The Quick Rise, Long Fall, and Mediocre Levelling of Online Applications

There is no denying it: If you peruse employment or HR related topics on LinkedIn or Forbes, folks are discussing online applications – both grimly and with disdain. If further proof is what tickles your fancy, then look no further than the job seeker cursing at their laptop. Online applications are the way of the future … and NOBODY likes them! This has been the case since Dawson’s Creek premiered (hold your sheepishly sarcastic applause – there’s more!)

The downside today is that standard online applications are increasingly becoming the key reason why companies miss talent and job seekers miss nights of peaceful rest. Luckily, we have solutions. We always do.

Here are three reasons (with accompanying and multiple solutions) that explain the annoying truths of the online application process:

1. The length of a standard online application is often a contentious discussion in our industry.

Is the dawdling pace required to complete an application meant to deter applicants without patience, without basic computer skills, or without the determination to keep cutting and pasting points from their résumé into drop-down bars? BusinessNewsDaily goes so far as to differentiate the time candidates are willing to spend as both generational and dependent on experience. Those with more experience and demonstrated results are less patient than those who are fresh out of school. If time is money, then those used to making that money and the decisions behind it would prefer to get down to business than cut and paste.

However, if you’re serious about your job search you should have a schedule in place where ALL of your job search activities have designated allotments of time. If you plan ahead then you’re psychologically ready to commit an afternoon or a few hours to this process. In other words, don’t go in planning to complete your online application in 20 minutes. 

2.  There is no “non-valuable” position, ever.

Of course, this is not to diminish any type of work; however, while completing online applications for entry-level positions today, one might question why these applications require the same psychological testing as an Airline Pilot or Secret Service Agent. Truthfully, the personality testing speaks to the demands of every position in the 21^st Century. If you’re upset that an employer has standards, you’d be wise to look at your own. As mentioned in point 1, be prepared to spend some time completing the psychological assessment.

Note that some online assessments will try to trick you by unexpectedly changing a question posed in the affirmative to a question posed in the negative (this tests your attention to detail). Be sure to read each question over at least twice to ensure you’re not answering on ‘autopilot.’

Example:

1. What are your strengths?
2. What are your weaknesses?
3. Describe three attributes that your ideal employer would not possess.

3.  The technology still isn’t where it should be.

It would be one thing to simply upload your résumé and answer a number of standard questions. It’s another thing to prepare your résumé like a proper job seeker should —that is, customizing it to fit the posting, the position, and the culture of the company to a tee — only to see fragments of what you’ve written disassembled in some sort of format that only a whirling dervish could make sense of.

The other sad state of application technology is when truthful answers cannot be entered because the website won’t allow them. A number of firms have been accused of institutionalized racism when addresses were asked to be entered, but those without a Canadian postal code could not be accepted. And most likely before talk of prejudice began, the job seeker was already lamenting the unlikely need for this information as references aren’t usually asked for at this point. Again, it takes time and if you haven’t allotted it during your job search schedule, you should start doing so.

The best ways possible to circumvent or at least complement your online application is to consider a number of best practices related to accessing the hidden job market. (FYI: This should already be part of your job search schedule).

Key Strategies:

• Connect with an employer regardless if they are hiring or not. This requires a bold leap, but is easier done when you have crafted in advance a “pitch” to explain how you’d assist and add to the goals of their business.

• Network beyond HR professionals. Attend Board of Trade and Chamber of Commerce functions and trade shows/conventions where you can meet with staff of all designations. Tip: Be prepared to offer something so that you don’t present yourself as someone just looking for a job — bring ideas and answers!

• Media research with Google news alerts combined with social media contact is good, but be sure to have insight and ideas to offer, from simple advice to interesting articles. You look best when you present yourself as a trusted resource.

This article provides additional tips. Remember to stay positive — the online application process will improve, and the demand for this change will make it so!

Jason Douglas Smith is a Training Application Coordinator with The Career Foundation, and has successfully directed clients in not only developing personalized job search strategy plans, but in circumnavigating the rigorous demands of applications for Provincially funded retraining. When not working, this self-professed Futurist can often be found reading, writing, and barbecuing in his native Burlington.   

The ‘Power Stance’ (And What to Wear in That Stance)

Some of The Career Foundation’s very own staff show off their ‘Power Stance’.

Outside of Martial Arts and the Sears Catalogue, a “Power Stance” can be a great tool for a job seeker. It is both a method of warming up before an interview by increasing your self-confidence and a way to express and maintain that confidence during an interview. It’s also great for sales people, public speakers, and superheroes.

While sitting, keep your back straight with arms either folded or with your arms at your sides with hands on hips. Legs can be angled in any direction so long and your head is aimed at the central audience. Add a bit of style if your whole body is aimed at the audience and cross a leg – but do so in a way that suggests you have the power. Project confidence with an open posture. To avoid projecting entitlement or arrogance, add a smile. Be serious if you must, but tilt your head ever so slightly so as to add a sense of fluid humanity – and always dress the right way!

What to Wear (For Men): 

The golden rule is that dressing conservatively with formal attire is an approach that never loses. Always dress a little bit better than you might while working in the position you’re applying for. See the graphic below!

What to Wear (For Women): 

Women have a little bit more leeway when it comes to clothing and style options for interviews. Skirts, dresses, pant suits, blazers, heels, flats – there’s a plethora of choices to navigate, so as a woman dressing yourself for a job interview tends to be overwhelming. Here are some helpful hints to get you ready for the big interview.

As with men, conservative and formal is usually the way to go. Wondering if something is appropriate to wear to an interview? Think “high school dress code” – no exposed shoulders, no short skirts, no midriff (please).

If you wear makeup or nail polish, ensure you go for a poised and natural look. Dress in a soft, neutral colour palette. You may want to add one coloured piece to your outfit, to make it pop and ensure the interviewer remembers you. Keep any accessories simple and understated.

Our Summery Summary:

As summer approaches and the hiring season ramps up, knowing what to wear to your interview is vital. Make sure you wear temperature-appropriate clothing (AKA, avoid wool suits in the summertime) and remember to keep it professional and conservative.

We know it’s 2017 and our society is a lot more tolerant and encouraging of individuality than it once was, but you may want to remove any facial piercings and other loud jewellery as well as cover any visible tattoos for your interview. You don’t want to draw focus away from your qualifications and experience, and interviewers can find such things distracting. It’s good to give off a neutral appearance until you can get a sense of the company’s corporate culture.

On top of developing a strong power stance, it may be wise to develop a power ensemble: your go-to outfit for a successful interview. Above all else, make sure you wear something you’re comfortable in. Comfort is the key to confidence and confidence is the key to nailing your interview!

Put your ‘Power Stance’ to the test by entering our #MyPotential2017 Instagram Contest! It’s super easy, and you could win a $100 Pre-paid Gift Card! Click here for full details.

This blog post was produced and contributed by Kaily Schell and Jason D. Smith of The Career Foundation. 

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T.M. Lewin, based in the U.K., also shared with us an informative infographic to help you crack the office dress code. Check it out below!

Navigating a Networking Event: 8 Tips That Will Make Even a Shy Person Comfortable

For some of us, walking into a room full of strangers can be intimidating, especially if you’re one of the quiet types. With every step, the lump in your throat gets more constricting and your stomach feels like it could bottom out at any moment – much like climbing Mount Everest, I assume. While you can live happily-ever-after never having climbed Everest, networking is something you can’t really avoid if you want to make connections with the “Who’s Who” of the business world. Being able to network effectively is a great tool to have in your arsenal for career success.

Here are eight tips to help you step out of your comfort zone and network like a boss:

Research

If you’re attending a networking event, do a little investigating beforehand. Find out who the host is and search their name on Google or LinkedIn. They could be an old schoolmate or maybe they recently achieved a milestone. A quick search can help you find a way to break the ice with the host of the event.

Dress like a boss

Ensure you are dressed professionally. Iron everything!

Just do it

Take a deep breath before walking into the room. Keep your head up, shoulders back and stand up straight. Stepping into a room full of strangers gets easier each time.

Perfect you elevator pitch

No matter what you do or the purpose of the event, always come prepared with strong talking points. If you’re a job seeker networking with potential employers, ensure you’re able to convey how you would be an asset to the company. If you’re a business owner, who knows your business better than you?

Be prepared to talk about yourself or your business if the occasion calls for it. Keep your pitch short and to the point – no more than 30 seconds.

If you’re simply trying to make connections, go with casual talking points; something current or newsworthy like a new book or movie release will do. Try to steer clear from politics and religion.

And don’t forget to bring your business card if you have one!

Don’t go alone

Go with a colleague or friend. Having someone you know in the room can help calm your nerves.  However, don’t treat your buddy like a crutch – be sure to mingle on your own as well.

Ask for an introduction

If you know the host of the event, ask them to introduce you to some of their guests. Don’t be afraid to ask someone you know to introduce you around.

Focus on the person standing alone

You might be a nervous wreck, but you’re not the only one. There’s usually someone standing in the room by themselves, likely just as nervous about networking. Make eye contact with him or her. Smile and introduce yourself. Find something to compliment, such as their shoes, briefcase, watch, and so on (but keep it professional, of course!)

Practice

Use your colleagues as guinea pigs! Don’t shy away from work events and staff meetings. Practice your networking skills by talking to people from different departments. This will help you get comfortable speaking with people and will also help improve your conversation skills.

Practice makes perfect, so implement some of the tips above to help you navigate any networking event.

PS – Keep in mind that a lot of people like to talk in general, so you’ll often find that sometimes all it takes is a smile, friendly introduction, and quick icebreaker to steal someone’s attention – and ideally lead to the next stage in your career!

Jodi Darby is a Business Developer with The Career Foundation’s Canada-Ontario Job Grant (COJG) Program, and has successfully navigated her way through dozens of nerve-racking networking events over the past few years. Connect with Jodi on LinkedIn.