Avoiding the Resume Black Hole

Astoundingly, 75% Resumes are Overlooked

If you are like most people you have applied to and uploaded resumes for dozens of jobs and heard nothing back.  This is generally referred to as the "Resume Black Hole".  But don't lose hope, there is a solution.

The root of the "Resume Black Hole" problem is a piece of technology called an Applicant Tracking System (ATS).  The ATS was designed to streamline the flow of applicants for companies.  This is accomplished by having a central place where all applications and resumes are warehoused.  If you are applying to jobs online and uploading your resume it is surely landing in an ATS.

Interviewing and Credit

Image by Casey Serin via Flickr

We talk to thousands of job seekers every week and we hear first hand how the economy has impacted them directly.  Most of us know people who have been hit really hard.  This is why I was floored when I came across a recent article by Lisa Pulliam Weston who writes for MSN Money and The Los Angeles Times.

She writes, "Many employers -- including the federal government -- routinely scour credit reports on current and prospective employees to help decide who's hired or fired."  So regardless of your desire to find a public or private sector job, most companies are using your report as factor prior to making a job offer.

** Update:  Some states are considering banning this practice.   As of now it is still legal and a matter of practice at most companies.

Companies and the federal government routinely check credit but this recent downturn in the economy has made maintaining a positive credit score more difficult. The Society for Human Resource Management reports 35% of companies pulled credit on current or potential employees last year, up from 19% in 1996.

Most people think their credit will not be a problem, however, credit files can contain correctable errors.  Employers are looking for severe marks on your credit history and will generally overlook a few late payments.

Not knowing what is on your credit file is a gamble you should not take. There are many steps you can take to improve your credit and remove items that are old or not accurate.  It all starts with knowing what your credit looks like. Mrs. Pulliam suggests checking your credit a few times a year.

Cheers,
Mike

Organize to End Unpaid Wages

Ever had trouble getting a client to pay?
Tomorrow and next week we're having meetings to organize freelancers against unpaid wages.
Over 77% of our members have had payment delayed or denied within the last year. That needs to stop—but we need your help to end it.
Join us at our upcoming Unpaid Wages Organizing Meeting in your neighborhood.

Rockland Co. Event- April 1st
Westchester Co. Event- April 6th
Nassau Co. Event- April 7th
Suffolk Co. and Upstate Webinar- April 8th

Together we can hold companies' feet to the fire.

RSVP to your local meeting today.

Let's get paid,

How The Recession Has Changed Hiring

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

I suspect hiring managers everywhere could tell you exactly when the economy really imploded: Last fall, I started to see dramatic differences in the hiring process from the employer's side. Everyone knows how the recession has impacted job seekers--there are fewer jobs and lots more competition--but here's what it looks like from an employer's side.

Web Designer

• Employer: DNL RECRUITMENT
• Posted: 02 Oct 2008
• Reference: VNEA1
• Contact: Mr Vivek Nath
• Location: Greater London - Central London
• Industry:
  • Media - Advertising
  • Media - Creative
  • Media - General
  • Media - New media
• Qualifs: A levels/Advanced GNVQ
• Contract: Permanent
• Hours: Full Time
• Salary: Up to £30k + bonus + benefits

Apply Here>>