Hundreds of resumes mailed and no response

Q: The last time I had to find a new job it was 1992.  This time I am not having great success.  I have sent out over 100 resumes along with very carefully written cover letters.  I have only heard back from one person and that was a former colleague who saw my resume and knew me.  I am getting increasingly desperate, annoyed, concerned and irritated.  How do I kick start my job search?

A: Stop what you are doing.  It’s not working, but you knew that.  The days of sending out hundreds of hard copies of resumes along with cover letters are over.  It is not an efficient way to use your time.

Instead, focus on building your network.  You already share one very important piece of information.  “I have only heard back from one person and that was a former colleague who saw my resume and knew me.”  This sentence says it all.

A strong professional network is a powerful job hunting tool.  Yes, candidates still get jobs through sending hard copies of their resume, responding to job postings and through placement firms.  However, your professional network is probably the most critical piece of the job hunter’s tool kit.  Most employees still hear of job leads through a professional contact.  LinkedIn is a great way to continue to build your network.  However, it does not replace face-to-face networking.

I still have the goal of adding three plus new connections every week on LinkedIn.  I have about 4700 connections on LinkedIn and I continue to build my network.

How do you network face-to-face?  You can used LinkedIn and ask to meet contacts for coffee or lunch.  You can attend networking groups.  There is a very active group in Acton (www.actonnetworkers.org) and also a sister group in Hopkinton.  There are Meetup groups all over (www.meetup.com) and you can find groups with common career interests.  On March 16, 2017, I am speaking at the Career Center of Lowell, Networkers event at 9:00am (www.cclowell.org).

Think about the time you have devoted to your job hunt.  Now think about the time you have spent behind your PC vs. meeting contacts face-to-face.  I challenge you to limit your PC work to 25% of your time and then face-to-face networking should be about 70 to 75% of your time.

Good luck in your search!  Congrats to our NE Patriots!

Pattie Hunt Sinacole is a human resources expert and works for First Beacon Group in Hopkinton, an HR consulting firm. She contributes weekly to Boston.com Jobs and the Boston Sunday Globe Money & Careers section.

How to apply on LinkedIn

Q: I recently applied for a role on LinkedIn and never heard back from the company.  Is this typical?  I would expect when a company posts a job on LinkedIn, they are serious about recruiting.

A:  LinkedIn is a great recruitment tool for most roles.  Most employers post roles on LinkedIn when they are eager to generate a pool of qualified candidates for the role.  However, there are ways you can use LinkedIn more successfully as a job seeker.

1. A candidate is qualified. Applying for a role requires less of an effort than it did 20 years ago. Most of us have a current resume on our desktop and we can easily respond to a posting with a resume.  However, there are “perpetual posters” who apply for almost any open role available.  It is difficult to take those candidates seriously because they seem to apply for any and all jobs, rather than the roles for which they are most qualified.
2. A resume is attached, as part of the online application. This might seem like a no brainer to some but many candidates do not attach a resume with your online application. This is frustrating!  The recruiter then has to reach back out to the candidate, and request a resume.  Yes, I can view a candidate’s LinkedIn profile but most of my clients still want to review a resume too.
3. The LinkedIn profile is complete. A professional photo is part of the candidate’s LinkedIn profile. The LinkedIn profile includes a well-written job history and contact information.  There are some LinkedIn profiles which are very thin and offer limited information.
4. A candidate is responsive. Sometimes recruiters work odd hours and on weekends. When we reach out to a candidate, we are hoping for a quick response (within 24 hours or sooner).  With smart phones and other technological innovations, we expect job hunters to respond if we call or email them.  If a candidate takes several days to respond, that is a sign that this opportunity is not priority in their lives.
5. The first impression is positive. The resume is well written and there are no typos. The same standards apply to a candidate’s LinkedIn profile. It should be well written and logical.
6. Check out who you might know at the company.  A connection to the company may be helpful!

Finally, sometimes hundreds of candidates apply to posted jobs.  It would be difficult to respond to every candidate.  If you feel like you are a well-qualified candidate, you can reach out to the recruiter listed on the posting.  However, there may be a reason why they haven’t contacted you and it may be unrelated to you.  The job may have been put on hold or another candidate has been hired.

Pattie Hunt Sinacole is a human resources expert and works for First Beacon Group in Hopkinton, an HR consulting firm. She contributes weekly to Boston.com Jobs and the Boston Sunday Globe Money & Careers section.

Networking tips for an introvert

Q:  I am introvert.  I have been told to network.  How does a network introvert?  It is so anxiety-producing!  HELP.  The thought of walking into a giant room of strangers has me feeling sick.

A: Networking is still a critical part of the job hunt puzzle.  According to a recent US Bureau of Labor Statistics report, about 70% of new jobs are still found through people who the job seeker knows.  Most outplacement firms also share this statistic to the job seekers with whom they work.  Networking is important.

Knowing that networking is essential to your job hunt, how does an introvert network?  Here are some tips.

1. Hold yourself accountable. LinkedIn and your PC are useful tools. Make sure though you don’t spend all of your job hunting time behind a screen.  Aim for 75% of your time as networking time, while about 25% should be spent online.  Simple math means about four days of out of a work week should be spent networking!
2. Update your LinkedIn profile A photo, a complete job history and a few recommendations are the bare minimum.  Your network of contacts will likely find you on Linkedin at some point in time.  To gain confidence, start small. Ask a neighbor for coffee. Invite your brother-in-law out for a beer.  Remember, it is not just the person in front of you that could be helpful.  It is their entire network of contacts.
3. Consider events like meet up and other professional networking groups like the Acton Networkers  (www.actonnetworkers.com) and the Hopkinton Networkers group. Everyone is in the same boat. With a shared purpose, others will be empathetic and helpful.
4. When you enter a large room at a networking event, don’t strive to shake every hand. Instead your goal should be 3 to 5 strong and meaningful contacts.
5. Print business cards! They make it easier to approach a stranger.
6. Practice your pitch. Jot down a 1 to 2 minute pitch.  Your pitch should include who you are and what type of job you hope to land.  Practice, practice and then refine and practice again.
7. Send a thank-you note after every meeting.  An email thank-you note is fine in most instances.  People will remember that you sent a note.

Finally, after you land a job, be sure to be willing to connect with others who are job hunting.  Someone, some day will ask you how you landed your job.  Take the time and share what worked and what didn’t.  You will have some real-life experience to share!

Pattie Hunt Sinacole is a human resources expert and works for First Beacon Group in Hopkinton, an HR consulting firm. She contributes weekly to Boston.com Jobs and the Boston Sunday Globe Money & Careers section.

What do I mean by “invest” in a Linkedin profile

Q: Recently I heard you speak at a workshop.  You mentioned that it is smart to “invest in a robust Linkedin profile.”  What does that mean?  Do I have to pay for a profile?  How do I get started?

A: I am so glad you asked!  I love talking about Linkedin and the ways it can help job hunters.

Linkedin is a professional netwowrking tool.  More recruiters are scouring Linkedin for candidates.  You do not have to pay a fee to Linkedin to create a profile.  You do  not have to pay someone to create a profile for you.  You can build one yourself.  By invest, I meant to invest time and energy in building a Linkedin profile.  Now what do I mean by robust?

Here is what I mean by robust:

1. A professional headshot is a must on Linkedin. Profiles with a photo get a longer look. You don’t necessarily have to hire a photographer, however it shouldn’t be a picture of you at the beach either.
2. Populate your profile with key words. Often recruiters are using key words to find candidates. Make sure that your profile is filled with key words that will land you at the top of  search.
3. Fill out the profile completely. Add volunteer experience. If you know Spanish fluently, say so.
4. Keep it professional. I have three good-looking rescue dogs. They are not featured or mentioned on my Linkedin profile.  It is not Facebook.
5. Look at profiles of others. What do you like about the other profiles? What do you dislike?  Learn from the other profiles, especially ones that are in your industry.
6. If you are openly job hunting, you can include your resume.
7. Include your contact information. There is nothing more frustrating than finding a great candidate, only to find dated or non-existent contact information.
8. Add links to relevant sites, especially if you have a website or an online portfolio.
9. Complete your education. Sometimes recruiters search for certain colleges. Make sure that your college is listed.
10. Recommendation are helpful. Ask a former manager or supervisor for one. Try to have at least three or four.
11. Join relevant groups on Linkedin. They may be related to your alumni association, career interests or geography. Sometimes recruiters search for candidates within a specific group.  You can move in and out of groups over time.
12. Check your Linkedin profile periodically. Update it and keep it fresh. Like your resume, your Linkedin profile should be keep current.

Linkedin is often view at a database of candidates by recruiters.  Make sure that your profile represents your background, education and career interests in a professional and complete way.

Pattie Hunt Sinacole is a human resources expert and works for First Beacon Group in Hopkinton, an HR consulting firm. She contributes weekly to Boston.com Jobs and the Boston Sunday Globe Money & Careers section.

Networking advice for a CPA

Q:  I am told networking and professional relationships are important for my career.  I am a newly minted CPA, an introvert, but a very competent professional.  How do you suggest that I network?  What are some good first steps?

Professional relationships are a major ingredient of a successful career.  Introverts face an even greater challenge networking.  But that doesn’t mean you don’t network.  However, it may mean developing a more planned and deliberate approach to networking.

Start slow and small.  Work to build your confidence.  First, invite a former co-worker or college roommate to lunch or coffee.  As you continue to network, your confidence will grow.  Don’t expect an immediate return from each and every meeting.  Invest the time in the relationship and the business will come.

USA500 is a regional community of trusted advisers.  Many of USA500’s members are CPAs, who are eager to network and build meaningful relationships.  Although one of the primary goals of USA500’s mission is to increase commerce for members, the network also provides a robust “rolodex” of resources for your clients.  David Yas, the President of USA500 shared his philosophy on networking.  “The myth is that you need to ‘simply get out there.’ It can be both daunting and counterproductive to try to produce results from a hodgepodge of cocktail parties and committee meetings.  Instead, make a simple goal of two to three meetings per week where you can have business discussions with others. Then keep track of the follow-up. The easiest place to start is with people you know well. ‘Jane, can we grab coffee this week? No big agenda, but I would like to talk about ways we can help each other professionally.’ That low-pressure approach can yield multiple introductions. And your network, slowly and steadily, begins to grow.”

LinkedIn is a valuable networking tool and can help with in-person networking.  However, it does not replace in-person networking.  In-person meetings are still more valuable than a LinkedIn connection.

I would suggest that you establish a networking goal for yourself.  It might be three networking meetings per week or perhaps five networking meetings during the summer months but none during tax season.

After launching my business more than 15 years ago, I still hold myself to networking goals.  I have a LinkedIn networking goal of 3 to 5 new connections per week.  Regarding in-person networking, I attend at least one group networking event per month and meet at least 5 new contacts per month (in-person).  Since my summers are typically quieter, I often with attempt to do more of my networking over the summer.  I also find that many are more willing to meet over the summer, since traffic seems to be lighter and schedules seem to be less demanding.

Pattie Hunt Sinacole is a human resources expert and works for First Beacon Group in Hopkinton, an HR consulting firm. She contributes weekly to Boston.com Jobs and the Boston Sunday Globe Money & Careers section. 

What do James Taylor and job hunting have to do with one another?

Q: I have applied and applied to one company. I have tried to submit a resume through a position posted online through an industry-specific website. I have submitted a resume through a posting on Linkedin. I have emailed my resume to their general careers site. I have not heard a peep back from a recruiter or a hiring manager. I feel like it gets stuck in a black hole. All I receive back is an automated response with a message that says something like “Thanks. We will call you if we are interested.” How do I get through to this company? I have a friend who works there. Do I contact my friend?

A: It seems what you are doing is not effective. You have applied several ways electronically with limited success. As James Taylor says (or sings), “You’ve Got A Friend” so let’s use your friend. Call your friend. Maybe this posting represents an old role that is already filled. Maybe the company is fishing for additional candidates but they have already filled the position with an internal candidate. Maybe they are looking at candidates but have been overwhelmed by the number of candidates who have applied. Maybe you are not qualified. Any of these might be an option. Your friend may be able to share some insight and have some inside information on the role. Your friend may also be willing to say yes to a request like the following: “I am really interested in pursuing opportunities at ABC Co. They are investing millions in XYZ therapies, an area of great interest to me. Do you think you might be willing to walk my resume down to one of the recruiters who handles the hiring for those areas? Or the hiring managers? Or both? If my resume came hand-delivered from you, that might make all the difference in the world.” Even if the role is filled, this might be a smart tactic. If the company is of great interest to you and is in hiring mode, there may be other opportunities soon becoming available.

When an employee takes the time to hand-deliver a resume to a recruiter or hiring manager, that action sometimes makes a difference. It can differentiate your resume from the hundreds streaming in electronically. The hiring manager may still want a copy electronically, but yours is now different because it was hand-delivered by an employee.

Friends matter. Good luck. Strong professional connections make a difference.

Pattie Hunt Sinacole is a human resources expert and works for First Beacon Group in Hopkinton, an HR consulting firm. She contributes weekly to Boston.com Jobs and the Boston Sunday Globe Money & Careers section.

Applying to multiple roles at one employer

Q: Is it in poor taste to apply to a number of positions with the same employer, in the field of lab medicine?

– Submitted by Medical Laboratory Scientists, Class of 2016 – University of Massachusetts/Lowell

A: Great question! First, congrats on pursuing a field full of opportunities. The world of STEM (science, technology, engineering and medical industries) is expected to grow dramatically. Specifically, the role of medical and clinical laboratory technologist is a role that is expected to grow “much faster” than average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. These roles typically require an undergraduate degree in either medical technology or life sciences. Hospitals, labs and doctor’s offices often employ medical lab technologists. In 2014, the median pay for this profession, across the US, was just over $49,000. Most medical lab technologists in the Boston area make more. For more information, visit http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-and-clinical-laboratory-technologists-and-technicians.htm.

Now to your question. Research employers of interest. You are joining a field with very specific hiring needs. There may be more than one role, especially at a large employer, for which you would be qualified. I quickly scanned LinkedIn using the term “medical technologist” and limited my search jobs available in Massachusetts. There were roles available at Lowell General Hospital, Emerson Hospital, Tufts Medical Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston Heart Diagnostics and Massachusetts General Hospital. Tufts Medical Center had 17 roles available, but all were a bit different. One role was in microbiology and one was in blood bank. It is ok to apply to several of these, but I probably would not apply to all 17! Some have different qualifications, including licensing requirements. Often times, larger companies will scan your resume and/or online application and retain your information. This is wonderful because they will contact you if a role does become available.

Finally, if you are not on LinkedIn, please consider creating a profile. Often recruiters don’t want to post a job and receive several hundred inquiries. Instead, we like to search using key words, like laboratory or medical technologist or University of Massachusetts. Then, we are able to identify a handful of the most qualified candidates vs. reviewing hundreds who may just be applying to every job posting available.

Good luck. I see great things in your future!

Pattie Hunt Sinacole is a human resources expert and works for First Beacon Group in Hopkinton, an HR consulting firm. She contributes weekly to Boston.com Jobs and the Boston Sunday Globe Money & Careers section.

Tips for creating a LinkedIn profile

Q: I have been told to create a LinkedIn profile. I need some guidance. What should I make sure is on there? I am a bit baffled about what I should include and what I should exclude.

A: Creating a LinkedIn profile can be daunting. Realize it will take some time to create. In the end, it is well worth it.

Here is what I think is important in a LinkedIn profile:

1. A professional photo. LinkedIn pages with photos get a longer look. Especially with the prevalence of telephone interviews, recruiters will often rely on a photo to better “picture” with whom they are talking.

2. Ensure that your LinkedIn page and your resume share similar content. Your resume should not scream engineer if your LinkedIn page says you are a trainer.

3. Set a goal for adding connections. Mine is 3-5 new connections per week.

4. Include key words if you are job hunting. Key words are often used by recruiters to find those with specific skills. Make sure that your key words are in your profile.

5. Make sure your contact information is included. Your cell phone, your email, etc.

6. Join relevant groups. If you are a marketing professional, I would expect you to be part of several marketing groups. Some groups may be appropriate for your profession and some may be driven by where you went to college or where you live.

7. Market yourself. If you are quoted in a journal or an article, showcase it on LinkedIn.

8. Finally, keep your profile updated. If you have changed jobs or been promoted, update your profile. If you have moved to San Francisco, let us know that too!

I am on LinkedIn probably 5-6 days per week. It is worth the investment of time to develop a robust profile!

Pattie Hunt Sinacole is a human resources expert and works for First Beacon Group in Hopkinton, an HR consulting firm. She contributes weekly to Boston.com Jobs and the Boston Sunday Globe Money & Careers section. 

Career options for recent nursing grad

Q: I just graduated In December with a BSN (Bachelor's of Nursing) degree. Unfortunately I don't see myself working in a physician's office or a hospital. However, I am very interested in the life sciences/biotech industry. What roles are available to me?

A: Congratulations on your recent degree! A BSN can be a valuable stepping stone to a wide variety of careers.

I consulted Laurie Halloran, President and CEO of Halloran Consulting Group. Halloran Consulting Group provides expertise to a wide range of biotech, life sciences and medical device clients. Ms. Halloran shares, "The best and fastest route to a career in life science with a BSN is to get your entry within an academic institution as a clinical study nurse and/or study coordinator. While it is an entry level job, the skills you will learn can transfer to an industry position, or can serve you well in the potential promotional paths within the institution with research management. There are a lot of local institutions that conduct clinical trials, and are open to on-the-job training for qualified candidates. You will learn the conduct and regulation of clinical research practices, and you will have exposure to the clinical research associates who work with pharmaceutical and medical device companies, which may offer you some introductions into the higher paid industry positions."

Your undergraduate institution, specifically the career services office, may be a good source of job leads within academia. Additionally, you have probably developed contacts with professors who may be willing to share valuable connections within academic institutions.

Finally, be certain to invest time building your LinkedIn profile. Recruiters often use LinkedIn as a source of candidates for their company and/or clients. Join groups relevant to your career interests. You want to be found by those looking for strong candidates!

Pattie Hunt Sinacole is a human resources expert and works for First Beacon Group in Hopkinton, an HR consulting firm. She contributes weekly to Boston.com Jobs and the Boston Sunday Globe Money & Careers section.

Job Doc chat with Pattie Hunt Sinacole @ Boston.com 1-12-15

It was a busy day on the Job Doc Chat. This week Pattie answered questions about presenting your most successful stats only, following up in January about a pre-holiday interview, being asked by HR if you would be interested in a different position within your company, working at a university versus in the private sector, finding out why you were rejected from a job, where to learn interview skills, not happy with a new job after earning an MBA, making the most of a job where you feel undervalued, working for a major tech company without a tech degree, being bored with your job and having nowhere to move up, having trouble landing a senior marketing role, making a lateral move to a new company, switching careers in your 50's, tips for writing resumes, whether to leave a new job after just a couple of months, looking for a new challenge but keep getting offered similar positions, and more... Read the transcript at http://www.boston.com/jobs/news/jobdoc/2015/01/monday_noon_job_doc_chat_with_13.html.

Pattie Hunt Sinacole is a human resources expert and works for First Beacon Group in Hopkinton, an HR consulting firm. She contributes weekly to Boston.com Jobs and the Boston Sunday Globe Money & Careers section.

New Year's Resolution - A New Job

Q: This year, for real, I need to change jobs. I have talked about it before but I need to make it a reality. My industry is shrinking. However, I am in a role (facilities management) which is somewhat transferable to other types of industries and companies. What should I begin doing in 2015?

A: Congrats on your decision! I have a few recommendations to share with you.

1. Dust off your last resume and update it. Make sure that it has a current look and feel.
2. Think about professional references who can speak about your work and your skills.
3. Become active (or more active) on LinkedIn. is your profile complete? Have you included a professional photo? Have you joined relevant groups? Ensure that the content of your LinkedIn profile agrees with the content of your resume.
4. Set a networking goal. Attend breakfasts related to your occupation. Connect with former colleagues over coffee. I quickly found IFMA (International Facility Management Association) online but you probably know the professional associations which are the best for facilities management.
5. Re-connect with your college or university if you attended one. Begin to use their services.
6. Work on your elevator pitch, a one to two minute summary of your professional career and what you are looking for now. Rehearse, practice and refine this pitch. You will need it!

Lastly, realize that job hunting takes time, energy and patience. There is often rejection during the job hunting process so you may have to pick yourself up a few times to get over the setbacks. Networking groups are often good sources of support so the setbacks seem less jarring. Be realistic. A job hunt takes time and patience.

Pattie Hunt Sinacole is a human resources expert and works for First Beacon Group in Hopkinton, an HR consulting firm. She contributes weekly to Boston.com Jobs and the Boston Sunday Globe Money & Careers section.

Overwhelmed by Networking Requests

Q: I just landed a great job, in part due to the help of friends and family members (aka networking as you call it). However, now that I have started working, everyone (including some I don't even know) are asking me to meet them for breakfast, lunch, drinks or coffee to network. I just started a new job and I don't take lunch very often. I am not in an office where people leave for coffee. At the end of the day, I have an hour plus commute and want to spend time with my family. How do I manage all of these requests? It is overwhelming. I work long hours and I earn a low base salary and rely heavily on commissions. If I accepted all of these networking requests, I would not make an income.

A. I can empathize since I receive frequent requests from near and far. It sounds like your world and my world have some similarities. Time is money and time is precious. However, I do believe in giving back so I try to respond to reasonable requests. It also sounds like networking helped you land your current job.

Here are some tips that I have used:

1. Carve out a short period of time on the phone, maybe 15 minutes or so. The travel to all of these networking appointments can eat up a significant part of your day.
2. Connect on Linkedin.
3. I usually commit 1-2 hours to networking requests each week. Often times people will get angry since I cannot work with their schedules. My availability for networking requests are often at 7:30am before my work day starts. Some job seekers are frustrated by the times I have available. In some rare instances, I offer an early Saturday morning call or Sunday evening call, but, like you, I would prefer to spend that time re-charging my batteries.

One way to respond is, "I just started my new job in October. I really like it but it requires long hours and I have a significant commute too. I would be happy to talk with you by phone during my commute home next Thursday but that is probably the best I can do right now."

Pattie Hunt Sinacole is a human resources expert and works for First Beacon Group in Hopkinton, an HR consulting firm. She contributes weekly to Boston.com Jobs and the Boston Sunday Globe Money & Careers section. Click here to read about more employment topics in The Job Doc Blog at Boston.com.

Concerns about using social media for a job hunt

Q: I prefer to avoid social media. I feel it does more harm than good. The problem is that I have not looked for a job in over 20 years and I think I should start looking. I feel like I may be at a disadvantage without social media. I don't want to hear about people's personal business and I don't want to share mine. What are my options?

A: You raise valid concerns about social media. Much of job hunting now does rely, at least in part, on the internet and/or social media. You can use job hunting websites within using social media. Most companies list open positions on their website now.

Social media is a source of job leads. LinkedIn, in particular, has become a powerful job hunting tool. LinkedIn is considered a professional networking site, where little personal information is shared. On occasion you may stumble across a piece of personal information but it is primarily a tool for establishing professional connections. Your LinkedIn profile is created by you. So you can include as much or as little personal information on the site as you wish. Some include a photo of dog or a photo against a Patriots banner, but most do not. Twitter is also a helpful job hunting tool. I have found Twitter to be a mixed bag; some use it for personal use while others use it strictly for business. Facebook, I think, for the most part is use for personal use though some companies have Facebook pages.

If you want to focus solely on professional connections, I would consider LinkedIn. You can also join groups related to your career interests. As an example, if you are a registered nurse looking at new opportunities, you can join several groups related to healthcare, nursing, clinical, pharmaceutical, biotech or medical devices. You can also join groups related to your geography (e.g., south shore, Boston, Worcester area, etc.)

Ask others which social media tools they use for job hunting. Your colleagues will likely share sound advice.

Pattie Hunt Sinacole is a human resources expert and works for First Beacon Group in Hopkinton, an HR consulting firm. She contributes weekly to Boston.com Jobs and the Boston Sunday Globe Money & Careers section. Click here to read about more employment topics in The Job Doc Blog at Boston.com.

Job Doc chat with Pattie Hunt Sinacole @ Boston.com 10-06-14

This week Pattie answered questions about a long gap in employment, returning from disability, gaining professional licensing, making a career change and more... Read the transcript at http://www.boston.com/jobs/news/jobdoc/2014/10/monday_noon_job_doc_chat_with_3.html.

Pattie Hunt Sinacole is a human resources expert and works for First Beacon Group in Hopkinton, an HR consulting firm. She contributes weekly to Boston.com Jobs and the Boston Sunday Globe Money & Careers section.

Tips for recent college grad job seekers

Q: My son just graduated from college in May, 2014. He has replied to hundreds of ads. How do college graduates find jobs? My wife and I read this column every week to him but it never seems to address the problems of recent graduates.

A: Congratulations to your son! Landing a first job is not always easy. Here are some tips:

1. Use the career services office and the alumni relations office.
2. A resume should be well laid with no typos, spelling errors or wild fonts.
3. Join Linkedin. Connect with fellow graduates, professors, friends and neighbors. Join groups which make sense, either in terms of career interests or geography.
4. Never say no to an intro. It is not only the uncle who could be a useful contact, but all of the uncle's contacts!
5. Check email daily.
6. Be gracious. Send thank-you notes or emails.
7. Consider temping or contracting. It builds real-world experience and professional contacts.
8. Don't spend hours behind a computer shooting out resumes. Instead, spend this time networking. Set a goal of 75% networking and 25% PC time.
9. Do a social media check. College grads need to make sure that their Facebook page doesn't portray an image which would be concerning to an employer.
10. Be positive. Even if the job search has been a challenge this does not mean you should share the pitfalls of job hunting with a prospective employer.
11. Have an elevator speech. This is a 1-2 minute summary of who you are and where you hope to be professionally. Practice it in front of the dog, a sibling, a friend or a parent.

Matt Masood, a recent college graduate and job seeker from Marshfield, Massachusetts shares, "It all comes down to connections, from professors to friends to cousins."

Pattie Hunt Sinacole is a human resources expert and works for First Beacon Group in Hopkinton, an HR consulting firm. She contributes weekly to Boston.com Jobs and the Boston Sunday Globe Money  & Careers section. Click here to read about more employment topics in The Job Doc Blog at Boston.com.

Job Doc chat with Pattie Hunt Sinacole @ Boston.com 09-29-14

This week Pattie answered questions about fitting in with different personality types at work, planning ahead to what your career will look like in your 50's, a realistic number of job requirements, dating yourself, resume structure, salary range expectations, and more... Read the transcript at http://www.boston.com/jobs/news/jobdoc/2014/09/monday_noon_job_doc_chat_with_2.html.

Pattie Hunt Sinacole is a human resources expert and works for First Beacon Group in Hopkinton, an HR consulting firm. She contributes weekly to Boston.com Jobs and the Boston Sunday Globe Money & Careers section.

Great article on job hunting and use of LinkedIn

http://www.boston.com/jobs/bighelp2009/september/articles/linkedin_tips/