Reference no: EM131421591

Background:

In today's turbulent environment, people need to bring their A game in all they do more than ever before. The days of feeling entitled to that job - or that high salary - are over. With entire industries reeling from waves of layoffs, there has been a ripple effect created that has impacted nearly every industry. As more people are on the job market, the competition has intensified for fewer positions. Those who do not approach the job search with the necessary care may lose out to someone else who has taken the time and attention to cover all the bases. It is essential to gain a competitive edge over other applicants in the crowded job market. A number of areas should be addressed by the job seeker today to provide a greater likelihood of gaining an edge in the marketplace - and perhaps landing that job. Business Cards Even without current employment, every job seeker should consider business cards with basic contact information. These cards can be inexpensively (though tastefully and professionally) printed. It can also be a "do-it-yourself project - if carefully done with the right resources. While some people may feel that they can !only have business cards with a job title and company affiliation, this is no longer the case. Social networking cards have become more popular recently and help to ensure that contact information is professionally communicated. At the very least, the person's name, mailing address, phone number and email address may be included. Some recent college graduates may include the degree earned or the field of interest. Some experts are advising candidates with significant work experience to use two-sided business cards and present a brief bulleted list of key competencies on the backside. It might even be considered an executive summary of the resume. The Resume Today's resume should no longer be considered "one size fits all". The recommendation is that every job seeker has multiple resumes to better align with a variety of job descriptions. When applying for a specific job, it is important to read the job description and then fine-tune the resume to mirror the language of the job description's responsibilities. This doesn't mean being dishonest, but rather ensuring that the same terminology is used. As more organizations use scanning software to make their first cut of resumes, any applicants that don't use the key words of the job description may be weeded out in that initial pass. And obviously the technology exists for job seekers to provide multiple versions of their resumes to better fit the position being sought. While it may seem like a "nobrainer", there are still concerns with lack of attention to spelling and grammar errors. A recruiter sifting through hundreds of resumes for one vacant position may very well be looking for reasons to throw out a resume. If an applicant's resume has typos and grammatical errors, this may provide enough of a reason to place it in the "do not call" pile. It's not enough to use spell check. Each candidate should carefully proof read the resume and then perhaps even enlist the assistance of others in this endeavor. Since many resumes are submitted electronically, it is also a good idea to check on the formatting of the document when emailed. The resume today might include a summary of the applicant's qualifications. This portion of the resume has replaced the traditional objective in many cases. However, if an objective is used, it should be a specific, focused statement and not be a broad, vague statement of "using one's talents". Networking The astute individual begins networking long before he or she needs it. A valuable network is developed and nurtured over an extended period of time. Then when it is needed, it is already in place - much like an policy. And people are much more likely to reach out to help those who have been in their network for some time (versus newcomers dropping in to ask for something). A great place to begin networking is within the field's professional association. For example, human resource professionals can join the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) and accountants can join the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). These professional networks provide opportunities for members to socialize, acquire professional development, and tap into job boards for the field. Furthermore, informal communications in these associations sometimes provide a warning of upcoming vacancies in jobs. This does not mean that job seekers should only network with those in their own field. Instead, it is critical to develop as broad a network as possible. Interacting with those outside of one's field provides opportunities to build entirely different networks. It is not just about talking to someone in the field, since those outside of one's field may very well know someone else who does have a job in the appropriate field. The key is to plug into as many different networks as possible. Plugging into a local chamber of commerce provides another opportunity to network and to learn more about the trends in local industries and the general business environment. Alumni associations can be yet another resource for job seekers. Most colleges and universities welcome their/ alumni back to plug into their Career Services resources (such as College Central and other electronic job boards). There are also professional networking groups that are focused specifically on a target market. For example, more cities have women's networking groups. And senior executives in various fields often /nave exclusive, local networking Some of these groups, however, require sponsored membership. While initially appearing counterintuitive, the expectation today in these groups is to share leads. That is, job seekers share prospects with one another (even if they might be competing for that same position). Digital Dirt Thought should be given to one's digital dirt. Anything posted on the web (including the social networking sites) provides a digital footprint and can be accessed and reviewed by recruiters. Nearly 85 percent of surveyed recruiters indicate that they regularly use web searches to find out more about their applicants. Any information or photos can be used to "select out" applicants. Job seekers can perform a simple "google" search of themselves to identify the same information that a prospective employer might discover. The recommendation is that if social networking profiles are used, they should be utilized as a marketing tool to showcase the positive information about job seekers. For example, information about a recent community service project one participated in could be posted. It is also important to regularly check where individuals are linked to others. Some social networking sites have the capability for one user to "tag" another - with pictures or other messages. The job seeker might also consider his or her voice mail message. It should be clear and concise. The recruiter making a call back should be able to identify that the correct number and person were reached. The cute theme messages with music should be replaced with brief, professional messages. Recruiters are not interested in your sports team loyalties or your religious messages. In fact, they could work against you. Email addresses should also be professional and straightforward. Inappropriate or offensive email addresses may turn off the recruiter. Care should be taken when taking a call from a recruiter. It may not be just a casual chat to set up an appointment. That call back may very well be a telephone interview used as an initial screening. Applicants should remember that they are always "on". When an informal telephone call is placed, candidates sometimes make the mistake of revealing too much information that may not necessarily be positive. Elevator Speech Named for the 15 to 20 seconds it takes to ride an average elevator, this "speech" should be a canned introduction that applicants can use when meeting contacts or recruiters for the first time. When asked "What do you do?" many people are caught off guard. It is important for job seekers to know exactly what to communicate to others in those 15 to 20 seconds. Part of this message might also include a statement of what one is seeking. The elevator speech might even be considered a personal commercial. Every applicant (and perhaps every person regardless of job status) should write and practice an elevator speech. It's a good idea to practice giving the speech in front of a mirror. When meeting people for the first time, an effective elevator speech can go a long way toward contributing to a positive first impression. The most effective elevator speeches are memorable. Candidates should avoid the cookie cutter approach with fill in the blanks. Instead, a novel approach (perhaps with a touch of humor) might be used. Follow-Up When on the job market, it's important to reach out to contacts and then follow up appropriately. In some cases, it might be appropriate to simply touch base periodically to see if new openings occur. A relationship can be developed with recruiters by regularly staying in touch. And by all means, the most critical follow-up is a thank you note. A thank you note should also be sent if someone provided an introduction (even if it didn't result in a job). And after each interview, a thank you should be sent within 48 hours. Parting Thoughts Today's environment of competition has extended to the job market. Applicants must carefully utilize all the resources available to them to gain a competitive edge. Recruiters overwhelmed with resumes may look for reasons to select out applicants. Astute job seekers will recognize this and take care to follow as many tips as possible to remain in the applicant pool.

Question: Managing in the New Millennium. Supervision

What would be the summary of the entire article list above in one's own words?