Back to the Future

Just as sure as springtime is a new beginning and April showers bring May flowers, a creative, well crafted resume and a job search strategy that is focused on the prize and monitored on a regular basis will go a long way towards getting a stagnant career to blossom once again.

Recently a HR client of mine referred a good friend of his to me, a world-renowned Organization Development consultant who needed help revising his $699 ‘The Ladders’ resume that was barely getting traction in his job search.

In getting to know one another I asked him to describe what an OD does in one sentence. Without flinching he told me, "I help companies, teams and individuals to change their present state into a desired future state."

When I heard this it struck a chord in me that what he does for his clients as an OD is what I do for my clients as a resume writer and job transition coach.

And how does an OD get results. By conducting a case study talking to the parties involved from the CEO on down, and asking them to take off their rose-colored glasses for a few minutes and take an unbiased look at their goals, their strategy to meet these goals, and the tools they are using to reach them. The key to their success is in knowing how to ask the hard question - do you feel you will reach your goal doing what you’re doing, or is it time for a change? Once they establish a rapport and obtain the information they need, they collaborate to make the necessary changes to either reach or reassess the desired end results.

For those of you who can not afford a coach or have yet to see the value of an unbiased outsider’s professional opinion I suggest you honestly reassess your resume and search strategy and ask yourself the hard question – “Am I getting the results I want?” If you are not, here are 10 suggestions to help change your less than sought-after present into the bright future you eagerly desire.

1: Stop wasting precious time on job boards and start networking for 25 hours or more each week. The bottom line is unless you’re in the Top 15% of the available talent in your field, or supply & demand in your line of work lies in your favor you are likely to be lost in cyberspace; especially if your resume shows you to be much less talented than you are.

2: Stop sending emails, texting and reaching out to people electronically. To truly communicate with people and showcase your skills and your passion you must use the phone or Skype and start a verbal dialogue. There is a place for email, texting, blogging, twittering and making new friends on Linked-in, Facebook and other social media sites. Nothing replaces a 1-on-1 conversion for making a lasting impact and getting others to advocate on your behalf.

3: Look objectively at your current resume and see if it is the resume you truly desire, or is it just the best that you could write. If you find it lacking reach out to trusted colleagues in your field and get in contact with professional resume writers, HR people and business decision makers you may know and ask them for their opinions and suggestions.

4: Color code job postings of jobs you are interested in before you submit a resume. This will help you customize the resume for that job and double your chances of being called for an interview. If you don't know how to do this you can email me at Perry@perrynewman.com for a PPT presentation on this topic.

5: Whatever you do in your job search, give it your all. Don’t depend on others to do the hard work for you. My mother told me, and I sure she was not alone in giving this piece of advice, “If you want something done how you want it and when you want it – Do-It-Yourself.”

6: Throughout your job search you must honestly assess your motives, goals and efforts, and decide whether you need professional help or if can go it alone. For some job searches are like a common cold that will cure itself in a week or in 7 days with some aspirin or OTC medication that is easily accessible. For most people today it is like a torn ACL or severely pulled hamstring that needs to be diagnosed and treated by a physician or physical therapist, and if left untreated it will only get worse and take up to 10 times as long to properly heal, if it heals properly at all.

7: If you don't feel it is worth making an investment in yourself, how can you justify thinking an unknown employer should make an investment in you?

8. If you are seeking job in a profession that appreciates creativity and your resume is not performing up to expectations, I suggest you look into what I call a Bio-Rez format. You can view a few sample resumes at http://www.perrynewman.com.

9: Stay positive and realize that your being out of work has more to do with the state of economy than your abilities

10: If you want a free coaching session you can contact me. Offer is good until May 31, 2010.

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Author:

Perry Newman, CPC CSMS is a nationally recognized executive resume writer, career coach, AIPC certified recruiter and SMMU certified social media strategist known for his ability to help his clients get results. You can view sample resumes at http://www.perrynewman.com and email him your resume at perry@perrynewman.com for FREE telephone resume critique.

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Job Seeker What If's...

Do you have any what if's in your life? Is the 'what if' question part of your DNA? Are you a frequent 'asker' of this question? Listed below are some what if's for you to consider as your job hunt journey progresses...

What if you replaced fear with focus?

What if you focused on opportunities instead of obstacles?

What if you created a resume from scratch instead of a template?

What if you realized that the risk would lead you to the reward?

What if you squelched a negative attitude with a positive one?

What if you dreamed big or little dreams instead of no dreams at all?

What if you decided to just go for it and see where the river takes you?

What if you kept every promise that you ever made to yourself, or others?

What if you got some good career help instead of feeling helpless?

What if you doubled the amount of time you devote to your job search?

What if you contemplated hope over hopelessness?

What if you were happy with what you have vs. what you don't?

What if you helped someone who's in a worse 'fix' than you?

What if you reached out to people over retreating from connections that care?

What if you set a small goal to strive for each and every day?

What if you made that extra phone call, even when you don't 'feel like it'?

What if you applied to five jobs per day instead of one or none per week?

What if you acknowledged 'I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired"?

What if you built a team of raving fans instead of 'fishing' the pond alone?

What if you let go of what has 'passed' and looked onward to the future?

What if you exhibited immense gratitude over a poor attitude?

What if you built a business or investigated the merits of buying one?

What if you attended one more networking event instead of staying home -- again?

What if you abandon the excuses to aggressively pursue the exceptions?

What if you pressed on with a 'can do' mentality over a 'can't do' mantra?

What if you pursued meaningful work instead of looked for a job?

What if you tapped into your imagination for ideas and innovations?

What if you completed the task today that you are putting off until tomorrow?

What if you believed there's no limit to what you can do, if only you'd do it?

What if _______________________________________________________?

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What To Do When You REALLY Can't Get a Job...

If, despite conducting an advanced job search with a great branded resume, you still can't get a job in your chosen field/function, the options below are worth considering. Short on time? Skim the bolded areas below to get the gist of these 3 strategies.

1. KNOW WHERE THE JOBS ARE IN YOUR FIELD AND REDIRECT YOUR CAREER TOWARDS THEM. Do research to uncover the areas of high-demand and the areas that will languish going forward. Consider getting a relevant certification or doing an internship in the growth area.

In IT, there are areas where hiring is expected to be strong and areas where the jobs may be gone forever. The Hackett Group is recommending that companies not hire back laid-off system admins and support staff, but rather outsource those jobs to other countries where the pay scales are lower. Someone called me last week and told me that his job in IT - inside sales - was being offshored to India. So a job that he assumed was secure turned out not to be.

Areas of projected high growth in IT are Security, Healthcare IT, Global Wireless, Virtualization Software, Business Analytics, SaaS. Can you get qualified to work in one of these specialty areas?

2. CHANGE YOUR CAREER & GET CERTIFIED IN A NEW FIELD. You may or may not be ready for a radical change, but sometimes, to transition to a growth sector and start paying the bills, there is a solution that would enable you to get a good job with good-enough pay (depending on your requirements) after only a few months or, in some cases, a year or more of study and internship. (A year of studying beats a year of knocking your head against the wall going to job fairs and sending out resumes.)

Review your local community college's certification programs. Inquire into its career placement program and its ties to local businesses that may be hungry for graduates of the certification programs. These certifications often came about because of the dearth of skilled employees in those areas and business demand for employees in the region.

There are certifications in many areas, including public safety and homeland security, human resources, and auditing. To stay in IT, you can increase your eligibility for IT jobs in healthcare by getting a healthcare IT certification. Hiring in this area can be expected to be strong as healthcare delivery becomes increasingly IT-dependent.

This is a sample of my local community college's offerings: there is a new Energy Utility Technology Certificate Program meant to help meet the "urgent, long-term need" of utilities for these specialists. Utility SmartGrid initiatives will be requiring IT employees and others. Biotechnology Technician is another certification that is offered that, like the energy certification, requires an internship, giving you real-world, valuable experience with an employer that would give you an edge in hiring. Computer Forensics Certification. Dental Assisting. Many others.

Earning a valued healthcare certification may help you change your career. As the population of aging Americans grows, more services will be needed. There are many clinical-professional as well as administrative certifications in healthcare. Some in-demand jobs with certifications are: MRI technologist, radiation therapist, and nuclear medicine technologist. There are other certifications that promise to be growth areas as boomers age such as Certified Life Care Planner and Certified Life Care Manager, as well as Medicare Set-Aside Certified Consultant.

3. GET CREATIVE, FOLLOW YOUR PASSION, AND CHANNEL YOUR INNER ENTREPRENEUR. On NPR's "On Point" radio program on "Life After Layoffs," the discussion centered around a film, "Lemonade," about what the laid-off executives of a Manhattan ad agency went on to do when it was clear there were no jobs for them. One exec profiled turned his avocation into his vocation. He left Manhattan for a studio upstate and now sells enough of his paintings to live well in a less-expensive region. (The strategy of reducing your expenses and/or changing your lifestyle is one that can help you make the transition away from a big paycheck and towards a more meaningful career.) One exec became a yoga and holistic health counselor. Another became a career reinvention coach. One caller took his passion for European car parts and turned it into an Internet business.

Many people's successful alternative careers are heavily dependent on technology for making products and on the Internet for selling products and services.

Wired Magazine (Feb. 2010) predicts that a new industrial revolution is in the making "in an age of open source, custom-fabricated, DIY product design." Now that individuals are able, without a high capital outlay, to use computers and 3-D printers to design and prototype new products and then outsource custom, "small-batch" manufacturing to China, many small entrepreneurs are successfully bringing their products to market. Some examples? A kit car manufacturer. A company that makes accessories that interface with Lego blocks. Bike components. Customer furniture. Noise-canceling wireless headsets. If you have a great idea for a new product, you may be able to grow a business from your garage.

IN SUMMARY. If you are out of work and feel out of options, these new directions might spark an idea for you that could result in a rewarding new career. With the fast pace of technological change, the vicissitudes of the market, and an increasingly global economy, it makes sense for everyone - jobless or not - to be thinking about having an ace up their sleeve and an idea about how to adapt to "what's next."

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The 4 P's to Tell Me About Yourself

You know the question is coming in a job interview.

So... tell me a little bit about yourself.

But are you prepared to deliver a memorable introduction on the fly when you are introduced to the right contact at say a restaurant?

It in fact happened to me the other day, and I'll confess I didn't have my A game on.

I was having lunch with a recruiter about the upcoming Speed Networking Event in Virginia on Tuesday 10/27, and he realized one of the persons at the table across from us was an officer from SHRM (Society of Human Resource Management).

"Hey, Brent. You need to connect with the woman over there about your event. I know her."

"Uh, that would be great" (as I quickly started to script an introduction in my mind).

The introduction was made as the other party started to leave.

My clumsy elevator pitch went something like this...

"Hi, my name is Brent Peterson. My company is organizing a statewide networking event that's going to be really cool. It's not a job fair or anything like that. It's speed networking. You know like speed dating but with job seekers. To drive out unemployment in our region. Oh, and we're raising money for a great charity."

Thankfully, she seemed very interested in spite of my lack of focus. We exchanged business cards and later on several emails. Thankfully, we gained SHRM's support and promotion for our event to HR professionals in the area.

So the infamous "Tell Me About Yourself" or in my case "Tell Me What You Need" question should be ready to go at a moment's notice.

Here are 4 P's to keep you (and me) focused:

1. PASSION

People like to hear passion in your voice. So ask yourself what are you passionate about? If you don't believe it, neither will the hiring manager. If you're passionate about project management, for example, be upfront about it.

2. PROFESSIONAL VALUE

What value do you bring to the employer? Or to the community? Remember, it's not about you. It's always about what problems can you solve.

3. PERSONAL INTERESTS

If you want to be memorable, you have to go beyond the accolades on your resume. List one or two activities or interests (non-controversial) that make you more human and interesting.

4. PITHY

Whatever you say, keep it succinct. If you talk for over a minute, you have spoken too long. If you meet someone at a restaurant or a reception, your brevity will speak volumes about how well you communicate in a professional setting. For reference, at the Virginia Career Speed Networking Event, each person will have one minute to deliver his pitch. And yes, there will be a one-minute "hour" glass at each table.

So here is the pitch I have now prepared (I wrote it down), practiced (it is exactly one minute), and delivered since that lunch encounter:

(Note: This is my full business speed networking pitch in Virginia when breaking the ice with someone new and there is no introduction from a colleague. In circumstances like the encounter above, my elevator pitch/need is more direct and less light-hearted.)

"Hi, my name is Brent Peterson. Like Brent Musburger. Hold the Musburger. JMU and UVA Alum. By day, I serve and protect project managers for the Federal Reserve Bank. By night, I help Americans get hired.

I am the founder of a company called Interview Angel, Inc. based in Ashland, VA, the Center of the Universe. We deliver our product nationwide and have helped customers as close as the University of Richmond and as far away as Honolulu.

We are organizing a statewide professional speed networking event called Get Hired! Virginia on Tues, Oct 27th at 4 pm at the new state fairgrounds pavilion next to Kings Dominion. The purpose of the event is to drive out local unemployment, grow the regional economy, and raise proceeds for the Dress for Success charity. It would be wonderful to see all of you there making the connections you need to be successful.

Here is my business card. My contact information is on both sides. Please let me know how I can help you. I look forward to staying in touch and helping you achieve your goals. If nothing else, I enjoy meeting good folks at Starbucks to discuss football and the latest episode of Lost."

Here is another example more for the actual interview setting (it covers all 4 P's in less than 30 seconds):

Q: So tell me a little bit about yourself

A: I am a senior project manager with 10 years of experience in corporate marketing. I am passionate about project management. I have a strong record of rallying team members together to meet the needs of the customer and to deliver results on time and within budget. I bring valuable experience from the retail, real estate, and final services industries.

In my free time, I enjoy swimming at the YMCA and volunteering at the community arts center in town.

So whether you are in a formal interview or in a chance encounter, always be prepared with your elevator pitch. Other people would be honored to meet you.

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Author:

Brent Peterson, PMP, MS, MBA, is the founder of Interview Angel Inc, a company that offers a comprehensive guide and toolkit to executing near flawless job interviews. Discover customer testimonials, blog posts, upcoming events, and media interviews at www.interviewangel.com.

Brent is also on Twitter at (twitter.com/InterviewAngel.com) and in LinkedIn at http://www.linkedin.com/in/brentpeterson.

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Does Music Have A Positive Impact on Your Job Search?

Does Music Have A Positive Impact on Your Job Search?

Lunching at Five Guys in Chicago, one of the things I really liked about the place was the music. The music was upbeat, energizing, rhythm and bluesy and loud...not so loud you couldn't talk, but loud enough that you noticed and could 'feel' it (and write a blog post about it some weeks later).

Watching one of my favorite television shows, CBS Sunday Morning, there was a story about Muzak and music's impact on consumers. Got me to thinking that if music 'entices' people to spend, I wonder if music might also be used to help motivate people to search for jobs -- you know, put them in a good place mentally to get 'revved up' for the ride?

What do you think? Does music inspire and motivate you to 'buy' yourself a job? What impact, if any, has music had on your job hunt? Is there a particular song that has motivated you into action that could be of value to job seekers?

~ "Look, if you had one shot, or one opportunity to seize everything you ever wanted -- one moment -- would you capture it or just let it slip?" ~ Eminem

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Hot Spots for Finding a Job

Hot Spots are industry-location combinations that are growing faster than the workforce, where demand exceeds supply. For example, two of the hottest spots right now include Leisure and Hospitality in Ocean City NJ, and Amusement, Gambling and Recreation in Nassau-Suffolk NY.

Click this link to see what's hot where you live now:

http://jobbait.com/e/hotspots.htm

Video instructions are included, and it's free.

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American Idol and Your Job Search

I admit it; I am a music lover and I’m hooked on watching American Idol from the time they choose the Top 24 and onwards. This week I was reflecting on America’s #1 rated TV program in terms of what I do for a living (I critique and write resumes and coach job seekers on how to find a job), and it dawned on me that there are similarities and lessons to be learned from the show in regards to writing a professional resume and conducting a successful job search.

So that’s what I would like to focus on today.

The first similarity is that there is a tremendous amount of competition for every American Idol slot and just as much competition for the jobs you’re applying for. What’s more, in both cases only one person emerges as the winner of the competition. Therefore every job hunter who feels they have something to offer must enter the competition with the mindset of coming out on top. And if your mindset in writing your resume and conducting a job interview is “just making the cut is good enough,” then you are just setting yourself up for failure. To be a winner you must push yourself the extra mile at all times, and be willingly to extend as much time, effort, money and energy as is needed win the prize. If you don’t already have this mindset, I strongly suggest you rethink your goals and priorities and get them straight.

Next I found several valuable lessons job seekers can learn from the American Idol judges.

The first is simple. During the application and interview process your resume and candidacy will be judged by more than one person, and no two judges are 100% alike. Hence, as you move ahead in the search process each judge will assess you from a different perspective. Your greatest challenge is to show the ‘board of judges’ a body of work and a winning combination of positive attributes so they reach a consensus that you are the #1 candidate for the job.

Now if we explore this thought more closely there are some fine points you can learn from the individual judges.

A: Some judges are easy to please like Randy and Ellen, some are unpredictable like Kara; and lest you forget, you will always come across a judge like Simon in the screening and interview process. This judge knows exactly what he or she expects from you, pulls no punches in confronting you, and has the gravitas to influence their fellow judges and all of the peripheral people who are involved in the decision making process with their point of view.

B: At some point in the process, and it may even be from the onset, one or more of the judges will stop being open-minded and show a prejudice for one of the candidates. More often than not this is based on the likeability factor, as opposed to pure talent.

C: Each judge wants to feel their opinion is correct, but the weakest judges will usually back down and support a presumed front runner rather than go out on the limb for someone they like but have not yet fell in love with.

With this in mind, job seekers need to do your homework and learn as much as possible about each of the judges before you have to deal with them, and if possible throughout the interview process. This is where the value of having an established job search network comes into play. So if you have not begun networking or if your network is limited I suggest you start working on expanding and strengthening it as of today.

Finally let’s examine some of the judges' criticisms and see what else we can learn from American Idol.

There was one theme I heard over and over at some point from all four judges that really resonated to me as a resume writer. These are all variations on the same theme: “You have to make the song your own” or “It’s boring and I would never go out and buy that song,” or “It is so cliché and is just an imitation of the original; that’s not what I am looking for.”

What the judges on American Idol and the judges who are reviewing your resume and candidacy are looking for more than anything else is what sets you apart in the competition. This is the most important thing to consider when you prepare your resume and when preparing and delivering answers to questions you’re likely to be asked on an interview. Remember, one misstep and you will find yourself in the ‘Bottom Three’.

Next and equally important to job seekers is that the judges are looking for someone who has the combination of talent and presence. This too is the key to a winning resume and job interview. Having one without the other also lands you in the ‘Bottom Three’. Early on in the process having this deficiency you may still make it to the next level. However in the end you won’t be selected the overall winner.

Whether you too are an Idol fan or not I hope these pointers help you in your job search; and if you have any questions about your resume or job search strategies please feel free to contact me. (www.perrynewman.com)

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Author:

Perry Newman, CPC CSMS is a nationally recognized executive resume writer, career coach, AIPC certified recruiter and SMMU certified social media strategist known for his ability to help his clients get results. You can view sample resumes at http://www.perrynewman.com and email him your resume at perry@perrynewman.com for FREE telephone resume critique.

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Career Changers: Are You Taking The Easy Option?

Career Changer: "Sital, I need your advice.

I’m a qualified accountant but have taken a career break for a number of years for family reasons. I’m about to start a 12 month teacher training course and become a teacher. But I'm not too sure if I'm doing the right thing. What do you think?

Sital: “Firstly, tell me attracts you to teaching. What made you sign up for the course?”

Career Changer: "Well it’s the easy option”

Sital: “The easy option?”

Career Changer: “Yes. There’s a shortage of teachers and so it should be easy to find work. Plus we’ll always need teachers.”

Sital: "ok……so what else attracts you to teaching?"

Career Changer: "The holidays. Teachers get lots of holidays"

Sital: "Apart from it being easy and all the holidays, what else draws you to the profession and the course?”

Career Changer: “Nothing else really - that’s it”

Sital: “Can I ask what kind of research you’ve done into teaching?

Career Changer: “Oh I’ve done lots of reading on the internet”

Sital: “Have you spent time in schools as a teacher’s assistant or time with other teachers to understand what the role involves and what parts you’d enjoy or be good at?”

Career Changer: “Well no…”

Sital: “Let me ask you a question:

Let’s imagine I came to you for advice because I was about to start training to become an accountant. I had no experience and had never spent time with an account, but thought it would a nice and easy option – after all, we'll always need accountants.

Does that sound like a good idea?

Career Changer: “No, you can’t do that!”

Sital: “Why not?”

Career Changer: “Because it’s not that easy. The course and the job are demanding.”

Sital: “Oh, I’ll be fine - I’m good with numbers. And it’s a nice easy option. I can work freelance, work from home and take holidays when I like.”

Career Changer: “That's just not right”

Sital: “Oh why not?”

Career Changer: “Because you're not passionate about accountancy.”

Sital: “Really?

Well isn’t that what you’re doing? Choosing teaching because you think it’s an easy option, yet you’ve no passion for it.”

Career Changer: “Aaaah....yes”

(The penny dropped)

Career Changer: “I think I need to do some more research into teaching. And maybe look at finding a career which I'm passionate about.”

Choosing a career option because you assume it's the easy or safe option is a huge disservice to both the profession and the people the profession serves: pupils, patients or clients.

But it's an even bigger disservice to yourself.

If you’re going to put yourself through the stress, hassle and set backs of shifting careers then at least ensure it’s something you care about, something you’re excited about doing, something you’re intrinsicly motivated to do. You’ll be far more satisfied and successful.

Are you taking the easy option…?

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How Working for No Pay Can Actually Pay Off

Volunteering during periods of unemployment provides many benefits including networking, enhancing skills, and the prevention job loss induced insanity.

I am never going to find a job. My resume is posted on every job board including Hiremeprettyplease.com and Willtradekidneyforjob.com. I watch job boards with tenacity that celebrity stalkers would be impressed by; in fact, my average time to apply (ATTA) for newly posted jobs that may or may not match my background is 9 minutes 23 seconds from time of posting. I am linked in, fully branded, actively networking, and still jobless. I have cleaned, organized, and rearranged my house, twice. I can also, despite no legal background, predict the ruling with 99% accuracy on landlord disputes thanks to Judge Judy, Judge Maria Lopez and Judge Joe Brown. I know the baby does not belong to Drake, but to Drake’s brother, and was actually stolen from Jessica by the evil nurse Hilda. I reluctantly admit I spent an entire afternoon playing dress up in my wedding dress, a high school prom dress (not zipped up) and my graduation cap and gown (I pretended to be valedictorian). It is becoming increasingly clear, if I am unemployed much longer I will be able to donate my closet full of smartly tailored business suits to charity and invest in one really fashionable straight jacket.

Does this sound like you?

Nearly 3.2 million have been jobless for at least 27 weeks, which is a very long time to be absent from the working world if you are accustomed to only having a week or 2 off a year as a vacation. (During which you were hopefully enjoying your time away not fretting about it.) Furthermore, finding a job is the hardest job you can ever have…the pay is horrible, you want to quit every day, and it is very easy to become frustrated and disillusioned. If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of a long period of unemployment, don’t spend your day’s self-loathing, stalking the job boards, and getting sucked into hours of horrible daytime television, instead use this time to volunteer your way into a new position.

I promise this is not just hippie, do-gooder, silver lining, find joy in helping others advice, but some practical advice in finding a new job and not losing your mind. Keep reading.

Volunteering is an ideal way to network and keep your skills sharp. Additionally, if you are hoping to transition your current skills to a different position, or are a new entrant into the job market, a volunteer position can be the ideal solution to bridging the gap by gaining experience. However, it is way more than just being about you; it is also a way to give back to a cause you care about. No way around it, you will be a do-gooder, which isn’t a bad thing at all. Non-profit organizations are struggling as much as for profit companies with funding cuts coupled with the increases in the demand for services. So back slowly away from the computer and go be a superhero…these organizations can benefit greatly from the much-needed expertise that a professional can provide. In return, you get the chance to maintain, learn, or improve your skills, network with a variety different of people, and add an interesting element to your resume. Most importantly, volunteering is a link to the professional (real) world, you know, the one in which we talk to real people and not just pretend we are giving a graduation speech in our cap and gown. It can also provide much needed motivation, self esteem, and self validation; also know as a warm fuzzy feeling. Plus, not spending 8 or 10 hours a day on a job search will allow you to approach the job boards refreshed and less cynical. Trust me, a positive attitude about your job search yields more productive results than starting your cover letter with “I am pretty sure no one will ever read this …”

Volunteering can also create an opportunity to hear about new positions from other professionals like clients of organization, partners, or from fellow volunteers. That’s right; I am suggesting your serve your way to the top, or at least the top of the applicant pool. Scandalous yet socially responsible.

When looking for a volunteer position, be sure to seek a position that will take advantage of your skills, goals, and personality. Take time to discuss your objectives with the Director or Volunteer Coordinator, so that they can capitalize on all that you have to offer. The simplest and most effective way to find an opportunity is for potential volunteers to directly contact organizations of interest and offer up your skills. Also, this is a good opportunity to practice promoting yourself.

Online services such as Volunteer Match (www.volunteermatch.org/) or Network for Good at (http://www.networkforgood.org/volunteer/) are similar to job boards, and provide an opportunity to explore different organizations and their needs in one place. Another great resource is the Hands On Network; (http://www.handsonnetwork.org) most metropolitan areas have a Hands On chapter that has a convenient monthly calendar of volunteer opportunities from a number of different organizations. Registered volunteers can even sign up to volunteer online. Some organizations require a volunteer application, interview and/or a background check on volunteers, depending on the nature of the organization. Research and decide what organization is the best match for your skills. Then wiggle your way out of your straight jacket or prom dress and start making a difference, not just in your career search but also in the lives of others. Plus, being able to tell an interviewer that in addition to your job search you have been spending time volunteering is much better than saying that you color coded the food items in your pantry, sub grouped by the contents of the ingredients, because, well, that is just insane.

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Guest Expert:

Brandy Walters, SPHR is committed to developing, encouraging, and motivating ethical and socially responsible leaders from the Gen-Y and Gen-X talent pool through the use of humor and sometimes outright silliness. She is currently the Human Resource Manager with Fanello Industries, Inc, in Lavonia, GA. In her free time she enjoys volunteering with her husband at Clemson Community Care, Safe Harbor, and other local organizations. Check out her profile at http://www.linkedin.com/in/brandywalters.

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3 Steps to Taking Your Job Search Into Your Own Hands

Tired of searching endlessly through online job boards and employment Web sites hoping to find a position that matches your background and criteria? I think it’s time to take matters into your own hands. One of my colleagues was kind enough to pass along a YouTube video called The Google Job Experiment. I watched the one-minute video and thought it was ingenious! Here’s the link in case you haven’t seen it yet: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FRwCs99DWg.

Talk about “thinking outside the box” to get the job you want! I have a feeling it’s going to catch on; all of a sudden, we’re going to start seeing ads, springing up everywhere, targeted at well-positioned executives and hiring managers saying, “Hire me”. The concept itself to me is inspiring and creative, and had me thinking...

Well, for those of us who may not be as creative and “outside the box” as others, I’ve put together a list of tips on how to get started:

Step 1: Research – The easiest place to start is the company Web site. Check out the about us page or any other pages that would have information concerning those personnel in key leadership positions. This is the most logical place to start. Next, I would go to LinkedIn. Look up the company by name (assuming you know exactly where you want to work—just like this guy did), and then scroll through the results to find matches. Look for those people who are in positions with decision making abilities and who are most relevant to your industry. Can’t find them on LinkedIn or the company Web site? Then turn to Google. I use Google for everything (I probably earn millions for them every year). If I have a question, I Google it. Want to know who the “so-and-so” person is at Microsoft? Google it. I’ll bet you can find some information somewhere on which person does what. It’s just a matter of investing some time to conduct the research. When all else fails, pick up the phone and call the company. Tell them you’d like to mail a letter to the advertising director (or other head honcho of your choice) but need his or her name in order to address the letter. There’s no reason why they shouldn’t provide you with it. And be sure to ask for the correct address for your specific letter; the person to whom you are writing may prefer to receive mail at the office, but there is a possibility that he or she prefers the company’s post office box or e-mail correspondence. Don’t make any assumptions about this. If they aren’t willing to provide an address then back to your best friend Google. More about what to do with this information is included in step 2.

Step 2: Make Contact – The most obvious way to do this is to submit a LinkedIn connection request. This opens the lines of communication to some extent; and then you can begin to identify the areas that you have in common and potentially open a dialogue about employment opportunities. Outside of LinkedIn, you can find them on other social networks and contribute to discussions they’ve initiated, or you can reach out by sending a letter. If you made contact with the organization during step one, you will have the name of the person you need to reach out to, as well as the company’s address. I recommend sending your resume and cover letter in an envelope that doesn’t look like it would contain a resume/cover letter. I also recommend addressing the envelope by hand and, if possible, use a thank you- or greeting card-sized envelope. Who doesn’t love getting a thank you card in the mail unexpectedly? Plus, it’s guaranteed they’ll open it. Then your resume/cover letter will have about five seconds to make a great first impression (so insert awesome, professionally written, and branded resume here).

Step 3: Follow up – Take the time to make a call. And ask for the person by name. If he or she is not available, leave a voicemail indicating that you sent a copy of your resume last week and you are following up to ensure it was received. If you’re a connection on LinkedIn, you may be able to see the person’s work e-mail address on his or her profile (some users include it, but not all). I wouldn’t go overboard and e-mail daily, but one e-mail just to state your case or follow up once you’ve forwarded your information is acceptable in my book.

It’s not about stalking the person who has the decision making ability; it’s about making a connection, doing your research, and potentially opening a door that previously was closed. From here you can find all kinds of creative ways to get the person’s attention—much like the Google campaign that one creative job seeker used to land himself an interview—and a job. Your imagination is the limit. All I’m saying is, don’t be afraid to conduct your job search “outside the box”.

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Author:

Jessica Holbrook is an expert resume writer, career and personal branding strategist, author, speaker and President/CEO of Great Resumes Fast. She creates high-impact, best-in-class, resumes and cover letters that win interviews. For a free resume analysis visit http://www.greatresumesfast.com/ or for a free phone consultation call 1.800.991.5187.

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