Looking for a job? Watch NCAA March Madness!

If you're looking for a job right now, turn on the ol' boob tube and watch a little NCAA March Madness. We've already had a few amazing comebacks that prove that you're never down and out.

Take inspiration from these guys who have spent countless hours their throughout their lives and do not know how to give up. Don't you give up on yourself either.

How to beat Resume Screening Software

Who hasn't come across a few opportunities where they were screened by those software programs? It's frustrating right? Here's a few tips on how to beat 'em.

Try calling the company and "working the building" (sales term for finagling your way from one person to the next until you find the decision maker) so you can figure out what keywords their looking for.

Contact a friend who works there and ask what the process is, what keywords they're looking for, etc.

Don't have a friend there? Make a friend who works there, by commenting on their blogs, websites, FB, etc.

I have done all of the above and got a call from the companies with those blasted scanning software programs.

SIDEOUT: Ask yourself, why are you just sending resumes into companies? The best way to get a job is through your personal network. So start networking.


Note: Those software programs can have some term recognition flaws, as well.

Are you scared to apply for a job?

"Those who are hesitating, getting scared, or becoming paralyzed lose out on the opportunities at hand..." - Mike Mann, Make Millions and Make Change!

When it comes to job searching don't NOT apply for a job because you're not sure about it. Go ahead and apply. If you don't you may miss out on an opportunity.


The same goes with contacting folks in your personal network to find out if they have or know of any job openings. When you hesitate or back off something because of fear, you can lose out on great opportunities.


IMPORTANT NOTE: Make sure that you are following the best practices that I've mentioned in my blogs when you're applying for these jobs. (tailor your resume, apply for something that has a relevant connection to your skill sets, etc.) And remember don't lose your head if they don't call you back. Try to figure out what would get you more call backs (again read past Brecheisen blogs on that) but don't worry about everyone calling you back, worry about the right ones calling you back.

Conduct Job Warfare Like George W. Bush.

Yes. Looking for a job and warfare can be related. You need contacts: people. And you need contacts: shots that hit their intended target. But where I'm going with this is preemptive strikes.

How many HR people do you know?

That's not a rhetorical question. Count 'em up! Then contact them and stay in touch. This is important whether you're currently looking for a job or happily employed. In fact, if you preemptively reach out and stay in touch with HR folks the better position you'll be in when you are looking for a job.

Go the extra mile and seek out HR folks in companies within your industry or the industry you would like to be in. Make a friend and stay in touch in case something changes for you in the future. They may even reach out to you at an unexpected time. So the lesson here is to be preemptive in your job search.

Define your goals in your Job Hunt

Happy New Year! I hope your Christmas and New Year's celebrations were great and that you were able to receive support from your family.

I read a quote this morning I wanted to share.

"Define clearly what you want to have happen in your life. Keep the vision in front of you and make a total commitment to fulfill it." - Paul Donahue

Decide what you want to do for work that would be fulfilling and provide for your family then set goals for your job hunt and go after them.

Be Persistent in your Job Search

Don't get discouraged if you apply for a position and don't get it. If the company has other positions that you think are relevant to your skill set, keep applying. One gentleman did just that with our companies and we didn't select him for the first couple positions, but then a perfect position for him arose and he applied. We have him selected as one of the finalists. So persistence can pay off.

One caveat: don't apply ad nauseum or blanket apply to all positions. This will cause you to lose credibility, coming off desperate because you're really not that good. Just like dating, you don't want to go on the first date and scream I love you, I love you, I love you like Will Ferrell in Elf. Be persistent but don't be annoying.


Good luck in your job search and remember, if there's a company out there that you're excited about pursue them with persistence.

If you're looking for a job, "don't be a fool" with your social media!

Well, it has happened again. One of my clients was considering a candidate for a position, but after some online research they decided to pass.

So my client went online to check out this candidate and found just one "web gem" that caused them to question. They found a photo that insinuated some pretty disturbing behaviors that you would not want an employer to see. I'll refrain from indicating exactly what it was, but it was of a sexual nature and nothing to do with sexual preference. Yeah that's how disturbing it was!

Anyway, they even decided to give the person the benefit of the doubt and continue with the interview, but as they say, first impressions are lasting impressions.

Word to the wise... be careful what you post in your social media forums, because employers access them. As they should. They are trying to hire people that will represent their company well and not embarrass them with off the clock shenanigans. I guess you should've grown up watching the A Team. Just take Mr. T's advice and "don't be a fool."