PROCEED WITH EXTREME CAUTION WHEN POSTING YOUR RESUME ON-LINE

I would be the first to admit, that when I have had to post a resume on a job board, I have made serious errors in judgment.

Whenever you post a resume on an Internet job boards, it’s not that bad an idea to keep your name, address and any other contact information confidential. If you don't care who knows you're job hunting, then it may not be worth worrying about. On the other hands, if you're still employed and want to search for a new position without your current managers knowing, then proceed with extreme caution.


ob Seekers on-the-sly, should pay careful attention to the confidential sections on a job board. Most times, when someone responds to an ad there's a link to download your resume as a Word attachment. Be sure you haven't named your resume file as your name if you're trying to be confidential. Change your resume file name to 'confidential resume' before you download it."

If you're NOT in an active job search, make sure the body of your resume doesn't reveal your current employer's name or any other identifying information. All job hunters should also use numerous job boards, especially the niche boards. I personally encourage job seekers to post their resume on as many major job boards as are relevant. It's also important to use key words in your resume that the position lists as requirements to improve the odds of a computer or human tagging your resume for consideration.

How to confidentially post your resume on job boards

You've decided to ump into the water and begin searching for a new position. So, where do you start? While the job market is very competitive right now, there are still opportunities being offered by companies, all who search the top career websites. Sure it may take some time, but posting your resume on ALL the top websites will give you better exposure than your competition.

A good service is Resume Rabbit. Basically you fill a form in about 15 minutes. They in turn do all of the posting, to about 80 different web sites. If confidentiality is a concern, use Resume Rabbit's confidentiality feature. Your resume can be seen, however, no one will see your name, street address or phone number.



Plenty of jobs going unfilled

We are in the worst recession in over 25 years, but employers still have jobs going unfilled. This is partially due to Seekers and Recruiters (internal and third party) doing things the way it was done in the 1990’s.
Traditional job hunting is no longer effective. Job seekers still go on and just answer ads, network with some friends, contacting a few recruiters, post their resume once or twice and they stop there. In a typical month they generate only one or two interviews. .

Many job hunters have good experience and backgrounds, they just need a better approach. The market may be down, but there are still jobs out there. Professionals with good backgrounds and marketable skills should be connecting and tapping into the many new job search tools and services available online. They need to approach ALL the segments of the job market in a much different way. New job hunting approaches are necessary to be competitive in today's job market.

It's time to break away from the nest.
It's easy to get complacent with your skills when you work at the same place for a long time. A job loss forces you to break out of the comfort zone. Accountants might need to become proficient in other areas of corporate financial reporting or the tax code.

Teachers might want to consider different subject areas -- for example, a high school history teacher might want to think about switching to literature.



To make yourself marketable to new employers, begin by sharpening your job skills. Its worth the investment but take a continuing education course in areas of Taxation where you’re not knowledgeable, and you will be sure your up to date on new Tax rules and laws. You MUST also Network like crazy. Ramping up your knowledge doesn't have to be costly. Seek out free programs, which often can be found through trade organizations or businesses in your industry.



Read, (even if you have a job) Professional and Trade industry Magazines!



Whether you're looking to move up or move on - reading business and trade publications lets you move right in to the job of your dreams. They keep you sharp, well informed, articulate and in-demand. It's no secret that keeping up with the news and trends of your industry or profession will give you the competitive edge you need. And now, you can get your trade magazines without having to pay for them.









Get your resume sent straight to the hiring manager



What if your telephone would ring you could make your phone ring with employers you chose asking to interview you? Wouldn't it be great to find jobs that never make it to the newspaper or online? Would you like to have almost no competition from other job hunters when you interview? Now you can!









There are dozens of service that allows you to blast your resume out to hundreds of companies at one time. Other you can Fax a resume..which would be quite different in today’s technology



If you want a fantastic job in the next 30 days, there is a great service called “JobsByFax”. This service is simple to use and an affordable way to ensure a more focused and satisfying job search. You'll have instant access to information on thousands of companies and their decision makers. JobsByFax combines quality and quantity by faxing your resume to potential hiring managers.









Select your desired company types, industry and locality, and JobsByFax will fax your resume directly to 1000's of hiring managers matching your criteria. You won't get lost in email. In fact, it's proven that faxing 1000 resumes to the right hiring managers can yield from 10 to 50 quality responses! Visit the Site!



The #1 enemy of a successful job search



There are many things that can disable your job search. Some are in your control and some are not. With most of us, that enemy is us. Our minds simply churns and churns and become like a computer virus chewing up memory and productivity. It's called Procrastination. Procrastination is damaging the careers, health and savings accounts of millions of Americans. Here are some examples of where and when procrastination can cripple you if you do not act in a job search:

1. Create a top notch resume and online brand
2. Drafting and implementing a solid job search strategy
3. Calling and following up with influential networking contacts
4. Getting to important networking events
There are many reasons people don't do these things. Sometimes there is a lack of knowledge. Sometimes you forget that this job market is completely different and the old ways of searching don't work. Sometimes you simply put off doing important things. So, how do you battle this beast before it quietly takes your legs out from under you? Take action! Build a specific plan. And surround yourself with people who can help you through the aspects of job searching that you find most daunting.

PROCEED WITH EXTREME CAUTION WHEN POSTING YOUR RESUME ON-LINE

PROCEED WITH EXTREME CAUTION WHEN POSTING YOUR RESUME ON LINE.
I would be the first to admit, that when I have had to post a resume on a job board, I have made serious errors in judgment.
Whenever you post a resume on an Internet job boards, it’s not that bad an idea to keep your name, address and any other contact information confidential. If you don't care who knows you're job hunting, then it may not be worth worrying about. On the other hands, if you're still employed and want to search for a new position without your current managers knowing, then proceed with extreme caution.

Job Seekers on-the-sly, should pay careful attention to the confidential sections on a job board. Most times, when someone responds to an ad there's a link to download your resume as a Word attachment. Be sure you haven't named your resume file as your name if you're trying to be confidential. Change your resume file name to 'confidential resume' before you download it."

If you're NOT in an active job search, make sure the body of your resume doesn't reveal your current employer's name or any other identifying information. All job hunters should also use numerous job boards, especially the niche boards. I personally encourage job seekers to post their resume on as many major job boards as are relevant. It's also important to use key words in your resume that the position lists as requirements to improve the odds of a computer or human tagging your resume for consideration.
How to confidentially post your resume on job boards
You've decided to ump into the water and begin searching for a new position. So, where do you start? While the job market is very competitive right now, there are still opportunities being offered by companies, all who search the top career websites. Sure it may take some time, but posting your resume on ALL the top websites will give you better exposure than your competition.

A good service is Resume Rabbit. Basically you fill a form in about 15 minutes. They in turn do all of the posting, to about 80 different web sites. If confidentiality is a concern, use Resume Rabbit's confidentiality feature. Your resume can be seen, however, no one will see your name, street address or phone number.
Plenty of jobs going unfilled
We are in the worst recession in over 25 years, but employers still have jobs going unfilled. This is partially due to Seekers and Recruiters (internal and third party) doing things the way it was done in the 1990’s.

Traditional job hunting is no longer effective. Job seekers still go on and just answer ads, network with some friends, contacting a few recruiters, post their resume once or twice and they stop there. In a typical month they generate only one or two interviews. .

Many job hunters have good experience and backgrounds, they just need a better approach. The market may be down, but there are still jobs out there. Professionals with good backgrounds and marketable skills should be connecting and tapping into the many new job search tools and services available online. They need to approach ALL the segments of the job market in a much different way. New job hunting approaches are necessary to be competitive in today's job market.
It's time to break away from the nest.
It's easy to get complacent with your skills when you work at the same place for a long time. A job loss forces you to break out of the comfort zone. Accountants might need to become proficient in other areas of corporate financial reporting or the tax code.
Teachers might want to consider different subject areas -- for example, a high school history teacher might want to think about switching to literature.
To make yourself marketable to new employers, begin by sharpening your job skills. Its worth the investment but take a continuing education course in areas of Taxation where you’re not knowledgeable, and you will be sure your up to date on new Tax rules and laws. You MUST also Network like crazy. Ramping up your knowledge doesn't have to be costly. Seek out free programs, which often can be found through trade organizations or businesses in your industry.
Read, (even if you have a job) Professional and Trade industry Magazines!
Whether you're looking to move up or move on - reading business and trade publications lets you move right in to the job of your dreams. They keep you sharp, well informed, articulate and in-demand. It's no secret that keeping up with the news and trends of your industry or profession will give you the competitive edge you need. And now, you can get your trade magazines without having to pay for them.

Get your resume sent straight to the hiring manager
What if your telephone would ring you could make your phone ring with employers you chose asking to interview you? Wouldn't it be great to find jobs that never make it to the newspaper or online? Would you like to have almost no competition from other job hunters when you interview? Now you can!

There are dozens of service that allows you to blast your resume out to hundreds of companies at one time. Other you can Fax a resume..which would be quite different in today’s technology
If you want a fantastic job in the next 30 days, there is a great service called “JobsByFax”. This service is simple to use and an affordable way to ensure a more focused and satisfying job search. You'll have instant access to information on thousands of companies and their decision makers. JobsByFax combines quality and quantity by faxing your resume to potential hiring managers.

Select your desired company types, industry and locality, and JobsByFax will fax your resume directly to 1000's of hiring managers matching your criteria. You won't get lost in email. In fact, it's proven that faxing 1000 resumes to the right hiring managers can yield from 10 to 50 quality responses! Visit the Site!
The #1 enemy of a successful job search
There are many things that can disable your job search. Some are in your control and some are not. With most of us, that enemy is us. Our minds simply churns and churns and become like a computer virus chewing up memory and productivity. It's called Procrastination. Procrastination is damaging the careers, health and savings accounts of millions of Americans. Here are some examples of where and when procrastination can cripple you if you do not act in a job search:

1. Create a top notch resume and online brand
2. Drafting and implementing a solid job search strategy
4. Calling and following up with influential networking contacts
5. Getting to important networking events




Now there are many reasons people don't do these things. Sometimes there is a lack of knowledge. Sometimes you forget that this job market is completely different and the old ways of searching don't work. Sometimes you simply put off doing important things. So, how do you battle this beast before it quietly takes your legs out from under you? Take action! Build a specific plan. And surround yourself with people who can help you through the aspects of job searching that you find most daunting.


Eric Brooks, CPA/MBA
Executive Vice-President
Edward Lewis Group
"executive recruiters and consultants"
(212) 689-0900
(646) 704-0047
Brian@EdwardLew.com
www.EdwardLew.com

Please visit our Blogs which are updated regularly

www.InterviewingandHiring101.blogspot.com
www.EdwardLewis.typepad.com
http://ericbrooks.vox.com/

NETWORKING YOUR WAY TO A NEW JOB

HOW TO NETWORK YOURSELF TO A NEW POSITION

It’s Wednesday evening and a man is sitting at his desk and remembers he was invited to a wedding for a relative this Saturday night. He pulls out his rolodex, table napkins where he wrote down phone numbers, other sources and begins going through the list and begins calling.
This is similar to what most of us do in business. Only when we need something, a businesses contact, a lead, where to submit a resume do we start to go thorough our “little black book”. Only when we need a contact, we ramp up our networking,
In business, an old adage is true; it’s not what you know but who you know.

Networking is one of the most valuable (and inexpensive) forms of marketing.
The truth of the matter is that the best time to reach out to those connections and contacts is on a continuous basis. (Never Stop) Most of each should keep in touch, learn and share ideas, be more generous than the next and always grow that circle.
Especially in today’s economy, if you haven’t been keeping up now is the time to start.
Although there are hundreds of books and articles, below are some Suggestions on Networking.

Choose Your Connections for his/her Reputations and Position
Make sure you have an introduction that can be passed along demonstrating how you resolve problems and take on new challenges. Ask your contact to forward along a request for an introduction. Make sure that you come across as a go to person, an asset to any company. This is done so that whenever a source is asked who a go to person is, your name will be front and center. Remember you don’t have to choose contacts that are simply likely to aide in your job search. It’s OK to select contacts that are simply well placed, and have a strong Bio.

Be Yourself
Many introverted professionals think they have to act like an extrovert in networking situations. While you do have to make an effort to be more gregarious than normal, you shouldn't be artificial.
Not everybody is a born schmoozer...Many people feel that a schmoozer simply has the wrong internet and is not interested in helping anyone but himself...
Be the authentic, aw-shucks, humble, shy person you are. It can be endearing. Don't try to be something you're not.


Dialogue with direct decision/hiring makers at your target employers
(So-on and So-on and So-on)
To find those perfect unadvertised jobs, make sure you are on that persons radar screen for when something more appropriate becomes available. Being well prepared and make an outstanding initial impression will not just put your self in play but the decision makers themselves , they too are networked and can put you in touch with other hiring managers . The most important thing here is the overlap of network contacts. From one Decision maker’s contacts you now have several new ones. Thus is the importance of the so-on and so-on approach


Forget the “phony” sales pitch. Been there done that.
Keep the conversation natural. Share information about you and your company, but not in a way that's canned. Do it in a more matter of fact way. It should roll out naturally. Asking other people questions about themselves, too, creates opportunities to share what you're doing without the conversation seeming like it's all about me-me-me.
Communicate your Interests and Desires.
Not only can you win people over with your enthusiasm for your product or service, but an upbeat manner is often contagious. Getting other people to share their passion, too, helps create a memorable two-way conversation.
DON’T BE INVISIBLE ON-LINE
One of the easier things to do give the current Internet exposure is to create a web presence. This allows you to create a summary, bio, and even references..all this data an now easily get into the hands of Recruiters, Hiring Managers, Human resource Professionals etc, The Business and Personal web sites are endless: Linked IN, Zoom Info, My Space, FaceBook, alumni directories, MySpace., Twitter, etc. Using a niche site to post your profile will be much more beneficial since you are more likely to be noticed. When posting on any site make sure you can be easily found..,whether its key words, salary ranges, industries etc

Get Over Your Fear of Rejection
In the course of networking, you'll encounter people who can't or don't want to help you. That's the way it is. YOU CANNOT AND MUST NOT take any reaction personally. You also don’t want to dwell on it. It's all part of the process
When you overcome your fear of rejection, it'll be easier to make cold calls and strike up conversations with strangers.
"The person sitting next to you at a banquet or on an airplane is most likely feeling as uncomfortable as you are and will appreciate you breaking the ice. They just might be a fabulous contact for you or know the right person for you to talk to. You just won't know until you try!.

Be sure to Stay in touch
Its critical to ask a person whom you met, spoken to , had a cocktail with etc, for their information It could be business card, an email address, it doesn’t make a difference it’s a name . A few tips: Make sure you send a new contact a thank you note any interesting articles, Newspaper clippings a link off the internet, birthdays, anniversaries anything to give you visibility and in front of them. (KEEP IN TOUCH!) You now have another new contact!

The actual act of sending something out is rather inexpensive given today’s technology. It takes less than a minute to prepare and send a Happy Birthday note. The above suggestions are not 100% conclusive. You have to be a little creative as well.



Eric Brooks, CPA/MBA
Edward Lewis Group
"executive recruiters and consultants"
(212) 689-0900
(646) 704-0047
Brian@EdwardLew.com
www.EdwardLew.com

Please visit our Blogs whic are updated regularly

www.InterviewingandHiring101.blogspot.com
www.EdwardLewis.typepad.com

Interview Basics-101

Be Real

Even though an interview is a performance, people often think they should put on an act. With increased layoffs and turnover, hiring managers have become much more savy and skilled at interviewing. Most can easily spot a phone candidate vey quickly. Being sincere and forth right while at the same time, target your presentation to the needs of the interviewer and company.


Be Together

Being Together, (something I have always told candidates) means paying attention to things you usually take for granted. Timeliness, knowing where you’re going, food, rest, and dress, are all part of being together. Attention to these details is worth you consideration, because people are judged by these factors.


Be On Time

Everywhere you look in this world, Time is of the Essence. Lateness is the Kiss of death. What happens when you are late even with a great excuse you immediately put yourself at the bottom of the heap. Lets be honest, is there such thing as a good excuse. One has to remember the interview process actually starts prior to actual interview. It really begins when either party, (candidate or hiring manager) decides to purse an interview.


Know Where You are Going

Being late for an appointment can be stressful. If you have ever been kept waiting you know how annoying that can be. If YOU don’t know where you are going your anxiety will be an all time high. Travel to your interview site, (if possible the day before your meeting. If not possible, then leave yourself double extra time, in case you get lost, or transportation issues arise.


Get Food and Rest

It’s tough enough to perform well during an interview. It’s even more difficult when you are tired and/or hungry. You must focus on other things besides being tired and/or hungry. I have always told candidates going on interviews, that it is crucial especially in the morning to get a bite to eat prior to your meeting.

Dress Properly

This area is one I have always been most aware of when prepping candidates!

The standard recommendations for job interview clothes are based on common sense - be tidy, smart and relatively conservative and understated. You can take a more personal approach by dressing according to the company culture, the position and what makes you feel comfortable while maintaining a professional look.

Your interview attire should send the message that you have the insight to recognize what the job and company require. It is important to remember that candidates do not get jobs because of what they wear to the interview, however a number of candidates damage their chances of success by dressing inappropriately. A personal sense of style is valuable but be aware of aligning your dress to the requirements of the situation. Use your research and your knowledge of the profession to make the right judgment call on how you should dress for an interview.

Showing the interviewer that you understand the style of the position and company is the start of building rapport and trust during the interview. You don't get a second chance to make a first impression!

Wearing the right interview clothes demonstrates that you’ve spent time doing your research and that you are committed to making the right impression.

Attention to detail suggests that you have made the effort to create the best impression. Think about your nails, your accessories, your shoes. Nothing is less impressive than a pair of scuffed shoes teamed with a crisp and professional suit! When you decide what to wear to your interview make sure you are in tune with the company environment and the requirements of the position. Think about the information you have gained from doing your background research on the type of company it is, assess what current employees at the company are wearing. Consider the personality and behavior required in the position you are interviewing for - are you expected to be extrovert or reserved, detailed or innovative, creative or administrative.

If you are going through a recruiter ask them to tell you in specific detail about the dress code.



About the EDWARD LEWIS GROUP


Established in the mid 1990’s, The Edward Lewis Group is a boutique Contingency and retainer recruiting firm. Our goal has always been to provide the clientele and candidates we represent, the highest degree of professionalism. Our recruitment practice focuses on the Accounting/Finance, Alternative Energy and Human Resources areas. Our senior staff has either a CPA and/or MBA in addition to extensive business and recruiting expertise.

 
Contact Us

Edward Lewis Group, Inc.
1375 Broadway, Suite 1100
New York, NY 10018
Phone: (212) 689-0900
info@EdwardLew.com     www.EdwardLew.com

The Search for a Better Position-Get Your Game Face On!!!

Now that we've provided some Basic ideas as to how to start the Job Search (Interview) Process, (in our previous Blog) I have highlighted more of of an actual checklist with regards to this Process.


YOU SHOULD HAVE:


•A clearer understanding and knowledge of the job search process and have developed a job-search strategy.

•A clear understanding of the jobs that interest you and that I am QUALIFIED for.

•An outline and Clear Career path/track

•Identified Your Strengths and Weaknesses.

•Developed My Personal Selling tools, which will help me Distinguish myself from other job-seekers.

•Identified KEY accomplishments from all school and work experiences. Also identify core transferable skills.

•Identified the main industries/companies that I have an interest in, AND the ones most likely to take an interest in me

•Researched specific companies that most interest me. Don't limit yourself to your immediate geography

•An understanding of the importance of marketing skills when job-hunting.

•Developed and strengthen network of contacts and know the value and importance of networking in a job search.

•Gathered a key list (including contact information) of references. (Even at an early stage)

Our next article will most likely involve the Resume Writing or Networking process.


Any Comments of Questions please email, call or post a Comment on this site

Eric Brooks, CPA/MBA
Sr. Managing Partner
Edward Lewis Group
executive recruiters and consultants
(212) 689-0900
http://www.edwardlew.com/
Eric@EdwardLew.com

Getting the Game started-The Kickoff

WELCOME to the EDWARD LEWIS GROUP'S...

THE SEARCH FOR A BETTER POSITION

We will try and Post here daily to provide Career related information to help you with your Job Search, whether it's an Active search or one that may be just getting started.

Every job search strategy needs to be tailored to your individual situation. The following tips are basic "tips" and apply to everyone.

• Don't put all your eggs in one basket.
  If you limit your job search to just one method, you will limit your options. Use a mix of methods.
  (This topic will be explored in a later blog.)


• No one job search method will reveal all of the jobs out there.
  Not every kind of job or industry is represented in every job search method. For example there are many jobs you will not find through the Internet Sites and there are many jobs you will not find posted on Company Web sites. If you want to maximize your options, you will need to use multiple methods.


• Start early. just because you received a severance and you feel you have time, You dont. If you are at a company who is about to announce layoffs dont wait for the hammer to fall. Completing a job search can take weeks and even months. If you don't start early, you can still find opportunities, but you may have missed out on some of the options.


• Learn how others in your field or industry have been successful.
  Notice the plural on "others." Don't limit yourself to one source. Speak to former employers, human resourrces, Schools, other co workers who have ebeen getting interviews nd jobs. if Course Networking....(this will most likely be our next blog)


• Think outside of the box! Your next position does not have to be a carbon copy of the position you currently have. The best time to try and change fields is when you are between positions.


• Don't expect your job search to be quick and easy.
  A job search is hard work. Your motivation and attitude are the keys to your success. Expect to put in quite a bit work. Remember its your career, and as the old adage goes, "what you put in to something will be what you get out of it".