Guy Carter's "7 Steps To A Successful Job Search"

Guy Carter is the founder of Mobile Bay Job Seekers and President of The Carter Group, LLC -- an executive search firm.   The "7 steps" process he developed to obtain employment continues to serve as the foundation of the Mobile Bay Job Seekers program.

1. Attitude

Approach the Job Search with a positive mindset.   Being negative is counter-productive and harmful in the search process.

2. Planning

Where do you want to work?  What industry?  What company?  Make a list of your top 10 companies.

3. Record Keeping

Create a list of your Contacts.  Include contact name, date contacted and results.

4. Contact List

Develop a list of 100 people you know from teachers, coaches, friends, family, etc.. Let them know you are looking for work.

5. Personal Branding

Summarize your qualifications and skills in an “Elevator Speech” of 15-30 seconds in length.   Explain how you will positively impact a company successful.

6. Research

Research potential employers and hiring managers (via LinkedIn, social media, Google, etc.); preparation is everything.

7. Networking

Join groups and organizations that allow you to interact with people. By regularly (weekly) networking with others, you will receive experience, job leads and support during your search.

Best Job Seeking Tips Ever, Part 2: Resumes and Cover Letters

By Andrew Hudson

There are many things that are in your complete control when it comes to searching for a job.  The most obvious thing that is in your most immediate control is your resume and cover letter. 

Think of resumes as your marketing brochures - they promote your skills, your experiences, your education, your accomplishments and your career progression.  Written correctly, they will also exude confidence, passion and a differentiating value that sets you apart from your competitors.  In much the same way, a well-constructed cover letter will include a compelling narrative that discusses specific skills and experiences that connects you to the job which you are applying.

There are a variety of ways to write a resume.  I've seen hundreds of variations.  However, in today's world of high-tech Applicant Tracking Systems (we'll get to that later!) as well as the competitive nature of applying for a new position, there are simple common sense things you can do to increase your chances of getting hired.  Below are several tips relating to resumes and cover letters.

• One unfortunate truth is that in today’s world, often your resume is actually never even considered by a human being, but by a sophisticated, turbo-charged database called the Applicant Tracking System (ATS).  An ATS is a software application designed for recruitment tracking purposes and to manage resume data. Your resume or on-line application should include key qualifying phrases and information that matches with the job description.  An ATS is programmed to look for these words and phrases and if your resume does not include these, it may never be seen by a recruiter.

(Click here to read more.)

Where, Oh Where, Has My Application Gone

By Phyllis Korkki, The New York Times

Getting a rejection letter is a painful part of job hunting, but at least it means you’ve been noticed. These days, I’ve been hearing about more job hunters who respond to online job postings, only to hear nothing back from the company. Ever.Chris Reed/NY Times

Was the position filled? Is the company just taking a long time to fill it? Did the hiring manager even see the application? You may never know.

Many recruiters and hiring managers do let applicants know where their online applications stand. (At a minimum, companies should set up an automated response system.) But before you get too angry at companies that ignore you, consider what they are up against.

First, the Internet has made it absurdly easy to apply for jobs. This means that unqualified people are clogging the system with their wing-and-a-prayer applications.  (Click here to read more.)

A Networking Pro Learns Some New Tricks

By Joanne S. Lublin, The Wall Street Journal

Can you teach a dinosaur to dance? More importantly, can you teach him to network in 21st Century style? I was skeptical.Experts considered George Langis, a veteran turnaround executive, a deft conventional networker who needed to broaden his online reach.

But George Langis, a veteran turnaround executive, dispelled doubts by learning new networking steps that may hasten his job hunt. He went from conventional handshake networking to creating a personal brand that would be easily marketable online. Though Mr. Langis still hesitates to plunge into "tweeting," his experience could benefit countless other older applicants with rusty job-hunting skills.  (Click here to read more.)

Why LinkedIn Matters In A Job Search

By Dawn Rasmussen, TalentZoo.com

Many employers now are vetting candidates using social media, so having a half-done profile basically is akin to showing up to a job interview in sweat pants.

Here are the top reasons you should consider LinkedIn as much a valid career tool as your résumé:

1. Establish your online presence. Nowadays, if your name doesn't pop up on any online searches, it has become almost a bad thing. This might lead an employer to think if a candidate hasn't done anything to establish and maintain an online presence, the prospective employee likely is a non-entity with virtually no accomplishments, affiliations, or leadership qualities. It also indirectly shows a lack of career drive. By jumping in, you can help dictate what is published about you.

(Click here to read more.