Staples Makes it "Easy" for Job Seekers -- Launches Career Stimulus Program

Photo by Jason Gulledge

Kudos to Staples for helping out the thousands of job seekers by providing customers 20 free copies of their résumé and 40 free instant business cards through June 13th.  The company has also teamed up with a major job board to provide career advice at www.staples.com/freeresumes. 

I spent some time on the site and have pulled my favorite advice from Tory Johnson (@toryjohnson on Twitter):

GREAT ADVICE
Preparing for Interviews
* Research the employer, its competitors and the industry trends. Be knowledgeable about the current headlines and financial issues impacting the field.
* Google the person you're going to meet. Learn about his or her background and current role, which will make for a stronger, more relevant conversation.

Networking
* Make connections through smart networking. You're more likely to be introduced to potential opportunities through distant contacts or someone who knows someone versus family or friends.
* Use social networking sites LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter to reach out to former classmates, colleagues, clients, peers, vendors and friends.
* Get out of the house. Connect with as many people as possible, whether it's an industry function, a book signing on a topic of interest to you or even a kid's birthday party.

Leaving a Lasting Impression
* Ask questions about the person who is interviewing you instead of talking only about yourself. Be curious and engaged.

GOOD ADVICE
Leaving a Lasting Impression
* Send a follow-up email or handwritten note after meeting great people, especially if you don't need anything from that person now. It can be as simple as "nice to meet you."
-- I'm not going to be overly critical of this, but I just want to build on what Tory said.  I think follow-up notes are completely necessary, but job seekers are missing out on an opportunity if they just send a "nice to meet you" note.    I imagine Tory was pressed for space so she couldn't provide specific examples.    When sending a follow-up note, make sure it is tailored to your conversation and references a few specific items you spoke about and next steps as a result.

Job Seeking
* Many employers use screening technologies to rank job applications. Include keywords from the employer's job posting in your résumé and cover letter, so your résumé appears toward the top.
-- This is true and I think it is very smart to include specific keywords related to the company, industry or posting near the top of the first page of your resume (or your LinkedIn profile).  BUT DON'T CLICK APPLY... see below...

GOOD ADVICE, BUT...
* Transfer your skills. Check out job postings inside and outside your field to see how your skills and experience match up to employer requirements. Post different versions of your résumé to appeal to different employers.
-- I do agree there is a lot of value in scouring postings to get a better idea of the qualifications for particular jobs.  But I never, ever think it is a smart idea to apply to postings or post your resume.  The reason?  YOU GIVE AWAY ALL YOUR POWER.  You need to drive this process, not sit back and play the job posting lottery.  A contact of mine recently said she got more than 400 resumes for a job she posted on Craigslist.    Even if you have a "round peg, round hole" resume, a lot can go wrong when you are being judged against several hundred other resumes.  I urge you to read my previous blog You Found the Perfect Job Online. Don't Click Apply!

All in all, major points for Staples and Tory.  I'm going to start following Tory on Twitter and will let you know what other advice she has to share.

Speaking of Twitter, please leave a comment identifying the recruiters and career coaches you follow on Twitter.  I will compile a list and share with all of you!