4 Ways to Get a Hiring Manager's Attention

4 Ways to Get a Hiring Manager's Attention
Robert Half International





You've done everything right in your job hunt: You've built your professional network, your résumé is error-free and your online reputation is spotless. You think you've done a good job of marketing your skills and experience to prospective employers. But despite your best efforts, you're still searching.

How can you increase your chances of landing an interview and, ultimately, a new job in this competitive environment? Following are some suggestions to help you get noticed and distinguish yourself from the crowd of other applicants:

Become an expert

One way to gain the attention of potential employers is to make a name for yourself in your field. Easier said than done, right? Not necessarily. Building a reputation as an expert in your chosen niche might take less effort than you think. The key is to start small. Consider contributing to blogs that are targeted to individuals in your profession. If you're an administrative professional, for instance, you might comment on a post about Microsoft Excel shortcuts or one on best practices for negotiating with office supply vendors. You also could contribute articles to a local professional association's newsletter or speak at a group's upcoming chapter meeting. Look at avenues that align with your strengths and comforts. Over time, you may find that you're able to build a reputation as an expert in your field.

An added benefit of your efforts is that you can often direct hiring managers to materials that help illustrate your expertise. For example, you might include a copy of a recent article you authored on .NET programming with your résumé or list links to guest posts you contributed to a well-known blog frequented by information technology professionals in your cover letter.

Optimize your social networking profile

Many hiring managers search for potential hires through social networking forums. Your profile on these websites can, in essence, serve as an online résumé, available for any prospective employer to see. If you have a presence on LinkedIn or similar websites, make sure your work history is thorough and up-to-date. Integrate keywords that describe your skills, specialties and positions of interest. For example, if you're an accountant, you might include terms such as "certified public accountant," "international financial reporting standards" or "tax accounting." Treat your online profile with the same care as you would your official résumé -- make sure it is free of typos and grammatical mistakes, and ask a trusted friend to review it to confirm it is clear, concise and easy to understand. A good last step is to obtain recommendations from former colleagues and supervisors to post on your personal page.

Go old-school

In an age of electronic communication, sometimes using pen and paper can help you stand out from a crowded field of job candidates. If you submit your résumé to an online job board or company's website, consider following up by sending the employer a printed copy of your résumé on high-quality stationery. Or, after meeting with a hiring manager in person, send a handwritten thank-you note instead of an e-mail. In many cases, yours will be the only hard-copy document that a hiring manager receives.

Work with a recruiter

A recruiter can be an excellent partner in a job search because these individuals work with hiring managers all day, every day. That means they have existing relationships with -- and inside access to -- the people you are hoping to reach. Simply put, a recruiter can get your résumé read by a potential employer. Best of all, it costs you nothing to access a recruiter's expertise. When choosing the right recruiter, identify one who specializes in your field and has experience assisting job seekers like yourself.

Are Common Communication Barriers Holding You Back at Work?

Are Common Communication Barriers Holding You Back at Work?
By Kaitlin Madden on Jul 16, 2010 in Career Advice, Featured, Office Etiquette

At first glance, communication can seem pretty easy. You started doing it when you were born, and you’ve been doing it every day since … how can you not be awesome at it, right?

Well, as it turns out, effective communication is a surprisingly fickle beast. It’s also a highly underestimated business tool. Done right, communication can make you seem authoritative and professional; done wrong, you risk seeming unreliable, insecure or impersonal.

“Your communication skills are not only essential to your being understood, but they contribute to the overall impression you make,” says Sandra Naiman, author of “The High Achiever’s Secret Codebook: The Unwritten Rules for Success at Work.” “If you are lacking in this area, others might conclude that you are generally careless, less than competent and perhaps not as intelligent or crisp as your peers.”

So how do you ensure that your communication skills are effective in creating a positive, authoritative, well-understood message? Below, Naiman offers five common communication barriers, and how to overcome them.

Listening skills: “Having poor listening skills is a major contributor to poor communication,” she says. “It is important to carefully focus on what someone is saying without assuming their intent, interrupting or preparing your response.” Let the other person finish and be sure you’ve understood what they said before responding.

Scattering attention: “Attempting to multi-task while communicating will interfere with your ability to listen well and respond appropriately, as well as signaling that you are not interested in what the other person has to say. If you are busy or distracted, negotiate another time to talk.”

Poor grammar: “Typos, misspellings and poor grammar in written communications undermine your credibility,” she says. Don’t rely on spell check to catch all your mistakes. Proofread written communication for correct grammar, missed words, and proper spelling of website and company names.

Speaking clearly: “Lack of eye contact or other such body language can keep your words from being heard. Also talking too loudly or too softly can interfere with getting your message across.” To ensure you are understood, turn towards the person you are talking to, project your voice and don’t talk too fast.

Rambling: “[Going] on and on or providing more information than necessary can result in losing the attention of the listener” Naiman says. You have a point — make it, and move on. Being direct and cutting to the chase when you’re speaking will not only make your message more clear, but you’ll be seen as more commanding, in a good way.

Because most of us communicate on auto pilot, it can be difficult to figure out which areas of communication we need to improve on. The best way to figure out if and where you’re experiencing communication barriers is to start playing attention to your daily conversations:

Do you constantly have to repeat yourself? Maybe you’re speaking too quickly or too softly.

Do co-workers start to look away or seem distracted when you speak? Chances are, you’re rambling, and they either stopped paying attention a while ago or are looking for a way out of the conversation.

Does it feel like you’re in the same conversation over and over again? Start listening to what others around you are saying, instead of talking, and then immediately starting to think about what you’ll say next. You’ll be surprised at how much more productive your conversations become when you take into account the other person’s point of view.

If you need a more objective approach to pinpointing your communication barriers, get feedback from a trusted colleague or friend. Ask them to pay extra attention to your e-mails and conversations, in order to identify any of the above listed problem areas. Then “You can take classes or workshops, identify a coach or a mentor and continue to get feedback as you work to improve,” Naiman says.

Becoming an MVP at Work

By Robert Half International

Baseball season is in full swing, and the All-Star Game is right around the corner. As the players who compete in the Midsummer Classic know, there's no room for a weak link on a winning team. The same holds true for the office. Most companies are still operating with lean staff levels and reduced budgets. That means just one underperformer can affect productivity and the entire team's workload.

The following tips will help distinguish you as a workplace MVP:

Have a winning mind-set

The best employees face challenges head on. For example, if you make a mistake, don't sugarcoat it or try to shift the blame onto someone else. Admitting that you flubbed an important play can be difficult and humbling, but businesses value people who act quickly to rectify the situation. MVPs also are both optimistic and realistic. They acknowledge problems but tackle them with a positive attitude.

Don't be afraid to change plays

Persistence is a good trait, but it's even better when paired with adaptability. High-achieving employees aren't daunted by challenges; they approach them from multiple angles. For example, if your marketing budget is cut unexpectedly, you might look for alternative ways to promote your business or try to negotiate lower rates from vendors. The next time you strike out, try adjusting your strategy or soliciting input from someone who brings a different point of view. Also remember that true MVPs can make adjustments midstride without complaint. When the manager calls a new play, focus on what needs to be done instead of what an inconvenience it might be.

Develop the ability to make tough calls

The most valuable employees can be counted on to exercise good judgment and make difficult decisions. They understand how a given task fits into the organization's larger goals. So consider how you typically approach complex problems. The best decision makers survey the field and collect as much information as possible, carefully weighing the facts before acting. They also remain calm, even if it's the bottom of the ninth and the pressure is on.

Practice good sportsmanship

High performers remain professional in all situations. While you may not be best friends with all members of the team, you should treat everyone -- from the receptionist to the CEO -- with respect and offer heartfelt congratulations when another player comes through in the clutch. Also, avoid gossiping in the office, which can quickly sink team morale.

Offer to pinch hit

Is a colleague struggling under a heavy workload? Volunteer to take an at bat for him or her if you can. Lending a hand to an overwhelmed coworker builds goodwill and fosters teamwork. It also allows you to build skills in new areas and show your manager that you're willing to step outside your job description. In addition, offering to pinch hit for someone increases the likelihood he or she will sub for you when you have too much on your plate.

Build an enthusiastic fan base

MVPs have fans -- lots of fans. To build your fan base, you may need to conduct some internal public relations. Make a point of speaking up at meetings and offering suggestions. Also, keep your manager apprised of your projects and successes through regular updates, and participate in company activities that allow you to build relationships with others throughout the organization. In addition, remember that gaining visibility isn't just about highlighting your own expertise or contributions. If you provided support for a group project, acknowledge the entire team's efforts and notable individual contributions.

Finally, keep in mind that top performers strive for success in everything they do and have a good sense of what it takes to get to the next level. Setting long-term goals for your career can give you focus and prevent you from just drifting along.

With the right approach, you can distinguish yourself among your peers. When your manager looks at his or her lineup, you'll be seen as an indispensible member of the team.

Temp help rises by 20,500 in June!

U.S. temporary help payrolls rose by 20,500 in June, according to seasonally adjusted numbers released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Total nonfarm payrolls fell by 125,000 to 137.5 million as the number of U.S. Census workers dropped by 225,000. However, the private sector added 83,000 jobs.
The unemployment rate fell to 9.5% in June from 9.7% in May.
U.S. temporary help payrolls totaled 2.1 million jobs in June with the increase of 20,500, according to the BLS. Temporary help payrolls had risen by 31,000 jobs in May and 23,300 in April based on revised numbers. The temporary help services category has added 379,000 jobs since the low of September 2009.
The temporary penetration rate rose to 1.61% in June from 1.59% in May. The number of temporary jobs in May was adjusted down by 3,200.
In June, the employment services category overall added 35,800 jobs for total employment of 2.8 million. The employment services category includes employment placement agencies, temporary help services, executive search services and professional employer organizations.
Healthcare added 9,000 jobs in June. It has gained 217,000 jobs over the past 12 months.
The transportation and warehousing category added 15,000 jobs in June, and is up by 44,000 since its low in February. Manufacturing added 9,000 jobs in June; it has gained 136,000 jobs since December 2009.
Construction employment fell by 22,000 jobs in June.
While employment in the private sector rose by 83,000 jobs in June to 107.7 million, it remained 7.9 million jobs below its December 2007 level.

Let Your Favorite Color Guide Your Career

In today's challenging economy, you have more career opportunities than you might think.

Modernize your dream career into a higher paying, more job opening niche or related occupation. Don't be afraid to get nosey and take the time to look around or invest in developing a specialized skill inside your chosen field. Use every opportunity to network and promote yourself.

· Everywhere you go, ask questions like, "What do you do during your workday?" "What's fun, not fun?" "Any opening in your company?"

· Be a temp. Ask for short-term assignments so you can taste different jobs and learn about opportunities.

· Join career specific organizations and get your friends on board.

Dreams come true with niche-specific educational training or on-the-job experience. Looking for the perfect niche? Consider the scientifically valid Dewey Color System test that measures career satisfaction at record-breaking accuracy. It lists the top 50 careers suited for you, plus hundreds of related occupations, niches and career specific organizations. To provide accurate and thorough results, data was obtained from 750,000 CareerBuilder online users.
In order to take the test, you first have to choose the color you like most from yellow, blue and red. Then choose which color you like most from green, purple and orange. Remember your choices and see what your selected combination says about your career prospects:Yellow-Green
If you selected yellow and green: Your ability to understand others' viewpoints and diplomatically express your thoughts increases efficiency. You know how to make products, systems, and services best fit the environment. Make more money by seeking careers where you can assemble support structures or make living situations more comfortable. Consider niches as in landscape architecture or real estate sales, or consider a career as a counselor, designer or social worker.

Yellow-Purple
If you selected yellow and purple: You prefer fast-growing companies with non-repetitive jobs that offer a constant barrage of fresh perspectives and non-stop new tasks. Your ability to communicate with finesse breaks down barriers and opens profitable doors. Make more money by developing and communicating strategies for project-oriented settings that involve constant change. Consider niches as a public relations representative, corporate communications manager, youth counselor or radio/TV announcer. Yellow-Orange
If you selected yellow and orange: You know about the newest available resources, pertinent facts, or innovative ways to solve workday pressures. Your open-minded yet analytical approach creates must-do activities and programs. Make more money by inventing new ways to market your business, better utilizing resources and talents, or making what you do more efficient. Consider niches as a statistician, geologist, researcher, librarian or product developer.

Blue-Green
If you selected blue and green: You are at your best when you can anchor others with supportive suggestions. Your personable listening skills make you a success with colleagues, customers or clients who trust you with even their most crucial decisions. Make more money by seeking environments that give you the opportunity to manage people, information or workplace environments. Consider niches as a writer, actor, accountant, psychologist or departmental manager.

Blue-Purple If you selected blue and purple: Use your big-picture thinking to develop new markets, new ideas and new businesses. You can see what's missing and know how to get things done. Make more money by working in environments where you can organize, develop and bring situations, people or markets together. Consider niches in advertising and sales or as a public relations representative, trial lawyer or research scientist.

Blue-Orange

If you choose blue and orange: You're a natural both at developing new products or procedures and delegating tasks. You prefer a busy environment because you enjoy learning. Pressure stimulates you.Make more money in careers where you can gauge productivity, analyze efficiency, and oversee or implement change.Consider niches as an operations manager, civil engineer, builder or product salesperson.

Red-Green

If you selected red and green: You know value and how to best use resources to make money. Your practical guidance keeps others focused on the bottom line and expenditures under budget. Make more money in positions where you decide how to best utilized resources or spend money. Consider Niches as a securities manager, auditor, banker, teacher, property manager, nurse or surgeon.

Red-Purple

If you selected red and purple: When others speak, you sort out the facts from the emotions and establish a step-by-step action plan. You know how to calm those around you and offer quick solutions. Make more money by selecting work environments where you're in control of all necessary resources and can offer win-win suggestions. Consider niches as a human resources interviewer/manager, event planner, editor or executive assistant.

Red-Orange

If you selected red and orange: You use facts compiled from past mistakes and successes to deliver strong opinions that are hard to refute. Others learn invaluable information from your critiques about the efficiency of a project. Make more money in areas where you can sail your own ship by constantly examining, in detail, what needs to be done and express your opinion when things go off course. Consider niches as a budget analyst, computer support specialist, production manager, manufacturing manager or business owner.

Is Your Body Language Holding You Back?
By NicoleWilliams.com staff

Whether you’re sitting in a conference room for a job interview or a coffee shop on a date, your body language speaks volumes before you even open your mouth. Are you nervous and impatient? Or engaged and interested? You spent so much time perfecting your resume, be sure to put your best foot forward in person, too.We’ve all heard reminders from well-meaning parents and professors to “sit up straight!" or “don’t fidget!” But there are a couple of body language blunders that may surprise you. We got the scoop from body language expert Janine Driver. Here are the moves to avoid whether you’re on an interview or a date.

1. Gesturing wildly: Some of us naturally talk with our hands (guilty), and while this can sometimes convey enthusiasm, it can also backfire. “You want to keep your hand gestures within the frame of your body," says Driver. “If it goes outside your shoulder length, you’re giving the impression that you’re out of control. Hand gestures should also match the level of your audience. Your gestures should be big on a big presentation. On a date, you should keep your gestures small, and don’t go outside your body.” As someone who’s prone to knocking over drinks in a bar, I’d have to agree with her!

2. Touching your face: Job seekers should avoid fidgeting (which can come off as anxious), but especially near the face. “There’s a myth out there that if you touch your face you’re lying,” explains Driver. “A lot of hiring managers believe that it’s true, so be careful of touching your face.” Also, looking at someone’s lips rather than their eyes can feel sexual, according to Driver, so steer clear of the lips unless you’re in a bar or similar setting.

3. Sitting up a little too straight: Is there such a thing as too-perfect posture? Yes, according to Driver. “You actually want to relax a little bit, because otherwise you’ll give the impression that you’re inflexible. Don’t look like Bill Murray slouched on a seat or appear too stiff like Lilith from ‘Cheers’.” So how do you find the happy medium? Picture yourself before the actual interview or date. “The best athletes literally visualize themselves being successful,” explains Driver. “The faking-it will seem more natural.”

4. Folding the hands: This is a polite, demure pose that many of us learned from our mothers. But Driver advises against it, especially in an interview setting. “That’s how people sit on ‘The Apprentice’ before they’re fired,” she points out. “It’s a begging pose and it’s very passive. [Employers] are looking for people who are charismatic. Hands should be relaxed on the table or desk or lap. You may want the other person to be able to see your hands, because it’s like putting all your cards on the table.”

5. Leaning back in your chair: When you lean forward, you convey interest. Conversely, leaning back expresses indifference or disinterest. Of course, you can also use this information when you’re sizing up an interviewer or date. “After you give them an answer, do they learn forward or back? If all of a sudden they lean backwards, you need to reevaluate or clarify,” suggests Driver. Finally, a way to figure out what they’re really thinking!

About Nicole: Career expert and best-selling author of Girl on Top, Nicole Williams is redefining the world of work -- making it glamorous, entertaining and relevant to modern women. Nicole founded WORKS by Nicole Williams in 2006 with the vision of building the first media and content company focused on career development specifically for the highly dynamic and powerful market of young professional women. Her Web site, Nicolewilliams.com, is the go-to destination site for modern working women.