Is Embarrassing Your Granny Killing Your Job-Search?
In a survey we conducted in the summer of 2009 we asked 633 job-seekers, 553 recruiters (264 corporate, 215 contingent, 72 retained) and 119 career coaches / counselors if , where, and how they do informal background investigations (both online and off) on the other.
The results (below) clearly show that they do – just like the Geico googly eyes, somebody is watching you and they will use that information to decide whether to hire you (the higher the bar, the higher the frequency with which each area is used to do research).
The moral of the story is that if it would embarrass your Granny, you need not do it (or post it). For ideas on what is appropriate (particularly in status updates and tweets) check out Why Should I Be Interested In Your Status Update / Tweet?
To see more results from our survey check out the following posts:
Where Job-Seekers & Recruiters Go To Network With Each Other
Until next time – good hunting and good luck!
An Awful Number For Job-Seekers
A friend sent an email yesterday that had a screenshot of an MSNBC headlines that says there are 6.4 people who are unemployed for every position that is open. That is a scary number when you consider that it does not include the number of people who are unhappily working and looking and those like USC (former UT) football coach Lane Kiffin who are always willing to move at the drop of a dime.
So what does that number mean for your job search?
- There are a lot of people looking for work – YOU HAVE TO STEP YOUR GAME UP!!!!
… - If you listen to anyone who knows anything about looking for a job they all say NETWORKING is the way to go.
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The number above should be a wake up call for you if you are NOT networking. GET OFF of the computer and the couch AND GET on the phone. It is all about who you know and not what you know and going to a Chamber meeting does NOT cut it in this economy.
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‘I am an introvert’ is not an excuse. Nor is, ‘I don’t like calling people’, ‘I don’t know that many people’, and ‘I don’t know what to do’. There are too many resources out there (including our step-by-step guide) and too many ways you can go about making contacts.
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You have to be networking or you should probably not expect to find a job anytime soon unless you are VERY, VERY, VERY, VERY good in a VERY, VERY, VERY specific area at or are VERY lucky.
… - If you are not putting in the time to find a new job YOU WILL NOT FIND ONE.
… - If you cannot articulate to people why they should hire you they will NOT do so. There are at least 6.4 people behind you who will they can try if you fail.
… - Recruiters, employers, etc are utilizing new ways to find candidates (LinkedIn, searching Google, professional associations, et) - if you are not searchable you will NOT be found.
… - If you are applying to jobs that you are NOT qualified for you are wasting the employers time and yours and it might keep you from getting a real look for opportunities you are a fit for.
Hate to be the party killer but everyone needs a kick in the pants from time to time. Until next time, good hunting and good luck!
