Jobing.com: Dallas Community Blog

How To Land the Job When They Say You're "Overqualified" - Jasmin Brand - Brandpointe

Fri, 5 Feb 2010 17:15:51 GMT

GO TO COLLEGE. GET A JOB. BE SUCCESSFUL. For most of us, these are the messages that we've heard from friends, family and television commercials from an early age. I think it's believed that if a person invests the time, money and effort into going to a college or university, that they will automatically unlock the key to some sort of career euphoria or bliss.

I'm not sure that key necessarily exists anymore.

In today's current economic climate, not only does a degree NOT guarantee a job, having one can sometimes work against you.

I received an email from a client who is currently looking for work. She told me she had been speaking with a recruiter who suggested that she should remove her master's degree from her resume because it may scare off potential employers who think she may be overqualified for their positions.

Sensing that this advice may be ill-advised, my client called me for my opinion.

Should she remove her degree from her resume?

What was my answer? A BIG FAT NO!!

Not only would removing her graduate degree from her resume be in a way, a form of lying, it would also be discounting all of the hard work and energy spent completing the program. I say NO BUENO on deleting such an important part of a person's personal and professional life from a resume.

In working with employers on a daily basis, I have commonly heard their concern of hiring overqualified employees who accept a position only to leave it soon after when something better comes along. Employers are right to have this concern because it happens all the time. Not saying this kind of behavior is right, just acknowledging its existence.

So how does a job seeker get around this? How can a job seeker remove the "overqualified" stigma and land the job?

Honesty is the Best Policy.

Truthfully speaking, if you have a master's degree for example, and you are applying for an Administrative Assistant position with a company, BE HONEST. Are you only applying for this position knowing within yourself that if something better comes along, you'll leave it immediately? If that's the case, then you must redefine your job search ASAP.

Tailor your job search activities to employment opportunities that come as close to what you're really looking to do. Now, there may be fewer opportunities when you start narrowing your actual searches but that also means there will be fewer candidates who actually fit the specific qualifications so your chances for a call back will be greater.

If you are in fact, genuinely interested in the administrative job, then this is where a great cover letter or objective would do wonders for you. Explain your story. Maybe you'd like to work for a non-profit and the way for you to get access is starting at the bottom and working your way up. Tell employers this. It will help fill in those gaps, questions, and blank stares that you might be facing.

If you put the time, effort and heaps of money into pursuing a higher education, don't do a disservice to yourself by hiding your educational accomplishments and removing them from your resume in order to get a job. Jobs come and go, a good education is with you for life.

xxx Jasmin

Want to learn more about what I do? Come find me at www.beovation.com

Elysian Hospice Is Growing! - Gary Donult - Elysian Hospice

Fri, 5 Feb 2010 10:09:44 GMT

Elysian is appreciative of everyone in the community who helped us grow in 2009. To be a successful new business in the current economic environment is truly a blessing. We are grateful to all the referrals we have received and to our team of employees who are dedicated to serving their patients and families.

February 2010 has already arrived and we're ready to add additional staff. We're looking for a full time RN Case Manager. If you are an RN wanting to pick up some additional hours, consider a PRN position with us!

PRN CNAs and LVNs are also needed. We're looking at creating a team of PRN LVNs and CNAs for continuous care needs.

Stop by our office and complete an application. We'd love an opportunity to meet you!

Cravings Aren't Just for Pregnant Women - Souls Have Them Too! - Tim Koirtyohann - Cardiovascular Home Care, Inc.

Thu, 4 Feb 2010 11:06:47 GMT

Here comes a feeling you thought you'd forgotten
Chairs to sit and sidewalks to walk on (Vampire Weekend, Horchata)

Well the holidays are through, a vacation was had, budget season is done, benefits’ open enrollment is finished...it must be time to get back to blogging!

Sitting here listening to Vampire Weekend’s new single brings to mind the fact that spring is just a few short weeks away.

A great combination of lyrics and rhythms, Horchata, reminds me of my New Year’s resolutions and spring’s rebirth. So my question to you is: What will you do to seek the change you promised yourself and to renew your spirits?

What is it that your soul craves? Maybe it is making a difference in a person’s life. Maybe it is the chance to work autonomously and utilize your full skills. Maybe it is to work in a more challenging arena where critical thinking is required. Maybe it is being home at night to see your family seven days a week instead of three.

Whatever it is the change begins with you. You are four weeks into the year. What are you waiting for? Your soul is craving it.

DFW Employers to Host Job Shadow Students - Buffy Wehner - Jobing.com Community Relations - DAL

Wed, 3 Feb 2010 11:14:24 GMT

Job Shadow is a year-round effort to introduce young people to the world of work through job shadowing experiences. Each year, the program is kicked off on Ground Hog’s Day. This year, Dallas/Fort Worth area students will spend time at local area employers getting to know what it’s really like to work in that company, industry or profession. Job shadowing gives kids a chance to explore various careers beyond what their parents may do for a living. Job Shadow also provides an opportunity for students in at-risk situations to be exposed to various career options they otherwise might not have the chance to explore.

The National Job Shadow Coalition was formed in 1997 to encourage participation in a shadowing initiative across the United States. The goal was to help young people explore firsthand the skills and education needed to succeed in today’s and future job markets, and to encourage the development of relationships between students and caring adults. Given the current economy, students need these valuable experiences more than ever.

Job Shadow is coordinated by the Job Shadow Coalition, which consists of America’s Promise, Junior Achievement, the U.S. Department of Education, and the U.S. Department of Labor. Other sponsors include AT&T; Cisco; the Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention; and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).

Jobing.com and the Jobing Foundation support Job Shadow Day by encouraging local employers to get involved. Contact your local Job Corps office, youth workforce center, or school counselor to offer your site as a place of learning. For more information, visit www.jobshadow.org. Please share your company’s success stories with us here. Your best practices will help more companies understand the benefits of investing in the Dallas/Fort Worth future workforce.

Tired of applying on line? - Ursula Gonzalez - AAA Texas

Tue, 2 Feb 2010 10:07:32 GMT

AAA Texas event - If you're an experienced sales professional, come meet us at the Omni Mandalay in Las Colinas tomorrow, Wednesday, February 3rd - from 1p.m. to 5p.m.

Bring your resume and come dressed ready to interview for our Inside Sales Opportunities!

Why You Shouldn't Wear Red in an Interview and Other Awesomely Useful Tips - Jasmin Brand - Brandpointe

Mon, 1 Feb 2010 23:25:31 GMT

In my professional life, I can not count how many interviews I have gone on. From my very first at 16 as a Sales Associate with Capezio Dancewear to my biggest one with Nationwide Insurance for a coveted spot on their Quality Assurance team, I have experienced my fair share of interviews. They have been good, bad, and downright ugly. Out of my funny and usually embarrassing moments, comes really useful advice that I can share for the good of all mankind....

1. NEVER WEAR RED
This is an easy one. It has been proven that the color red incites a strong, emotional reaction in people. Yes, you want the potential company you're interviewing with to be really excited about you, but this could also backfire against you. I once wore a red dress in an interview. Susan, the Human Resources Manager, instantly complimented me on the dress. We proceeded with the interview and as I answered her questions, she seemed eerily preoccupied with the dress. I caught her staring at it, not me, on a number of occasions. I actually started to think that maybe I had a stain or something torn because she was totally distracted. After the interview, I thought I had knocked it out of the ballpark but then I got a call from the company's recruiter and she informed me that I didn't get the position because Susan had expressed that they were looking for someone more conservative. It had to be that dress!

2. GOOGLE IS YOUR BEST FRIEND
Before I went on any interview, I would always do a Google search on the hiring company, the manager I was meeting with as well as a Google search on the job title I was applying for. This is great because if there are any recent developments with the company, Google will tell you. Maybe the hiring manager just received an award or promotion. Google will tell you. Finally, it's a always a good idea to see different job descriptions for the position you are applying for. For example, I once applied for a Business Development Associate position with an insurance company. I did a Google search for "Business Development Associate" and I found a ton of salary information for similar companies as well as different job descriptions which are helpful as you prep for the big interview. It's a good idea to become familiar not just with the position you're looking to snag but the industry in general.

3. HAVE 10 COPIES OF YOUR RESUME AT ALL TIMES
I made the mistake once of only bringing one resume with me to an interview. I'd been asked to come in and interview for an Analyst job with a really awesome company. The initial interview went so well that the Director I had met with wanted to go ahead and have me meet with several other managers right then and there. I sat through three additional interviews and in each one I was asked for a copy of my resume. I had only brought the one that the first Director had written notes all over. Real smooth. Needless to say, I didn't get called back on that one. Always have multiple copies of your resumes. Keep them in a folder in your car. You just never know.

4. DRINK A RED BULL BEFORE GOING IN
On another fateful interview day, I was asked to complete a panel interview that consisted of four managers. It was non-stop questions, machine gun style for an hour an half. My enthusiasm was great in the beginning but as we approached 60 minutes, the fatigue set in and it may have been noticeable to the panel. It is your responsibility to present the very best of yourself to the interviewers regardless of the time, place, length or discomfort level of the interview. They do not care that you were asked 40 questions in the matter of 30 minutes. Or that you've been asked the same question 4 times. They want answers and they want good ones. Enthusiastic ones. Drink Red Bulls, have a cup of Coffee or pinch yourself. Whatever will get you pumped up and ready to take on whatever comes your way.

GOVERNMENT JOBS HIRING. - Manuel Washington - Federal Job Course Seminars

Mon, 1 Feb 2010 14:12:02 GMT

The federal government has plenty of job openings for qualified applicants. The hardest part can be completing the application process. Let the Resume Shop and their staff help you get a government job in 2010. Mark your calendar and make plans to attend the Resume Shop seminar on Saturday, February 20, 2010, 8am-1pm, at Spring Hill suite by Marriott, 2363 Stemmons Trail, Dallas, Texas 75220, 214-350-2300. Seating is limited. So register today at www.theresumeshop.vpweb.com .

When am I going to find a job? - Patty Revis - Jobing.com Community Relations - FW

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 18:03:38 GMT

Recently a job seeker asked me - "it has been 6 months, what am I doing wrong - why haven't I been hired?". Sound familiar? Here is the good and the bad news: Unfortunately, the length of this person's job search is normal for today's economy. According to the BLS, the average job search currently lasts for about six and a half months (seasonally adjusted average) - http://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.t09.htm. Hopefully this number will decline soon as the economy recovers. It is important to persevere and stay active in your search.

How can you shorten your job search?
Nothing is a sure thing, but one good approach is to be as active as possible while you look for work. Volunteer, make new connections, and make sure you stay in touch with people that are engaged in helping you in your search. Here are some organizations that might need your support and connect you with other local professionals. It can be easy to get discouraged and withdraw from the activities that could help you most, so be aware of how you spend your time. In times like these, there are plenty of worthy causes that could use your talents. Giving can take you out of a negative spiral and give a boost to your self-worth.

Try something new.
If you've only applied one way, try another venue. For example, if you've only applied through job boards, also try applying via email with a professional letter of interest (using the JResume system makes emailing a resume as easy as copying and pasting a link). If all of your activity has been online, try branching out with an open house, job fair or networking event. There are just so many ways to get a job - that you can increase your chances of success dramatically by adding at least one. Check the event calendar and our new resume system for new ways you can connect with employers and get your resume out there.

Put yourself on a schedule.
Set benchmarks and make a time-line. You may not be able to control when employers respond to you or if they hire you, but you can control the efforts you make. Set goals for time you will spend on your search, the numbers of jobs you will apply to, and when you plan to follow-up with your applications. Getting tasks set up and holding yourself accountable will help make sure that you keep your search in motion and don't get yourself stuck in the "waiting by the phone" rut. Check out local job clubs to gather more resources, support and accountability in your search.

How often do you use the word HELP?? - Rene Hebert, M.Ed. - University of North Texas - Professional Leadership Program

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 17:30:24 GMT

As the academic year gets back into the full swing of things, I have many students asking for my help. I love to help people however I can and often think we don't use the word "help" enough. "Help" should be a permanent fixture in anyone's vocabulary. It does not mean you have failed, it does not mean you are any less of a person; it means we can't all be experts at everything and have all the resources of the world. For my students and all job seekers, I encourage you to use this word and use it often. People want to help you, we just need to know that you need the help. In addition, we need to know how we can help you. Tell us what you want, what you desire so that we can better negotiate help for you.

On the flip side of this, we all should be asking people continuously, "How can I help you?" I've learned over the past 4 years how powerful this question is. Sit down with an individual and ask how you can help and you get an enormous amount of information from them. However, sit down with an individual and ask how they are and you typically will get the answer "fine." I've learned a ton about servant leadership over the few years and "How can I help" might as well be the motto of all who live to be a servant leader. Thus, for those asking for help, be sure to also ask those same people how you can help them.

Pursue the Passion Book Release Brings National Job Shadow Day to Life - Brett Farmiloe - Pursue the Passion - DFW

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 11:17:30 GMT

February 2nd marks National Job Shadow Day and the public release of Pursue the Passion, a book I wrote that chronicles our cross country roadtrip where we interviewed over 300 professionals to find what drives the passion of people who love what they do.

The 16,000 mile journey led us inside the corner offices of CEO’s, through unconventional workplaces such as a rural goat farm, and gave us access to large corporate campuses like Nike, Microsoft, EA Sports, and even Playboy. We found plenty of interesting interviews as we traveled across America. We interviewed the CEO of MGM Grand, Michael Jordan's shoe designer, and an executive chef with her own show on the Food Network. We also interviewed a telephone repairman, a goat farmer, and the first maximum security inmate to become a warden of a prison. It was the coolest thing I've ever done.

Video By Jobing
The reason I'm writing this blog is to convince you to switch your mindset on National Job Shadow Day. Instead of trying to get interviewed for a job, I'd suggest you to turn the tables around and interview someone about their job. Just like what we did on tour.

Here's the steps:

How To Find People To Interview

You’ve got the potential to interview anyone—from a CEO to a local nurse. When looking for a good conversation, nobody is too big-time and nobody is too small. Here are some ideas on how to start:
First off, make a list of potential interviewees.

1. Pick people in fields related to your interests. Everything that interests you represents a potential interview:

2. Ask for referrals. You’d be surprised how many people other people know. Here is a short list of people you can ask for interview suggestions:

• parents, siblings, relatives
• past employers
• local reporters
• friends and friends’ parents
• those Pursue the Passion guys

3. If you don’t have transportation, pick people who work in an area you can physically get to. Worst case scenario, see if the interviewee might be open to meeting you at school or somewhere within walking distance.

How To Find Someone’s Contact Info

How are you going to get in touch with an interviewee? There are many ways,

1. Do an internet search and try to find an interviewee’s website. If their organization has a website, then they’ll most likely have a “contact us” section where’ll you’ll find a phone number and/or e-mail address.
2. If you received a referral from a friend, ask them if they have any contact information.
3. Look in the phone directory. You’ll be surprised by how easy it is to get a hold of someone by just calling the general number of their place of business.
The most important thing is to be persistent!!! Always follow up on a message if you don’t hear from them within a week.

How To Cold Call

This is where it gets exciting! Now that you’ve found a general line or personal phone number, we’ll show you how to conquer your nerves, pick up the phone, and land the interview.

1. Prepare your pitch: before you dial, make sure you’ve got a solid pitch in your head (or on a piece of paper in front of you). Your pitch is just your intro: who you are, what you’re doing, and why. Your pitch should make it clear that you’re not selling anything and you’re not looking for a job—you’re simply looking to do an informational interview. Keep it short and sweet, genuine and honest.

Here’s a sample pitch:

“Hi! My name is Brett Farmiloe and I’m a student at Gateway High School here in Phoenix. I am participating in the Pursue the Passion program, where I am interviewing someone with a career I’m interested in. I would love to interview (your interviewee’s name) to learn how they got to where they are today. Do you think he/she could spare some time to meet with me and share his/her story at his/her convenience?

2. Remember: the worst that can happen is they’ll say no. And that’s it.    Here’s some valuable tips:
• Try to schedule an interview at least three weeks ahead of time (that way there’s a much better chance of fitting into their schedule). And know when you yourself an unavailable to meet (it can be tough to reschedule if you have to cancel).
• If you don’t get a good response after giving your pitch, try to explain what you want from a different angle. If that doesn’t work, ask if they can suggest anyone else at the company who might be interesting to talk to.

Here’s an outline of how you’re cold call should go:

1. Introduce yourself.
2. Say who referred you or how you got his/her name.
3. Explain your situation (why you want to talk to this specific person)
4. State your request (that you want to interview them).
5. Be clear that you’re not asking for a job.

Cold call pointers:

1. Never call on a Monday.
2. Avoid leaving a voicemail until absolutely necessary.
3. If you do leave a voicemail, keep it short and sweet.
4. Be patient. They may not call back right away.
5. Follow up ASAP.

Hopefully this gets you out to experience what Job Shadow Day is all about!

About Pursue the Passion
Pursue the Passion was inspired by a statistic: Half of the American workforce is unhappy with their job. During the summer of 2007, four recent college grads were sponsored by Jobing to travel across America in an RV. Their mission? To find out what makes people passionate about their work. 16,000 miles, 38 states, 300 interviews and 10,000 photographs later, Pursue the Passion profiles the interviews and stories collected from the cross country journey. The book is available on Amazon today, and can be purchased by visiting http://bit.ly/ptpbook. You can learn more about Pursue the Passion through the website http://pursuethepassion.com or on the Facebook page http://facebook.com/pursuethepassion.

About the Author
Through his journey, Brett found his passion: helping people find jobs they love and helping employers position themselves to recruit passionate people. He is currently employed as Social Media Manager for Jobing, a company whose mission is to connect local employers with local people. Brett continues to share his passion and encourage others to pursue theirs through keynote speeches and social media interaction. To learn more about Brett Farmiloe visit http://about.jobing.com/speakers-forum/brett-farmiloe/.

Pursue the Passion on Facebook