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Showing posts from June, 2024

IT Contracting: Humans Read the Resume Last

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In the modern job market, the human hiring decision-maker is often the last person to read your resume. The initial gatekeeper is typically an Applicant Tracking System (ATS), which scans and filters resumes before any human eyes see them. This automated process can be both a blessing and a curse. While it helps hiring managers manage the large volume of applications, it also means that your resume must first meet the ATS criteria before it has a chance to impress a human reader. ATS software operates by scanning resumes for keywords that match the job description. If your resume lacks these keywords, or if it’s formatted in a way that the ATS can’t easily read, it might be automatically discarded. This underscores the importance of tailoring your resume for each job application, ensuring it includes relevant keywords and follows a straightforward, ATS-friendly format. A well-optimized resume will pass through the ATS filters, increasing the likelihood that it will reach a hiring manag...

39% of Hiring Managers Report Fake Job Listings: ResumeBuilder.com

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  https://x.com/randomrecruiter/status/1805948478813618651 How many job listings are fake? In my own pipeline, I've seen this show up in the form of automated job requests with no answer or "the job is on hold". Reasons given that Companies have "fake" or "ghost" job listings: 67% - Appearing open to external talent 66% - To project company growth 63% - To make Employees believe their workload will be alleviated 62% - To make Employees feel replaceable 59% - To keep resume on file for future date The result is decreasing trust in companies and brands. I wonder how many job listings are "fake"?

Navigating the Challenges of IT Contracting: 6 Months no Payment

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IT contracting offers appealing benefits like project flexibility and independence. However, it also presents unique challenges, particularly in securing timely payments and reimbursements. One of the most frustrating scenarios for contractors is completing a project only to face a client unwilling or unable to pay. Picture this: You've dedicated six months to an IT project, investing your expertise and time while covering expenses out-of-pocket. As you anticipate prompt compensation, you're met with silence or excuses. Unpaid invoices accumulate, and the lack of expense reimbursement compounds your financial stress. This situation can be especially detrimental for independent contractors who rely on consistent cash flow to manage both business and personal expenses. To safeguard yourself from such scenarios, consider these preventive measures: Thoroughly vet potential clients before committing to projects. Establish a clear, detailed contract outlining payment schedules, rei...

Word Cloud Generator Quick Tip: AJ Mizes

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Tips from AJ below. You could also use the word cloud generator to find the keywords in your resume. Mine is below.  1. List Your Skills Start by writing down all your skills on a sheet of paper. Include everything from technical abilities to soft skills. Each skill you list is a valuable asset that your potential employer might find appealing.     2. Generate a Word Cloud Next, head over to  https://worditout.com/word-cloud/create and paste the job description into the tool. This will create a word cloud highlighting the most frequently mentioned words and skills. It’s a visual way to see what the employer values most.

Avoid These Errors in the Interview: Ryan Kohler's Guide to Avoiding Interview Pitfalls

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Ever wondered if your interview was more of a comedy of errors than a professional meeting?    If you've ever left an interview room with the sinking feeling that you might have said the wrong thing, you're not alone.      Let's dive into the insights from Cassandra's video, '10 Things to Never Say in an Interview,' and add a sprinkle of my experience to help you ace that interview with finesse!"   Hello, job seekers! I'm Ryan Kohler, the founder of ApplicantPro and your guide in the job prospecting journey.   Drawing from Cassandra's essential tips and my two decades in the hiring industry, let's dissect these interview faux pas to ensure your next interview is a step towards success, not a stumble.   1. The Misguided Query: "What Would I Be Doing in This Role?"   This question can be a red flag to interviewers. It suggests you haven't done your homework. Instead, frame your inquiries to show you've researched and understood t...

Interview Tip - Conversational skills - Vihn Giang

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  Do you know what the most overlooked skill is when it comes to communication skills?  Conversational skills And why is this skill so powerful when it comes to your next job interview?  It’s important because if you’ve made it to the interview portion of the process…  It means that you already qualify  technically  for the role -  now they just want to see if they like you.  We know this for a fact…  People do business with people they like. So, how do we increase our likability?  The answer is simple! Master your conversational skills.  Learning how to improve your conversational ability has a direct application to helping you land your next dream job, or building relationships with future colleagues, friends, or even partners!  Join me for my free 2 hour masterclass on the Art of Conversation, where we will cover the following:  The Mastery Cycle : A three-step process to master any communication skill. (And no, it does...

Act Now: Seize Your Chance With Recruiters!

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Hey there, fellow IT pros! Are you ready to level up your skills and land those sweet contract gigs? Well, buckle up, because I've got some juicy tips for you on how to be the first in line when recruiters come knocking. You know the drill: most job requests for IT contract jobs are submitted within 24-48 hours. That means you've got to be on your toes, ready to pounce on those opportunities like a cat on catnip. And let me tell you, recruiters aren't going to wait around for you to finish your morning coffee. They want quick responses, so you better be ready to jump into action. Here's the deal: when you get an email or a phone call from a recruiter, you need to be alert and responsive. Don't let those messages sit in your inbox gathering virtual dust. Respond promptly, and I mean like, within the hour. Trust me, recruiters are juggling a million things, and if you don't show them you're serious, they might just move on to the next candidate. But it's n...

Boost Org Success: 4 Key IT Contributions

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When an IT contractor joins an organization, they bring a wealth of expertise and a fresh perspective that can significantly impact the business. As candidates looking to secure new contract jobs, it's essential to understand and communicate the unique value we offer. Here are four key contributions IT contractors make to an organization. 1. Specialized Skills and Expertise IT contractors are often hired for their specialized skills that fill critical gaps within a company. Whether it's cybersecurity, software development, or data analysis, we bring specific knowledge that might not be available in-house. This specialized expertise enables organizations to tackle complex projects efficiently and effectively, ensuring they stay ahead in a competitive market. 2. Flexibility and Scalability One of the biggest advantages we offer as IT contractors is flexibility. Companies can scale their workforce up or down based on project demands without the long-term commitments associated wit...

Alex Hormozi: You made your customers angry, now what?

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 Alex Hormozi: You made your customers angry, now what?

ATS-Friendly Resume

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Are you tired of sending out your resume into the abyss, only to never hear back from recruiters? Well, fear not, because I've got some insider tips on how to write a resume that's not only human-friendly, but also ATS-friendly. That's right, we're talking about Applicant Tracking Systems, those pesky little robots that scan your resume before a human ever lays eyes on it. First things first, let's talk about formatting. You want to make sure your resume is easy on the eyes, both for the ATS and for the recruiter who will eventually read it. Stick to a clean, simple layout with clear headings and bullet points. Avoid fancy fonts, graphics, and tables, as these can confuse the ATS and make it harder for it to extract the important information. Next, let's talk keywords. The ATS is looking for specific words and phrases that match the job description, so make sure you're using the right ones. Take a close look at the job posting and identify the key skills and...