[View the story "#BizChats: Job Searching Tactics for 2015" on Storify ]#BizChats: Job Searching Tactics for 2015 Mashable Business hosted its first #BizChats Twitter chat of 2015 to discuss the best job searching methods for 2015. Storified by Mashable · Wed, Jan 14 2015 21:22:52 Read more...
With a new year upon us, many people are looking for different ways to advance their career. For a lot of people, that means finding a new job that will help steer them along the path of their career aspirations, but how does one get noticed in a sea of qualified applicants?
@mashbusiness and several career influencers participated in a
#BizChats twitter chat to share prime insights on how to get noticed by recruiters and take your resume to the top of the 'callbacks' list.
Welcome to our #BizChats Twitter chat, where we'll be discussing the best job search tactics for 2015. Please introduce yourselves!Mashable Business
A warm welcome to our career experts: @alevit, @dailymuse, @heatherhuhman, @HIRED and @jobjenny! #BizChatsMashable Business
Question 1
Q1. What is the first step job seekers should take in 2015? #BizChatsMashable Business
A1: Put together a daily plan for the next 2 months. What do you need to accomplish and how are you going to execute it? #bizchatsAlexandra Levit
A1: Spend time determining what roles / companies would REALLY make you happy. Otherwise you'll be searching again in 2016! #BizChatsThe Muse
A1: It's about determining your priorities. What are your "nice to haves" and what are non-negotiables? http://t.co/aEWrRqy0Ln #BizChatsThe Muse
Make A Plan – As getting what we've never had before will require doing what we've never done before #BizChats A1Ryan Kahn
A1: Make your LinkedIn profile amazing, and relevant to the audience you're trying to attract. #BizChats.Jenny Foss
A1 Assess what you want to do, where you want to work (be specific) and create a job search strategy. #bizchatsEmilie Mecklenborg
A1: Know what you need, want & expect from the job AND the employer. Just b/c they think you're a fit doesn't mean it fits you! #BizChatsHireQ
A1. Focus on fit! Findiing a great opportunity isn't just about the role, but also the org culture and your team #BizChatsIdealist Careers
A1: EXPLORE your career options. There are so many paths you can take. Don't limit yourself! #BizChatsAfterCollege
Question 2
Q2. What buzzwords are recruiters tired of seeing on resumes? #BizChatsMashable Business
A2: Stay away from too many industry acronyms, saying you're "can do," and that the company is doing "cutting-edge" work #bizchatsAlexandra Levit
A2: WHERE to begin? "Detail oriented" ... and its evil twin "Detail orientATed" #BizChatsJenny Foss
A2: "Responsible for..." Better still when it's like 12 times on one resume. #BizChatsJenny Foss
A2: "References Available Upon Request." Trust me, when they want them, they will ask. 100% of the time. Just wastes space. #BizChatsJenny Foss
Buzzwords Are Fluff - I love it when I see resumes with # and % to back up their accomplishments #BizChats A2Ryan Kahn
A2: Overly big or formal words, industry jargon, or anything vague or cliche. #bizchatsThe Muse
A2: Especially the clichés (professional, experienced, people person, etc) are so overused they don’t mean anything. #bizchatsThe Muse
A2: Also, try to use numbers/quantitative measurements on your resume rather than vague buzzword-y terms... proof of your skills #BizChatsSteph Walden
Question 3
Q3. What are some tips for standing out in a sea of applicants? #BizChatsMashable Business
A3: Having an in at the company is still the best, fastest way to get your resume to the top of the pile #bizchatsThe Muse
A3: Plus, putting personality in your cover letter can help you show you fit in early on, as @jobjenny is recommending. #bizchatsThe Muse
A3: Study the company's personality and tone and make it clear, right out of the gates, that you're "one of them." #BizChatsJenny Foss
Focus On Real Relationships - It’s not what you know OR who you know... It’s who knows you #BizChats A3Ryan Kahn
A3: Customizing your materials specifically to the job description. #bizchatsAlexandra Levit
A3: Clearly articulate your value proposition and be prepared to back it up with examples #BizChatsbrandEDU
A3: Study the company before the interview, study the competitors, study the segment, their online presence. Do your homework #BizChatsJose Melgar
A3. Materials should answer: Can you do the job? (Skills) Will you do the job? (commitment) Will you fit in? (culture) #bizchatsIdealist Careers
Question 4
Q4. What are some social media best practices for people on the job hunt? #BizChatsMashable Business
A4: Learn everything you possibly can about LinkedIn and then use as integral part of your job search strategy. #BizChatsJenny Foss
A4: Make sure you have a clear, consistent brand across all platforms—and have a landing page to bring them all in one place! #bizchatsThe Muse
A4: Don't know what your personal brand is yet? Time to figure it out http://t.co/fKioEPd4uq #bizchatsThe Muse
Give Before You Ask – Look for creative ways to add value to them before you ask for something, that’s a quality relationship #BizChats A4Ryan Kahn
A4: Have a personal brand that portrays you as enthusiastic, competent & professional & is consistent among all the networks. #bizchatsAlexandra Levit
@mashbusiness A4: like, follow and friend the companies you'd like to work for. get a preview of org culture #BizChatsAndrew Bateman
Q4: Make sure you have a defined voice and consistent bios across platforms. Let ppl know what drives you! #BizChatscolin ashby
Question 5
Q5. What are the best sites, products and tools for job hunters? #BizChatsMashable Business
A5: Besides @LinkedIn, I second @wisewordsco,@glassdoor, @careerbuilder, and don't forget about your alumni associations. #bizchatsAlexandra Levit
A5: Obviously The Muse for all the advice you need plus job openings at inspiring companies (a fav of late http://t.co/n3qnwWuY8Z) #bizchatsThe Muse
A5: @squarespace is useful for creating a site that helps you stand out. Here's a class to teach you how http://t.co/EYRgp9vvzt #bizchatsThe Muse
A5: Reach out to recent grads from your college. They are fresh in the job market and know what's up! Plus, they'll be humbled. #BizChatsMaddie Gaither
Career fairs! Great way to meet face-to-face. “@mashbusiness: Q5. What are the best sites, products and tools for job hunters? #BizChats”Maddie Gaither
A5: The guys over at @LoftResumes have some great templates for resumes. Just use with care if applying via online processes. #BizChatsJenny Foss
A5: My faves include @dailymuse , @Glassdoor and recently emerging @PhotoFeeler . #BizChatsJenny Foss
@mashbusiness A5: There are countless resources out there, but try the basics: record every job you applied to in an excel sheet. #BizChatsBrad Karsh
Utilize All Resources - If you’re a student or recent grad on the job hunt, I’m happy to help out: http://t.co/sJ52Gb49D5 #BizChats A5Ryan Kahn
A5: network network network! You're unknown until you say something. The rewards should outweigh the fear. #BizChatslettrs
Question 6
Q6. How can candidates crush the interview process? #BizChatsMashable Business
A6: Show up prepared but not so overrehearsed that you look and sound like a robot. You MUST be engaged in the conversation. #BizChatsJenny Foss
A6: You simply cannot ask questions whose answers are a quick google search away, either. You'll look dumb. #BizChatsJenny Foss
Have An Interesting Story – There may be a lot of candidates think about all the great and unique things that make you, you #BizChats A6Ryan Kahn
A6: Research, research, research. Come in with more than a baseline knowledge of the company http://t.co/fGmtttVL0G #bizchatsThe Muse
A6: Also don’t be afraid to bring ideas to the table in the interview. This will show that you could make an impact from day 1. #bizchatsThe Muse
A6: Treat everyone well from the moment you walk in the door. You never know if the receptionist will have a say in the decision #bizchatsThe Muse
Q6: Know enough about your role and what you can contribute that they'll keep forgetting they don't employ you yet. #bizchatsAlexandra Levit
A6: confidence speaks volumes. But so does cockiness. Know the difference