| When people think of automating a job search they usually mean that they are going to setup an electronic "agent" to forward open position descriptions that contain a specific keyword (e.g. ClearCase or Synergy etc.). While this is an essential step, there really is a lot more to using job search engines effectively. Your search criteria can be too broad, basically spamming yourself (!), or you can be too specific causing you to miss out on great open positions that you would be qualified to apply for (and hopefully land!). There are also unconventional ways to use tools to facilitate a job search. I've had times when I have managed to get into (Legally!) job search databases and scan the resumes of my fellow candidates to see how other candidates present themselves. Read on if you'd like to think out of the box and maximize the automation of your job search!
Managing your time...
Job searching takes a lot of time. Even if you are unemployed (and think that you have all the time in world to look for a job) the truth is that most people can't job hunt for 16 hours a day. Your own emotions (e.g. fear, anxiety and anger) may lead you to be able to only focus for a few hours a day. Imagine if you had no anxiety how effective you could be at tracking jobs and opportunities. But most of us will face a tough job search at some time or another and it is important to be reasonable as to what you can accomplish and still maintain your psychological health and moral. Managing your time effectively is essential. Organizing the job search...
I usually organize my job search agents by how broadly I am specifying the criteria. I might set one up to look for all ClearCase jobs in NYC and another to look for ClearCase jobs anywhere. The successful job hunter will look at the results from the most relevant agents every day. The broader agents are still important and may provide valuable leads, but it just isn't practical to look at these agents every single day. I have often used different email accounts to organize my search agents. I have one account for technical positions and another for management positions. Being organized can significantly improve your effectiveness.
Another way to specify broad criteria is to list all of the other CM tools (including the ones you don't know). It's entirely possible that the job lists CVS, but they were really thinking of converting to a real CM tool and you are the only candidate with experience in ClearCase (or Synergy or Dimensions) to apply! Well that's because you were thinking out of the box.
My first (painful) job search...
I remember not being to land an interview with anyone. I don't think that my mother was willing to look at my resume. But I always thought outside of the box. I started calling companies looking for CPAs or Actuaries. When asked why I had called, I explained that I figured that these firms might have need for a programmer to write the code for use by these other professionals. I kept getting nibbles until I finally landed my first fulltime position!
Did you remember to look here?
When I see a technology that I don't know I immediately head for the bookstore to learn more and then I sign up for any user groups or mailing lists (e.g. Yahoo groups) that might help me come up to speed. If it appears in a job description, it is probably worth learning about! I will try to exchange a few emails and electronically "network" with other professionals. I remember one sharp fellow who kept answering people's questions (it helps that he really knew his stuff!) and signing each posting with a short line saying that he was currently seeking employment. Some headhunters even troll these bulletin boards and contact candidates that have demonstrated that they have some expertise and are willing to effectively communicate with others. Incidentally, showing that you like helping others is definitely an essential skill in almost any IT related job. I have even found some bulletin boards that allow a free trial if you are a hiring manager. Perusing someone else's resume can help you to improve your own presentation and you may even discover that you have skills that you forgot to list or explain as clearly as someone else did! Googling Consultants and Consulting firm competencies
I find that studying the skills and background listed on a consultants online resume (or corporate description) can help to realize skills that I need to achieve in order to stay competitive and ready to land the next position. You also may find that these groups are in fact looking for someone with your skills. Being proactive puts you in the best position. Sharing information and ideas...
It's often very helpful to share which job boards are most effective. You may find that you have missed a good one or you may help someone else land a job (who may remember you next time around). I always do my best to help headhunters and agents who call whether or not the position is related to my area of expertise. (Ok so sometimes even I get too busy to follow up on every call - but I really do try!)
Let's rock & roll!
Using online tools and automation requires a little creativity and flexibility. If you discover a position that no one has yet learned about then you are clearly on the inside track to win the offer! Good luck and please drop me a line and tell me what tips you have to share with others looking for work!
Bob Aiello is a Senior Editor for Crossroads News and an Associate Director at a major financial services firm in NYC, where he has company wide responsibility for Software Configuration and Release Management best practices. Bob is on the Steering Committee of the NYC Software Process Improvement Network (CitySPIN), where he is also the chair of the CM SIG which meets in Midtown NYC. Mr. Aiello has a Masters in Industrial Psychology from NYU and a BS in Computer Science from Hofstra.
You can reach Mr. Aiello by email at raiello@acm.org
Trackback(0)
Comments 
Write comment
 |
CM Journal Articles 
TrackBack URI for this entry
Subscribe to this comment's feed