Importance of Maintaining LinkedIn

Looking for a job in this tough job market is time-consuming and frustrating.  And for the average job seeker that has lost much of his/her motivation and is a slump adding one more thing to their “to-do list” is the last thing they want to do.  But, let me go over why having an active presence on LinkedIn or at least an updated profile of your expertise and skills is important.

For many companies and recruiters, using professional networking sites are becoming essential recruiting protocol.  Why?  It can be a lot more affordable than traditional job boards and advertisements.  It’s also a more streamlined way to search for qualified candidates versus an overwhelming collection of resumes and profiles-many of which are sadly made up of individuals that are not even close to having the skills needed for the job requirements.  It’s also the new age of technology–unless you’ve been living under a rock you have heard of social networking sites.  Everyone is on them-people and businesses alike! 

So let’s say you have a LinkedIn profile but you are not very active on the site and you don’t have many connections.  This is almost like not having a LinkedIn profile to begin with.  The way LinkedIn works the more people you are connected to-the more people can view your profile because they are closely connected to you and you are within their network.  (This is what the numbers/symbols in the blue circle next to someone’s name stands for-1,2,3, group)  Chances are if you are not connected to many people then your profile is not being viewed by many-unless the few connections you have happen to have tons of connections.

Another important thing about LinkedIn is that you want to keep your information and skill set up to date.  You want to make sure your contact information is easily accessible for potential employers to contact you.  LinkedIn is much more professional and secure than other social networking sites so you don’t need to worry as much with security settings.  Even if you don’t check your LinkedIn on a regular basis you want your professional and career related information to be presented accurately.  For many higher level positions that require specific skill sets and security clearances that are hard to come by recruiters DO SEEK passive candidates-and social media has made it that much more efficient for recruiters out there to do so. 

Plus-LinkedIn is a great way to continue adding your acquired skills and expertise as you move along through your career path.  Nothing is harder than trying to think back years of experience and remember impressive job responsibilities, essential software and programs used, dates, salaries, etc.  Keeping your LinkedIn profile current and accurate makes this process easier when working on a resume or modifying your resume to a specific job requisition. 

You also want to think about if lacking an impressive LinkedIn profile could hurt you depending on your position/industry.  And, it’s not to say it would necessarily hurt you-it all depends on the hiring company.  But, just as an example, if you are in Sales it could help you out during an interviewing/hiring process if the hiring manager sees you are heavily connected to the ‘right people’ in the industry.  If you are in PR it’d be quite impressive to see your media contacts.

LinkedIn is also a great tool in making your blogs, resumes, writing samples, etc. available to recruiters and hiring managers/companies.  With so many added applications to display your professional and/or educational work achievements LinkedIn almost serves as a portfolio. 

LinkedIn also offers career professionals to write recommendations for one another: Co-workers, supervisors, business relationships, etc. 

So, if you haven’t made your LinkedIn profile your new best friend in your job search tactics make it a priority.  It may seem very overwhelming at first, but like almost anything once it is established and becomes a habit it can become a great tool in your career for the future.

NK, Marketing Specialist @ PeopleCom

Tough job market calls for tough measures…some new & old tips for the current job seeker

If you are a job seeker in this current day market you have probably heard it ALL.  Every tip on how to make you stand out from the crowd, every interviewing tip done by the book, standard behavioral questions an interviewer may ask, etc. etc. 

PeopleCom is here to help. 

With this tough job market, job seekers must understand that the companies that are hiring are going to be searching for very specific skill sets.  The tough economy is hitting them too and they can’t afford to make a bad hiring decision so they may come off hesitant.  A strong candidate should make themselves readily available by exposing themselves at networking events and social media sites (on top of having presence on traditional job boards).  The combination of the social media craze and the tough economy has resulted in many companies looking to social media to find both passive and active searching candidates.  If you’re not big into social media at least have a strong presence on LinkedIn.  When you think about it LinkedIn is basically a virtual resume — plus you can make it as extensive and detailed as you want.  Network and connect like it’s your job–because if you don’t have one looking for a job in itself IS a full-time job.  So many hires these days are being found through social media sites or by referrals and just meeting/talking to the right person. 

Experienced professionals that have been laid off may want to restructure their resume.  Many times a solid candidate is overlooked because of a weak resume.  For all you know, the expectations and guidelines of a resume may have changed the last time you were applying for a job.  What seemed relevant 5-10 years ago may not be relevent now.  Try to think of keywords, certain software, etc. that you used at your previous jobs.  Some people fail to include impressive software or knowledge as being in the industry one can assume anyone in that industry will have the same credentials.  But, for a recruiter or someone in HR that may not make that assumption and are searching HUGE databases by keywords for a particular job–your resume is being overlooked.  It’s always a good idea to go to a resume workshop or job fair and have someone look at it and give you suggestions.  That way you know how recruiters and hiring managers are interpreting your resume and skill set.

If you are currently employed it’s a good idea to also be updating your resume with new responsibilities you have acquired because down the road you may forget.  (This is why LinkedIn is great because you can easily edit your description online as soon as you realize you have something worthwhile to add.)

As discouraging as it can feel at times you really do have to stay positive and keep networking and making yourself available as much as possible.   It might feel useless at times to put in so much time and effort for little to zero results but when you find the right job it really pays off.

www.people-com.net

Five Subtle but Fatal Interviewing Errors

So, your resume has been plucked from the hundreds of other job seekers vying for the same position; and you’ve made it through a phone screen and NOW, you’ve been invited to a face to face interview!  Finally some real progress in your job search.

Don’t Make These Mistakes!!

DON’T ASK FOR DIRECTIONS-Do not ask anyone in the company for driving directions to the location.  Show that you are smart enough, resourceful enough and motivated enough to Mapquest or Google map the location.  If you are in doubt take a trial run to the location before your interview time.

DON’T BE TOO EARLY-Ten to 15 minutes is plenty early enough to show you are prompt.  More than that starts people thinking “Now what am I going to do with him?”  It is a subtle negative mark against you.

DON’T BE TOO CHATTY-Sure, you want to make a good impression and show what a friendly, happy person you are!  Smile and answer questions, but watch the amount of conversation that you initiate with everyone, including the receptionist!  Everyone has their own jobs to do and by getting deep into conversation with the administrative staff you may be viewed as distracting!

DON’T TELL A LITTLE WHITE LIE- We once saw the front running candidate get ‘kicked to the curb’ because when asked how many connections he had on a Social Networking Site, he replied “Oh, over 500”. Before he had even finished his round of interviews a potential coworker had verified the he actually had 4.  The ironic thing is, he would have been hired with only having the 4 connections, but because he lied, he didn’t get the offer!

DON’T NEGOTIATE- Of course, times are tough and you really want to land this position, even if it means a pay cut.  BUT, don’t offer up that pay cut right away!  Your goal here is to get the company to make you the best offer based on what they have to give for the position and for someone with your qualifications.  Our advice is to be indirect when asked  “What is your salary requirement”.  We believe the correct answer is “I was making so and so at my previous job and I am interested in what your company has to offer as a whole package.”  This way, you give them a starting point that should be realistic.  Once an offer is made, you can negotiate up if you feel it is appropriate.  Never answer “I am negotiable” when asked how much you want. That translates to “I don’t  think I am worth what I want”.

Job Opportunities in DC Metro Area

As of today, PeopleCom has 27 open job orders with various clients that we would like to find presentable candidates for.  The majority of these jobs openings are in the IT industry and are with federal government clients; therefore, require an active TS/SCI Clearance or U.S. Citizenship depending on the clients’ needs and policies.  Many of our open job orders are within the DC metro and Northern VA area, but as our clients needs changes we do assist in filling jobs within other departments for them that are nationwide.  Currently, many of our positions are in Suitland, MD and we also have an opening we’d like to fill in Kansas City, MO. 

Please check out our website for our current open job availabilities and apply if interested and qualified in any of our positions.

http://www.people-com.net/available.php

Online Job Search Tips

Job Search Tips

1. When posting a resume on the web, avoid including your full address. It can so easily be MapQuested right to your front door!
2. Have an email that is professional. Save SlinkySam and 2HotMom for something other that your job search.
3. Be available and reachable. Many times the recruiter will just move on and find someone else when faced with voicemail. We maintain that more often than not, it is the first qualified person contacted that gets the job.
4. Professional dress is still a good idea, even if you are interviewing with a more casual company. We recommend a jacket and tie for gentlemen; a jacket with skirt or slacks for women. Your clothing is your packaging!
5. Call your recruiter immediately following an interview. It is essential that you let him/her know how you felt about the interview. If you stumbled, the recruiter can offer an explanation to the client. If it went well, it is important that the recruiter be able to relay your enthusiasm to the client. It is after the interview that the experience of a good recruiter becomes valuable. Many times, a good recruiter can ‘close the deal’ on the very day of the interview.