Career Hub

Can You Guess What Word This Post Is About?

Otis Redding wrote about it. Aretha Franklin sang about it. Clients talk about it. Employers hope their employees have it. It’s a seven-letter word that starts with the 18^th letter of the alphabet and ends with the 20^th. It’s an easy thing to lose and a tough thing to get back. And, to get it, you must give it.

According to Thesaurus.com, some synonyms for the word I am writing about include:

Appreciation.

Consideration.

Deference.

Honor.

Admiration.

Adoration.

Dignity.

Courtesy.

Regard.

Does your immediate supervisor show you this?

Do your colleagues extend this to you?

Do you offer this to all people or simply a select few?  

Have hiring managers and recruiters shown this to you?

When you speak to a prospect, can he hear this word in your message?

As a professional, what would you say is one of the single most important words in the workplace today?

“I'm not concerned with your liking or disliking me... All I ask is that you respect me as a human being.”~ Jackie Robinson

Somebody Said It Was Bad to Talk About Myself

Sometimes, clients share with me that they are “uncomfortable” talking about themselves and their brand. When career transition arrives (voluntarily or involuntarily) how, then, does one compete in such an intensely competitive job market? After all, don’t hiring managers expect job seekers to be articulate, organized and well-prepared?  

“Talking about myself has always been taboo” one job seeker stated.

“You shouldn’t brag about yourself” claimed yet another.

“I don’t like to talk about myself – it’s weird and uncomfortable. I have a tendency to shut down.”

If you do not like talking about yourself, here are a few ideas to help you get more comfortable with the process: 

 

* Get to know your product. Know everything there is to know about yourself – your features, your faults, your benefits and your value. Do this task before you go to market and explore options. As harsh as it may sound, hiring managers aren’t therapists. They don’t have time to pull content from you. They don’t have time to figure you out (or help you figure yourself out). They don’t have time for you to contemplate why they should hire you. You either know your stuff or you don’t. You either share it freely – or you don’t. You either know your brand’s value and worth – or you don’t. So, use your time wisely and well when you are invited to interview for a job. Share the very, very best of what you have to offer.

 

* Practice talking about yourself. Rehearse your lines until you know precisely what you wish to say about yourself and your candidacy without looking at your notes. Practice at least 25 times. Practice standing in front of a mirror. Practice standing up to rehearse your lines. Dress in your finest attire as you practice. Practice pays – it just does!

 

* Create a PowerPoint about the product – you. Develop 10 or 12 slides that capture the best of you, your credentials and the value you offer to an employer. Preparation is key in all things job search. If you do not know PowerPoint, find 10 – 12 pieces of paper. Fill each sheet of paper with one piece of relevant, essential information that you want a hiring manager to know about you. When you have completed this task, you will then have 10 - 12 compelling pieces of evidence that prove you are a worthy contender for a job of interest. 

 

* Let go of old scripts such as “I hate talking about myself” and write a new one that works to your advantage. Think thoughts that work for you, not against you. How about telling yourself:  “It is my job to speak knowledgeably about myself in order to well educate an employer about my gifts, talents, abilities and value." Educate, teach, train and inform a hiring manager about your assets. Also, know your weaknesses in preparation for the job interview.

 

* Make it easy for the employer to get to know you. In a job interview, refrain from saying “Oh, I really don’t like talking about myself” or “Oh, it is very uncomfortable to speak about myself.” Instead, thank the prospective employer for the opportunity to share your story. Give the hiring manager ample reason(s) to hire you, not dismiss you from the pool of candidates.

In short, do yourself a favor and get comfortable speaking about the amazing brand you. Prepare well. Practice much. Practice often. You will know when you are ready to get in the job search game. Not only will an employer notice how prepared you are, as importantly, you will notice. And ever so slowly, you will find yourself getting more comfortable talking about yourself -- not in a braggadocious way, but in a manner that shows a hiring manager that you are well-prepared, organized and articulate. 

 

Should I Slow Down My Job Search During Holidays?

Have you ever been told by an employer after the first of the year that they had the perfect opening for you if only you had applied in November or December? Well, I frequently hear from job seekers that this happens to them because they put a hold on their search at this time of the year.

With the exception of the week between December 25th and January 1st, keep up the job search pace and don’t wait until January to initiate a new career campaign if you are seeking a new position. Many opportunities may be missed during late November through December. You don’t want to kick yourself later saying. “I could have been hired, only if…..” Companies that are considering hiring campaigns in the new year (January through March are the months with highest hiring average) start now with their strategies, posting positions, and gearing up hiring agents and staff to start the resume review and interview process.

If you don’t have time to continue your job search strategies in full force during the busy holiday time, consider these as must “dos”:

1. Continue networking. People tend to be more social around the holidays and networking is key. Use holiday parties and other social events to keep in touch. It could be as simple as a neighborhood get together, professional association holiday party or your favorite sports group potluck. There are always plenty of holiday celebrations and fundraisers where you can create new connections and nurture ongoing friendships. Social events are great opportunities to connect and could lead to job opportunities in the future.

2. Give back. Especially at this time of year think of ways you can help others. Look for occasions to connect people with one another, or with a charity or foundation that may appeal to them. Be a resource by forwarding an article, white paper or special report that contains valuable information (business or personal) that would be appealing to your connections. This can make you memorable as a “go-to” person who is helpful.

3. Career tune-up. Is your resume up-to-date? LinkedIn profile fine-tuned and keyword searchable? Do you have your career action plan in order? Do you have your interview techniques and salary negotiation points practiced and perfected? Do you feel confident and prepared? Now is a good time to look at these questions carefully and put steps into place to take action.

Don’t wait until January and take the chance of being left behind your competition. Continue preparing and moving forward with job search strategies through the end of the year. You have time to take advantage of last two months of 2015. When the holidays are over, and you are face-to-face with 2016, you will thank yourself for being proactive as compared to your peers who are unprepared to jump into the new year.

 

Why Didn't I Know This? #JobSearchStuff

"Why didn't I know this?" my client asked the other day. "How is it that I have an undergraduate degree, an MBA, 10 years' experience and know none of this stuff that you are telling me?" Here's some "stuff" you might not know as it relates to career transition:

That a stranger will glance at your résumé for less than 10 seconds and then, make a decision about your candidacy: yes, no, maybe.

 

That a wing-it approach to interviewing (or job search) can impede your success.

That you are a brand – a product for sale in a highly competitive market.

That a hiring manager expects you to be conversant about your KSAs.

That a résumé is written once you, the job seeker, have clearly defined career options.

That you will be expected by employers to cite a credible answer to “why should I hire you?” – to say that you have education and experience no longer suffices.

That the job market is not for the naïve, uninformed job seeker.

That it will take every ounce of energy, effort and organizational skill that you own to facilitate a successful search strategy.

That reaching out to others for help, guidance and support is a basic survival tactic, especially when you are in job search mode.

That asking for help is one of the first things to do as your career transition/job search gets underway.

That you are the project driver, manager and leader – if your search is a success, you get full credit; if your search is a flop, you get full credit.

That your job search may be one of the toughest, most grueling, hardest, and frustrating activities you have ever embarked upon in your entire work life.

That a career transition will manage you – or you will manage it!

That job search is a never-ending process throughout your career given the ever-changing nature of today’s workplace.

That some people you thought would help you, won’t.

That some people you thought didn’t care a thing about you, do.

That you will be in a constant state of surprise and disappointment as you progress through the job search journey.

That staying stuck will hinder you more than help you.

That beating yourself up mentally for what might have been, could have been or should have been is a waste of your time, effort and energy.

That moving forward after job loss with an attitude of positivity will yield more productive results than an outlook of negativity.  

That whatever you say negatively can and will be used against you at a job interview. 

That rejection can propel you forward or halt your job search progress; only you can decide.

That brands attract and brands repel – some employers will love you; some employers, not so much – keep rolling, no matter what.

That social media is a tool and a resource for you to use to your fullest advantage in the job search process.

That what you don’t know will not only hurt you – it can sabotage you, derail you and keep you from moving on with confidence, knowledge and efficiency.

 

Hitch A Wagon To Your Star

When you were growing up, did your Mom, Dad, grandparents, or other person of influence want you to do or be something career-wise that you had no interest in doing or being? As a Baby Boomer, I remember the high school counselor told me I had three choices for a career: teacher, nurse or secretary – none of which I was interested in pursuing. While they are fine occupations – not for me! My Grandmother on the other hand, an elementary educator, encouraged me from the time I was a young child to get a college degree and make something of yourself. In one of her many library books, I discovered the phrase: Hitch Your Wagon to A Star, a quotation by Ralph Waldo Emerson. This little phrase has served me well in making life choices and decisions – does this action get me closer to or farther from my star?

I have worked with hundreds and hundreds of job seekers and I am always interested in hearing their career path and how they wound up where they are. Sometimes, clients tell me they chose a particular career “because that’s what my parents wanted me to do” or because “that’s what my Grandmother, Grandfather, Aunt or Uncle wanted me to be...follow in their footsteps.” What will you be when you grow up? Is it a job you want, or is it an occupation someone else wants for you? Here are a few thoughts to explore as you consider what’s next for you.

Ability / Aptitude: Do you possess the requisite skill, talent and ability to do the job – whatever it might be? Is the job a good fit with you and who you are? For example, let’s say your Aunt Hilda wants you to be a lawyer because her husband is a lawyer, her father is a lawyer, and her brother is a lawyer. The real question is: "Do you want to be a lawyer?" Have you taken the LSAT? Do you have the ability to pass the exam with a score high enough to gain admission to law school somewhere in the country? Do you have the ability and the aptitude for the work?

Action: Are you willing to commit to the steps required to achieve the career goal? What is your timeline? When will you start? When do you expect to complete your goal? How much will it cost in terms of time, energy and money? What sacrifices are you willing to make?

Ambition: Do you have a strong desire to achieve the career goal? Are you willing to put forth the determination and hard work it will take to get what you want? Are you self-motivated, disciplined, focused and driven to achieve your purpose?

Attitude: What is your perspective regarding your career goal? What words best describe your outlook on getting to the goal?? If you had to pick one word to represent your attitude right now, what single word would you choose? What, if anything, might you change about your attitude?

Attributes: Do you have the traits and qualities suited for the job? What are your greatest attributes? What qualities, if any, need some refinement?

Are you pursuing a job because it is what you want for you or are you tracking a job because someone else wants it for you?

What Did You Like About Graduate School?

Thanks to my client “Jane” I am writing this blog post. Recently, she asked me about graduate school.

What did you like about graduate school?

I offered a few ideas off the top and then, started giving her question more serious thought. Going to graduate school was one of the best things I have ever done. It was fun, it was hard, it was exhausting, it was exhilarating, it was everything imaginable! I liked loved the experience. Here are some things I loved about graduate school.

1. I loved learning new concepts and ideas.
2. I loved my professors. I respected them. I learned from them.
3. I loved the research and writing papers.
4. I loved the friendships formed in and out of the classroom.
5. I loved how different ages and generations gathered together for a common purpose: learning.
6. I loved the fact that classmates had opinions like mine – and unlike mine – which helped me grow and expand my view of the world.
7. I loved achieving goals.
8. I loved the reward (grades) to measure my performance.
9. I loved the remarks my professors would jot on my assignments; still have a few of them today.
10. I loved the confidence graduate school instilled within me.
11. I loved sharpening my pencils (and I still love doing that!)
12. I loved the various projects that got me out of my comfort zone.
13. I loved taking notes (a trait which helps me daily in my work with clients).
14. I loved sharing what I learned with family and friends.
15. I loved how it stretched me to feel more comfortable in sharing thoughts, perspectives and experiences.
16. I loved the practicum experiences offered through the program.
17. I loved the feedback from fellow classmates and professors to help me enhance my counseling abilities.
18. I loved the process of discovery in graduate school – I remember the first time I read about “outplacement” in a professional journal and how that article so profoundly shaped my career choice.

In short, what did I like about graduate school? Everything! And I didn’t even mind the monthly student loan payments that went on ad nauseum. 

From Wishy-Washy to WOW Job Interviewing

When I begin a session with a client, I inquire about his or her goals and expectations of our meeting. That particular day, the client shared that she needed interview help. Her most recent interview had gone well in her mind, though the recruiter advised that the company she had interviewed with described her as “wishy-washy.”

Wishy-washy.

We looked up synonyms for wishy-washy:

“feeble, ineffectual, weak, vapid, effete, gutless, spineless, limp, namby-pamby, spiritless, indecisive, characterless, pathetic, pale, insipid, pallid, muted, pastel.”

Has anyone ever called you wishy-washy at a job interview?

If so, here are a few ideas to help you share your story in a more convincing, compelling and credible manner:

• Know explicit facts about your brand prior to the job interview. Be specific, not generic with the facts:  Instead of saying “I was born in Texas and am very experienced and very educated,” state the facts: “I have 14 years leadership experience in banking, serving in demanding environments, managing five work groups and earning three promotions since 2010. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Business with an MBA slated for completion in May 2016.”

• Know your contributions. With conviction and clarity, be able to recount five specific achievements, accomplishments or key results you have attained in the past five years. Do not think on the employer’s time. Be well versed in how you have made a difference at your respective place of employment.

• Make it easy for the listener (hiring manager/corporate recruiter) to get to know you and your story. Put yourself in their shoes – would you delight in dragging information out of a candidate over a 30 or 40 minute block of time?

• Prepare your presentation in advance. One of the most efficient ways to prepare for an interview is to create a PowerPoint. If you don’t know how to do PowerPoint, find 10 sheets of blank paper and commence filling in the pages with the best of you and your story. Focus solely on experience, education and employee traits relevant to the job.

• Practice your presentation three to five times before you go to the job interview. Practice standing up and dressed in your best interview attire. Know what you are dealing with before you deal with it.

The next time you go to an interview, do your very best to move from Wishy-Washy to Wow. My client did and she landed the “job of her dreams!” So can you! 

That Was Easy

The client sat pondering the best words to describe herself. Our session that day focused on job interviewing. After a few minutes, “Jane” spoke:

I’d say the best words to describe me are:

Loyal

Honest 

Hard-working.

As a job seeker, are you routinely using such words to describe yourself? If you are, let’s pretend for a moment. Let’s pretend that you are a tired, overworked hiring manager and that you have interviewed 1,000+ candidates in recent years. From those 1,000+ candidates, you have heard the same words -- loyal, honest and hard-working -- time after time after time. How excited, then, are you to hear “loyal, honest and hard-working” from one more candidate?  

The next time you go to a job interview, take some time to find words that best describe the unique, distinct brand of you. Then, when the “what are your best qualities” question (or some derivative thereof) is asked, you will help yourself stand out. You will not come across as the same old, same old candidate. You will stand out because you have taken the time to research words that are music to the hiring manager’s ears – distinctive words that align with your target job. Help yourself shine in the employment interview! And, make it easy for the hiring manager to select you.

P.S. When choosing words to describe your brand, make sure you know how to correctly
pronounce them, know their definition and how to correctly use them in a sentence. 

3 Things You Need to Know about LinkedIn

 

 

 

 

LinkedIn is a wonderful resource for career-minded professionals. Here are three things to know as you use LinkedIn:

1. Forget the personal website – LI now has the functionality to richly communicate your personal brand and is highly searchable by recruiters and hiring managers. It has options for keywords, written branding, audio, video, photos, blogs, links etc. In addition, when someone searches on your name, your LI profile is more likely to come up in the first page of results than your personal website (in most cases).

1. Want to find something or somebody on LinkedIn? Leave LI’s search, go out to Google and enter your search term(s) there! LinkedIn is supposed to be improving its Search but it’s still hard to find someone in particular if they share a name with other LI folks. One of many reasons why you might want to find people on LI is if they work for the company you are interested in. If you identify potential contacts, you can use the method described elsewhere in this blog to seek out and secure employee referrals – a GREAT way to get a job.

1. DO take advantage of LinkedIn Publishing, a great way to showcase your brand and subject matter expertise. It is available as an option when you edit your Profile. More than 40k posts are published each week. Quoting Geoffrey Colon: “Publishing is the new job board in terms of getting interested third-party companies who want to business with us to connect –as well as attracting the attention of the highest caliber recruiters.”

I know as well as all of you how hard it is to take time out of a busy professional life  to take advantage of these amazing features! It’s the short-term vs long-term thing. In this case, leveraging LI’s features will, WITHOUT A DOUBT, enhance your career prospects going forward.  Good luck to you (and me!) in scheduling time to make this happen.

15 Reasons Your Job Search May Not Be Working According to One Job Seeker

A few days ago, a new client came to my office for career management help. According to his story, he has been out of work since January 2015 and indicated that he was at a complete loss as to what to do next. Everything he had tried, so far, had not worked for him. A friend suggested several times that he seek career help, though by his own admission, “I just didn’t think it would be worth it. And the only reason I am here today is out of sheer desperation.” When I asked him why he thought his job search was not working, he gave me a lengthy list of reasons which he encouraged me to share with others who might be in a similar situation.

Reasons My Job Search Is Not Working:

1.     My resume has generated very few interviews yet everybody tells me how good it is.

2.     I am not confident in talking about myself – what do they want to know, anyway?  

3.     I get very anxious in telling a stranger why I have been out of work for so long.

4.     I do not know a price tag for a person like myself and my negotiation skills are rusty.

5.     I don’t know how job search works anymore.

6.     I spend the bulk of my time on the computer with no luck.  

7.     I have a hard time motivating myself to meet people and do the networking thing.

8.     I feel disconnected and out of it – everyone is busy at their jobs except for me.

9.     I find myself easily distracted and doing other things – laundry, housework, grocery shopping, and running the kids around, instead of looking for a job.

10.  My job search is haphazard, disorganized and overwhelming.

11.  I have no idea what to do next; I am at a loss at to what type of job to pursue.

12.  I find today’s job search frustrating and therefore, I take no action. When I looked for a job a few years ago, I found one in a couple of weeks – it was so easy then.

13.  My friends and family are well-intentioned, though I now think that what they are telling me isn’t accurate.

14.  I have refused to get help because I don’t want to spend the money – I am very skeptical of people like you.

15.  I thought I could do this on my own – I’m intelligent, educated and have an outstanding work record. And here I am, almost eight months later, talking to you.

If you are looking for a job in today’s highly competitive market, get help immediately. Do not let month after month slide by, continuing to “go nowhere fast” (client’s words). Get help now from a career management professional. If it means that you have to pay the professional a few bucks, so be it. In the long run, you will be making money and saving money the sooner you get back to work! The small investment you make to get competent career help may be the best money you ever spent. Just now, I googled “career management professional.” According to the search results, there are 51,200,000 of us on the Internet. Surely, one of us can help you today, 2015 Job Seeker, not eight months from now. When our session concluded, the new client stood up, shook my hand and offered “Really sucks for me that I waited eight months to get help – had no idea people like you existed.” Yep, we do! 

Job Seekers: Do You Watch Cry Wolfe?

Recently, a client asked “In your professional opinion, what is the single-most critical skill for a job seeker to possess in order to find new employment?”

If you were to answer my client’s question based upon the five choices shown below, which one would you pick?

1. Professional Resume / LinkedIn Profile
2. Interviewing skills
3. Networking savvy
4. Brand-name suit and accessories
5. Detective abilities

Without hesitation, I asked: “Do you watch Cry Wolfe? He’s a private investigator – his name is Brian Wolfe – based in California – Tuesday evenings -- Investigation Discovery. The Cry Wolfe guy is relentless – he is crazy good; talk about mastery. So, in answer to your question, I would say, be an outstanding private investigator, a super sleuth and a really good detective. In my opinion, that’s the most important skill -- all else is expected; the P.I. part can help solve your case of getting from Point A to Point B."

Listed below are a few qualities and traits of a good detective. Perhaps you will use some of these skills to resolve your job search situation:

1. Critical thinking and problem solving
2. Attention to detail
3. Computers and technology
4. Strong written / communication skills
5. Patience
6. Positive attitude
7. Relationship builder
8. Self-disciplined; self-motivated
9. Effective at managing conversations and drawing out information
10. Believable personality
11. Team player / team leader
12. Genuine interest in others
13. Attentive listening skills
14. Sound decision-maker
15. Thinks quickly
16. Acts calmly; collected
17. Can perform in high-stress situations
18. Good at reading body language
19. Inquisitiveness
20. Doesn’t quit
21. Observational skills
22. Curiosity
23. Common sense
24. Resourcefulness
25. Creative thinker; creative thinking
26. Gathers data, information
27. Tracks information, leads, clues
28. Puts together the pieces
29. Adept at conducting research
30. Analyzes data to reach conclusion
31. Readily adapts to personalities and circumstances

Beginnings, Endings, Firsts, Lasts

Cruising along the interstate last week, I decided to see what was on the radio. I scrolled through several selections and settled on Here and Now where author John Green (Paper Towns) was being interviewed. While it is difficult to take notes while driving 70 mph, I grabbed pen and paper and jotted these words: beginning times and ending times; times of firsts and lasts.

Beginnings; endings. Firsts; lasts. In the career world, I have dealt with hundreds of clients who have experienced beginnings, endings, firsts and lasts.

Your first day on the job.

Your first job offer.

Your last day of school.

Your first performance review.

Your last paycheck.

Your first “A” or “F” in college.

Beginning a new job.

Ending a job of 28 years.

Beginning a job search.

Ending your days of unemployment.

Your first promotion.

Your last raise.

Your first day with a new boss.

The last day in your office before retirement.

First night in your new home.

Last night in your college dormitory.

First trip in your new car.

Last time you saw your boss.

First time your work was criticized.

First time you lost a big account.

Last time you got fired.

Beginning a new friendship.

Ending an unhealthy relationship.

First letter of rejection.

Ending a non-compete contract.

Beginning something new.

Ending something that’s been over for a while.

First time you stood up for yourself.

Beginning to make some changes.

Ending a career that no longer holds meaning.

Beginning to see a different path.

First time you did a Skype interview.

Last time you cried.

First time the "boss" had your back.

Last time you laughed.

First time you’ve been happy in a long time.

Beginning times and ending times.

Times of firsts and lasts.

When to NOT Answer a Call from a Recruiter

The other day I was in the zone! I was laser focused on writing a high-impact, succinct, and ATS-friendly resume for a client with a very high-powered career in a fast-changing, highly complex industry. My mind was bearing down to understand deeply and then put into a very few words the value and power of what he brings to the table.

Then, cut to next scene! My iPhone rings. Usually I have the sense to not answer my work phone when I'm writing. Not this time, alas. 🌞

I picked up to hear the voice of an esteemed client whose project I had just completed. He asked did I have a few minutes. I heard myself pause, and in a voice I now recognize as cool, distant, preoccupied, and distracted, I replied "just a few, I'm under deadline" in a voice that conveyed, I'm too busy to talk to you. My great client understood the tone and said OK, later then.

By that time I had caught on to how I must have sounded, and I so regretted it! This is a client who has only known me as warm, 100% present and there for him, his career needs, brand, interests, and concerns. And who did he get when he called me that morning? Jean, the RMV agent! What a shock for him!

So, in an attempt to retrieve the situation, I hauled my attention away from my writing and began to focus on my client and was able to provide some valuable job search coaching for 5 or 10 minutes. My client was generous enough to cut me some slack on my falling short this time.

Still, this experience gave me pause, and this is what I decided: No more answering the phone when I am writing. Period. I know the kind of concentration it takes to write complex executive technology resumes and from now on will honor the need to protect my writing time. But I highly value being available to my clients. So, the answer is: Schedule times to talk only when I am not in my writing mode. No client needs a Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde resume writer!

What does all this have to do with you? I'll bet I'm not the only one who has trouble shifting gears suddenly.  So, if you're even a little like me, when a call comes in from a recruiter you make a quick assessment: Can I shift from what I'm doing to 100% quality attention on the phone RIGHT NOW?

At that moment, you may be putting your child to bed, cleaning up after the puppy, laughing at a comedy on the TV, programming an app, fighting with your teenager, or doing your financial planning. In any of those scenarios you could be forgiven for having your mind in an entirely different place than the world of your job search!

So, if you feel you can't make a fast switch, can't put on your professional hat, can't become present to the caller, and can't have your tone of voice express interest, warmth, and enthusiasm, you have two choices. Either answer the call and say could you talk in 15 minutes or don't answer and call the recruiter when you are composed, focused, centered, and ready for an important call. That way, you can bring your best stuff to the phone interview!

"Know Thyself" is at the heart of this. Know what you can do and when you can do it and plan accordingly. And pay attention to how your tone of voice might be interpreted wrongly and how your emotional temperature will surely be picked up on by the caller. Then you will know when the right time is to talk. Aim for excellence. Be fully present! Get the offer!

Image: © Charles Shapiro | Dreamstime Stock Photos

Topics: job interview, phone etiquette

Cross-posted on http://www.aResumeForToday.com/high-tech-resumes/

A Peace And Love Story of Customer Service Excellence

Do you have a morning routine? Maybe your routine is to go to Starbucks each morning before work. Or maybe your routine is to stop by Caribou, Tim Hortons or Dunkin’ Donuts. One of the places I have enjoyed going the past few months to get my coffee fix is a convenience store called Kum & Go. I love their stores, I like their staff and their coffee has become a staple.

About 18 months ago or so on a workday, my husband and I entered the Kum & Go store together. It was not our best morning. As we entered the store, one of the associates I’ll call “Jane” greeted us with a hearty “good morning.” I mumbled “Peace” and the Kum & Go associate readily quipped “Love.” Since then, we have been greeted with an energetic “Peace and Love” welcome. It has become something I look forward to – a day brightener for sure.

One morning not long ago, another customer of the store asked me “Did she just call you Peace and Love?”

“Yes -- indeed, she did!”

He asked me why he didn’t get greeted in that same manner. I said, “Well, you’ll have to ask Jane for her take on that.” He uttered “Hmph!”

A couple of weeks ago, I found out that the Peace and Love Purveyor is transferring to another Kum & Go location about 750 miles away. I will miss her. I have gotten to know her a bit and know that she loves Eminem. Last night as I was penning her going away card, I wrote:

Dear Jane,

Our Favorite Peace and Love fan has flat done gone and went. In Eminem clean language, How Come? LOL. I will surely miss you until we are crazy enough to drive 12 hours to see you again. Wishing you continued success and thank you for always being so nice to us.

Peace and Love

And just for kicks, we tucked in a Kum & Go gift card for our Peace and Love pal. 

Who are the people in your life that you count on as day brighteners? I hope that Kum & Go realizes what a wonderful and valuable employee they have in Day Brightener Jane!

Fitting Rooms

Over the July 4^th holiday, I found myself waiting in a fitting room area as our first-born daughter tried on some clothes.

As I sat there, I started thinking about Fitting Rooms.

What a weird name – fitting room.

Who thought of calling a fitting room a “fitting room” anyway?

Why not “Try on Space?”

Or “Does This Make Me Look Fat Room?”

Or “Dressing Experiment Room?”

Or “You Look Awesome Room?"

Or “Test Market Room?"

Or how about “Should I Buy This" Room?

Nope, we seem to be stuck with Fitting Rooms or Dressing Rooms.

My client and I were chatting about finding a job that is a good fit.

Is your current job a good fit?

Are you wearing a job you have outgrown?

Are you investing in a career that you no longer love, or even like?

Are you stuck in a role that makes you uncomfortable from the time you arrive to the time you leave work each day?

Are you afraid to discard the job you now hold because you lack the knowledge, confidence and courage to explore other options?

If you are in career transition mode, are you trying on different job possibilities via the interview process before saying “yes” to the offer?

Are you asking tough questions during interview conversations to help you gauge both risk and reward?

Are you settling on the first thing that comes along because you think it is better than what you have now?

Whatever job you are presently wearing or hope to wear in the future, I hope you look absolutely amazing in it.

If not, there are plenty of possibilities from which to choose.

Shop.

Try on.

Find something that looks simply stunning on you. 

How Do You Manage Job Search Rejection?

The subject of “rejection” routinely appears in conversation with clients:

• I can’t believe they didn’t hire me; I was a perfect fit for the job. Rejected.
• The offer was rescinded; unbelievable, especially since I already gave my notice. Rejected. 
• I was the most qualified by far and they gave the job to another candidate. Rejected. 
• They went with someone else and wished me all the best in the future. Rejected. 
• I was told the internal candidate was the one selected for the position, not me. Rejected.

Rejection – it’s everywhere. Here, there and everywhere when you are in job search mode. Do not let rejection distract you, derail you or disenchant you. Keep going. Keep moving. Do not stop until you are the Number One pick!

Realize that brands attract, brands repel. You have preferences; so do hiring managers.

 

Educate yourself on best practices of the job search.

 

Join conversations, meetings and groups, both offline and online to learn, grow and stay current.

 

Enlist the support, guidance and direction of a trusted team to navigate your way forward.

 

Connect with others on a consistent basis. Someone, somewhere knows somebody or something that would be good for you to know.

 

Transition is a process; track your progress to improve performance.

 

Exhibit excellence in all things job-search related.

 

Don’t quit on yourself or the search. Some organization, somewhere needs you.

What do you think? 

crossposted billiesucherblog 

The LinkedIn Summary Dilemma: Use "I" or Not

LinkedIn profile writing is a challenge. And there are ways in which the LinkedIn profile summary section is still the Wild West. The LI summary is a blank page only restricted by the 2000 character limit. There are no requirements for anything in particular, such as listing your jobs and dates. So why is it important to worry about this? And what should you do?

People know that LI is the premier business networking site. It also happens to be an almost-mandatory place for recruiters to check before exploring possible job candidates further. In addition, it also provides a fairly comprehensive database of potential candidates that recruiters can search by specifying desired keywords.

Because, for professionals and executives, LI is now so critical to getting their next job, they are naturally very sensitive to how they present themselves in the summary section. And when they do a Google search on how to write the summary they may find advice and examples that run counter to how they want to present themselves.

This link will show you the typical recommendations and examples career-minded individuals will see when they look to the Web for advice on writing the summary:

http://www.businessinsider.com/what-to-say-in-your-linkedin-summary-statement-2014-12

LinkedIn best practice for writing the summary is to use the first person singular, that is, use "I" throughout as opposed to "Ms Jones" or using the hidden 3rd person voice such as we use in resumes ("Worked for 20+ years...") So what's the problem?

Some people are just plain uncomfortable with the more personal tone of the first person voice. They may also feel that use of the first person "I" places too much focus on the self and is not modest enough in tone. Does that mean that they should bite the bullet and go out there in public with an expression that feels unnatural, uncomfortable, or even inappropriate to them? No, of course not.

That being said, there are good reasons for using the personal "I" voice. It can invite the reader in to get to know you. It can convey personality, character, and other elements of your personal brand much more easily and naturally than the more impersonal, distancing voice of the 3rd person "he/she" or the more formal resume voice.

Summaries using "I" are more apt to be interesting and engaging. That is good! As in every other type of communication including ads, articles, movies, and TV shows, the personal and the emotional "sells." Even if you inject just a little more engaging direct and self-revelatory content into your LinkedIn profile, the recruiter who finds you on LI may become more interested in you and more motivated to read on.

Done sloppily, the first person LI summary can of course turn off the recruiter who may view the tone too informal or too personal.

Tricky, huh?

So, on the horns of the dilemma, this is what I recommend. Use the first person "I" in your LI summary if:

a) You can do it skillfully, professionally, and engagingly. If not, revert to one of the other options.

b) You feel comfortable doing it. If not, revert to one of the other options.

If you choose the more formal approach for writing a LinkedIn profile, you may be giving up some competitive advantage. But probably not so much that it’s worth being ill at ease with how you present yourself. Good luck with this!

If you have trouble, contact me at [email protected] or another professional LinkedIn profile writer for help.

Cross-posted at http://www.aResumeForToday.com/high-tech-resumes/

 

 

Triggers and Talking Points

A few weeks ago, I was standing in the lobby of a branch bank depositing a small insurance refund. When it was my turn, I indicated to the teller I wasn’t sure how to process the check and needed his guidance. Another bank representative who came over to help the teller very matter-of-factly stated: Write your mother’s name on the back of the check and then state deceased after it. Of course the bank professional was doing her job and apparently, I did mine…I started crying like a baby. Both the teller and the bank representative looked at me like I had 12 heads.

I apologized.

I am sorry.

I cannot do this today.

I am not ready to write “deceased” after my mother’s name.

The bank representative did it for me.

Check deposited.

All done.

Have a great day I was told.

When I got back to my car, I sat there thinking: “What’s up with you, Sucher?” Are you going crazy? Are you losing it? Nope, not crazy at all I proclaimed to self; I was simply missing my precious Mom. I was grieving her loss. I was not ready to write “deceased” on anything including the back of that silly check. This week, I am prepared to do such a thing – a few weeks ago, no way.

Triggers. Words. Actions. Things that get us going.

I have worked with hundreds and hundreds of individuals who have lost their jobs. One of the many things we focus on is “Interview when you are ready.”

Interview when you are ready means that you are fully prepared to address the job loss.

Interview when you are ready means that you can talk about the person who fired you with positivity.

Interview when you are ready means that you won’t go to the interview and start crying when a particular word, phrase or question is presented to you.

Interview when you are ready means that you are emotionally ready to talk about your past, your present, your future.

Interview when you are ready means that you can manage an interview conversation so that it works for you, not against you.

Interview when you are ready means that you will keep it together instead of fall apart when you talk about your job loss experience.

Are you ready to interview?

Job Search: Supposed to Fire My Imagination

Last Saturday as I was planting flowers along the sidewalk of our home, our youngest daughter joined me. She proceeded to say "There’s something your husband doesn’t want you to know." And I said “Really – what am I not supposed to know?”

It’s about the Rolling Stones.

And how he doesn’t want you to know they are going to be in Kansas City.

In June.

June 27.

Arrowhead Stadium.

I kept digging.

Well, thank you for that information.

I started humming a Stones tune.

So, so many Rolling Stones songs that relate to life and love and loss or even job search – in fact, just about everything.

Take these lyrics, for instance:

When I’m drivin’ in my car

And that man comes on the radio

And he’s tellin’ me more and more

About some useless information

Supposed to fire my imagination

 Can you guess the song title?

A.      Time Is On My Side

B.      It’s All Over Now

C.      (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction

D.      Beast of Burden

E.      You Can’t Always Get What You Want

As a job seeker, are you getting what you want? Is your job search going the way you thought it would? Have you been learning valuable information to help fire your imagination? Here are some basic career questions to consider:

1.       Who are you and who are you not?

2.       What do you want and what do you not want?

3.       What are your assets and what are your liabilities?

4.       Why should an employer hire you? Why should an employer not hire you?

5.       When are you available to start a new job?

6.       Where do you wish to live and work?

7.       How invested are you in the transition process and what, if anything, are you willing to sacrifice to achieve your new goal?

8.       How much money will it take for an employer to hire you?

cross-posted billiesucherblog

What Story Does YOUR Resume Tell and Will It Work?

Read through your current resume with an objective eye - what story does it tell? Here are some of the stories I've seen in people's resumes:

- I had a lot of authority in my jobs before 2005 but since then not so much

- I stuck with one job for 10 years back in the '90s but have had really short 1-2 year stints since 2005

- I have a ton of technical skills and am a real hands-on techie (Problem is that resume is meant to apply to Project Manager, Program Manager, Director/Sr. Director of IT, VP of IT, even CIO jobs)

- I've got titles all over the map and am not clear on which one I'm seeking next

- I've got a ton of numbers showing 20 quantitative achievements in my jobs

- I've got odd titles that are not industry standard and I'm not sure how they translate to other companies

These are just a few of the stories I see constantly in people's resumes. And there is a problem with every single one of them. The problem is that the recruiter isn't interested in these stories and may well be put off by them.

If one of these is the story your resume tells, don't despair! These stories and others can all be rewritten to construct a story that will appeal to a recruiter for your target job.

What kind of stories will a recruiter be looking for? It depends on the target job, but may go something like this:

- I've got the title(s) and skills you (the recruiter) lists in the job ad and am supremely qualified for the job

- In every job, I've had one overriding achievement showing what I contributed to the company at the macro level

- I'm a consistent high achiever and you can count on that continuing in my next job

- I am differentiated from the competition by [this will vary by person and is part of their brand]. Here are a few sample differentiators: Ability to turn around under-performing groups/companies; Ability to drive organizational, technological, and/or culture change; High level specialized certifications; MBA or coursework at leading business and computer science schools; A specialty in entrepreneurial situations; The list could go on and on and the differentiator is as unique as you are

- I have a  passion for [name your passion] and, by exercising it in my job, I was able to produce [fill in] results in every role

-  I thrive in high pressure, deadline-driven environment and love the hard challenges

- I uniquely cross boundaries between technology and business strategy to make IT a strategic business partner and profit center

This is just a sampling of possible stories that would appeal to a recruiter depending on the job. And you will need to be sensitive to the specific kinds of stories desired for the specific job.

This process of developing your story may seem foreign to you and your stories difficult to figure out. If so, don't hesitate to call on a professional resume writer who understands strategy in resume writing and can help you identify your story, the one that will appeal to a recruiter for your target job.

Good luck and let me know how it goes in converting your resume story to a recruiter-attracting one!

Cross-posted on http://www.aResumeForToday.com/high-tech-resumes/

 

 

What's the #1 Way to Get a Job in Corporate America?

If you answer the question below correctly and act on its implications, you are well on your way to a great job! Here it is:

"What is the #1 source of hire for corporate America?"

a) Job boards

b) Employee Referrals

c) Executive Recruiters

d) Career Site

The right answer is b! See CareerXroads Source of Hire Study for the details. The fact that employee referrals offers you your best chance to get a great job has profound implications for your job search. It means that if you are spending most of your time on job boards, you are not searching efficiently. It also means that if you ignore this channel, you are giving up on your biggest advantage.

Here are some of my recommendations:

• Track your time to see if the largest percentage of time you spend on job search is spent on tapping into employee referral networks at the companies you are interested in targeting. If it is not, do an in-course correction.
• If you see a job posted on a job board you want to apply to, go ahead through the specified channels and submit your ATS-friendly (Applicant Tracking System-friendly) resume and cover letter. BUT, at the same time, tap into your networks to find someone within the company to connect with - the ultimate goal being an employee referral.
• Ask the employee if they feel they know enough about you to refer you - and make sure they have your excellent branded executive resume. If they say they do, then request that they hand deliver your resume with their referral to the manager who would be directing you in the job. (HR will already have your resume from their system.)
• If you don't know of a job opening but are interested in working for a specific company, go through the process above anyway. This is a fabulous way to job search! If the senior manager is even thinking about hiring, you have a huge advantage. Getting in before a job hits the job boards gives you tremendously better odds.

I will be writing more on where to find employee referrals and what to say in my next blog post. Stay tuned!

Cross-posted at http://www.aResumeForToday.com/high-tech-resumes/

 

Job Interviews: To Tell the Truth

 

Are you watching "The Bachelor?" I haven't watched it for years until a couple of weeks ago when I stumbled upon a television scene that looked remarkably like Des Moines, Iowa and lo and behold – it was! Then I discovered this year’s “Bachelor” is from Iowa. On that particular episode, Chris Soules and his entourage were in Des Moines at the West End Salvage, among other places. The end of the show that evening was a teaser for what was yet to come the following Monday night: Will Jade reveal her dark secrets? 

And yes, she did.

And yes, she did not get a rose.

And yes, "The Bachelor" walked her to the limo. Bye-bye.   

The whole scenario got me to thinking about a job candidate’s “dark secrets” and what to say, what not to say in an interview. I was reminded of a line attorney/law enforcement clients have referenced through the years during practice interview sessions:

Anything you say can and will be used against you...

Who knows why Jade didn’t get a rose. Maybe it had everything to do with her past and maybe it had nothing at all to do with it -- much like employers making decisions about candidates interviewing for a job. Who knows why one candidate is in and the other is out.

When you go to a job interview, do you talk too much? Do you say too much? Do you tell all? Do you tell the truth? How do you know when enough information is enough? Do you have “dark secrets” that have kept you from getting a job? Or, have you just “put it out there” with transparency and openness and whatever happens, happens?

If you are job hunting and have “secrets” from your past, how have you dealt with them in a job interview? What tips might you offer job candidates on how to manage pieces of your past you’d rather not talk about?

Resume Writing Transformation: From Stress to Success

Let’s say your car stalls on the interstate. Know how to fix it?

Let’s say your tooth gets knocked out. Know how to fix it?

Let’s say you are getting sued by your employer for breaking your non-compete. Know what to do next?

Let’s say you want to re-roof your residence? Know how to do that?

Let’s say you want to serve cake on your wedding day? Know how to bake it?

While many tasks are of a do-it-yourself (DIY) variety, for some, trying to write a first-class résumé is akin to shingling your own house, fixing your own tooth, representing yourself in court, repairing your own car, or baking your own wedding cake. Could you possibly do all of these things? Perhaps. Or perhaps it makes more sense in the long run to engage the services of someone who knows what they are doing – be it roofing, résumé writing or whipping up a wedding cake.

Here is a specific story to illustrate how one man’s résumé writing stress was transformed into résumé writing success – just like that. While I could share hundreds of similar stories, the following résumé writing story is one of my favorites. “Benjamin” owned a profitable business here in the Midwest. He decided after 25+ years of business ownership that he wanted to move to a warmer climate. As part of the job search process, he built a résumé from an online template. No problem. His daughter, a bright young college student majoring in English reviewed it, followed by a once-over by a few trusted colleagues. No problem.

He submitted his résumé via U.S. mail to the hiring manager. His qualifications, in his opinion, perfectly matched the employer’s requirements. When he did not hear back from the company, he followed up to see if the job was still open. It was. And to him, that was a problem. A Chamber contact referred him to me for “an opinion” on his résumé. We didn’t do a couple of minor changes – we did a total overhaul of his existing résumé document. He resubmitted the new résumé to the same hiring manager and the very day it was received, Benjamin got a phone call: “When can you be here to interview with us?” He did not mention the prior résumé submission, nor did the hiring manager bring it up. Bottom line, the newly created résumé opened the door just like that and ultimately, Benjamin got the job.  

Can you do your own résumé? Sure. Absolutely. No question about it.

Can your DIY résumé generate results for you? I certainly hope so!  

Perhaps, though, if your DIY résumé is not working for you, maybe you will do what Ben did.  Ask around.  Get a referral. Fix your résumé. Snag an interview. And get hired -- sometimes, just like that! 

Do You Have the Requisite Qualifications To Be An Outstanding Job Seeker?

I love the conversations I have with clients. I love the questions they ask -- questions such as: “So, what are some good qualities of a job seeker?” If you had to create a job description for today’s job seeker, how would you write it? What would you include? Here are some thoughts – what do you think? 

TITLE:  Job Seeker

Position Type:  Full Time, M-F -- frequent wknds.

Job ID/Tracking Code:  URIT24-7

Job Requirements:

• High sense of urgency, focused, goal-driven professional who is unstoppable in exploring opportunities that meet/exceed expectations.

• Superior organizational skills in managing and juggling multiple tasks and priorities.

• Mastery of job search techniques and tactics.

• Prefer candidate who is coachable and willing to assimilate world-class career management strategy.

• Proven knowledge of the career transition process; ideal candidate will be a an open-minded transitioner who readily grasps the nuances of today’s business climate and culture.

• Verification of educational credentials including highest level of education attained to date, as well as certifications, designations, and licensure.  

• Strong time management skills with a disciplined approach to executing day-to-day tasks.

• Comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainly and willingly embraces change to achieve rigorous goals.

• Problem-solver who can identify unmet needs and provide a myriad of solutions, all of which work equally well regardless of circumstance and objective.

• Intensely competitive and aggressive in pursuing new business in both saturated and untapped local, regional, national and/or global markets.

• Relationship builder who is undeterred by rejection, negativity, general rudeness or lack of professionalism.

• Possess steadfast ability to overcome obstacles and objections/concerns of the hiring manager/recruiter/decision-maker.

• Attentive listener who is inquisitive, curious and asks appropriate questions in a professional manner.

• Mindful, intentional and purposeful in interactions with all levels of personnel.

• Technically savvy / computer literate with multiple software applications.

• Cognizant of social media usage and application.

• Commitment to building and updating a compelling LinkedIn profile.

• Appreciation for brevity in written and verbal communications with emphasis on relevance and essence of the message.

• Knowledge of Twitter with an ability to create a tweet if asked to do so in a job interview.

• Solid negotiation skills in securing the highest price for the sale of multiple KSAs.

• Demonstrates proper levels of patience in waiting to hear something or anything from decision-makers regarding application and/or interview status.

• Demonstrates self-advocacy as needed.

• Must be willing to travel, sometimes with little notice, to demonstrate product features and benefits of value to diverse audiences.

• Must thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, competitive environment with minimal direction, minimal supervision and 100% positivity and hustle.

• Can articulate work experience, be it job loss, job hopping or other job-related transitions in a clear, concise and succinct manner in order to not compromise or jeopardize your candidacy.

• Must be persuasive in convincing listeners that your brand is the single best brand of choice – one worthy of a job offer.

• Professional in interactions and/or presentations: face-to-face, small group or large group presentations in a host of calm or chaotic environments.

• Skilled in creating and delivering PowerPoint presentations, as needed, to illustrate competencies in desired field of employment.

• Expresses thought(s) with humility and confidence: “I need your help.”

• Willingness to build a vibrant career transition team to move forward in your new beginning.

• Has a forgiving heart for the person(s) who terminated, downsized or fired you.

• Passion for learning and applying job search content as quickly as possible.

• Practices interview skills prior to attending a formal job interview, networking interview or informational interview.

• Can distill incoming information, integrating what makes sense and dismissing what doesn’t to expedite job search success.

• Proficient in letting go of thoughts/things holding you back or keeping you stuck.

• Ability to name that which keeps you awake at night and identify a coping mechanism to better manage it.

• Remains calm under pressure and appears comfortable in responding to behavioral types of questions and/or random questions such as “If you were a horse, what kind would you be and why” and/or “If a computer forensic expert investigated your laptop, what is the worst thing she will uncover?”

• Performs timely follow-up with employers and remains in contact throughout the duration of the interview cycle, inception to completion.

• Must be confident, collaborative and affable in conversations with boards, hiring managers, human resources, recruiters, owners, key decision makers, stakeholders, partners and all other levels of personnel, entry to executive level.

• Must be a quick, agile, analytical and decisive thinker in responding to a broad array of comments/questions from multiple individuals and sources.

• Establishes a brand/brand message to optimize brand awareness and open new doors of opportunity.

• Possesses an in-depth knowledge of today’s resume writing success strategy.

• Can readily grasp the concept of Applicant Tracking systems used in the hiring process.

• Remains in a constant state of preparedness and readiness to discuss your personal brand and value proposition to maximize opportunities and offers.

• Maintains job search equipment: mobile devices, landlines, computers, and tablets in pristine working condition. Will also employ the use of writing instruments, notepads, and personally branded business cards as needed.

• Must possess professional attire suitable for multiple interviews with the same organization.

• Will identify a work area in which to conduct job search activities, free of interruptions and distractions, to afford peak performance on a daily basis.

• Must avoid smoking / drinking alcoholic beverages before and during an interview.

• Well-versed and authentic in delivering a genuine response to FAQs such as “Tell Me About Yourself.”

• Will track and record information/data regarding leads, ideas and networking connections.

• Can work independently to achieve desired results and interact as a team member with networks, connections, and contacts.

• High tolerance for submitting applications with limited or no response/feedback unless otherwise indicated while preserving a positive demeanor. 

• Self-directed, self-motivator with a clear sense of self and 100% commitment to the job search process.

• Skilled in planning, organizing and executing a state-of-the-art job search campaign to generate opportunities of interest.

• Strong work ethic in innovating, initiating and implementing a results-driven career management program which will add value to target organizations.

• Constantly reviews and monitors job search activities and accountabilities to identify areas for continuous improvement.

• Wildly passionate and energetic with limitless initiative; impeccable character; flawless integrity.

• Refrains from lying, cheating or embellishing credentials on paper and/or in person.

• Credible and competent in the eyes of competition, customers, clients, co-workers and citizens in your community.

• Proven record of giving, serving and helping others succeed during both upswings and downturns in the market place.

• Exhibits consistency and perseverance in performing job search tasks on a daily basis until acceptance of a formal job offer.

• Consistently conveys thanks, appreciation and gratitude to those who play a part in your job search journey to success.

Start Date: Immediate

Next Steps: UP2U2DeCiDe

Brands, Bling and Job Interview Things

Suppose that you have been invited to a face-to-face interview after doing a superb job in your phone interview. Suppose that a 15-member selection committee will be present to witness your 60-minute PowerPoint presentation. Suppose that someone you trust suggests removing your large wedding ring that contains two carats of fabulous bling. Suppose that you did, though you wondered why.

Suppose that you are a trial lawyer who has retired. Suppose that you cannot stand the “monotony of doing nothing” (trial lawyer’s words) and that you pursue a job that will get you out of the house and make a few bucks to boot. Suppose that you are wearing a monogrammed shirt and cuff links to an interview for a job paying about $35,000. Suppose that a trusted confidante suggests that you wear a dress shirt minus the monogram and cuff links. Suppose you heed her counsel and immediately snag the job.

Suppose that you are a teenager or college student who wants a job at your local ice cream shop for the summer. Suppose that you roll up in your Mom’s Mercedes for the 20-minute interview. Suppose that the ice cream shop owner asks you the year of your Mercedes and you tell him it’s new. Suppose that the shop owner says he is going to give the job to someone who doesn’t drive a Mercedes. Suppose that you drive to another ice cream shop in your brother’s beater car and get offered a job on the spot.

Suppose that you are a successful executive waiting in the prospective employer’s lobby for the hiring manager to greet you for a job interview. Suppose that you are finishing up one of your favorite author’s romantic novels. Suppose you are holding the book in your hands when the Hiring Manager calls your name and offers “Ah, I see you like smut” to which you state you don’t consider that particular author a writer of such. Suppose the interview never gets back on track. Suppose that in your next interview you wait patiently for the manager to welcome you – no controversial book in hand.

Suppose that you received a new bottle of the hottest cologne of the season for your birthday. Suppose that you went to a job interview and the corporate recruiter asked “So who are you wearing” to which you replied the name of a clothing line. The recruiter tells you he is not talking about your attire, he is talking about your cologne and oh, by the way, the hiring manager is allergic to a lot of scents – gets a nasty headache.

Before you go to a job interview, ask yourself these two questions:

1. What, if anything, am I wearing, doing, or sharing that could compromise my candidacy?

2. When I exit the interview, how do I wish to be remembered?

2015's Top Job Search Trend - in One Word

Planning on looking for a new job in 2015? Here's the one word to keep top of mind:

ONLINE

O: Over 90% of recruiters use LinkedIn to source and vet candidates | Over 80% use social media sites like Facebook or Twitter to rule applicants OUT

N: Neglect building your online footprint at your peril | Unless you have a robust online footprint, you will be disadvantaged in the job search over candidates who do

L: Love your job and want to keep it? Stay abreast of the trends in your industry, keep learning to keep up, and watch the career moves and ongoing training of your peers online

I: Innovate on the job so you can write about it in your LIP (LinkedIn profile), on your website, in tweets, on Facebook, or display it on Youtube and Pinterest | Bring something distinctive to the table

N: Never give up the job search! There is always something you haven't tried in the world of online job search | There's also a world of potential contacts and ways to connect with hiring managers and employees online

E: Engage with people in your function or industry space online by responding to their online activity and getting the word out about your professional interests

Want to get started? Go beyond your executive resume.  Build your LIP to 100% complete. Go to About.me and build your profile there. Then go to ZoomInfo and do it again. After that, you can be endlessly creative in building your brand through words, pictures, slides, videos, and infographics on many different sites.

Want to also try something new? Explore SwitchApp.com by Apple - very cool. And keep an eye on LinkedIn's new acquisition: Bright. Also: Wiseword, RaiseYourFlag, and CareerSushi. Good luck!

More on LinkedIn profile writing on my site.

Here is an interesting and relevant post on my blog:

Social media job search

Good luck!

Cross posted at aResumeForToday.com/high-tech-resumes/

 

35 Questions If You Are In the Midst of a Career Transition

“You have brains in your head.

You have feet in your shoes.

You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.

You’re on your own.

And you know what you know.

You are the guy who’ll decide where to go.”

~ Dr. Seuss

Recently, one of my clients asked:  “So are there any specific questions you could give me that would help me think about what career I “should” pursue at this point? Before meeting you, I took some tests/assessments and so far, I am still confused.” I have been thinking about “Jed’s” question since he asked it. Listed below are 35 questions for you to consider if you are in the midst of a career transition:

What do you most like to do in the workplace?

With whom do you prefer to work?

Where do you prefer to live geographically?

What are your best skills?

What type of work interests you?

What have you always wanted to do workwise?

What, if any, additional training would you like to pursue?

Of the many skills you possess, which do you like the best and enjoy the most?

Describe your ideal job in detail.

Describe your ideal “boss.”

What are your salary expectations?

What is the going rate for your skillset (per three reliable resources).

What are your primary interests?

What values define you?

What needs some work as it relates to you and your brand?

How did you get from there to here in your career?

In the 7^th grade, how did you answer this question:  When I grow up, I want to be a ____________.

In high school, how did you answer this question: When I grow up, I want to be a ______________.

If you attended technical school/college/graduate school, how did you answer this question: When I grow up, I want to be a _________________.

And now, as an experienced worker, what is your response to this question: When I grow up, I want to be a _______________________.

Looking back, what, if anything, might you have done differently?

What choices are you struggling with/wresting with now?

If you could “start over” this very minute, what would you do?

What are the biggest concerns an employer will have about your current credentials?

What do you think you were built to do occupationally?

What’s in your DNA as it relates to the world of work?

How are you hardwired?

Who are your biggest fans and supporters right now?

What headline would you most like to see on your LinkedIn Profile?

What are you not interested in doing occupationally?

What are your three to five favorite skills of the hundreds of skills you possess?

Who does a job / occupation that is of interest to you and why?

What is your definition of “career success?”

What keywords would you choose to search for a job on Indeed.com?

If you could wave a magic wand and voilà, do the job of your dreams, what would you be doing and what job title would appear on your new business card?

If an employer asked you to submit a “tweet bio,” what would yours say?

If you attended a 250-person dinner party and presented a speech titled I Need Your Help Finding a New Opportunity as a (an) ___________________(job title) using these skills:  1. ____________  2. ___________ 3.____________4.______________ 5.___________________ in the city/state of _______________________________ with an employer involved in the ___________________ industry, what would attendees hear from you?

Example: I Need Your Helping Finding a New Opportunity as an Outplacement Consultant using skills of 1. Career Counseling 2. Training 3. Resume Writing 4. Public Speaking and 5. Interview Coaching in Houston, Texas with an employer involved in the energy industry.

With crayons and paper, draw your ideal job and give your drawing a caption/job title.  What, if anything, have you learned about yourself? 

 

 

 

 

 

Four of the Most Powerful Words in a Job Search

Here is a question for you: can you guess four of the most powerful words in a job search? From the following choices, A, B, C, or D, which answer would you choose as the correct one?

A.    Will you hire me?

B.    What is the problem? 

C.    Give me a break.

D.    None of the above.

So, which answer did you choose: A, B, C, or D? While all four answers could be said at some point in your search, I’d go with D – none of the above. And here’s why. After working with hundreds and hundreds of job seekers, I have come to believe with a vast amount of conviction that four of the most powerful words in job search are these:  I need your help.

I need your help is something that – according to many job seekers I have helped -- requires courage. And humility. And vulnerability. It requires setting aside pride and ego – for the moment, anyway – to say words you might not want to say as a job seeker: I need your help.

As a counselor to those in career transition, clients have taught me that it takes much courage to state with clarity and confidence: I need your help. When I inquire as to why it takes so much courage and humility to say “I need your help,” I am often told that “a weak person says such things – not a strong person.”

“I don’t want to be perceived as a weak candidate.” 

“I don’t want people to think less of me.” 

“I don’t want people to think I am a loser or something.”

“I don’t want people to think I don’t have it together.” 

Today is the day to forget about pride and ego and weakness and being a loser. Today is the day to reach out to those in your network and say with sureness and certainty:  I need your help.

And a crazy thing happens.

You get help.

You get a job. 

Five Résumé Questions That Need “Yes” Answers Before You Hit Send

Getting ready to blast your résumé into the black hole of cyberspace? Wonder if your résumé will get noticed? Wonder if anyone, anyone will pay any attention to your story?

Here are five very specific questions to ask yourself before you send your résumé to anyone – whether it’s your Mama, your BFF, your lawyer or a prospective employer:

 

 

 

1. Will the reader know within one second your pertinent contact information?

            Yes_____        No_____

2. Will the reader know within one second what you want to do occupationally?

            Yes_____        No_____

3. Will the reader know within three seconds why you are a strong contender for the job?

            Yes_____        No_____

4. Do you love your existing résumé?

            Yes_____        No_____

5. Is your résumé visually appealing?  

            Yes_____        No_____

 

If you answered “yes” to the five questions stated above, you are good to go. However, if you cannot answer a definitive “yes” to these five basic questions, back to the drawing board for further revision of your résumé.

In short, make it easy for the hiring manager to connect with your presentation. The easier you make it for readers to grasp you and your story within seconds, the likelier it is you will achieve the results you desire.

Transitions: Making Sense of Life's Changes

Transitions. I am “supposed” to know a lot about them.

Transitions. I am a professional who teaches others about them.

Transitions. I am certified in William Bridges’ transition model.

Transitions…mind benders for sure, though I have not seen mind+bender associated in any literature to describe transitions.

For me, 2014 was a year of transition. Our youngest daughter and I were counting the number of people close to us that we lost: 14. 2014 was filled with move-outs, move-ins and relocations. Transitions – the kind where you step up and do what you don’t want to do – put your precious mother into nursing home care because it is what is needed, not what is wanted. Transitions – when you watch your spouse and his business partner sell a business that they started three-plus decades ago and decide that it’s time to move on.  

Transitions. Making sense of life’s changes.

I thought I knew quite a bit about this thing called transition, though I must say I have found myself wondering if I really know much at all. Teaching is one thing; experiencing yet another. Facts are one thing; emotions quite another. Transition -- it seems so much easier to talk about it than to live it and breathe it. And while my word for 2014 was equanimity, in hindsight, perhaps “transitions” would have been a more accurate word choice to represent the year. As this New Year gets underway, the word “resilience” is lingering here with me. Though that is not the one word I chose for 2015, it is a solid word. Maybe it will be my back-up word just in case my present pick doesn’t work out or something. Or maybe you will like the word resilience enough to choose it as your one word for the year.

In 2015, I wish you enough resilience to carry you through the transitions of life, sprinkled with a heap of halcyon and a dash of equanimity as you find your way forward.

Wishing you good health, peace, happiness, and prosperity in 2015.