Sunday, May 31, 2020

7 Alternatives to LinkedIn for Candidate Sourcing

7 Alternatives to LinkedIn for Candidate Sourcing There’s no doubt that when it comes to sourcing online, LinkedIn is a paradise for recruiters. Boasting over 500  million members, LinkedIn has cornered the market as the social network of choice for professionals around the world. However in the last few years, there has been an increase in the number of niche professional networking sites catering to different industries and specialities. So if you’re a recruiter or sourcer looking for very specific candidates who may not necessarily use LinkedIn, it’s worth exploring these niche networks. Here’s a rundown of some of the most active niche professional networking sites online: 1)  Stage32   film, theatre and television creatives: Has over 300,000 professionals from the entertainment industry across 180 countries. The site advertises that their members are made up of those with Academy, Emmy and Tony award winners as well as budding screenwriters, cast and crew members. Members showcase their resumes, headshots, portfolios and work experience on their profiles as well as promoting any projects or reels they’re working on. Apart from networking opportunities, Stage32 offers professionals a dedicated space to discuss various aspects of their craft as well as an area for learning, collaboration and employment opportunities. All members also earn Karma points based on their activity on the network. Basic  Boolean String: site:stage32.com/profile job title AND lives * city name -inurl:stage32.com/lounge READ MORE: How to Spot a Fantastic Creative Candidate 2)  Doximity   US healthcare professionals: Founded in 2011, Doximity is a US based network for medical professionals. It’s a platform where healthcare professionals can connect with each other and collaborate on patient care. The platform’s unique feature is the secure messaging service that allows physicians to refer patients to a colleague and send sensitive patient information over a secure network or through digital faxes. Given that the platform is only available to healthcare professionals and medical students, Doximity is ‘safe haven’ for doctors who’d rather not engage with patients or pharmaceutical reps on LinkedIn. For recruiters, Doximity offers a service called Talent Finder which is priced at around $12,000 per year per license or “seat” to advertise jobs. Apart from receiving job opportunities, members are also able to take on consulting work and receive payment through the platform at average rates of $375 an hour. Basic Boolean String: site:doximity.com/pub/ “speciality/job title” AND hospital/university intitle:city 3)  Muck Rack journalists: Muck Rack is a dedicated and vetted network of journalists which includes professionals from media outlets such as The New York Times, USA Today, Financial Times, etc. as well as freelancers from around the world. All members are vetted by Muck Rack editors and are encouraged to network and showcase their published works within their portfolios. The site is free to use for journalists, with the biggest draw being its exclusivity and the management of PR spam within the platform. Business executives, researchers, academics, public relations professionals, media consultants and salespeople, etc. are prohibited from creating profiles.  Instead, access to the database and the ability to pitch journalists through the site are reserved for those willing to pay a subscription fee that starts at $199 per month. Basic Boolean String: site:muckrack.com/ “beat/location” AND keyword -inurl:topic -inurl:link -inurl:directory 4)  ResearchGate   scientists and academics: Founded in 2008, Barlin-based ResearchGate is a site where scientists can interact, exchange knowledge and distribute their research. The network incorporates functionalities seen on other social networks like LinkedIn and Twittter as well as allowing members to share papers and data sets, give feedback on the reproducibility of research and finding solutions to research problems. The network is a boon to the scientific community as it facilitates collaboration, transparency and reduces research redundancy. However as it stands, there isn’t a clear monetisation model for the network. Plans have been mentioned to charge universities and institutions for advertising jobs on the site as well as providing a marketplace for laboratory equipment. Basic Boolean String: site:researchgate.net/profile/*/info “job title” AND “field of interest/skill/discipline” AND location -inurl:.pdf 5)  RallyPoint    military: What started off as a class project is now a powerful platform that not only connects retired and active military servicemen and women but also helps them explore career opportunities within the military or out in the private sector. A quick X-ray search shows approximately 200,000 profiles on the site. This is a relatively small number of users. However when you consider the size of the US military and veteran community, RallyPoint’s members make up a significant portion of the population. To gain access to this community as a recruiter, your company can either advertise jobs on the network or purchase a license to access and search their database of members. **Unfortunately, there is little information available in the publicly indexed profiles for RallyPoint, making a boolean search string redundant. RELATED: How To Rewrite Your Military Resume for Civilian Jobs 6)  Kaggle    data scientists: Kaggle is a social network with a twist. Unlike sites like Quora or StackOverflow where members gain reputation or ‘karma points’ from their peers for answering questions, Kaggle is all about the competition. It’s a platform where organisations can pose complex data science problems and invite the community to solve them in return for prize. The site aims to match data scientists and statisticians looking to hone their skills with organisations that have real world data (and problems!) but don’t have access to advanced machine learning techniques. Apart from the competitive framework, Kaggle provides the data science community with a place to meet, network and collaborate with each other.  Users are ranked according to three tiers; a Novice is new user, a Kaggler actively participates in competitions whilst a Master is a user with consistent and stellar competition results. The Tier System takes into account all-time performance on the network while a Rank System is used to compare active users based on points. However, it’s worth noting that unlike other sites, a user’s points on Kaggle deteriorate over time. Points are calculated with time decay fixed at the time of the most recent competition deadline. This basically means that users have to join competitions regularly if they wish to keep their points up. Basic Boolean String: site:kaggle.com/users skills AND location AND “tier” 7)  GrabCAD   mechanical engineers: GrabCAD is essentially GitHub for mechanical engineers. It started off as a site where engineers and designers can share and upload 3D CAD models in an ‘open source’ way. Today, the platform has evolved beyond an open-network library to include cloud-based collaboration and data management tools as well as a Challenges section where companies crowdsource new designs and concepts from the community. Following Github’s model, GrabCAD also offers a premium option called Workbench which teams can use to share information without uploading their designs into the public domain. Basic Boolean String: site:grabcad.com job title/skills/keywords intitle:country  -inurl:(questions|tutorials|library|blog|requests|contentfiles) The trend for niche social media sites will continue as professionals decamp to specialised platforms that offer a slightly different experience than on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook or Google+. That’s not to say that any of the large social networks will become obsolete anytime soon. They still provide a common ground where users connect with acquaintances, friends and family online. However smaller, more focused professional networks give people the opportunity to connect with like-minded people who share their particular interests or work in the same industry. Niche networks are simply a new chapter in the social media story.

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Writing Your Resume in Python

Writing Your Resume in PythonWriting your resume in Python is very easy. The only problem is deciding which platform to use. There are a number of options available today, and they range from being free to being prohibitively expensive.You can write your resume in Python in any text editor that you prefer. However, it is recommended that you use a text editor that is compatible with Python in order to make it easier for you to build your resume. It is important to remember that any error in your resume is all but certain to be picked up by an automated software package such as Adape that is designed to search for resumes on the Internet.If you have never used a text editor to edit your resume before, the best advice is to just get a free one and try it out. Then, after that, you can upgrade to a paid one if you want to make it more effective. As long as you use a text editor that is compatible with Python, it should be fine.While there are many free text editors available, there are many poor quality free versions that will only get you so far. The best thing to do is to pick one of the better free versions and look at the features. You should also be able to figure out which function you would like to have when it comes to writing your resume in Python. For example, if you prefer a list format, you should be able to get the option in your free text editor.Once you have the basic information you want to include in your resume, you should be able to make a list of what format you would like to use. This can either be a text file or something that can be emailed or faxed to you. Be sure to have this option available.Writing your resume in Python has other uses beyond making it easier to build your resume. One great thing about using Python is that it is very easy to import your resume into any web browser. It can also be used to create an HTML version of your resume that can be printed.Although it may seem like a complicated process, it doesn't take very long to learn how to write your resume in Python. The biggest problem is not having enough information about the different formats. This will save you time when you are first starting out. It can also save you a lot of money in the long run when you are looking for a job because you don't have to spend the time it takes to find out what it is that you want to do in order to make it in the job market.Writing your resume in Python can take less than an hour to learn and can save you a lot of time and money in the long run. Be sure to pick a free version of a text editor and get a feel for how it works and where to download the code for your particular job.

Sunday, May 24, 2020

2007 Personal Brand Award - Jason Alba - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

2007 Personal Brand Award - Jason Alba - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career Jason Alba is the brand behind JibberJobber.com, which was created during his first real job search beginning January 2006. After having a successful career in IT and business strategy, Jason found himself in the job market, which was supposedly a job seekers market. Jason quickly found that a job seekers market does not mean the job search will be easy or short. Frustrated by the lack of real tools for job seekers, he decided to move forward on a tool that allowed a job seeker to manage and organize a job search. As the months passed, and as Jason learned the importance of networking, he incorporated a major networking piece into JibberJobber. This has shifted its focus from a tool just to be used during one job search into a tool to be used to manage job transitions during your entire career. The tool is like a personal relationship manager that allows you to do everything you need to do to manage a job search and optimize your network relationships. Jason is one the the smartest, outgoing personal relationship managers himself. He, in my opinion, is not only the face of his company, but actually lives his idea through his passion. Jasons brand is outgoing, creative and willing to form a relationship and a network between any professional he meets. He understands the power of building relationships, and uses his blog as a conversation starter. If you read his blog, you will gather that it is almost as if he were to speak it himself and that is Personal Branding at its best. Jason is well deserving of the bronze Personal Brand award for 2007, being one of only 6 chosen to receive these awards a year. He has a high impact on your life, in a short period of time, with both his toolset, blog and brand. Ive had the pleasure of working with him on some projects and he is one of the people that helped me jump-start this blog. Visit JibberJobber.com today and see for yourself!

Tuesday, May 19, 2020

Why Macbook is More Reliable Than PC

Why Macbook is More Reliable Than PC There will always be someone asking which between the Macbook and PC is a worthy investment, an age-old question that boils down to preference. What a lot of people don’t realise is the Mac is a PC. Apple reiterates this every single time a new model is released, that “Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh.” In a way what we’re really asking is if that Macbook Pro, as a PC, is worth its hefty price tag. But instead of focusing on the price when you start browsing in places like Harvey Norman’s Macbook Pro list, let’s look into the specs and features that come with choosing Mac and why that makes them more reliable. Seamless integration with the other Apple products One of Apple’s biggest selling point has always been the fact that they design their own hardware and software. This allows them to create operating systems and apps that are specific to the Apple products. You can access your contacts and send text messages via iMessage from Mac to iPhone, automatically sync photos and videos to iCloud, and the OS is updated across all devices. Other personal computers have tried replicating this level of integration. But Apple remains to be the only manufacturer to offer an integration that’s getting more expansive over time. Easy access to support In terms of longevity, the Mac lasts longer than some of the personal computers in the market precisely because Apple continues to update the MacOS and roll out software fixes. But more than that, as customer, if something goes wrong with the hardware you already know exactly where you can take it. The Apple Store isn’t just your one-stop shop for all their products, but it’s the number one place you can get full customer support. They can help with issues as simple as troubleshooting problems or serious hardware difficulties. Well-designed models that look and feel high-end While there have been design choices from Apple that not a lot of people agree with, there is no question that Macs don’t look and feel like they’re a premium line. This isn’t to say that there are no well-designed PCs, but a majority are bulky and difficult to carry around. On the other hand, the Mac is sleek and very portable. Macbook is the safest platform Apple is known for having a picky operating system. Some people can’t even use certain kinds of external hardware because Mac thinks it isn’t safe. But while the nitpicking vexes a lot of people, it’s one of the reasons why the system remains to be invulnerable. Compared to other PCs, there are less cyber attacks on the Mac. Everyday, there are more sophisticated attacks on the Internet, but the Mac still remains to be the safest device to use. All of these features is the reason why the price point is justified. You have a sleek hardware that gets constant software updates, inter-device use, and easy access to tech support. Not to mention the layer of protection you can get from hackers and phishers. Especially if your work requires you to be on-the-go and be constantly online, the Mac is the tool to get.

Saturday, May 16, 2020

Tips For Using Resume Writing To Get A Better View Of Your Desired Job

Tips For Using Resume Writing To Get A Better View Of Your Desired JobThe objective of a resume is very important, as it is what potential employers will see when they go to read the entire document. For this reason, it is critical that you include a summary at the top of your resume to help make it stand out.The objective of a resume is almost always going to be a summary of your work experience. You have to have at least a year or two in the past, unless you are just starting out. That being said, it is likely that even the most accomplished and successful person does not have the full number of years in the past, and so you may want to consult with an employment lawyer to get some specific advice on how to address this particular area of your resume.Another thing that you should be sure to include in your resume's summary is a list of your accomplishments in each category of your professional life. For example, a summary of your academic accomplishments might include the sum total of all your grade point averages, all the courses you have taken at college or university, and any honors or awards you have received during your career. Likewise, if you have held certain types of jobs, such as graduate assistantships, teaching assistantships, and summer jobs during your years in college, these too should be listed.Additionally, you will also want to include something in your resume's summary to help keep things straight. For example, it is fine for your educational background to include all your diplomas and awards, but it is not appropriate to include graduate degrees. There are many positions that require you to have a master's degree or an advanced degree in order to apply. That is why it is a good idea to include information about your relevant education.In addition to summarizing your accomplishments, you should also summarize the positions in which you have held. For example, a summary might include a list of all the different jobs you have held, but it is not necessarily necessary to list every position you have held in your personal career. For example, if you were a financial analyst, it would be a good idea to list all the positions you held, including some or all of your training or certifications.Once you have completed your summary, you will want to consider what kind of cover letter you will use to introduce yourself. Obviously, you should include your name and contact information in the summary. However, there is nothing wrong with including your contact information in the objective as well.The main objective of a resume is to build a clear picture of your qualifications, education, and goals. So, you may want to consider including an outline or bullet points about your academic or professional achievements in the objective section. That way, you will have an easier time describing your qualifications and achievements without having to include them all in the summary.If you are applying for a job that requires an extensive am ount of traveling, then it is a good idea to write a listing of your employment so far in the summary. Also, include information about your travel experiences in your objective. Your objective should be brief, to the point, and you should not be afraid to explain why you are the best candidate for the job.

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

Non IT roles for IT professionals - Margaret Buj - Interview Coach

Non IT roles for IT professionals Today’s businesses rely as much on their IT systems as today’s individuals do in their day to day lives. Just as we would feel somewhat lost without our smartphones and high speed internet access at home, a modern organisation would be unable to function without technology systems. As well as revolutionising the way we live and work, this has also caused some huge changes within what is loosely called the IT employment sector. Loosely, because the days of an IT department being somehow removed from the rest of the organisation â€" a peripheral function akin to catering or building maintenance â€" are long gone. Research by Prospects suggests that around half of IT graduates will find themselves working in roles that do not fit the traditional IT definition. Here are some examples. Content creator A business’s website is its modern day shop window, and it needs to attract customers better than the competition. Web design is important, but what it really comes down to is content. Businesses need to publish interesting, engaging and authoritative content regularly, and it all has to be written by someone. In this age of social media interaction, the need for fresh engaging content is growing by the day. Operations management Modern operations are as reliant on their IT systems as they are on their people. The most successful companies are the ones that can leverage their IT resources the best to improve efficiency, not to mention morale. Integrated and hyper-converged systems, as described at probrand.co.uk, are being adopted by a growing number of businesses, as they bring tangible results. But they need operations managers with the technical vision to make them work. Games developer These days, gamers are all ages and both sexes. Gaming has become as normal a pastime as watching TV or reading a book, and game developers have never been in higher demand. From TV-themed games for pre-schoolers to over 18’s only real money casino games, the sector has never been more varied. And with the latest developments in virtual reality, it is an area that is constantly evolving. Teaching There is a significant skills shortage in IT, as the gap grows between those who know how to operate technology and those who understand how it works. Sweeping changes to the school curriculum are underway to address this, but there is also a shortage of teachers. Who better to educate the next generation of IT professionals than those who already have an IT degree in their back pocket? With government assistance available to acquire the necessary teacher training, it is a compelling option. TV and streaming TV has changed dramatically over the past decade, and there is now an increasing overlap between traditional broadcasting and online streaming. The popularity of on demand services like Netflix has created an explosion of job opportunities for IT professionals who would like to get into the entertainment industry. Who would have thought that an IT degree could lead you to becoming the next Steven Spielberg? In the 21st century, anything is possible.

Saturday, May 9, 2020

How To Stop Letting Small Things Get To You By Reframing

How To Stop Letting Small Things Get To You By Reframing How do you stop letting small things get to you? Some days things will be going along just fine and then something will happen that irritates me and, after that, the whole day can go downhill fast. It’s usually something minor in the scheme of things, like missing a train, or just catching a train but not having had time for my morning cup of tea. But what if you could stop yourself from letting those small things get in the way? Wouldn't that be great? My favorite technique for doing just that is what I call reframing. The underlying idea is that there are many ways to look at a situation. Some of them are going to be negative, but there is almost always at least one that will be constructive and even energizing. Reframing is about finding that different lens you can look through, or a different perspective you can take on the situation. Let me give you an example. I was standing in a long line of people boarding a flight from New York to Phoenix. As we got near the door of the plane, there was a passenger standing at the side with a suitcase â€" you know, those rolling things that you’re usually allowed to carry on. But in this case the flight was so full that he was going to have to gate-check the bag. As people got up to where he was standing, they would ask if he was in line, not wanting to cut in front of him. Every 15 seconds or so, he had to reply, No, I've got to wait to check this carry-on bag. He was clearly irritated by the whole thing. When I got up to him, instead of asking the same question, I said, Think of it this way, you have to spend less time than the rest of us squashed into a small space. He grunted. The line wasn't moving so then I said, Well, you're also getting to check a bag for free! I had to pay $25 to check mine. He started looking almost cheerful and thanked me. The line started inching forward again, and I overheard the next person asking if he was in line. And guess what? He answered without any angst! He said, “No, please go right ahead!” I couldn't resist turning around and saying to the people behind me that this guy was pretty clever having outsmarted the airline! Lots of smiles all around by this time, and people were saying they were impressed too. The bottom line is that There are many ways to look at any situation, and it's all about how you reframe or think of it. So today, why not challenge yourself to reframe any negative situations in a way that leaves you feeling positive instead? Then share your positive experience in the comments section below.