Job hunting like gardening?

I recently read this article about how looking for a job is like planting a garden. It makes sense. You must spend time everyday weeding, cultivating, planting seeds, etc. (The corny analogies are endless...) It takes time to find the right job. Don't assume that your qualifications are going to get you as far as you need to go. If you ignore certain parts of the process, you won't reap as many benefits. Not good at gardening? Hey, look at the bright side, it is impossible to over water your job search.

Think your resume is bad?

Check this out. These are hilarious!

How come I get nothing when I Google your name?

Have you ever tried? Googling your own name I mean. I have a very generic name, so most everything that comes up is about another Andrea Newman. I have to go the the second page of listings, and then only does a directory of LinkedIn users come up with my name. Luckily, I'm the first one.

According to "Turning to the Web to verify jobseekers’ data", 77 percent of executive recruiters use the Internet to uncover additional information about candidates. My advise? Google yourself. Find out if there is any potentially harmful information about you on the world wide web. If so, fix it if you can. If you can't find anything, make something; a blog, a LinkedIn profile, a CareerFolio, etc. You want to have a good presence online, not a non-existent one.

Not enough jobs...just as bad as not enough credit.

I usually hear complaints from people who "career-hop" every six months, that it is getting increasingly difficult to even get interviews. FACT: Changing jobs constantly is a red flag to employers! They assume that you won't stay with their company very long either, and why would they want to take the time, money, and effort to train you if you are going to pick up and leave after a short amount of time?

However, only having one job for a very long period of time is also a red flag. Employers may think that you don't handle change well, or that you are stuck in your ways and working for a new company with new ways of doing things will be too challenging for you.

It seems to be just like credit. Having too little is not a good thing, but you can work around it in a resume.

Think you've exhausted all avenues in your job search?

This article has an interesting take on this problem. I have always thought you should try everything when looking for a job, but these are new ones - even for me!

Appropriate attire for job interviews

Think about what you wore to your last job interview. How did that reflect on you? Did you wear a suit or shorts? What type of job were you applying for? These are all important questions to ask.

You want to present the best you possible. I always slightly overdress for job interviews. Think of what the appropriate attire for the job will be and go up one notch in formality. For example, if you are applying for a job where the dress code requires a polo shirt and slacks, coming to the interview in a fancy suit may be a little too much. I would keep the slacks, but add a long-sleeved button-up shirt and tie. You need to look the part.

Here is an article that has some basic rules about what to wear and what not to wear.

Getting noticed in your job search!

Let's be honest, there is so much competition out there for jobs, that you can't just open Word on your computer, type up your previous job experience, put your name at the top, and expect that you will be able to find a job with that "resume". Employers need something that will stand out from the crowd.

This article talks about things like a podcast or a virtual portfolio to get noticed. I think it depends on the type of job you are after, but these are both viable options.