Just a girl from Detroit Job Ready

  My biggest pet peeve when I was a recruiter was that a candidate didn't know the company that was contacting them about a job they applied for.    (Which is a clear indication that you are being considered for the position) My solution is to keep a log of the jobs you applied to. I suggest your job log entail some basic things like: 1. Position(s) you applied to (job title) 2. Name of the company 3. The date you applied 4. Location 5. Any comments or concerns about the position. For instance if Remote, hourly pay, salary, work hours, etc. This is also a way to start formulizing questions for an interview.  6. Job status: phone interview, in-person interview, offer, or not being considered, etc Bonus tip: As you are applying, look at the 'About section' of the company. Write down some notes so you can be ready to answer questions about the company.  I can email you a job log if you need one. You can also track it on an Excel spreadsheet, or Word document, write...

Should you always use a cover letter when applying to jobs?  I will leave that for your discretion. Personally, I don't include a cover letter each time I have applied for jobs. However, I will provide you with 4 reasons of when to include your cover letter. First, let’s start with the basics.  What is a cover letter? A cover letter is an introduction or proposal to your resume. The goal is to get the reader to look at your resume. A professional cover letter can contain,  2-3 short paragraphs with some of your key strengths and skills. Example, introduce yourself and tell how you learned about the position in first paragraph; Next, mention key aspects of your experience and strengths and last mention how you believe you are a good match and refer the reader to your resume.   Cover letters are meant to be tailored to  each  job you apply to.  When should I include a cover letter? Required . If the position y...

    I believe it is important to research and study the career field you are in or aspiring to be in. This will help you learn a ton and grow with knowledge. This can help you learn industry language/jargon and keep up to date with "what's happening" or evolving. You will be able to get a feel for what technology is being used, what company is on the rise or fall, what experience is needed to be well-equipped, etc.     After all, research before getting into a career can help you make a life decision on where you want to be. It also saves you from wasting time in the wrong job for years. I do advise researching different industries, especially for high school students and undecided college students. For those who have degrees, you can find a mentor within a company that will help guide you along the way. For anyone, please take advantage of networking. I have mentioned this before in job-searching previous blogs. Social media has some positives, such as keeping us ...

The picture is a representation of the interview process. This one includes testing. Each company you apply to will have a basic process similar to this one. How you process through it will be the key. Don't do the same things and expect different results, something similar my Dad always says. Here are a few reasons you may not get past the first part of the interview screening process and how to change to put you in a better position. Poor grooming attire. First impression factor. Please dress business or business casual. Only field that I know that does not have to dress this way for interviews is the Medical field. But still, if they did not inform you to dress in scrubs, white coats, or specific attire, please plan to dress business or business casual.  The inability to explain your experience and how you are qualified. Relax. Practice telling a friend what your previous or current work entails. Explain how certain situations where you took the lead and fixed a p...

     I had an incident where I was on my laptop (actually on my lap), my USB flash drive in, and my laptop tumbled over while I was applying to jobs. The flash drive was damaged. This happened maybe the first few weeks after I moved to Texas. Although, I learned long ago, to email myself a resume but the one I had saved wasn't an up-to-date one. I ended up going back to one of the jobs I previously applied for, opened my profile, and saved my resume from there. Well, that was one, I have a few different types of resumes and for different positions.       I have also spoken to clients and they said they lost their USB drive or don't have their resume/cover letter/references, saved. I researched a list to share. Free and not free! Free Email your resume to yourself and always email an updated one. You never know who you will talk to and they say, email me your resume. Stay ready, be job ready! Dropbox. This can be linked to your email as well. More a...

I have had recruiters text message me about a job opening. I don't feel it's appropriate to text in place of a call or an email. (Especially if I did not give permission when and if I applied). I have had bad experiences when recruiters text. Personally, I feel there is no way for me to know it's really a recruiter, and it's a lazy way to do the job professionally. It's too many scams out here. I am very cautious because I have been a victim. When a recruiter uses email to communicate, you will see their contact or information related to the company they represent. Links you can click on about the company to see the validity. I also believe texting first, is not a good step to represent their company or build a rapport with the candidate. Well, I don't think the first contact is to text a prospective candidate. For me, it's a red flag on proper communication. Reach out and call first, it's the basic way to build rapport. If they don't answer leave a ...

Part 2: Networking/Social Media I have said this (wrote it) before, your resume, networking, and one's online presence work together to create a total package. These are key essentials I consult every person I work with. I was once a manager and a recruiter. I still work in Human Resources with the Talent Acquisition team. I utilize my resources and skills to help people (Sometimes to help the recruiter and managers). 1. To sum up part 1, your resume reflects your knowledge, skills, and abilities to market yourself well. In addition; online resumes, paper resumes, and even portfolios/e-Portfolios all market to present your work, and prove your work ethic. 2. What is Networking? Networking is interacting and exchanging information, genuine relationship building towards getting career/job information. Networking is a career development skill in job searching. Utilize your network! Alumni networks, such as schools, colleges, etc. Join an email list of Alumni networks...