Job Search Mistakes

Job search mistakes are not just for those seeking  post-graduation employment, but also for teens and college students seeking summer jobs, mature adults making career changes, twenty- and thirty-somethings still searching to find their career niche.

Alison Doyle of About.com offers the following top mistakes to avoid when seeking employment:

• Applying for any random job instead of conducting a focused job search
• Botching the interview
• Not checking your cover letter, letter of application, resume, curriculum vitae, etc. for typos
• Not organizing your job search
• Not having an online presence and this does not include facebook and Twitter
• Failing to research the company to which you have applied and or agreed to an interview
• Focusing only on posted jobs within a company or organization
• Having a negative attitude; your inner attitude shows in your facial and body language
• Hounding the hiring manager
• Ignoring job search do's and don'ts
• Skipping networking opportunities

Top Job Search Do's and Don'ts (also found at jobsearch.about.com)

• Use LinkedIn
• Write a customized cover letter
• Dress appropriately for an interview
• Send a thank you note
• Be careful job searching from work
• Beware of the following social media do's and don'ts

  Create an online presence, be consistent, don't post inappropriate material,  Google your name and check what's online, be careful what you Tweet, use Facebook privacy settings, network prior to needing to, help others, don't connect with everyone, don't spend time online on your boss' dime

• Avoid the following interview mistakes

  Not preparing; dressing inappropriately; poor communication skills; don't answer your cellphone during an interview or take in anything other than your resume, reference, job application; don't talk too much or too little; avoid providing fuzzy facts; giving the wrong answer, or badmouthing past employers; don't forget to followup

Whether or not your job search yields successful results immediately or years later, the stress of conducting a job search can cause you to doubt your abilities and lead to depression.  This can create a dizzying cycle of low self-esteem and depression.  The more you seek without any perceived success, the more you doubt your abilities and skills and the likelihood that you will find employment, you slow down your search or take "time off" thinking you simply need a break. You then feel guilty that a week or more has past and you have not accomplished anything, nor have you heard from any of the previous employers about your application, which leads to more depression and self-doubt. 

According to ProfessionalResumeExample.com, job search stress is real! But they offer simple solutions to avoid it: Perfectionism,Procrastination, Powerlessness feelings, Problem people, and Pessimism. Additionally, in an article, Hired before Graduation that appeared in the US News Education section on November 22, 2011, writer Emily Bennington outlines how to avoid negative thoughts when job hunting. She suggests that job seekers forgive themselves, catch and release negative thoughts, and choose their response. Kathryn Ullrich provides information on how to avoid 10 common job hunting mistakes in TechRepublic.com's blog posted on March 3, 2011.

Ullrich's Top 10 Mistakes

1. Playing the generalist card
2. Building bloated resumes
3. Missing your target
4. Hibernating online
5. Sabotaging your networking efforts
6. Preparing too little (or not at all) for interviews
7. Missing opportunities on social media
8. Having weak communication skills
9. Failing to put in the hours
10. Going it alone

Clearly, each of these mistakes could be the focus of its own post, but one that appeared the most intriguing to me was number two.  As a high school English teacher and college assistant professor, I have written dozens of reference letters for students applying for college admissions or for employment opportunities.  I often request students to forward me a copy of their resume. I have read some that were expertly written and others that left me wondering what their jobs entailed.  Many, including myself at some point, could benefit from learning just how to remove the bloat from resumes and vitae.

A guest contributor to TechRepublic.com highlighted 19 Words That Don't Belong in Resumes on March 3, 2006.  Of course as you read you will observe the tech slant, but the rationale for not using these terms is valid.

Assist, Assisted

• Reasons to avoid: Hiring managers want to know what you did, not how you helped. If you're familiar enough with a task to put it on your resume, you can choose a better word than assist.
• Example: Assisted marketing director by researching PDAs.
• Possible rephrasing: Researched PDAs for marketing department.

Experiment

• Reasons to avoid: No one wants to hear about what you tried to do--only what you have accomplished.
• Example: Experimented with new LAN management software.
• Possible rephrasing: Tested and evaluated new LAN management software.

Skillfully, effectively, carefully, quickly, expert, mastered

• Reasons to avoid: Hiring managers often object to words that describe how well you do a particular task. In many cases, it comes across as boastful--and it's unnecessary. "If you aren't good at it, why are you putting it on your resume?" one recruiter said.
• Example: Skillfully managed transition from Windows NT to Windows Server 2003.
• Possible rephrasing: Migrated organization from Windows NT to Windows Server 2003 with no downtime during business hours.

Cutting-edge, detail-oriented; coordinate, facilitate, transform; proven ability, synergy, and liaison

• Reasons to avoid: Hiring managers say such words take up space without communicating much. They've seen them so often that the words have lost their original energy.
• Example: Detail-oriented manager with proven ability to oversee day-to-day network operations and to implement major technology initiatives.
• Possible rephrasing: Supervised an eight-member IS staff; completed two full-scale platform migrations; consolidated equipment and resources following facilities move.

Responsible for...

• Reasons to avoid: You're a manager, so of course you're responsible for something. Specify exactly what your responsibilities are and work in a few numbers to convey the scope of what you do.
• Example: Responsible for managing inventory, overseeing network operations, making new equipment purchases, troubleshooting workstation issues.
• Possible rephrasing: Supervised the support of 70 users running Windows XP and two servers running Windows Server 2003; implemented asset management plan for inventorying equipment; built a network operations team responsible for the internal infrastructure.

One issue that has come up of late comes from the March 20, 2012, Associated Press article, "Job seekers getting asked for Facebook passwords" which highlights some of the questions prospective employees are being asked.  In the article a statistician was asked for his facebook login and password when the interviewer could not access his page.  He balked at such invasion of privacy, but for many job seekers in a tight job market, they feel they have no choice to comply.   However, facebook responded in another Associated Press article released March 23, 2012, warning employers not to demand passwords. "The social networking company is also threatening legal action against those who violate its long-standing policy against sharing passwords." 

Finally, as if you do not have enough to worry about as a job seeker, a recent article highlights the difficulties those who have been unemployed for a long time are now facing:hiring bias. Stephen Singer of the Associated Press pointed to an increase in "...employment ads specifying that the unemployed should not bother applying" as an example of the types of hiring bias that exists. Although there are laws regarding such blatant discrimination, it is not illegal in all states and human resource managers do not have to tell you why you were passed over for an interview. Those interviewed suggested that even if you have been unemployed for years that you maintain some activity on your resume, whether it is volunteer or community work. Employers want to see that you have been active.

Need specific advise? More information about any of the issues presented here? Contact me and I will assist in pointing you in the right direction.

Negotiating Job Offers

How to Negotiate Job Offers?

Recently, a friend asked was it a given for a company to provide an acceptance date with a job offer. Her worry was that she would be asked to accept or reject the offer immediately without time to weigh her options, or wait to hear from another employer, one she would prefer to work. What if the deadline for Job #1 is set before she hears from Job #2?

This is not an uncommon problem. According to the Division of Affairs at Virginia Tech's Career Services, they suggest you do the following:

First, never accept an offer and then back out later. That's called reneging, and it's considered highly unethical and inappropriate and is very disturbing to employers (and they do talk to each other). You may hear opinions that it's okay. It's not. Ask yourself what your ethical standards are.

Without delay, call employer A and let your contact know the situation. Keep your information simple and factual regarding the offer from B. You don't have to mention organization B's name, but you might be asked. Reiterate to employer A that you really want to work for A. Ask where you stand in the evaluation process and if there is any possibility to have definitive information from A before B's deadline, and if not, when that might be. Your goals: Diplomatically learn more about your status with A, let A know your interest in them, and perhaps stimulate A to speed up their process if they really want you.

Next, without delay, call employer B. Express appreciation for the offer. Indicate that you don't yet have all the information you need to make your decision. (Good organizations will want you to make a well-informed decision and they are aware job seekers are looking at multiple options.) If A will give you a final decision by or shortly after B's deadline, you have the option to ask B for a deadline extension — just don't wait until the last minute to ask. B can say yes or no to your request; you won't know until you ask. Your goals: Maintain your good relationship with B, and perhaps gain some time to make your decision. Bottom line: Be as honest as you can while being diplomatic. Treat everyone with respect; maintaining good relationships with organizations and individuals (who may change organizations) will serve your long-term career success.

The Virginia Tech Career Services website is loaded with information that covers the following:

Skills for meeting employers: Handshakes, Career & Job Fairs, Employer info sessions, Interviewing, Business casual attire, Dining etiquette

Deciding on an Offer: Salary, negotiating, Ethical issues, Acknowledging a job offer, Deadline extensions, Declining, Accepting, Contracts, Relocating

Search Tools & Skills: Resumes and vitae, Cover and other letters, E-mail, Telephone, References, Your online presence, Researching employers

There are tons of sites, resources and local and national agencies to assist you not only with job searches, but also with negotiating acceptance of job offers. There are of course exceptions to many rules of thumb. For example, just because you ask for an extension to accept or reject a job offer does not mean it will be granted. 

Of course there are countless factors to consider when deciding to accept an offer or not: Will relocation be necessary? If so, is it only you? You and a spouse? You, a spouse, kids, pets, etc.? If there are other family members to consider, will they also work? Stay at home? Do you have enough saved to cover expenses until you both are employed? Is the company assisting with moving expenses? Can you negotiate the start date of the offer? Do they want you to start a week after you accept? Two months? Six? What can or will you do in the meantime? Will you need to sublease your apartment? Sell your home? What are your real estate options? Will you purchase a home when you arrive, or rent?

The U.S. Department of Labor is another good place to start. There you can find the Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-2011. The book provides the training and education needed, earnings, expected job prospects, what workers do on the job, and working conditions for hundreds of different types of jobs. It also provides job search tips, links to information about the job market in each State, and more.

NOTE: The analysis in this edition of the OOH is based on the 2008-18 employment projections and includes May 2008 wages from the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey. The 2012-13 OOH to be released in late March 2012 will reflect employment projections to 2020 (released on February 1, 2012) and an updated education and training classification system. It also will include May 2010 wages from the OES.

 It also discusses Where to learn About Job Openings, Job Search Methods, Applying for a Job, Job Interview Tips, Evaluating a Job Offer, and More.  

The Handbook states that "there are many issues to consider when assessing a job offer. Will the organization be a good place to work? Will the job be interesting? Are there opportunities for advancement? Is the salary fair? Does the employer offer good benefits? Now is the time to ask the potential employer about these issues—and to do some checking on your own." Often, during the interview you will have an opportunity to ask questions, but it is best to discuss benefits with the experts, and salary negotiations often occur after you have been offered the position. Don't be afraid however to ask those you meet along the course of an interview questions about the company, relationship between management and workers, lunch breaks, community service requirements, even parking. If possible, speak to current and former employees of the organization.

You should research such factors about the organization as the organization’s business or activity, financial condition, age, size, and location.  This information is often on the organization's website or you can contact its public relations office.  The organization's annual report is often found among the packet of information given before or after the interview. The publication "tells about its corporate philosophy, history, products or services, goals, and financial status. Most government agencies can furnish reports that describe their programs and missions. Press releases, company newsletters or magazines, and recruitment brochures also can be useful. Ask the organization for any other items that might interest a prospective employee." If you cannot locate an annual report, there are directories that you may find in your local library in print or as online databases. These directories include:

• Dun & Bradstreet’s Million Dollar Directory
• Standard and Poor’s Register of Corporations
• Mergent’s Industry Review (formerly Moody’s Industrial Manual)
• Thomas Register of American Manufacturers
• Ward’s Business Directory

Magazines and newspapers can tell a great deal about its successes, failures, and plans for the future. You can identify articles on a company by looking under its name in periodical or computerized indexes in libraries, or by using one of the Internet’s search engines. However, it probably will not be useful to look back more than 2 or 3 years.

Long-term projections of employment and output for detailed industries, covering the entire U.S. economy, are developed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and revised every 2 years. (See the Career Guide to Industries, online at www.bls.gov/oco/cg.) Trade magazines also may include articles on the trends for specific industries.

Career centers at colleges and universities often have information on employers that is not available in libraries. Ask a career center representative how to find out about a particular organization. During your research consider the following questions:

Does the organization’s business or activity match your own interests and beliefs?
Not only is it "easier to apply yourself to the work if you are enthusiastic about what the organization does," but you are more likely to remain there.

How will the size of the organization affect you?

Large firms generally offer a greater variety of training programs and career paths, more managerial levels for advancement, and better employee benefits than do small firms. Large employers also may have more advanced technologies. However, many jobs in large firms tend to be highly specialized.

Jobs in small firms may offer broader authority and responsibility, a closer working relationship with top management, and a chance to clearly see your contribution to the success of the organization.

Should you work for a relatively new organization or one that is well established?

New businesses have a high failure rate, but for many people, the excitement of helping to create a company and the potential for sharing in its success more than offset the risk of job loss. However, it may be just as exciting and rewarding to work for a young firm that already has a foothold on success.

How important is the job to the company or organization?

An explanation of where you fit in the organization and how you are supposed to contribute to its overall goals should give you an idea of the job’s importance.

What will the hours be?

Most jobs involve regular hours—for example, 40 hours a week, during the day, Monday through Friday. Other jobs require night, weekend, or holiday work. In addition, some jobs routinely require overtime to meet deadlines or sales or production goals, or to better serve customers. Consider the effect that the work hours will have on your personal life.

How long do most people who enter this job stay with the company?

High turnover can mean dissatisfaction with the nature of the work or something else about the job.

Additional questions to ponder:

What valuable new skills does the company plan to teach you? What is the next step on the career ladder? If you have to wait for a job to become vacant before you can be promoted, how long does this usually take? When opportunities for advancement do arise, will you compete with applicants from outside the company? Can you apply for jobs for which you qualify elsewhere within the organization, or is mobility within the firm limited?

You will want to research to determine if the offer is fair. If you choose to negotiate for higher pay and better benefits, objective research will help you strengthen your case. You may have to go to several sources for information. One of the best places to start is the information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Data on earnings by detailed occupation from the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey are available from Bureau of Labor Statistics http://www.bls.gov/OES and Data from the Bureau’s National Compensation Survey are available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Office of Compensation Levels and Trends http://www.bls.gov/eci. You should also look for additional information, specifically tailored to your job offer and circumstances. Try to find family, friends, or acquaintances who recently were hired in similar jobs. Ask your teachers and the staff in placement offices about starting pay for graduates with your qualifications. Help-wanted ads in newspapers sometimes give salary ranges for similar positions. Check the library or your school’s career center for salary surveys such as those conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers or various professional associations.

If you are considering the salary and benefits for a job in another geographic area, make allowances for differences in the cost of living, which may be significantly higher in a large metropolitan area than in a smaller city, town, or rural area. You also should learn the organization’s policy regarding overtime. Depending on the job, you may or may not be exempt from laws requiring the employer to compensate you for overtime. Find out how many hours you will be expected to work each week and whether you receive overtime pay or compensatory time off for working more than the specified number of hours in a week.

Also take into account that the starting salary is just that—the start. Your salary should be reviewed on a regular basis; many organizations do it every year. How much can you expect to earn after 1, 2, or 3 or more years? An employer may be unable to be specific about the amount of pay if it includes commissions and bonuses. Benefits also can add a lot to your base pay, but they vary widely. Find out exactly what the benefit package includes and how much of the cost you must bear.

Works Sites

http://www.bls.gov/oco/
http://www.bls.gov/oco/oco20046.htm
http://www.career.vt.edu/JobSearchGuide/Index.html
http://www.career.vt.edu/JobSearchGuide/MultipleOffers.html