10 Ways a Job Search has changed

Here are some key takeaways from the evolving landscape of job searching based on your points:

1. Google and LinkedIn Searches Are the New Résumé

Recruiters now rely heavily on Google and LinkedIn searches to identify talent. Having a strong online presence, especially on LinkedIn, can significantly boost your chances of being noticed. Keep your profiles optimized with the right keywords, clean up any digital footprint, and ensure your most relevant work is easily accessible.

Tip: Regularly Google yourself to see how potential employers may view you.

2. A Summary is Sufficient

Given the volume of applications recruiters receive, they often spend less than 30 seconds scanning each résumé. Use LinkedIn’s summary feature to capture your most important qualifications and experiences upfront, ensuring it’s brief but impactful.

Tip: Focus on concise, compelling language in both your résumé and LinkedIn profile.

3. Social Proof is Essential

Endorsements, testimonials, and recommendations on platforms like LinkedIn provide social proof of your skills and work ethic. These can greatly reduce the perceived risk for employers, helping you stand out.

Tip: If you don’t have enough recommendations on LinkedIn, ask colleagues, supervisors, or clients to write one for you.

4. Resumés are Read On-Screen

Since most hiring managers review résumés digitally, your formatting should be screen-friendly. Use bullet points, clear headers, and avoid large chunks of text.

Tip: Ensure your résumé is easy to scan on a screen, with key information easily accessible.

5. Relationships Over Résumés

Networking has become more important than just sending out résumés. Building relationships through networking events, LinkedIn, or informational interviews can open doors to opportunities, making résumés secondary.

Tip: Focus on expanding your professional network and let opportunities come from those connections.

6. Employers Care About Their Needs

Your application should focus on how you can solve the company’s problems. Instead of focusing on what you want, demonstrate how your skills and experience will benefit the organization quickly.

Tip: Customize each cover letter and résumé to address the specific needs of the company you’re applying to.

7. Work Gaps Are Less Important

Employers today understand that layoffs and unemployment periods are common. What’s more important is showing how you’ve used that time productively, such as learning new skills or working on personal projects.

Tip: Be honest about employment gaps and highlight any projects or learning you undertook during those times.

8. Keywords Are Critical

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and LinkedIn searches often rely on specific keywords to filter candidates. Ensure your résumé and LinkedIn profile are filled with industry-relevant nouns and phrases to boost your visibility.

Tip: Research job descriptions to identify common keywords, and incorporate them naturally into your profiles.

9. Personal Branding is Key

Your personal brand is how you are perceived by potential employers. Whether you actively manage it or not, it exists. Take control of your brand by curating your online presence and ensuring consistency across all platforms.

Tip: Tools like BrandYourself.com can help you clean up your online presence and establish a strong personal brand.

10. Tailor Your Applications

The days of highlighting basic skills like typing are long gone. Instead, focus on showcasing specific skills and experiences that are tailored to each job. A few targeted applications are far more effective than sending out a large number of generic ones.

Tip: Customize your résumé and cover letter for each job, ensuring they reflect the specific needs and language of the employer.

By incorporating these strategies, you can improve your chances of standing out in today’s competitive job market. Focus on building your online presence, networking strategically, and tailoring your applications to the specific needs of potential employers.

Tough Sales Job Interview Questions Asked in Redmond

“Why do you want to work in sales?”

The biggest mistake you can make when answering this question is to simply say, “Because I like it,” or worse, “Because the money is good.” This doesn’t really tell the interviewer anything they couldn’t have obviously guessed—and it certainly doesn’t help to set you apart from other candidates.

Successfully answer this tough question by focusing on your sales history. Think back to when your passion first began. Was it because of a summer job? Or maybe it started as early as childhood. Briefly illustrate this passion with real-life examples and include a success story, if possible. Then tie it in to why you still want to work in sales. Employers will take note of this longstanding drive and remember your answer because of your personal story.

Evaluating Candidates in Redmond

Once interviews are completed, most employers will seek input from all parties who have encountered candidates during the interview process.

Keep in mind that even seemingly lower level employees like administrative assistants who greeted you and set up your interview day may be asked for their impressions. Treat everyone respectfully and be your best professional self at all times, including informal lunches or dinners with prospective colleagues.

Of course, it is hard to anticipate what each employer will be looking for as they make final decisions about candidates, but it is useful to consider some common factors.

Know what you want before you start your 2019 job search.

Identify your ideal job target before commencing a search.

If you don’t know what your ideal job looks like you won’t know how to find it or execute a clear strategy with well-aligned tools (resume, LinkedIn profile, etc.).
Start by identifying the job title and work requirements that interest you.

Consider the type of work environment you perform best in (team-based, independent, or a combination of both). Ponder preferred company size, industry, culture, location, and structure. Now create a target list of companies that align with these requirements and start researching opportunities.

If opportunities don’t yet exist, strategize on how to create them. Leverage your network and the power of internal referrals to support your search execution. Let people know who you are, the value you have to offer, and exactly what you are looking for. Aim to make contact with decision-makers.

Finally, develop strong, relevant career tools that speak to, and address, the pain points of your ideal job and unique audience.

These combined efforts will prevent you from spinning your wheels and relying on an outdated ‘spray and pray’ job search approach. Targeted efforts are what will increase job search success in 2019.

6 Job search tips for Lynnwood Job Seekers

1. Treat every day as a new opportunity for a fresh start. If you are looking backward with a tinge of guilt for sitting at the beach when you know you could have been working more productively to advance your career, give yourself permission to let it go. Recognize that every day presents new opportunities, and resolve to put in maximum effort from today onward.

2. Get support from your family. As schedules move into fall mode, this is a good time for a family conversation about your own needs for time to concentrate on getting a job. Make sure your family members understand you need to have regular hours set aside for that purpose. Help them understand that a critical way they can support you is by not asking you to run errands or do other things for them during the day just because you don’t have a job that you need to be at.

However, remember: In turn, you have an obligation to fulfill your end of the bargain and make effective use of your time. Set a schedule for your daily job hunt to include all the elements of a job search, including researching, connecting, networking, interviewing and so on.

3. Rework your résumé. Take a fresh look at your résumé. It’s time for a major rewrite if you have an objective statement or bullets that begin with “Responsible for,” or if you haven’t presented the story of how you fulfilled what what was expected of you and what results you’ve achieved at your current or former jobs. Remember to look at your résumé not just as a catalog of everything you did, but rather as a marketing document that shows the value you offer your next employer.

There are numerous books and articles about how to build an effective résumé, but if best practice “résumé speak” seems outside your grasp, you may well consider making an investment in yourself with a solid résumé writer or coach.

4. Make new connections, and consciously expand your network. All kinds of groups and organizations are coming to life in September after a summer hiatus. Make sure you are plugged into the local chapter of your college alumni association, trade and industry groups, professional organizations and so on. Attend lectures, meetings, classes, continuing education opportunities, retreats and other events.

Make a point of talking to new people and showing an interest in them. This way you are bound to meet people with whom you have something in common. Make certain to get names and contact information, and later check them out, connect with them on LinkedIn and keep your conversations going.

5. Be slow and deliberate rather than fast and frantic. Sure, you can apply to dozens of jobs online in an evening. But your chances of landing a job this way are very limited. Instead, take time to research companies in which you are interested. Carefully craft cover letters to show why and how you can fulfill their needs, and then network your way inside. Remember that it is always the value you can add that’s important, rather than the opportunity an employer could offer you.

6. Curate your online presence. Write a blog, and be sure to include links to professional articles you find interesting or stimulating. Engage in dialog within LinkedIn groups to answer and ask intelligent questions. And, on the flip side, get rid of anything on your Facebook page or elsewhere that could cause someone to form a negative opinion of you.

Preparation is everything when it comes to giving job interviews in Lynnwood

Job Interview Preparation

After you’ve started your research, compile two or three intelligent, well-thought out questions to ask your interviewer when she says: “So, do you have any questions?” Don’t use this opportunity to immediately propose questions about the position’s salary, vacation time, and retirement options. Unless those issues are brought up, cool your jets with these questions until you’re through with the first round. Instead, write down two or three thoughtful questions that you may have, either about the interview process itself or the company’s background.

Prepare and practice answers to common interview questions such as why you left your last job, or “Tell me something about yourself.” Omit negative responses or long stories about your evil former boss or coworkers. Never discuss controversial views or politics. Keep things in a positive light and focus on elements in your background that directly relate to the position at hand. Tossing in fun information about your appropriate hobbies will also help the hiring manager or human resources executive remember you after you’re on the train back home.

Also, use an online mapping tool to plan your route so you know exactly where you’re going ahead of time. A sure way to bomb an interview is to be late. Bring your contact’s name and phone number along with the exact address of where you’re going. You may have been in “the area” years ago to visit a long lost friend but the landscape has changed: highways have been constructed and new roads paved, so use observant caution and online mapping tools to help you find your way.

On the day of the interview, time yourself so you get there about five to ten minutes ahead of time for your interview. Any earlier than that is inconvenient to your interviewer. The person you’re there to meet has set aside a predetermined block of time to meet you. Arriving 20 or more minutes early puts both of you in an awkward position.

If you’re out in your car waiting for 30 minutes you may encounter scrutiny. Find a spot where you can sit and “hide out” in case you arrive way too early. Keep in mind that your interview actually begins the moment you exit the elevator: all eyes are on you. If you’re adjusting your clothes when you exit the elevator you might catch your interviewer on his or her way into the office–first impressions count.

First and foremost, be polite to the receptionist. The receptionist isn’t just a receptionist but actually is a First Impression Specialist. How you treat this person is part of your overall assessment and will be reported back to the assessment team.

Powerful words to use in Interviews

Using the right words during an interview can greatly impact how you’re perceived as a candidate. Here are some strategic ways to use specific language that can help you stand out:

1. Responsibility

Demonstrating responsibility through your word choice shows that you’re reliable and results-driven. Hiring managers want to know that you’ll handle tasks effectively, meet deadlines, and maintain high standards.

Example Words:

  • Accomplish
  • Coordinate
  • Detail-oriented
  • Effective
  • Efficient

Tip: Use these words when describing past work experiences, especially when discussing how you handled important projects or met deadlines.

2. Words Reflecting Company Values

To show you’re a cultural fit, mirror the language the company uses to describe itself. Research their website, especially the “About Us” section, and pay attention to the values and phrases they emphasize. Incorporating these into your answers will create a subconscious alignment between you and the company.

Tip: If the company describes itself as “innovative” and “collaborative,” try incorporating similar terms or synonyms like “creative problem-solver” or “team-oriented” into your responses.

3. Passion

Employers want candidates who genuinely care about their work, who will go beyond just checking boxes and will be enthusiastic about their role. Infusing passion into your language can convey that you’re motivated to contribute meaningfully.

Example Words:

  • Energized
  • Enthusiastic
  • Motivated
  • Love
  • Interested
  • Priority
  • Win

Tip: When explaining why you’re interested in the role, use words like “motivated” or “energized” to convey excitement.

4. Leadership

If you’re interviewing for a leadership role, using active, dynamic words that communicate ownership and impact is critical. Show how you’ve driven results, managed teams, and contributed to the growth of your organization.

Example Words:

  • Accelerate
  • Build
  • Coordinate
  • Deliver
  • Develop

Tip: Highlight past leadership roles by detailing specific projects or teams you led using action verbs like “develop” or “coordinate.”

5. Industry Buzzwords and Jargon

Understanding and using industry-specific jargon signals that you’re familiar with the field and can converse at the same level as other professionals in the industry. However, use these words thoughtfully and only if you’re confident in their meaning.

Tip: To get comfortable with industry buzzwords, follow thought leaders, read relevant blogs, and engage in LinkedIn conversations. For example, in a tech interview, words like “agile development” or “cloud-based solutions” could be important to sprinkle into your responses.

Key Takeaway:

By strategically using responsibility-driven language, mirroring company values, showing passion, employing leadership words, and integrating industry-specific jargon, you can craft compelling responses that not only highlight your skills but also make you memorable as a top candidate.

Networking for 2019

1. Stop Saying Networking

Reconfigure what you think when you hear the word “networking.” In fact, scratch that word altogether, and think of your next networking event as an “open exchange”—one with no pressure and plenty of opportunity. At an “open exchange,” you’re free to share ideas, contacts, information, and resources with tons of interesting people. The prospects that inspires are boundless, and it doesn’t cost much more than a conversation. Already sounds better, right?

2. Choose Non-Lame Events

Don’t just go to any old event—choose events where you know you’ll have something in common with people, like conferences that relate specifically to your industry or happy hours put on by your alumni association. It’s much easier to make conversation in these groups than it is at more general events.

3. Or, Host Your Own!

Email 10 of your friends, suggest a place and date, and ask each person to bring someone new. To keep the event more professional, you could plan a structured conversation about everyone’s career goals, status of their job satisfaction, or even current industry trends.

4. Volunteer

Instead of just attending an event, “volunteer to help with raffles or name tags. It’ll give you an excuse to talk to people, and that makes it much easier to follow through and be social. Plus you never know whom you’ll meet.” 

5. Think Outside the Networking Event

Remember, not all networking has to happen at cocktail hour types of events. In fact, some of the most interesting relationship-building can happen elsewhere. See if there’s a conference you can attend, a hackathon you can participate in, or even a project you can help with. These sorts of events will put you in a much more collaborative environment that will allow you to get to know people in a different way than by simply drilling them with questions.

Industries still hiring during the Corona Outbreak

Pandemic job insecurity comes with a silver lining: It’s better to see the ax now rather than later, because your chances of landing a new gig are highest right now, at least in certain industries. Here’s where to look:

Shipping and delivery companies: Amazon is hiring 100,000 workers, mostly for fulfillment and delivery, and some UPS hubs are hiring as well, although—fair warning—both companies are facing criticism over employee safety. Some couriers are also hiring.

Online learning companies: Now that over 30 million children are out of school, it’s boom time for online schools, which are swiftly expanding capacity. Outschool is hiring thousands of teachers to meet demand.

Grocery stores and delivery services: Grocery stores are your friends. Major chains such as Kroger, Meijer, and Safeway are hiring in-store shelf stockers and delivery staff; ditto for regional chains such as Raley’s. Grocery delivery services and apps such as Instacart are also hiring.

Remote meeting and communication companies: Zoom is hiring, as are Slack and Microsoft Teams.

Working families: Many working parents are now forced to hire for many months of childcare, now that California’s governor announced that schools likely won’t open before fall. If kidcare is your jam, consider offering cheap, flexible options. Snap up these gigs in the next couple weeks.

Think broadly: There is no shame in a paying job of any kind, especially during a pandemic. And remember this is an excellent time to skill up. Want to learn to code? Or take a crack at the GRE? Or pick up an online credential? ‘Tis the season.

Critical questions to ask during Job Interviews in Bellevue

#1. Gather critical information about the unwritten requirements of the job.
Job postings are generally written by human resources and are likely to be somewhat vague. All too often, the hiring manager’s true needs will not be listed or prioritized appropriately. So, without first finding out additional information, it can be awfully difficult to present yourself as the ideal employee.

Be proactive, ask questions and assume the role of a consultant rather than simply a job-seeker. Moreover, do this as early into the interview as possible. It is only after you have gathered the specifics of the problems the manager is facing that you should begin selling yourself to the position. The following will be helpful in getting the interviewer to start talking:

  • What do you view to be the most critical aspects of the job?
  • In your mind, what needs to get done immediately?
  • How can the new person make your life easier?

#2. Overcome age-related objections.
One of the biggest stereotypes younger managers hold against mature applicants is that they are set in their ways and reluctant to take direction. You can address this misconception by opening up the dialogue with questions that show you welcome the opportunity to learn.

Further, you want to let them know that you thrive on change and new challenges. Because people make up their minds about you within a very brief amount of time (first impressions), you want to counteract any stereotype about your age as quickly as you can.

Preface your questions by saying something like, “I enjoy being challenged and learning new things…”

  • In your estimation, what are the major demands of the position so that I might continue to increase my knowledge and grow my skill sets?
  • How do you see the work moving forward as the technology develops? (Be sure to underscore how you enjoy keeping current with the latest advancements in your field.)

#3. Help the hiring manager define his or her true needs. Many times (especially if the position is new), hiring managers may not recognize the specifics of what they truly hope to accomplish. You can help them clarify these outcomes by asking open-ended questions about the ultimate goals of the position:

  • What do you consider to be the most pressing objectives and/or goals of the job?
  • How will a successful employee in this position benefit your team and your desired outcome overall?

Follow up with, “If I’m understanding you correctly, you are looking for someone who can…” and then explain how your skills and experience are a match with their needs.

#4. Show you have done your homework and are knowledgeable about the job, the organization and the field in general.
You want to present yourself as a knowledgeable insider— someone with the skills, experience and personal strengths for the job. You also want to let your interviewer know that you took the time to thoroughly familiarize yourself with the particulars of the position and the goals of the company.

Prepare open-ended questions that will underscore these facts. You can even begin with the phrase, “Well, I’ve done my homework and…”

Job interviews are your time to show how your skills, experience, attitude and enthusiasm will support the needs and goals of the hiring manager. This can only be done if you have a thorough understanding of what is involved. So ask open-ended questions often and early. Take on the role of consultant and make this conversation a true exchange of information and ideas.

By posing smart questions, explaining how you can make a difference and presenting yourself with confidence, you will make that all important, powerful first impression. In fact, with a little luck and the right timing, chances are good that your well-positioned, open-ended questions just might help you get the offer and land the job!