Top 4 Job Description Mistakes - Your Career Intel

Top 4 Job Description Mistakes - Your Career IntelCrafting the perfect job description can be deceptively tricky, especially when it comes to the skills, experience, and responsibilities sections. Skimp on details here and youll cast your net too wide, attracting unqualified applicants. Get too specific and you might scare away your best talent. Sure, that CPA with Big 5 experience who knows three programming languages, speaks fluent Japanese and can juggle blindfolded exists somewhere, but shes harder to find than a needle in a haystack.Vague or verbose job descriptions can set your hiring search up for failure. Heres how to find the right balance by correcting common mistakesMistake 1 Failing to reach internal consensus before writing the job description. Confusion or internal disagreement over the new hires role within your team, department and company can make it difficult to write an effective job description. Get everyone on the same page by asking these questionsWhat is the ma in dicke bretter bohren mssen this hire will solve?What skills will the hire need to solve this problem?Are any of these skills we can teach?Ideally, every stakeholder who will be involved in the hiring decision will also be involved in this conversation. Hash out the details before you start interviewing Establishing clear expectation for the role makes it easier to describe the position correctly, yielding qualified applicants from day one.Mistake 2 Skipping the essentials.Once youve reached internal consensus on the role, concisely communicate the essentialsState the 2-3 main functions with a one-sentence explanation of each.Include the management structure, the supervisor, and the place of the role within the team.List example of possible tasks and projects to spur imagination and conversation for interviews.Mistake 3 Listing too many required skills.The thinking goes something like this, The mora specific I get with my skill list, the better the candidate, so Ill just list as m any skills as possible. Unfortunately, long skill lists often backfire. They deter qualified candidates who worry they arent the perfect fit and actually increase the number of unqualified candidates who apply. These unqualified candidates recognize one or two items and think, I can do thatIf you find yourself with a laundry list of skills, consider differentiating between skills that are required and preferred. A required skill is one that is vital to a new hires success in this role. A preferred skill is one that is nice to have, but not vital. These skills contribute to success but are not essential or can be taught.Mistake 4 Overusing buzzwords.The words you choose to describe the role should excite and engage applicants. The right words will inject a bit of personality into your description and convey why your company is unique. Resist the temptation to fall back on cliched terms like out-of-the-box thinker, industry disruptor, problem solver or jupe star that have lost their i mpact through common use. Replace these phrases with thoughtful language that speaks to the role in more genuine terms.Next Steps Culture, Purpose and Career PathwayA job description is more than just essential responsibilities and requirements. It should also paint a clear picture of where your company is going. Top talent wants to know about your companys future plans. What opportunities lie ahead? Why is now an exciting time to join your team? Address culture, purpose and career pathwayand youve got yourself a winning job description.

Which Industries Have Most Diverse Boards PwC Shares Surprising Findings

Which Industries Have Most Diverse Boards PwC Shares Surprising Findings An increasing number of industries are recognizing the geschftliches miteinander benefits of diversity, and while many are taking steps to diversify their boardrooms, others are trailing behind. Which sectors are leading the way? You might be surprised.A new report from PwC titled A Look at Board Composition finds that boards in the banking and capital markets industry -- a field traditionally considered to be dominated by men -- actually have one of the highest percentages of women at 26%. The report compares board demographics across select companies in nine industries banking and capital markets, communications, entertainment and media, industrial products, insurance, pharmaceutical and life sciences, power and utilities, retail, and technology.Why did PwC decide to examine board composition? Because its one of the top issues for investors this year. PwC reports that 61% of directors who responded to their 20 16 Annual Corporate Directors Survey said that they have added a director with a specific skillset as a result of investor pressure, while nearly half of those surveyed said they added a diverse director.Companies in every industry are feeling investor pressure to refresh their boards, and many are focusing on diversity and adding more women directors, Paula Loop, Leader of PwCs Governance Insights Center, explained in a press release about the findings. But diversity is more than a gender issue its about race, ethnicity, skills, experience, age and even geography, in addition to diversity of thought and perspective, Loop continued. The picture of what a particular industry looks like today may not be the same in a few years as industry lines have started to blur, making a diverse boardroom even more important. In fact, experts weve interviewed prioritize skills like technology expertise for new directors.PwC decided to explore gender diversity on boards because this is representat ive of some of the initiatives boards are implementing to become more generally diverse. Though fruchtwein industries didnt stray much from the S&P 500 averages for most benchmarking categories (including percentage of women on boards, female directors added in the latest proxy, mandatory retirement age, and term limits), a few set themselves apart. In addition to banking and capital markets, the retail industry is leading the way in terms of board diversity -- and it also has the lowest average age (60). Both the entertainment and media and the communications sectors also came out ahead they had the highest and second-highest percentages, respectively, of new female directors. Retail tied with communications for second-highest.In an article published on LinkedIn, Loop explains why she thinks some industries seem to be making more progress than others. The banking and capital markets industry BCM is facing a whirlwind of challenges due to economic and political uncertainty, she writ es, so BCM companies need to be strategic when adding new board members. One example of this is gender diversity on boards. An industry that is considered to be highly dominated by men actually had one of the highest percentage of women on their boards -- at 26 percent.Loop suggests that industries and companies that havent made as much progress in the realm of diversity turn to others for inspiration. One way to fill holes is to look at other industries to see how they approach this challenge, she explains. As industry lines blur, other perspectives could actually help your company. PwCs report serves as a helpful reminder that more diverse teams are better for business -- and were glad to see increased transparency on the issue. We hope these findings encourage industry and company leaders to prioritize diversifying not only their boards, but their teams in general. As Loop puts it, taking a look at your board refreshment efforts more often will help ensure that directors are comi ng to the table with diversified skill sets, opinions and experience. And this will benefit both the company and all of its stakeholders.Fairygodboss is committed to improving the workplace and lives of women.Join us by reviewing your employer

5 Ways to Recruit Millennials in 2016 - Spark Hire

5 Ways to Recruit Millennials in 2016 - Spark HireThe time has come for companies to focus on recruiting the best and brightest of the millennial generation. Today, millennials make up one-third of the American workforce, and some studies estimate the generation will make up close to 50 percent of the workforce by 2020. Having spent their formative years navigating economic instability and groundbreaking technological advancement, millennials job preferences are significantly different from Generation X and the baby boomers. If you want to recruit millennial talent, your business must understand both wzu siche to find and how to attract the cream of the crop. 1. Invest in a Culture Page on Your Company WebsiteMillennials are looking for culture, not the corporate world. Only 15 percent of 2015 college graduates would prefer to work for a large corporation, and many would take a lower paycheck if it meant working for a company with a positive social atmosphere. Millennials want to do work that will enrich their lives. To engage with this desire, create a page on your website dedicated to sharing your companys culture, from holiday events to the various ways your business encourages employee growth and fulfillment.2. Search on Rising Social Media PlatformsIn order to recruit millennials, you have to know where to find them on social media. Many companies have embraced social hiring, with 54 percent of recruiters using Facebook to find new talent. Develop a presence across multiple social media channels and then make an effort to share team successes, highlight your culture, and announce new job openings. Beyond the most obvious social platforms Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter venture into growing channels like Snapchat, where you can post creative snaps to connect with your desired talent swimmingpool in a more informal manner.3. Make Your Job Application Mobile-FriendlyMobile Internet usage is on the rise, and it is affecting job searches and application proc esses. On average, nearly 60 percent of candidates used a mobile device to search for a job, and 52 percent used them to apply for a position. Millennials are searching for jobs while on the go. To cater to this, go beyond making your website mobile-friendly and responsive develop an online application process that is simple to access and easy to navigate on a mobile device.4. Use More VideoVideo and other engaging media can be very attractive to millennials. Tap into this by adding a video to your job description. It could feature your team, offer a tour of the office, or explain the job position through motion graphics. Additionally, as millennials prefer to work for companies that embrace technology, try incorporating video interviewsinto your hiring process. These efforts show that your company is technologically savvy and employee-focused.5. Emphasize GrowthSome recruiters fear that millennials are job hoppers, and studies tend to agree with this assumption. This doesnt have t o be the case for your millennial employees, though. Millennials desire purpose in their life and career. They seek feedback, support, and opportunities for growth. To attract millennial talent and encourage them to stay with your company, emphasize chances for development via ongoing education opportunities or interdepartmental collaboration.By actively recruiting millennials in 2016, you can build your workforce to include inspiring and creative young minds that embrace your companys vision and commitment to growth.About the AuthorAlice Williams has an MA in Communication Studies from San Francisco State University, where she studied organizational communication and HR extensively. She is a contributor to BusinessBee and likes to go hiking with her husband in her spare time.

How Employers Use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

How Employers Use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)How Employers Use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)Many employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS), also known as talent management systems, to process job applications and to manage the hiring process. They provide an automated way for companies to manage the entire recruiting process, from receiving applications to hiring employees. The information in the database is used for screening candidates, applicant testing, scheduling interviews, managing the hiring process, checking references, and completing new-hire paperwork. How Applicant Tracking Systems Work When applicants apply for a job online, their contact information, experience, educational background, resume, and cover letter are uploaded into the database. The information then can be transferred from one component of the system to abedrngnisher as candidates move through the hiring process. The system allows company recruiters to review the applications, sends applica nts automated messages letting them know their applications have been received, and gives online tests. Hiring managers can schedule interviews and mail rejection letters through the ATS. Finally, human resources personnel can use the saatkorn information to put individuals on the payroll once they are hired. These integrated systems streamline the recruiting and application process for employers. Streamlining the Process Using an ATS can help save both time and money. Information from applicants is uploaded and organized in a database, making it easily accessible and searchable for human resources professionals. Because the information is collected and organized digitally and automatically, companies do not have to pay for the additional time taken by sorting and filing paper applications. Some systems also can save time for job applicants. Many employers use systems that allow job applicants to upload their vital information, work histories, education, and references directly from their profiles on websites like LinkedIn or Indeed. While job applicants obviously need to cater different applications to different positions, being able to bypass the tedious process of retyping this information for every application is a valuable time saver. Tracking the Process Applicant tracking systems allow companies to track where candidates found the job posting- on a job board, directly from a company website, through a referral, or from another source. This can be important information that allows employers to focus their recruiting on the areas where the data shows they have the most success or find the most desirable candidates while reducing or eliminating efforts in areas that show little success. Drawbacks However beneficial an applicant tracking system can be, there often are drawbacks employers need to consider. Systems are designed to look for specific keywords and types of backgrounds for advertised positions, meaning good candidates who are switchin g careers might slip through the cracks of the system and not get noticed. There also can be technical issues. Some systems will eliminate candidates if they cant interpret a scanned resume properly. This can happen if a resume looks slightly different than what the system is programmed to understand or if the resume is mora complex than it can interpret. Tips for Candidates If youre applying for a job through an online form, assume that your resume is entering an applicant tracking system. To increase your chances of making it through the ATS and to a recruiters inbox, optimize your application Follow instructions. Perhaps the most important thing you can do to make sure your resume makes it to a human being is to follow instructions exactly. That means including the right documents (resume, cover letter, samples, etc.) and the right document type (in other words, dont send a PDF if the instructions specify a Word doc). Use keywords. Keywords are terms that relate to job requi rements. To make sure that your resume is filtered correctly, use the exact keywords from the job advertisement. For example, if the job description calls for someone with experience in Microsoft Word, dont put Microsoft Office. A human can look at that descriptor and understand that is includes Word, as well as other applications, but a bot might miss it. Dont get fancy. Nows not the time for your infographic resume. In fact, even a PDF might be too slick for the system. Follow the instructions and send the exact file type specified. Choose a standard resume format and font. Align your text to the left and set 1-inch margins. Remember, you have to get through the ATS before you can impress a hiring manager. Dont make any formatting choices that will work against you.

What to Do With a Degree in Sociology

What to Do With a Degree in SociologyWhat to Do With a Degree in SociologySociology is a social science that focuses on the study of groups of human beings. It looks at the development of social groups, their structures and the interactions within and among them. Does this sound interesting? If so you should consider choosing sociology as your college major. Some who do, continue their studies in this area and eventually earn a masters degree or a Ph.D. They can then go on to work as sociologists or become academics. Many undergraduate sociology majors leave this field entirely to pursue other sociology careers in which they can use the skills they attained while earning their degrees. These skills include the ability to do research and data analysis, communicate well and think critically. Here are some of your options. Human Resources Specialist Human resources specialists deal with personnel matters within organizations. They recruit, hire and retain workers. This occupation u tilizes a sociology majors knowledge of group structures and interactions to solve workplace problems such as disputes between employees. Your background will also come in mobilfunktelefon when determining whether a job candidate will fit in with the current staff. Harmony in the workplace is a valuable commodity and anyone who can help facilitate that is valued as well. Writer or Editor Writers create material for print and online media. Editors select the material to be published as well as give guidance to writers. As a sociology major, you had to do quite a bit of research as well as write papers. By the time you complete your degree you will be a pro at doing research and explaining complex concepts in writing. These skills will be an asset to you in this occupation. Manager Managers direct employees work activities. They delegate tasks, resolve problems among staff members, give constructive criticism and reprimand workers who are performing poorly. Your understanding of group structure and interactions will serve you well in this capacity. In addition, the strong communication and critical thinking skills you attained while preparing for your degree will also make you a strong manager. Insurance Agent Insurance agents sell insurance policies to individuals and businesses. They help their clients find suitable policies based on their needs and what they can afford. Your ability to communicate well will help you do your job. While you dont need to have a degree in a specific subject to work as an insurance agent, you will have to become licensed by the state in which you plan to work. You will need separate licenses to sell different types of insurance, for example, life, health and property, and casualty. This may require, depending on the state, some formal training. Market Research Analyst Market research analysts, working on behalf of companies, konzept surveys to determine the preferences of potential customers. They help their emplo yers decide what products and services to sell and where and at what price to sell them. As a sociology major, you can call upon your research and analytical skills, as well as your knowledge about social groups. Your strong communications skills will also help you explain your findings to your employer. Statistician Using mathematical techniques, statisticians analyze data and then draw conclusions based on their findings. They must be strong critical thinkers who also have excellent written and oral communication skills and are adept at data analysis. As a sociology major, these are areas in which you excel. To be a statistician, however, you also need a strong background in math. If this career path appeals to you, consider a double major or a minor in mathematics or statistics. Coursework in computer science will also be helpful. A masters degree in statistics will make you a more competitive job candidate. Special Agent Special agents, who are also known as detectives and criminal investigators, determine whether people have violated laws. To do this they gather and analyze evidence and facts. Your strong communication skills will help you do your job as will your understanding of human beings and how they function as part of society. Special agents often begin their careers as police officers. While a college degree isnt required for entry-level positions, one often needs at least some undergraduate coursework, if leid a bachelors degree, in order to work himself or herself up the ranks to Special agent. College Admissions Counselor College admissions counselors recruit applicants and then determine whether they should be admitted. They prepare promotional materials about the schools they represent and then use it to make presentations at high schools, college fairs, and other programs. They must have good communication and critical thinking skills as those with a degree in sociology typically do. Health Educator Health educators teach p eople how to stay or get healthy. They work with students as well as adults in schools and healthcare facilities. Your skills as a communicator and the time you spent studying people will help you do well in this job, but you will also need to learn about public health. You can do that by earning a masters degree in community, public or school health education. Health Services Manager Health services managers coordinate the delivery of services in health care facilities or in individual departments of those facilities. Their work includes creating schedules, managing finances and communicating with staff members. As a sociology major, you will have some of the basic skills you need to do this job, for example, strong critical thinking and communication skills, but you will need to become knowledgeable about health administration. You can minor or double major in this subject in college. You might also consider earning a masters degree in health, public or business administratio n to make yourself more marketable.

The Top 5 Ways to Market Yourself like a Pro and Land a Job

The Top 5 Ways to Market Yourself like a Pro and Land a JobThe Top 5 Ways to Market Yourself like a Pro and Land a JobHave you recently lost your job thanks to the recession? Or are you just trying to land yourself a great new telecommuting job? Whatever the reason, there are many ways to land that next great opportunity by coming up with a plan to market yourself to potential employers.Here are 5 great ways to market yourself like a Pro1 Design a great resume that will get noticed.As you begin your job search, you are probably encountering many cases where the only way you can apply is by submitting your resume. This can be frustrating because you dont know for sure if anyone is actually bothering to read your resume on the other end. However, may recruiters and human resource managers say the same thing when it comes to resumes. They do review resumes that are well-written, grammatically correct and highlighting the skills and experience gained from past employment or education. I nstead of just creating a dull list of the jobs held and basic duties, include any special achievements or recognition you earned in a descriptive way. For example, if you created a program that saved your previous employer money or increased revenues, be sure to include this.2 Join social and professional networks.Take it from successful marketers who will tell you that the key to getting attention in this very competitive world is to get yourself out there and involved with as may social and professional networks as possible. The truth about job seeking is that sometimes its a matter of being in the right place at the right time. Oftentimes, this means knowing someone who knows of a company thats hiring or some other opportunity. If you want to increase the chances of finding that perfect telecommuting job, then you need to be actively involved with professional and social networks. You can find these networks both locally and online.3 Register with staffing companies and job se rvices.Despite the high number of candidates who are out there trying to land a better job, you can increase the chances of successfully landing the job of your dreams by registering with staffing companies and job services. These can be found locally or online. Be sure to post your best resume, highlight your skills and provide any samples of your work if you can to get the attention of companies that are looking for someone with your skills. If you are a freelancer, include links to your website or blog so others can learn more about you.4 Research desirable jobs and companies.There is a wealth of information available to you thanks to modern technology. Once you have decided what kind of career or job youd like to pursue, do a quick search online to find companies that offer those opportunities. Check out their career pages and see what requirements they have for telecommuting roles. You may stumble upon a great opportunity before anyone else does or get an idea about something you can offer as a freelancer.5 Revamp your image.It may sound silly, but if you want to work in a specific role, start giving that impression whenever you go out in public. That doesnt mean you should walk around in a three-piece suit, but it means you should don a professional look and demeanor that will get you noticed by people in your community and professional networks. People will remember you for the well-dressed, well-spoken professional that you are and they will think of you when they hear of a job opportunity. Dont be afraid to try a new haircut, leave business cards in public establishments or redesign your personal web-space to portray a new and better you.Readers, how do you market yourself to potential employers? Let us know in the comments section below

7 Steps Landing First Job

7 Steps Landing First Job 7 Steps Landing First Job Landing that first engineering job after graduation may be one of the most difficult things accomplished over the course of a career. Even though a fledgling engineer may have successfully completed internships, attended career fairs, and essentially done all of the right things college career counselors recommended to help find that job, it just might not be there after graduation.However, there is some good news. A 2012 Student Employment Gap study conducted by Millennial Branding and Experience, Inc. revealed 87% of employers are going to hire more recent graduates this year, and of those, 34% of companies are recruiting engineering and computer infassonation systems majors.A 2012 Student Employment Gap study conducted by Millennial Branding and Experience, Inc. revealed 87% of employers are going to hire more recent graduates this year, and of those, 34% of companies are recruiting engineering and computer information systems ma jors.In hiring recent college grads, Jennifer Floren, founder and former CEO of Experience, Inc. musiknoted Of all the things employers look for when hiring entry-level talent, its the so-called soft skills that are valued most communication, teamwork, flexibility, and positive attitude are by far the most sought-after skills. Employers understand that everything else can be taught, so they look for the most promising raw material to work with.So now the job search begins. The first thing to note is that finding the right job is more than simply searching for postings online and emailing a resume. The job search is a process and often times a frustrating one. The process involves research, outreach, follow-up, and dogged determination.Here are a few additional tips that might help recent graduates in searching for that first engineering job.Keep Your Resume Up to DateYour resume is a dynamic snapshot of your skills, experience, and professional objectives. It is important to keep it fresh. If youve learned a new software program, completed an educational course, or attended an applicable seminar during the time youve been searching for a job, be sure to add it to your resume. Depending upon the job you are applying for, you may need to adjust your resume so that your most relevant skills and experience are highlighted. It is imperative to tailor your resume for each job application.Network with Colleagues, Family, and FriendsIn job searching, who you know is truly important. Your business colleagues, family, and friends together know a lot of people. Make sure they all know you are looking for a job and ask for their help, especially referrals to others who may help. Do they have any business contacts that you could connect with to seek advice or gain a referral? Stay in touch with them every few weeks out of sight is usually out of mind.Tap into Your Alumni AssociationAlumni are a good source of potential job opportunities and typically will go out of their way to help their fellow alumni. Stay active online and join your local chapter. Face-to-face interaction at Chapter meetings is a good way to network. Many alumni form social networking groups on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. Join the groups and be visible. Introduce yourself to the group and state your job objectives and ask for help.Work Part Time/VolunteerWhat have you been doing since graduation? That question inevitably comes up during an interview. And while searching for a job is a job itself, its better to demonstrate that you are active doing other things in addition to seeking a job. Take a part-time job. Even if it isnt in a related field of interest, it shows that you are energetic. And since you most likely have college loans to start repaying, no one would question the need to generate at least some income. Volunteering for charitable causes is also a good way to demonstrate your drive and enthusiasm. It is also another great way to meet new people and expand your network.Identify Companies of InterestDont rely on a job falling in your lap. While you may be lucky enough to find an interesting job posting at a company youd like to work for, its more than likely that youll have to proactively find a job opening at one of your companies of interest. There are many online resources to help you search, like monster.com and job-hunt.org. Use their tools to help you make a list of companies you would like to work for. Search social networking sites, like LinkedIn, for contacts within these organizations. Alert them to your interests and career objectives. Many will be willing to help or refer you to someone else who might help, and once again, youve expanded your network.Expand Your OpportunitiesUnfortunately, you might not be able to land your dream job the first time around. Expand your opportunities by searching companies and positions in adjacent industries. You might also consider contract or temporary opportunities. These will strengthen your experience and sometimes lead to full time positions at the end of the contract.Dont Get DiscouragedEasier said than done, but prepare yourself that the job hunt will be a long and often tedious process. platzset weekly objectives i.e. number of applications sent, phone calls, company searches, etc. and once youve accomplished your goals, take some time for yourself.Tom Ricci is the owner of Ricci Communications.Of all the things employers look for when hiring entry-level talent, its the so-called soft skills that are valued most.Jennifer Floren, founder and former CEO, Experience, Inc.