7 Ways for Job Hunters to Avoid Daily Pokes in The Eye with Sharp Sticks

Suggestion One: Appear Optimistic — Even When You're Not.

 How many times have you wondered what to say when asked: “How’s the job hunt going?” Here’s a hint.  If you want to be successful in the recruiting process never publish negative results. Just say something offhand like “It’s promising” or “Lots of activity” and change the topic to another person. Bottom line: "Fake it 'Til You Make It."

Suggestion Two: Fruitful Networking Can’t Be All About You.

When you make networking calls be sure you have topics for conversation reflecting the interests of the person you are calling.  You’ll see that people are much more generous with their time and help when they are first asked to talk about themselves.

Suggestion Three: Master Social Media Recruiting — Even if You Hate the Idea

Today social media techniques are the norm in the Silicon Valley. It’s passé to make fun of tweeting, branding, and Internet self-promotion. Be conversant in social media even if it feels foreign to every fiber in your being.

Suggestion Four: Take Advantage of NOVA’s Job Seeker Center.

The folks who pay out unemployment checks have a giant motive to offer effective classes on traditional and new job hunting methods at no cost.  A huge benefit of these classes is that you are forced to make yourself presentable and get out of the house. 

Suggestion Five: Look on The Internet for Free Social Media Hiring Seminars Usually vendors of larger ticket job hunting courses offer free introductory webinars designed to attract buyers of their bigger programs. Two representative vendors are http://ResumeWebinar.com and greig@befoundjobs.com

Suggestion Six: Dive into LinkedIn It’s the single best job searching tool and it’s free. There is a ton of free training available on Linkedin.

Suggestion Seven: See if you would benefit from an individual coach.

Once you are on LinkedIn you’ll see lots of recruiting discussion groups and lists of individual classes and coaches. I am a social media recruiter and coach. In addition to the basics I work with clients to achieve quick individual targeted results.

Reach me at my email account: hrresults.pearce@gmail.com or by phone at 650-518-3027 to set up a 30 minute consultation at no charge. I write a blog about HR/legal issues including recruiting. http://judy-pearce.blogspot.com.  

Finding a Job in Mid-Career: What’s it Most Like?

A)   A delightful opportunity for growth and change 

B)   A piece of cake because of my rich uncle

C)   A daily poke in the eye with a sharp stick

If you're like or you know some Silicon Valley job hunters, you probably answered "C."

I've got a list of ideas and services that might help — some are free. The list is available at no charge. You are welcome to share it. Email me, Judy Pearce, hrresults.pearce@gmail.com.