Comments on: Let’s Call the 18 Minute Job Seeker What He Is

By: Lorraine

Lorraine — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 16:28:26 +0000

Yup – you nailed it. Ignorance — not stupidity — is what keeps people from getting back to work. They need to learn how to write a better resume, stop using the job boards, and understand how to get to the decision makers.

By: wwds

wwds — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 16:50:07 +0000

For all you 18 minute doubters out there, US News and World Report editors CONFIRMED the data with the Labor Department. It is based on the American Time Use Survey from 2004 to 2008.
Thanks to all the readers who are so watchful and correct. I appreciate the fact checking. GLH

By: wwds

wwds — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 16:54:59 +0000

David—Happy New Year to you. Glad to have met you this year. No question, prblem solvers are always in demand. What is especially true, also, is the way these resumes are often written,…the job seeker think I have the time or energy to figure out exactly how they can contribute to my, our, cause. If I have to spend three minutes wondering how to make use of them, they have lost. IMHO.

By: wwds

wwds — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 16:53:03 +0000

Jacqui…which is exactly why you offer such great advice to your clients.

By: David Tinney

David Tinney — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 14:57:18 +0000

G.L.

I wonder how many times you’ve been accused of being ‘too harsh’??? Doesn’t matter, sometimes truth hurts.

You’re absolutely right! If someone comes into my office and convinces me they can turn around my lackluster year (2009), I’ll hire them on the spot.

What this economy needs is problem solvers. Not impressive resume writers.

Just my 2 cents.

By: 18 Minutes Per Day To Find A Job? | Gradversity

18 Minutes Per Day To Find A Job? | Gradversity — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 22:24:45 +0000

[...] reading the responses from G.L. Hoffman and Louise Fletcher, I thought it would be worthwhile dropping my two cents into the [...]

By: Jacqui Barrett-Poindexter

Jacqui Barrett-Poindexter — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 15:25:12 +0000

GL,
Excellent, strongly worded, and spot on article.

I empathize with job seekers; I plead ignorance, too, when it comes to projects and tasks I find uncomfortable and difficult! For example, I’m in the throes of rebuilding my website, and if I could handle ALL of the heavy lifting and learning over to my website guru, I would be a happy camper.

But I CANNOT. MY intellectual muscles must lift and expand and grow! I have to learn, research, study, DO, think, etc. If he were to coddle me, he would be doing ME and my business an injustice.

This website project I hoped to roll out in January may take longer, not because of any outward circumstances that are working against poor little me, but simply because it requires me to muster up and WORK for the great outcome.

The same thing with job hunting. NO successful job hunt is a ‘hand-off-my-problem to a career advisor, resume writer, career coach, President Obama, etc.’ type of project. Those who do that hurt themselves (mostly) and those around them because they are stalling their progress and creating a certain havoc in their homes and the economic and jobs climate.

Instead, roll up those sleeves, research, ferret out the good and worthy advice and apply it; if seeking out a career expert (such as resume/career coaching specialist , then listen to their suggestions and respond to their proddings. A truly ethical and experienced career consultant and/or coach will partner with you and NOT do all of your work for you (or promise magic bullet solutions).

Looking for a one-stop-shop to introduce you to the perfect recruiter or magically write the perfect resume with the perfect keywords and tell you the perfect fit job for your perfect history without your direct involvement and manual labor of YOUR mind (and hours of introspection, target company research and out-of-your-comfort zone calling and conversing), will slow your results and in most cases, stymie it.

Job hunters, reach out, seek support, assistance, read, listen, then act – action truly begets traction! Your new next job IS out there, awaiting your pursuit. Learn about it, court it, attract it. Make finding a job a full-time job. You WILL net results.

And yes, http://www.linkup.com — add this rich repository of opportunities to your research engine!

Jacqui

By: wwds

wwds — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 14:28:30 +0000

Chris…I know YOU do good work. I think the only thing we can do is to keep telling our stories about the helpful tools we both have. Our LInkUp.com site is a terrific tool for the engaged job seeker. He can search company websites for un advertised openings and learn what industries are hiring. The word of mouth on LINKUP.com (www.linkup.com) is amazing…but still slow. Like you, we are continuing to do whatever we can….and more….to help the job seeker.
GLH

By: Chris Walker

Chris Walker — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 14:00:02 +0000

GL I work with job seekers 50 & over at a non-profit. You are precisely correct in identifying ignorance as the main stumbling block in job search. Most of our clients haven’t been job hunting for many, many years.

Here are a few of the basic lessons we teach:

The hirirng process is an elimination process. 1 job, 500 applicants means 499 times more eliminating than hiring. Don’t be easily eliminated.

Spend at least as much time pursuing companies & contacts as you do posted jobs. 3 times as many jobs a filled through referrals as through the big 3 job boards.

Stop thinking like you; start thinking like the employer.

Customize your resume to each position/company. You can’t just present yourself and expect the employer to figure out what to do with you. That’s your job.

Update your skills.

Send thank you notes, even when you are rejected.

By: Tweets that mention What Would Dad Say » Let’s Call the 18 Minute Job Seeker What He Is -- Topsy.com

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 14:00:01 +0000

[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Jason Monastra, My Job Cafe. My Job Cafe said: #jobsearch What Would Dad Say: Let’s Call the 18 Minute Job Seeker What He Is: Toby Day.. http://bit.ly/7WUXPX #careeradvice [...]