Wednesday, November 30, 2016

November 30th 2016: Computer Security Day



This year, Computer Security Day falls on Wednesday, November 30th 2016. This is a great reminder to check all of your gadgets and tech for any weaknesses it may have. Especially with the holidays rolling in, it is smart to be alert and on top of your personal security! You can never do enough security checks!

Here is a checklist of some things you can do to help secure your computers
  • Windows Update is enabled.
  • Antivirus software is installed and running.
  • Windows Firewall is turned on.
  • The software on the computer is up to date.
  • Strong passwords are always used.
  • Passwords are not shared or written down.
  • A password is required to access your computer.
  • Unused programs are removed.
  • Your home wireless network is secured.
  • Your important data is regularly backed up.
  • Use caution when browsing the Internet.
  • Log off the computer when you're not using it.
  • Web browser does not store or remember my passwords.
  • Temporary Internet files are periodically removed.
(list from https://goo.gl/zIhK2P)

Thursday, August 11, 2016

How To Nail Your Interview In 5 Simple Steps!

It’s about that time - time to get ready for a big job interview and we all know how intimidating that can be. We’ve highlighted 5 steps for the pre-interview process to make sure your interviewer becomes your next boss.

1. Prepare:
Practice, practice, practice. Yes, it’s repetitive but it’s very necessary. Reading over your past accomplishments so you can point them out during the interview, or twist them to apply to the question, allows you to not stumble up on your words. Make sure to research the company you are going to the interview for and be knowledgeable about current events with the company. Being comfortable (to an extent) and knowing how to react to crazy questions out of left field, is key to impressing the interviewer.

2.  Body Language:
Sitting up straight with hands folded or in your lap is for more than just good posture. This allows the interviewer to see that you are not nervous (even if you are) and it shows professionalism. If you are slouched over or leaning your arm against the chair like you do at home, a future boss will not take you serious. Nobody wants to see someone interviewing and fidgeting around like a little kid. Here are some body language tools to take into your next interview:
·         Sit up straight in the chair
·         Hands can be folded or in your lap (unless holding a resume)
·         Men: keep legs straight down against the chair  Women: keep legs straight down against the chair or legs folded
·         Don’t let your eyes wander! Be attentive

      3. Dress the part:
Clothing is very important when going to an interview. The best idea to prepare, is to look up the company and the employees! Find out the company “feel.” If it is a very casual, low key company, then you will be fine not getting out the tuxedo for the time being. You want to be on their level, while being the most professional you can be! Here are some tips for dressing the part:
·         Get that hair out of your face!
·         Women, minimal jewelry…but men, get out those watches.
·         Whip out the IRON!
·         Try it on the night before, nothing like waking up and realizing you have nothing to wear!

4. Bring Resume:
Having your resume handy shows you are well prepared. There is always a chance of the interviewer asking to see your resume to look through and ask questions during the interview. Even if they have already seen your resume at some point, it shows him/her that you are ready and willing to show off your resume. Pack multiple copies!!

      5. Questions:
Bringing questions to an interview is a smart decision. When the interviewer is done asking YOU all the questions and says “Do you have any questions for me?” say yes! This is your chance to ask them about the company, current events you’ve read about or maybe a question directed towards the interviewer. This question could be something personal or about their own experience at the company. It’s your chance to become the interviewer so take advantage! It also gives you a chance to learn more and see if this will be the right fit for you.

When working with Worlco Recruiters, we make sure you are prepared properly and confident about your interview. Worlco wants you to succeed and we have the tools to help! These are just a few tips when it comes to the interview; imagine what else we have up our sleeve!

Now go out there and NAIL your interview!



Thursday, August 4, 2016

Technology: Beyond The Basics

When you think of technology do you always think of how it can benefit you? Technology is all around us and is ever evolving. From iPhones to PC’s and even the engine in your car, technology is needed as much as it’s wanted. We depend on our smart phones for alarms, we constantly check our emails for important messages, and we count on our car to start in the morning…but sometimes we are hesitant when it comes to actually admitting trusting the technology we use. We rely on technology throughout the day which means we should trust it- right? Here are two examples of when trusting technology can be beneficial in the grand scheme of things.
1  
      Fitbit: More than just a fitness tracker

Earlier this year, back in April, school teacher Jeff Bravo of Camden, NJ was having irregular heartbeats one day while teaching. They continued and he wound up having a seizure and woke up in the hospital. The doctors needed to know the exact moment his heart rate became irregular. This knowledge would allow them to prevent blood clots or any more seizures. Luckily, Bravo was wearing his Fitbit. The device helped eliminate a lot of the unknowns including if this was a chronic condition or side effect from the seizure (Christie Lleto, 6ABC News).

             Blind spot detection: Driver safety

Blind spot detection on vehicles has become much more popular in the last few years. It is being implemented into newer cars to allow the driver to be notified when changing lanes if they can’t see the other car. When the driver begins to change a lane and can’t see the other person driving slightly behind them, in their blind spot, a loud ding! will go off. Sometimes driving for a long time can become tiring and changing lanes becomes a habit so the person can get home quicker. This can cause accidents if not paying attention.  That’s where blind spot detection comes to help. Finding technology to help drivers is imperative to create safer driving.

Now, after some pretty interesting examples of technology, do you trust it even more now? Technology is here to help and advance us, let’s embrace it!




Thursday, July 28, 2016

Technology Leads The Way for Startup Business: LevelUp

Are tangible credit cards a thing of the past? With a new startup business called LevelUp, this may be the case. LevelUp is a mobile application that allows customers to pay without taking out their wallet and using their credit/debit card. The LevelUp application might just change the way people pay when shopping or eating out.

So, let’s dig a little deeper into this creative new startup business.
Background:

LevelUp was started by Seth Priebatsch of Boston, Massachusetts. Before starting LevelUp, Seth created a gaming program called SCVNGR. Being a Princeton “drop-out”, he was only 21 when starting LevelUp.  He wanted to have a cheaper way to handle credit card charges to merchants. So unlike competitor Square, who charges a 2.75% processing fee, LevelUp only charges 2% and recently dropped even lower to 1.95%.

How It Works:

So here comes the cool part. Download the application, put your credit or debit card information in and BOOM! Your information turns into a QR-code to scan at a merchants store or eatery. It’s really that simple! When a store has the LevelUp POS system, you simply take your phone out, open up the app and place your phone in front to be scanned.

 Innovation and Features:

LevelUp has 14,000 partners including local Haddonfield, NJ coffee shop Saxbys and 1.5 million people using its application. There are many different features that a merchant can use to gain loyalty with customers and track the type of purchases they make. LevelUp offers a unique SDK (software development kit), for store owners to customize loyalty programs, receipt notifications and track analytics. These features allow merchants to easily access information from customers and engage with them post transaction. LevelUp also uses API (application programming interface) so merchants can develop their own campaigns, such as loyalty, customer retention and acquisition.

Apple Pay Vs. LevelUp:
“Your card number is never stored on your device, and when you pay your debit or credit card numbers are never sent to merchants. Apple Pay assigns a unique number for each purchase, so your payments stay private and secure.” (Apple.com)

For LevelUp, merchants keep your information because of the loyalty card programs they ensue. The LevelUp app keeps your credit card information stored in your phone, but only so there is a simple scannable bar-code to make a purchase. This way it retains customers back to a business and still makes it easy to pay. LevelUp is specific to businesses that have the LevelUp POS systems.

What does this mean for customers? Well the application allows not only credit or debit cards to be loaded into the app, but also pre-loaded cash and gift cards. The merchants can create a loyalty program or card that customers can pre-load to Apple Wallet. This makes it easier for the customer to re-visit the store and have the card ready to go.
LevelUp is helping change the paying game with its helpful and easy technology behind creating customer retention for merchants and easy paying method for customers. Just a simple startup can turn into something even bigger.

Sources used: "LevelUp for Developers." Developers. LevelUp, n.d. Web. 28 July 2016.

Shontell, Alyson. "Payment Startup LevelUp Thinks It Has Found A Way To Charge Merchants A 0% Credit Card Processing Fee." Business Insider. Business Insider, Inc, 16 Apr. 2014. Web. 28 July 2016.

Thursday, July 14, 2016

A Blog on Blogs


Blogs aren’t straight forward textbook texts, with boring words and long pages. Blogs are written by people with experience and who have knowledge of the industry they blog about. They continue to learn and write to help others learn in a professional yet laid back way. Now you may be thinking, “Laid back?”  Well sure! Blogging isn’t meant to bore people or be difficult to read. Fun jargon, mixed with the writers own style, makes for a fun read.  Whether you enjoy health blogs, personal blogs, technology blogs or marketing blogs, they are all unique in their own way. That’s the best part about them. You can’t always find that in textbooks (honestly, you really never find that).

An example of a fun blog to read is on Moz.com. They have their own writers posting blogs or videos to help the reader learn tricks and use different tools. They are more marketing focused with emphasis on SEO tricks and tips. One blog talks about narrowing down searches for a client who needs specific words people look for on the internet. The blog talks about using an Excel spreadsheet to make the process simpler.

Here at Worlco, we aim to do the same. We write blogs on interesting topics in the industry or topics to help with more of the business side of things. For example, we write blogs on topics like job searching, resume writing, and communication in the workplace or among employees.  Blogs are a way to write intriguing posts while still teaching something to the reader.  Utilizing the comment section is a great way to stay engaged and see what other readers think about the topic!


So get out there and read some blogs (especially Worlco’s!) and learn something new!

Thursday, June 30, 2016

3 Tips to Help Your Job Hunt Slump

Grab a cup o' Joe, sit down in your rickety desk chair, turn on the computer and..... still nothing! It can be very frustrating when searching for a new job opportunity or just a job in general. It can take a significant amount of time which becomes tiring and turns into wanting to give up. You've hit a job hunt slump. So what do you do? Here's 3 tips on how to help your job search from a little fall into a huge ascent!

      1. Talk to a/your Recruiter


You may already know a recruiter or maybe you haven't ever spoken with one before. Either way, talking to one can increase your job search significantly. Recruiters are there to openly communicate job opportunities that they find based off your past work experience. They can find jobs specified to what you do/have done and talk to their clients in large or small companies to see if you would be a good fit. They are a helping guide to a potential job.

      2. Narrow in on your goals


If you don't know specifically what job or career you want, narrowing in on that may help your search. If you are interested in a certain title of a job, for example, Human Resources Manager, look for jobs with that title or a similar title. If you've had past careers but looking for something new, keep those past achievements from your previous job in your mind. Remembering what you've already done can help you specifically look for job descriptions that you know you can accomplish and continue to accomplish. 


      3. Don't stop networking


It's all about networking. How many times have you heard that before? It's the truth. Keeping in touch with past colleagues or coworkers can truly come in handy when job seeking. If those same people you're already connected with aren't seeming to help, connect with people outside of friends or previous coworkers! Find people in a company you would like a job in and send them a professional message about why you want to connect with them. 
Keeping open communication and networking could be a key factor into finding a job.

Following these simple steps, along with adding your own touches, can spin you out of that job hunt slump! Recruiters are a huge help in the job search process and so is networking. Narrowing in on your goals is a personal choice, but a step into the right direction for you to achieve them!

Click here for the link to Worlco's website for more information and how we can help you.


Thursday, June 23, 2016

Trusting Your Recruiter

Trusting Your Recruiter

When it comes to recruiting, the importance of communication and trust is major. Like the last blog, communication was highlighted as being very relevant to the business. Now it's time to learn why trust is the second highlighted factor in recruiting. 

A report by the Interaction Associates found that one of the most significant bases for trusting others is through experience and expertise or through having shared goals.

Says Ron Stewart author of “The Truth Of It: Why Trust Is Essential In Recruiting” (Eremedia.com).

  • Experience: Like the above quote, recruiters should be experienced in their field and aware of what can happen. A recruiters experience also involves knowing their client and how to hire appropriate talent for them, specifically. At Worlco, our recruiters have been in the business most, or all, of their career. Our clients have loyally been in business with Worlco and know that the experience and expertise of Worlco's recruiters meets and exceeds their needs. When working with a Worlco recruiter trying to enhance your career, know that this isn't their first rodeo! You are in good hands.
  • Focus: With any job, it is clear that focus is important. Focusing on the clients exact needs for an open job position helps us find the top talent suitable for the company at hand. Worlco narrows in on the specifics and goes above and beyond to find the stars of the IT professionals. This means we focus on YOUR talent as a candidate! We know this industry and focus on each job opportunity individually to place you where you will succeed!
  • Reliable: Reliability is something we all can appreciate. For instance, if your car breaks down you bring it to the mechanic relying on them to fix the problem. When it comes to career enhancement, you should be able to rely on your recruiter. In order to rely on them, you should trust your recruiter. Tell them your strengths and your weaknesses, and be honest with what you want to do in your future. The more we know about our candidate, the BETTER we can place them! Worlco is recruiting 24/7 and your recruiter can always be reached for your convenience.
To learn more about why you can trust Worlco go to our website.


Thursday, June 16, 2016

Communication: Hughes Helpful Hint Edition


Communication is key. In the business Worlco is in, we thrive on communication to help candidates land a job. Bob Hughes, our president and CEO, has some "Hughes Helpful Hints" about why communication is so important.

The recruiting business is a person to person business. In this day and age, we are all about technology and forget what human to human interaction is at times. But hey, at Worclo we are in the Information Technology business! However, we know how essential it is to have that face to face or over the phone conversation to excel our business.

Bob says "We are sales people who need to set expectations, handle objections and do the little things along the way in the sell cycle". With this comes listening to our candidates as well as them doing the same for us. This way we can know when they are available to talk and reach candidates at a good time. By the candidates listening and communicating with us, they are able to let us know what they are looking for in a job.  Keeping open lines of communication between Worlco and the client is also crucial to keep them up to date on our progress.

So what can we take away from Hughes Helpful Hints today?



  • Worlco is recruiting business which is a person to person business.
  • We focus more on over the phone and face to face communication to truly get the most from our candidates and clients.
  • Keeping open communication towards candidates and clients is vital to Worlco so we can help our candidates find a right fit and keep our clients satisfied.


Thank you Bob Hughes for your Hughes Helpful Hint!

Thursday, June 2, 2016

Worlco and the Millennials

Worlco and the Millennials

Millennials seem to be the hardest target to get through to. They like to hear a good story, says John Rossheim, author of “Attract Millennials with Your Employer Branding”. At Worlco, we wanted to explain our spin on how we brand to Millennials.

Share your brand.
Worlco Computer Resources strives to share everything we’re about on social media outlets. By posting and keeping up to date articles, pictures and quotes, we make sure our name is out there.
Millennials will sort you out by what they find about a company whether it is information they find on social media or other sources of advertising, such as T.V or print, says Rossheim.
Worlco is on top of all your social media needs! From Facebook to Instagram and Twitter, we keep IT professionals and potential clients up to speed with everything Worlco.

You have 3 seconds to set the hook for Millennials.
Millennials are always quick and on the go. By going to our Worlco website and seeing what we believe in, it will be sure to catch your attention. With up and coming technology and constant change in the tech world, a need for Millennials is important. “We bridge the gap between the candidate and the client company”. With swift, eye-catching Tweets and trending hash tags, Worlco gives the ability to put the brand out there in a different way.

Millennials can amplify your employer brand.
At Worlco, we have been around for more than 30 years and have incorporated Millennials into branding Worlco through social media to keep clients, possible candidates and followers knowing about us. The importance it brings is consistency and relevance to those who follow us. We want people to know how serious we take our recruiting and placing the right people into the right job.

Influenced by John Rossheim's article "Attract Millennials with Your Employer Branding".
To view click here

Thursday, May 26, 2016

The Solution For Difficult Tech Hires!

Having Difficulty Finding Top Talent For Your Company?....

Worlco is constantly on the hunt for TOP talented IT professionals. We focus a lot of our blog and social media posts on people passively, or selectively, looking for new opportunities... BUT Worlco also is known for having an outstanding reputation with our client relationships.

Worlco Computer Resources is a total information staffing firm with a strong focus in the Delaware Valley. We successfully bridge the gap between the client and the candidate and have been doing so for 34 years. In order to bring our clients the best of the best, we need to know what they are looking for and what fits their company! This can not be done simply  behind a computer screen.

Our Executive Partners tend to clients needs and wants on a superb level because we want them to receive the talent they are looking for. We spend time working with clients and validating that we are living up to their needs. We meet face to face and stay in touch because we care! You can find multiple client testimonials at our NEW website.

The top of the line employees can be difficult to find when you have all other aspects of your company sitting on your desk. Worlco relieves that stress and gives you access to talented IT experts. Listed below are some of the most difficult hires for tech. WE find them! If your company ever has hiring needs and you're ready for top talent to join your team..send them to www.Worlco.com! Our website is filled with our company history, client testimonials, job opportunities and MORE!



Thursday, May 5, 2016

Happy Password Day!

Password Day 2016

Password security is more important than you may notice. There are plenty of ways to protect your accounts and to be smart with your passwords!

Switch it up
Imagine having one key to your car, home, bank, work, and safe....someone gets a hold of one key and there goes all of your security! Make sure to have a variety of passwords within accounts, making no two alike. This will make it difficult for someone to hack into multiple accounts belonging to you.

Make it personalized
Common passwords are usually: password1, qwe123, or even your name with birthday. GET CREATIVE! Make it your favorite TV show, your pets name, or even your first words! It helps to remember when the password is significant to you, and makes it harder for a stranger to crack.

Is it logical?
Sometimes we tend to get a little TOO creative with our passwords. It can be tedious and confusing to reach around for different symbols, and that can also slow you down! Put punctuation, capitals, and symbols where it makes sense!

Wi-Fi Secure?
Avoid logging into accounts with passwords if there is not a secure Wi-Fi connection. Under and unsecured connection, it allows hackers access to your information.


HAPPY PASSWORD DAY
now that we covered that, GO make sure you are secured on all accounts!

-Worlco

Tuesday, April 5, 2016

Hey, you sound like a robot.

Jenny Foss, on Mashable, dominates the cover letter. Being recruiters at Worlco, we know far too well what it's like to read a cover letter that sounds like a robot. It's important to sound relatable, and realistic! OPEN your cover letter and make these changes! You won't regret it. 
-Worlco

These 5 cover letter lines make you sound like a robot. Go with this instead.

Cover letters are challenging, to say the least. How do you use them to your best advantage? How business-like or personality-filled should they be? Do people even read the stupid things in the first place?
Yes, they read them, especially if you get them in the hands of the right people and draw them in with a compelling opening that’s on point and reflective of your personality. Torture them with robotic sounding blabber, on the other hand? Then you can count on the reviewer taking, at best, a passing glance.
What are some of the worst offenders? Here are five:

1. “Dear sirs”

Greetings. Welcome to 2016. Many, many hiring managers are not, in fact, sirs. When your salutation reads like this, you not only look like you’re drawing from a template from some 1979 business book, you also risk alienating the decision maker in the first two words of your cover letter. (And do note: “To Whom it May Concern” is nearly as awful.)

Instead

Try hard to figure out who the hiring manager is (or the recruiter or talent acquisition person on staff). Direct the letter to him or her. If you simply can’t figure this out, go with “Dear Hiring Team” as a more generic, less Mad-Men-era alternative.

2. “I am very uniquely qualified”

Let me lay it right out there: There’s no such thing as being “very uniquely” for anything. The word “unique,” in and of itself, is an absolute. It suggests that you are the one single person on the planet with a particular skill set. So if you proclaim that you are “very uniquely qualified” for a job, not only is it implausible, it’s also impossible. You can’t be “very one of a kind.” You either are, or you are not. And in most job searches? You may be super qualified, but it’s arrogant to assume you’re the one and only ideally qualified candidate.

Instead

Spell out how and why you feel that your particular blend of skills and experience would enable you to deliver impact and value, in that role. Better yet, provide specific examples of how and when you’ve done these things as direct evidence of your qualifications. 

3. “I am detail-orientated”

At least a couple times a month, I receive a cover letter from someone proudly proclaiming that he or she is “detail-orientated.” Quick announcement: Orientated? Not a word. Use it on your cover letter and the reviewer may instantly discount your attention to detail period. Not to mention, everyone uses it, and it’s basically just a fluff statement.

Instead

In an instance like this, show instead of tell. If you’re gunning for a job that requires meticulous attention to details, share a specific example from your work history that exemplifies your capability to kill it.

4. “[Your name] excels in…”

This is my catch-all example that shall stand for “anything written in the third person.” Would you ever write a letter to your friend or grandmother that read something like, “Dear Grandma — Jenny Foss is a results-oriented leader who excels in helping people build and execute job search strategies”? Heeccck, no. First, your grandma probably doesn’t really “get” what you do for a living, period. Second, you’ll sound like a big weirdo, and a robot.

Remember

There’s no instead here, because no, just don’t. Your name is on the top of the document, so pretty much everyone’s going to assume that you are, in fact, the author. Write about yourself in a conversational tone, in the first person. It’s a letter, not your corporate bio.

5. “References available upon request”

I promise you this: If and when a recruiter or hiring team is ready to start checking your references, she’s going to just flat-out ask for them. You simply don’t have to spell the words out, because it’s a given. It’s part of the process. And while “references available upon request” may not kill interest entirely (assuming everything else is on point and compelling), it makes your cover letter look cookie cutter and old school.
Instead
As you begin interviewing, touch base with your short list of potential references to make sure they’re on board with speaking on behalf of you when the time is right. Compile your list, with contact info. That way, you’ll be ready to respond at lightning speed when a potential employer says it’s time.
Constructing a great cover letter can take some practice to get it right. They’re tricky little suckers, indeed. But if you give yourself permission to drop kick the terse robotic nonsense, you’ll be in a much better position to write something genuine and interesting — and, even better, hint to the reviewer that you’re someone well worth bringing in for a chat.

Find full article here!

Monday, March 28, 2016

When they ask, "Do you have any questions for me?"

When it comes to going to an interview, you’re usually the one getting asked all the questions. You practice answers and think of the most CRAZY questions you could be asked just so you are prepared, BUT you should always have a few questions to ask when the spotlight gets put on you. When the interview winds down and the employer says, "Now what questions do you have for me?" You can't just sit there!!! Prepare some questions that will benefit yourself and your professional reputation.
-Worlco
            

9 good interview questions to ask

Interviews aren't just about giving the right answers—they're about asking the right questions.
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By John Kador
The landscape for job seekers today can be difficult. In other words, if you want a job today, the hard work starts when you prepare for the interview.
That means not just nailing the interview questions you are asked, but actually asking the kinds of questions designed to make the interviewer sit up and take notice. It’s no longer enough to be qualified. If you want a job in today’s business environment, you have to shine, and there’s no better way to show your excellence than by asking excellent questions. These questions could also help you avoid a bad boss before it's too late.
Don’t squander the opportunity to shine by asking mundane questions the interviewer has heard before. Your goal is to make a statement in the form of a question. The statement is designed to:
  •  Highlight your qualifications.
  • Demonstrate your confidence.
  • Reinforce your commitment.
  •  Understand the employer’s challenges.
  •  Make yourself accountable.
  •  Advance your candidacy.

Questions are the best way to demonstrate that you understand the company’s challenges, emphasize how you can help the company meet them and show your interest in the most unmistakable manner possible—by actually asking for the position.
What are good job interview questions to ask? Based on my interviews with dozens of recruiters, human resource professionals and job coaches, here are nine of the most memorable questions candidates can ask:
  • What exactly does this company value the most, and how do you think my work for you will further these values?
  • What kinds of processes are in place to help me work collaboratively?
  • In what area could your team use a little polishing?
  • What’s the most important thing I can accomplish in the first 60 days?
  • Can you give me some examples of the most and least desirable aspects of the company’s culture?
  •  Am I going to be a mentor or will I be mentored?
  • How will you judge my success? What will have happened six months from now that will demonstrate that I have met your expectations?
  • This job sounds like something I’d really like to do—is there a fit here?
  •  Now that we’ve talked about my qualifications and the job, do you have any concerns about my being successful in this position?

Use these questions as prototypes for questions based on the particulars of the position you are interviewing for. Make them your own and polish them until their shine reflects on you. Asking questions like these is not for the faint of heart but, then again, neither is succeeding in today’s hypercompetitive job market.

John Kador is the author of 301 Best Questions to Ask on Your Interview (McGraw-Hill, 2010) and more than 10 books. His other career books are The Manager's Book of Questions: 1001 Great Interview Questions for Hiring the Best Person and The Flawless Interview. Kador is a frequent speaker at job and college career fairs. He can be reached via email or on Twitter. His website is www.jkador.com.

Thank you Mashable and John Kador for your input!

Thursday, March 3, 2016

Make yourself more hireable this week!

Sometimes you cast your rod, and the fish just don't bite. There has got to be something you can switch up! Don't worry, Worlco found an article that gives you some ideas on how to make yourself more "hireable". Recruiters, like us at Worlco, are looking for shining talent just like YOU! Help us help you by following these guidelines!

-Worlco

5 quick ways to make yourself more hireable this week


Why isn’t your job search working?
You’re sending out resume after resume for positions you think you’re perfectly qualified for. You’re even taking the time to tailor each one and craft memorable cover letters — but still, you’re hearing nothing back. Meanwhile, you see positions you applied for months ago drop off the job boards — and soon after, a smiling new member on the “Meet the Team” page who seems to have exactly the same type of background you do.
So what gives? Why are others getting great new gigs, while you’re stuck at your lackluster job?
In some cases, you may need to think about long-term strategies to boost your candidacy, like learning new skills or getting a specific type of experience. But many times, there’s plenty you can do to boost your hireability ASAP, such as:

1. Make your LinkedIn profile easy for recruiters to find (and love)

You’ve probably spent lots of time revising your resume, but if you haven’t given your LinkedIn profile a good update, now’s the time. This has a couple of benefits: One, if a hiring manager checks you out online, you have another opportunity to impress. But more importantly, an optimized profile makes it easy for recruiters to find you when they’re searching for people like you (say, “customer service manager in Seattle”).

Here are the basics: Do you have a summary that includes keywords from the job descriptions you’re looking at? A headline that’s not just your current job title? A photo that makes you seem both likable and professional? Yes? Next step is asking a few people for recommendations so you can show anyone who comes to your profile that you’d be fantastic to work with.
In addition, Muse Master Coach Jenny Foss recommends adding a line to the end of your summary that implies you’re open to new opportunities without making it overly obvious to your boss or co-workers. She suggests something to the effect of, “I’m fascinated by all things digital marketing and enjoy meeting like-minded people. Feel free to contact me at YourEmail@gmail.com.”

2. Set up a personal website

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: Having a personal hub on the web is a great way to show employers what you’ve done before you even walk in the door. With just one URL, you can give hiring managers more information about you than what fits on your resume. And, if you’re changing careers or pivoting to a different role, you can even show off your passion for this new direction.

The good news is, you don’t need a technical or design background to build one. To get started, sign up for The Muse’s three-day email class, which will walk you through the process step by step. (Or start with something simpler, like an online resume.)
Then, put the URL on everything — your resume, cover letter, LinkedIn profile, email signature, you name it. And don’t be afraid to refer to it in interviews! “During the initial phone screen interview, I was able to direct the recruiter to the site so they could see the experiences and work examples I had,” says Mark Scott, who credits his personal website with helping him land a corporate communications position. “That went a long way to making me stand out from other candidates who may not have had a handy website and may have been waiting for in-person opportunities to share their work.”

3. Do a project for your dream employer

This one’s going to take a bit more time, so you definitely don’t want to do it for every job you apply for. But when you see a dream company — one that makes you stop and say, “I have to work here!” — consider something totally out of the box, like creating a project that shows what you can do.
Business Insider contributor Raghav Haran describes this approach in detail in a recent piece and says it led him to “interviews at major tech companies like Quora, and it even led to Shutterstock creating a position specifically for me.” When applying for a business development role, he reached out to potential partners on the company’s behalf. For product positions, he ran his own user tests and pulled together design recommendations based on them.
What about for you? If you’re in sales, you could put together a sample client presentation. If you’re a marketer, you have all kinds of options, from recommending a strategy for a new social media platform to writing a content marketing piece. Writer Alexandra Franzen, after interviewing for a job she wasn’t quite qualified for, sent in a list of sample taglines — and had an offer in hand soon after.
Yes, this is most certainly a way-above-and-beyond approach. Which is why most people won’t do it — and you’ll really stand out if you do.

4. Enlist your network

Most people I know hate this step. And I get it: The job search is deeply personal, and it feels so awkward to reach out for help.
But, for most of us, it’s still the single most effective way to get a job. The truth is, when faced with multiple similarly qualified candidates, a hiring manager is much more likely to interview or hire the one he or she has a personal connection with.
So, if you haven’t already, it’s time to reach out to everyone you know who could be helpful in your search. I recommend starting with the people who already know and trust you, using an email template like this. If there are people who could be very helpful (think: know just about everyone in your field or work for your dream employer), take them to coffee or lunch and ask for their advice for sending in your application. (And then send a very nice thank you note and keep in touch about your progress.)

I promise: It will be worth it.

5. Work with a coach

So, maybe you’ve been on the hunt for months. Maybe you’ve tried all of the above, and still, no dice.
It’s incredibly discouraging, but it happens. And if it’s happening to you, don’t keep trying the same old, same old — it’s only going to make you more frustrated. Instead, if you’re feeling really stalled, consider talking to a professional. A career coach who specializes in job search strategy can look at your materials, dissect your current strategy, and identify where you might need a different approach. Not to mention, working with someone who’s helped countless others in your shoes can remind you that you’re not alone and help you stay optimistic about the process.
Which is, in fact, pretty important. The job search is grueling, especially if it’s not moving as quickly as you’d like. Hiring managers know this. So if you can walk into the interview and show that you can stay upbeat and optimistic throughout the difficult hiring process, that’ll go a long way.

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