New Year, Better Career: Get The Job You Want in 2017 2 New Year, Better Career: Getting The Job You Want in 2017 Table of Contents I. Networking: The Fastest Route to Success... 4 4 5 6 6 8 Expanding Your Network: Playing the Numbers Game Using Your Social Media Connections: Friends Over Friends Professional Networking Events: Mastering the Meet-and-Greet Building Networking Relationships: Rules For Success Networking Do s and Don ts II. How to Build the Best Resume of Your Life... 9 9 10 10 11 12 Hit The Bullseye: Targeting Your Resume For the Job You Want The Skills You MUST Include On Your Resume Optimizing Your Resume For Automated Screening Enhance Your Resume With a Killer Cover Letter Resume Do s and Don ts III. Turn Your Interview Into An Offer... 14 14 15 16 16 18 Pre-Interview: Practice Makes Perfect Interview Day: Be Rested, Well-Dressed, and Ready During The Interview: Keep Calm and Carry On Post Interview: Follow-up & Thank Yous! Interview Do s and Don ts IV. Special Offer... 19
New Year, Better Career: Get The Job You Want in 2017 3 Make 2017 The Year When Your Hard Work Pays Off For many people, the new year is a great opportunity to reset and reassess their priorities. For jobseekers, it s a chance to focus in on your goal of landing that awesome new job that will make your 2016 truly happier, and more prosperous. The most exciting thing for you to know is that the jobs ARE out there. A recent study by employment website Glassdoor reveals eight job titles that are growing well above the national average. The jobs on the list below are experiencing a healthy wage growth. Even better jobs across varied industries are experiencing this growth and a variety of skill sets are represented, which is even more evidence that your dream job is a real-life possibility in 2017. Job Title Average 2015 Salary Average 2016 Salary Average 2017 Salary Sales Manager $68,366 $68,366 $68,366 Certified Nursing Assistant $30,519 $30,519 $30,519 Emergency Medical Technician $29,941 $29,941 $29,941 Data Analyst $63,323 $63,323 $63,323 Customer Service Representative $27,831 $27,831 $27,831 Elementary School Teacher $47,890 $47,890 $47,890 Bank Teller $24,583 $24,583 $24,583 Accountant $54,759 $54,759 $54,759 Source: Glassdoor Economic Research (Glassdoor.com/research) Similar growth is expected in other industries as well, including software development and electrical engineering. So how to do you prepare to land one of these promising positions? This ebook is all about helping you get ready to get hired in 2017. We ll show you how to use and expand your network to discover opportunities you otherwise might never have known about. Then we ll share expert tips on how to create the best resume you ve ever had and a better resume than the competition. Finally, we ll give you the pointers you need to close the deal in your in-person interview. We hope you had a happy New Year. Now let s try to make 2017 the best of your career!
New Year, Better Career: Get The Job You Want in 2017 4 I. Networking: The Fastest Route to Success You ve probably heard the expression, It s not what you know, it s who you know. The truth is that for most successful people, it s a combination of both. And most likely, you already know many people who can help you along the way with your job search. In fact, according to LinkedIn, 85% of all jobs are filled via networking. The key is to let the right people know you re looking and to be ready when opportunity knocks on your door. According to LinkedIn, 85% of all jobs are filled via networking. Expanding Your Network: Playing the Numbers Game Getting the job, like so many things in life, is in large part a numbers game. The opportunities are out there waiting for you, but you might not know about them. The best job opportunities might not come from Monster or Craigslist, but from, say, your roommate s brother who knows someone at the company where you want to work. Beyond your existing networks and social connections, consider reaching out to a range of people, including: Family and friends of family Co-workers and former colleagues (even if you haven t connected in a while) People you ve met through social, volunteer, or professional organizations People you ve met at conferences or industry events Professors and former professors Alumni networks Anyone who s ever handed you a business card If you want to expand your network, the real key is to be interested in people. The stronger relationships you re able to build both face-to-face and online, the more people will be willing to help you in your search.
New Year, Better Career: Get The Job You Want in 2017 5 Using Your Social Media Connections: Friends Over Friends Social media is more powerful than ever most of us have more friends than actual real-life friends. Using sites like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook to connect with people we know well and people we barely know has become an accepted part of our lives. But if you want to have success networking online, you ll need to be smart about it, and remember that people are bombarded every day with more messages than they can plausibly handle. Keep in mind these tips when using social media and you ll create strong bonds that will pay off in your career both now and in the future. Be choosy. Don t connect with everyone just because they are social media friends. Make connections with friends and colleagues who can speak well of you, and be an ally for your career. Share generously. Create a good reputation and goodwill by sharing information that your contacts will be interested in. You can find potential topics of interest through Google News Alerts or feeds that will send you automatic alerts with current information. If you don t have anything nice to say then don t say it at all. Remember that everything you say online can come back to haunt you. Privacy settings aside, you should assume that anything you post online is being read or heard by everyone. And you ll get a lot further by throwing out compliments than throwing shade. Be careful. Employers will often check your social media accounts before bringing you in for an interview. For example, never tweet about a job offer until you ve accepted the position. Keep in mind that negative comments can spread like wildfire. If you wouldn t want your mom to see it, don t share it!
New Year, Better Career: Get The Job You Want in 2017 6 Professional Networking Events: Mastering the Meet-and-Greet Networking events are your opportunity to make professional connections in person, to pitch yourself to people who might be able to help you, and be seen by hiring managers and decision makers. Professional organization meetings, trade shows, and meet-and-greets are held in pretty much every industry, and the odds are you can find relevant events coming up near you. Here are a few pointers that can help you shine at your next networking event: Ask for advice: Most people love this, because frankly, it flatters them and gives them an opportunity to share their expertise. Their advice may result in additional contacts, and even a positive referral for you. Speak to as many folks as possible: Move around the room and introduce yourself. Tell people what kind of jobs you re looking for, and be honest about your search. Have your pitch ready: You should be able to explain in 30 seconds or less why you re a great candidate for the kind of position you want. Practice your elevator pitch in advance. Send thank yous: If you talk to someone and they re helpful, drop them a note or an email to let them know you appreciated their time. You can create quick and easy thank you letters here. Networking should be a two-way street. If you want people to help you, do your best to reciprocate. Building Networking Relationships: Rules For Success Successful networking means casting a wide net but it doesn t mean pestering people, or being egocentric. Networking is a two-way street, and good networkers spend just as much time helping out others as asking others for help. For best results, follow the networking etiquette below to make the best impression possible with your connections: Don t waste people s time: When you set up a meeting with someone, have an agenda prepared so you don t get off track. Understand that your connection has a busy schedule and express your appreciation for taking the time to talk. Let them talk: Don t just focus on your situation and needs. Ask them questions about their own career path, likes and dislikes, etc.
New Year, Better Career: Get The Job You Want in 2017 7 See if you can help them: Networking is all about building relationships. Try to build rapport based on common interests, and find out all you can about your contact maybe you can help them with a favor in the future! Suggest a follow-up: If your networking meeting goes well, ask your contact if you can keep them updated on your progress. Look for opportunities to check in or reconnect without being too pushy.
New Year, Better Career: Get The Job You Want in 2017 8 NETWORKING Do s and Don ts DO: Cast a wide net Your next job might come from anywhere in your social or professional circle. Reach out and let the world know what you re looking for. DON T: Be negative No matter how frustrating your job search gets, be sure to keep your interactions positive, both in person and online. DO: Use social media to your advantage Share information on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook, but remember that people are bombarded with 1000s of messages every day. DON T: Monopolize the conversation Instead of blathering on about yourself, ask your contact questions and draw them out you ll make a better impression and learn more. DO: Work the room Talk to a range of people at conventions, conferences and industry events. Be ready, be polite, be concise. DON T: Forget to follow up Even if your contacts can t help you right away, they might hear about something a month later. Keep connected and don t miss opportunities! DO: Reciprocate If you want people to help you, try to suggest ways you might help them, too. At the least, always show your appreciation & send thank you notes! DON T: Forget to say thanks Just like after a job interview, send thank you notes to everyone you have a networking conversation with.
New Year, Better Career: Get The Job You Want in 2017 9 II. How to Build the Best Resume of Your Life According to Inc.com, on average, every corporate job opening attracts 250 resumes. Since only four to six of these people will be called for an interview and only 1 of those will be offered a job isn t it time to make your resume shine? With statistics like these, your resume must capture a recruiter or hiring manager s attention right off the bat. So what can you do in 2017 to accomplish that goal? On average, every corporate job opening attracts 250 resumes. Four to six of these people will be called for an interview and only 1 of those will be offered a job. Hit The Bullseye: Targeting Your Resume For the Job You Want If your resume isn t right for the job, the employer will know it right away, and you won t get a second look. That s why it s crucial to make sure your resume is targeted specifically for the opportunity you re applying for. To create a highly targeted resume that s several times more likely to get you noticed, consider the following: Start with a clear, customized headline and summary statement: Employers should be able to tell at a glance what job you re targeting and what need you will fill. Focus your resume on what the employer is looking for: While being honest about your background, try to connect your experience, skills, and qualities with the listed job requirements. Include industry-specific keywords: Choose words and phrases that are specific to the job or industry you re interested in. Highlight measurable achievements: Your experience section should focus on what you accomplished for a company rather than simply on what you did there. Take any opportunity to mention that you saved a company money or time, led or motivated people, brought in new customers, or solved a significant problem. If you can use specific numbers to make your case, all the better.
New Year, Better Career: Get The Job You Want in 2017 10 Creating multiple resumes can be an effective strategy and it doesn t have to be intimidating or time-consuming. A high-quality online resume builder like LiveCareer makes it easy to create multiple, customized versions of your resume quickly and easily. The Skills You MUST Include On Your Resume Every job requires a very particular set of skills, and every employer is looking for employees who can bring this experience to the table. But beyond these job-specific skills, most employers need you to have (and be able to demonstrate) certain critical abilities that apply to almost any job. These are sometimes referred to as soft skills, and include: Communication Skills: The skill most often mentioned by employers as desirable is the ability to listen, speak, and write effectively. Interpersonal Skills: Being able to work well with a variety of personality types is crucial to being successful in today s professional world. Multitasking Skills: Most jobs require you to have the discipline and time management skills to be able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. Leadership/Management Skills: The ability to lead, manage, motivate, and inspire others in a goal-driven environment is a quality coveted by almost every employer. Transferable Skills: Transferable skills are any skills learned through personal experience (school, volunteering, hobbies, etc.) that can be applied to your career. Optimizing Your Resume For Automated Screening If you re answering an ad for an intriguing job opportunity, chances are a lot of other people in your position are, too. It could be dozens, or even hundreds. To narrow down the resume pile to manageable proportions, many businesses are using automated applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen candidates.
New Year, Better Career: Get The Job You Want in 2017 11 For your resume to be seen by a human, it may have to make it through the electronic gatekeepers first. Here are a few tips to help make sure your resume actually gets read: Take your cues from the job description: Use language, keywords, and skills from the job posting specific terms from the description may be searched for by the ATS. Use plenty of keywords: Keywords an ATS may screen for can include job titles, technical skills, certifications, locations, etc. Try to use multiple variations on these: for example if you re applying as a Certified Nursing Assistant, use the full title AND CNA in your work section. Optimize your resume summary section: Front-load the top section of your resume with your location, job title, and plenty of industry-specific keywords. Stick to the basics: Keep your resume format as simple and on-target as possible. Avoid fancy fonts, borders, graphics, and anything else that s not essential information. The average time spent by recruiters looking at a resume: 5 to 7 seconds. Enhance Your Resume With a Killer Cover Letter A great resume is a must 89% of employers won t consider applicants without them. But your resume can t tell your whole story. And a compelling, personalized cover letter can help you solidify the first impression your resume makes, and add context to your career and accomplishments. Here are some cover letter writing tips that will help you get more attention and more interviews! Start with an attention-grabber: Hook your readers with the first sentence. Hiring managers will snore right through your letter if the first sentence starts out like this: I ve read your posting with great interest. Instead, be bold, and tell the reader what they re missing and why they need to hire you. Meet the employer s needs: Read the job description and figure out specific skills the hiring manager is looking for. Then, use your cover letter to prove you have these skills with examples from your work history.
New Year, Better Career: Get The Job You Want in 2017 12 Use numbers to show you re results-driven: As with your resume, the more specifics you can work into your cover letter, the stronger your case will be. Which candidate would you rather hire? The one who says helped the sales team or the one who says boosted store sales by 25%? The smart money s on the second candidate. Personalize your letter: To whom it may concern isn t going to cut it. Make sure your letter is addressed to a person, and that their name is spelled correctly. Check their website or LinkedIn for someone you can address your letter to. Reference the name of the company you re applying to when discussing how your skills can specifically address their needs. Still need some help putting your cover letter together? A cover letter builder like LiveCareer s makes it easy with pre-formatted letters, customizable example text, and simple-to-use editing tools.
New Year, Better Career: Get The Job You Want in 2017 13 RESUMES Do s and Don ts DO: Customize Each resume you send should be unique to the job you re applying for. Use language from the job description to give yourself an edge. DON T: Get fancy Crazy fonts, graphics, and borders will distract from the meat of your resume. Keep it simple and keep yourself in the running. DO: Optimize Use search-engine-friendly keywords and make sure your resume makes it past the electronic gatekeepers. DON T: Neglect your soft skills Your ability to plan, organize, and get along with people will help make you the kind of cultural fit more companies are looking for these days. DO: Use numbers Specific numbers, dollar amounts, and percentages jump off the page of your resume and add credibility to your candidacy. DON T: Forget to proofread Before you send your resume to employers, make sure it s proofread and perfect. Use Resume-Check to be 100% sure. DO: Include a cover letter Your cover letter is your chance to expand on your resume and tell your story don t miss out on the opportunity to impress employers. DON T: Wait too long! The sooner you get started on creating the perfect resume, the sooner you can start landing interviews.
New Year, Better Career: Get The Job You Want in 2017 14 III. Turn Your Interview Into An Offer According to Forbes, only 2% of applicants land a job interview. So, you should be prepared to make the most of it. The fact is, when it comes to interview success, you need to be on your A game from the moment you walk in the door. Which, in turn, requires preparation well in advance. Here are the steps we d suggest to maximize your chances of getting called back for a second interview, or being offered the job. Only 2% of applicants land a job interview. So, you should be prepared to make the most of it. Pre-Interview: Practice Makes Perfect When it comes to interviews, just like everything else in life, the more prepared you are, the better you ll fare. There are all kinds of ways to prepare, from practicing your interview skills with a friend, to finding out everything you possibly can about the company you re interviewing with. Follow these tips BEFORE your interview day and you ll be less nervous, more knowledgeable, and just the right amount of ready to roll. Do your research: Learn everything you can about the company you want to hire you. This could include their mission statement, their company culture, the background of their executive team, and more. Learn about the competition, too: Most companies are trying to get an edge on their competitors. By knowing about the challenges they present, you ll grab an edge in the interview room.
New Year, Better Career: Get The Job You Want in 2017 15 Do a dress rehearsal: You don t have to actually dress up to practice, but having a friend or family member pre-interview you can help you hone your answers and help prepare you for even the curviest of curveball questions. Prepare your questions: Do you have questions ready to ask your interviewer? You should. Asking smart questions in the interview will not only show that you re eager and prepared, but it will actually answer your questions and help you decide if you even want the job! Interview Day: Be Rested, Well-Dressed, and Ready The little things you do or don t do before an interview can make a big difference. Getting rest, eating a healthy breakfast, and wearing an outfit that fits properly will make you feel energized, alert, and ready to impress. Put yourself in a position to succeed on game day by heeding a few simple pointers: Look smart: This isn t the time to take a fashion risk. Dress a level up from the general dress code of the place you re applying, but err on the conservative side: a sharp business suit will rarely lose you style points. Get there early: Too early may look too eager, but you should plan to arrive 5-10 minutes in advance. One, so you have margin for error; two, so you can gather yourself; and three, in case they re ready for you! Strike a hero pose: Here s a trick for feeling relaxed and confident before your interview: psych yourself up by power posing. Lift up your chest, hold your head up high and spread your arms wide studies show this can be a real confidence-booster. Obviously, don t do this in the interview waiting room. Get a good night s sleep: This seems like a no-brainer, but it s important, and can actually sink your chances if you don t do it. Show up rested, relaxed, and alert and you ll be ready to shine.
New Year, Better Career: Get The Job You Want in 2017 16 During The Interview: Keep Calm and Carry On How you present yourself in interviews is often just as important as what you say. Your clothing sense, your body language, and your posture are all part of the package. It s entirely possible you could know your stuff forwards and backwards and nail every tough question, but still lose out to someone who didn t slouch as much as you did. By combining confidence AND preparation, you ll go a long way toward gaining the confidence of the person in position to hire you. Greet your interviewer with a firm handshake and a smile: A smile puts people at ease. Be sure to shake your interviewer s hand when you meet them, and make solid eye contact. Remember, the first 90 seconds are critical. Keep your answers between 30 seconds and two minutes: Give smart, considered answers never just yes or no. But also be mindful of not going on too long, or you ll lose your interviewer s attention. Remember to ask the questions you ve prepared: You don t need to wait until the end of the interview to throw in your questions think of your interview as a two-way conversation, and you ll make a stronger connection with your interviewer. Close the sale: Make sure that you end the interview on a high note by thanking your interviewer for their time, reiterating your strong interest in the position, and asking about the next steps. Post Interview: Follow-up & Thank Yous! So your interview went great, you made your points, asked your questions, and really connected with your interviewer. You re done now, right? Wrong. To paraphrase Yogi Berra, your interview isn t over even when it s over. How you follow up with the people you interviewed with can help you seal or lose the deal. To maximize your chances of turning an interview into a second interview OR an offer, follow these steps:
New Year, Better Career: Get The Job You Want in 2017 17 Send thank you notes the next day: You should be sending thank yous to every single person you interviewed with. Keep them brief, but try to reference something you spoke about during the interview. Keep on the job search trail: While you re waiting to hear back, continue your job search just as before don t assume you ve got the job until you ve signed on the bottom line! Follow up after an appropriate time: If you followed the tips above, you got a sense of when you should expect to hear back from the company. If you don t hear back by this time, follow up in a non-pushy way. Offer to provide any additional information that could be helpful to them in making a decision.
New Year, Better Career: Get The Job You Want in 2017 18 INTERVIEWS Do s and Don ts DO: Due diligence You should know everything you can about the company and the folks who work there before you walk in the door. DON T: Forget to ask questions While you re preparing for every conceivable question an interviewer could ask, remember to prepare some smart questions of your own. DO: Act the part You don t have to be a professional actor to project confidence and enthusiasm through your voice and your body language. DON T: Dress down It s okay to dress a level up from the company dress code, but it s not okay to show up in an untucked shirt. DO: Stay on script You don t have to have your answers (and questions!) memorized, but try to keep on track, and keep your answers short and to the point. DON T: Panic Forget something? Having trouble with a left-field question? Keep your cool, and if you need to, pause and collect yourself. DO: Say thanks Let the people you interviewed with know that you appreciated your time and they ll be more likely to give you more of it. DON T: Stop looking Even if your interview was a smashing success, there are no guarantees. Continue your job search until you ve signed on the bottom line.
New Year, Better Career: Get The Job You Want in 2017 19 Ready, Set, Go Get Hired! If you re like most of us, even with the best of intentions, some of your New Year s Resolutions may fall by the wayside within a few weeks or months. But the resolution to find a better job in 2017 is one we want to help you keep. We at LiveCareer hope that the advice in this ebook will help give you the confidence you need as you take the next steps toward achieving your goals in 2017. We re also committed to helping you with more resources along the way, including our resume and cover letter builders, interview videos, and extensive professional career tips and advice. Check out the special offer below to take advantage of all the tools we have to offer. We hope you have a happy, healthy, and successful 2017!