90% of us settle for the default LinkedIn banner design. But with a little time and effort, you can add a unique banner that may influence recruiters to read further and remember your profile. 

• Use a background image that pops – you can find thousands of free images on canva.com or unsplash.com.
• Add text that reflects your expertise such as “Senior Data Science/Python Engineer” or “Early-Stage Operations Builder.”
• Add a relaxed but professional photo of yourself sized to 646×200.
• Get inspired – look through other LinkedIn Profiles for great examples.

To find more great LinkedIn tips, visit www.jobseekersedge.com.

Everyone who has made it to the face-to-face interview stage is qualified. The offer will go to the person best able to communicate their emotional intelligence. Even though you are being asked about experience and skills, the underlying question is “do I want to work with this person every day?” 

• Emotional Intelligence is rooted in self-awareness. Listen carefully and ask thoughtful questions.
• Read the mood of the room and strive to put everyone at ease.
• Don’t use pretentious language, speak as if you were discussing a situation with a respected colleague.
• Avoid transparent self-promotion. Think comfortably confident. 

Jobseekers Edge can help you define and present your Emotional Intelligence. Learn more at www.jobseekersedge.com.

A recruiter has asked you to complete a one-way (asynchronous) interview video. You’re given questions with a time limit on each response. It may seem awkward at first, but there are advantages: you can prepare and repeat until you are happy with your performance.

• Setup in a quiet space with good lighting. Put your camera device at head level as if you were speaking to the person in front of you.
• Dress professionally.
• Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse. Script a concise answer to each question and rehearse and revise until it is perfect.
• Smile and relax. You want your personality and good nature to shine through.

Learn more about video interviewing and strategies to excel at www.jobseekersedge.com.

As soon as your name hits their radar, the recruiter or hiring manager visits your LinkedIn profile. They will quickly scan the “About” section. If they like what they see, they will read further. Put in the effort to make an impression:

• Use a relaxed, but professional headshot. Use a professional photographer if you aren’t happy with your self-produced results.
• Craft your headline carefully. Try to convey your personal brand with an engaging and friendly style.
• Use the summary to tell a brief story about your experience.
• Increase credibility in your work history by incorporating corporate and educational logos.
• Make sure that your contact information is accurate and clickable.

Get more details on how to maximize your LinkedIn presence by visiting www.jobseekersedge.com.

If you are spending far too much time sorting through and responding to dead-end online job postings or replying to recruiter inquiries for ho-hum lateral positions, follow this five-step strategy to proactively pursue the job you really want:

• Develop a list of the companies you most admire and would like to work for.
• Search LinkedIn for the names of the top-level HR and departmental VPs.
• Actively follow them on LinkedIn and other social media platforms. Make short relevant comments to their posts.
• Reach out directly to communicate your admiration of the company and give a specific reason why.
• Finally, reach out again to inquire about opportunities now and in the future. Include a brief (2-3 sentences) description of your capabilities and what you could bring to the table.

Many of us spend far too many hours applying to online job listings: scanning countless lists, filling out endless forms, and inserting all the keywords into our resume. When the truth is that many of these jobs are non-existent, unavailable, or already filled.

• Many open positions are filled via internal promotion or referral.
• The recruiter is conducting a search that will produce qualified candidates faster than tediously scanning online resumes.
• Many open positions are never posted, particularly for higher-level searches.
• Any resumes that make it through the AI Tracking System will be scanned by HR, not the hiring manager.

Automated recruiting sites can be a waste of time and energy. The best way to explore an opportunity is to identify and utilize alternative methods such as the LinkedIn network, industry-linked experts, and past associates.

One thing executive super-stars have in common is superb timing — they know
when it’s time to move on. If you are wondering if it’s time to take a look around for
new challenges and higher compensation, the answer is usually yes!

• Consider leaving a strategic decision – don’t let relationships and loyalties hold you back.
• If after 3-5 years you don’t see significant advancement opportunities with your current employer, look for them elsewhere.
• Search for a position with fresh challenges and a clearly defined upward career path.
• Assume you will increase your compensation package, but also include the value of potential advancement when making career decisions.

Job Seekers Edge can help you plan and execute your career advancement strategy.

A recruiter reaches out to you with an opportunity that you do not want to pursue. It is flattering but they are busy and will appreciate your consideration and candor. Be responsive, be polite, be grateful. But most importantly, be memorable.

Respectively decline but explain why in terms that will position you as an ideal candidate for the position you want.

• Explain your strengths and passions and briefly describe your ideal role.
• Ask to stay in touch and connect on LinkedIn.
• Offer to refer a friend or colleague who would be a better fit for the position.
• Follow-up with a thank you message and the URL to your LinkedIn page.

For more strategies and techniques when working with recruiters, visit us at www.jobseekersedge.com.

Why do companies use fractional executives? Typically, this unique position is implemented during times of high growth, transitions such as mergers and acquisitions, or crisis situations. Advantages include: 

• Objectivity and fresh ideas
• Concrete timelines
• Expertise in very specific situations

Fractional executives deliver specific results for specific problems, allowing the C-suite to focus on long-term goals and strategies. If this sounds like a role you could fill, contact Job Seekers Edge.

Overly ornate resumes are not only distracting, they cannot be parsed and evaluated by recruiting software. 

• Keep to a simple format with essential information.
• Eliminate graphics, charts, sidebars, and color – Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are used by the vast majority of recruiters and they cannot process these elements.
• Revise and edit, then do it again – ideally, you will have a 2-page document.
• Take the time to incorporate keywords and phrases from the job description.

Be concise, be specific, and keep it clean and simple.