March column for Builder & Developer magazine now online

My column for the March issue of Builder & Developer magazine is now posted online.

For this issue, entitled "Preparing for the Employment Rebound," given the improving economic climate, I wanted to review the best networking and job-hunting strategies for those working in the building industry. The column includes interviews with recruiters Matt Slepin of Terra Search Partners and JoAnne Williams of JWilliams Staffing.

An excerpt:

So what’s the best way to network your way into a job? Firstly, both Williams and Slepin agree that LinkedIn is the best social network for business. Secondly, demonstrating involvement in the industry can show that you know how these organizations are structured and have personal resources to bring with you. And thirdly, don’t be a passive jobseeker: instead, research the hiring manager for a position and network your way into the company so you already know who you’re talking to before that all-important interview.

However, there is a minor editing error I must correct here: whereas the published article writes that Matt Slepin is suggesting that job applicants use a functional (i.e., non-chronological) resume to hide gaps in employment or mask their age, in fact Slepin 'hates' functional resumes and said that people trying to be clever by using one may be creating other problems for themselves (i.e., seeming dishonest or unknowingly implying they're even older than they are). Instead, he insists he never practices any age bias, and suggests being honest about any gaps in employment or detours into other industries can be discussed in a cover letter or interview.

To read the entire column, click here.

To read the entire March 2012 issue in digital format, click here.