Job Fairs and the Hidden Job Market

All are very good points. Now, for a change, here's a more "positive" perspective. It gets you out of the house. Next, it gets you to observe what MAY be the hidden job market. I have been to many myself. My goal, with the CFEC and other job fairs, is to give people a second look at their resumes. I find many areas to enhance resumes. How many of you actually walk up to an employer and simply take their cards? How many of you actually do your "due diligence" and see what their web sites contain? How many of you actually, like Matt, check the roster and do a LinkedIn search on the people at the job fair? How many of you actually use it as a "networking" event where you look your best and shake hands with fellow professionals? The job fairs DO reflect the economy. Florida is facing a major unemployment rate....and, especially for the next month, will have low wage positions available. Try to stand out to the booth recruiters. If you go to the fair, make the most of it. Many come over to me from out of state...they ask me why they can't get a job. I say,"look around at your competition and then decide if I will (as an employer) relocate you". They won't accept your saying, I'll move here. Again...don't forget, the Hidden Job market DOES exist. Come to our meeting on Monday night and find out more. Mike's even going to touch on the 55+ age group and their additional challenges using Job Fairs.

TMI-Too Much Information - H E L P!!

In today's information highway you are constantly being inundated with information, sometimes conflicting, sometimes consistent.....what are you going to do?? My friends, you do what's best for YOU!! You talk to your friends and relatives (and, yes, me!) and get their opinions. Some of the hints I've been giving (and will continue to give) are based on years and years of experience. I am currently working with several teams on recruiting related projects. Are you signed up for our web site at www.pronetcareerresources.org ? Are you on LinkedIn ( www.linkedin.com )? LinkedIn, with over 86 million members is growing daily. Your next boss COULD be on there. The question is, how do you ATTACK? I can show you!! On Dec 9th I will be conducting a FREE seminar at City College in Casselberry. My goal is to give you strategy and show you how to use what I refer to as the "spider effect" in finding that RIGHT contact.

Again, remember, you are seeking a job for YOU. The right resume is the one that you have a major part in assembling. My disclaimer: If you talk to 12 different professionals, you will get 12 different responses. Which one is the correct one? Only you and a close ally can determine this. I'd like to be your ally. Have a great (and productive) day.

Cliches

I just read an interesting article on cliches. Bottom line was "do not use them". How many of us are "multi-tasking", or "excellent communicators", or "team player". It is more important for us to depict HOW we feel about these terms. We want the resume to stand out amongst our peers. Let them use the cliches. We need to provide both action terms and quantitative information. We need to ensure that the resume is unique. Your summary needs to have unique key words. PLEASE omit the phrase "responsible for" as it "smacks" of a cut and paste job from a job description (and what recruiter has never seen a job description??). Questions? Contact me at 407-333-8158 or email me at hra246@gmail.com

YOUR Resume

I just wanted to take a moment to remind readers that the resume that you give to your next employer is YOU. It must depict your professional life. It must meet THEIR standards. How do you determine their standards? By paying ultra close attention to their needs which they have displayed in a job posting. Bottom line: You are representing you on this very important document, not the work of 12-15 others (some of whom may depict you in different fashions). Need some guidance, contact me. Have your friends and relatives contact me. The big difference is doing one-on-ones. If it's done completely by email, they are NOT depicting you, merely their impression of you. Hope that helps.

Hint #7 Typographical Errors

I've read several articles lately from some of the "heavy hitters" in both the resume writing industry and hiring managers. What's the most devastating issue they are always bringing up? You guessed it, typos.

Please, please re-read your resume twice. Have another person read it. Typos can be the difference between being taken seriously and being put in the "no interest" pile.

Many words won't get picked up by spell check tools. I read one resume the other day where the candidate worked for a local bank. They spelled the word "band" instead. Being a legit word, band will not get picked up. I see some major atrocities which I won't comment on here. Believe me, it's not pretty. I point it out and the person covers their face with embarrassment. Better I catch it than a hiring manager.

One major problem is that people use messages on their telephone like "u" for "you" and "r" for "are". Your resume is a "formal" document, please treat it as such and don't abbreviate. Leave abbreviations for your telephone key pads!

ProNet Expands

I met with members of a church in College Park today. We may be conducting LinkedIn Seminars there very shortly. If you wish to attend, you will be asked to send me an RSVP with your resume to hra246@gmail.com

I met with a restaurant in Sanford the other day and we are about to expand so that both Volusia County and Sanford residents who need our support can join us and gain. If you live in either of those places, please contact me.

I am determined to lower the unemployment rate.