Missouri Association for Workforce Development 2011 Conference. Using Technology to Find Your Next Job. Frank Alaniz, Missouri Workforce Regional Liaison, SLATE Missouri Career Centers, presenter
2. Using Technology to Find Your Next Job
Let me ask you three questions?
1. Are your still using the same old job boards to look for a job?
a. If so, you need to see my presentation!
2. Are you still searching for the same job that you’ve had for the last xxx years?
a. If so, you need to see my presentation!
3. Do employers think you’re too old?
a. If so, you need to see my presentation!
Let technology be your guide to a successful job search strategy.
• Complete a quick skills gap analysis to determine if you have the skills current in today’s
job market and how to use this information in Optimal Resume.
• Find employers who utilize your skills so you can target the right employer with the right
skills
• Learn what tools other successful job seekers are using to find the right employment
opportunities
• Learn what tools employers are using to find the right job candidate
• Learn how to use Google to direct employment opportunities to your inbox on a daily
basis
• Take the 30 second resume test and learn how to use this test to create an Optimal
Resume Template
• Learn the secrets to overcoming the “Your Overqualified” syndrome utilizing today’s
technology! (Mature Worker)
o Use up to date interview tactics and use the Optimal Resume Interview as a
training aide.
• Overview on Using LinkedIn & Twitter for Employment Opportunities
o 71% of employers surveyed indicated that are going to increase the use of social
media for marketing and posting employment opportunities
o Your online presence shows your transparency, establishes you as a person
rather than a piece of paper (resume) to a recruiter
• Complete your Optimal Resume Portfolio with the following Tools.
o Job Search Log
o Skills Gap Review
o Job Application Template
o Other
3. Skills Gap Analysis
The following information is provided to you by our Skills Gap Team. This is a step
by step process for you to complete your analysis.
If at any time you have questions pertaining to this process feel free to contact our team during normal
business hours. You can access and print the required information from any location which has internet
and printer access including any Missouri Career Center location.
Walk Through:
URL: www.careeronestop.org
1) From the CareerOneStop.org website select “browse occupations”
2) Select either “keyword” search or select your industry title by occupational title
5. 3) Using the occupational search method you must select your industry preference.
4) Select Location
6. 5) Follow the next screens to complete the Pre-Program requirements:
8. 6) KSA’s: This information can be used when complete most Federal or Educational
applications. Informational only, please disregard at this time.
9. 7) Tasks and Activities; Detailed Work Activities: See instructions on the below screenshot on
how to complete this portion of the Pre-Program requirements. If you have any questions
for this portion please contact us.
Follow the directions on how to complete the first part of the Skills Gap Analysis
contained in the following screen shot!
11. 8) The following screenshots are for informational purposes only and screen size has been
reduced to a minimum. The “Related Occupations” will be discussed during the completion
of your Skills Gap Analysis.
20. Using to assist with your Job Search
When looking for career opportunities online, most job seekers use different techniques than typically
used while looking for information on the internet. They focus their search on job boards such as
Monster, HotJobs, and Career Builder, or aggregating job search engines such as Indeed and
SimplyHired.
Surprisingly the best job search tool on the internet is “Google”. If used correctly, Google can help you
find jobs you didn’t know existed.
Most of the time finding job information in Google shouldn’t be too hard to find. Using the following tips
over the next few pages will help you find more specific job search results versus just using job boards.
Test: I setup a test alert using the Search Term “Administrative Assistant” using Google Alerts, Indeed,
SimplyHired and CareerBuilder. Over a period of 3 weeks Google provided me with more than 50%
greater number of search results than Indeed and SimplyHired, and provided more than 70% over
CareerBuilder. Google, Indeed, SimplyHired and CareerBuilder provided both unique and duplicate
openings.
Secret Stuff: I’ve used Google Alerts most recently to assist an individual with very unique skills. We
were able to pull employment posting one to three days prior to the postings appearing on some of the
major job boards. This resulted with distinct advantage in the job search process. Google Alerts also
pick up openings from Craigslist and many smaller boards, most of which do not show up on the major
job boards.
Understanding Search Terms: Note that while Google is best search tool on the internet it can also be
as dumb as a bag of rocks. Google aggregates information based on “Search Terms”. Use the wrong
term (word) or be too specific in your search requirements and Google delivers you a good amount of
useless information. We also need to consider the employers “Search Terms” (position names) when
creating our “Search Terms”. One employer may call an Administrative Assistant a Secretary or maybe
an Admin Support Staff. As part of this process you will need to develop a set of search terms that are
most commonly used by employers and one or two that are unique to your skills.
Google Alerts: What is Google Alerts?
Google Alerts are email updates of the latest relevant Google results (web, news, etc.)
based on your choice of query or topic. (www.google.com/alerts)
21. Setting Up Gmail (Google Mail): While Gmail is not required to utilize Google Alerts, it is required if
you want to use the advanced features including management of your alerts. Go to www.gmail.com
and select “Create an account” or just login to your Google Account and go to www.google.com/alerts
Setting up Google Alerts
1. Enter your search term:
o 1st in quotes the position you are seeking “Administrative Assistant”
o 2nd (space)
o 3rd +(location) i.e. +St Louis (note there is no space between the plus (+) sign and the
first word of your location)
Your Search Term string should look something like this:
“Administrative Assistant” +St Louis
22. 2. Select the Type of Information you want:
o Use the term “Everything”. It will provide you with the most information pertaining to
your Search Term. The email will be divided into the categories below.
3. Select how often you wish to have the information delivered to your inbox:
o (Advice) Until you become familiar with using Google Alerts, I would recommend that
you use the “once a week” option. Using the “once a day” or “as-it-happens” will
quickly fill your inbox with duplicate information.
23. 4. Select “volume” or how much information to send you with each email.
o Select “only the best results”. This will provide you with the most relevant information
for your job search. If you choose “All results” you can get a lot of information, it
depends on your “Search Term”.
Most individuals think that a lot of information is a good thing. In this case
“relevant” information is the best solution.
5. Enter your Email address:
o Reminder: Using Gmail will give the most options for the utilization of Google Alerts.
(www.gmail.com)
6. Select “Create Alert”
24. 7. Google Alerts Results:
o Example of search results. Note: first posting is from Yahoo “Hot Jobs”. The next four
are from niche boards.
8. Disclaimer:
o As noted from AvidCareerist.com … “There isn’t a silver bullet for finding all of the on-
line openings for a particular job title. It’s good to set up both alerts and job board
feeds to find as many openings as possible.”
o Search Terms are my way of saying Job Titles or for those of you who are Geeks, search
queries. I’ve provided you with the simplest of search queries for this process. If you
desire to test your coding skills visit:
http://www.googleguide.com/advanced_operators.html
o For a more selective job search using Google Alerts use the following search string
"administrative assistant" AND (apply OR submit OR EOE) +St Louis
Use your Search Term and then type the rest of the search string exactly into
the Google Alerts search field.
This will give you a very limited but exact search. This string eliminates
almost all “non” job posting results. It also does not reflect a 100%
match on your search term. It’s looking for both your Search Term and
one of the following terms “apply”, “submit” or “EOE (equal opportunity
employer) which are commonly used terms on webapps and/or job
postings.
25. 30 Second Resume Test
[Type text]
Resume Test
1. 30 Second Resume Test
a. Take your one of your resumes and fold the name/contact
information towards the back of the document (show example)
b. Fold the employment history section towards the back of the
document (show example)
c. Look at the remaining section of your resume. If I as an employer
have only 30 seconds to determine what skills and accomplishments
you are bringing to my organization does the remaining section of
your resume reflect those skills?
2. Who Are You Resume Test
a. Turn your resume over
b. Pass your resume to the person on the Right
i. When you receive a resume do not turn it over
c. You now have 1 minute to review the resume and tell type of
employment this person is looking for and write that on the back of
the resume.
i. Note: That gives you 45 seconds to review and 15 seconds to
write the job title down.
ii. Note: If you can’t tell what type of employment the person is
seeking write “unclear” on the back as your answer
d. Now pass the resume back to the person who handed to you
i. (show of hands) Did the reviewer get your job title correct?
ii. (show of hands) How had “unclear”?
iii. (show of hands) Reviewers: How many found this an easy task
to accomplish
26. [Type text]
Optimal Resume ~ Professional Resume Development
Review our Professional Resume Guide
27. Over Qualified Syndrome
Here are some of the true reasons (i.e. employer’s worries and assumptions)
behind the “overqualified” statement:
• The applicant will be bored in the job
• The new hire will leave as soon as something better comes up
• The overqualified worker will be resentful about the position or develop a
bad attitude
• Worried the individual will be unwilling to do menial tasks or will feel the
work is beneath him or her
• Uncomfortable managing someone older or more experienced
• Insecure or competitive concerns about managing someone who may aspire
to rise in the ranks
• Applicant does not really want the job but is simply desperate for work
• Skills are stale.
• Mature applicant is not a modern, flexible thinker
• Old style communication a mismatch for fast-paced short-hand used in many
work places
• Culture clash if 40+ worker is accustomed to a more formal workplace
• Applicant may be difficult to work with, judgmental or unpleasant
• Mature worker may be slow or struggle with new ways of doing things or, it
may simply be that there are too many qualified applicants, so hiring
manager is looking for a flattering way to turn people down.
The issue is likely to come up at three possible junctures:
1. You may be told very early in the process you are not being considered because
you are overqualified.
2. At some point in the interview, the interviewer may bring it up.
3. Near the end of the interview, when you “close the gap”, it is raised as a concern
As soon as the issue is brought up, first and foremost, identify the specific concern.
How? By asking for detail and elaboration. For example “Can you tell me what
you mean by that?” or “Can you share more about your concern?” Through this
answer as well as through what you’ve learned about the job, hiring manager and
work environment, you will have some ideas about the true concern behind the
label.
28. You should address these issues in both your immediate response, throughout your
interview and follow-ups, as well as in your resume and elsewhere. In fact, even if
you are never told directly that you’re over qualification is a concern, you should
address it as you market yourself and interview.
Here are some ways to address concerns:
Show you will not be bored by listing specific challenges you’re looking forward
to taking on in this position and use examples from the past to show how you kept
yourself challenged
Express passion for the job and company as a way of showing you would not
quickly leave and are not taking the job out desperation
Demonstrate a highly positive attitude to address issues of resentment or
unwillingness to do menial tasks
Help younger managers feel comfortable with a warm communication style,
downplaying irrelevant achievements or successes from long ago
Overcome age related issues with contemporary communication, stories of
successfully working in fast-paced environments and problems solved through
flexible thinking
Quell competitive concerns by appearing eager to learn and grow but not ambitious
about climbing the corporate ladder or regaining a previously held level
Show what you’ve been doing to keep up with newer technologies and skills
One of the best ways to avoid the issue of “overqualified” is to position yourself as
a perfect match for the position and clearly communicate how your qualifications
are an asset to create values for the employer.
29. The reasons why it would be wise to hire a highly qualified applicant seem
obvious:
• Rapid ramp up
• Able to do job fully right away
• Ability to take on more than job requires
• Teacher and mentor to others
• Potential to create efficiencies and process improvements
• Expertise from past jobs to share
• Mature worker may bring increased stability
• New point of view in work group
• Variety in experience and background
• History of problem solving, getting through tough times
• Resiliency, experienced in dealing with challenges
• Self-started, motivated, used to working without close supervision
• Leadership skills and experience
• More connections and contacts
30. Age Discrimination – Reality or Myth?
It’s not how old you are, but how up to date you appear!
Quick tips on overcoming the perception of Age Discrimination:
Resumes:
• Never list the dates of graduation
o Example: University of Missouri St Louis, 1982
• Be careful on stressing “many, many, many” years of experience
o Example: Over 30 years of experience as a ……
• Use only the last 10 years of work experience
o Rule of thumb: If you need to identify specific experience for a specific position, 15 years or less
may be identified on your resume. Focus on what the employer needs. If you have researched
and cataloged your experience, it is likely you have identified transferable skills common with all
of your previous experience. Use www.careeronestop.org to help you identify these common
traits. These are some of your strengths and part of your maturity you bring to the employer.
• Use up-to-date descriptions of job duties and skills
o Example: Secretary should be listed as an Administrative Professional
www.quintcareers.com has an excellent listing of up to date terms.
• Emphasize Capabilities versus Experience
o Focus on the capabilities you acquired during your work life
Interviews:
• Send up-to-date visual message with appearance and dress
o Don’t wear dated clothes/hairstyles/etc.
• Use up-to-date jargon.
• Find out what the latest “buzz” words are for your industry.
• Don’t act like a know-it-all
o Unfortunately, many employers shy away from hiring seasoned people because these pros are
perceived as inflexible, over-trained and worst of all, think they know everything about
everything!
Note that you believe in constant learning, seeking out opportunities for new skills-
information. You do not have weaknesses that you can identify because when you find
something you are not familiar with or sure of you take steps to learn and improve your
skills set. You take a view of Constant Improvement or Life Long Learner.
31. o Downplay irrelevant achievements and success from long ago
o Emphasize stories of working in fast paced environments and problem solving through flexible
thinking
• Show what you’ve been doing to keep up with newer technology
• Talk more about the future than the past
o Use terms such as “comfortable with change”, “teamwork”, “motivated”
o Ability to do more than the job requires
o Ability to ramp up or do the job fully right away
Networking:
• Network on an ongoing basis with peers, former colleagues, former bosses, and members of online and
offline industry organizations. A recommendation from someone who knows you will do a lot to
neutralize the age concerns.
• Use Social Networking (LinkedIn, Twitter) to enhance your technology skills.
o A recent survey by JobVite.com (2010) indicated 92% of employers plan to leverage use of social
networks for recruiting, with LinkedIn leading the pack.
o JobVite.com also indicated that 36% of employers will spend less on job boards
• Having a poor LinkedIn Profile. Some example are:
o Not including a photo
o Not having a vanity URL
o Not having a searchable professional headline
Mindset:
• Whether you are under 30 or over 50 or somewhere in between jobseekers risk being view as out of
date if they are not keeping up with technology.
o Job search strategies have changed from as little as 18 months ago. We must look at what is
effective now not what has been “successful” in the past!
o Widespread use of the internet and social media has dramatically changed the mindset of
recruiters and employers.
o “Being a Missing Person”
I’ve recently met several individuals who were proud that if you “Google” them, they
were nowhere to be found. When I asked them why they weren’t participating in
internet savvy world they said “I’m protecting my privacy”. This makes them a missing
person!
Employers can only assume this person is out of touch with today’s technology and does
not understand how the internet works.
32. • Dismiss Age Discrimination Thoughts!
o Think age-neutral. If you go into an interview with the idea where you believe a young
person can’t possibly understand you, you’ve lost the interview. Show them your
enthusiasm, skills, interest and your ability to get the job done!
o If the subject of being “overqualified” (buzz word for being too old) comes up. Ask for detail
an elaboration as to why. You should address these issues with an immediate response. And
if you are prepared with information about the position, hiring manager and employer you
can successfully overcome their concerns.
Position yourself as a perfect match for the position and articulate how your
qualifications and skills are an asset to the company
o Reasons a highly qualified candidate can be a good choice:
Expertise from past jobs to share
History of problem solving and getting things done through tough times
Self started, motivated, use to working without close supervision
Leadership skills and experience
Teacher and mentor to others
o If you have done your homework, networking, and you have learned what the employer
needs and how you can fit it will be easier to bust the myth of older workers. Consider
yourself a Product and You are the Salesperson. In order to make a Sale show how your skills,
experience, maturity meet the employers needs and you have a chance at making the Sale
(You).
33. Optimal Resume ~ Interview Questions
Question Location
1. Briefly tell me about yourself Intro/Situational
2. What skill would you most like to improve in the short
Skills and Abilities
term?
3. How would you describe the culture at your last
Work Styles
employer? Did you fit in?
4. Persuade me to hire you? Zingers
5. Describe a situation where you worked with a group of
Interpersonal
people to accomplish a project or task?
6. What do you think are the talents and skills that set
Misc.
you apart?
7. Why have you left your prior positions? Goals
8. What have you been doing since you’ve been out of
Nursing
work?
9. Why are manhole covers round? Misc.
10. What is the one thing about yourself that has not
come up in the interview that you want our company Achievements
to know about?
34. LinkedIn & Twitter Overview
Integrate the traditional and social media approach to
Networking
It’s no surprise that LinkedIn has been extremely profitable and successful as of
late. Recruiters are starting to use LinkedIn as the main place for sourcing
candidates because it’s free and the top professionals are on there. Many people
don’t use LinkedIn to the best of their ability and fail to complete their entire
profile, such that it says “100% complete.”
Just like any other search engine recruiters are using, keywords are extremely
important. You want to fill out your entire profile, just like you would a resume,
but include the same avatar you are using on Twitter and ensure that the
summary section is complete. You’ll also want to get at least one recommendation
from a supervisor or friend, which will give you a “1 a “thumbs up”
″ next to
graphic when people search for you.
The more people you’re connected to the better because you’re only able to reach
other people in your network (1st, 2nd & 3rd degrees) by having these
connections. Finally, you should conduct searches on there for jobs that you may
be interested in and reach out to those individuals that may supply you with an
interview or referral.
New compete.com figures published by daype.com have LinkedIn in the number two spot on a
list of US jobs websites.
www.linkedin.com/in/frankalaniz www.twitter.com/@St8Wkr
35. Twitter has become the ultimate utility to connect directly with recruiters and
employees at companies you want to work for. By conducting Twitter searches,
following recruiters on your account and using the “@” sign to communicate with
them on occasion, you will start to learn a lot about them and their companies.
Before you follow anyone on Twitter, you HAVE TO have a completed profile. This
means, you should have a short bio, the location where you’re from, a link to a
site that recruiters can go to for more information (Recommend your blog or your
LinkedIn profile) and an avatar of yourself (not a clown or Homer Simpson
please). This way, you stand a better chance of securing an opportunity or a
relationship with people who care enough to read your profile.
Most people get jobs on Twitter by already having hundreds or thousands of
followers. For example, I’ve heard of at least ten people getting a job by tweeting
“just got laid off, looking for a job in finance” and then receiving a few direct
messages with people who want to help them. Of course, these individuals had
built trust, credibility and relationships with their followers over time, so they
were more inclined to come to their rescue. You can do the same, just start right
now!
Last 30 days: 1,681,703 job tweets
www.linkedin.com/in/frankalaniz www.twitter.com/@St8Wkr
37. Optimal Resume Portfolio
Recommended Contents:
• Job Search Log
• Completed Job Application
• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Resume Guide
• Cover Letter Guide
• Veterans Information
• Other Information
38. Resume Guide
Name
Address
Telephone Number (List only one ~ do not label (i.e. home, cell)
Email Address
LinkedIn Address
Summary: An effective introductory Summary statement at the opening of your resume is
a critical component of effectively branding yourself to a prospective employer. This is the first
part of your resume that a potential employer will read, and the goal is to communicate clearly
what your expertise is and why you are qualified. Often an “Objective” statement tends to
focus more your own interests as the job seeker, while a “Summary” statement communicates
what you can bring to the table in the targeted role for the organization. Why should they hire
you, essentially? This is communicated by highlighting the most relevant strengths, skills & core
competencies that are unique to you as a candidate, versus a trait or skill that’s an industry or
professional standard (i.e. “multi-tasker” or “team-player”). The Summary statement should be
no more than 4 lines and speak only to your professional background, and not address any
outstanding circumstances (employment gaps, change of career, personal experiences, etc.).
Accomplishments: Let's start by understanding what kinds of accomplishments or
achievements are important to employers and hiring managers. In her book, Resume Magic,
Susan Britton Whitcomb explains that every jobseeker has "buying motivators" - these are the
contributions that you have made in your career that would encourage a hiring company to
"buy" you or in other words hire you. Simply put - every company listens to the same radio
station WIFI - What's In It For Me. Think of areas in which you have helped make your company
successful and create career-defining accomplishments. Don't be fooled - quantifiable
accomplishments are NOT only for sales executives. Your stories can be created around other
accomplishments.
Here are a few other examples of buying motivators:
Made money for the company
Helped the company save money or reduce costs
Implemented processes that save time or increase work productivity
Improved company's competitive advantage in the marketplace
Enhanced corporate image or building company's reputation in its industry
1 This outline is a compilation of ideas from many sources and programs. Thanks to all who
have contributed their valuable time and efforts to assist others.
39. Resume Guide
Skills: Transferable Skills: Simply put, transferable skills refer to the generally applicable
skills you've gained in your life to date. They include (but are not limited to) skills you may have
learned at a previous job, in academic settings, or even during leisure activities. Most job
postings list the skills required of successful applicants. Use this information to your advantage.
Tailor your resume letter to match by highlighting those activities and experiences where you
gained your most valuable skills. Limit your skills to those top ten skills listed on the employer’s
job posting supported by an additional set of skills (no more than 5) that will set you apart from
other applicants.
Employment History: The chronological resume is preferred by the widest variety of
employers, as well as by recruiters and many of the Internet job boards. Recruiters and hiring
managers tend to like this resume format because it's easy to read and clearly demonstrates your
job history and career advancement/growth. Include the company name, title, location
(city/state) and dates of employment. Provide information on skills and achievements for this
period. Show where skills (Skills Area) and achievements (Achievements Area) and how they
applied to this position. If you were at a company for several years and held different positions
list those positions separately under the original company heading along with skills and
achievements. Remember Volunteer opportunities are considered Work… List these as part of
your Employment History.
Examples:
(Contingency/Contract Worker)
ABC Inc, (company where you worked) Temps are Us (name of contractual employer) St
Louis, MO
Title: (Don’t use the title “Contractor” unless that is what your actual title was, use the title you
were hired to fill (i.e. Program Analysis, Administrative Professional, etc.))
(Volunteer)
ABC Inc, St Louis, MO
Title: (Use your actual Volunteer Title, i.e. Support Staff, Facilitator, etc.) (followed by
“Volunteer”, in quotes.
Education: Education/Training. Include all the pertinent information regarding education,
degrees, training, and certifications. Spell out names of degrees. Include the educational
institution's name and location. If currently enrolled in an educational program, list expected
graduation month and year. Graduates should list graduation year if within the last 10 years.
Affiliations: List all affiliations current and past if appropriate for this position
2 This outline is a compilation of ideas from many sources and programs. Thanks to all who
have contributed their valuable time and efforts to assist others.
40. Resume Guide
10 Resume Mistakes (Quint-Careers.com)
1. Resume Lacks Focus
2. Resume is duties-driven versus accomplishments driven
3. Resume items are listed in an order that doesn't consider the reader's interest
4. Resume exposes the job-seeker to age discrimination by going too far back into the job-
seeker's job history
5. Resume buries important skills, especially computer skills, at the bottom
6. Resume is not bulleted
7. Resume uses a cookie-cutter design based on an overused resume template
8. Resume has misspelled words or grammatical mistakes
9. References are listed directly on your resume
10. Resume's appearance becomes skewed when sent as an e-mail attachment and/or resume
is not available in other electronic formats (send PDF format if at all possible)
3 This outline is a compilation of ideas from many sources and programs. Thanks to all who
have contributed their valuable time and efforts to assist others.
41. Cover Letter Guide
Your Street Address
City, State xxxxx
Email Address
Date
(Hit enter 4 times after date and then include the following information below.)
Hiring Manager Name
Company Name
Company Street Address
City, State xxxxx
Dear Ms. or Mr. Smith, (Use the name or Director of Human Resources.)
I am interested in being considered for the position of _________. I have _____ years of
experience in the areas of ________, ________, and _________ with an interest in
_________.
The reason for writing a cover letter is to introduce yourself to a potential employer, and to
highlight your best qualities that paint you in a positive light as the best candidate for the job.
This is where you may explain in more depth certain aspects of your experience or skills that
may be difficult to emphasize or communicate on your resume. A resume follows a specific and
fairly formal format. The cover letter gives you an expanded venue to discuss your credentials in
more depth, or address issues of importance. You might also address an employment gap in a
cover letter, if it otherwise appears as a big red flag on your resume. You do not address this on
your resume directly – there’s no room, and it overshadows your skills and accomplishments,
which is what they’re scanning the resume for in the first place.
Most job postings list the skills required of successful applicants. Use this information to your
advantage. Tailor your cover letter to match by highlighting those activities and experiences
where you gained your most valuable skills.
Your final paragraph should include your strong interest in the position, recap the
qualifications you listed above (List a total of 3 qualifications) along with a passion for
_________ (List fourth qualification here). Please contact me at xxx-xxx-xxxx at your
earliest convenience to set up an interview to learn more about the __________
position. I look forward to meeting with you.
Sincerely,
Your signed name (IN BLUE)
Your typed name first and last
42. Frank Alaniz
Missouri Regional Workforce Liaison
frank.alaniz@ded.mo.gov www.linkedin.com/in/frankalaniz