Recruitthebest Daily Digest- What About Networking?

The most interesting and sought-after jobs are scooped up quickly through referrals and rarely make it to the big job boards. Networking is your best entree into a company if you want to find the good roles and reduce your competition.’

A hirer will spend about six seconds reviewing your resume before making an initial decision. Ensure you end up in the ‘yes’ pile by creating a results-based, well-formatted resume that makes it easy for the reader to quickly discern your relevant strengths.’

Include a cover letter. This will set you apart from the pack and is another opportunity to reiterate your relevant strengths, career story, and value.’

Social media isn’t optional. Make sure your brand comes through clearly in your online presence, and remove irrelevant or inappropriate content.’

Few things in life are truly ‘have to’s.’ When you choose to do something, it is a lot more empowering.’

‘You’ve likely been networking all your life. Recall the people you know and the relationship skills you’ve gained. Networking is networking, whether you’re looking for a job or an authentic Italian restaurant.’

You need to network to make a career switch. Stop making excuses, and put energy and time into building mutually beneficial relationships.’

Second- (and third-) level connections are where the action is! Most people in your immediate circle have the same imformation you do, so the goal is to get their network, because that is where your next opportunity lies.’

Introversion is not a flaw, and it certainly doesn’t make you bad at networking. Find strategies that are comfortable, engage your strengths, and build relationships.’

Use your 24 hours each day wisely and don’t waste large chunks of time on 15-minute tasks.’

Networking is a long-term strategy of building relationships.’

Source:

Dawn Graham (2018). Switchers: How Smart Professionals Change Careers and Seize Success.

Recruitthebest Daily Digest- To Find A Great Job, This Is For You (2)

‘Stepping out of the workforce is not unusual. The difficulty of making a switch as you’re reintegrating will depend on the length of time you’ve been away, your profession and skill set, and the strength of your network.’

We are always serving our primary goal. If you’re not getting what you want, chances are you are making comfort or short-term gratification your primary goal, and whatever you think is your true goal is your secondary goal.’

You’re always communicating your brand, consciously or not. You need to be intentional and cognizant of the messages you’re relaying, so your audience starts to recognize a brand that aligns with your new career path.’

A key part of your brand is your USP (Unique Selling Point), which differentiates you from others with similar skills in a way that is of value for audience.’

Your BVP (Brand Value Proposition) describes how you solve your audience’s pain points. It’s also your guidepost for how you choose to express your brand.’

Every candidate has potential red flags. The trick is not to dwell on these. Instead, focus on your strengths and the value you bring.’

Hirers care about three things: abilities, fit, and motivation. While each has its place, Switchers can have the most advantage over traditional candidates on the latter two.’

Your Career Story is what will convince the hiring manager to pull the trigger and make the offer. It should be attention-getting, compelling, logical, and genuine.’

‘How you communicate, including the words you choose and the timing of the information, will make a difference to convince the hirer to take a risk. Practice your messages to ensure you connect with the interviewer.’

Keep perspective. The job search is an inherently tough process, but that’s what makes landing your switch to awesome!’

Your Career Story isn’t just an afterthought; it’s the information that will seal the deal.’

Source:

Dawn Graham (2018). Switchers: How Smart Professionals Change Careers and Seize Success