Even executive job seekers do not escape the reality that applicant tracking systems (ATS) are used by companies and recruiters for all levels of potential candidates. Because of their efficiency to track keywords and phrases, these ATS systems have an influence in the hiring process that is not likely to go away in the near future. 1. Resume format is very important – ATS systems tend to grab information in predic...

No matter where you are in your career or job search, these statistics are worth your attention. Jobs cut in March 2013 were 30% higher than a year earlier according to Challenger, Gray & Christmas, a job placement company. The length of periods of unemployment between jobs is also on the rise. So, what industries are looking for and hiring employees? Health Care Given the aging baby boomers, health care leads the list of j...

Where do recruiters go today to get a well-rounded view of an executive job seeker? Before you are even considered as a candidate, a recruiter wants to see that you look competent online. How do they determine that? 1) Reading your LinkedIn profile, 2) browsing your Facebook page, 3) looking for a blog or website, and 4) checking if you are tweeting (which shows that you at least know what tweeting is).Going social in a job...

What’s the most important word in networking? Giving. In this tough job economy, many executives don’t take into consideration how easy it can be to give before receiving. It’s a constant struggle to look past the “what’s in it for me?” thinking.In my last blog we discussed the three categories of a typical composition of an executive’s network. Easy – which describes people who are easy to help, but may not be able to give...

Focus on giving. I realize that when an executive networks, they want something. So why do I start this blog out with “giving?” It is kind of like the “pay it forward” concept. The theory is if you help people with something that is important to them, they will be more inclined to help you. Establish and build a relationship, and the rest will fall into place. Most people don’t care about what you want or need. Yes...

As with some things in life, career change becomes more complex as we get older. It isn’t quite as simple as our 30s. As an executive, at age 50, career change is a financial issue as much as it is a human growth issue. As we get older, there are mortgages, children’s college education, and other financial/lifestyle factors to consider. Depending on your financial situation, you may be in a better position to make a change...

According to Wikipedia: recruitment refers to the process of attracting, screening, selecting, and onboarding a qualified person for a job. Recruiters are increasingly using social media to find and research candidates. This approach is often called social recruiting which is the use of social media for recruiting using Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and similar online sites. Keywords count. Have you noticed how keywords h...

Just like Peggy Lee’s song, have you ever wondered “is that all there is” in relationship to your work? In my work as an executive career coach, I meet many people who think they need a career change. They’ve been successful, however, they are now at a crossroads for a variety of reasons. For some, their career path was not what they had wanted to do all those years ago. For others, they are not using the skills and talents...

The topic of resumes up for discussion on a consistent basis, particularly figuring out how to stand out and highlight your qualifications among all the other candidates. Award-winning, certified resume writer and executive career coach, Louise Garver, is the President of Career Directions LLC, and she breaks down the key aspects of the branded resume. Louise describes to Tim Muma how these can stand out and grab the attent...

How important are the first 30 seconds in a job interview?Have you ever thought about what a prospective employer/recruiter can find out about you in the first 30 seconds of meeting you? They can determine if you:Value the interviewer’s timeIt is common knowledge that most hiring managers are overworked. You might be one of them and understand that time is a very valuable asset when hiring new employees. When you (the execu...