Wednesday, October 19, 2011

LinkedIn Etiquette: Do Not Ask For A Job

I can't tell you how many times I've told job-seekers not to send out vague and unspecific e-mails inquiring about "jobs in Boston," "finance jobs," or "any jobs where I can use my [insert elite private institution] degree."  These type of e-mails are not only indicative of a lack of thought, but also suggest that you have no idea what you really want to do, which generally does not bode well for your job search. So what should you do?  Target specific individuals for networking conversations.  Ask pointed questions to learn more about their field/work and make a good impression.  This type of networking works.  Asking absolute strangers for help with a broadly defined, vague job search does not.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Don't Freak Out Just Yet AKA: Understanding Hiring Timelines

Around this time of year, we career services folk see even the least corporate of careerists in our office wondering where are all the jobs for them?  They've been to the career fair, they've scoured our online job posting platform, and they're ready to throw their hat (i.e. resume and cover letter) into the ring.  But wait! Job postings in the industries they're looking to start careers in are no where to be found.  Surely, they figure, the absence of healthcare, non-profit, or education industries is a simple oversight - or perhaps an intentional one deliberately done by corporate leaning career counselors.  Yet I assure you, this is not the case.  A major reason that these industries are not at fall career fairs and participating in on-campus recruiting en masse is that they do not generally hire Seniors graduating in the spring this early in the fall.  These industries, due to less predictable budgets, the inability to predict spring-time workforce needs, or industry norms simply do not recruit their workforce 6+ months in advance.  Yes, these industries will hire Seniors - but they will do so in the spring months.  So don't freak out yet just become your Economics major roommate is applying for jobs and getting ready for interviews, your time will come.  Instead, relax, network, and get ready for a busy and job-application-filled spring.