Welcome Job Seekers

I created this site because I came across a wealth of information and wanted to share it. This isn’t just any site for job searching; it is dedicated specifically to job seekers in Western New York. I focus on local career centers, networking groups, and resources so you can land your dream job.

My homepage lists the most recent articles below, and more articles can be found under their respective categories.

The Journey Begins

Thanks for joining me!

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton

Crafting Your Elevator Speech

I’ve mentioned before some power tips on using your Elevator Speech so here is a quick rundown how to put the it together. This speech could be part of your initial impression with someone, especially at professional networking events where people are looking for a certain type of person. If you are that person, pounce on this opportunity.

Make a Plain Text Resume

Ever tried submitting your Resume to an online posting that asks for a Plain Text Resume but didn’t know what the heck they were talking about? Many people have. A Plain Text Resume is just a Resume that is only text; there isn’t any formatting such as bold, italics, or special characters such as bullet points. The company is asking for a Plain Text Resume because it’s easier for their computers to scan and search

Breathe in, Breathe Out

Feeling overwhelmed, nervous with your anxiety through the roof? You’re not alone. Everybody feels nervous going into an interview, but how to create an atmosphere of peace and calm? Simple. Create a buffer and breathing space.

Just Breathe.

Find the Recruiter’s Contact Info

Cut through all the fluff and head straight to the hiring recruiter’s inbox. There’s so much noise in the job hunting galaxy that it’s hard to get through it all and land in front of the face of the recruiter. Use these simple steps to wade through the waves of distraction and into their line-of-sight.

The Informational Interview: A Job Hunter’s Best Friend

There’s this amazing thing called The Informational Interview, and it is a blessing to all job seekers in Buffalo, NY. The informational interview is simply an interview with someone that is at a company you would like to work, in a field that interests you, or is knowledgeable on a particular subject. But, the most important thing you must remember about all informational interviews is to never ask for a job or expect one to come from it. They are only to learn from the person you are meeting.

Organize Your Job Search Better

It’s a numbers game right? They say the more jobs you apply for the more likely you will get a job, and to keep yourself organized, I’ve included several tips that help me keep track of all my documents that are needed when job hunting. This is a real simple method I use when applying for jobs that allows me to save time and my sanity during my job hunt. I’ve been using this method for over nine years.

Use Long File Names for Resumes

After you’ve created your Resume a nice trick to make it stand out with the Recruiter is to have a long, descriptive file name. This usually works for small businesses or companies that don’t use Resume scanning software. For example, Homer Simpson creates a Resume for a Project Manager position and names the file Homer Simpson – Project Manager – Resume.  This would make it easier for the recruiter to see your Resume when it’s in their My Documents folder. It’s similar to when it was recommended to use different colored paper or a FedEx overnight envelope to deliver your Resume. All it does is make you stand out; it’s just a little something extra.

The Happy Secret to Better Work

Shawn Achor explains in this Ted Talk how you create large waves of change in your life by making small ripples of change. Luckily, he explains his research easily and simply so anyone can understand it. Plus, he’s witty and makes the audience laugh throughout the talk so take a few minutes and watch it.

Job Hunt Checklist

I’ve been a big fan of checklists for years. They offer a fast and easy way to see the steps involved to any goal or project. Finding jobs in Buffalo is no exception. These are the most common steps you’ll take in your job hunt. I like to use them as milestones and confidence boosters because I feel one step closer to my goal every time I cross one off.