Expert Job Search Advice from TheLadders

Video Chat Recap: Spring Clean Your Job Search

A follow-up on some of the most popular questions asked during Thursday's spreecast on cleaning up your job search.

Thanks to everyone who tuned in to yesterday’s spreecast on Spring Cleaning Your Job Search. Click on the following link to view this Spreecast and check out the hashtag #AmandaLIVE on Twitter for additional tips.

Before I dig into some of the topics we discussed yesterday, I’d like to share a few stats on a job seeker’s online presence.  According to a Jobvite social recruiting survey: 

• 86% of recruiters admit to reviewing candidates’ social network profiles, whether or not the candidate provided that information

• 70% turned down a candidate based on something they saw on their social media profiles

• 85% said a positive social media presence has influenced the hiring decision

As always, you can learn more about the job search and find out about our upcoming spreecasts by following me at @JobSearchAmanda on Twitter and liking my Facebook page. Now on to the questions!

Question #1

What is online presence?

As a job seeker, you need to develop a marketing campaign that will advertise your skills to employers in a variety of formats. These include how you are represented on paper, in person, and online. Take a look at the following articles to learn how to monitor your online brand, eliminate or push down bad results, and build a strong online presence that aligns with your resume.

• Overhaul Your Online Brand

• Get Back to Social Media Basics

 

Question #2

I'm relocating for work so my wife can attend medical school and trying to make a career switch since I recently got my MBA. How can I stand out to employers when I'm applying from so far away?

If you have an MBA or important certification in your field, add this acronym after your name on resume and profiles so recruiters can’t miss it. If you’re relocating, let recruiters know there’s a good reason for the move. In other words, make it clear you didn’t make this decision on a whim and that you’re not an expensive flight risk. Utilize your professional and alumni networks in your desired location to build your connections in the new area. Also, be prepared for a phone or Skype interview!

• Is Relocation Right for You?
• Go the Distance with Your Job Search

 

Question #3

I owned my own business for the past few years but I want to go back to the corporate world – any suggestions?

Stay away from calling yourself the owner or CEO of your latest venture, since you want to avoid any assumptions or stereotypes recruiters make about entrepreneurs (basically that you won’t play nice with others, etc. in the corporate setting because you’re used to running the show). Take a look at these articles for other pointers.

• Self-Employed to Employee: Making the Switch
• Resume Example: Consultant Targets In-House Work

 

Question #4

What should I do if my most recent job doesn’t isn’t as relevant to my current job goals as some of my earlier work?

Think of your resume and your online presence as an ad. You only have so much real estate to work with, and you want the most relevant information to go above the fold. Spend less real estate on the jobs that don’t support your job goals so that your more relevant roles will make it to the first page of your resume (or the top half of your profile).

Amanda Augustine is the Job Search Expert for TheLadders. She provides job search and career guidance for professionals looking to make their next career move. Have a question for Amanda? Submit your question here for a chance to have it answered in her weekly column, and be sure to follow  @JobSearchAmanda on Twitter and “Like” her on Facebook for up-to-the-minute job-search advice.

How to “Go the Distance” With Your Job Search [Ask Amanda]

Question:

What’s the best way to manage a long-distance job search? I’m currently employed in the Northeast, and want to find a new job in California. Is it wise to delete the address from my resume, as many employers would likely discard an out-of-state resume? Would replacing my current address with the address of a local relative be a good move? Is it a good idea to explain my intentions in the cover letter (initially too much information, better explained during a conversation)? - CB of Acton, MA

Answer:

Whenever someone talks about relocating, I immediately want to ask: “Why do you want to move?”

I ask this because relocating, especially in today’s saturated job market, can be difficult to do. Unless your skill set is incredibly unique and in high demand, recruiters and hiring managers will likely choose local candidates over out-of-towners to fill their roles.

Why?

For one, out-of-towners are more expensive. The company often has to pick up relocation costs. And second, they’re considered more of a flight risk. If you don’t have to relocate, then I don’t recommend doing it.

But I understand the decision is not always in your hands. You may need to move back home to take care of an ailing parent. Or your significant other was just relocated for work and you need to follow. Or maybe the market has shifted and requires you to move.

If relocation is likely on your horizon, I recommend following these 10 steps to make your long-distance search run more smoothly:

1. Whenever possible, research the market trends in your industry and identify locations where your line of work is in high demand and growing. This makes your skill set more valuable, and your current location less of an issue.

2. Consider locations where you have roots. You either lived or worked there before, or have family there. Play up these facts in your cover letter to show recruiters you didn’t choose this location on a whim – you’re a safe bet.

3. Target a specific location, rather than taking an “I’ll move anywhere” approach because you will need to familiarize yourself with the market, build up connections and participate in networking activities in your desired location.

4. Visit the location to make sure it’s the right place for you and your family. Familiarize yourself with the area – what’s the night life like? What neighborhoods would you want to live in? How are the schools?

5. Make sure you can afford to move. Check out the cost of living differences between your current and your desired locations, as well as the going rate for your job’s compensation. This could change your salary requirements.

6. Include the phrase “My family and I are willing to relocate to [location] at personal expense” (if applicable) within your resume and LinkedIn profile’s executive summary. This shows your commitment to relocate, and your family’s support.

7. Take your address off the resume.There’s a lot of debate over this practice, but I prefer to leave the address off, rather than use a relative’s address. It just looks weird when your address says California but your current job says Connecticut, you know?  If an application requires an address, that’s when I recommend using your relative’s local address.

8. Make networking a high priority during your search. Go through your connections to determine which contacts live in your desired location and reconnect. Start reading the local news online and explore local business directories and the chamber of commerce. Identify local groups to connect with that are industry-related.

9. Be prepared to travel. If you’re going to relocate, you must commit to traveling often for face-to-face networking and interviewing. Whenever possible, try to line up meetings around the block of time in the area to make your life easier (especially if you’re currently employed).

10. Master the virtual interview. Become comfortable with using Skype or other video conferencing software, as you’ll likely need to use it during the interview process.

Utilize these tips and you’ll be on your way to landing that job across the country! Click on the link for more information on relocating.

Amanda Augustine is the Job Search Expert for TheLadders. She provides job search and career guidance for professionals looking to make their next career move. Have a question for Amanda? Submit your question here for a chance to have it answered in her weekly column, and be sure to follow @JobSearchAmanda on Twitter and “Like” her on Facebook for up-to-the-minute job-search advice.