Advice for the recent Bellevue Graduates.

Be aggressive. Is there a job you have your heart set on this year? Be more aggressive by applying to the job(s) you really want to thrive in. Reach out to potential employers and properly introduce yourself. Stopping by the company is a great way to make new connections and really highlight your interest in working for a particular niche.

Be practical. Even if your current job is merely another gig to pay the bills, this year remember to be practical. Don’t quit your current gig unless you have another job lined up. There’s no need to make hasty decisions. This year, be practical when it comes to career choices.

Network frequently. You never know who a new person is until you start chatting with them. Whether it’s a passenger on public transportation, someone on their laptop at a coffee shop, or even the person behind you in the checkout line at the grocery store, try to network. Always carry business cards on you at all times and remember to be friendly. Striking up conversations with random people could lead to a job. Try it.

Attend conferences. Conferences are great resources for professionals of all walks of life. There’s so much to learn from keynote speakers and the content you discover at conferences could very well put you in a more professional setting someday. Research affordable conferences in your area or ones within reasonable traveling distances. See if your current employer will cover the registration fees. Do what you can to make an appearance at one or two conferences per year. They’re fantastic networking opportunities, and great for your resume to make you a marketable candidate.

Invest in yourself. This year, make a point to invest in the tools that will improve your career. Whether it’s a new laptop for better functionality, a course to brush up on your networking skills, or a website membership to start your own online presence, try to invest in yourself. Do what you can to improve your professional platform this year.

5 pieces of advice to ignore while searching for jobs in Seattle

Ask for a promotion. 
It’s common to hear that you won’t get a raise or a promotion if you don’t ask for one. But you shouldn’t ask; “not even at your annual review.” Instead, use your actions to show you’re a better leader.
Learn the business inside and out, generate team results that your boss can’t ignore and create the most positive, supportive, entrepreneurial spirit in the company.  Then, when there is a need for a new leader, you will be asked. If you want to be promoted into a leadership role this is the best route.
Keep your resume brief. 

You’ve probably been told to keep your resume to one page.  Your resume reflects why you are best qualified for and deserving of the proposed position. If you’ve had extensive work experience, don’t sacrifice highlighting your skills, talents, and expertise just to cram everything onto one sheet of paper. Your resume should be tailored for the specific job you are applying for, and each job description should emphasize the talents that you have developed and will bring to the proposed role.

A great resume will get you hired. 

It’s vital to focus on using your resume to get an interview. “Your resume doesn’t need to be in chronological order or even include every job you’ve had. Your resume is a marketing tool, use it — along with your phone — to get an interview. A great attitude and interview gets you the job, not the resume. Recognizing the different stages of the hiring process is critical to creating a tool that works well for its intended purpose.”

Send a post-interview thank-you note. 

Instead, send a strategic follow-up letter indicating why you are an excellent candidate,  it should be a response to the asked or un-asked question: why should we hire you?

Follow your passion.

This tip is the most erroneous, many people have multiple passions or might not discover their true passions until later in life, and sometimes these passions are just not viable as a source of income.  The right question would be ‘What kind of life do I want to set up for myself?’”

Linkedin and the Job Recruiter

LinkedIn Groups are an often underutilized tool that can be incredibly effective in a job search. By joining relevant groups, you gain direct access to recruiters and hiring managers, boost your visibility, and build credibility through thoughtful engagement. Here’s a guide on how to make the most of LinkedIn Groups to support your job search.

1. Join the Right Groups

While LinkedIn allows members to join up to 50 groups, most users only belong to a few. If you’re actively searching for a job, consider joining all 50 to maximize exposure. Look for groups related to your profession, industry, target employers, and geographic area, as well as any alumni or networking groups that may help you make meaningful connections. Joining is easy—simply click the “Join” button, and if the group requires approval, your membership request will be reviewed.

2. Engage and Communicate

LinkedIn Groups allow members to connect and message each other directly, even without a first-degree connection. Use this to your advantage by reaching out to recruiters or other professionals in your industry. Participate in group discussions, post relevant comments, and reply to others’ posts. This can showcase your expertise and make you more visible to people who may assist in your job search.

Additionally, the largest LinkedIn job search group, Job Openings, Job Leads and Job Connections, has nearly two million members, including many recruiters. By being active in this group, you increase your chances of catching the attention of recruiters who may be browsing for potential candidates.

3. Meet New Contacts

Groups provide a unique opportunity to “meet” people in your field virtually. Use the “Members” search feature in each group to find individuals with specific job titles or roles at your target companies. Comment thoughtfully on their posts and introduce yourself via private messages when appropriate. This can help you build a network of connections who share your professional interests.

4. Share Your Expertise

Showcase your knowledge by sharing articles, insights, and other valuable content with the group. Posting carefully curated, well-written content helps build your credibility and shows potential employers your communication skills and expertise. Remember that anything you post is visible to group members and, often, on your LinkedIn feed, so be mindful of the quality of your contributions.

5. Research Job Market Trends and Employers

LinkedIn Groups are valuable for more than just networking; they’re also an excellent source of industry information and insights. From job postings to the latest developments in your field, groups offer a variety of updates and news that can keep you informed. Additionally, groups provide insight into potential employers, giving you an insider perspective from current and past employees.

6. Keep Learning

Joining groups relevant to your field lets you stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends and skills. Members frequently share new developments, articles, and educational resources, making it easy to continue learning. This ongoing education can help you stay competitive, especially if you’ve been away from the industry or are exploring a new career path.

7. Avoid Common Pitfalls

While LinkedIn Groups offer great benefits, there are some risks to avoid:

  • Manage Post Visibility: Posts in groups may also appear on your public LinkedIn feed. If you’re currently employed, consider adjusting group settings to prevent your job search activity from being visible to your employer.
  • Mind Your Tone and Professionalism: Avoid comments that may come across as unprofessional or overly critical, and always use correct grammar and spelling. These posts are often the first impression others have of your work, so professionalism is essential.
  • Follow Group Rules: Each LinkedIn Group has its own set of rules. Ignoring these can lead to moderation, where all your posts are subject to approval across LinkedIn, a status known as “SWAM” (site-wide automated moderation). Always review and respect each group’s guidelines, which you can access through the “i” icon on the group’s page.

Bottom Line

A fully complete LinkedIn Profile, including a professional headshot, is essential for maximizing your LinkedIn visibility. Engaging actively in LinkedIn Groups helps expand your network, making you more visible to others in search results. By using groups effectively, you’ll build connections and increase your chances of finding the right job opportunity on LinkedIn.

Job Loss Happens…

Be More Than Prepared

Always have an up-to-date résumé ready to go. Whether you’re currently employed or actively job searching, it’s crucial to maintain an updated version so you’re ready when an unexpected opportunity comes along. Additionally, create and optimize your LinkedIn profile if you haven’t already. LinkedIn is a powerful networking tool, and growing your connections can open doors to new opportunities.

Tip: Regularly review and refine your LinkedIn profile, ensuring your skills, experiences, and accomplishments are up-to-date.

Don’t Wait to File for Unemployment Benefits

If you’re laid off, filing for unemployment benefits as soon as possible is critical to avoid delays in receiving financial support. Many states allow you to file online or by phone, making the process more convenient.

Tip: Visit your state’s Department of Labor website to find information and start the process immediately.

Get Help

Take advantage of free or low-cost resources that provide job search and career counseling services. College career offices, state Department of Labor offices, and public libraries often offer workshops, résumé assistance, and access to computers and printers. Libraries also host classes and programs designed to enhance your job search skills.

Tip: Check with local libraries and state labor offices for upcoming events and resources that can support your job search.

Work with CareerPaths NW

If you’re looking for personalized help with your job search, CareerPaths NW is a leading recruiting agency in the Pacific Northwest. They provide free services to candidates and specialize in connecting job seekers with companies that are actively hiring.

Tip: Contact  CareerPaths NW for a free consultation and let them help guide you to the right opportunities tailored to your skills and career goals.

By being proactive in your job search and utilizing all available resources, you can improve your chances of landing a position that aligns with your experience and career aspirations.

Ultimate Guide to picking good job references in Redmond

You know you’re nearing the final stretch of an interview process (and that it’s looking good for you) when a potential employer asks these three questions:

  1. When would you be available to start? (Or, how much notice do you need to give your current employer?)
  2. Can we get you set up for your physical and drug screen?
  3. Will you please provide us with a list of professional references we may contact?

Question number three can rattle even the strongest of candidates if you’re not prepared to respond swiftly with names, titles, the nature of the relationship, and current contact information for however many people with whom they’d like to speak.

Don’t get caught in scramble mode at this stage of the game. Your prompt response and the quality of your references can take you the distance if you play this right.

Let’s begin.

Who Should I List (or Not List) as a Reference?

Generally speaking, your future employer wants to talk with the following people, in order of importance (depending on your role):

  1. Your current manager or supervisor
  2. Your prior managers or supervisors
  3. Your current peers or clients (if you’re interviewing for a client-facing role)
  4. Your prior peers or clients
  5. Your personal references or friends who will vouch for you

Number five, by the way, is a remote fifth place. Reserve this one for only those times you have few other options, and make sure to ask if it’s OK to include personal references before you do so. Also, if you’re a graduating college student (or recent grad), you can absolutely include professors who may be able to speak to your performance and work ethic.

Never (ever) include relatives, unless you happen to work directly for or with one. Oh, and absolutely don’t ever give a fake name and then commission your buddy to “pretend” to be your employer or peer. Recruiters are not stupid. Treat them so at your own peril.

Keep in mind that the primary reason why potential employers want to check your references is because they want a third party to vouch for your on-the-job performance and character. You can tout your greatness all day long in the interview, but it truly gels for decision makers when others tout it for you.

Should They Be on My Resume?

Nooooooo. Heavens, no. Not only do you not need to list out your references, you shouldn’t. It takes up unnecessary resume space, and there’s a remote chance that a recruiter may be more interested in, say, your manager (who you’ve listed) than he or she is in you. No need to hand over all of this information before you captivate him or her.

Likewise, no need to write out “References available upon request.” This is a given. When the hiring manager want them, he or she will ask for them. 100% of the time.

What If I’m a Covert Job Seeker?

This can be a tricky one. If you’re currently employed—and job searching on the sly—who can you trust in these final, important legs of a job transition? I can’t answer this one definitively because every situation is different, and the stakes can be quite high. Trust your gut.

Chances are, you aren’t going to be able to use your current manager as a reference. Certainly, consider enlisting former managers. But you should also think about asking one to two colleagues with whom you have a close personal bond (and established level of trust). If and when you ask them for this support, spell it out very clearly how important it is for you to keep your search under wraps—and the potential consequences for you if they blab.

Also, if you’re providing your potential employer with a relatively weak list of references, be sure and alert them that you’re aware of that, and explain why.

How Should I Ask?

I always encourage clients to approach potential references with specificity, instead of the old, “Hey, would you be willing to be my reference?” Do that, and you’re going to have to let the chips fall where they may in terms of what this person offers up. And along those lines, do this over the phone if possible. You’ll get a much better idea of how excited (or unexcited) this person is to help you.

Make sure to frame your request in a way that spells out the details of the role you’re pursuing, what you anticipate the caller is likely going to want to talk about, and how he or she can be the most helpful.

Example: “Because they’re going through so much change and restructuring right now, I’m guessing they’re going to want to make sure I have strong leadership skills and the ability to turn around struggling teams and programs. If you’re willing, I’d love for you to share some detail on the program we revitalized in 2014.”

Be specific, and also ask this direct question at the end of the call, “May I count on you to give me a favorable reference should the company contact you?”

Don’t assume your past co-worker or boss is going to sing your praises. You never know—she may be jealous of your opportunity here or feel like you dropped the ball on something last year. If you ask this question, you’ll either get a “Yes, of course you can count on me” or an awkward pause or waffle. Don’t list anyone who responds with the awkward pause or waffle. Lukewarm references can sink you in the home stretch.

Is There Anything I Should Provide My References With?

Ideally, provide them with a copy of the job description or an overview of the role and main responsibilities. If you can, also give them some background on the person you anticipate will be calling them, so that they can feel up-to-date and prepared for the conversation.

Also, if it’s someone you’ve used as a reference before (and you suspect would be fine being listed again), provide him or her with a heads-up. Don’t list people without giving them any indication that you’ve used them as a reference for this next opportunity. That’s rude, and it may annoy them to the point of not giving you a glowing review.

What Do I Do After They Are Contacted?

Honestly, you don’t always know when a reference has been contacted, but often times your people will follow up to let you know the conversation just took place.

What do you do? This one is easy—thank him or her, and offer to return the favor if it’s ever needed. And, when you land that job? Most definitely let each of your references know, and consider a small thank you gift, like a coffee gift card or lunch.

Get it right, take it the distance, and enjoy that amazing new gig in 2016.

How are your target companies advertising for available jobs?

Where Companies Advertise Job Openings

Companies use a variety of channels to reach potential candidates. Here’s an overview of where you can find job postings and opportunities to connect with employers:

1. Company Websites

Most companies, especially larger ones, list open positions on their official websites. Job seekers can browse these listings and often apply directly through the site. Many companies also allow applicants to set up job alerts, which notify you by email whenever a new position that fits your criteria is posted. Some even offer online interview scheduling for a streamlined application process.

2. Online Job Boards

To reach a broader audience, companies often post jobs on major job boards like Monster and Indeed. For industry-specific roles, they may turn to niche job sites like MediaBistro for media jobs or Dice for tech roles. This approach helps them target candidates with the right background and skills.

3. LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a popular platform for job listings and professional networking. Companies post open roles on LinkedIn’s job section, and many also actively search the site for potential candidates. LinkedIn Groups can also serve as a resource for job postings, where employers and industry professionals share opportunities directly within relevant groups.

4. Social Media Recruiting

Social media has become a key tool for recruitment. Companies use platforms like Facebook and Twitter to promote job listings and connect with potential candidates. Many companies even have dedicated Facebook career pages or use Facebook apps to post jobs. On Twitter, companies may tweet job openings and engage with users to build awareness about open positions and the company culture.

New Grads, Follow 7 Steps to Score Glowing Job References

Spring is nearly in the air and millions of college students are looking ahead to graduation day. If they are getting prepared for life after they walk off campus for the final time, this group of millennials is also engaged in serious thinking about what they want to do next.

Here’s something else that students and early-career professionals should start thinking about: Building a portfolio of job references and taking the time to cultivate them.

For most employers, hiring an entry-level employee is a leap of faith. Without much of a workplace track record to judge by, employers are forced to depend on what fits on a piece of paper (a resume) and whatever can be gleaned from brief first impressions (interviews).

Is it any wonder that many entry-level job applicants from comparable schools and backgrounds are indistinguishable?

A few glowing job references can set a candidate apart from the crowd. Knowing that, how should a job seeker build out a killer roster of references? Here are seven key tips for putting together a top-notch reference list. These apply to first-time job seekers, but also to anyone who’s getting ready for the next move in their career.

1. Look for ways to cultivate your references. Check in regularly. Keep them up-to-date on your career successes. Talk to them about where you want to take your career. Not only will you build a base of supporters you can rely on for guidance, you will also have a group of people to turn to with confidence when you’re gunning for the job you want.

2. Get a sense of what your references are likely to say about you, especially your areas for improvement. This can be slightly tricky, but it’s doable. Ideally, your references are people you’ve gotten feedback from in the past, so you should have a feel for what they’ll say. To get clarity, it’s important to test your assumptions. It comes down to having a candid conversation with the people you’re planning to use as job references. Try to talk in a more casual, informal setting – at lunch or over a cup of coffee. Explain to them why you’d appreciate their help, and ask them to share their honest perspective on how they would talk about you during a reference check. Most times, references will be flattered by your request.

3. Don’t be afraid to serve as your own strongest advocate. It’s important to make sure that your professors, managers and other potential references know about your capabilities so that they can speak clearly with potential employers about you and your work. While this step is important, don’t be too aggressive when doing it.

4. Don’t hesitate to show off your strengths in the classroom and the workplace. Job references need to see what you can do, so they can tell prospective employers about it. Look for opportunities to demonstrate progress and smart work, so others can observe it. This doesn’t mean you should be a shameless self-promoter. It’s important to share how confident you are but do so while acting with a sense of humility. Still, if no one knows what you can accomplish, no one can tell your future managers why they should hire you.

5. Let your references know that they might be called upon and have their current contact information. If your references are readily available when an employer asks for them, it indicates that you’ve informed and prepared them to take a call or an online request – all good signs that you’re someone who is focused, thorough and motivated.

6. In addition to professors, try to have some former managers as references, even if they’re from internships. Input from people who have seen you perform in the workplace counts for a lot. Professors are great – and you should use them – but employers are thinking about how you’re going to perform once you’re walking through their doors. Feedback from managers at internships, summer jobs, work-study or any other kind of employment is key.

7. Be grateful – and show it. Your references are doing you a favor. They’re going out of their way to help you build your future. And they’re putting their own reputation and credibility on the line when they vouch for you. Be sure to thank them. A hand-written note or a warmly worded email can mean a lot. At the same time, these are folks whom you may want to ask for help again. Use the opportunity of thanking them, to keep cultivating the relationship and to ask what you can do to help them in the future.

So, whether you’re a college senior or someone getting ready to look for that next job, don’t lose track of your references. Good references don’t just happen. Your reference roster has to be cared for, nurtured and maintained. High-quality job references can make the difference between getting that job or wondering why your phone isn’t ringing.

Blog to get a Job in Lynnwood

Think of the word “blog” and what comes to mind? Mommy bloggers? People posting funny cat videos? Well, no more. Today’s savvy job seekers are putting their skills to the test and blogging their way to success and job opportunities. Here’s why a blog can get you your next job.

1. It’s your resume, only better: Everyone has a resume. But a blog allows you to highlight the skills on your resume, times ten. For example, if you’re a writer, you can flex your writing muscles and post examples of your creative writing. Even if you’re a tax accountant, you can write your thought-provoking opinions on some of the new tax laws or add a testimonial from a happy client. Just be sure what you write is accurate and well-supported.

2. It gives you a positive digital footprint: Whenever you apply for a job, the first thing a recruiter will do is investigate you online. Having a blog will give potential employers a fuller (and positive) picture of who you are and how you carry yourself, both personally and professionally. And unlike being tagged in an unflattering — and public — image of yourself on Facebook, your blog contains content that you can completely control to project yourself in the best light possible.

3. It helps you build a network: Employers are not only looking for employees who bring knowledge and a superior skill set to the table, but they also want someone who is well connected. So while you might have 500+ connections on LinkedIn, having a blog that has a dedicated readership shows that you know how to create — and keep — connections, both in the digital world and the real world.

4. It keeps you current — and sharp: If you’ve been scanning and searching the Internet for job postings for a while, it’s easy to let your skills slip a little. Blogging will not only keep your knowledge current, but it will also keep your skills sharp as you create cool new content for your readers on a consistent basis. It can also help you stand out as a career expert in your industry.

5. It makes you interesting to employers: When hiring managers read resumes every day, it can get really boring, really fast. If you have a blog that represents not only your skills but also (hello!) your personality, that makes you stand out more than the other seekers who submitted their resumes on fine linen watermarked paper. Suddenly, you become a person — and a possible job candidate they’ll call in for an interview.

Creating and customizing a blog makes you attractive to potential employers. It will help set you apart from other candidates and give you that added edge in finding a job.

5 Free job search resources for job hunters in Bellevue

  1. Emurse.com: This is my favorite place to put a resume online, nothing more, nothing less.  Get your paper resume out and simply fill in the blanks.  Your online resume will be accessible from a URL like jones.emurse.com.
  2. LinkedIn.com: I usually only recommend upgrading for people who will be searching a lot and need to reach out to the people they find.  This might describe you, but if not, just get the free version.  YOU HAVE TO BE ON LINKEDIN.  PERIOD.
  3. Job-hunt.org: This site has a tone of stuff, and can be overwhelming to navigate, but two gems that you can’t miss.  First, Deb Dib’s article on LinkedIn for the executive job seeker.   Second, when to find a local face-to-face network meeting, go to Job-hunt.org and look to see what they have listed there.
  4. Twellow.com: Go to Twellow.com (which is like the “yellow pages of Twitter”) and search for people in your city, state, profession or industry.  You’ll find influencers who are probably well-networked – these are people who you want to develop relationships with.
  5. Indeed.com: Yup, a job board, but not for job board’s sake.  Use Indeed to do COMPETITIVE INTELLIGENCE RESEARCH.  Find out what companies are hiring, what your target companies competition is doing, what job titles look like, etc.  Ignore the idea of applying for jobs using job boards and think about this as a rich database research tool

New LinkedIn Tool for the Seattle Job Seeker

LinkedIn has introduced a feature that allows users to signal their openness to job opportunities, making it easier for recruiters to find potential candidates without openly alerting their current employer. By using this feature, LinkedIn claims you could be twice as likely to catch the attention of recruiters using LinkedIn Recruiter.

LinkedIn Job Preference Details:

You can customize your job preferences by visiting LinkedIn and navigating to the Jobs section. Under Preferences, you can update several important details:

  1. Location: Specify where you’d prefer to work.
  2. Experience Level: Define the roles suitable for your experience, from entry-level to executive.
  3. Industry Preferences: Select industries from LinkedIn’s pre-defined list.
  4. Company Size: Set your preference for the size of companies you’re interested in.
  5. Field/Function: Indicate your preferred field or functional area.
  6. Job Titles: Select up to three job titles.
  7. Employment Type: Specify the type of job you’re looking for (full-time, part-time, freelance, etc.).
  8. Availability: Indicate if you’re available now or in the future.
  9. Recruiter Notifications: Allow LinkedIn to share your profile and preferences with recruiters, letting them know you’re open to opportunities.

These settings remain active for 90 days, after which you’ll need to update your preferences.

Privacy Concerns: Will Your Employer Know?

LinkedIn aims to protect your privacy by attempting to hide your profile from recruiters at your current company and affiliated organizations. However, they do not provide a full guarantee that your current employer won’t see your job preferences. To enhance protection, make sure your current position is linked to your employer’s company page on LinkedIn.

For more details, LinkedIn has additional resources explaining how to manage these settings and privacy concerns.