Your career and job search both require a healthy dose of self promotion. What you say and do has to be more than braggadocious or bravado. Find your voice and engage in the right job search activities.
This week’s summary has tips for how to find the meat that goes into the career story you share with others, how to make the best first impression and the importance of being true to your values. You’ll also find some interesting data on why being the “best” candidate doesn’t guarantee you an interview. Learn why you need to penetrate the hidden job market and invest in job search activities with the highest return on your investment!
It’s the soft skills that set you apart from other candidates. Leadership, teamwork, communication, problem solving, work ethic, flexibility/adaptability, and interpersonal skills. Don’t just use the words, show how you live them!
CAREER
Sharing Your Career Purpose Story
by Jane Horan | ATD
How do talk about yourself? No matter where you are in your career, you need to be able to tell your story. It’s all laid out in this article. Horan explains:
Some of us are reluctant to talk about ourselves, preferring to downplay achievements rather than sound like a boaster. There’s a balance between overselling yourself and sharing what you know. A story provides an avenue to move beyond self-promotion, as it should instill confidence and elicit connections.
Oprah Just Gave the Real Reason She Left 60 Minutes. It’s a Lesson In Being Your Authentic Self
by Scott Mautz | Inc.
You may not really care about what Oprah does with her career, but, this article is proof, that anyone can make a bad (or not the best) career decision.
JOB SEARCH
High ROI Executive Job Search Activities
by Adrienne Tom | Career Impressions
A diversified approach is the best job search strategy. You’ll find the top four job search activities, plus, see what 8 job search pros think should be part of your strategy!
Why You Can’t Get an Interview – Explained Using Job-Search Science Data
by Dr. John Sullivan | TLNT
Tired and frustrated by trying to write the perfect resume? STOP and read this! Job-search science data from TalentWorks reveals that you are just “as likely to get an interview matching 50% of requirements as matching 90%.”
Penetrating the Hidden Job Market
by Jeff Lipschultz | Job-Hunt.org
The hidden job market will always exist. Learn why companies don’t publically share job openings and how to use smoke to find the fire! In other words, how to look for jobs that might become available.
NETWORKING
A Harvard Psychologist Says This Trait Matters Most: 10 Ways to Make a Great First Impression
by Jeff Haden | Inc.
When you first meet someone, which matters more
- Showing that you’re skilled, experienced, and capable, or
- Showing that you’re trustworthy and likable?
Read the article which includes research by Amy Cuddy and 10 ways to make the right first impression.
There’s been a lot of buzz in my circle of connections on LinkedIn about the power of leaving comments on LinkedIn.
Are you commenting on content on LinkedIn? It’s a great way to draw attention to yourself and make new connections! Keep these things in mind! Here’s a short video I created which summarizes some key points about LinkedIn comments.
Hannah Morgan speaks and writes about job search and career strategies. She founded CareerSherpa.net to educate professionals on how to maneuver through today’s job search process. Hannah was nominated as a LinkedIn Top Voice in Job Search and Careers and is a regular contributor to US News & World Report. She has been quoted by media outlets, including Forbes, USA Today, Money Magazine, Huffington Post, as well as many other publications. She is also author of The Infographic Resume and co-author of Social Networking for Business Success.
