Higher Ground Associates

 

Jumpstart Your Job Search™ Newsletter

 

Vol. 1, No. 2

 July 5, 2010

 

 

 

Welcome (or welcome back) to the Jumpstart Your Job Search™ Newletter.  For those of you in the USA, I hope you all had a safe and enjoyable Independence Day weekend.

 

If you received this email from a friend and would like to receive your own copy of future issues, please click the link below to join our mailing list.

 

 

In This Issue . . .

Three Things eHarmony Can Teach You About Your Job Search (Part I)

Job Search Q&A

Featured Resource

FREE Private Jumpstart Your Job Search™ Coaching Session!

 

Three Things eHarmony Can Teach You About Your Job Search (Part I)

by Catherine Palma

  

Looking for a life mate is a great metaphor for job hunting.  And just like the world of dating has been changed forever by the use of technology, so has the process of looking for a job.  This is the first installment of a three part series. 
 
What can online dating teach you about your job search?   Here is Part I:

 


 
Just because a computer says you are (or aren't) a match doesn't mean you really are (or aren't)
 
Just like some online dating sites rely on "matching systems" to determine which people would be most compatible, many employers and recruiters rely on software programs to help them narrow the field of candidates to those that seem like the best fit for open positions.
 
Known as Applicant Tracking Systems (
ATS), these software programs scan incoming resumes, as well as those already archived in their database, for certain key criteria.  While that process can provide some guidance (whether you're looking for the perfect employee or the perfect mate), it is far from foolproof.  At either end of the equation there is still a human being. 
 
The first person involved is the recruiter who enters the search criteria (a/k/a keywords) into the
ATS.   If the recruiter is inexperienced (or simply makes a mistake), the criteria he or she enters may not provide the most accurate results.
 
At the other end is the job seeker.  If his or her resume is not written to trigger the same keywords the recruiter entered in to the
ATS, the resume may never be flagged, even though the candidate may be highly qualified for the position.  Conversely, an unqualified candidate's resume might contain the "right" set of keywords and be selected for further review.

In order for a dating site "matching system" or a hiring company's
ATS to be most effective, the people on both sides must not only be honest about what they are looking for, but must also be able to communicate in a language the computer will understand.  For the job seeker, this means scanning job descriptions that are of interest to you and making note of the keywords and phrases recruiters might use in their searches.  Then make sure all or most of the common keywords appear in your resume.  It is not usually necessary to have a separate "keyword" section in your resume as long as those words and phrases appear elsewhere.
 
(For another interesting perspective on structuring your resume to maximize your
ATS exposure, check out the article "Your Dates of Employment Might Be Hiding Your Resume" on TheLadders.com.)
 
 
In the next issue -- Part II:  Looking good on paper isn't enough 
 

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  • Do you need assistance in reviewing your resume for the proper keywords?
  • Would you like to learn strategies and techniques to bypass ATS sytems and get your resume in front of a live human being?
     

Higher Ground Associates has several services to meet your needs.  Please visit www.highergroundassoc.com/career.htm or contact me at cathy@highergroundassoc.com or 610-581-7884 for more information.

 

Job Search Q&A 

 

Q:  Do you suggest applying for a job that you're not eligible for? The cover letter would recognize this fact, of course. What are your thoughts?  (A.M., NY)

A:  If you're only missing a few of the qualifications, then by all means send a resume. Perfect candidates are rare and job descriptions are often incomplete or unclear. In my experience, many times "requirements" turn out to be merely "preferences".  (Keep in mind that the requirements listed first in the job description are likely to be the most important.)

If you are blatantly unqualified for an advertised position, I would avoid sending a resume in response to that specific opening.  At best, your resume will land in the trash.  At worst, you will leave the negative impression that you are not aware of your own unsuitability for the role.  (Many people do not read cover letters, or read them after reviewing the resume, so acknowledging your lack of qualifications in your cover letter may not help.)
 
Instead I would suggest calling the company or recruiting firm to see if they keep a file of resumes. If they do, then it's very worthwhile to send your resume for future reference, especially if you know the company currently employs people with your skills and backgrounds.keep a file or database of resumes.  If they do, then it's very worthwhile to send your resume for future reference, especially if you know the company currently employs people with your skills and background.

 

Featured Resource

 

 Gateway to Associations

 (American Society of Association Executives)
 

This fabulous networking resource allows you to search a directory of thousands of societies and associations in the USA and abroad by keyword, geography, and type of organization.  Many of these organizations have niche job boards and/or resume distribution services.  All are great places to network. 

(HINT:  When searching the "Association name contains:" field, use various forms of your search term.  For example, do separate searches for accounting, accountant, accountants, etc.)

Your feedback is valued and appreciated.  Do you have a comment, suggestion for a topic you would like to see covered in a future article, or a question for our Job Search Q&A?  Please email me at cathy@highergroundassoc.com.

 

If you know others who are in career transition, please use the "Forward email" link below my signature to send them a copy of this newsletter.

 

Best wishes in your transition,

 


Catherine Palma
Higher Ground Associates

 

FREE Private Jumpstart Your Job Search™ Coaching Session!

 

If you've been struggling to get interviews and land a great job fast, then I'd like to invite you to take advantage of a special,
"Jumpstart Your Job Search™" personal, 1-on-1 coaching session where we will work together to help you... 

  • Create a crystal clear vision
    for the type of job you want, the income level you desire, and what it will take to make it happen -
    FAST
  • Uncover hidden challenges
    that may be sabotaging your
    success with getting interviews
    and ace-ing them
  • Leave this session renewed, re-energized, and inspired to get
    hired now in the best, highest paying job you've ever had.


 

If you'd like to take advantage of this very special, very limited, and totally FREE 30 minute "Jumpstart Your Job Search™" coaching session, email me with your answers to the following questions:


 

1. How long have you been unemployed?

2. What was the last job you had?

3. Did you like it?

4. How long did you have that job?

5. What were you paid at that job?

6. On a scale of 0-10, how important is it for you to find a job right now?

7. Full Name

8. Email Address

9. Phone #

10. Time Zone

Since we're making this offer for the first time right now and we don't
know how intense the response will be, we can't guarantee a coaching session for everyone. We'll take as many people as we can and then start a waiting list. 

You can expect to be contacted to schedule your session within the next 3 business days.


If you don't hear from me, it means I've received more requests than I can handle right now.  If something opens up I'll get in touch with you at a later time.                         

 


Best regards,

Catherine Palma

 

 

PS: The sooner you send your answers, the more likely you are to get a session. Click here to respond now.
 
PPS:  Because of the limited number of sessions being offered, I regret that I cannot extend this offer to existing clients.

 

 

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© 2010, Higher Ground Associates and Catherine Palma.  All rights reserved.

The information provided in this newsletter is designed to be intellectually and conversationally stimulating, and for personal entertainment purposes only. You are responsible for what you do with this information and nothing in this newsletter is to be considered legal or personal advice.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL HIGHER GROUND ASSOCIATES AND/OR CATHERINE PALMA BE LIABLE TO ANY USER ON ACCOUNT OF THAT USER'S USE OR MISUSE OF OR RELIANCE ON THESE SERVICES. ARISING FROM ANY CLAIM RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE SUBJECT MATTER HEREOF SUCH LIMITATION OF LIABILITY SHALL APPLY TO PREVENT RECOVERY OF DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, AND PUNITIVE DAMAGES WHETHER SUCH CLAIM IS BASED ON WARRANTY, CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), OR OTHERWISE.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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