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Human Resources
~ What Every Job Seeker Needs to Know ~
 Finding a good business job can be a job in itself. To see what job seekers
need to know about securing a position in today's business market, I spoke
with Roberta Chinsky Matuson.
Roberta is the founder and principal of Human Resource Solutions. With more
than 20 years of HR experience, Roberta is well-versed in the field and
knows exactly what hiring managers are looking for in today's job market.
Here's what she had to say to about job hunting, networking, interviewing,
and getting hired:
There are a lot of reports surfacing about a tougher job market. Do you
think it has become more difficult for qualified job seekers to find an
appropriate position?
It is difficult to predict the future. I prefer to deal in the here and now.
We know job seekers are having a tough time as companies shed jobs daily.
This makes for more interesting headlines. However, I have a number of
clients who are actually adding to their workforce. Yet, these companies
rarely make the headlines.
What can new business school grads and other job seekers do to give
themselves an edge over the competition?
You have to rely on yourself. One visit to the Career Placement Office or
the Alumni Placement Office will not result in multiple job offers. Job
seekers must use all the tools they can pull out of their toolbox,
particularly in this tough job market.
What else can job seekers do to prepare themselves for the job market?
You have to stand out in a very crowded field. Here are some ways you can do
this:
-
 Your resume must be perfect. No room for
grammatical errors or typos.
-
Update your look. If the last suit you
bought has shoulder pads, then it is time to take a trip to the mall to
buy a replacement. While you are there, be sure to stop by the
hairdresser for a fresh new look.
-
Get out from behind your computer and
start networking the old fashioned way. I’m all for social networking,
but you must get out there and "press the flesh." It is all about
timing. You may very well run into your old boss who happens to be
hiring again.
-
Define the value you can bring to an
organization, rather than thinking about what they can do for you.
Is there anything job seekers shouldn't do?
They should not rely on one method of job seeking as you need to have all
pistons firing in order to make it to the finishing line.
How important is it to write a targeted resume and cover letter for each
job prospect?
For some job seekers, I suggest they have two or three versions of their
resume. This may require a few tweaks here and there. Job seekers are
advised to have several well-written cover letters that can be customized
for the job they are applying for.
Job seekers are often told that they should practice answering some of
the most common interview questions prior to the actual interview. In your
opinion, what are the three most common interview questions?
Is there anything job seekers can do after an interview to increase there
chances of getting hired?
Good manners never go out of style. A customized thank-you note is always
appreciated. At the end of the interview, job seekers should always ask
about next steps. Ask when you can follow up with the interviewer. This way
the ball is in your court.
Now
more than ever, job seekers need an edge. Finding work is more than finding
a job. For most, it is a life-changing transition.
The programs are designed for job seekers who have a vision of where they
want to be in their careers. Getting there is a whole other story. We offer
three programs so job seekers can choose the one that is most closely
aligned with their specific objectives and needs. Here is an overview of the
options:
Job Search Mentor Program:
The Job Search Mentor Program is six months of unlimited access to me by
e-mail, phone, and fax. I help people develop their job search strategies
(whom to target, how to gain access to more hiring managers, how to position
yourself as the best candidate for the job, social networking, etc.), as
well as the day-to-day workings of their search, (how to prepare for an
interview, language to use when contacting prospective employers, questions
not to ask prior to an offer, overcoming objections, how to get to the next
"yes," etc.) and how to negotiate an employment package that is favorable
for you.
Typical client results include:
-
Decreased stress as clients feel more in
control of the job search process
-
Removal of obstacles to productivity
through identification of self-imposed roadblocks
-
Increased confidence knowing an expert is
by your side helping you stay on track
 Accelerated Job Search Program:
This program is for people who want expedite the job search process and hit
the ground running. In addition to what is provided in the Job Search Mentor
Program, I will review job search-related documents (resume, cover letter,
thank you note) and will respond with comments within two business days of
submission. Participants will have access to templates for resumes, cover
letters, and thank you notes.
We will conduct role-plays on the phone prior to interviews and phone calls,
and I will debrief you so you are well prepared for the next stage of the
interviewing process. If you find a job before the six month term expires,
you may use the time left to smoothly transition into your new position with
an expert at your side.
In addition to the client results listed under the Job Search Mentor Program
our clients report:
-
Increased time in front of hiring managers
due to decreased time spent perfecting resumes and other job searching
communication pieces
-
More second interviews as a result of our
coaching in effective interpersonal skills
-
Stronger connections with hiring managers
due to increased networking abilities
 Job Search Coaching Program:
This program is recommended for those who want to take control of their
future. Our work is collaborative. I transfer the skills to my clients so
they can choose to take the next journey solo. Of course, I am happy to ride
along as well.
I have designed the six-month Job Search Coaching program to help
individuals who require a more detailed plan to stay on track. In addition
to what is included in the Accelerated Job Search Program, together we will
establish weekly goals and set aside a weekly time to check in.
If you'd like, we can explore what you really love to do and come up with
ways you can incorporate this into your search. This is an opportunity to
take stock and dramatically improve the quality of your life.
We'll discuss what is working and modify the plan to adjust for factors that
may be impacting your progress. We will build on your strengths and discuss
ways to remove obstacles. This program is recommended for those who work
best when they are held accountable by an outside resource and require rapid
results.
In addition to the benefits listed above for the Job Search Mentor Program
and the Accelerated Job Search Program, participants achieve:
-
Increased focus as next steps and
deadlines are in the line-of-sight
-
Rapid goal attainment because their search
is focused and aligned with specific desired outcomes
-
Increased potential for future job growth
and earning
When should a job seeker seek help from an outside source? Is it better to
do so at the beginning of the job search process or should job seekers wait
until it becomes obvious that they are having trouble securing a position?
It really depends on the individual.
Some people are extremely focused and are experienced in job searching. For
those people, I would suggest they give it a go on their own. They can
engage the help of an outside source if their job search is not going
according to plan.
Then there are the rest of us, whose performance and focus significantly
improves when we have someone working along side us to help us stay on
track. Hiring an outside person right from the start can significantly
decrease the amount of time it will take to find meaningful work.
Do you have any final tips for job seekers who are worried about finding
the right position?
In this economy, it is not about perfection. You may not find the "perfect"
job right now so it is important to adjust your expectations. You will have
plenty of opportunities to seek the right position when the economy turns
around. Right now, the way to win this game is to become gainfully employed. |
