Should I Use a Recruiter in My Job Search - Career Sidekick

Should I Use a Recruiter in My Job Search - Career Sidekick Should I Use a Recruiter in My Job Search? Applying for Jobs / https://www.edenscott.com/blog You need  a new job and you  want it to be as painless as possible. So youre wondering Should I use a recruiter in my job search?The answer is it depends. Im going to show you how to decide for yourself if you should use a recruiter.First things first we need to separate the two types of recruiters out there.There are two different  types of recruitersThe two types are  in-house recruiters and agency recruiters.In-house recruiters work for one company and help that company hire.  Thats it.In-house recruiters conduct job interviews and screen applicants but they cant take your resume and show it to multiple companies, and they cant help you expand  your job search. So lets move on.What  about agency recruiters? They work for a recruiting agency and help multiple companies find people to hire. Theyre the ones  we need to focus on in this article.But not so fast they cant help everyone.  Lets look at why.Agency recruiters  work for the company, not youTha ts the reality. They serve the needs of the companies who hire from them.Whens the last time you paid a recruiter a single penny as a job seeker? The answer should be never.Meanwhile the companies they partner  with are paying them thousands of dollars. That should be enough proof who they really work for. (More info coming up on how much they get paid and how it works!)That doesnt mean they cant help you thoughSo, recruiters work primarily for the company. But they  need job seekers  too. You cant fill a job without both sides of the equation.  And most agency recruiters are only paid when they  fill jobs. So thats the good news. Heres the bad news thoughBecause of the pressure to fill positions, they  need to focus on job seekers who have in-demand  skills or very impressive experience. Not necessarily the people  who need their help most.So, lets  take a look at how you can quickly decide whether or not you should use a recruiter in your job search.Should You Use A Recruiter?Who recruiters can help  most in their job search:If you fit into one or more of these groups, you should consider using a recruiter  to find a job.You work in a field with a shortage of talent. There are more open positions than good people to fill them (software engineering is an example right now in many cities).You have very specific and hard-to-find skills. Or a lot of experience in your industry. Youre a specialist or expert in your profession.Youre in a top company that is known for having talented people (Google, Facebook, Tesla, LinkedIn, etc.)Youre an experienced manager or executive. Most recruiters get paid a  percentage of your starting salary when they find you a job (15-25% is normal) so theyre willing to spend more time helping you if the potential payoff is bigger.Youre a consultant or contractor who is looking for a temporary position, not a permanent job.  If this is the case you should talk to plenty of contract recruiters. Most of this article assumes youre looking for a full time, permanent job.Who recruiters can help  least  in their job search:Youre an entry  level job seeker. Most recruiters cant help you. There  are a few exceptions, like college campus recruiters who specialize in entry level jobs. But most companies wont pay recruiting agencies to fill entry level jobs because  they  can find enough  people on their own. (Remember, employers pay  a 15-25% fee if they hire someone through a recruiter, so they  have to decide if its worth it for each job!)You are looking  to make a transition or pivot your  career. A company  isnt going to pay a big fee to a recruiter if youre not coming in with specialized knowledge and a track record of doing what they need. So if youre a customer service expert but looking to get into marketing, youre better off job hunting on your own.Your job  does not require specific  skills  or knowledge, so companies can easily find enough people to fill open positions.Youre looking to find a job in a new city bu t dont have a compelling reason why companies should hire you over a local candidate (such as a shortage in talent in that city, or a unique skill or piece of experience you bring.)The right  way to use a recruiter to help you find a jobTheres no harm in sending your resume to a few recruiters. If you want to, go for it. Regardless of what I said above.Why do I say that? Well it doesnt cost you anything to try. Plus they might give you some  resume tips  if you ask.But  heres  where people run into trouble:They  contact a recruiting agency and talk to a recruiter. The recruiter takes their  resume and promises to  keep an eye out for opportunities.So they  sit back and relax, thinking alright! I have a pro  helping me now. This is going to be easy.Two weeks pass. The person  hasnt heard anything. They  start getting frustrated and angry. Why isnt he recruiter  helping?? Well, because of the reasons above.So  heres the key: You can talk  to a few recruiters, but dont count on them. Y ou should assume  you arent going to hear anything from them and go  start your  job search on your own too.  If they are able to help, itll be an added bonus and a nice surprise. But it wont hurt you if they cant.How you can get hired by companies even if a recruiter  wont submit  your resumeIf  a recruiter says they cant submit you for a job, you can still apply on your own. Sometimes a company will be more willing to hire you without the recruiters fee attached. So dont let yourself get  discouraged.Seriously, I cant tell you how many times as a recruiter Ive found a job seeker  who seemed qualified but my recruiting manager wouldnt let me introduce  them to the employer I had in mind for them. Here were my managers exact words: Theyre not bad for the job, but this isnt the type of person this company pays us to find.If  you apply on your own you might still get that job.The 4 best ways to find a job without using a recruiterHeres what Id recommend you use along with recruiters i n your job searchUse your network. Talk to people you know and see if they know about any relevant openings. This is one of the best ways to get hired because companies trust you more if you are referred by somebody theyre familiar with!Apply for jobs on  LinkedIn. (Use this LinkedIn job search method, its my favorite method by far!)Job  boards. Indeed  is one of the largest and easiest to use. Start there.Use Google to find individual companies and  apply through their websites.

9 Cybersecurity Rules All Freelancers NEED to Know CareerMetis.com

9 Cybersecurity Rules All Freelancers NEED to Know Cybersecurity is a topic that’s frequently in the news. Data breaches are increasingly common, and some attacks from hackers are so severe that they make enterprise-level systems dysfunctional for weeks. As a freelancer, you’re in a somewhat unique cybersecurity situation because you work with clients independently.Many traditionally employed people have IT teams to rely on if things go wrong. But freelance workers typically have to troubleshoot themselves unless they have tech-savvy friends who are willing to assist. Despite the lack of formal oversight, however, freelancers should worry about their cybersecurity for reasons beyond their personal workflow.evalIn some cases, clients can hold you liable if any of their information gets hacked while you possess it. Many freelance workers see the “professional negligence” phrase in their contracts. A freelancer could get accused of it if they neglect to protect their information, and that oversight causes a problem. Many things constitute professional negligence, but two of them are if a client’s data gets hacked or stolen.While it’s a good idea to consider budgeting for a liability insurance package, there are numerous cybersecurity best practices you should follow regardless of the kinds of clients you work with â€" or how much of their data you have. Instead of preparing for the fallout, you can take preventative measures that allow you to be proactive about client security.Here are nine essential cybersecurity tips freelancers need to keep in mind:1) Avoid Using Open Wi-Fi NetworksevalSomething many freelancers enjoy most about their work is the flexible work environment. For example, you can set up a workspace in a coffee shop one day and decide to use a coworking space the next. The growing number of open Wi-Fi hotspots makes it much easier than it once was to work from anywhere.But, open Wi-Fi networks can also leave you at riskfor a man-in-the-middle Using anti-virus software is one of the most straightforward things you can do to keep your information secure. Fortunately for people with tight budgets, there are numerous free options to try.Once you install anti-virus software, check the settings to see how to update the program regularly to recognize the latest threats. Many offerings download updates automatically over an active internet connection. But, if your chosen solution doesn’t do that, consider setting up a reminder on your smartphone to perform manual checks every week or two.3) Keep Your Software and Operating System Up to DateMaintaining a current edition of anti-virus software is a smart step to take, but other things also need to stay updated â€" namely your operating system and software. Research published in 2019 by Avastfound that 55% of the software installed on computers was not the latest version.That’s problematic because many software updates contain security patches that address known vulnerabilities. If you’re still running an outdated oper ating system or a software application, it’s easier for hackers to exploit weaknesses and cause problems with your computer.evalFortunately, operating systems and software titles usually provide automatic update settings, too. Bear in mind that you may not be able to continue using your computer or its software while downloading an update. It’s best to make the updates happen outside of your usual working hours.4) Use a VPNYou’ve already learned why it’s wise to steer clear of open Wi-Fi networks. Sometimes it’s unavoidable, though. For example, if you have a 4-hour layover at an airport, you might try and get freelance work done during the downtime. The airport Wi-Fi may be your only option, and those are often unsecured connections.Fortunately, a virtual private network 5) Pick Strong, Unique PasswordsThere are probably at least a few password-protected interfaces you use a freelancer, and there’s a good chance you may deal with significantly more. Digital Guardian car ried out a surveythat found 70% of users relied on more than 10 password-protected services, and nearly 30% said they had too many to count.If you use a lot of passwords, it’s tempting to go with ones that are easy to remember or use the same one across multiple sites. But those are both bad practices for cybersecurity. Instead, select complex passwords and pick a different one for every site. Using a password manager can help. It only requires you to remember a single master password for access to all the websites you use that require passwords. Some can also randomly generate new passwords for you.6) Never Click on Strange Links from ClientsGetting work from clients is an exciting achievement for freelancers. But, in your eagerness to get started with a job, make sure you don’t walk into a cybersecurity trap. When people send you content with links, be especially careful.Similar to how lottery scammers try to convince people that they’ve wonmoney and only need to provide the ir bank details to get it, clients may try to get you to click on a link to input sensitive information for supposed payment purposes. Or, some clients may unknowingly have malware on their machines that embeds infected links in the things they send you.You can put your mouse cursor over a link to see where it goes. If anything about the URL seems unusual, tell the client that you’re not comfortable using the link and ask about making different arrangements.7) Keep Your Data Backed UpYou’ve probably had at least a few instances where you’ve lost work or important files due to computer malfunctions. This lack of access is also a potential cybersecurity issue, mainly if you get targeted in a ransomware attack. Ransomware is a type of malware that lets hackers stop you from opening your files unless you pay the demanded amount. However, paying the ransom is not a guaranteed way to get the information back.evalAlways have at least one backup of your essential data, or perhaps keep everything on your work computer. Then, if a ransomware attack or anything else happens that restricts access to the things you need, you’ll have another way to get it.8) Stay Aware of Your Physical Surroundings in Public AreasCybersecurity extends to the physical realm as well. For example, if you’re working somewhere like a public library and leave your laptop unattended while using the bathroom, someone could sit down in front of the laptop, act like it’s theirs and stuff it into a backpack. That’s why a computer lock is a good investment.People sitting on either side of you could also peek as you work with sensitive material. If you’re worried about that, consider buying a privacy screen for your computer. It obscures the information on the screen when people look at it from an angle.Overall, take care to remain alert when in public. Most people aren’t threats to your cybersecurity, but malicious ones could take information and equipment, plus potentially harm your trustworthiness as a freelancer.9) Research Mobile Apps Before Downloading ThemCybersecurity experts warn that fake mobile apps are increasingly prevalent. Many of them seem to perform legitimate functions, but they install malware or compromise your data.evalLearn as much as you can about mobile apps before downloading them. It’s easy to find some that can genuinely aid your freelance workflow, but others aren’t what they seem. Also, once you install an app, take care when choosing what permissions it has on your phone.Cybersecurity Precautions Make Sense for Your Freelance LivelihoodYou probably put a conscious effort towards doing your best work as a freelancer. That approach can bolster your reputation and help your career.Unfortunately, having poor or no cybersecurity practices can erode your intentions to thrive. The tips here can help you implement cybersecurity safeguards and use them every day.

Job Search Journey - Where are You Looking - CareerAlley

Job Search Journey - Where are You Looking - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. Where has your job search journey taken you? If you are like me, you start out on one page, get distracted by something you see and 30 minutes later you have completely forgotten where you started. For job search on the web, this may actually be okay. Of course, this all depends where you wind up (and Im assuming that any wandering remains within the job search category), but many of these excursions can take you to valuable sites. Okay, so what am I trying to say? Its okay to wander from time to time but your job is to find a job and, as Dick Cheney said Youve got a job to do, and because youve got a job to do, youve got to focus on that, so you dont have time for personal considerations. Alright, maybe not the best motivating quote, but you do get the point. So, a few of my wanderings are listed below, but not to worry they are all in support of your job search journey. Firednetwork.com My journey to this site was prompted by a comment to my post on Secrets of the Job Hunt. This site a business networking site with resources for a number of topics but today we will focus on employment (click the link a the start of this paragraph). You can register (for free) at the top of the site. In the middle of the page are links for Resources, Recommended Reading and Discussion Board (each has a brief description below the link). Below the links (and I will get back to these in a minute) is a list of Friends which are related links. The Resources link is a great place to start, you can click through a number of resources (like Jobs Search and Post, Headhunting Firms and Job Search Websites). This site is certainly worth traveling to in your job search journey. The Job Search Strategist I traveled to this site via Digg.com while I was looking at something else. The tag line is Strategies, tips and tutorials on how to find work and advance your career. The posts are pretty good and they cover a full range of job search topics. There are links from time to time and a lot of good information (like How to Spot Fake Job Ads). Certainly worth a stop in your travels. The 20 Best Job Search Web Sites A very good article by pcmag.com, I also discovered this via Digg.com. So, as you might have guessed by the title, this article lists some of the best job search sites. Each of the sites listed have their own pros and cons and many you will recognize as top sites (due to other rankings). While I cant cover them all here (and some have already been covered in previous posts check out Job Search Sites), I have covered a few below (because I wandered to these as well). TweetMyJobs.com Okay, so I know that you are wondering how you can possibly Tweet a job, but the tag line for this site The worlds largest Twitter Job Board! Currently tweeting over 300,000 jobs! says it all. At the top of the page are tabs for Browse Jobs and Sign Up. Click Browse Jobs to see a listing of about 560 companies. Click on any of these companies to see the current postings. On the main page (at the bottom of the first screen) is the section for Job Seekers. Here you will get an explanation of how this site works. From what I can tell, once you sign up (and follow this site be sure to enter your city and job type) you will get notifications on your cellphone for jobs that meet your criteria. JobServe.com Another job search board where, according to the site, there are more than 22,900 jobs. The top of the page has a different type of search box where you list Rolls, Skills, Location, Job Type and the type of match. There is also a small map to the right of this box where (I think) you can select the region. Below the search are boxed links to Upload your Resume and Manage your Job Applications. On the right hand side of the page are quick industry and quick location searches. Wherever your journey, good luck in your search.

Writing Technical Skills Resume

Writing Technical Skills ResumeWhen you write a resume, one of the most important things you can do is to put together a resume that includes writing technical skills and English skills. This is an important tip for someone who wants to break into the technical writing field.A technical writer works with technical information that is needed by technical professionals and organizations such as NASA and IBM. This information will help them to create materials that are difficult to understand but also easy to use. This is important because a lot of people who have difficulty reading and understanding technical information don't have the technical abilities necessary to be a technical writer.A technical writer must know how to read and understand written documentation to make sure that they are following instructions and don't miss words or phrases. They have to know the basic grammar rules that will help them make sure that their work is grammatically correct. A technical writer doesn't necessarily have to be a writer. They can work with someone else who has experience doing technical writing and have an assistant proofread the material before it is printed.They also have to have strong writing skills. Because technical writing is very technical, they have to be able to write in a way that the readers of the document can understand the instructions they are given. They have to be able to produce clear and concise writing that will make it easy for others to read and understand what they are reading. They also have to be able to communicate their thoughts clearly so that the document can stand out among other documents that are produced at the same time.If you want to be a technical writer, you should always include writing skills on your resume. There are many technical writers who don't have experience with writing resumes. They know the types of documents they need to work on, but they have not included technical writing skills on their resume. A technical write r has to be on their own skill level and write in away that will be easy for them to read and understand.Technical writing has different needs when it comes to resumes than regular writing does. It has to be shorter and more focused than your typical resume. It has to be more focused because your resume has to be focused on what the company is looking for.Make sure that you include your technical skills on your resume. You can include technical writing skills and experience in this field to show your skills. Include your employment history and education history and try to include all of the details that you may be required to give. You don't want to leave anything out, so make sure that you are clear and concise.Make sure that you look over your resume before it is submitted to several different companies to see which ones you would want to submit it to. There are lots of companies that will hire technical writers to help them out with marketing materials and other material, so make sure that you apply to these companies and have a good chance of getting hired. Being selected is important for your career in the writing field.

Best Gig Resume Writing Service -Finding the One

Best Gig Resume Writing Service -Finding the OneThe best gig resume writing service in South Africa is the one that has the most fresh and innovative ideas. This is what every aspiring writer wants but they forget one thing: their prospective clients do not need to be artistic geniuses or creative people in general.The client of a writing service, always the client, does not want a creative writer. They want a good and reliable one. They are more interested in a service that gives them great content that addresses their problems.There are many writing services available in South Africa. The best one of them all will be one that gives you all the necessary information you need to help you with your resume writing.They will give you the names and contact details of the people who manage them. It would be better if you find them personally rather than searching the internet.To make sure that the service you are hiring has good reputation in the industry, make sure that they are reputabl e and have the right credentials. Make sure that you ask for references. Ask for samples of past projects and assignments.Finding the best gig resume writing service in South Africa is one of the most difficult things you will have to do. So how do you go about it? It is not difficult, it is very simple.Now you know what the clients want and what to look for in a gig resume writing service. Once you have found the service that has the best gig resume writing service in South Africa, you will enjoy it and continue to do so.

The Dos and Donts of Best Resume Writing Sites

The Do's and Don'ts of Best Resume Writing Sites Why Almost Everything You've Learned About Best Resume Writing Sites Is Wrong Companies utilize a resume database to put away applicant info. Our group of resume editing experts is readily available that you proofread and edit your resume at a more affordable rate. The Characteristics of Best Resume Writing Sites Because the requirements only look clear, but somehow a growing number of people keep making the very same mistakes and their resumes just don't do the job. Employing a resume writer will cost you money. Nobody has more affordable resumes and far better quality in New York. As a way to make sure a great and more professional CV for better chances, it's crucial to seek advice from the assistance or services of the very best CV writing agent if at all possible. Just sign up there, complete the details and your Resume is prepared to download. Let Cheap Resume Editing Service finish what you began and create a resume th at will allow you to get work! Defining the 3 components to a successful interview and the way you writing capitalize on them to receive your preferred job. The 30-Second Trick for Best Resume Writing Sites In summary, it's safer to use the assistance of a CV writing agent for the reason that it guarantees a better result. To purchase essay online, you merely will need to fill in the application form and you'll get superior work on the desired topic. Please call what's homework details. You have to be sure you choose the ideal author who can write the ideal paper the really very first minute. With our specialized therapy, you'll be in a place to tap the complete potential of your professional network and make sure your profile on social networking channels matches the caliber of your resume. Relying solely on endorsements or recommendations means you'll miss the immense opportunity your network presents. If you feel as if you want to use our professional resume writing help , you are able to apply at the moment by merely contacting the customer service center. The 5-Minute Rule for Best Resume Writing Sites There are amazing resume writers all around the world. Our writers get in contact with you and learn a little about your targets and ambitions. The resume writers are usually contracted remote employees dispersed throughout the nation and might even get the job done internationally. Nearly all of our article writers are usually in the industry enterprise for the very long minute. Best Resume Writing Sites - Overview There are lots of professional resume template that can be found on the internet from which you are able to make out some idea about how to construct a professional curriculum vitae using best resume builder websites. If you opt to click the links on our website, we might get compensation. The site provides an array of premium resume templates and designs that it is possible to download to MS Word. It will tell you how many vi ews your resume has. Here's What I Know About Best Resume Writing Sites There are lots of suggestions, tutorials and sample Resume available to become perfect idea for making your Resume. Simply you should sign up to get started creating your resume. There are plenty of sorts of creating. Producing the absolute resume isn't quick. You would like a resume that will offer you the very best possible opportunity to land your dream job. Dress for the job that you want, not the job you've got. Lots of people don't like their present job or career.

Your Career Challenge Astound Yourself - Work It Daily

Your Career Challenge Astound Yourself - Work It Daily One of my very favorite quotes about career and life comes from Thomas Edison. The inventor, who also taught us many great lessons about success and failure, tells us, “If we did all the things we are capable of, we would literally astound ourselves.” That quote is on the inside front cover of my writing notebook. (Yes, I write old school â€" pen and paper first.) And, when this notebook gets filled up, I’ll add it to the inside cover of the next one, too. I love this quote. I find it incredibly powerful and inspiring, and I believe in its truth. Do you? We’re all great at something. We have energy and passion and talents that, if released, could contribute to something pretty amazing. But are we in positions to release all of that energy, passion, and talent? Survey Says… No Studies show that a staggering majority of American workers are dissatisfied with their present occupations. Of those surveyed, 71% percent classify themselves as “disengaged” or “actively disengaged” at work; 66% plan on looking for a new job in the coming year. (I guess the other five percent plan to just stick it out in their misery…?) The reasons for being unhappy at work vary. The job itself may not be a good fit. Relationships with co-workers or supervisors may be difficult. Lack of job security, flexibility, or adequate compensation may be the issues. Too much travel, responsibility, or corporate politics could be the culprits. Whatever the reason, the results are the same. If you’re in that situation, you’re not astounding yourself (unless you consider your abilities to refrain from screaming “I quit!” or strangling your annoying co-worker or boss astounding, but that’s not exactly what we’re shooting for here). No â€" you’re exhausting yourself. You’re trading your time and some of your talents for a paycheck, but, at the end of the day, you’re not experiencing the joy of a job incredibly well done â€" a job that allowed you to use your favorite and best talents. To astound ourselves in the way that Edison talks about, we need to be in roles that allow us to release our best selves. We need to be using the talents that we most delight in using â€" not just the skills that we can perform with competence. We need to use those talents to serve those we admire or desperately would love to help. And we need to be in settings that allow us to be us. We don’t need to change into our “work personalities” to fit in; we get to shine as our true selves. Astounding Yourself Settling for anything less robs us of this opportunity. So, how can we go about the business of astounding ourselves? Put Your Best Talent(s) Forward What talents bring you the most joy when you use them? What skills do you have to offer that you want to share? Most of us could create nice long lists of things that we’re good at or able to do, but that list of competencies doesn’t necessarily fit our dream job descriptions. Boil it down to your favorite abilities and find a way to spend more of your time focusing on them. Follow Your Heart Does that sound like fluffy advice? It’s not, I promise. Don’t ignore your natural passions â€" they’re the fuel for why you do what you do (the reason beyond the paycheck). If you’re a parent, you’ve surely discovered that your child has interests and attributes that are just in his or her wiring. They’re drawn to certain things naturally, and they’re clearly disinterested or not cut out for others. Don’t ignore that about yourself. There are certain things in your wiring too that energize and inspire you. And there are certain types of people that you’d love to serve or serve alongside. Find them. So here’s the great “What if” thought: What if you could find a way to: Use the talents you delight most in using Serve a cause or group that is meaningful to you Work in an environment that energizes you What would you be capable of then? “If we did all the things we are capable of, we would literally astound ourselves.” There’s your challenge. Astound yourself. Enjoy this article? You've got time for another! Check out these related articles: How To Create SMART Goals 5 Things Successful People Do Before Breakfast Why Do You Set Goals? Photo Credit: Shutterstock Have you joined our career growth club?Join Us Today!