The Job Hunter Group's Blog

Are You Under a Lot of Stress During Your Job Search?

Steven Coyne — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 12:12:53 +0000

This message might just be what you need, to give you a little calm during the job search!

Click Here to read the complete message.

“Cover Letters – Should You Use Them in Your Job Search?”

Steven Coyne — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 11:58:29 +0000

Are cover letters useful anymore?

There are a variety of opinions throughout the internet. One of the most compelling comments came from Edith Reese, an Insurance and Risk Management Professional and Attorney, saying that “There are blogger’s with HR backgrounds who state that a cover letter is outdated, but the comments on this site (LinkedIn poll page) from HR professionals indicate otherwise. For a variety of the following reasons listed here (distinguishing yourself from the other candidates, showing the company how you add value, showing interest in the position, creating a connection with the hiring manager, etc.) a well written cover letter remains an important element of the job hunter’s arsenal.

After exhaustive discussions with over 240 job seekers, many of them from the professional networking website Linkedin.com, and posting a poll on LinkedIn with the following title, “Do You Use a Cover Letter in Your Job Search”, I found some pretty interesting and relevant responses to the poll question.

Click here to read the rest of the article and get the results of the LinkedIn poll

3 Reasons I’ll Read Your Resume.

Steven Coyne — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 16:15:59 +0000

I heard it again today, “I’ve applied to 300 jobs in the last month.”

WHAT?

Why would anyone waste their time like that? Sounds to me like this person was simply doing the “Click and Go” dance with his computer. I certainly understand the desperation that comes with the economic climate we all live in today, but I’m concerned.

If a job seeker would just sit back for a few minutes and consider a plan of action, concerning the goals for the day and write it down, then the day’s efforts might be a little more fruitful! More focus would be given to the list below and less work would be done with better results.

Not all recruiters search the same way for potential candidates. They don’t post job descriptions the same way. They don’t read resumes the same way. They certainly don’t communicate the same way, which is often to the disadvantage of an excellent candidate. They all have differing levels of concern for things like ethical values, integrity and credibility. Some recruiters are educated and some are not. Some have common sense and some don’t have any sense at all.

I can’t begin to tell you how any other recruiter will process your resumé, even if I think I know them. What I will tell you, is how I process resumes and what I expect before I receive it from you. These tips should help you, by giving you the best possible chance at getting an interview…if you are honest with yourself as you prepare your resumé!

Reason #1.
You’ve given me what I want by reading the job description COMPLETELY! If you haven’t, why would you apply? Would you only read what stands out on a medicine bottle, only to find out later that there are side effects (in the small print) that may adversely affect your health? The health of your personal economic stability depends on reading completely.

If you are just posting resumes everywhere, hoping one will stick; you’re wasting YOUR time. Give me what I want by writing a short and concise cover letter. It should include a short summary of your experiences that “MATCH” the job description. If they don’t match, DON’T APPLY! If a job description is short and vague, contact me and ask for any clarification I can offer.

Make SURE you are qualified before you apply. You’ll save yourself a lot of precious time by focusing on the importance of being qualified. I don’t currently work with clients or other recruiters that will accept a candidate with skills that are “transferable.” You are either qualified to the specifics of the job description, or you are not. (Author’s note: Transferable skills have their place, just not as the focus of the resume).

Please read the complete article by clicking here

“8 Steps to a Successful Job Interview.”

Steven Coyne — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 23:20:29 +0000

There are a multitude of opinions on how to succeed in a job interview. In my short tenure as a recruiter, I’ve spoken to hundreds of successful candidates about their interviewing experiences. The following is a short list full of helpful information that will give you the best possible chance for that same success!

*Study information about the company through its website and other forms of information that you can find out about them, such as professional networking website profiles. Learn everything that you can about the company and don’t forget to take notes to study in advance of the interview (if you have reasonable time before the interview). The more you learn the better chance you’ll have to advance through to the next step in the hiring process.

*Always be on time for your interview. Arrive 10-15 minutes early. You may need to fill out forms related to the job, and it will help that you are finished before the actual interview is scheduled. Make sure you have a contact phone number available in case of an emergency during your travel time to the interview. When you arrive, ask the receptionist for the name of the interviewer, and write it down! The receptionist is your first point of contact. Be genuine as you communicate, as they will have an impact with any comments they may make to the interviewer.

To read the rest of this article please click here

An Article For All Job Seekers Who Love Dogs

Steven Coyne — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 20:00:32 +0000

Please go read this article about my Greman Short Haired Pointer.

Click on this link

Common Resume Mistakes

Steven Coyne — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 16:24:10 +0000

Are you worried about your resume? You should be if you are making these common resume mistakes most often committed by job seekers! In this current tough economic climate, and in seeing the changes that have occurred in most job searches, you MUST pay close attention to getting your resume right each time you send it out.

Some alleged professional resume writers will tell you to use a professional to create that “winning resume” when all they really want is your money. It’s a “one time shot” for them and a big waste of time and money for you. You can use a professional, however, if you have done your homework on them by checking their credentials and getting references to insure that you get the results you pay for. If you find a good resume writer, have them re-write your resume and then you can use it as a template for all the other resumes you will modify as you apply for each job.

Please click here to read the rest of this article

Why Can’t I Find A Job?

Steven Coyne — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 16:27:08 +0000

It’s a tough job searching market out there. “Why Can’t I Find A Job?” will help you to boldly answer some of the most important questions that may help you to get on the right track to finding a job that’s a perfect fit for you! With millions of people currently unemployed, you really need to be prepared.

Here are several questions that you must ask yourself as you go through your job search. Be honest in your answers and don’t be afraid to dig deep below the surface to get at some of the reasons you are currently unable to find a job. Your joblessness may not be your fault. But you should still take an inventory of all of your answers to these questions anyway!

Please read the rest of the article by clicking here

“How To Teach A Young Child With Toys”

Steven Coyne — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 18:55:12 +0000

Many years ago, my wife and I decided that we would not have children. It was the very best decision for us at the time. I have been blessed with over 20 nieces and nephews throughout the years, but most of them are too far away to visit on a regular basis. We do have one young child in our lives that is a Great Niece, though, and have decided to pamper her with as many things as we could. She is currently 3 years old and so the “what should we get her” question had an easy answer. We wanted to teach her with toys, toys, and more toys!

As she gets older, we have been fortunate enough to see her grow with a depth of learning and intuition not often seen in a child of 3 years. So, our decision to purchase toys that would teach her, and at the same time stimulate her creativity, was a no-brainer! Most every little girl I know loves dolls and princesses. Anything to do with a doll house or a castle is always a winner, but do these things teach with any depth? Tea sets and stuffed ponies, puzzles and crayons all seem to have an impact on her ability to learn new things. We have purchased these types of toys and seen growth and accomplishment through activities related to them.

Please Read The Rest Of The Article Here

Job Searching Basics: What Are They?

Steven Coyne — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 18:44:18 +0000

It’s very important for you to realize that there are job searching basics that should be followed as you get started looking for a job. Although time consuming and frustrating at times, following some of the basics will keep you motivated and positive throughout the job search.

Where do I start?
Make sure you really know yourself. There are a variety of tests and online assessments that you can take online. You must understand your job goals, what motivates you, if you work well with others, what is the best type of job for you and so on. Most major Internet job boards have some sort of free assessment that you can take. This will at least give you an idea of who you are, how you act and react, and what industries you are best suited for.

Who do you know?
It’s been said that your job is usually just three people away from you, so, who do you know? Are you actively networking with your connections? We each, typically, know anywhere from 100 to 300 people. Take advantage of this knowledge.

If you are not yet networking on the Internet, go get busy! There are 1,000’s of networking websites that will improve your chances of finding the job that is the best fit for you, and the people that can help you get connected to the hiring manager of that job. Get registered with LinkedIn, FaceBook, Twitter, MySpace, Digg, StumbleUpon, Ecademy, Fast Pitch and Networking for Professionals just to name a few.

Please Read The Rest Of The Article Here

Resumes: Why Should I Use A Chronological Resume?

Steven Coyne — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 20:50:38 +0000

You have to ask yourself these questions; Why should I use a chronological resume as opposed to a functional resume or a combination of both? Why would a hiring manager read my resume? Have I done the very best I can to prepare my resume? …before I send it out!

Posting an up to date, well written resume can really make or break your chances of it even being read by a hiring manager. Make sure you have dotted all of your I’s and crossed all of your T’s. Everything must be spelled correctly and should be in an easy to read format. A chronological resume might be used by a job seeker with a very long work history; however, some hiring managers have suggested that you only include 10–15 years of experience.

Make sure you use the space on your resume to your advantage. Don’t ramble! Be concise! Don’t be boring! Be creative identifying your attributes. Emphasize your positive work history. Stay away from colors, fancy words and pictures of you on the resume. Make your resume come alive with words, rather than things that will repel the hiring manager!

Please Read The Rest Of The Article Here