Pretty hard to get a real application in when 99% of the jobs in my field refuse to accept anything BUT online applications - and if they receive anything else, it is automatically binned.
We give to the church's food pantry, and also participate in Stamp Out Hunger. Leavea bag of groceries by your mailbox on the specific day, and your mail carrier takes it. Easy peasy. We donate gifts to a children's home around the holidays. Cash donations to a children's hospital. When my daughter was younger, we worked many charity events in the community, but not so much any more.
I work in the call center for a midsize pharma company, one of the few that are hiring and not laying off. We get tons of calls and emails for people who are trying to get around applying online. Generally the emails get these people to the bottom of the pile because they are considered as not being able to follow policy, which is crucial in this business. The callers are told time and time to apply online. Any unsolicited resumes are tossed into the trash. Even when I applied for a move I had to apply online as HR only looks at those prescreened by our outside provider since everyone is looking for work and they are too busy to view all the unqualified ones.
6pm definitely has the shoes, in spades. Great idea on the fragrances and accessories. I'll do a separate article for those so that we can all get in on the deals.
I think a lot of these are good but I don't completely agree with #1. I work in HR for a mid-size nonprofit. We specifically ask candidates to apply online and prefer to work through our online hiring system. resumes that are mailed in are not necessarily ignored but it is seen as not following our directions which isn't a great first step. I'm not saying this is true at every company but I just feel that assuming a mailed in resume will automatically be received better isn't always the case.
You aren't kidding. Way too easy to do, especially with discount shoes. I forgot about Overstock - you are right, they do have some nice discounts there.
BTW, Julie, I'm sharing this piece with the SMinOrgs Community. In addition to offering good tips, it also provides some "what were they thinking" social media screw-ups of which I was previously unaware. More entries for the Digital Hall of Shame...
Courtney, I'm glad to hear that. The guest on the show I listened to implied that there wasn't much employees could do other than refuse and then not get the job.
Potential employers trying to access private accounts -- by using straightforward means or otherwise -- is unwise, creepy, and unsustainable. At some point, what is acceptable and what isn't will be fairly clear to all; in the meantime, there will be some confusion and battles.
Meg: Though it's usually well intentioned, the practice you mention is inappropriate and not sustainable. I recently wrote a blog post about the similar practice of asking candidates for their login credentials. It's entitled "Digital Era Employment Practices Under Fire - Again!" and can be accessed via http://tiny.cc/SMinOrgsACLUpost.
Courtney Hunt
Founder, Social Media in Organizations (SMinOrgs) Community
Thanks for referencing the piece I wrote about the settlement of the NLRB case in Connecticut, Julie.
I also recently published a post entitled "Social Media Policies: Necessary but not Sufficient," which explores the topic further from the employer perspective (http://tiny.cc/SMinOrgsPolicyPost).
Your readers may also be interested in the white paper I wrote entitled "Social Screening: Candidates - and Employers - Beware" (http://tiny.cc/SocialScreeningPaper), as well as a video segment in which I was interviewed entitled "Social Media and the Workplace" (http://tiny.cc/SMinOrgsTribU).
Courtney Hunt
Founder, Social Media in Organizations (SMinOrgs) Community
No offense but I am tired of reading articles on what I am doing wrong to find a job. Why don’t you write an article on the top 10 things an HR team does wrong in their hiring process. Do you know how frustrating it is trying to apply for jobs and help run a house hold? I will pick several jobs a day and say these are the jobs I want so I will apply for them. I will pick the first job and personalize my resume, and cover letter just to find out they also want me to fill out a 7 page application that is in a .pdf format. I have to print the application, fill it out, scan it, and e-mail it with my cover letter and resume just to get an automatic e-mail that says thank you for Appling and never hear anything from them again. I just now spent 2 – 3 hours between application cover letter and resume and I don’t even get an interview. Do HR departments think my time is not valuable?
Let’s talk about calling the hiring manager. That is if you can find their phone number in the first place. Most of the Fortune 500 companies hide phone numbers to insure a 1000 applicants aren’t calling. I understand the concept and the consideration you think you should get, but every time I have called a hiring manager or HR person and actually got a chance to speak to them it has ended poorly. Most of the time there is silence after I have stated my name, asked if they got my resume and cover letter and an approximation when I could look forward to hearing from them. I usually get a “we will be in touch” and then an e-mail a half hour latter stating they found another candidate. I have had hiring managers even say “you got a hold of me so you probably expect me to put your resume on top?” This is followed by a “click BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ” sound.
Another thing; were you serious about mailing out a resume? I have never met an HR person that actually looks at resumes that come after the job has been posted for two days. By this time they have received hundreds of resumes and do not want to read them all. Most of the HR people I have meet will take anything received after day two and throw it in a folder and file it away just incase they cannot find a candidate in the first 200 applicants. If you send a resume by mail the earliest you can get it to an employer is day two.
You also failed to mention that if you have to relocate to be hired a company will not even consider you. No matter how much you would love to work for a particular company, and no matter how clear you state the fact you will pay out of pocket and not expect to be reimbursed they will not hire you. I have gone through two to three interviews with particular companies that I would have to relocate for and not got the job. Every single time I was told “we found a local candidate”. Some of these interviews have been on sight that I paid out of pocket to get to them.
The truth of the matter is it is pure luck or the fact you knew someone that you get hired. I have been passed over for jobs where I know the person who got hired and they start calling me at home for advice on how to do the job. I have lost several friends that way. I am personally tired of employers and HR departments that can’t look past the data to see the person. You can see it in most companies that at least 50% of the people working there should not be in the position they are in, but yet companies still continue to hire the wrong person for the job and I continue to be unemployed.
Frugality is much easier then it sounds. Once you get accustomed to living that way, it becomes second nature. I had a low paying job right out of school but wanted to move out. I learned how to live frugally but still enjoy my normal lifestyle. Small things like better grocery shopping and cutting out pointless add ons to shrink all my major bills. Trying to convince your friends or family to do the same can be a tough task.
I keep hearing people say that online submissions are a waste of time, but both my sister and I got great jobs at (different) top companies through online applications. The difference may be that for both of us, our strategy was to completely customize every application, resume and cover letter after doing tons of research on the company. So, I wouldn't rule it out *if* the job is something that seems like a great fit *and* you're willing to really work to get the job.
I agree with these tips. I've never agreed with the online application--even when it was more popular. Getting in contact with the hiring manager is a key.
Tithing at my church is always my #1 priority. Often times when disaster strikes or some profound emergency arises, the church I attend will employ certain members of the congregation to perform certain acts of generosity or start specific charities and I can specifically request a portion of my "tenth" to go to that cause. And they often coordinate their efforts with The Red Cross or other reputable organizations, so that makes it more manageable for me.
Pretty hard to get a real application in when 99% of the jobs in my field refuse to accept anything BUT online applications - and if they receive anything else, it is automatically binned.
We give to the church's food pantry, and also participate in Stamp Out Hunger. Leavea bag of groceries by your mailbox on the specific day, and your mail carrier takes it. Easy peasy. We donate gifts to a children's home around the holidays. Cash donations to a children's hospital. When my daughter was younger, we worked many charity events in the community, but not so much any more.
Thanks so much for your articles about low carb and diabetes and frugality. Very helpful for a pre-diabetes person like me looking to reduce carbs.
I work in the call center for a midsize pharma company, one of the few that are hiring and not laying off. We get tons of calls and emails for people who are trying to get around applying online. Generally the emails get these people to the bottom of the pile because they are considered as not being able to follow policy, which is crucial in this business. The callers are told time and time to apply online. Any unsolicited resumes are tossed into the trash. Even when I applied for a move I had to apply online as HR only looks at those prescreened by our outside provider since everyone is looking for work and they are too busy to view all the unqualified ones.
6pm definitely has the shoes, in spades. Great idea on the fragrances and accessories. I'll do a separate article for those so that we can all get in on the deals.
OK, knowing to where to get clothes is good, what about other designer items: fragrance, shoes, ...
These all seem to have "yearly models", where do the ones that don't sell during the season wind up?
I think a lot of these are good but I don't completely agree with #1. I work in HR for a mid-size nonprofit. We specifically ask candidates to apply online and prefer to work through our online hiring system. resumes that are mailed in are not necessarily ignored but it is seen as not following our directions which isn't a great first step. I'm not saying this is true at every company but I just feel that assuming a mailed in resume will automatically be received better isn't always the case.
What a wonderful surprise to find, upon returning from a business trip, that you had used one of our posts in your article! Thank you so much!
You aren't kidding. Way too easy to do, especially with discount shoes. I forgot about Overstock - you are right, they do have some nice discounts there.
BTW, Julie, I'm sharing this piece with the SMinOrgs Community. In addition to offering good tips, it also provides some "what were they thinking" social media screw-ups of which I was previously unaware. More entries for the Digital Hall of Shame...
Courtney
Courtney, I'm glad to hear that. The guest on the show I listened to implied that there wasn't much employees could do other than refuse and then not get the job.
Potential employers trying to access private accounts -- by using straightforward means or otherwise -- is unwise, creepy, and unsustainable. At some point, what is acceptable and what isn't will be fairly clear to all; in the meantime, there will be some confusion and battles.
Meg: Though it's usually well intentioned, the practice you mention is inappropriate and not sustainable. I recently wrote a blog post about the similar practice of asking candidates for their login credentials. It's entitled "Digital Era Employment Practices Under Fire - Again!" and can be accessed via http://tiny.cc/SMinOrgsACLUpost.
Courtney Hunt
Founder, Social Media in Organizations (SMinOrgs) Community
Thanks for referencing the piece I wrote about the settlement of the NLRB case in Connecticut, Julie.
I also recently published a post entitled "Social Media Policies: Necessary but not Sufficient," which explores the topic further from the employer perspective (http://tiny.cc/SMinOrgsPolicyPost).
Your readers may also be interested in the white paper I wrote entitled "Social Screening: Candidates - and Employers - Beware" (http://tiny.cc/SocialScreeningPaper), as well as a video segment in which I was interviewed entitled "Social Media and the Workplace" (http://tiny.cc/SMinOrgsTribU).
Courtney Hunt
Founder, Social Media in Organizations (SMinOrgs) Community
I did a video interview with a paperless pro in case you're interested http://www.smallbusinessdoer.com/how-to-go-paperless-with-a-digital-fili...
No offense but I am tired of reading articles on what I am doing wrong to find a job. Why don’t you write an article on the top 10 things an HR team does wrong in their hiring process. Do you know how frustrating it is trying to apply for jobs and help run a house hold? I will pick several jobs a day and say these are the jobs I want so I will apply for them. I will pick the first job and personalize my resume, and cover letter just to find out they also want me to fill out a 7 page application that is in a .pdf format. I have to print the application, fill it out, scan it, and e-mail it with my cover letter and resume just to get an automatic e-mail that says thank you for Appling and never hear anything from them again. I just now spent 2 – 3 hours between application cover letter and resume and I don’t even get an interview. Do HR departments think my time is not valuable?
Let’s talk about calling the hiring manager. That is if you can find their phone number in the first place. Most of the Fortune 500 companies hide phone numbers to insure a 1000 applicants aren’t calling. I understand the concept and the consideration you think you should get, but every time I have called a hiring manager or HR person and actually got a chance to speak to them it has ended poorly. Most of the time there is silence after I have stated my name, asked if they got my resume and cover letter and an approximation when I could look forward to hearing from them. I usually get a “we will be in touch” and then an e-mail a half hour latter stating they found another candidate. I have had hiring managers even say “you got a hold of me so you probably expect me to put your resume on top?” This is followed by a “click BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ” sound.
Another thing; were you serious about mailing out a resume? I have never met an HR person that actually looks at resumes that come after the job has been posted for two days. By this time they have received hundreds of resumes and do not want to read them all. Most of the HR people I have meet will take anything received after day two and throw it in a folder and file it away just incase they cannot find a candidate in the first 200 applicants. If you send a resume by mail the earliest you can get it to an employer is day two.
You also failed to mention that if you have to relocate to be hired a company will not even consider you. No matter how much you would love to work for a particular company, and no matter how clear you state the fact you will pay out of pocket and not expect to be reimbursed they will not hire you. I have gone through two to three interviews with particular companies that I would have to relocate for and not got the job. Every single time I was told “we found a local candidate”. Some of these interviews have been on sight that I paid out of pocket to get to them.
The truth of the matter is it is pure luck or the fact you knew someone that you get hired. I have been passed over for jobs where I know the person who got hired and they start calling me at home for advice on how to do the job. I have lost several friends that way. I am personally tired of employers and HR departments that can’t look past the data to see the person. You can see it in most companies that at least 50% of the people working there should not be in the position they are in, but yet companies still continue to hire the wrong person for the job and I continue to be unemployed.
Oh, who am I kidding? I love my coffee. I love tea as well, but not as much as I love coffee.
A dime bag of Tetleys has long been my fix!
Frugality is much easier then it sounds. Once you get accustomed to living that way, it becomes second nature. I had a low paying job right out of school but wanted to move out. I learned how to live frugally but still enjoy my normal lifestyle. Small things like better grocery shopping and cutting out pointless add ons to shrink all my major bills. Trying to convince your friends or family to do the same can be a tough task.
Here's the post about that 150k/year job:
reddit.com/r/reddit.com/comments/g2u3n/this_is_the_email_that_just_landed_me_a_150kyr_job/
I keep hearing people say that online submissions are a waste of time, but both my sister and I got great jobs at (different) top companies through online applications. The difference may be that for both of us, our strategy was to completely customize every application, resume and cover letter after doing tons of research on the company. So, I wouldn't rule it out *if* the job is something that seems like a great fit *and* you're willing to really work to get the job.
Here's one, ride a moped - cheaper then a car, more flexible then the train/bus.
I agree with these tips. I've never agreed with the online application--even when it was more popular. Getting in contact with the hiring manager is a key.
Tithing at my church is always my #1 priority. Often times when disaster strikes or some profound emergency arises, the church I attend will employ certain members of the congregation to perform certain acts of generosity or start specific charities and I can specifically request a portion of my "tenth" to go to that cause. And they often coordinate their efforts with The Red Cross or other reputable organizations, so that makes it more manageable for me.
That's another reason that credit unions have such great customer retention. This just goes to show you how little they compete with each other.
www.moneyistheroot.com