Think Like a Hiring Manager!!

I continue to be blown away by how these AI tools are evolving…I mean this isn’t half bad, right? I did these on Secta - I didn’t love my first set (user error - I did not upload great pictures) but they let me redo them at no charge and I’m pretty happy with how they turned out! I mean that really does look like me, right?!

I continue to see AI being a hot topic - companies are incorporating it into job descriptions and it’s becoming more and more of an expectation.

My favorite ways of using AI?

1. Creating chatbots (here’s one I made to help with your job search, and this one will help you with understanding your job offer!) These are all made on Zapier’s Interfaces - make an account and try it out!

2. Remembering things. OK this might sound weird, but I have organized threads in ChatGPT that I go back to. One is set up to be a brainstorming partner. Another tracks my accomplishments. Another reminds me of my priorities. I love that I can go back and have ChatGPT pull up info I’ve shared previously!!

3. Editing. I put things I write into ChatGPT and solicit feedback to make it more concise since I tend to be verbose in my writing.

These are pretty basic, but they make me better and more efficient, and next time I update my resume, you can bet I’ll be dropping some bullet points about AI in there!!

Think Like a Hiring Manager

Something that often helps me when thinking about job searching is to cultivate the mindset of a hiring manager or recruiter.

Everyone has hired for something, even if you’ve never been a manager - maybe it’s a cleaning service or a babysitter or a petsitter or a realtor. Maybe it’s deciding which car dealer gets your business after visiting a few. But you’ve made decisions about who to build a relationship with based on some early interactions.

So think about what really stands out to you when making a hire or buying a product/service:

• Do you look for people who communicate what they want or need? Or those who communicate what value they can add to you?

• Do you look for people who express that they just need a chance to gain experience? Or those who lead with their passion and expertise?

• Do you look for people who are willing to do anything? Or those who are specifically passionate about the thing you’re looking for?

I’ll be honest:

“I’m not the most organized, but I just need to work right now” isn’t getting you hired to clean my house.

"I know it doesn’t have the automatic locks and rear view camera you were hoping for but I need a sale” isn’t going to get me to buy your car.

“I like kids and I learn quickly” isn’t going to get me to hire you as a nanny.

But…

“My friends all ask me who cleans my house, and the answer is me. I’m meticulous about the cleaning products I use and love organization - here are a few pictures to show you what I mean! That’s what led me to realize that that this could be a great career path for me.”

“I don’t currently have the car you’re looking for, but I found it on another lot, and took the initiative to contact the dealer to have it transferred here at no cost to you so I can earn your business.”

“I am passionate about building a career working with children, and completed an infant CPR course, have experience tutoring children, and also babysat my siblings growing up.”

Well, those are all ways that my interest would very much be piqued!

Remember - recruiters and hiring managers all know that people need jobs, and need money…we know all of the stuff someone gets from a job. The person hiring you wants to know what you bring to the table - focus your energy on making that case and you’ll be far more successful!

👀 _{Here’s some interesting stuff in my world!} 👀

A reviewed a few resume guides for a company called Resume Genius - these are free to access - you don’t even need a log-in! Hope these are helpful!

My company (Zapier!) was named a top 20 work place globally by Newsweek!

🙋Answering Your Questions🙋

Each week, I’ll answer a few of your questions in this section. You can submit your questions here.

Been on job hunt for 8 years - have a bomb resume used all different types of resources - great candidate no luck no call back no interviews - I think I’m cursed - I must have a Scarlett U in front of my name for UNHIREABLE.

I’m sorry - it’s incredibly disheartening to keep trying and not find success.

I’d imagine in that 8 years, you HAVE been employed, just potentially not in your desired field or industry.

A couple of things to consider:

• Even the best looking, most well-written resume won’t land you a job that you aren’t extremely well-qualified for - especially in a tough market. This means you’re generally targeting roles in your current industry that are within one level of your current role, lateral moves into other industries, or going up a level if it’s a less “competitive” industry (meaning more job openings and fewer applicants).

• You mentioned 8 years - have you been in the same position for 8 years? Make sure you’re showing how your roles and responsibilities have evolved - hiring teams like to see growth. Leverage metrics around scale as well as results to show how you’ve evolved, or highlight how you’ve mentored or spearheaded projects. Or are there opportunities for internal mobility?

• Network. I know I sound like a broken record, but constantly be looking for ways to connect with people at the companies you’re interested in and share your perspective and expertise through your content.
  Map out companies/industries that are similar to yours so your skills transfer easily and then get to know people working in those companies or fields.

I have two low level experience (First: 9 months, layoff due to lack of work) and 6 months (my manager never had my back). I have been applying for jobs from 1.5 month and only got 2 interviews. I am losing hope, I have a masters in civil engineering. Just want some general guidance to land interviews.

In the current market, many people are finding that they land just 1-2 interviews out of 50+ applications.

My top tips here:

1. Make sure you’re applying for jobs you are SUPER qualified for (like you’ve had that job title in the industry).

2. Make sure your resume shows projects and results that align with what the company is looking for in the position you’re applying to.

3. After you submit an app, message/email a few people in recruiting or in the department you’ve applied to at the company. This will help get some people checking on your application and may speed up how quickly it gets reviewed.

Unfortunately, it IS a bit of a numbers game but the best thing you can do to win is to be strategic with the applications you submit, as well as your networking efforts.

🛫 Community Connections 🛬

Products/services that I think will support you in your job search.*

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_{*This section may include ads/affiliate links}

The In-Flight Amenities 🍱

Each week, I share job openings within my network and a featured jobseeker that I hope we can all support in their job search.

Jobs you need to check out:
Zapier is hiring as always!
Well this was an awesome job description - and free McDonald’s isn’t a bad perk!
HR role at Crate and Barrel (and then share your new employee discount with ME!)
Looking for a Customer Success Manager role? Here’s a list of 40 companies currently hiring CSMs.
And if you’re seeking an internship, here’s a list of companies who are still hiring for summer interns!
Content Writer opportunity, posted by the recruiter!
A former colleague shared this sales opportunity!
Very cool remote program manager opportunity at Starbucks for someone passionate about reducing food waste and food access!
And here’s a Product Manager role at Starbucks, posted by the hiring manager!
Atlanta-based data and operations role with an amazing organization!
DC-based instructional coaching opportunity for all my education friends!
And a DC-based HR Generalist!
Awesome policy analyst role at Bellwether!
Spotted this Accounts Manager role in the non-profit space!
And a Learning Designer role at Duolingo!!
Oregon-based Support Analyst role, posted by the recruiter!
Someone dropped the link to a QA Engineer role on my post, and offered to chat with anyone who is interested!!
Anyone a Workday Developer? HP is hiring - posted by the recruiter!
#RecruiterCousin herself posted a Business Manager role at Microsoft!!
Implementation Manager role that was JUST posted!
And as always, I share jobs regularly in my Talent Collective! (If you’d like to share jobs, we’d love to have you!)

A jobseeker you need to hire: Meet Shaun Karim!
Hey there, recruiters and employers!

I'm thrilled to be reaching out to you through this newsletter because I'm currently on the lookout for an exciting new opportunity in Documentation Management, Operational Excellence, Change Management, and Program Management. Let me give you a glimpse into what I bring to the table.

Over the past decade, I have been a strategic leader dedicated to enhancing controlled operational procedures, compliance management, change management, and project management. These areas are my bread and butter, and I take great pride in my ability to optimize processes and keep organizations running smoothly.

What truly sets me apart is my knack for collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders. I believe that teamwork and aligned decision-making are the keys to success in any organization. I have honed my skills in bringing diverse teams together, fostering alignment, and ensuring rigorous compliance processes. My secret ingredient? A perfect blend of emotional intelligence and practicality, which enables me to inspire and lead teams towards achieving organizational goals.

Driving improvements and creating value are at the core of my professional approach. I understand the importance of building trust with team members, and I know that by doing so, I can unlock their full potential. With my innovative mindset and strong problem-solving skills, I consistently deliver results and lead teams to success.

If you're in search of a talented professional who can breathe new life into your organization, someone well-versed in Documentation Management, Operational Excellence, Change Management, and Program Management, then look no further. I am eager to take on new challenges and make a lasting impact.

So, dear recruiters, let's connect and explore the endless possibilities that await. Reach out to me now and secure an exceptional addition to your organization!

Best regards,

Shaun
Think you might have a role that’s a good fit for Yasha, or be able to help make a connection? Add him on LinkedIn, or email him, and let’s get Shaun hired!

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