Job Seeking Myths

BUSTING JOB SEARCH MYTHS

Presented by Jeff DavisRecruiterCareer Strategies, Inc

Copyright 2011-Present by Jeff Davis and JefftheHRGuy.wordpress.com

Overview and Objectives

By the end of this presentation you will...

• Understand how to strategize your job search during an economic downturn.

• Understand how job competition is artificial.

• Use your personal and professional networks in an effective manner.

• Be able to write well-crafted cover letters and resumes.


Overview and Objectives

By the end of this presentation you will...

• Be prepared for interviews, even when your interviewer is not.

• Effectively deal with rejection.

• LAND YOUR DREAM JOB!!!


ABOUT JEFF DAVIS

• Obtained his Bachelor’s of Arts from UCLA in 2006.

• Obtained a Certification in HR Management from UCLA Extension and passed the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) Exam in 2008.

• Has worked as a recruiter for Aerotek and Manpower, two of the largest privately owned staffing firms in the world, and Forever 21, one of the largest privately owned retail companies in the world.


ABOUT JEFF DAVIS

• Former Diversity Chairperson for PIHRA – District 5.

• Writer for two blogs: JefftheHRGuy and JeffHasJobs.

• Currently writing a book, The Pinocchio Problem: How to Turn Young Blocks of Wood into Exemplary Employees

• The number one reason why I’m an “expert”: I’ve been in your shoes as a job-seeker.


No one is hiring

Myth #1


Myth #1: No One is hiring

• Over 1,000 jobs based in Los Angeles County and another 1,000+ Orange County based jobs are currently posted on Monster.com.

• As of August 2011, unemployment in Orange County was at 9%, down from a high of 10.2% in March 2010.


Myth #1: No One is hiring

• As of September 2011, unemployment in Los Angeles County was at 12.4%, down from a high of 13.4% in July 2010.

• New unemployment aid applications dropped to a 7 month low in September 2011.

• Employers advertised more jobs in Sept 2011 than at any other point in the past 3 years. (www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9QSL1P80.htm)


There’s too much competition amongst job

seekers

MYTH #2


Myth #2: TOO MUCH COMPETITION AMONGST JOB SEEKERS• It is very rare that a hiring manager or recruiter will say,

“Job-Seeker X is better than Y.”• You’re not competing against other job-seekers. You’re

competing against two intangible ideas….1. The job description: After all, this is the hiring manager’s

idea of what they’re looking for.• Your own resume: Your resume will set the hiring manager’s

expectations regarding what you can bring to the table. You will want to meet or exceed these expectations at every step in the recruiting process.

• Bottom line: DON’T LET THIS BE AN EXCUSE!!!


Posting my resume on job boards and

applying to online ads is enough.

MYTH #3


MYTH #3: USING INTERNET TOOLS IS ENOUGH

• Only about 15-20% of all available jobs are publicly advertised.

• Only about 5% of job-seekers obtain their jobs through online ads.

• Word of mouth is still a great tool.

• Don't forget newspapers and trade magazines.


MYTH #3: USING INTERNET TOOLS IS ENOUGH• MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR PERSONAL NETWORKS AND

GO TO NETWORKING EVENTS. THEY WILL PAY DIVIDENDS.

• Networking may also allow you to discover rumblings of upcoming openings before they are advertised.

• Need to find networks? Check out meetup.com.


Social Media won’t help me find a job.

MYTH #4


MYTH #4: SOCIAL MEDIA DOESN’T MATTER

• LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter are quickly becoming 3 of the most used tools by recruiters.

• Facebook just announced that it will be launching a job-board. Details still TBA.

• All three sites help recruiters find passive job seekers and helps verify information on resumes.


MYTH #4: SOCIAL MEDIA DOESN’T MATTER

• As a job-seeker, you should try to connect with as many recruiters as possible on these sites, whether they know you personally or not (including a note as to why you need their help doesn’t hurt though).

• Want recruiters and hiring managers to get to know you before the interview? Start a blog!

• The more you use these sites and the more professionals you connect to, the more it will pay off.


Want the full presentation?

E-mail Jeff Davisat

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Job Seeking Myths

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