Today we had a chat with Heather Sanford, who is a jobseeker based in Las Vegas, Nevada. The reason I wanted to pick her brains on job hunting is that she is very prolific online and seems to know her way around social media better than most of us. If you think you can help Heather in any way, please get in touch pronto!
Hi Heather, please tell us what type of job are you looking for and where?
I am looking for a coordinator or specialist position in Marketing, Communications, Advertising, and/or PR. I have been looking primarily in Las Vegas, because that is where I live and I am unable to sell or rent my condo.
How are things progressing?
Slow. I am not just looking for a job; I am looking for my next career move. I want a company I can grow with, a position I can really enjoy, and it is a slow process. Some would say I am being too picky in this economy, but considering we can spend 40+ hours at work, I want to make sure that whatever I find, it is something I will be happy with.
What is your take on the job market as a whole at the moment?
Sluggish, especially in Las Vegas. There is so much competition out in there and not enough jobs. In addition, the companies that are hiring are paying significantly less because they can.
Which routes do you use to get interviews and to what success?
I use Craigslist and Indeed to find jobs. My last job was found through Craigslist, and Indeed offers an array of jobs from different job boards. It is like a one stop shop. I find social media platforms (i.e., Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter) to be a waste of time, when it comes to finding work. It is great for networking and building an online presence but I have never found jobs on these social media platforms. I have received job offers from people on LinkedIn but it would be sales job, commission based only, and seemed fishy.
Your best tips for job seekers out there?
- Know what to look for in a job posting, to avoid non-legitimate jobs (i.e. scams).
- If a company asks for a headshot or picture, it is not legitimate (unless it is a modeling job).
- If a company does not post a detailed job description, don’t bother with it.
- If you think you are not qualified for a job position, but you know you could do it, still apply. You never know…
- Have confidence in yourself and your work.
- If you are not getting any responses on your resume, change it up.
Why should an employer hire Heather Sanford right this instant?
Because I am a creative thinker with an ability to size up a situation and bring new ideas to the table. I have exceptional leadership, planning and organizational skills. On top of that I have extensive experience in competitive and market research, analytics, creative development, branding and project management.
You can connect with Heather on Twitter.
Image: Shutterstock
