Archives for Seattle Washington resume services

Job Boards Not Working Well In Your Job Search?

May 19, 2016 By jenowenby

Did you know that the least effective way to find a job is to apply for advertised openings, sending your resume online through a company employment portal or a third-party website? You are just one of hundreds or thousands of applicants.

To increase your chances of securing an interview, you need to bypass the company’s Human Resources department and get your resume in the hands of the hiring manager. The hiring manager is the person in the company with the ultimate authority to offer you the job. In a small company, it might be the owner or the individual who reports to the owner. In a larger company, it might be your future direct supervisor or a specific department manager.

There are two ways to get your resume directly to the hiring manager; by email or snail mail. Yes, the old fashioned way with a postage stamp is highly recommended. It used to be effective to fax your resume to a hiring manager, but not any longer. In many cases, you should email the hiring manager and send your resume along with a customized cover letter manager by mail. Although you may be tempted to skip this step, or only send an email, don’t. You’re guaranteed more attention as a sincere candidate if you put in the extra effort and mail a hard copy of your resume and cover letter. Few applicants will go to the trouble to do this, and it can really help you stand out.

Another tip, send your resume and cover letter on quality paper stock (not just the typical copier paper that’s probably in your printer). Mail them, unfolded, in a plain white or manila 9×12 envelope. Make sure you affix enough postage. (Yes, it may cost you $2 to send your resume by mail, but it can really help you make a strong first impression.)

Hiring managers will recognize your sincerity and ambition by following these two simple steps which will automatically help you stand out from the competition.

7 Steps to Maintaining Your Sanity During a Job Search

April 5, 2016 By jenowenby

I was just speaking to a client the other day, and she mentioned how difficult and stressful her job search was. She was working 10-12 hours a day which left her tired and frustrated, and she didn’t have the time she needed to get her desired results.

So, what do you do? How do you manage the daunting task and overwhelm of building a resume, organizing your job search, working, and not losing your sanity?

Stay Organized

It is a proven fact that people who stay organized reduce stress. Any job search, whether you are choosing to make the change or forced to change, is difficult. Start an Excel spreadsheet and list the jobs applied for, company name, date, brief description, and copy and paste the full ad into a word document. If you only save the link, when the ad is removed, you can no longer access the information online.

When you keep track through excel and word, you can easily review the job description before the interview. You can also search the company on Google for additional preparation.

Don’t be afraid to get professional help

Hiring someone to write a professional document and breathe life into your resume, LinkedIn summary, and cover letter is an excellent investment in your career. I find the majority of people struggle with writing their resume and need a professional to bring fresh insight into their career and experience. The expression “too close to the forest to see the trees” is often correct. Examine the areas where you need the most help. Does your resume truly bring to light your accomplishments? Is it focused? Do you struggle with interviews? Is there a gap or two in your employment and you’re not sure how to handle it in your resume or interview?

Results of working with a professional

The majority of my clients are landing jobs in 4-8 weeks, and an average of $10,000 annual pay increase. This cuts through time, lost wages, dealing with unemployment that barely covers the bills, stress on your health, and relationships.

Career counseling

I’ve met some wonderful people, and before working together concerning their resume they needed some clarity regarding the direction of their career. I recently partnered with a fantastic career counselor and coach, for those located in the Portland metro region in Oregon, Andrea King with Careerful Counseling Services. Andrea can assist with a new career path, identify and remove barriers, and help make changes. Visit her at www.careerful.com for additional information. She provides the coaching, and I write the resumes. I highly recommend her.

Stress Reduction Techniques

Breathe and stay calm. It might sound stupid, but when you are stressed you take shallow breaths. Deep breathing releases not only toxins in your body but releases tension as well. When the negativity is taking over your thoughts, stop for 68 seconds and think positive thoughts. This helps shift from stress and into a positive mindset. Do it as often as you find yourself anxious, mad, sad or frustrated. If you think a negative thought during those 68 seconds, start over. After doing this several times a day for a few weeks, you will automatically begin seeing things in a more positive light, including your job search.

Get focused

Schedule dedicated time each day to connect with people who can further your job search. Post your resume on indeed and other websites, update your LinkedIn profile showing you are available for opportunities and apply for jobs. A job search is a job in itself so dedicate a few hours each day sending out your resume and connecting with others. Basically, lather, rinse repeat.

Make time for some fun

Most people are on a budget, especially if they are not working so find something fun and relaxing that has nothing to do with a job or lack of. It is a proven fact when someone takes a break, does something relaxing and even mundane the subconscious assists with problem-solving. Take a walk outside and soak up some sun. 15 minutes of sunshine is a good dose of Vitamin D that assists in mood elevation, and it is summer time so get some exercise. The doctors are saying sitting is the new smoking”. In other words, sitting all day is just as detrimental to your health. To be prepared and move into your new career and job, be ready and take care of yourself.

The Number 1 Online Job Search Website

January 26, 2016 By jenowenby

A job search can be incredibly overwhelming and understanding what each job board offers is essential. I certainly had a few favorites while recruiting, but there are strengths and weaknesses for each site. I’ll be covering the top six job boards over the next week.

Indeed has proclaimed themselves as “the world’s # job site” and I have to agree it is an excellent resource and job board. Indeed pulls from multiple job boards and integrates them into one platform. It’s considered a one stop shop since it draws from various jobs posting sites.

Pros of using Indeed for your job search:

Indeed is user-friendly and offers a “Google-like” results window
Allows a comprehensive job search including selections such as part-time, full-time, salary, and location
If you are interested in particular positions, the advanced search is easy to access and allows for keyword and searches that include phrases
There is no fee to use their service
Save job searches and update them after you save
You can post your resume online for hiring managers to view

Along with the pros are a few cons:

Pulls in undesirable job postings from other sites
It often takes a few clicks to locate a full job description
Includes websites that charge a fee

For any online job application, you need an ATS formatted resume or it won’t matter how many jobs you have applied for. Your resume will not make it through the system and reach a human being.

If you’re ready to move forward and make changes in your life contact me today for your free strategy session. Click here to schedule your free strategy session today if you’re located in the U.S. or Canada.

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Jennifer Owenby offers her combined expertise as a recruiter along with training as a professional resume writer. Please visit ONB Professional Resumes and LinkedIn Services for additional information and scheduling an appointment.

Job Boards Not Working Well In Your Job Search?

7 Steps to Maintaining Your Sanity During a Job Search

The Number 1 Online Job Search Website

About Jennifer

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