LInkedIn user… by know you must know that the summary is possibly the most important part of your LinkedIn profile. Some people sign up for LinkedIn, load a profile picture, slap on their website’s URL and add a couple of lines about what they do for a living. However, you’re missing the point. You are not doing enough to “sell” yourself. Having a LinkedIn profile is all about expanding your business and your network. Your summary is a vital catalyst for you to achieve your goals using this popular social network.
Let me share 5 tips on how to write an engaging summary for your LinkedIn profile.
1. “Sell” yourself…
Put your best foot forward – Pile on all your unique selling points in your summary and get people hooked on to you as a talented professional. Without overdoing it, list your expertise. Tell people who you are, what you are capable of doing, and for how long have you been doing it. If you’re looking for a new opportunity, include it in your summary. But don’t forget to mention what qualities you can offer.
2. Be super interesting…
Try not to be boring. This should be your elevator pitch. Remember… NO big words, NO jargon, NO phrases that sounds like an automatic mission statement generator. You are talking to real people. Humor is appreciated only when used tastefully.
3. Use attention-grabbing words…
Challenge:
(I love a challenge and will rise to the occasion to make any endeavor a success)
Creativity:
(I’ve been told that creativity is one of my best traits)
Inspiration:
(I find inspiration in the simplest of things - everyday things, all around me)
Love:
(The most popular and powerful word to use)-(I love live, and it love’s me back…)
4. Do some keywords research on the job/s you want
“There are many reasons why people create LinkedIn profiles, but one of the major reasons is due to career advancement. You should ideally have an idea what jobs you would like to apply for, and then create your profile to match the job’s requirements”.
A good idea is to do a search on the company you want to work for - see what the company is after and jot down relevant keywords throughout your profile.
5. You’re writing a summary, NOT a biography…
Josue Sierra said; “write in the first person rather than the third. Writing in the third person can make you look arrogant and pompous”. Never a good idea.
Thanks to DeoBlog – This is a revised version.
Check our website for Career Opportunities within the Engineering Industry.
Engineer Network Group
Careers for Engineers
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Monday, August 23, 2010
So many job tips… but these 4 stands out.
Thank you to: Careerbuilder.com
Scan the oldies but goodies.
When visiting job boards, many job hunters make the mistake of limiting their search to positions posted in the last few days. A position posted one month ago might still be open, especially if it requires hard-to-find skills. Plus, with most job seekers focusing on recent postings, you may be competing with fewer candidates. A dated job advertisement doesn't reflect the quality of the company or the potential desirability of the position.
Spell well.
Completing employment applications online is convenient but potentially costly if you're not careful. Be mindful of your spelling and grammar when typing information directly onto online forms. Typos are no less problematic on screen than on paper. In a poll by our company, employers cited typos and grammatical errors as the most common mistakes job seekers make on their résumés.
Tread carefully.
There's a time and a place for everything. With that old adage in mind, be careful of when and where you do your online job hunting. Using your company's computer and Internet connection to look for a new position is a bad idea. Employers have the right to monitor the sites you visit and the e-mails you send. So, resist the temptation to hunt for a new job at the office if you want to keep the one you have for the time being.
Follow up!
When job hunting online, it's critical that you follow up with prospective employers after applying for a position. More than a few résumés have gotten lost in cyberspace. If you've submitted your application and haven't heard back from the company, make a call or send an e-mail to verify that the résumé was received and to reassert your interest in the position. Don't worry; you're not going to annoy the employer. Eighty-two percent of executives polled by our company said job seekers should contact hiring managers within two weeks of submitting application materials.
While the Internet has revolutionized the way job seekers connect with prospective employers, an online job hunt shouldn't be the only strategy you use to find a new position. The best searches combine a variety of approaches, including exploring the services offered by recruiting and staffing firms, touching base with members of your professional network, and participating in industry events where you can hobnob with hiring managers.
Scan the oldies but goodies.
When visiting job boards, many job hunters make the mistake of limiting their search to positions posted in the last few days. A position posted one month ago might still be open, especially if it requires hard-to-find skills. Plus, with most job seekers focusing on recent postings, you may be competing with fewer candidates. A dated job advertisement doesn't reflect the quality of the company or the potential desirability of the position.
Spell well.
Completing employment applications online is convenient but potentially costly if you're not careful. Be mindful of your spelling and grammar when typing information directly onto online forms. Typos are no less problematic on screen than on paper. In a poll by our company, employers cited typos and grammatical errors as the most common mistakes job seekers make on their résumés.
Tread carefully.
There's a time and a place for everything. With that old adage in mind, be careful of when and where you do your online job hunting. Using your company's computer and Internet connection to look for a new position is a bad idea. Employers have the right to monitor the sites you visit and the e-mails you send. So, resist the temptation to hunt for a new job at the office if you want to keep the one you have for the time being.
Follow up!
When job hunting online, it's critical that you follow up with prospective employers after applying for a position. More than a few résumés have gotten lost in cyberspace. If you've submitted your application and haven't heard back from the company, make a call or send an e-mail to verify that the résumé was received and to reassert your interest in the position. Don't worry; you're not going to annoy the employer. Eighty-two percent of executives polled by our company said job seekers should contact hiring managers within two weeks of submitting application materials.
While the Internet has revolutionized the way job seekers connect with prospective employers, an online job hunt shouldn't be the only strategy you use to find a new position. The best searches combine a variety of approaches, including exploring the services offered by recruiting and staffing firms, touching base with members of your professional network, and participating in industry events where you can hobnob with hiring managers.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
More Than 48% of Industries Experienced a Quarterly Gain in Jobs in Second Quarter
Onrec wrote...
Beyond.com, Inc., today released its Second Quarter 2010 Career Trend Analysis Report, which revealed more than 48 percent of industries experienced a quarterly percentage gain in online jobs posted, signifying a healthier economy leading into the second half of the year.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the unemployment rate was unchanged in the month of July, holding at 9.5 percent. However, Beyond.com’s data indicates the job market is showing slow and steady signs of a recovery and hard-hitting sectors such as retail and travel are beginning to expand once again.
According to Beyond.com quarterly report, which gathers information across thousands of top-tier industry and local career sites, more than 73 percent of employers were looking for full-time employees, an increase of 12 percent from the previous quarter. Healthcare and Medical represented the largest percentage gain in overall jobs posted (5.57 percent), followed by Sales and Sales Management with 2.24 percent.
Jobs continued to grow into July, increasing by 1.17 percent over June. In July, entry level positions showed the largest increase of 39 percent and Merchandising, Purchasing and Retail jobs representing the largest jump among industries with an increase of 137 percent. Customer Service had the next largest increase (77 percent) and Travel, Hospitality and Restaurant following behind (41 percent). This is a positive sign to see, especially since some of these industries had dropped during the previous quarter.
“We are excited to see job numbers continuing to grow and hard-hitting sectors beginning to rebound,” said Rich Milgram, CEO of Beyond.com, Inc. “In June, we spoke to hundreds of HR managers during an industry conference and were excited to hear about their plans to hire in the months to come. We expect to report slow and steady job growth into next quarter.”
Beyond.com, Inc., today released its Second Quarter 2010 Career Trend Analysis Report, which revealed more than 48 percent of industries experienced a quarterly percentage gain in online jobs posted, signifying a healthier economy leading into the second half of the year.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the unemployment rate was unchanged in the month of July, holding at 9.5 percent. However, Beyond.com’s data indicates the job market is showing slow and steady signs of a recovery and hard-hitting sectors such as retail and travel are beginning to expand once again.
According to Beyond.com quarterly report, which gathers information across thousands of top-tier industry and local career sites, more than 73 percent of employers were looking for full-time employees, an increase of 12 percent from the previous quarter. Healthcare and Medical represented the largest percentage gain in overall jobs posted (5.57 percent), followed by Sales and Sales Management with 2.24 percent.
Jobs continued to grow into July, increasing by 1.17 percent over June. In July, entry level positions showed the largest increase of 39 percent and Merchandising, Purchasing and Retail jobs representing the largest jump among industries with an increase of 137 percent. Customer Service had the next largest increase (77 percent) and Travel, Hospitality and Restaurant following behind (41 percent). This is a positive sign to see, especially since some of these industries had dropped during the previous quarter.
“We are excited to see job numbers continuing to grow and hard-hitting sectors beginning to rebound,” said Rich Milgram, CEO of Beyond.com, Inc. “In June, we spoke to hundreds of HR managers during an industry conference and were excited to hear about their plans to hire in the months to come. We expect to report slow and steady job growth into next quarter.”
Thursday, August 12, 2010
HOW TO ANSWER THESE TRICKY INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
With complements: Zoho4
Why should we hire you?
Here’s the chance to really sell yourself. You need to briefly and succinctly lay out your strengths, qualifications and what you can bring to the table. Be careful not to answer this question too generically, however. Nearly everyone says they are hardworking and motivated. Set yourself apart by telling the interviewer about qualities that are unique to you.
Why do you want to work here?
This is one tool interviewers use to see if you have done your homework. You should never attend an interview unless you know about the company, its direction and the industry in which it plays. If you have done your research, this question gives you an opportunity to show initiative and demonstrate how your experience and qualifications match the company’s needs.
Why did you leave your last job?
Even if your last job ended badly, be careful about being negative in answering this question. Be as diplomatic as possible. If you do point out negative aspects of your last job, find some positives to mention as well. Complaining endlessly about your last company will not say much for your attitude.
Describe a problem situation and how you solved it.
Sometimes it is hard to come up with a response to this request, particularly if you are coming straight from college and do not have professional experience. Interviewers want to see that you can think critically and develop solutions, regardless of what kind of issue you faced. Even if your problem was not having enough time to study, describe the steps you took to prioritize your schedule. This will demonstrate that you are responsible and can think through situations on your own.
What are your salary expectations?
This is one of the hardest questions, particularly for those with little experience. The first thing to do before going to your interview is to research the salary range in your field to get an idea of what you should be making. Steer clear of discussing salary specifics before receiving a job offer. Let the interviewer know that you will be open to discussing fair compensation when the time comes. If pressed for a more specific answer, always give a range, rather than a specific number.
Tell me about yourself.
While this query seems like a piece of cake, it is difficult to answer because it is so broad. The important thing to know is that the interviewer typically does not want to know about your hometown or what you do on the weekends. He or she is trying to figure you out professionally. Pick a couple of points about yourself, your professional experience and your career goals and stick to those points. Wrap up your answer by bringing up your desire to be a part of the company. If you have a solid response prepared for this question, it can lead your conversation in a direction that allows you to elaborate on your qualifications.
Check back regularly fo more interview tips, or visit our website for the latest engineering job oppotunities.
Or connect with us on LinkedIn
Why should we hire you?
Here’s the chance to really sell yourself. You need to briefly and succinctly lay out your strengths, qualifications and what you can bring to the table. Be careful not to answer this question too generically, however. Nearly everyone says they are hardworking and motivated. Set yourself apart by telling the interviewer about qualities that are unique to you.
Why do you want to work here?
This is one tool interviewers use to see if you have done your homework. You should never attend an interview unless you know about the company, its direction and the industry in which it plays. If you have done your research, this question gives you an opportunity to show initiative and demonstrate how your experience and qualifications match the company’s needs.
Why did you leave your last job?
Even if your last job ended badly, be careful about being negative in answering this question. Be as diplomatic as possible. If you do point out negative aspects of your last job, find some positives to mention as well. Complaining endlessly about your last company will not say much for your attitude.
Describe a problem situation and how you solved it.
Sometimes it is hard to come up with a response to this request, particularly if you are coming straight from college and do not have professional experience. Interviewers want to see that you can think critically and develop solutions, regardless of what kind of issue you faced. Even if your problem was not having enough time to study, describe the steps you took to prioritize your schedule. This will demonstrate that you are responsible and can think through situations on your own.
What are your salary expectations?
This is one of the hardest questions, particularly for those with little experience. The first thing to do before going to your interview is to research the salary range in your field to get an idea of what you should be making. Steer clear of discussing salary specifics before receiving a job offer. Let the interviewer know that you will be open to discussing fair compensation when the time comes. If pressed for a more specific answer, always give a range, rather than a specific number.
Tell me about yourself.
While this query seems like a piece of cake, it is difficult to answer because it is so broad. The important thing to know is that the interviewer typically does not want to know about your hometown or what you do on the weekends. He or she is trying to figure you out professionally. Pick a couple of points about yourself, your professional experience and your career goals and stick to those points. Wrap up your answer by bringing up your desire to be a part of the company. If you have a solid response prepared for this question, it can lead your conversation in a direction that allows you to elaborate on your qualifications.
Check back regularly fo more interview tips, or visit our website for the latest engineering job oppotunities.
Or connect with us on LinkedIn
Monday, August 9, 2010
Technology... My advantage. One Pager / Video Resume
2 Online search tips I wanted to share with you... After all we are living in a digital world, use it to your advantage.
One Pager:
Instead of simply posting your resume on a Web site, take it one step further and design an easily-navigable Web / One Pager site or online portfolio where recruiters can view your body of work, read about your goals and obtain contact information.
Tow examples: Louis Botes / Karin Botes
Video resume:
One more way to stand out to employers, is by making your own video resume. This can also be added to your online portfolio / website. To be intended as supplements - not replacement for - your traditional resume. Video resumes allow job seekers to showcase a little bit of their personalities and highlight one or two points of interest on their resume.
Most of all... enjoy this new opportunity to express and present yourself to your next employer.
Read more about us at: http://www.engineernetworkgroup.com/ / http://www.engsearchrecruit.com/
Revised and written by Stefanie / ENG-ESP Marketing
One Pager:
Instead of simply posting your resume on a Web site, take it one step further and design an easily-navigable Web / One Pager site or online portfolio where recruiters can view your body of work, read about your goals and obtain contact information.
Tow examples: Louis Botes / Karin Botes
Video resume:
One more way to stand out to employers, is by making your own video resume. This can also be added to your online portfolio / website. To be intended as supplements - not replacement for - your traditional resume. Video resumes allow job seekers to showcase a little bit of their personalities and highlight one or two points of interest on their resume.
Most of all... enjoy this new opportunity to express and present yourself to your next employer.
Read more about us at: http://www.engineernetworkgroup.com/ / http://www.engsearchrecruit.com/
Revised and written by Stefanie / ENG-ESP Marketing
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Winners and Losers in the Job Race
New York comes in at the best with a ration of 1:1, along with it's neighbors, DC and Baltimore.
Now if we could match those seekers and jobs perfectly our job would be done.
Big loosers on the list are Rochester NY and New Orleans.
To see the complete list of 50 metropolitan areas, click here.
To see the job postings per capita as calculated by indeed.com click here.
This article was written by theinterviewpro
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