Tech Skills, the Disconnect

There is a current Tech demand; tech unemploymently  low. The advertised job specifications broadcast an extensive 'Wish List' few candidates can satisfy.  It’s a continuing complaint: Employers who need skilled IT professionals say they can’t find people to fill their open jobs. But job seekers say it’s getting harder and harder to find a job. Why the disconnect?

Average U.S. tech salaries rose 2.6 percent during 2012, according to the latest Dice Salary Survey.  Employers are rewarding those with the needed experience and certifications at much higher rates.

With a ‘tight market’ on the Tech side, be sure to make the most of every applicable skill you have in your resume. Remember you are replying to a Wish List; you need be just good enough to get the interview invitation. The pendulum is on the candidate’s side — “if you have the right skills, of course.”  For the complete article, click here.

Reasons For and Against Improving Economy

Employment opportunities are directly related to the economy. There has been some improvement overall in the last year. The popular news figures released for the un-employed is down to 6.7 percent (BLS U-3); while the realistic U-6 statistic is at 13.1. With this level, one out of every seven working adults is challenged for employment. The U-6 includes those unemployed that have also used up their benefits and those who have given up looking for work.

USA Today presents an article reviewing four reasons the economy is improving and four reasons it might not improve. Having some basic understanding of the factors that influence the economy can help appreciating the dilemma of being un-employed. See the complete article here.

Eight Top Articles from 2013

There have been many articles presented on this blog over the last year. Here are the most popular 8 from the Beyond.com site, one of the sites watched for employment tips. 

1. 5 Ways to Tell if Your Interview Went Well
2. 5 Myths That Hurt a Job Search
3. Can You Lose a Job for Being Too Attractive?
4. Six Reasons Your Search Has Stalled
5. Getting the Job When You're Underqualified
6. Four Job Qualifications You Don't Really Need
7. Six Tips for a Solid Resume
8. The Top Four Career Lies

The full article at Beyond.com can be found here

Getting the Job When You're Underqualified

When you're changing careers, getting your foot in the door can often be the most difficult part. Even though you may have tons of experience in your industry, which could carry over to the new career, odds are good that you don't meet every requirement on the employer's list.

So, how can you get a job when you're underqualified?

First, it's important to know that when an employer advertises a job opening, most of their list of requirements is a wish list. They are qualifications that the employer would like to find, but they aren't set in stone. Even if you don't meet all of them, you can still apply for the job.

In order to land a job you aren't completely qualified for, you have to consider what your qualifications are. Do you meet at least 80 percent of their advertised requirements? If you were the hiring manager, why would you hire someone with your skills? The answer to these questions will help you determine how to market yourself.

To learn the "rest of the procedures" to follow, click here.

4 Cover Letter Tips to Supplement Your Resume

While the bulk of candidates I speak with are looking for guidance with their resumes, some folks are looking for other ideas on how to effectively market themselves.  If you have been successful at crafting the perfect resume (or invested in having the perfect resume crafted for you), you may want to consider fine tuning another document that many employers ask for in your application - the cover letter.  Here are 4 simple tips to consider as you craft your cover letter:

1. Unlike a resume, your cover letter should be personalized...
2. Make sure to tailor your letter to the specific job posting using examples...
3. Create excitement about your interest in the position and clearly state why...
4. Finally, close out your letter with a desire to speak further in person or over the phone...

For more information, click here.

How & Where to Post Your Resume Online

When you are out of work or looking for a better job, posting your resume online can help you cover your foundation.  When you post your resume on the web you are advertising "I'm available for work" on job databases to thousands of recruiters and employers searching for just the right person. Prior to posting your resume prepare a simple version that is easily transferable to a variety of formats.  There are number of considerations when attempting to advertise yourself on the Internet.  Here's a quick summary of essential "how to" topics to consider.

1. Ways to post your resume
2. Where to post?
3. Jobs by location
4. Resume services
5. Keep Track! 
6. Confidentiality

For more info about these essential "how to" things to consider, click here.

Job Searching at 50: stress your experience

As an older worker, it’s easy to go off recalling the “old days” and how things have – or haven’t — changed.  In searching for an IT job at 50, however, it’s important to stay focused on the employer’s present and future needs – and how the company will benefit from your experience.
That doesn’t mean leaving dates off your resume to appear less old, according to Shelley Radinsky of T & S Recruiting near Philadelphia.  She relates:  “I think you should be proud of every bit of experience you have and “If you go in there confident, that will come across.”

Here are important concepts to incorporate in your job hunting profile.

1. Focus on Your Value
2. Find the Right Fit
3. Staying Current

For more specific strategies to incorporate in your job hunting techniques regardless of your field of endeavor, click here.