Looking for more good reading?

Check out YPblogs.com and you'll find a plethora of information on topics you care about--from tips on personal branding to living well without breaking the bank. 

Unlike other blog aggregators, this site is specifically designed to meet the needs of young professionals. This is a great site to find thought leaders like Dan Schawbel, Lindsey Pollak, Anita Bruzzese and connect with others.

Overwhelmed by all the information that's out there? Don't be...I recommend you simply check out a few blogs, subscribe to the ones that speak to your needs the most (I hope this blog will be on your feed list), and bookmark YPBlogs for a future visit.

Enjoy!

Chandlee

DIGG: It's a Great Way to Hide Digital Dirt

In my last post, I provide three strategies to use Facebook in strengthening your online presence. Here is one quick tip to increase your online presence--and simultaneously move less relevant information down in your search results: when you find information online that you like and which is pertinent to career trends or your interests--DIGG it.

Digg is a social networking tool that helps you stay informed, and track updates in your area of interest. (You can also use it to prepare for job interviews and networking opps.)

If you're the first to spot a piece, you can "DIGG it" by tagging it and adding your own analysis, you can also vote for articles that you think are important. This is a great way to share insights and your take on the news.

Depending on how you set your security settings, your DIGG can be picked up in Internet searches. If you make insightful comments on pieces that are relevant to your field or industry--it may impress that employer who is doing a "Google search" on you. And given that an estimated, 80% of employers are looking for you online, I think it pays to feed them good stuff. (Note: If you choose to pursue this tack, ask yourself WWAET* as you post).

I post pieces on Digg that I find to be of importance or amusement, and would love to see what you Digg, as well. To follow me on Digg, sign up and send me an invitation: http://digg.com/users/chandlee

If you really like Digg, check out Twitter, and feel free to connect with me there also: http://twitter.com/chandlee

To your success,
Chandlee

*What Would an Employer Think

How to Woo Employers

While at times it may feel like the ball is always in the employer's court, remember that the job search is a mutually selective process: you pick your employer and the employer picks you. (The process isn't unlike dating.)

One aspect of the search that often gets overlooked: employers want to be picked just as much as you do. In fact, one of the statistics that the human resources department is asked to report on is the "yield" rate: what is the percentage of offers accepted relative to the number of offers that are given?

To this end, one of the factors that employers look at during the process is candidate level of interest and "likely" factor. (This is also true, by the way, of college admissions.) After all, the employer has no idea if you've applied to 150 positions or to five.

Demonstrate your interest in the position throughout the process by articulating why you are interested in the opportunity and the company throughout the process from your application (i.e. cover letter), to face-to-face meetings, and any other communications that you have.

One of the key questions employers use to assess your "likely factor" and suitability for the job is your knowledge of the industry and level of preparedness: at a minimum, they will expect you to be familiar with their company website and the type of work they do. In a challenging economy, the bar is raised: they will also look to see if you are familiar with the overall health of the industry with respect to general economic performance. Many companies give the equivalent of  bonus points to applicants who demonstrate familiarity with recent company developments and new initiatives; in some searches, the job offer goes to the applicant who has done the best job preparing for the interview.

Fortunately, there are some easy ways to conduct employer research. My recommendations include:

1. Establishing Google News Alerts to send you updates and RSS Feeds based on your own Key Word searches. Website: (or, alternatively use Google Reader").

2. Getting up to speed on general industry health.Great resources include:

• Industry specific guides from Vault and Wetfeet.
• The no-nonsense Riley Guide's list of go-to websites by industry, and
• The Occupational Outlook Handbook provides the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections by field and sector

3. Staying current on company economic performance relative to the industry. A great way to do this is to use Hoover's. In addition, if the company you are interested in is a public company--monitor the stocks online through sites including CNN Money and the Wall Street Journal. (If you are applying for a position in financial services, expect to be asked questions about recent and "big picture" stock performance, including key market indicators. Vault and Wetfeet have great guides to help you get up to speed in this area).