Create Your Employer Target List for Seattle

These may be companies that tend to offer jobs that fit your interests, organizations that have the company culture you desire, and/or organizations with a mission you believe in.

A Target List Saves You Time

With a target list in hand, you will actually save yourself time in your job search.

Even if it feels productive to apply to every job opening you come across, you are actually wasting your time and energy. Instead, you should only apply to jobs at companies that you believe are a good fit for you.

There is no need to waste your time applying and interviewing for jobs that do not match your qualifications and/or goals. Even if you accept a job at a company that is not right for you, chances are that you will not want to stay there very long.

It is better to take the time to find your ideal companies and apply to jobs there, in order to find a long-lasting job that you love.

Creating Your Target List

Below are a few ways to begin to create your target list.

  • Look at best company lists. Many web sites list the best companies to work for in a variety of different industries. For example, Fortune ranks companies in a variety of categories, including the Fortune 100, Fortune 500, and Fortune 1000 (based on gross revenue), the best small companies, the best companies for millennials, and more. Look through the lists that match your interests, read the descriptions of each company, and write down the companies that fit your industry interests and your ideal company culture.
  • Look to your Chamber of Commerce. Your local Chamber of Commerce should have a list of local companies. Take a look at this list to see if there are any local companies that fit your interests.
  • Look to your professional associations. If you belong to any professional associations, look on their websites to find a list of member companies. If you do not belong to any associations, click here for a list of associations by industry. Find associations in your industry, and see if you can access each association’s list of industries.
  • Browse LinkedIn. If you have any contacts who work in your field, look on their LinkedIn profiles (or other social media profiles) to see where they work. Similarly, look at members of LinkedIn groups that are related to your industry, and see where they are working.

Narrow Down Your List

Once you have created a list through these methods, it is time to narrow your list down to only the companies that are truly a perfect or near-perfect fit. To do this, you will need to research the companies on your list.

First, visit each company’s website. Read each company’s mission statement and any other information the site may have about the work environment, the people the company hires, and anything else about the company culture.

You can also visit LinkedIn’s Companies section to find company information. This section provides information on each company culture, as well as job openings and connections you have at each company.

Based on this information, cross out any companies on your list that are not a strong fit.

The Final List

Ultimately, you should have a list of 10 – 20 companies that you will proceed to target in your job search. As you continue to job search, feel free to remove or add companies as you get a better feel for the type of organization you would like to work for.

Personal SWOT Analysis for Bellevue Job Seekers

Many professionals recognize the value of a SWOT analysis for their companies. Understanding a business’ Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats gives leaders a new perspective on what the organization does well, where its challenges lie and which avenues to pursue. However, few people realize that a personal SWOT analysis can do the same for an individual in pursuit of his or her career goals.

The SWOT analysis was first devised as a business tool in the 1960s by business icons Edmund P. Learned, C. Roland Christensen, Kenneth Andrews and William D. Guth. In 1982, Heinz Weihrich took it one step further, constructing a 2-by-2 matrix to plot out the answers to the four key questions for easy comparison. Strengths and Weaknesses were across the top, and Opportunities and Threats in the bottom row. This remains the most common and effective way to conduct the analysis.

Why conduct a personal SWOT analysis?

Most professionals look at their strengths and weaknesses, a SWOT analysis takes things a step further by forcing people to think about the external factors that bear heavily on the health and direction of their careers. Looking at the quadrants together can be a creative way to think about where you are in your career and the directions you could take,

SWOT can also help people become the best versions of themselves. Self-assessment is a key activity in striving to achieve a sense of one’s personal best. The SWOT analysis exercise ignites an enhanced awareness of what one brings to the table in a balanced light of both advantages and challenges. Organizations roll out elaborate schemes to remain competitive as well as innovative. Why wouldn’t individuals want to achieve the same level of excellence for themselves?”

How to do it

To conduct a personal SWOT analysis, ask yourself questions about each of the four areas being examined. Answer honestly. Honesty is crucial, or the analysis will not generate meaningful results. With that in mind, try to see yourself from the standpoint of a colleague or a bystander, and view criticism with objectivity.

It’s also important to imagine the potential of what you can become,

“Don’t limit yourself to the strengths that you’re currently exhibiting in your job.  List all of your strengths, even the ones that have been dormant for a while. And pay particular attention to the things that you have that your peers don’t — how are you different, unique and special?”

Begin by identifying your strengths. These are the traits or skills that set you apart from others. Questions to ask include:

  • What are you good at naturally?
  • What skills have you worked to develop?
  • What are your talents, or natural-born gifts?
  • How strong is your network of connections?
  • What do other people see as your strengths?
  • What values and ethics set you apart from your peers?

The next step is weaknesses.This part examines the areas in which you need to improve and the things that will set you back in your career. Questions to consider include:

  • What are your negative work habits and traits?
  • Does any part of your education or training need improving?
  • What would other people see as your weaknesses?
  • Where can you improve?
  • What are you afraid to do or most likely to avoid?
  • What negative feedback about your personality or work habits have you received?

For the opportunities section, look at the external factors you can take advantage of to pursue a promotion, find a new job or determine a career direction. Questions to examine include:

  • What is the state of the economy?
  • Is your industry growing?
  • Is there new technology in your industry?
  • Is there new demand for a skill or trait you possess?
  • What are the biggest changes occurring in the current business environment?
  • Have customers or co-workers given you feedback about new services you could provide, or ways to improve your manner?

Finally, look at any threats to your career growth. This part takes into account the external factors that could hurt your chances to attain your goals. The factors to take into account include:

  • Is your industry contracting or changing directions?
  • Is there strong competition for the types of jobs for which you are best suited?
  • Do your weaknesses inhibit your ability to rise in your company or change jobs?
  • What is the biggest external danger to your goals?
  • Are there any new professional standards you cannot meet?
  • Are there any new technology, education or certification requirements that will impede your progress?

Finding the necessary objectivity to conduct a personal SWOT analysis can be a challenge. For this reason you are advised to invite others who know you well to review your ideas for accuracy. We often cannot see how we come across in our interactions with others, so their feedback is valuable.

In some cases, you may be well-served by getting the help of a professional. We encourage job seekers to work with professionals certified in various assessment instruments, or to research assessment tools online that can provided measured feedback for consideration.

Next steps: match or convert

Once you have filled out the matrix, there are two ways to analyze the information and build a strategy: matching or converting.

Matching means connecting two of the categories to determine a course of action. For example, matching strengths to opportunities shows you where to be aggressive and take action. On the other hand, matching weaknesses to threats exposes those areas you should work on or situations to avoid, and lets you know where to be more defensive of your position.

To convert is to turn negatives into positives — in other words, converting your weaknesses into strengths, or threats into opportunities. This can mean growing a skill set through education, or finding a creative way to feature a weakness as a strength. For instance, if you are very outgoing, working in an introspective and isolated environment may not suit you very well. But if you can work toward a position, such as sales, in which you interact with many people, that weakness turns into a strength and could allow you to excel.

Outcomes

Once your personal SWOT analysis is complete, it is crucial to follow through on the insights you uncovered.

SWOT analysis can fail to be effective if it is simply treated as a ‘laundry list,’ without any tie-in to how the elements identified in the analysis can be put into play for the individual carrying out the assessment. For example, how can the identified strengths move the needle in the endeavor to achieve a key goal? Or how can one navigate a potential threat once it is identified, so as to ensure no ground is lost?”

“The best outcome is to take action and succeed in the opportunities you have identified.  This can benefit you on a personal and professional level, and set you apart from your peers and colleagues.

SWOT templates and more information

Those who want to conduct their own SWOT analyses can visit numerous career sites providing online templates and further information:

Image Courtesy: http://www.chunkofchange.com/wp-content/uploads/swot-analysis_54534e77d19ce_w1500.jpg

Are soft skills important for Bellevue Job Seekers?

What Are Soft Skills?

Soft skills are the personal character traits or qualities each of us has. They make up who we are, generally encompassing our attitudes, habits and how we interact with other people. They are much less tangible than hard or technical skills, and unlike them, you do not learn soft skills by enrolling in a training program. You can, however, acquire them through educational, work and life experiences but it will take a concerted effort on your part. Let’s say, for example, you are terrible at managing your time but find yourself enrolled in a class that requires you to complete numerous projects. If you want to do well you will have to improve your time management skills in order to meet your deadlines. You can learn how to better manage your time by seeking advice from faculty and fellow students or reading helpful articles.

Examples of Soft Skills

  • Verbal Communication: People with good verbal communication skills have the ability to convey information to others by speaking.
  • Interpersonal Skills: Having good interpersonal skills means that one has not only the ability to communicate with others, but is willing to listen to people without judging them, share ideas and pitch in when co-workers need help.
  • Writing: Good writing skills allow you to relate information using the written word.
  • Problem Solving and Critical Thinking: Problem solving is the ability to identify a problem and then come up with possible solutions. Critical thinking skills allow you to evaluate each possible solution, using logic and reasoning, to determine which one is most likely to be successful.
  • Active Listening: Good listeners make an effort to understand what others are saying, interrupting only when appropriate to ask questions that will help clarify the information being shared.
  • Active Learning: Active learners are willing and able to acquire knowledge and then apply it to their jobs.
  • Organizational: Those who have strong organizational skills know how to take a systematic approach to every task.
  • Time Management: Those who are good at managing their time know how to schedule their tasks in order to complete projects according to deadlines. They are good at prioritizing their work.
  • Team Player: Those who are team players are cooperative and can be leaders or participants, as necessitated by the situation at hand. They are willing to share responsibility with other team members, whether that means taking credit for successes or responsibility for failures.
  • Professionalism: This characteristic is hard to define, but it’s very apparent when someone is lacking it. It’s probably the one trait that every employer desires, regardless of what you do or where you work. Professionalism encompasses many things including showing up on time, being polite, being generally pleasant and helpful, dressing appropriately and taking responsibility for your own actions.
  • Reading Comprehension: Individuals with strong reading comprehension skills have little difficulty understanding the content of written materials.
  • Flexibility and Adaptability: People who are flexible and adaptable react well to changes in their jobs and work environments. They have a positive can-do attitude about anything that gets thrown their way.

Why Do You Need Soft Skills?

Soft skills help us do our jobs.

They allow us to effectively and efficiently use our technical skills and knowledge. They improve the way we interact with our bosses, co-workers and customers. They permit us to get our work done on time. They influence how we feel about our jobs and how others perceive us.

Every single occupation you can think of demands that you have specific character traits, whether you’re a doctor who needs to be an excellent communicator in order to convey information to her patients, a janitor who must have good interpersonal skills so that he can get along with his co-workers or an actor who must be persistent in spite of facing rejection over and over. An important thing to note is that soft skills are transferable between occupations. While you may have to go back to school to learn new technical skills if you change careers, you can always take your soft skills with you since they are valued in a variety of fields.

In addition to what is required by your occupation, employers also expect you to have certain character traits. Just look at any job announcement and you will see a laundry list of qualifications that includes not only the technical skills you need to do the job, but qualities like “excellent communication skills,” “strong organizational skill,” “team player,” and “strong listening ability” listed there as well. Even if you have the technical skills required for a job, if you can’t demonstrate that you have the specified traits you probably won’t get the job. Make sure your resume lists accomplishments that demonstrate the desired soft skills and that you also find ways to discuss them during your job interview.

5 Tips for a Successful Online Job Search

Effective Job Search Strategies Beyond Online Applications

Before the internet, job seekers often relied on classified ads in newspapers to find job openings. Today, job boards like Monster, Indeed, and SimplyHired make it easy to search and apply to dozens of jobs with just a few clicks. While convenient, applying exclusively through online job postings can be limiting and lead to a lengthy and frustrating job search with lower chances of success.

Consider this scenario: A job seeker recently shared that he’d applied to over 80 jobs on Indeed over several months, selecting only roles he felt were a good match. When asked about his results, he replied, “Nada. Zilch. Zero… not a single interview.” Unfortunately, this experience is common, as many job seekers don’t realize how intense the competition is for online job postings. Each online listing can receive hundreds of applications, and only a few candidates make it to an interview.

So, what can you do to improve your chances of landing a job? Here are some targeted strategies that often yield better results than simply applying en masse through job boards.

1. Build and Leverage Your Network

Networking, both in-person and online, is one of the most effective ways to find job opportunities. Attend networking events, join professional organizations, and practice the art of conversation. Every new connection you make expands your network and increases your chances of learning about job openings that aren’t advertised. Building a strong network can also lead to valuable referrals.

2. Focus Your Applications

Rather than applying to dozens of jobs, concentrate on positions where your skills and experience truly align with the employer’s needs. Avoid “Hail Mary” applications to roles you’re not well-suited for, as these are unlikely to result in interviews. Instead, focus on positions where you can demonstrate specific value to the employer.

3. Research Each Company Before Applying

Before applying, take time to research the company thoroughly. Check the latest company news, visit its website, and explore its LinkedIn profile to understand its goals and challenges. Use this information to craft a cover letter that shows how your skills and experience can help the company address its needs. A tailored approach shows employers that you’re genuinely interested and well-prepared.

4. Network Your Way In

Instead of applying cold, see if you can connect with someone inside the company beforehand. LinkedIn is a powerful tool for finding people who work at your target companies. Reach out to employees for informational interviews—not to ask for favors, but to learn about the company and build a relationship. This proactive approach often leaves a positive impression, and in some cases, they may offer to help when an opportunity arises.

5. Inquire About Employee Referral Programs

If you establish a connection within the company, find out if they have an employee referral program. Many companies value referrals, and employees are often rewarded for referring strong candidates. If they’re open to it, ask if they would be willing to submit your resume on your behalf. However, keep in mind that most companies won’t allow the referral if you’ve already applied, as the employee won’t get credit.

The Bottom Line: Quality Over Quantity

Remember the story of the tortoise and the hare—slow and steady wins the race. A job search focused on fewer applications, backed by thorough research, networking, and strategic communication, can yield much better results than mass applications. Though it may feel tedious, taking time to build relationships and present a targeted case for each job will ultimately improve your chances of landing a fulfilling position.

Educational Requirements for Jobs

Why Do You Need to Know About Educational Requirements?

Before you decide to pursue a particular career, you must make sure you are willing to fulfill the educational requirements that will allow you to get an entry-level job. If career advancement is important to you, you will also want to discover what you will need to do to move up in that field. If you are unwilling to meet the educational requirements, or if you must start working immediately and don’t have time to get the appropriate training, you will have to think about other options. On a similar note, you may not want a job that doesn’t require a certain amount of education, for example, a college degree.

How To Find the Training You Need

When the required education for an occupation is very precise, for instance, if you must get a particular certificate or a degree from an accredited program, you will have to decide what institution to attend. There are several ways to go about finding out where to get the training you need.

  • Professional Associations: Use any search engine to find the professional association for an occupation. Then go to the organization’s website and look for a section about education or careers. If you must get your training or degree from an accredited program, it will probably say so here. There will likely be a list of programs, as well, or links to resources you can use to locate that information.
  • Local Training: Search for training by location. Programs include colleges, trades schools, unemployment retraining and short-term programs.
  • Your Network: If you have contacts in your prospective career field, find out where they received their training. You may also uncover this information through informational interviews with people who work in the occupation you are researching.

What You Need to Know About Additional Qualifications

In addition to educational requirements, the state or municipality in which you want to work may require you to have a license or certificate. You may need a certain amount of experience and have to pass written and practical examinations to get licensed or certified.

You should be aware of the difference between mandatory certification, as discussed above, and voluntary certification. Some professional associations grant credentials to individuals who demonstrate competence in an occupation or industry. This is what is meant by voluntary certification. The state or municipality will not require you to get it but it could make you a more desirable job candidate. Some employers, however, may require it.

4 Things you need to know while searching for jobs in Seattle

  1. Find someone to refer you. You are missing out on job opportunities by not identifying someone inside the company to refer you for a job. While job boards are the primary source of hiring, 71 percent of HR professionals surveyed rated employee referrals as the best source for finding candidates, yet only 7 percent of job seekers surveyed viewed referrals as their top source for finding a job.
  2. Invest in learning technical skills. Job seekers self-reported that their top weakness was technical, computer or specialized skills. If this is your weak spot too, do something about it, because a quarter of employers rank these as top skills they are looking for. Take an online course to develop the skills you lack or need. More than 40 percent of job seekers have never invested in online training, but it is one way to improve your confidence and candidacy.
  3. Expect to meet several people during your interviews. It is unlikely you’ll be hired based on one interview. Almost 60 percent of HR professionals said the interview process involves meeting two to three people, and some employers will have you meet with as many as five people during the interview process.
  4.  Highlight these top three skill sets. Communication, adaptability and results-driven are the top skills HR is looking for in candidates. Unfortunately, job seekers miss the mark. While job seekers did list communication skills as a top skill set, they missed the mark in the other top skills they reported, which were leadership and teamwork.

Don’t forget these things while looking for jobs

When you’re on the job hunt, attention to detail can make all the difference. Here are some often-overlooked tips to keep in mind to present yourself professionally and leave a strong impression on potential employers.

1. Double-Check Your Facebook Privacy Settings

Your social media activity is more visible than you might think. Simply hiding tagged photos or wall posts isn’t always enough—employers might still be able to see events you’ve attended or pages you’ve liked, which may not always make the best impression. To ensure your privacy, go to Facebook’s ‘Timeline and Tagging’ settings. In the ‘Review’ section, use the “Review what other people see on your timeline” option to see your profile from a public perspective. Adjust as necessary to keep any content private that might not align with your professional image.

2. Keep Personal Websites and Portfolios Updated

If your resume, LinkedIn profile, or cover letter links to a personal website, portfolio, or blog, make sure these sites are live, accessible, and up-to-date. Domain names or hosting services can sometimes expire without warning, leading to broken links that leave a poor impression on hiring managers. Ensure your online presence showcases your latest achievements and skills, reflecting the very best of your work.

3. Inform and Prepare Your References

When applying for jobs that require references, let your contacts know they might receive a call or email from a potential employer. Brief your references on the positions you’ve applied for by providing a link to the job listing, a quick summary of the company, and an outline of how you’ve presented your experience. This way, they’ll be prepared to reinforce your strengths if contacted. A quick follow-up with them after each interview is also a considerate touch to keep them in the loop.

4. Respond Quickly and Professionally

Being responsive can set you apart. From promptly replying to interview invitations to sending a thank-you note after an interview, responsiveness demonstrates enthusiasm and reliability. Avoid delays, especially for emails that require specific responses, like interview scheduling or submitting requested documents. A lag in communication can signal disinterest, leading employers to consider candidates who appear more proactive and engaged.

Bellevue Hiring Managers Wish You Knew these 4 Things

  1. Focus on What You Want, Not Just What You’ve Done“Spend some time considering what you really want out of your next job, your career, and your life. Be honest with yourself, and try to get clear and specific. Then rewrite those ‘goal’ and ‘objective’ sections (yes, they’re OK in some cases) with newfound clarity.”
  2. Don’t Include Everything“Focus on the person coming across in your resume. If you want to be ‘the social media guru,’ anything that doesn’t at least tangentially relate to social media should be de-prioritized. If you want to come across as ‘the academic research all-star,’ by all means put your educational experience on top, throw in your GPA, and get in-depth about your awards and publications. Feel free to leave off your real estate experience.”
  3. Use Numbers“You increased recruiting? Give us the percent increase. You raised money for charity? Tell us how much you raised! This can turn average-looking experiences into impressive head-turners and help distinguish you from other candidates.”
  4. Add Non-Work Work“Volunteer work, particularly if it’s long-term or if it gives you the chance to lead a project from beginning to end, can be a great substitute for full-time work. Some organizations give titles or recognition to regular volunteers, so find out if there are any formal credentials that you can use (if not, just use “Volunteer”). Just like you would for a paid job, list bullets that show your major accomplishments and what you learned during your involvement.”

Searching for a job while employed?

Discreet Job Search Tips for Employed Professionals

Searching for a new job while you’re currently employed requires a bit of extra caution. Here are some tips to help you keep your search under wraps and avoid raising any suspicions with your current employer.

1. Make Job Search-Related Phone Calls Away from the Office

It’s essential to make all job search calls away from your workplace. Even if you’re using your own cell phone and data plan, there’s still a chance someone could overhear your conversation. Avoid making calls in places like the break room, where coworkers might walk in unexpectedly. Instead, head to your car, or find a quiet spot at a nearby coffee shop not frequented by colleagues.

2. Use Former Employers as References

If a prospective employer asks for a job reference, avoid involving your current boss to keep your job search confidential. Most employers understand this situation and will be satisfied with a reference from a previous supervisor. Having a few past managers or colleagues prepared to vouch for you can be just as effective without jeopardizing your current position.

3. Dress Appropriately for Work

If you usually dress casually, showing up in formal interview attire might raise some eyebrows. To avoid this, plan a quick wardrobe change before your interview. A coffee shop restroom or similar location can serve as a discreet spot to switch from casual to professional attire. This way, you can attend an interview without raising suspicions at the office.

Following these steps can help you maintain your current job while exploring new opportunities, keeping your job search as private and professional as possible.

Advanced Tips for 2019 Job Search

Tip 1: Establish your career goals! Take this time to reflect on where you are now and where you want to go next. Having clear goals and objectives will get you there.

Tip 2: Update your resume! What have you accomplished in 2018? Review your year’s achievements and projects you’ve finished and include them in your resume.

Tip 3: Brush up on your interview skills! Whether you have an interview scheduled or not, you should always be able to answer The “Tell Me About Yourself” Interview Question. Review the most common interview questions so that you’ll always be ready whenever opportunities arise.

Tip 4: Polish up your social media profiles! Potential business partners or other key players in your industry may be searching for you right now. Social media can play a huge role in your reputation so keep it professional and build a strong online presence.

Tip 5: Activate your network! The people you meet can have a lasting effect on your career. Stay in touch with your previous colleagues and learn How to Network to create mutually beneficial relationships with new ones.