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Using Linkedin in Your Job Search – 7 Key Tips

by Jim Manierre on May 9, 2012 in Career Advice, Job Search Tips

A successful job search campaign will require you to utilize an array of tools involving both passive and active strategies. While online job boards and networking remain highly popular methods of job search, social media can prove to be one of the most valuable methods at your disposal.  
The most often used social media site for the business community is LinkedIn.com with over one hundred thirty five million members in over 140 industries around the globe. This means that employers from worldwide are on the site and you may link with them directly by signing up for an account and building a profile.
Most professional users on the site build a résumé-like profile which lists where they now work and have worked in the past. This provides you with a target rich forum in which to identify potential employers.  And the service is free!

What follows are seven key tips for using LinkedIn to locate new employment. You will find these tips to be most useful if you already have an account or sign up for one and have added ten to twenty connections.

  1. Spread the word. By having a LinkedIn account
    you can spread the word about your job search. LinkedIn has a status
    update feature that lets your network know about your employment status
    and what type of position you are looking for.  The more people who know of your search
    the more your chances of connecting with someone who can help!

The complete article is available right here. LinkedIn Logo

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How to Identify Nursing Hiring Managers During Your Job Search

by Jim Manierre on January 13, 2011 in Job Search Tips

When searching for a nursing job independently, it can be a challenge to identify the hiring manager at the facility you wish to work. At the same time it is important to address all correspondence, such as résumés and cover letters to a specific person. You will also want to follow-up with these individuals directly after about three or four days in an attempt to obtain an interview appointment.  Read More Here…

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Tips for Online Nursing Applications

by Jim Manierre on June 27, 2010 in Job Search Tips, Online Jobs

As you progress in your search, you will realize that online applications have become the norm for most employers.   Some online applications link from postings on job boards.  But even if you go directly to the employer’s site, expect to complete you application online. This can even be true if you are applying in person.  Many human resource departments have kiosks with terminals where you complete your application.
Why has the hiring process become so high tech?  Technology saves time and money for employers.  Rather than having a person screen applications, the computer can be used to screen out unsuitable applications.  Sometimes applicants are dumped into the reject pile not because of their job qualifications, but because of mistakes they made in completing the application.
So while it saves employers time and money, online applications present some new hurdles for job applicants. To get through these, you need to understand the process so you can avoid the hurdles.  This, in simple terms, is how the process works.
Applications and/or resumes are collected in a database.  Someone in the human resource department decides on key words to use to screen applicants.  This makes the computer look for certain phrases or words in your application.  No matches and you go to the reject file.  You will also get kicked out if the computer can’t read your application because of a formatting mistake.
As you can see, it takes more than job qualifications to make it out of the database with your application intact.   Here are some tips to help.
• Read the directions before filling out the application!  While this seems like an obvious step everyone would take, many people just skip right over directions.  It is not safe to assume that if you’ve completed one application, you can complete any application.  The process varies from employer to employer.
• Don’t cut and paste from your resume to answer questions.  The wording from your resume might not use the same words that the computer is searching for.
• Match the words and phrases used in the job description.  Model you language after that used in the job posting.
• Make good use of the comment section. Use it to highlight your skills or to add quotes from your references.
•  Complete all fields.  This includes the ones that are optional.
• When asked, attach your resume. For online applications, make sure you have created a resume in a simple form, with no extra graphic elements or font styles

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How to find a recruiter

by Jim Manierre on June 24, 2010 in Job Search Tips

Once you’ve decided to get help in your job search, you need to find a recruiting firm.  There are many firms that specialize in healthcare professionals.  Before you start looking, make sure you understand the difference between the two types of job search firms: the recruiting firm and an employment agency.

Recruiting firms are hired, and paid for, by employers.  Some companies use recruiting firms to fill  certain critical positions.  Many companies have found it cost effective to turn over all of their professional hiring to a recruiting firm.  In order to get your resume in front of the most employers, you should choose more than one recruiting firm.

Employment agencies work for, and are paid for, by you.  In most cases, the use of an employment agency is not recommended, particularly for healthcare professionals who are in high demand.  If you are having difficulty in your job search, consult with a job coach or use the services of your university, or professional association.

The internet is the best resource to use to find a recruiting firm.  Listed below are a list of directories of recruiting firms.  You can search these using profession, job title, or location.

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How to pick a recruiter to help in your job search

by Jim Manierre on June 22, 2010 in Job Search Tips

You might want to get help with your job search by hiring a professional recruiter.  There are several benefits to using a recruiter.  Your recruiter is an expert in job search skills and can serve as your job search coach.  If you are working, a search professional will be able to do the heavy lifting for you in your search, doing the research you don’t have time to complete.  Since some firms only hire through recruiters, using such a firm may give you access to companies that don’t hire through public notice. 

Before you sign on with a recruiter, make sure you ask some questions. How long has the recruiter been with this company, and how long has the company been in business. Ask the recruiter to describe the process.  Make sure you get specifics on how they will market you to potential employers.  Ask for references, and check them out.   Find out if the former clients were satisfied and would use the recruiter again. 

A good recruiter will ask you questions about your job expectations.  He should want to what you are looking for in a job, if you are willing to relocate, and what salary and benefit package you need. Answer each question honestly and completely. This is an important professional relationship. You and your recruiter need sufficient information to decide if the two of you are a good fit.

Our next post will help you find that perfect recruiter.

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