Most Clicked HERC Jobseeker SmartBrief Stories
1. How to use LinkedIn as more than just an online resume
HERC Jobseeker SmartBrief | May 17, 2013
LinkedIn may be the best way for job seekers to put out their resume, but it can also be a valuable place to learn and build a network, writes Kevin Grubb, an assistant director in the career center at Villanova University. In this commentary, Grubb suggests keeping up with what peers are reading through customized industry channels and using LinkedIn Groups to talk with others in fields of interest. "Let yourself shed the image of LinkedIn as 'just my resume online' and reconsider it as an opportunity to read, learn, and network with colleagues around the world," Grubb writes. InsideHigherEd.com (05/17)
2. What can "alt-ac" offer academic job seekers?
HERC Jobseeker SmartBrief | May 22, 2013
For job seekers looking for academic positions that are nontenured or nonfaculty, alt-ac -- or alternative-academic -- careers may be the right path, write Brenda Bethman and C. Shaun Longstreet, co-founders of Alt Academix. In this commentary, they define the types of careers available in alt-ac, including academic and student affairs, and development and research. "There are many more alt-ac positions, but they still require effort, research, preparation, and, yes, sometimes luck," they write. InsideHigherEd.com (05/22)
3. Tips for calming pre-interview nerves
HERC Jobseeker SmartBrief | May 21, 2013
Interviewing can be nerve-wracking, but preparation can help, recruiter Lindsay Olson writes in this blog post. Olson offers advice from other career experts, such as thinking about questions that will be asked, breathing deeply and avoiding caffeine, and remembering that the employer is already interested. "There's something about you that has already caught the interest of the potential employer. Think about these attributes and make sure you touch on them during the interview," advises Nichole Lefelhoc, associate director of career development and internships at Mansfield University in Mansfield, Pa. U.S. News & World Report (05/21)
4. Tips for grad students embarking on a job search
HERC Jobseeker SmartBrief | May 20, 2013
Graduate students looking for a job should finish their dissertations and start their search before graduation, suggests Washington University professor Sowande' Mustakeem, who gave a recent talk on the subject. In this blog post, Michigan State University doctoral candidate Ashley Wiersma compiles tips from Mustakeem, who suggests creating one-page "cheat sheets" about each school before an interview that should include information about those who will be involved in the interview, as well as questions about the teaching load, support and expectations of each school. InsideHigherEd.com (05/19)
5. Job-search advice to unlearn
HERC Jobseeker SmartBrief | May 22, 2013
To land a job, candidates should not overwhelm employers with too many career details but instead should highlight how their skills can help the employer, career expert Heather R. Huhman writes in this blog post. Huhman also outlines other job-search "don'ts," including bragging during interviews and failing to use a network. "Networking is about using all of your resources, not just those you've met professionally," Huhman writes. GlassDoor.com (05/21)
6. Treat phone interviews with the same care as in-person
HERC Jobseeker SmartBrief | May 21, 2013
Job seekers should not take an informal approach to phone interviews, Pattie Hunt Sinacole, president of a human resources consulting firm, writes in this blog post. Just as in face-to-face interviews, candidates should do their homework and be prepared when an interviewer calls, remembering to ask about next steps, and follow up with a thank-you note, she writes. Also, they should be sure to minimize distractions. "Crate your dog, turn off the radio and, if in your car, pull over to a quiet spot so you are able to talk in a focused way," Sinacole advises. Boston Globe (tiered subscription model), The (05/20)
7. Why seeking advice can help turn a job lead into an offer
HERC Jobseeker SmartBrief | May 17, 2013
Job seekers should be enthusiastic and ask for advice when contacting job leads, writes career coach Marty Nemko. If possible, they should ask colleagues for an introduction to someone who may be hiring, Nemko suggests. Then they should keep the lead apprised of their progress and always pay it forward, he writes, adding, "After you're hired, remember that you have a cosmic obligation to be helpful to other job seekers." AOL Jobs (05/16)
8. How to effectively leverage social media in a job search
HERC Jobseeker SmartBrief | May 21, 2013
Creating a profile on a social media site such as LinkedIn is only the first step to a successful job search, career expert Joshua Waldman suggests. In this article, career coach Michael Woodward presents Waldman's tips, including a good headline and a profile with video, pictures, audio and graphics that highlight a job seeker's skills. "Consistency is important when it comes to your online presence. If you are constantly changing your status, profile picture or headline, it may cause a recruiter to take pause," Woodward writes. Fox Business (05/20)
9. How to use the "reverse graffiti" approach on your resume
HERC Jobseeker SmartBrief | May 20, 2013
Job seekers can learn from street artists who practice "reverse graffiti," a style in which the artist removes grime on a building or sidewalk to create a picture. Instead of adding things to your resume the next time you update, try to find things you can get rid of in order to showcase your most relevant experiences, this article says. SimplyHired.com (05/15)
10. How to find a professional mentor
HERC Jobseeker SmartBrief | May 17, 2013
Finding a mentor (or mentors) is one of the most important things you can do for your career, writes Meredith Fineman, the CEO of FinePoint digital PR. Seek mentors whose careers you admire even if they are not related to your field, be sensitive to your mentor's time and be careful not to burden him or her with too much pressure. Fast Company online (05/16)
Sign up for HERC Jobseeker SmartBrief
