Archive for Hidden Job Market
Unemployment rates: You might be surprised…
Posted by: | CommentsWatch this video as I address the unemployment rates. Atlanta is one of the toughest markets currently, but at a recent career event I met a recruiter with a very positive outlook. The unemployment rates are not good in this current economy, but it really depends on the industry you are looking at. Some industries are really in need of employees during times like this. Google the unemployment rates to figure out which industries are growing. You can also check out the U.S. Department of Labor at www.bls.gov.
Hallie Crawford
Atlanta Career Coach
Put your thinking cap on and think creatively
Posted by: | CommentsRecently I was working with a career coaching client, Bonnie. I met her at a presentation I gave on “The Hidden Job Market”. At the presentation I noticed that there were a lot of people who were very positive and optimistic, and then there were a few people who I call “Negative Nellies”. They came up to me before my speech with concerns such as, “I’m not getting anywhere with my search”, “Employers won’t look at me”, “I don’t have transferable skills” or “I’ve been out of the workforce for so long that I’m unemployable”.
These feelings of being discouraged were palpable and I felt for them. After the event something funny happened…those same people who were discouraged at the beginning came up to me at the end of my presentation and every single one of them had a new idea about how to present themselves differently. One person even said, “I know the CEO of the company where I’m applying for a job. I just haven’t followed up with him again.”
These are prime examples of how negative energy can affect your search for your dream job. It makes you feel isolated, and you continue to think inside the box, to the point where opportunities or ideas could be staring you in the face but you wouldn’t see them.
The flip side of this is my client Bonnie, who I mentioned before. Bonnie had a liver transplant several years ago. It was a risky surgery and she said that the chances of her body rejecting the liver were very high, but that didn’t happen to her. She was sitting right in front of me; despite being unemployed for a long time, and having great restrictions on her employment opportunities because of her health issues, she was the MOST positive person I’ve ever met. Every email I get from her is positive, upbeat and she is uncovering opportunities left and right in her job search. I am floored and inspired by Bonnie
I think we can all learn a lesson from Bonnie. We have so much to look forward to and be positive about. Try to stay positive and motivated like Bonnie in your job search. I will never forget meeting her, thanks Bonnie.
Hallie Crawford
Job Search Coach
P.S. If you need help with your job search, resume, or cover letter contact us for a complimentary consultation today.
What to know about the hidden job market
Posted by: | CommentsI found a column posting that helps to answer a very common question amongst career seekers: “Why is there such a thing as a hidden job market?”?
The author, Matt Krumrie, has a great answer. Here’s the first part of his answer:
“Recruiters certainly want to find the best fit for the jobs that are available, but the last thing they want to do is sift through 200 to 300 résumés by advertising every position they have open. Human resources departments are no different than other departments within an organization. Many are often understaffed, and many human resource personnel wear multiple hats. Hiring is only one aspect of their job.”
Read the rest of his answer here: http://www.startribune.com/jobs/career/96832544.html
He gives advice on how to get in front of the hiring manager: “Find out who the hiring manager is at companies you would like to work for – even if they aren’t hiring for positions that fit your skills and experience. Try to make contact with them to introduce yourself and let them know about your background and experience.”
I have a client who recently found a company he really wanted to work for. At the time they weren’t accepting applications but he introduced himself to the hiring manager and spoke with her for a few minutes. A month later they had an opening and he filled out an application. He brought her coffee when he went in. She had remembered him from a month previously when they met, looked over his application and set him up for an interview. She also appreciated the extra touch of the coffee and they spoke a little about his application as they both drank coffee (pre-interview). Now when he goes in for his interview next week, he has already made a good first impression.
If you need help with your job search, I recommend that you check our our Job Search Program for Professionals.
Here’s to having a career you love!
Hallie Crawford
Job Search Coach
