8 Tips for Moms Using LinkedIn to Job Search

8 Tips for Moms Using LinkedIn to Job Search8 Tips for Moms Using LinkedIn to Job Search2When otzu sichbei moms find out that I ran recruiting at one of the largest companies in the area, and now work in talent development, this topic is sure to come up. Im the mom of three- and four-year-olds and a career strategist. I love jobs. I love thinking about jobs, finding people jobs, connecting people to jobs, screening people in, screening people out- everything. I also know that as a recruiting trainer, I would often counsel recruiters to go looking for people who were re-entering the workforce.I know that on the whole, moms are a great pool for recruiters to fish in highly talented candidates who took a risk on themselves and stopped out for a few years to raise kids or care for elderly parents. The world of recruiting, being found, and getting a job has changed dramatically in the past five, three, two years. In fact, the whole game has changed with mass adoption of social media, web 2.0, and applicant tracking systems.If youve made the choice to stay home with your kids, you may be intimidated by the new world of getting a job. Fear leid Pull up a seat here at my kitchen table (just wipe off the Goldfish crumbs), grab a cup of coffee, and ignore any crashes coming from the playroom. Ive had conversations about using LinkedIn to job search zillions of times, and Im here to help.A Primer for Moms Using LinkedIn to Job SearchYears ago I was quoted in an interview on NPR saying that LinkedIn is the best thing to happen to recruiting, ever. I still believe that. In my opinion, LinkedIn replaces a lot of the old-fashioned recruiting work we used to do networking, reading trade publications, calling people. LinkedIn is one big online networking event. It can be invaluable to you, but like any 10-year-old, what it was at two isnt what it is now.In order for LinkedIn to work for you, you have to know how to it works and how to work with it. Here are some tips.Profile st arter.If you dont have a profile, create one now. bedrngnis sure where to start? First, make a list of 20 words that describe your next job. Next, get on LinkedIn and using keywords, search for someone who has your next dream job. Take a look at the LinkedIn profiles that come up. See how people in your intended career market themselves, describe their work and histories. By doing this, you elend only see profiles you can model yours after, but you also see which profiles come up at the top when you use specific keywords. Remember to think like a recruiter when you are writing your profile. The keywords you jotted down to find your model profiles are also the ones that should be in your profileThis brings me to my next point about using LinkedIn to job searchKeyword loading.Ive been talking about keyword loading for years, and am convinced that I bedrngnis only coined the phrase but the strategy as well, so of course I think this is some of the best advice around. After you have ent ered your experience and education onto your LinkedIn profile, scan for keywords. When a recruiter is searching LinkedIn profiles, s/he uses keywords to find likely matches. However, not all words related to your new job may exist organically in your experience descriptions. Heres where keyword loading comes in.Think of all the words that a recruiter might use to find someone for the specific role you want. Not sure your list is a good one? Take a look at some of the positions listed on LinkedIn, and make a note of words you see closer to the top of the description or those in multiple descriptions. You are looking for words about specific skills, methodologies, software packages, and the like. Youre not looking for people person or excellent communication skills. A recruiter is never, ever going to search on those words.When youve gotten a list of 20 or so words that do not already appear in your resume, create a keywords section in your profile. Some people do this in the summary and some do it in one of the experience sections. To these 20 words, also add the names of companies that employ people working in your desired field. Remember, as a recruiter, I will often first look to rival companies for talent. While I may query current employer (one of the search categories available), Im also just as likely to use the companys name as a free-style search term.Dont have a lame professional headline or summary.Many people make the mistake of having their professional headline be their current job title. If youve been out of the workforce for a while, Mother of two kids and two cats isnt going to cut it. In fact, even if you are currently employed, dont waste this space on your title. Incorporating keywords or titles from your field, characterize yourself. For example, Mechanical engineering professional with a passion for machine design or CPA with strong knowledge of SOX and GAAP.Many people use their professional headlines to advertise that they are in transit ion or looking for a change. I myself have never used that as a search term, but now that Im thinking about it, that might be a good strategy for me when Im searching for moms re-entering the workforce.Remember that your LinkedIn profile is NOT your resume.The LinkedIn profile isnt your resume. Unlike your resume, you dont have to list every. single. job youve ever had. You dont have to use passive voice. You dont have to be so formal. Your profile can show your personality. Let me rephrase that it SHOULD show your personality. After I find a bunch of profiles through keywords, Ill scan the profiles looking for candidates I can woo to my jobs. However, I will say that I am more attracted to profiles that are professional but not stuffy and boring.Look at your privacy settings and understand what they are.One of the great things about LinkedIn is that you can turn off and on various elements that impact your searchability. I love that settings are so easy to find (Accounts Settings Privacy Settings) and so easy to understand. Youll have to make some decisions about how much information you want to be public. Think carefully about what you want out there and searchable, not just on LinkedIn, but in the larger cyberspace world- theres no right answer for everyone. You have to set the levels where it works for you. I show only my experience, headline, summary, and picture. You may want to show more or less.To LION or not to LION? That is the question.One of the fundamental decisions you will have to make about your profile is if you are going to be a LinkedIn Open Networker (get it- LION). Are you going to connect with everyone who wants to connect with you? Will you connect to people you dont know? Your kids music teacher? The dad who sits next to you at basketball games? The woman you met at that birthday party that one time? Philosophies on this differ and you really want to think about it.On one hand, the more people you have connections to, the easier it i s for recruiters to find you. On the other hand, one of the best uses of LinkedIn is to pass along recommendations and introductions through your network. Would you be comfortable having someone in your network you could not or would not recommend? Its up to you and you can change your settings at any time. See which one feels better to you and go with that for a while.LinkedIn groups- get into them.One of the best strategies for being found is to join LinkedIn groups. Weve heard this for years and years. LinkedIn has made it much easier to belong to and participate in professional groups. You are permitted to join 50 groups, and Id suggest you make the most of it.Are you an industrial designer? Look for LinkedIn groups about industrial design. Join them and participate. Comment on blogs, suggest postings, answer questions posted there. When I look for candidates, I often go FIRST to groups to find people interested in the field. Groups may also have jobs (under job discussions) tha t are not advertised anywhere else. Again, when you join a group, make sure you read and understand the settings- its important in terms of who can contact you.The mom section.This is the question that I get waaaaaaay at the end of any conversation on this topic. Some people will ask me if they should explain why theyve been out of the marketplace/have a gap in their experience/arent working now. Others feel strongly that the work theyve done as a volunteer, trustee, room mom, or PTO president is worthy of mention. I tend to advise that you not state specifically on your LinkedIn profile that youve been at home raising your kids for the past several years. Its none of anybodys business what you have been doing, and it is not really relevant to your ability to do a job.Time and time and time again, I hear people say that their work doesnt count, because it wasnt paid/full-time/in corporate America. Do not sell your volunteer experiences short if you have contributed in a meaningful a nd sustained way. Skills are honed in every position- volunteer or not. If youve developed skills while being out of the traditional workforce, by all means include them in your experience section. As a mom, I expect it. As a recruiter, I look for it. I know how hard it is to the run the Little League or the Girl Scout cookie sale or the drama club. I want YOU to value it enough to put it in your profile. Dont make the recruiter guess at the skills- list them out just like any other job. I did, however, see a SAHM who listed her mom job on her resume and included things like nutrition planning and delivery and educational development under her tasks. I would not advise that. At all.Take the plunge and start using LinkedIn to job search.Re-entering the workforce after being home can be scary. Well, not CAN BE scary, IS scary. The great news is that since youve been gone, theres this great new website that will do a good bit of your networking for you. With good care and feeding of yo ur profile, you will increase your chances of being found by the ideal recruiter at the ideal company- perhaps right in the middle of Dinosaur Train.The first step to re-entering the workforce is right at your fingertips, so start using LinkedIn to job search. Get your LinkedIn profile up there and be found I look forward to seeing you there.Maureen Crawford Hentz has more than 15 years of recruiting and employment experience in a variety of industries. In addition to her full-time job, she is a nationally recognized career advice and recruiting expert. Her expertise covers a range of career topics, including new media recruiting, disabilities in the workplace, business etiquette, and GLBT issues. Crawford Hentz has been quoted by the New York Times, NewsDay, Elle magazine, the Boston Globe, and National Public Radio, among others. She was a regular contributor to the (dearly departed) Boston.com HR blog and the online career magazine QuintCareers.com.Know someone looking for a job? Refer a friend to with this link- youll get a month free service and theyll get 30% off

Employee Thank You Letter Examples

Employee Thank You Letter ExamplesEmployee Thank You Letter ExamplesDo you need to say thank you to an employee for a job well done? How about a colleague who helped you at work? A thank you letter is a great way to show your appreciation for someone at work. Here is a variety of employee thank you letter examples, which you can edit to fit your own personal and professional circumstances. Also read below for tips on how to send an appropriate thank you letter. Tips for Writing and Sending Thank You Letters Choose the Method Your thanks can be sent as a written letter, a thank you note, or an emaille thank you message. All three are appropriate. A written letter is the most formal, a thank you note is mora personal, and an email is a great idea when the time is of the essence.Use a Clear Subject Line When youre sending an email, thank you letter to an employee or colleague, the subject line of your email message can simply say Thank You.Consider Handwriting Your Letter A handwrit ten thank you note always makes a really good impression.It is more personal than a typed letter or email. Keep It Short Do not write an extremely long thank you message. Keep it short and sweet simply explain what you are thanking them for, and express your gratitude.Send Sooner Rather Than Later It is always a good idea to send a thank you message as soon as possible, while the event is fresh in the persons mind. Of course, sending a thank you message late is better than never sending one at all.Edit, Edit, Edit Be sure to proofread your letter for any spelling or grammar mistakesthoroughly. This is still a professional message, so you want it to be polished. Send It When in doubt, say thank you. It is never inappropriate to give thanks, however, small the reason. People love to know they are appreciated, especially in the workplace. 129 Watch Now How Gratitude Makes Happier Employees Employee Thank You Letter Examples Review these letter and email message examples saying t hank you to employees, and see below for more examples of how to show your appreciation and say thank you. Sample Employee Thank You Letter 1 (Text Version) Your NameTitleOrganizationAddressCity, State Zip CodeDateNameTitleOrganizationAddressCity, State Zip CodeDear Theodore,Thank you so much for your assistance during our office move. You and your staff really came through, proving what it means to be a team player. The extra effort you all put in was really appreciated.Next week, please plan a day to take your department to lunch at Chez Alvin, on the company account, to thank everyone for all their hard work.I really appreciate everything you are doing to help the company succeed.Regards,Signature(hard copy letter)Jonas ExpandSample Employee Thank You Letter 2 (Text Version) Your NameTitleOrganizationAddressCity, State Zip CodeDateNameTitleOrganizationAddressCity, State Zip CodeDear Name,Thank you for all your help on our recent company-wide restructure. It was really helpful to have your input since you went through a similar reorganization at your previous company. Im happy to have you as a part of this team. In the short time, you have been here, you have really helped to make things run smoothly.I really appreciate your willingness to help out wherever needed. Its that kind of flexibility and dedication that will help this company grow to its full potential.Sincerely,Signature(hard copy letter)Your Name ExpandSample Employee Thank You Email homilie (Text Version) SubjectThanksDear Wendy,I really appreciate all your help in getting the restaurant ready for our grand re-opening. Im glad that you have decided to stay with us during this time of change, and seem to be looking forward to the opportunities this new venture will bring.Your positive attitude has made a big difference in the way the rest of the staff has viewed the coming changes, and I really appreciate your support.Cheers,Bob ExpandSample Employee Thank You Email for Covering Maternity Leave ( Text Version) SubjectThank YouHi Mary Anne,Thanks so much for helping out while Janice is out on maternity leave. I really appreciate you offering to work more hours and to help out with some of the extra things that shes had time to do up until now.I really appreciate your assistance. Its hard in a small business when one of us is out for a long period of time, and its employees like you who help to make it work for us all.Best,Beth Expand More Thank You and Appreciation Message Examples Employee Referral Thank You LetterSample Appreciation Email To EmployeeThank You Letter for BossSample Thank You Letter for a ColleagueSample Letter of Appreciation - Help at WorkThank You Letter for Project Help

7 Body Language Tips for a Video Interview

7 Body Language Tips for a Video Interview 7 Body Language Tips for a Video Interview Job bewerbungsgesprchs can be stressful enough, but video interviews somehow have the ability to take your nerves to an entirely new levelespecially if youve never done one before However, if youre interviewing for a remote role or a position with a hiring manager in another city or country, theres a good chance theyll use Skype or another video chatting platform to conduct the interview.This will force you to think through a handful of items, including your body language during a video interview, as well as other essential tidbits.Having a successful video interview will require extra effort on your part, compared to a phone or in-person interview. Not only will you need to prepare a clutter-free space in your home, youll also need to test your tech by ensuring your Internet connection is strong and you know how to navigate the interview program, whether it be Skype, Google Hangouts, Zoom, or anoth er platform. A decent webcam and microphone are necessary to provide a professional image and to ensure your interviewer doesnt have any trouble seeing or hearing you properly.Once you have all the basics down, its imperative that you present the best body language possible during a video interview. Body language is the nonverbal way we communicate with others, and your body language during a video interview can convey your internal feelings.Presenting confidence, friendliness, and positivity should be your aim. How you sit, stand, and gesture all play a part in how your interviewer will evaluate you. Below we have seven tips to help you be aware of your body language when interviewing. Use these tips to present your best self and land the role.7 Body Language Tips for a Video Interview1. Maintain good eye contact.Looking directly at your interviewer is important during any interview, but especially so for avideo interview. Thing is, some job seekers might find it challenging to kno w exactly where to look during the interview while they are talking.Make it a point to look directly into the camera, rather than your computer screen. Looking at yourself on the screen will show that your eyes are looking elsewhere and may cause the interviewer to feel a disconnect. Just as you would look directly at the interviewer in an in-person interview, and not to the left or right, focus your attention on them during a video interview as well. Youll establish a better connection.2. Sit up straight.Having good posture during your interview shows that youre alert, interested, and engaged. Slouching in your seat can look unprofessional and make it seem like youre a little too casual- and therefore not as interested in the position as you should be.If you think that you might start to sink into your seat as the interview goes on, prop yourself up with a small- and unsightly- pillow. Itll keep you sitting straight and paying attention.3. Lean in, but not too far.Usually, when som eone is saying something interesting, the natural response is to lean in closer. But if youre doing a video interview, theres only so far you can lean in before youre just one big eyeball to your potential employer.When you feel its natural to do so, you can lean in as the hiring manager is speakingbut not too far. Just leaning forward a few inches is often enough during a video interview to express your interest.4. Try to keep gesturing to a minimum.Many people gesture as they speak to animate their stories or to get their point across. Problem is, most people dont realize how often they use their hands until they see themselves on video. During yourvideo interview, you can gesture as you speak but to a certain extent. After all, no one is expecting you to sit on your hands for the duration of your video interview- it would look odd if youdidntgesture once in a while.If youre concerned that you might move your hands too much, you can always practice pre-interview to make sure your motions are kept to a minimum.5. Dont cross your arms or legs.In an attempt to keep from gesturing wildly, you might be tempted to fold your arms in front of you. Unfortunately, you might come across as closed off or upset by doing so. Since thats not the image you want to present to a potential employer, keep your arms comfortably at your sides and your feet planted on the floor to make yourself look more open and engaged.6. Nod when necessary.You dont want to interrupt your interviewer with a boisterous, That sounds amazing when theyre telling you about the company culture. Thats where the art of the nod comes in. Youshouldnod as your interviewer is speaking this conveys a connection between the two of you and shows that youre listening to what theyre saying.While nodding once in a while is encouraged during your video interview- nodding so often that you give yourself a headache isnt. So be selective with your nods do it often enough so that your interviewer knows you understand what theyre saying, but not too much as to look comical or not genuine.7. Smile genuinely.Of course,smilingis a great way to show friendliness and approachability. When people try to force a smile, though, it can come across as fake, which can be a big turn off for a potential employer. So be sure to smile during your job interview when it feels right. Its been shown that smiling while speaking also makes you sound friendlier and can give you a more upbeat tone to your voice. And if your interviewer says something funny, smile and laughBeing aware of your body language during a video interview can be the difference between presenting yourself as a confident or nervous candidate. Follow these tips to showcase the best body language and let your skills and experience shine.Interviewing for jobs but looking to fine-tune your approach? A career coach can help Book an online career coaching appointment today to get tips and tricks and personalized feedback from one of our career experts. SCHEDULE YOUR PERSONALIZED CAREER COACHING SESSION TODAY