Archive for job market
Everyday Networking Opportunities
Posted by: | CommentsWatch my latest YouTube video where I discuss a USNews.com article that I was featured in about creative and alternative places that can be used as networking opportunities. In this video I give specific networking tips about how to make the most of your networking events.
There are so many places we don’t even think of as networking opportunities. I’ve had clients get interviews at weddings through their in-laws, through their daycare provider, at sports viewing parties at bars and through friends who knew someone was going to be laid off before the company posted their job opening. The bottom line is networking really can happen anywhere, as cliché as that may sound.
If you’re in the job market, act professionally wherever you go. Put your best foot forward just in case. That doesn’t mean be stuffy, just be mindful of the impression you are making. Have some good icebreakers prepared for any networking event. What is something you can say to approach people and start a conversation? Have a way to gracefully exit a conversation as well. Even by simply closing things out with “It was great to meet you,” “Can we stay in touch?” or “May I follow up with you in a few weeks?” Make a plan for staying in touch with them so you design how you can best help each other in the long run.
4 steps to help you meet your career goals!
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I had the privilege of being on a radio show for Q100 here in Atlanta last week. We talked about staying on top of New Year’s resolutions. Here are 4 steps to help you meet your goals that I shared on the show:
- Create a job search plan that includes your ideal career direction, plus two other possible ideas related to it, in case you need to expand your search over time.
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Firm up your elevator pitch. What makes you unique? You have to know your brand or your value. Understand your strengths and what you bring to the table.
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Network, network, and network. Networking is still the best way to get a job. Employers are still going to be hesitant to post jobs because they still get flooded with resumes. Set up as many informational interviews as possible.
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Go for what you really want. The job market is getting better, but you have to realize it takes work and time. Sometimes a new approach to your job search is needed to stand a better chance to land the job you really want.
If you’d like help at achieving your career goals this year, contact us today to set up a complimentary consultation.
P.S. If you are interested in furthering your career direction, be sure to check out these free tools, specially designed to help you on you career journey.
How do you stand out in this tough job market?
Posted by: | CommentsI was honored to be featured on TV in Macon recently where I discussed the importance of Soft Skills in a tough economy. There are so many people who are unemployed, that the employers can pick whoever they want. The way you can stand out is to focus on your soft skills. What do you have to offer in this tough job market?
You can watch the news segment here: http://www.41nbc.com/blogs/coreen/8813-career-coach-urges-you-to-promote-soft-skills
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.
The latest job market trends to help your job search
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I receive regular job market updates from Indeed.com. This is a job search website I send all of my clients to. I highly recommend this site, so please bookmark as a helpful resource for your job search. My career coaching client, Paul, said these job search notifications are the most helpful he has subscribed to. You will receive less junk and more quality job postings.
This is the June report for job market/industry trends:
Indeed.com industry employment trends, a leading indicator for the job market, show online job postings were relatively unchanged in June.
Highlights:
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- Real estate job postings increased for the first time in 2011
- Manufacturing job postings slowed
- Retail declined slightly over the prior month
Further analysis and detailed June Industry Employment Trends are available on the Indeed Blog.
Another feature of Indeed.com is a helpful salary tool to see the salary ranges for the industries you’re researching. If you are interested in receiving additional help with your job search, please contact us to learn more about our services today.
Hallie Crawford
Job Search Coach
P.S. Be sure to check out our new 24/7 Online Career Center. Start immediately with a 30 day trial for only $1 that features a monthly Career Q&A Call and is commitment free.
Job market stability in 2011
Posted by: | CommentsWith the competitive job market and high unemployment rates being talked about in the news everywhere, it can be intimidating to know where to begin your job search. Here is an ABC article that can help you determine which industries to look into in 2011: 2010: A Year in an Unstable Job Market.
While looking for a job in a more stable industry can be a positive thing, it’s still very important to find something that is going to be a fit for you. Remember, you spend the majority of your time at work. When looking for your ideal career you need to take a lot of factors into consideration. The fact that something is more stable during a tough economy can be a pro and something you want out of a job, however you shouldn’t settle on a job based on that sole factor. Make sure that you consider all the things that you are looking for in a job (flexibility, salary, hours, location, skill set, environment, etc).
Be sure to sign up for my upcoming FREE Teleclass: Top Ten Tips to Identify Your Ideal Career: http://halliecrawford.com/toptentips.html
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!
The Economy is Changing the Job Market
Posted by: | CommentsAs the economy changes, I am finding that more and more people are choosing to start their own business. Some eagerly want to do this and others find it the only option because they can’t find another job because their industry has been hit so hard (example: car industry).
This is especially true for people who are older and have been laid off. It can be especially difficult to get back into the workforce. Doing something on their own (and that they love) can be their best option.
There are many examples of businesses that you can start on your own. One popular one is to be a part of Mary Kay. I recommend contacting Beth English if you are interested in this. Read more about Beth English here
Other ways to get started: Take a look at you area of expertise. Do you have experience with accounting, graphic design, administrative support? As our world becomes more and more virtual, there are many jobs where you can work from and service clients anywhere. There is a whole industry of virtual assistants, as an example, that has sprouted up as result of ability to work remotely. Look at your area of expertise and consider providing consulting services in this area.
Here's to finding your ideal career path!
Hallie Crawford
Career Coaching Expert
