Job Seeker

19 posts



There is a huge difference between being a job seeker and a job shopper. And if you don't understand the difference, keep reading. Because I promise you, if you're looking for work right now, you need to understand the difference.

The Difference Between A Job Seeker & A Job Shopper


@j.t.odonnell Job Shoppers vs Job Seekers. Why ypu want to be the 1st and not the 2nd! #jobsearchtips #jobseeker #jobshopper #howto #careertiktok #jobtiktok #jobs #careers ♬ original sound - J.T. O'Donnell

The majority of people looking for a job right now are job seekers. They're getting on board job boards, they're applying to a bunch of jobs, and then they're sitting back and waiting to hear from employers.

Here's the problem: just because job boards are there doesn't mean they've made it easier for you.

A job seeker has a 3% chance of getting a callback when applying online. And that is because these online job boards have made it easier for the employer to get a lot of applicants. But that means there's a lot more competition for you. So you apply for a job, a thousand other people apply, and there's a 3% chance you're getting a call. That is a really frustrating demotivating, embarrassing, depressing way to look for work. You don't want to be a job seeker.

You want to be a job shopper.

A job shopper chooses who they want to work for, and they are very intentional in the way that they reach out and connect with that employer in order to get their dream job. Sounds a lot better, right? Who doesn't like shopping?

You start by finding companies that you respect and admire that hire for your skill set and you make a list. It's called an interview bucket list. The reason you make this list is because employers don't just want the most qualified applicant. They want the one who would be the easiest to work with.

You get hired based on your personality and your aptitude. You can't teach personality and you can't teach aptitude. You can teach experience. That combination of personality and aptitude means you'll get along with everybody else in the office and you know how to adapt yourself and do things the way the employer needs you to do them. That's the difference.

Once you have your interview bucket list, reach out and connect with as many people as possible who work at those companies. Here's an example of what you can say to your new connections:

"Hey, I'm a fan of your company. It's literally on my top 20 list of companies I'd love to work for someday. Can I hear how you got your job or can I hear what you love about your work?"

That kind of connection story piques their interest because now you're somebody they might want to hire because you have the things they can't teach. You've got the personality for the job.

So, that connection story is everything. That's how you become a job shopper instead of a job seeker. Remember to use your connection story in your disruptive cover letter too. Good luck, and go get 'em!

Need more help with your job search?

Become a member to learn how to land a job and UNLEASH your true potential to get what you want from work!

Acquiring Job Advance Your Career Career Changing Careers and Employment Education Internship

Job Shopper vs. Job Seeker: Which One …

10 Things To Remove From Your Resume



The average amount of time a recruiter or hiring manager will spend scanning your resume is seven seconds. That's why it's important to have just the right kind (and amount) of information on your resume.

The phrase “less is more" has often been used for design purposes, but it can apply just as well to your resume. The point is to only keep information on your resume that is clear, simple, and that supports your personal brand. It is a balance of having just enough information to draw the interest of an employer while leaving room for you to further explain during an interview.

The more irrelevant information you add to your resume, the more it dilutes your key message. Employers today also look right through fluff words and are rather annoyed by them.

So, how can you optimize your resume and make sure it contains the precise balance of information?

Try removing these 10 things from your resume today:

1. Replace The Objective Statement On Your Resume With An Experience Summary


Employers today are not that interested in what you want. You need to tell them what you can do for them. The most effective way to achieve this is by replacing your objective statement with an experience summary.

An experience summary is a list of skills you have that are needed for the job you're applying for. They're hard skills and transferable skills, not soft skills. By removing that objective statement, you're able to clearly start proving your value to the employer within the first few seconds they glance at your resume.

2. Eliminate Superfluous Or “Fluff" Words


Man reviews his resume

We can't tell you how many resumes start with "Dynamic visionary…" We call these "fluff" statements because anyone can make them and they add no real value to your resume.

Keep your message on point and stick to the facts. If you want to express certain traits, demonstrate them with what you have achieved or accomplished. Quantify your work experience. Whatever you do, just avoid meaningless, baseless statements.

3. Edit Out Bad Grammar & Spelling Errors


Job applicant hands the hiring manager his resume

Spelling and grammar mistakes are a big turnoff for hiring managers. Triple check every headline and bullet point. Remove or reword any sentence that doesn't flow. Don't mix up tenses or third and first-person perspectives.

When in doubt, have a trusted friend or colleague review your resume. That way, you can be sure every spelling or grammar mistake is caught before you apply for a job.

4. List Your Primary Phone Number And Toss The Others 


Older woman removes outdated information from her resume

You want every section and piece of your resume to be simplified. Having multiple phone numbers right at the top of your resume makes it feel cluttered and disorganized even before you get to the experience section.

If you must list more than one number, make sure to specify under what conditions the other numbers should be used.

5. Remove Discriminating Information


Job seeker edits their resume

Avoid information that can lead one to discriminate against you, including age, sex, religion, marital status, and ethnicity. This includes the use of photos that should never be on a resume unless your face is an important part of your job (e.g., modeling, TV, etc.). In fact, some employers are forced to ignore your resume if it contains such information because of the chance that they may be accused of discrimination later in the process.

For seasoned professionals, age discrimination can be a very real thing. That's why you should follow these tips on what to remove from your resume. You want to optimize your resume, not submit an outdated one.

6. Throw Out Your GPA


Man edits his resume while looking for a job

You do not need to reveal your graduating year, the institution(s) you transferred out of, or the high school you attended. You should also remove your GPA if you've been out of school for a while or if the number just isn't impressive.

Keep information on your education specific to the degree received, the major completed, and the institution you attended.

7. Get Rid Of Any Irrelevant Information


Woman removes outdated and irrelevant information from her resume

Employers are not interested in achievements or abilities that are not applicable to the job. If you are in sales and you helped develop an Access database to track supplies, that's nice but not relevant.

Also, be cautious about listing your associations or volunteer work that is irrelevant or may be in conflict with the potential employer. You can find this information while conducting research on the company.

8. Remove Technical Skills For Basic Software Programs


Young woman removes information from her resume

Most employers today expect you to be familiar with basic computer programs, such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. So, don't waste valuable space on your resume listing them. It's more than okay to remove them from the document entirely.

When choosing which software programs and technologies to include on your resume, think about which ones will help you succeed in the job you're applying for. Which ones will make you stand out from the competition?

9. Do Not Include References Unless Requested


Job seeker reviews his resume

Employers expect you to offer references when requested, which is typically during the latter part of the interview process.

A big pet peeve of recruiters is seeing "References available upon request" on the resume. Do you really know anyone who would refuse to give references?

10. Cut Back On Lengthy Content 


Hiring manager reviews a job applicant's resume during an interview

If you are a recent graduate, most employers do not expect your resume to be more than one page. However, if you have had considerable professional experience, your resume should be two to three pages long. The notion all resumes should be one page is not true, especially in this job market. Resumes need to have enough detail to support your positioning so a two- to three-page resume is acceptable. But, your resume shouldn't be so long that it works against you.

Your resume has to have a compelling message and be easy to read, so after you have tightened up your content, format it to have a decent amount of white space.

Finding the right balance of information for your resume can make it impactful. It's not about how long or short your resume is, or how many employers you've worked for, but finding the right information and words to present it in the best light to demonstrate that you have the specific experiences and skills the employer is seeking. So, keep in mind the phrase, "less is more" when writing or updating your resume.

Writing an optimized resume is no easy task. By removing these 10 things from your resume, you'll be that much closer to landing an interview and securing your next job.

Need more help optimizing your resume?

Sign up for our FREE Resume & LinkedIn Bootcamp today to learn how to update your resume and LinkedIn profile the way recruiters want!


Acquiring Job Advance Your Career Career Changing Careers and Employment Education Internship

10 Things To Remove From Your Resume

How To Get A Hiring Manager’s Name



How can you get a hiring manager's name? Job listings posted all over the place simply read "no phone calls" and "direct resume to BD," or some other letter combination at some post office box or no-reply email address. Getting a name is like trying to find a needle in a haystack.

We won't lie. Finding a hiring manager's name is tough, very tough. It can be done, though! It takes work and a bit of sleuthing. Anything that is worth something is worth working for—right?

So, here are seven effective ways to find a hiring manager's name...

1. Call The Receptionist


Try calling the receptionist at the company where you are applying. You can ask him or her for the name of a person in human resources.

If you are nice and engage the person on the phone, you will likely come away with a name. It sounds easy, and sometimes it is as easy as making a phone call and asking for what you're looking for.

2. Ask To Be Directed To The HR Department


Woman asks to be directed to the HR department to find the hiring manager's name

When calling a company, ask to be directed to the human resources department. You will likely get the voicemail of a person within the department.

Even if he or she is not the right person, when your resume shows up, they will pass it along to the appropriate counterpart in the department.

3. Use Social Media


Man uses social media to try to find the name of a hiring manager

Looking for the name of a hiring manager after having no luck with the tips above? This takes more digging.

Use LinkedIn and Facebook to find people. If you are on LinkedIn, you will need to do a lot of looking to identify people who are associated with the company you are targeting. Join affiliated groups so that you can write to those people directly without an introduction.

Is that sneaky? No. LinkedIn is a tool like any other. You need to know how to use it.

From there, you can introduce yourself to a person at your targeted company, network with them, and obtain a name. Facebook takes a little more work because you need to introduce yourself and be added as a friend. We recommend sticking with LinkedIn if you can.

4. Find A Listing Of Senior Management


Job seeker finds the name of the hiring manager at her dream company

Traditional research also works. When doing research on a company, oftentimes the company will have a listing of senior management. You can start there.

Send a letter or email to one of those people. You never know—you might get a response asking you to send your resume to them directly, or they might even give you the name of someone to reach out to within the company.

Your best bet at receiving a response is by writing your disruptive cover letter in the body of the email. That is, tell a compelling story about why you're passionate about the company and the problem you think you can help them solve.

Never underestimate the power of storytelling!

5. Network With Everyone You Know


Unemployed man networks to find the name of a hiring manager

The rule of six degrees of separation is what LinkedIn is all about. Everyone is six or fewer connections away from each other. Therefore, you should step up your networking efforts.

You can find the name of a hiring manager from friends, friends of friends, acquaintances, and many, many others.

6. Use Hunter.io


Woman finds the name of a hiring manager during her job search

Hunter.io is a site that can help you track down emails of people at a specific company. This is an incredibly useful tool to have in your job search. Use it to find the name of a hiring manager in seconds!

7. Get A Trade Publication


Man looks in a trade publication to find the name of a hiring manager

The trades publish newsworthy information about what is going on in a specific industry and continuously publish the names of people and companies. It is a great way to maintain abreast of industry happenings, too.

When people are promoted or move to a different company, a name is often published. This can help you find the name of a hiring manager in a direct or indirect way.

There is no such thing as anonymity anymore. If you want to find someone, you most certainly can. Use these seven tips to find the hiring manager's name you're looking for. Happy hunting!

Need more help with your job search?

We'd love it if you signed up for Work It Daily's Event Subscription! Get your career questions answered in our next live event!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

Acquiring Job Advance Your Career Career Changing Careers and Employment Education Internship

How To Get A Hiring Manager’s Name

6 Tips To Ace Your Phone Interview



If your resume has made it into the "yes" pile, then the first thing a company will do is a phone screening. The purpose of this is to test your communication skills and to do a quick check of your skills and experience to determine if it's worth bringing you in for an interview.

Here are six important tips that will help you ace your next phone interview:

1. Be Prepared


Basic preparation steps include having your resume in front of you, making sure you are on a good phone line where there are no disturbances, and allocating enough time for the phone interview, even if it goes beyond what was scheduled.

2. Research The Company And The Interviewer


Job seeker researching before phone interview

The first question I used to ask job seekers was, "What do you know about us?" If I did not think they had spent the time to do their homework, they were immediately downgraded. So, spend some time researching the company before your phone interview. Check out their website and social media accounts, and see what employees say about them on Glassdoor.

Also, go to LinkedIn and review the background of the person conducting the interview. Check if the manager you will be reporting to participates in LinkedIn groups and discussions, and see if you have anything in common.

3. Exude Energy And Interest


Job seeker showing interest during phone interview

The words you use account for only 15% of the effectiveness of your communications. Intonation and body language are most important, and since you are on the phone, you live and die by your intonation. Put energy in your voice and demonstrate a high level of interest. An old telemarketing trick is to have a mirror in front of you and smile when you speak since that automatically affects your tone in a positive way.

4. Ask Questions And Build Rapport


Woman answers the phone for her phone interview

People hire people they like, so it is important to turn the interview into a conversation by asking intelligent questions. Show off your expertise by following up their question with an insightful question of your own. Those who just answer questions and wait for the next question will lose here. Use a conversational tone, as if you are having lunch with a friend, telling a story, instead of just responding to questions.

For example, here are two ways to respond to, "Can you tell me about your experience at Bank of America"

"At Bank of America, I was hired to oversee the integration of systems that were the result from acquisitions."

Or...

"You know, that was a really challenging experience because I had to integrate all the different systems that were the result of acquisitions. You can just imagine how tricky that would be since there were so many differences between them, and I had to research and document the trade-offs from an integration of each one."

Which is more interesting? I did some interview coaching with a highly accomplished technical manager at Intel who was getting interviews and no call backs. It was immediately clear that he was just responding to questions in a fairly monotone manner and was about as interesting as a memory chip. After some coaching on how to build rapport using the above technique, he had three offers in four weeks.

5. Ask The Most Important Question


Professional woman asking questions during phone interview

Companies have a reason they are looking for talent and it is your job to find out what their chief source of "pain" is. Do this by asking:

"What is the biggest challenge someone will face in this job in the next six months?"

This lets you target your responses and demonstrate how you have successfully handled these challenges before.

6. See If They Have Any Concerns


Job seeker acing phone interview

Don't just end the call wondering how you did. Ask them. If you are going for a sales position, this is mandatory. State something like:

"Based on what we discussed today, do you think I am a good candidate for this position?"

Now, when they respond, you can handle any concerns they may have.

By using these six simple techniques in your next phone interview, you'll be sure to make a good impression on the employer and, hopefully, move on to the next step in the hiring process.

Need more help with your job search?

We'd love it if you signed up for Work It Daily's Power Hour Event Subscription! Get your career questions answered in our next live event!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.


Acquiring Job Advance Your Career Career Changing Careers and Employment Education Internship

6 Tips To Ace Your Phone Interview

#1 Tip To Land That HOT Job You Want



The job that you really want, that hot job with the great pay—everybody else wants it too. So, while there are lots and lots of jobs out there right now, the really good ones (the ones you want), are the most competitive, which means if you don't stand out in the hiring process, you won't get the job.

In order to stand out in the hiring process and get the job you want, you need to do one thing...

Focus On Interview Prep!


@j.t.odonnell #1 tip to land that HOT job you want! #edutok #interviews #interviewtips #interviewquestions #interviewprep #careeradvice #jobsearch #learnontiktok ♬ original sound - J.T. O'Donnell

The best way to stand out in the hiring process is by focusing on your interview performance, and that means you should make interview prep a priority. I've been a career coach for 20 years, and when people use my ultimate interview prep guide, they nail their job interviews. They crush the competition.

I built The Ultimate Interview Prep Course through the lens of a recruiter and a hiring manager. What that means is I explain to you what they're looking for and why they're looking for it. I want you to understand what a recruiter and hiring manager are doing, why they are asking certain questions, and what answers they're looking for. When you understand these things, you can answer interview questions more authentically. You can be the real you, but still give them what they need. And that's what my interview prep course teaches you to do.

Need Help Preparing For Your Next Job Interview?


Work It Daily's Ultimate Interview Prep Course

If you want to stand out to employers in your next job interview and land the job you really want, check out The Ultimate Interview Prep Course today!

When you purchase this course (or any other premium course), you also get access to my new FREE community. Work It Daily is leading the Workplace Revolution. We're bringing together millions of people inside this private community and you will get access for free when you purchase any of our career courses.

The Ultimate Interview Prep Course is only $29 (one-time fee). Get instant access to the best interview prep guide and then join me in Work It Daily's new FREE community. I hope to see you inside our platform soon!

Acquiring Job Advance Your Career Career Changing Careers and Employment Education Internship

#1 Tip To Land That HOT Job …