23 Rules ForJob Hunters

Jobcamp Milwaukee, March 26th, 2009

Job hunting ishard work.

Think like thehiring manager.

The hiring manager wants to hire you.

Customize your resume for every job for which you apply.

Nobody cares about your objective.

Replace your objective with a summary.

Summarize yourself.

• Six years software development team leader in C++ and Java.

• Two years Windows/Unix system adminsitration for Fortune 500 companies.

• Extensive background with payroll control systems.

Nobody will read your entire resume

without a reason.

Why do you havean objective

on your resume?

Don't do anything without a reason.

Lose the clichés

Lose the clichés

• Professional

• Industrious; hard worker

• Good people person; Team player

• Motivated; self-starter; makes things happen

• Strong communication skills

Lose the clichés

• Dedicated; determined; reliable

• Customer focused

• Problem solver

• Can-do attitude

• "I do whatever it takes to get things done."

Y! are a

unique & beautiful

snowflak"

... but this is my desk.

Job boardsby the numbers

11.2%of hires come

from job boards.

http://www.careerxroads.com/news/SourcesOfHire08.pdf

CareerBuilder's mission:

Our mission is to be the global leader in online recruitment advertising by

being an employee-driven, customer-focused organization that provides the best rate of

return to our stakeholders.

Translation:They don't care if you

get a job or not.

50-70% of hirescome from

recommendations and networking.

I would rather hire someone I know

I would rather hire someone I know

or known by someoneI know.

There aren't100 jobsfor you.

Don't waste your time pursuing jobs

you don't want.

Research thecompany hard.

Research the company

• Company website and PR department

• Local newspaper

• Business publications

• Chamber of Commerce

• Postings online by employees

Research = better understanding of the

company's needs.

Write a cover letter.

The cover letter

• Tells that you are interested in the job.

• Gives you room to tell more stories than the resume.

• Covers any connections you have with the company.

Your interview isyour first day

at your new job.

Know the answer to these questions.

Tell me about yourselfand

Why should we hire you?

Where do you want to be in five years?

What's your greatest weakness?

Tell me about a problem you had with another team member.

You will get these questions, so prepare.

15 ways tokill an interview

15 ways tokill an interview

• Show up late

• Be unprepared

• Chew gum or smoke, or smell like smoke

• Shake hands like a fish

• Have bad breath or body odor

15 ways tokill an interview

• Come underdressed

• Speak ill of anyone, including especially past employers

• Complain or discuss your problems

• Bring up your needs: Money, benefits

• Lie

15 ways tokill an interview

• Appear uninterested

• Appear overenthusiastic or desperate

• Fail to ask your own questions

• Leave your phone on

• Cut the interview short

Send a thank-you note.

It's just polite.

theworkinggeek.com