications) along with a passion for

_________ (List fourth qualification here). Please contact me at xxx-xxx-xxxx at your

earliest convenience to set up an interview to learn more about the __________

position. I look forward to meeting with you.

Sincerely,

Your signed name (IN BLUE)

Your typed name first and last

frank.alaniz@ded.mo.gov www.linkedin.com/in/frankalaniz

Frank Alaniz

Missouri Regional Workforce Liaison