Tag Archives: perfect job

How to Use Job Hunting Sites to Find Jobs during COVID-19

I wrote a series of posts several years ago about job hunting, but let’s be honest, this year, everything has changed.

Since COVID-19 has introduced new normal on a massive scale across the globe, millions are searching for remote jobs to make both ends meets.

Knowing exactly what to do is most important since scores of online platforms claim to help job seekers but most of them mainly advertise jobs redirecting the visitors to the companies’ page.

It doesn’t suffice since you are looking for something effective than a mere ad posting service. If you want to know how to find jobs during COVID-19 keep reading this till the end.

Use the Right Job Hunting sites for your career

If you also are among those thousands of professionals who lost jobs during the lockdown you need not panic.

Finding remote jobs online isn’t a tough ask however you need to know the right place where you can find the most suitable vacancies. Indeed.com, monster.com, workopolis.com, glassdoor.com, and LinkedIn.com are some of the most credible platforms for you to find the right job in these critical times.

Before using these sites, the following are the important preparatory steps as homework to optimize the chances of success:

1. Self-Assessment

Some governments are offering unemployment benefits to anybody who lost his or her job during the pandemic. If you haven’t filed for your locally allowed unemployment benefits, do it right now!

It is important to assess the situation carefully and see if the jobs in your industry are still open in other countries. If the lockdown impact has hit your industry hard, for instance, the hospitality and travel industry, widen the scope of the search to look for a job in a different industry not heavily hurt by the lockdown.

Your skill set and experience aren’t necessarily limited to one industry so make sure to shortlist other industries where you can translate your expertise without much effort.

For instance, if you worked as a tourist guide, you may now target the jobs for which communication skills, adaptability, and customer service skills are required.

2. Analyze the Situation by Browsing Careers

Perceptions can be wrong especially under critical circumstances. Don’t rely on the guesswork!

It is a good idea to first browse through different major industries to see if new positions are still available. This will give you a better idea of the ground realities.

Once you spend sufficient time browsing through industries and careers, shortlist the industries you think are suitable depending on your expertise and experience.

3. Try a Variety of Relevant Tags and Keywords

Websites and social media platforms heavily depend on tags and keywords. Make sure to try a variety of well-targeted keywords to get the most relevant search results.

You can also search for jobs by inserting hard and soft skills, for instance, Social Media Marketing, Virtual Assistant, Customer Service, etc.

4. Remote Jobs and Area-Specified Jobs

Now move on to prioritize the location or region if you are not interested in remote jobs. However, amid COVID-19, I feel safe to say that remote jobs are more suitable until you don’t find a job in your area.

Obviously, the hiring process for remote jobs is quicker as compared to in-office jobs. Most job-hunting sites offer a Remote Job or Work from Home tab to filter search results.

Popular job-hunting sites let you create your account and profile making it easier for you to save and track the status of jobs and applications.

5. Be More Specific

After browsing through careers and available vacancies, you can afford to be more specific by using job titles instead of a bunch of tags and keywords. Don’t forget to make the most of all available filters. The best way is to hit the Search tab without filters and then try applying filters one by one.

6. Enable Job Alerts

After losing your job, you must not mind receiving email alerts since these are exceptional circumstances and you can’t afford to neglect apparently minor things because you never know when a job alert introduces you to your next job when you desperately need it.

Popular job-hunting websites offer job alerts you can enable to keep receiving the latest updates in your inbox.

7. Proofread Your Resume before Uploading

We all keep digital copies of CVs and resumes and it is natural to forget updating these documents. Make sure to proofread your CV and resume before you upload.

See if the dates are correct, the cover letter is up to date, and the objectives are not off the mark. You might have last updated your resume before the COVID-19 breakout.

Things were different then, and today, you may have to shift the industry to update the cover letter accordingly otherwise things might look silly since the entire situation is different now.

8. Don’t Lose Momentum

It may take longer than you want to find the right job or get an interview call. Signs of frustration in such unprecedented times are obvious but don’t let frustration break your momentum.

Be consistent with job hunting efforts, try multiple platforms, and spend sufficient time without skipping days. In addition, make sure to keep everything ready in an anticipation of an interview call on short notice.

9. Stay Positive and Ready

“I’ll start preparing for the interview as soon as I receive a call”, is what you MUST NOT tell yourself.

Instead, always anticipate the positive scenario and keep practicing for the interview, check Zoom or other virtual meeting platforms if they are working alright, make sure that the internet connection stays stable, and keep practicing in front of the mirror or by recording video sessions to identify and overcome the mistakes you must avoid during the real interview.

Conclusion

In some countries, governments are helping jobless professionals with virtual career coaching programs. Get the information about such positive steps from the federal or local government and make the most of these facilities to effectively search for jobs during COVID-19.

How to Land the Perfect Job – Part 5 (Interviewing)

Check out the previous posts related to the Job Search.

Part 1 – Job Boards & Recruiters
Part 2 – Networking & Other Job Search Methods
Part 3 – LinkedIn
Part 4 – The Resume & Cover Letter

 

Confident Interviewing 

Before you even consider the tips and bits of advice that will make the interview less stressful, you must, first of all, fit the role. An interview is intended to give you a chance to prove why you are the best fit for the job at hand. 

You should have a clear understanding of the company’s operation and objectives instead of telling them where you think you would fit. An interview requires confidence in order for the interviewee to convince the interviewers easily. Nonetheless, it is important to practice. 

Practicing and playing out the interview in your mind will help you avoid small mistakes that can affect your interview. A good preparation will also make you confident as you enter the interview. 
You can use the STAR exercise to present your career accomplishments briefly during the interview. It is also important to prepare questions concerning the role you are applying for. The questions should not be confronting but as a way of knowing more about the company.
  

Executing a Great Interview as a Senior Level Professional 

Most executive professionals are the ones who usually hire employees. When it comes to getting hired, you have to be prepared as well. 

Every executive panel will be difficult despite your job position so it is up to you to prepare and give them a worthy reason to hire you. 

First of all, you have to be able to sell your skill and not simply tell it. The difference between the two is that with telling you are just pointing out what you have accomplished while with selling it is quantifying your achievements in an orderly manner. This is more or less providing the best definition for your career accomplishments. 

Be sure to turn negative comments to positive comebacks that will show you are competent in coping with your weaknesses. You should, however, avoid being too confident and boastful to avoid putting the employers off. 

Getting an appointment booked means you have already passed the first test and the employers want to hear from you and even give you a chance. All that is left to do is taking the initiative and making sure the interview is smooth and streamlined. 

Good Leadership Skills 

If you are looking for a senior level job position, then you should know that leadership is one of the main aspects that is usually tested. 

An employer will want to work with someone who can get the job done and also have the appropriate managerial skills to make work more efficient. Focusing on your leadership skills and accomplishments can help you ace your interview especially if the employer is looking for a manager and not simply a technical employee. 

Being a leader is not something simple. In a business setting, you will find many different pressures that can sometimes make you less effective in your managerial duties. Employers look for employees who can undertake managerial duties and not be overwhelmed. If you can portray these qualities in your achievements, you can be sure to land the job. 

 Learning how to Maneuver ‘Deep’ Questions 

For top-level professionals being vetted for a job, the questions that are asked during the interview may differ a lot as compared to other technical employees. 

Some interviewers may want to know how you dealt with your worst or biggest challenge and which is the biggest mistake you have ever made. 

These and other similar questions are aimed at determining how you respond to situations. As a senior level professional, you should prepare yourself for such questions during an interview. 

For you to effectively answer these questions, you have to be self-aware. These deep questions test whether you have really understood the cause of your mistakes in the past or if you still are not certain as to what may have caused the problem. 

Top level management jobs are prone to more intensive grilling compared to other technical employment since the job has larger responsibilities that affect the company largely. In most cases, these deep questions are what causes most people to either lose or win the interview. 

Your Ambition is Priceless 


Being open and vocal about your ambitions can be very important in winning over an interview. Employers usually opt for someone who is passionate and goal oriented. 

If you can prove to the employing board that your ambition in the company would bring them more benefits they will be more inclined to give you a chance. 

Openly discussing your ambitions may be sensitive but you should be able to bring out your true nature which is one of the factors that employers look for. Your ambition should be linked or tuned towards the company’s objectives to bring more impact to your pitch. 

Feel free to continue this series of posts or skip ahead to a section that is more relevant to yourself by choosing one of the options below:

How to Land the Perfect Job – Part 4 (Resume & Cover Letter)

Feel free to continue this series of posts or skip ahead to a section that is more relevant to yourself by choosing one of the options below:


 

Writing a Resume for a Senior Level Position 

Despite being in senior management positions, most people do not know how to write a winning resume. When it comes to executive positions, crafting a resume requires a bit more prowess in order to convince the employer that you are good enough for the C-Suite. 

One of the things that you should tweak from your old resume are the resume objectives at the top. In an interview, you want the employers to look at your executive professionalism that claims you suit the role before they can view your personal goals and aspirations. 

  • A five-bullet summary of your value propositions will act brilliantly in convincing the employers of your qualified status. 
  • For your executive objectives, you can include a section on the resume to highlight your core executive principles. This section should display some of your areas of expertise in senior level management. 
  • If you intend on posting the resume online, you can use keywords which will make it simpler to be found in an online search.

 In writing a resume, you have to update your current skills and achievements in order to be most appealing to the employer. For most people, they don’t find it necessary to change their resume when applying for a new job and this can negatively affect their hiring. 

In the case of senior-level positions, most employers will expect you to fit the role of an executive profile and your resume will help in building this. One of the things you can do to boost your resume is getting a professional to review it. This can help you see what your resume may be missing to awe the employers. 

In your resume, you should have valid numbers and data that supports your credentials. Numbers speak a lot in a resume and they can easily convince the employers instead of having to explain every single executive achievement. Your relevance to the job position should also reflect on your resume. Having a current and updated resume will make it less tedious to convince the employers and land a job. 

Creating a Cover Letter 


For top-level executives in Customer Service, writing a cover letter may prove to be quite hard. This is because the cover letter is the first impression you will have on the employers. 

First of all, your cover letter should be well suited for the specific role you want to get. Ensure that you are the exact fit for the job you want when writing the resume. 

A brief and detailed cover letter is more inviting than one which is crowded. Always make your cover letter short and to the point so that the employer can have the entire scope of what you can do in a moment. You can use bullet points to list down executive prowess in a simple and reliable manner. 

It is important to always leave your contact information on your cover letter because this is what the employers will use to determine whether you are fit to hire.  Employers will always want to see the team building and leadership experience skills that a top-level executive has to offer and this is what you should provide on the resume. 

Sharing statistics can be more compelling than simply writing the task you had undertaken although it is important to keep the cover letter as brief as possible. It may add you some points if you choose to start the cover letter with a salutation that is directly aimed at the employing board. This will show that you have done your research and know what you want. 

Feel free to continue this series of posts or skip ahead to a section that is more relevant to yourself by choosing one of the options below:

How to Land the Perfect Job – Part 3 (LinkedIn)

Check out Part 1 – Job Boards & Recruiters & Part 2 – Networking & Other Job Search Methods.

Using and Leveraging LinkedIn

For professionals who are seeking to get a new job, having a LinkedIn profile can be of great service.

As we know, LinkedIn is one of the top professional social networking sites which provides a platform for companies to find qualified employees. It’s a site I’ve been using and writing about for years!


LinkedIn is not like every other job searching website in that you can have the chance to show your full profile. For most people who are successful in using LinkedIn to land a senior level position, they can tell you for free that how you present your profile is what determines if you get hired.

Having a welcoming profile with frequently updated skills and achievements will make it easier to land a job on LinkedIn. Your LinkedIn headline is also an important tool in job searching. People usually see your profile picture and your headline when they search for candidates and it would be quite convincing if your headline was a brief statement highlighting all that you do.

LinkedIn has numerous features that you can use to make job searching much easier. First of all, you can employ the Advanced Search on LinkedIn to find specific businesses or people and learn more about them from their profile and bio. Like all social platforms, LinkedIn gives you the option of following companies you are interested in and stay informed about their news and vacant positions that may arise.

You can only fully benefit from LinkedIn if you are active and current. Posting recent objectives and accomplishments can help improve your profile to prospective employers. The more interaction you have, the more you are noticed and the more likely you will land a superb employer. 

Targeting the Hidden Job Sector 

In the Customer Service Field, it is true to say that not all jobs are posted on the common job searching websites. Sometimes you have to look for the hidden jobs that do not make it to advertising platforms. 

This hidden job sector accounts for up to 80% of Customer Service jobs that are not advertised. To get to this hidden job market you have to be creative and smart. You have to look where others are not looking. For example, you can use Google Maps to locate companies that are hiring around your area. 

You can also reap from online alerts like Google Alerts to learn what is happening in different companies that you are interested in. Use your network of friends and associates to find the jobs that are available but not posted on the websites. 

What to Avoid when Searching for a Job as a Senior Level Executive 

In most cases, senior-level professionals don’t see the need to sell themselves. They think that their reputation and work experience will be enough to awe the employing company to hire them. 

This is a wrong mindset to keep in today’s world. C-level executives have to be even more convincing in interviews if they are to be given responsibility for managing or being in charge of a section of the company. 

Preparation is just as important for a C-level executive as it is for a technical employee. As a senior executive, you have to be prepared for confronting questions that may put you on the hot seat. A thorough preparation for the role you desire to get is crucial in winning your interview. 

Avoid asking too many questions about the role and focus on selling your skills and management prowess to the employing company. Being proud of your previous achievements will not help you land a job with new employers. 

Feel free to continue this series of posts or skip ahead to a section that is more relevant to yourself by choosing one of the options below:

How to Land the Perfect Job – Part 2 (Networking)

Continuing on from our previous post (How to Land the Perfect Job – Part 1), let’s stay focused on the Job Search process.


Thought Leadership in Job Searching

Have you tried thought leadership in your job search? Thought leadership is a job searching method where you share your opinions, views, and insights within your target companies or on your online career profile. This is aimed at attracting employers who are looking for that specific mindset. 

The main aspect of thought leadership is to be able to show your employer how you think and how you would react in most circumstances. Thought leadership is not about re-blogging and reposting other people’s opinions and posts. 

Thought leadership is a brilliant job searching technique for management-level professionals. This is mainly because managerial positions require an opinionated person who can make firm decisions and ensure usual business activities are run despite shortcomings. Thought leadership will also work best if you have a powerful profile that people can associate your ideas with. This will help build your professional image to the public as well as prospective employers. This method is easy to implement given the technology advantages that we have today.

Networking in Job Searching


Networking is not for everybody. Some people prefer getting a recruiter or someone who will help them get a job. What these people don’t know is that networking can help you build your career profile. 

In customer service, communication and social skills are some of the automatic instincts that a professional should have. This will put them in an easier position to network with other managers. 

Networking is all about forging business relationships that are mutual and supportive of both parties. One of the benefits of networking is that you never lose. Even though a contact may be unsuccessful in landing you a job in a certain company, you don’t leave empty-handed. Since the contact is a professional as well, they can offer guidance and advice on how best to tackle a specific interview or how to sell the profession. 

Having a network of business contacts is also important in letting you know the latest business posts and news in major firms. This can help you be among the first to learn about a hiring program or a vacant position that you are suitable for.

Company Targeting

Company targeting is a way through which you can search for jobs in companies that are yet to provide the job vacancy. Company targeting is like requesting for jobs that are not yet available but when they do become available then you will be the one of the first to be notified. It is quite convenient for senior executives who are not interested in hiring or looking for recruiters. 

Company targeting can be applied by people who cannot find their specific job descriptions in the listings online and so they can approach a business owner directly to pitch their idea. Although you won’t get a job immediately with company targeting, you can become a prospective employee of the stated company.

Connect with Your Alumni

Associates from University and College can help you get a desirable job. In order to reap career-wise from your alumni, you have to have networking skills. These skills will help you interact with the individuals you are sure can lend a hand in the corporate world and possibly find someone who can get you a job. 

Today, you will find that most schools have created groups on social media where alumni can interact, share ideas and get details about each other’s lives. This platform, if used correctly, can be a great tool in searching for jobs.

Feel free to continue this series of posts or skip ahead to a section that is more relevant to yourself by choosing one of the options below:

How to Land the Perfect Job – Part 1 (Job Boards & Recruiters)


While this post is not specifically customer service or operations-related, it is something you’ve probably experienced or will experience at least once in your career so it’s worth exploring. I’ve talked a bit about interviewing and using LinkedIn and other job boards in some previous posts.

I’ve also talked about job searches, resumes, and how to be effective at finding a new role.

In the next set of posts though I thought I’d bring it all together.

Benefits of Using Job Boards

If you are stuck in the middle of a job hunt looking for the perfect job, you should try searching on job boards. Job boards are quite convenient when it comes to being updated with the latest job positions available. 

One of the major benefits of job boards is that employers can find you instead of you searching for them. In job boards, you can post your resume under your profile such that employers can see your qualifications and contact you. A better resume will attract more employers.

With job boards, you can customize your searches regarding the specific job you want. This means you can get a job that fits your exact qualifications. Unlike other job searching methods, job boards allow you to spread your resume across different employers without physically presenting it. This increases your chances of landing a job

Job boards can modify or arrange your resume and cover letter to make it more appealing to the employer. They have professional writers who can write you a winning resume that is sure to impress the employers. Job boards are a simple and affordable way of job searching.

Working with a Recruiter 

When you’re searching for the perfect job, a recruiter can be very important in helping out. A good recruiter with a number of connections with employers can be exactly what you need when looking for a senior-level job. 

For most recruiters to provide their services, they will probably require that you have strong credentials that will no doubt land you a job. The advantage of having a recruiter is that they will ensure that you get a job whatever it may take. Since they are paid on commission, landing you a job is their main goal. With their experience in the hiring field, you can learn helpful information that will help you sell your role to the interviewing firm. 

You should know that the recruiter doesn’t disclose every detail to you. After receiving the company’s hiring requirements, he can determine whether you are fit for the role by looking at your present skills. The company may not be after your profile but it may be after your skills.  

Recruiters usually have a broad network of employers through which they can easily connect you to. If you haven’t had any fruitful results lately, you can try searching for a recruiter. 

You can take the easy approach and ask your friends for a recruiter they know or you can search online through the Advanced People Search Page on LinkedIn. Through this channel, you can get a wide array of recruiters including those who have been hired by specific companies. 

Nonetheless, recruiters are inclined to accept strong profiles so don’t be offended when they refuse to contract their services. It simply means you should build your career profile some more. 

Feel free to continue this series of posts or skip ahead to a section that is more relevant to yourself by choosing one of the options below: