tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-266447782012-02-16T00:15:55.987-08:00Tips and techniques to help you create a successful Career, Business and Life of your Dreams.Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comBlogger791100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-28278585363284263342010-08-04T15:53:00.000-07:002010-08-04T15:53:00.245-07:00 <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LtTBlrBCfCU/S_yDU1VxdzI/AAAAAAAAAJo/qLf67ajvOkw/s1600/Symbol.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475395640914704178" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 126px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 127px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LtTBlrBCfCU/S_yDU1VxdzI/AAAAAAAAAJo/qLf67ajvOkw/s200/Symbol.png" border="0" /></a>People often tell me they were on LinkedIn, or went to a networking group, or met someone when they were out-and-about and got a name of a potential contact for their job search, but don’t know how to reach them.<br /><br /><em>“What good is the name without their phone number or email address? It doesn’t do me much good if I can’t connect with them!”</em><br /><br />It’s great if you are given a phone number and/or email address with a name, however, with a little creativity and initiative you can certainly find other ways to get in touch. Here are some ideas and techniques to make those connections:<br /><br /><strong>~ Call the main number!</strong> Often people forget the simplest and most obvious solution to getting in touch with a new contact… call the company and ask for them! It’s ideal to have a direct-line phone number to the person you’re trying to reach. However, if you don’t, it’s generally pretty easy to find the main company phone number (either from their website online, a phone book, or calling 411), call and ask for the person by name. Generally a phone receptionist won’t put you through to anyone if you ask a general question like “May I speak to the Accounting Manager, please?” However, if you ask for someone by name, they will always put you through. Even if the person works at another company facility than the one you are calling, they generally have the overall company directory and can put you directly through to that person. Call and ask for them by name.<br /><br />Additionally, if you call after business hours, many companies have an automated answering system with a company directory that will often tell you the extension of the person you are trying to connect to. That’s often a great way to gain the direct-line number of someone.<br /><div class="fullpost"><br /><strong>~ Google!</strong> As with so many things… Google is a tremendous resource to find contact information. More than half of the time I'm trying to find contact information, I’m able to do it by searching their name and company name through Google. If, for example, I’m trying to find John Mansky at XYZ Company… I simply search: "John Mansky” “XYZ Company”<br /><br />I make sure to put his name in quotes to avoid unwanted results like John Smith and Bill Mansky<br /><br />Scanning down the list of results, I often find some document or site that has their phone number and/or email address. If there are too many results, I may try to narrow the search by trying his name with their web domain. For example: “John Mansky” “xyzco.com”<br /><br />Their email address is likely to include their web domain, so if the address is “john.mansky@xyzco.com” the search is likely to find it.<br /><br />If that doesn’t work, I may do a search to find ANY email address at that company to discover what their standard email format is. For example, I may simply search:<br />email “xyzco.com”<br /><br />If someone else’s email address pops up that is in a format of 'firstname.lastname@xyzco.com’, for example, I know it’s a very high likelihood that my contact’s address is in the same format. If it’s wrong, their email server will simply bounce the email back to me and no one is the wiser. If it does bounce back, I simply try other common formats like:<br /><br />firstinitiallastname@xyzco.com<br />firstname_lastname@xyzco.com<br />firstinitial_lastname@xyzco.com<br />…or other combinations.<br /><br /><strong>~ Check emails4corporations! </strong>Another great resource to help you find the standard email format for the company where your contact is employed is emails4corporations. Someone has compiled a tremendous list of standard email formats for companies all over the country.<br /><br />You can find them at: <a href="http://sites.google.com/site/emails4corporations">http://sites.google.com/site/emails4corporations</a><br /><br />Enter the company name in the search box at the top right corner of the homepage and it will show you the company, email format, address, and phone number. It doesn’t cover every company, however, is a great help if yours is included.<br /><br /><strong>~ Try JigSaw.com!</strong> JigSaw.com is probably the worlds largest ‘Rolodex’. It includes the business card information of millions of people. It rarely lets me down and is the last resort resource for me when trying to find someone’s contact information. You can either use it by paying for the service, or for free on a give & take point system. So it take a little money or some effort on your part. However, for me as a recruiter, or you as a job seeker, I believe it’s a very worthwhile resource when you need contact information you can’t seem to find anywhere else.<br /><br /><strong>~ Paid Services.</strong> Certainly there are a number of additional paid services (Spoke, ZoomInfo, and others) available online that can provide the information for you as well, however, I’m generally a big fan of “FREE”. It’s pretty rare that I can’t find someone’s contact information through one of the means listed above. Try those and then depending on how badly you need it, a paid service may be worth it.<br /><br />Generally, I don’t recommend contacting someone directly through LinkedIn’s system. Many people receive a lot of communications through there and have become conditioned to treat them like Spam. It’s generally best to reach them by phone, a professional voicemail, or email first. However, if none of those works, as a last resort, you have nothing to lose by trying the LinkedIn contact system as well.<br /><br />As always, make sure your communication is professional, well prepared, and succinct!<br />You can gain more help with that by reading <a href="http://www.thewisejobsearch.com/2010/05/keys-to-great-email-in-your-job-search.html" target="_blank">Keys to a great email in your job search!</a> or <a href="http://www.thewisejobsearch.com/2009/06/what-to-do-in-effective-networking-call.html" target="_blank">What to do in an effective networking call!</a><br /><br />Be creative, take the initiative, and find the way to connect with those job search contacts!<br /><hr /><strong>Author:</strong><br /><br />Harry Urschel has over 20 years experience as a technology recruiter in Minnesota. He currently operates as <a href="http://www.eexecutives.net/" target="_blank"><strong>e-Executives</strong></a>, writes a blog for Job Seekers called <a href="http://www.thewisejobsearch.com/" target="_blank"><strong>The Wise Job Search</strong></a>, and can be found on Twitter as <a href="http://www.twitter.com/eExecutives" target="_blank">@eExecutives</a>.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7965827460478077853-6248570517293287068?l=www.careerrocketeer.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=OfdBoo4yAeA:zA_K_VDn01c:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=OfdBoo4yAeA:zA_K_VDn01c:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~4/OfdBoo4yAeA" height="1" width="1"/><br /><br />View the <a href='http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~3/OfdBoo4yAeA/i-got-contact-name-now-what.html' rel='nofollow'>Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-2827858536328426334?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-20596285687846242732010-08-03T15:20:00.000-07:002010-08-03T15:20:00.224-07:00 Job interviews can be intimidating and nerve-racking in a crippling way. But allowing your personality to show through –even if you’re faking it—is the only way to take charge of your interview and have any hope of landing the job. No matter what kinds of qualifications you have, employers want to sit down with an individual who can conduct themselves professionally and charismatically, and if you can’t even hold yourself together to keep up your side of the conversation, you may go unnoticed altogether. Instead, prepare to manage the interview session in a way that puts you in control and limits any awkward moments. Here are 10 confidence-boosting tips to help you do just that.<br /><br />1. Understand the importance of an in-person interview. An interview is your opportunity to brand yourself in front of your potential boss and really lay down the line for how you’d like to be treated in the office. Don’t come across as cocky, but understand that acting meek and embarrassed during your interview will immediately make your boss feel like he or she can get away with dictating your every move.<br /><br />2. Smile the very first chance you get. A warm, natural smile exudes confidence and sets the tone for a professional but friendly encounter.<br /><div class="fullpost"><br />3. Practice your handshake. A good handshake can be exhilarating and empowering, but an awkward fumbling or weak handshake dashes any hope of a dazzling first impression. Practice ahead of time so that it comes naturally.<br /><br />4. Research the company. Be ready to talk about the company and position you’re applying for by doing a little web research ahead of time.<br /><br />5. Come with questions. If you have a list of questions to ask, you’ll be ready in case of an awkward silence.<br /><br />6. Realize that they probably already like you. The very fact that you’re even sitting in the interview seat means that someone liked your resume and believed you’d make a good candidate for the job.<br /><br />7. Dress professionally. Wear something that makes you look professional and neat but is still comfortable. Something that’s too tight or too bulky will make you feel uneasy. A good tip is to wear something you’ve already worn few times, so you won’t be caught off guard by any wardrobe malfunctions.<br /><br />8. Sit up straight. You want to appear alert and confident, so sit upright in your chair with your hands folded. Leaning back to far will make you appear arrogant, while hunching over will make you seem nervous and self-conscious.<br /><br />9. Value the opportunity for what it is. The more you value the interview as its own learning experience and opportunity to practice your interviewing your skills, the more natural and confident you’ll feel asking questions and talking with the interviewer.<br /><br />10. Review your resume. You may take it for granted that you know everything on your resume since it’s your experience, but understand that all the questions your interviewer will have for you are going to come directly from that resume. Take a few minutes to look over the skills and experience you’ll be expected to discuss.<br /><hr /><strong><a href="http://contributors.careerrocketeer.com/p/guest-experts.html">Guest Expert</a>:</strong><br /><br /><strong>Rose Jensen</strong> writes about the <a href="http://www.onlineuniversities.com/">best online universities</a>. She welcomes your feedback at <a href="mailto:Rose.Jensen28@yahoo.com">Rose.Jensen28@yahoo.com</a>.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7965827460478077853-7312457371229690383?l=www.careerrocketeer.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=lQdfIeZ21bk:ceSLSlRT03Y:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=lQdfIeZ21bk:ceSLSlRT03Y:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~4/lQdfIeZ21bk" height="1" width="1"/><br /><br />View the <a href='http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~3/lQdfIeZ21bk/10-confidence-boosting-tips-for.html' rel='nofollow'>Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-2059628568784624273?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-22710044150232452402010-08-02T14:47:00.000-07:002010-08-02T14:47:00.208-07:00 In business school, if not earlier, we've all learned about Maslow's Hierarchy of Human Needs, and we've been told that what's called "self-actualization" is the highest, or rather, most pressing human need, on which all other "lower" needs serve as only building blocks. While Maslow's theories have earned their fair share of criticism, I'd like to defer instead to a broader set of ideas in moral philosophy collectively called "perfectionism" and then discuss how these ideas can be successfully implemented in your daily life as well as your career.<br /><br />I'm sure we've heard our friends, family, or perhaps even ourselves referred to as "perfectionists," with little thought to what that may actually mean. The image of the perfectionist in modern society is often marred with a hint of criticism. We think of perfectionists as compulsive, almost neurotic. This image should perhaps be more rightfully attributed to a person who struggles with some form of obsessive compulsive disorder, and it is not the image to which I am referring when I say "perfectionist." To give you a basic idea of perfectionism as a philosophy, Wikipedia offers the following: "…perfectionism is the persistence of will in obtaining the optimal quality of spiritual, mental, physical, and material being." Sounds tough, huh? Impossible, you say? Well of course, attaining perfection is certainly not possible in one lifetime, but a philosophical perfectionist completely understands this. The key word here is "persistence."<br /><div class="fullpost"><br />Of course, what counts as perfection will inevitably be based on what an individual values most, but in terms of your career, perfectionism is simply striving to do your very best, every single day, no matter what the size or import of your task at hand is. Surely, the bigger picture does matter, but the successful completion of the optimal life is all in the small things. The devil may be in details, as they say, but so is god, the personal god in each of us that longs to order our lives by standards of excellence.<br /><br />Although it can be difficult to appreciate the necessity of doing the small things right, I usually defer to my favorite sport, golf. When I focused too much on the outcome of the total score—I'd constantly be adding up figures as I'd step up to the tee box—I'd get hung up on the big picture, and my final score would suffer. However, one day I tried something different. I focused on only each single shot, and told myself that this one shot was the only shot I'd have to take. When I placed greater importance on individual shots—on the small things—I noticed I was doing better on each hole. Still I didn't add up scores. I just marked the number of shots per hole, threw the scorecard back in my bag and moved on. By the time I finished up on the eighteenth hole, I had tallied the totals and—not kidding—it was the best round in my life.<br /><br />In the final analysis, perfectionism is not an end goal, but a state of mind. If you strive for a systematic approach to perfection, one that keeps in mind the details with a steady, reasonable approach to the big picture, then you will find that unexpected aspects of your life—career and personal—will begin to fall into place as if by magic.<br /><hr /><strong><a href="http://contributors.careerrocketeer.com/p/guest-experts.html">Guest Expert</a>:</strong><br /><br /><strong>Angela Martin</strong> writes on job search topics at <a href="http://www.careeroverview.com/">Job Search Websites</a>. She welcomes your comments at her email <a href="mailto:angela.martin77@gmail.com">angela.martin77@gmail.com</a>.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7965827460478077853-4567337634193353839?l=www.careerrocketeer.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=f31Ty39nZsk:sgYbzpzDp88:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=f31Ty39nZsk:sgYbzpzDp88:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~4/f31Ty39nZsk" height="1" width="1"/><br /><br />View the <a href='http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~3/f31Ty39nZsk/how-to-apply-perfectionism-to-your.html' rel='nofollow'>Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-2271004415023245240?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-10099542148865349122010-08-01T14:14:00.000-07:002010-08-01T14:14:00.173-07:00 What your body language says is often more important than what you say verbally, especially when the two conflict. When they’re in sync, your movements are a reflection of what you’re thinking and what you’re feeling: your conscious and your unconscious. But when they aren’t, the unconscious prevails. <br />Why? Because while people will make themselves conscious of their words, few are conscious of their feelings and how that translates into body language, much less what that body language is saying. And in an interview, that can result in sending a message opposite what you intend. <br /><br />A person who was recently fired or laid off is a good example of this dichotomy, especially when the termination takes place for reasons that have little to do with any situation the individual instigated. You did nothing to cause the severance, but you feel responsible anyway. <br /><br />Since few job seekers know how to put a termination in perspective and handle it appropriately, it comes out how they move and how they conduct themselves. Almost every action is an apology. You knock gently on the door when the administrative assistant says, “Mr. Jackson can see you now.” You not only ask permission to sit, but you ask which chair. You either over explain or under answer. <br /><div class="fullpost"><br />Instead of speaking smoothly in a relaxed manner, your voice is too loud or can’t be heard. You say “um” or “ah” at the beginning and in the middle of your sentences. Everything about you screams insecure, even though you’re managing to articulate your accomplishments. <br /><br />The result is that the hiring authority is puzzled as to how you managed to achieve so much, when your manner isn’t conducive to making things happen. It leaves him with a question about you. Hiring authorities don’t like to be left with questions; they want to be 100% confident of who they hire. So you’re out of the picture. <br /><br />But this conflict doesn’t only occur with those have been dismissed by their employer. It can also happen when someone doesn’t have a degree, but has excelled in their career and frequently ends up competing with those who do. Or when you’ve been unemployed a long time, and you really need a job. Or if you’ve had your eye on being part of this company and finally you’ve snagged an interview. Or if you’re just plain insecure. <br />There’s a plethora of articles that list hundreds of body language cues you should pay attention to. But that’s like trying to learn the different interview styles and how to respond to each one. It’s a waste of time. You’ll spend so much time trying to remember what to do, how to do it, when to do it, if what you’re doing is correct or not, that it becomes difficult to focus on selling yourself and learning if the company is compatible with who you are and what you want. <br /><br />It starts with your head. If you don’t feel confident, then stop thinking you aren’t. Find the reasons why you’re an asset to a company. List your skills and contributions. Put together a sales pitch on yourself, and then take it to heart. Actions mirror thoughts and thoughts mirror actions. When you’re thinking confidently, you behave confidently and vice versa. <br /><br />At the same time, you can program one to follow the other. Pay attention to yourself, what you’re feeling and what’s going on around you. If you notice yourself shuffling in through the company door, pick your head up, put a smile on your face, and walk into the office as if you belong there, because you do. You have an interview, and they’re expecting you. <br />An interview is a sales presentation. You’re the product, and the hiring authority is the buyer. If you’re communicating that you’re not good enough to be hired, why would a company think differently?<br /><hr /><strong><a href="http://contributors.careerrocketeer.com/p/guest-experts.html">Guest Expert</a>:</strong><br /><br /><strong>Judi Perkins</strong>, the How-To Career Coach, was a recruiter for 22 years, consulting with hundreds of hiring authorities throughout the hiring process. She’s seen over 500,000 resumes, knows how hiring authorities think and how they hire. As a result she understands and teaches what other coaches don’t: why the typical strategies in finding a job so often fail, what to do instead, and why. She’s been on PBS’s Frontline, will be in the May issue of Smart Money magazine, and has been quoted frequently in numerous articles for CareerBuilder, MSN Careers, Yahoo Hot Jobs, and the New York Times, among others. She’s also been featured as an expert in numerous career books. Sign up for her free newsletter at <a href="http://www.findtheperfectjob.com/" target="_blank">http://www.findtheperfectjob.com/</a>!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7965827460478077853-3597515253565261333?l=www.careerrocketeer.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=dENwuAUGwLQ:4BYAsO64igI:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=dENwuAUGwLQ:4BYAsO64igI:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~4/dENwuAUGwLQ" height="1" width="1"/><br /><br />View the <a href='http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~3/dENwuAUGwLQ/body-language-be-careful-what-you-dont.html' rel='nofollow'>Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-1009954214886534912?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-11777769438490677722010-07-31T13:41:00.000-07:002010-07-31T13:41:00.415-07:00 <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LtTBlrBCfCU/TAMMlEhyJ8I/AAAAAAAAAJw/GA0uDkHRjVM/s1600/Eddie+%26+the+Cruisers.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 104px; height: 104px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LtTBlrBCfCU/TAMMlEhyJ8I/AAAAAAAAAJw/GA0uDkHRjVM/s200/Eddie+%26+the+Cruisers.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477235402822789058" /></a>Too many old school job seekers believe that on their resume employers are interested in a summary of their qualifications, experience and job responsibilities. What they forget, or were never taught, is that as seen through the eyes of qualified HR or private recruiters and decision makers a laundry list of key words and on-the-job responsibilities are synonymous with your possessing the minimum qualifications to qualify for a new position. With the competition being what it is today, offering up only this information is not enough. <br /><br />Demonstrating that you have the 2-15 years of work experience the company desires in a certain function says nothing about how well you've performed. You may have been performing at a minimal skill level for all 15 years or at the highest level of competency for 3 or 4 years. The people who matter can not determine how talented you are based on equating the number of years of experience to competence. <br /><br />If you have been reading my blogs you know by now that employers are more interested in knowing about your body of work and how it relates to the job at hand, and about the individual accomplishments that will validate your candidacy.<div class="fullpost"><br />This premise is borne out every day all over the web, and especially in the blogosphere and on Linked-In discussions. All of us new school thought leaders are telling our clients and readers that qualifying and quantifying your past in relation to an employer’s needs and desires is the # 1 difference maker on a resume, and qualifying and quantifying specific accomplishments in terms of bottom line $ / % results is a great way to do this. <br /><br />You need to realize that hiring managers envision prior achievements in a similar situation as a predicator of what they might expect from you in the future, while experience and key words tell people only about what you've DONE in the past. <br /><br />However, not all accomplishments matter to a hiring manager. What you consider impressive accomplishments for past employers will not impress prospective decision makers unless they accentuate proven solutions to problem they are looking to solve. <br />Still in the dozens of accomplishment based resumes that are emailed to me every week for a free resume critique I find the presentation of accomplishments and vital supporting information as presented by a professional and an amateur are as different as day is to night. <br /><br />In the movie Eddie and the Cruisers there is a dialogue I love as Eddie Wilson, the writer and band leader tries to explain how to play a love ballad he wrote to band members who want to play it too fast and too sloppy. "Words and Music man - Words and Music... without both it aint worth playing." <br /><br />The same holds true for a resume. Putting down the correct thoughts is not enough. Just as every person is different, so too should the resume that introduces them be. Just like a song, you need to know how to pace a resume. This means you need to know where to strategically place information, the order in which it must appear, and it must have the perfect combination of words and actions convincingly tell the reader what they want to hear. <br /><br />The bottom line for me is a resume must paint a masterful picture with colorful imagery, while telling a mesmerizing ‘Hero Story’ that resonates with the readers. So as you write your resume remember what Eddie said; ‘Words and Music man.” Without both your resume is not worth submitting. <br /><hr /><strong>Author:</strong><br /><br />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 his sample resumes at <a href="http://www.perrynewman.com/">http://www.perrynewman.com</a>, and email him your resume at <a href="mailto:perry@perrynewman.com">perry@perrynewman.com</a> for FREE resume critique.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7965827460478077853-7826424176137859387?l=www.careerrocketeer.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=pD82KuL26nE:bn1ZkENLVO0:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=pD82KuL26nE:bn1ZkENLVO0:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~4/pD82KuL26nE" height="1" width="1"/><br /><br />View the <a href='http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~3/pD82KuL26nE/words-and-music-secret-to-writing-great.html' rel='nofollow'>Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-1177776943849067772?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-53297158633179060542010-07-30T13:08:00.000-07:002010-07-30T13:08:00.098-07:00 <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LtTBlrBCfCU/TAR0UxIfagI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/KTiJPc8l2EM/s1600/PatWilliams.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 164px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LtTBlrBCfCU/TAR0UxIfagI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/KTiJPc8l2EM/s200/PatWilliams.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477630946924521986" /></a>I am grateful for the opportunity to share with you the following career advice from <strong><a href="http://www.patwilliamsmotivate.com/">Pat Williams</a></strong>, senior vice president of the NBA's Orlando Magic. Pat co-founded the Orlando Magic in 1987 and is one of America's top motivational, inspirational, and humerous speakers. He had addressed thousands of executives in organizations ranging from Fortune 500 companies and national assocations to universities and nonprofits. Pat and his wife, Ruth, are the parents of 19 children, including 14 from four nations.<br /><br />Pat Williams is the author of over 55 books including the recently released <em>Nail It! 10 Secrets for Winning the Job Interview</em>, written with <a href="http://peggymatthewsrose.com/"><strong>Peggy Matthews Rose</strong></a>.<br /><br /><strong>1. What inspired a sports executive and father of nineteen to write a book on job interviewing?</strong><br /><br />Life is all about being prepared for what’s next, Brent. Whether you’re an eighteen-year-old heading out on your own for the first time or an 81-year-old looking for ways to stay in the game, we are always looking for our next job. Wouldn’t you agree? As a dad, I’ve seen more than my share of wobbly beginnings. As a sports executive, I’ve seen stellar careers ended overnight, lives in desperate need of a new beginning.In addition to my wonderful and often challenging family, I’ve been blessed to work in professional sports my entire adult life. And I can say that nowhere is the demand for high caliber employees greater, both on the court and behind the scenes. So it’s just made sense to me to study what makes one candidate stand out over others. Winning jobs is really an elimination contest in so many ways. When no one is keeping score, what defines a winner? Over the years I’ve had many opportunities to share the insights I’ve gathered one-on-one. And now with the competition for jobs higher than it’s been in decades, I believe it’s time to get those tips into more people’s hands. That’s why I wrote this book.As a dad, I can say that the challenges of raising 19 children, many of them from international cultures, and helping them find their way in the professional world, has been often daunting. By now they’ve all begun charting their own roadmaps, but a book like this one would have come in handy for me then—and it’s a great resource for them now.<div class="fullpost"><br /><strong>2. You've been involved in professional sports for over 40 years. How did you get your career started in that industry?</strong><br /><br />As a kid I was so blessed to have a dad who loved sports and who inspired me to love sports too. Baseball especially was a big part of my life and I aspired to be a major league catcher. I was good enough to play in the minor leagues but not good enough to make the “bigs.” So at age 24 I became the general manager of the Spartanburg Phillies. I figured I’d stay in baseball, but the next year, 1968, baseball legend Bill Veeck, with whom I’d been blessed to develop a close relationship, recommended me as general manager of the Chicago Bulls—and my NBA career was launched from that moment on. What a great ride it has been! Parents, if your kids are inclined to love sports, I can’t urge you more strongly to encourage them in every way you can. Sports offers the best training field for life I can think of. And if it’s a job you’re looking for, sports involvement offers a great way to make connections that lead to satisfying careers.<br /><br /><strong>3. You've outlined 10 secrets for nailing job interviews. What information can you share about each?</strong><br /><br />These “secrets” were culled over the years by top human resources professionals and represent the qualities they look for in a successful job candidate. In reviewing them, I found they are practical life principals as well. They include:<br /><ol><li><strong><em>Networking –</em></strong> Getting your next job is less about who you know than it is about who knows what you know. Start where you are and widen your circles of influence. Get involved in professional organizations, social networks, affinity groups—go anywhere you can meet people in your area of expertise who would be glad to know what you can do for them. I’ve always said that life is about “collecting people,” and nowhere is this truer than in our professional lives. </li><li><strong><em>Being ready for the questions an interviewer is likely to ask you –</em></strong> and the best way to do that is to have a life plan. Know where it is you are headed, what you want to “be when you grow up.” When you have a clear sense of your purpose and your goals, you can see the mile markers along the journey that each job interview represents. Beyond that, study sample interviews and do your homework regarding the companies with which you plan to interview. </li><li><strong><em>Being prepared –</em></strong> In all my years as a speaker, I’ve found that at least 90% of each event is what happens in advance. If I’m not prepared to go up there and address the audience, they’re not going to be happy with me. The same is true when we go in for the job interview. In these highly competitive days, we’ve got to see it as auditioning for American Idol: only the top performers are likely to be called back. So before you speak to anyone, whether in person or on the phone, have a solid hold on what you’re going to say and how you will say it. </li><li><strong><em>Display professionalism –</em></strong> Here’s an elusive word, “professionalism.” What does it really mean? We spend this chapter helping you get a grip on this concept, from what not to wear, to developing a mindset, to seeing professionalism as a standard of living. If a world-class career is what you’re after, it’s critical to dress, think, and live as a professional, 24/7. </li><li><strong><em>Exuding self-confidence –</em></strong> If you’re naturally shy or insecure, this one might seem the most challenging of our tips. But the winning candidate is the one who knows she knows what she knows, and can confidently communicate that image. In this chapter, I tell the story of my son Alan, who did NOT want to hear Dad talk to him about leadership. Then came the day I picked him up from school and he excitedly told me he’d been selected captain of his basketball team. “Well guess what that makes you, Alan?” I said. He thought a moment and squeaked, “A leader?” Turned out to be one of the best things that could have happened in his life. It’s all about believing in yourself. So if you have any doubts, I’m telling you right now that I believe in you! You should too, for that is the person most likely to win the job interview. </li><li><strong><em>Exhibiting communication skills –</em></strong> Harvard Business School Professor John Kotter tells us, “Without credible communication and a lot of it, the hearts and minds of others are never captured.” It may not seem to you that this is your mission in the job interview, but it is! Your goal is to convince the hiring manager that you are the person they’ve been looking for all their lives. That means you’ve got to sound like the right candidate when you speak and that anything you’ve written—from your resume to an email—to that individual reflects a polished, confident, professional demeanor. If you need to, join a group like Toastmasters to improve your speaking skills or take a business writing class. </li><li><strong><em>Radiating energy and enthusiasm –</em></strong> Have you ever spoken to someone who seemed to blend in to the wallpaper? Perhaps you’ve forgotten the experience because that person was so, well, forgettable. Don’t let that be you! The way to stand out from the crowd is to do so with energy. Think Richard Simmons here. You don’t have to jump around or dress in strange gym shorts—please, don’t do that! But you do need to “look alive,” as they say. I’ve found the best way to make sure you radiate energy is through choosing a healthy lifestyle. Eat right, exercise daily. Read inspiring books. Become the person anyone would be proud to hire. It really is a mind game, in that it begins and ends with how you think of yourself. </li><li><strong><em>Revealing your extraversion –</em></strong> Some of us are naturally outgoing, while others are like that guy we just talked to, Wally Wallpaper. But we can all practice being more outgoing. My writing partner in this book, Peggy Matthews Rose, remembered her first job working in retail when she was asked to greet “perfect strangers.” The requirement did not feel natural to her, but in time she was able to turn on the smile and make the customers feel welcome. That’s what it’s all about. It’s about being the best you that you can be on behalf of your employer. </li><li><strong><em>Being a person of integrity –</em></strong> In a world that often seems to be turning upside down before our very eyes—a world full of corruption, dishonesty, uncertainty, and often fear—we are hungry for men and women of integrity. People who say what they mean and mean what they say. People who are honest, undivided, and trustworthy. People who can be counted on to always do the right thing. It may not always seem like it when you read the headlines, but that is the kind of person every company wants representing them. That is the person who will change his or her world. </li><li><strong><em>Revealing your creativity –</em></strong> No matter what the position is you’re interviewing for, every company appreciates creativity. Don’t think that’s you? You might surprise yourself if you just try. It begins with realizing that you are a uniquely created individual, made in the image of a creative God. We imitate him every day, whether we know it or not. So look for creative ways to express yourself in the interview. It might be through a portfolio, or you might be like the guy who sent the Magic office pizza with his resume printed inside the box! The possibilities are only limited by your imagination. </li></ol>Those are the top ten, Brent, but of course—every game needs a free throw. So we added what I think is one of the most important tips:<br /><br /><strong><em>Be yourself –</em></strong> And to do that, you first need to see yourself as you really are. Who are you? Try stepping outside yourself and sit for a few minutes on the other side of that interview desk. Would you hire you? If you’re out of work right now or looking to transition into a new position soon, take some time first to figure out who you are and what it is you really want to do. If there is any way possible, go after your dream job. And then be realistic. You may not get that job. But if you don’t it won’t be because you didn’t give it all you’ve got. It may simply be that it’s not the right time for you, or there is something better down the road. At the end of the day, the most important thing is to be a person you respect and someone others can look up to. If you can nail that, you are way ahead of the game. <br /><br /><strong>4. Over 1.4 million college-educated individuals will enter the U.S. labor force this year. What advice can you offer professionals who are just trying to get their foot in the door?</strong> <br /><br />Be persistent. Never give up. I can’t think of better advice than that. It’s so easy to become discouraged in this highly competitive world we live in. Don’t let the gloom of a failure or two settle in on your soul. Get back out there in the game and keep knocking on those doors. One day a door will yield to your knocking and it will lead you to just the place you need to be in that moment. But when you get there, don’t rest on your laurels. Keep growing and stretching. Keep networking and keep on knocking.<br /><br /><strong>5. In conversations I've had with unemployed experienced managers, they are questioning whether to accept significantly lower salaries or keep looking for the right opportunities. What are your thoughts?</strong><br /><br />That’s a tough one, Brent, given our current climate. My gut response is to say “go for the gold”—keep looking for that right place. But ultimately it does come down to putting food on the table and making the monthly rent. We must keep in mind that all work is honorable, so we shouldn’t have the mind set that, well, that job is beneath me. If it offers you an opportunity to grow and become a better person along with making those monthly bills, you might need to accept the lower salary for a while. Remember that all things come to pass. So roll with the lumps when you have to but don’t get stuck in them. In other words—take the lower salary for now if you must. Be practical, for goodness sake! But keep your eye on home plate. Never stop looking.<br /><br /><strong>6. Nationwide unemployment is approximately 10% while overall underemployment is closer to 20%. If you could offer one final tip for job seekers, what would it be?</strong><br /><br />I’ll go back to my last remarks if I may and say—folks, it’s a tough world out there and very tough times we are facing. There is no doubt about that and no easy answers. We all want the dream job, the killer career, the fourth floor corner office. But now might not be the right time for it. I fully believe God has a plan for each of our lives. But we must be patient with the process and face facts when they are staring at us. Be patient, keep looking, stay strong. Never compromise your integrity. Do what you must. Keep growing. Keep looking. As Phil Jackson might say to his team, “Move the ball. Make the shots.” Stay focused and you’ll win in the long run.<br /><hr /><strong>Author:</strong><br /><br />Brent Peterson, PMP, MS, MBA, is the founder of Interview Angel Inc, a company that offers a comprehensive guide and toolkit for job seekers to use in interviews. Interview Angel is in use at universities, corporations, non-profit agencies, and local governments.<br /><p></p><p>Discover customer testimonials, blog posts, upcoming events, and media interviews at <a href="http://www.interviewangel.com/" target="_blank">http://www.interviewangel.com/</a>. Brent is also in LinkedIn (<a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/brentpeterson" target="'_blank">www.linkedin.com/in/brentpeterson</a>) and on Twitter (<a href="http://twitter.com/InterviewAngel" target="_blank">@InterviewAngel</a>).</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7965827460478077853-4561109300618860918?l=www.careerrocketeer.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=0Zrtn_xpIG0:EYpIlzWqN1I:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=0Zrtn_xpIG0:EYpIlzWqN1I:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~4/0Zrtn_xpIG0" height="1" width="1"/><br /><br />View the <a href='http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~3/0Zrtn_xpIG0/10-secrets-for-nailing-job-interview.html' rel='nofollow'>Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-5329715863317906054?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-88723398867655814582010-07-29T12:35:00.000-07:002010-07-29T12:35:00.147-07:00 <strong>Using a Personal Profile to Connect With A Prospective Employer</strong><br /><br />In today’s challenging job market, job seekers have to make every effort to go above and beyond what is normally expected, to differentiate themselves in the eyes of the hiring manager. No matter how hard you try, attempting to differentiate yourself solely through your resume is extremely difficult.<br /><br />Consider creating a “Credentials Package” for your prospective employer to consider, which can include other components in addition to your resume. One additional component is the Personal Profile. The Personal Profile outlines in a single page, for you initially—and ultimately for your prospective employer—all of your unique personal qualities, including your passions, hobbies and special interests, personal development activities, family, and other unique or interesting qualities about yourself.<br /><br />To highlight the 5 reasons why the Personal Profile is important:<div class="fullpost"><ol><li><strong>You are more than your “work.”<br /></strong>You are so much more than what could possibly show up on a résumé. If others prefer to be considered, judged, and selected based solely on their work experience, let them. You want to make it personal.<br /></li><li><strong>It’s all about relationships, and it’s always personal.</strong><br />If you want that new career opportunity, you have to convince your prospective employer that you bring positive personal qualities to the work and team environment.<br /></li><li><strong>It’s all about differentiation.</strong><br />A hiring manager may have difficulty choosing between two candidates with similar work experiences, but the personal information you provide will always be unique and different.<br /></li><li><strong>Let them know now who you are.</strong><br />You want your prospective employer to know exactly what—and who—they are getting. Even if you have the opportunity to meet with your prospective employer, you usually don’t get into this topic during an interview. Why should they wait until six months after you’re hired to find out what a great and interesting person you are? Let them know now.<br /></li><li><strong>Your personal qualities are as important as your work experience.<br /></strong>Your unique personal qualities determine how you will approach a given job, how you will interact with others to meet objectives, and ultimately how successful you will be. </li></ol><p>In addition to aiding the employer in understanding who you are—before the interview even begins, the Personal Profile is also extremely important in helping you determine if a given opportunity is right for you. By identifying and understanding all of your personal qualities, it will help you evaluate and select career opportunities best suited for you, and will help you to answer that typical and often challenging “Tell me about yourself” question you often hear during the interview process.<br /><br />Add a Personal Profile to your credentials package today. Start to develop a personal relationship with your prospective employer, before the interview even begins.<br /><hr /><strong><a href="http://contributors.careerrocketeer.com/p/guest-experts.html">Guest Expert</a>:</strong><br /><br />Over a 25-year period, <strong>Dan Burns</strong> has realized a successful career as a corporate manager, entrepreneur, educator, business owner, and now as a full-time writer.<br /><br />Prior to writing, Dan served as owner and Executive Vice President of a national technical and management consulting company, providing consulting and employee placement services to Fortune 500 companies and helping people successfully obtain their next great career opportunity.<br /><br />In May 2009, Dan published his first book, The First 60 Seconds: Win The Job Interview Before It Begins. Through his book and speaking engagements, Dan is helping thousands of people to be more successful in today’s challenging job marketplace.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7965827460478077853-694065215236264401?l=www.careerrocketeer.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=7ygfB9QpnO0:TJxG7JkOxgQ:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=7ygfB9QpnO0:TJxG7JkOxgQ:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~4/7ygfB9QpnO0" height="1" width="1"/><br /><br />View the <a href='http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~3/7ygfB9QpnO0/beyond-resume-part-2.html' rel='nofollow'>Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-8872339886765581458?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-6838359859297996882010-07-28T12:02:00.000-07:002010-07-28T12:02:00.306-07:00 Now that it’s graduation season, I’ve recently reviewed resumes for several new graduates. It was clear to me from looking at these documents that many people just entering the workforce feel unsure about which rules still apply for writing resumes today. Here are some tips for those who find themselves in this situation.<br /><br /><b>What Resume Length Is Appropriate?</b><br /><br />Conventional wisdom says that resumes should be just one page. Today, many people with years of work experience find that they can’t condense everything onto one page. That’s perfectly all right—it’s more important to make sure you include appropriate keywords and accomplishments than to stick to one page. However, if you do need two pages to fully detail your experience, make sure that your most important and relevant experience is included on the first page. The one-page rule arose because of the perception that hiring managers wouldn’t take the time to review more than one page of a resume—and some today will tell you that they still don’t.<br /><br />Regardless of how many pages are appropriate to capture your experience, your resume should fill the entire page on each page of the document. So if you go with two pages of experience, make sure you have two full pages. Most recent graduates will probably not have acquired enough activities, experiences, or jobs to fill more than two pages. One exception would be a curriculum vitae for someone who had been in school for many years obtaining a Ph.D. A resume for a Ph.D. student may require more room in order to include publications and/or presentations.<br /><div class="fullpost"><br /><b>How to Date Your Experience</b><br /><br />Another trend I’ve noticed on new graduate resumes is people indicating in which semester they held a leadership position or an internship. Because companies don’t operate on a semester system, it may look more professional to date your experience with months and/or years.<br /><br /><b>Resume Objective or Career Summary?</b><br /><br />Lastly, most student/new graduate resumes I’ve seen include an objective statement at the top rather than a summary of the job seeker’s qualifications. Companies would rather see what a candidate offers them than what the candidate is looking for. For a former student who is entering the workforce, quantifiable achievements might include things like: “Obtained at least a 3.5 GPA during every semester of college while simultaneously working 20 hours per week as a reservations hostess at a busy restaurant”. Or, “Planned a fund-raising event that raised $2,000 for a national charitable organization”. Today’s college students are multitaskers who are generally involved in things other than just their classes. Use those experiences to sell yourself as a skilled candidate—even if you’re just beginning to acquire those skills.<br /><br />For a free resume analysis submit your resume via e-mail to <a href="mailto:info@greatresumesfast.com">info@greatresumesfast.com</a> or view professionally-written resume samples at <a href="http://www.greatresumesfast.com">http://www.greatresumesfast.com</a>.<br /><hr /><strong>Author:</strong><br /><br /><strong>Jessica Holbrook</strong> 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 <a href="http://www.greatresumesfast.com/">http://www.greatresumesfast.com/</a> or for a free phone consultation call 1.800.991.5187.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7965827460478077853-6064501659508676482?l=www.careerrocketeer.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=NBUU0GWRwuE:thEqyWoH52U:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=NBUU0GWRwuE:thEqyWoH52U:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~4/NBUU0GWRwuE" height="1" width="1"/><br /><br />View the <a href='http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~3/NBUU0GWRwuE/resume-advice-for-new-grads.html' rel='nofollow'>Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-683835985929799688?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-14850894911391554062010-07-27T11:29:00.000-07:002010-07-27T11:29:00.414-07:00 Many people, particularly as they accumulate years of work experience, find they have a growing desire to put passion into their life and career. My observation about why this takes place is that as we grow in life experiences a lot of the excitement or “newness” diminishes. We simply have been there and done that enough that our threshold for what will rock our world continues to go up. It’s increasingly harder to get that same level of excitement.<br /><br />As we recognize that this element of excitement is missing, it can trigger us to go in search of something we can feel passionate about. We often look around us seeing others in careers that bring them incredible joy – something they are passionate about – and we want that same feeling for ourselves. We remember how it feels to have something in our lives that consumes our thoughts and makes the hours flow quickly. The biggest issue with going in search of your life and career passion is: HOW do you discover your passion?<br /><br />All too many people think that your passion just comes to you like a thunderbolt from the heavens. In other words, we think for some people it just magically appears. This leaves the rest of us to feel unlucky because the magic hasn’t happened. Finding your passion is something we all have access to. It might seem magical, but it is simply a process, like most things in our lives, and requires turning off the TV and taking some actions.<br /><br />Here are 5 simple steps that will lead you to your passion:<div class="fullpost"><br /><strong>Start first with what you already know you’re interested in.</strong> Sit down and write out a list of all the things you have some interest in trying, but never have. Your whole process requires self honesty and it starts here. Don’t list anything just because of someone else’s interests. If you aren’t genuinely interested, don’t list it. It’s also important to create this master list as it will live on perhaps for the rest of your life. As you try things on the list, you may eliminate some and add others.<br /><ul><li>You must realize that this is a discovery and experimentation process. You need to proceed with a certain playfulness and curiosity. You are going to try these things, probably for the first time, and you have no idea how they will turn out. In fact, you need to assume that while you may enjoy many of those activities, most of them will not turn into a passion. </li><li>Because most of the activities you try will not turn into a true passion, you need to develop self-patience with no self-judgment. Have fun with the process. Be open to new discoveries. You will find your passion, just be patient and trust the process. Don’t criticize yourself if it doesn’t happen immediately. </li><li>You do not need to limit your list to only things that seem related to a job. When you find a passion, you may well be able to turn it into an income opportunity, if you choose. </li></ul><p><strong>Make goals.</strong> You can’t just make a list. You have to take action. Like all great goals, they have the characteristics of 1) being specific 2) having a time for completion 3) and are actionable. A bad example: I will solve world hunger. This goal is missing all of the key characteristics. A good example: I will enroll and take glass blowing classes starting no later than Sept 2010. Setting goals for your drive to passion means you will hold yourself accountable for making something happen in your life.<br /><br /><strong>Get curious and go in search.</strong> Your biggest asset on your quest to find passion is to get curious about your environment and what other people are doing. Ask questions. Let one thing create a thread to others that you continue to follow. There are an unlimited number of things out there that people are doing and others who are inventing more things to do. Surround yourself with people who are passionate about the work they are doing or with people on a quest like you. Having others in your life, who are excited about life, will drive your process forward. It’s great to have daily doses of inspiration.<br /><br /><strong>Record your results.</strong> To get the most out of your exploration, you need to spend time in introspection. You need to think about each action you take and your reactions to them. This will help you understand what works for you and what doesn’t. What you learn about yourself as you move forward will help inform your next steps. Consider keeping a discovery journal. If you do best debriefing your actions by talking, consider asking a person who is also going through a quest for passion to help you. You can ask each other deep probing questions and deepen the learning.<br /><br /><strong>Repeat.</strong> Don’t try something just once. Give any new endeavor a chance to capture your interest by getting past the new start up roughness. Continue to move through the steps exploring, experimenting and learning until you discover the passion you are looking for.<br />Discovering something you can feel passionate about will greatly enhance your life and career. It is not magical nor is it difficult, but it does take effort. As long as you stay open about the possibilities and continually entertain new things, you will find the passion you want in your life.<br /><hr /><strong><a href="http://contributors.careerrocketeer.com/p/guest-experts.html">Guest Expert</a>:</strong><br /><br /><strong>Dorothy Tannahill-Moran</strong> is a Career Coach and expert on helping her clients achieve their goals. Her programs cover: Career growth and enhancement, Career Change, Retirement Alternatives and Job Search Strategy. Want to discover specific career change strategies that get results? Discover how by claiming your FREE gift, Career Makeover Toolkit at: <a href="http://careermakeovertoolkitshouldistayorshouldigo.com/">http://CareerMakeoverToolKitShouldIstayorShouldIGo.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7965827460478077853-5798542301721145132?l=www.careerrocketeer.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=RNEAFJGZsJM:FbDViLccoxQ:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=RNEAFJGZsJM:FbDViLccoxQ:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~4/RNEAFJGZsJM" height="1" width="1"/><br /><br />View the <a href='http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~3/RNEAFJGZsJM/5-easy-steps-to-finding-passion.html' rel='nofollow'>Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-1485089491139155406?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-4877592854228341352010-07-26T10:56:00.000-07:002010-07-26T10:56:00.414-07:00 <a href="http://www.careerrocketeer.com/2010/06/open-networking-whats-your-verdict.html"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479801388109050642" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 153px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LtTBlrBCfCU/TAwqVEnusxI/AAAAAAAAAKI/55hSnpSV0G0/s200/LION.png" border="0" /></a>When I joined LinkedIn during my job search, I did not yet have a large network of first-degree or second-degree contacts within my chosen industry and found it very challenging to reach any potential career stakeholders. I turned to open networking as sort of an experiment to see how it would serve me in my job search efforts by joining a couple LinkedIn groups for LIONs (<em>a.k.a. LinkedIn Open Networkers</em>).<br /><br />As I gained more first-degree contacts, I gained more messaging access to them and their connections. As a result, I was able to set up a number of informational interviews, one of which led to an official interview and later the job offer for my current employment.<br /><br />Therefore, I am very much a supporter of open networking; however, I realize that like all things, there are two sides which I believe should both be heard and considered.<br /><br />To get the discussion going, I have reached out to several thought leaders to share their arguments for and against open networking.<div class="fullpost"><br /><strong>FOR OPEN NETWORKING:</strong><br /><br />“<em>As an ardent proponent of "Open Networking," I encourage it constantly in my work with clients and companies. According to research by Mark Granovetter cited in Herminia Ibarra's excellent book "Working Identity" (page 120), over 80% of job leads come from people outside of our key contact list (the numbers are 17% from strong ties, 55% from weak ties and 28% from weakest ties). By the use of Open Networking, the LinkedIn individual increases the opportunity for serendipity. I recently had a client who, through keeping his network open, made contact with a previously unknown individual in Washington State who was able to connect him with an employment opportunity he had discovered in Northeast Philadelphia. He had NO idea of who this person was, yet through LinkedIn was able to identify that this person had a strong connection to a position he had found here on the East Coast!</em>” <strong>- </strong><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/barrydavismcdp"><strong>Barry Davis</strong></a><br /><br />“<em>I advise job seekers to become open networkers on LinkedIn because it increases their reach across the site. Without many connections, job seekers are limited to using InMail or group messages to contact other LinkedIn members in reference to their job searches. Open networking allows job hunters to reach out to recruiters and hiring managers to find out about openings or to follow up on posted positions. As a LinkedIn member, I had a person who was my first level connection ask me to forward a note to a hiring manager who was a connection of mine. I didn’t personally know the person who requested the favor, but I passed on the note without having to give a personal endorsement of the person. Most LinkedIn members are willing to help. As long as people reciprocate and are willing to help each other, being an open networker can benefit everyone.</em>” <strong>- </strong><a href="http://www.calltocareer.com/"><strong>Cheryl Palmer</strong></a><br /><br />“<em>I am an executive recruiter in Manhattan, and have been one for close to seven years. I have been using LinkedIn since July 2007. As of this moment, I have just shy of 10,000 contacts. I would guess that of those 10,000, I am personally acquainted with 100. The rest are perfect strangers. However, LinkedIn is my primary source for announcing job openings. It has never failed me. Period. End of discussion. I find candidates through LinkedIn. I have placed people who I have found through LinkedIn. There are, to the best of my knowledge, no downsides to using LinkedIn as an open networker. Some people have raised concerns. The first seems to be that as an open networker, you are associating yourself with strangers. My response is that everyone knows that the vast majority of contacts are strangers. You will not be held responsible for your contacts. That said, if a contact has a strange picture I will look at his or her profile and decide whether or not to keep them. I am looking for highly professional individuals. By definition, “highly professional individuals” do not post provocative photos or content on their profiles. So the people I delete are not the people who I would ever want as candidates.</em>” <strong>- </strong><a href="http://www.hsstaffing.com/"><strong>Bruce Hurwitz</strong></a><br /><br /><strong>AGAINST OPEN NETWORKING:</strong><br /><br />"<em>Being a LinkedIn Open Networker is not a good idea. Why? Because who you publicly allow into your network reflects back on who you are. What does it say about you if you are linked to someone who posts inappropriate status updates? Who has conducted themselves in a "manner unbecoming" in the workplace? Who has been at the heart of a scandal of any sort? It does not say good things to a potential employer! In fact, I would think it would lead a recruiter to question your judgment. One of your top priorities during a job hunt should be to protect and put forth a positive, professional persona online and connecting with "just anyone" can easily throw that off-track. I'm not saying you need to have met, in person, everyone you connect with; however, you should have some knowledge of who they are, what they do, their reputation, etc.</em>” <strong>- </strong><a href="http://www.whatsnextgeny.com/"><strong>Robin Ferrier</strong></a><br /><br />“<em>If every LinkedIn user connected indiscriminately, the system would completely stop working, and people would abandon the platform. Can you think of any positive reason that people would check into a system where millions of people "connected" to thousands of other people that they had no relationship with? (and "connect" in this fashion is not the same as a twitter connection - they are separate platforms)</em>” <strong>- </strong><a href="http://www.linkedinpersonaltrainer.com/"><strong>Steve Tylock</strong></a><br /><br />“<em>The problem of being a Linkedin Open Networker is not the practice of encouraging connections that are unfamiliar. It is the unstructured nature of your resulting contacts and their lack of usefulness to your most important connections. The bell curve of members on LinkedIn is skewed toward service providers. As a LION, your connections will emulate that demographic and anyone who is connected to you will have their search results diluted by your unwieldy connections. This may result in your most important connections considering the removal of your profile as a direct connection. I am a proponent of being a LIHON, A Linkedin Handpicked Open Networker or a member that uses the ability to send messages for free to group members to handpick the most powerful connections, with or without a direct business experience. This will enhance the power of your profile and increase your credibility as a valuable Linkedin member.</em>” <strong>- </strong><a href="http://www.b2bcfo.com/"><strong>Brian Callahan</strong> </a><br /><br />“<em>Personally, the whole concept of “open networking” is something I oppose. Now don’t get me wrong, every once in a while I will make a LinkedIn connection with someone outside of my network, but usually that’s done with a specific purpose and within a relevant context for the person whom I’m reaching out to. The more people you add to your network – whether it’s LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter – the less attention you can focus on building relationships with each person in your network. I’m a believer that less is more. Rather than have thousands of meaningless connections, have a stronger, smaller network that knows you and will go to bat for you.</em>” <strong>- </strong><a href="http://www.careersparx.com/"><strong>Mario Schulzke</strong></a><strong><br /></strong><br />What are your thoughts? Are you for or against open networking? Why?<br /><br />Has it hurt you or helped you?<br /><br />Tell us your verdict!<br /><br /><hr /><strong>Author:</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://www.chrisperry.me/">Chris Perry</a>, MBA is a Gen Y brand and marketing "generator," a career search and personal branding expert and the founder of <a href="http://www.careerrocketeer.com/">Career Rocketeer</a> and <a href="http://launchpad.careerrocketeer.com/">Launchpad</a>.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7965827460478077853-5699847608390328534?l=www.careerrocketeer.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=NovFN57wf0Q:VEFY9EGb2hw:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=NovFN57wf0Q:VEFY9EGb2hw:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~4/NovFN57wf0Q" height="1" width="1"/><br /><br />View the <a href='http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~3/NovFN57wf0Q/open-networking-whats-your-verdict.html' rel='nofollow'>Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-487759285422834135?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-19845689562080474622010-07-25T10:23:00.000-07:002010-07-25T10:23:00.518-07:00 When I started <a href="http://vizibility.com">Vizibility</a> last year, we hired accountants, lawyers and other professionals to help us get the business going. Very few of us choose a lawyer or doctor or realtor or [fill in the blank] based solely on the company’s television ad or website or phonebook ad or referral alone. We may start with one of these, but we validate what they tell us by getting input from friends, family, and past and current clients.<br /><br />And Google.<br /><br />For service professionals, the best way to find new clients will always be word of mouth and personal references. The Internet won’t change that. But it has changed how word of mouth is spread. Online due diligence is a routine part of evaluating service professionals, and ‘Googling’ is now standard practice.<div class="fullpost"><br />Having a strong game plan to understand and manage what is being found about you online is just as important as having a good website. What do people find when they search for you? Does someone else share your name and dominate the results? Did the media run a positive story about you that just doesn’t show up for some reason? Did a disgruntled client post a comment somewhere that keeps popping up? Is Facebook showing up everywhere?<br /><br />To help potential clients find accurate information about their attorneys, leading Intellectual Property law firm Novak Druce + Quigg recently decided to add Vizibility SearchMe buttons to the corporate profile pages of its attorneys (<a href="http://bit.ly/96UfBh">http://bit.ly/96UfBh</a>). Vizibility ensures that their attorneys can be found quickly in Google so they don't miss an important opportunity to validate their credentials and make a powerful impression. In short, Vizibility will help Novak Druce + Quigg get more business. And we expect to see to see thousands of other law firms and other professional services organizations follow suit by adding SearchMe buttons to the bios of practioners on their corporate websites.<br /><br />Along with Vizibility, there are other tools that can help manage your online presence. But the single most important method of generating positive word of mouth will never change: <em>deliver great service to your clients</em>.<br /><hr /><strong><a href="http://contributors.careerrocketeer.com/p/guest-experts.html">Guest Expert</a>:</strong><br /><br /><strong>James Alexander</strong> is the founder and CEO of <a href="http://www.vizibility.com/">Vizibility</a>. A serial technology entrepreneur, James has been involved with Internet search since starting eWatch in 1995.<br /><br />Most recently James served as General Manager of Jupiterimages. Getty Images acquired the company in early 2009. Before that, James was Director of Product Management at Adobe Systems years where he created, built and managed Adobe Stock Photos, which served more than 7,000 creative professional customers in its first 36 months of operations. He joined Adobe in 2001 to manage and build the company’s early-stage electronic book (ebook) business.<br /><br />Prior to Adobe, James led venture-backed Mibrary Inc., a New York-based software start-up founded in 1999 to make electronic books and other digital content easier for consumers to use. Prior to Mibrary, James co-founded the Internet brand monitoring service eWatch, which was purchased by PR Newswire in 1999.<br /><br />James was awarded a patent for search innovations on Adobe Stock Photos and has other patents pending. He earned his Masters of Business Administration with distinction from Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Rockefeller College at the University at Albany in New York.<br /><br />Google James at <a href="http://vizibility.com/james">http://vizibility.com/james</a>.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7965827460478077853-4347210981599506516?l=www.careerrocketeer.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=pzBTO0N20I8:X7tw2Q-xskQ:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=pzBTO0N20I8:X7tw2Q-xskQ:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~4/pzBTO0N20I8" height="1" width="1"/><br /><br />View the <a href='http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~3/pzBTO0N20I8/word-of-mouth-20-personal-references-by.html' rel='nofollow'>Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-1984568956208047462?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-13015342500986558202010-07-24T09:50:00.000-07:002010-07-24T09:50:00.435-07:00 <a href="http://www.careerrocketeer.com/2010/06/open-networking-whats-your-verdict.html"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479801388109050642" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 10px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 175px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 130px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LtTBlrBCfCU/TA4W-iaAFbI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/LYnl1c9Ln00/s200/verb.jpg" border="0" /></a>If you use the phrases “<em>responsible for, duties included, or worked with...</em>” you are selling yourself, your experience and your resume short. These passive terms do absolutely nothing for communicating the value and benefits you offer an employer.<br /><br />These phrases are boring and repetitive because most every job seeker uses them. Hiring managers need words that jump off the page and captivate them. Here are a few examples of my favorite action words:<br /><br /><em>Accelerated<br />Authored<br />Captivated<br />Captured<br />Championed <div class="fullpost"><br />Consolidated<br />Critiqued<br />Directed<br />Diversified<br />Diverted<br />Doubled<br />Enforced<br />Enhanced<br />Exceeded<br />Pioneered<br />Forged<br />Formalized<br />Formulated<br />Generated<br />Influenced<br />Initiated<br />Integrated<br />Intensified<br />Leveraged<br />Masterminded<br />Maximized<br />Mentored<br />Optimized<br />Orchestrated<br />Re-engineered<br />Spearheaded<br />Structured<br />Proliferated<br />Recaptured<br />Rejuvenated</em><br /><br />...And the list could go on. Don’t like these? Use the synonym feature in Microsoft Word or go to thesaurus.com. Be strategic in your action verb choice and choose strong words that convey ACTION and RESULTS to begin every sentence. These words are a key component in creating a powerful and captivating resume.<br /><br />For more great resources and resume samples visit <a href="http://www.greatresumesfast.com/">Great Resumes Fast</a> or to request a free resume analysis send your resume via e-mail to <a href="mailto:info@greatresumesfast.com">info@greatresumesfast.com</a>.<br /><hr /><strong>Author:</strong><br /><br /><strong>Jessica Holbrook</strong> 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 <a href="http://www.greatresumesfast.com/">http://www.greatresumesfast.com/</a> or for a free phone consultation call 1.800.991.5187.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7965827460478077853-811148945938638610?l=www.careerrocketeer.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=-k67R3qOuzE:P5urSPB0H5U:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=-k67R3qOuzE:P5urSPB0H5U:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~4/-k67R3qOuzE" height="1" width="1"/><br /><br />View the <a href='http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~3/-k67R3qOuzE/30-strong-action-verbs-to-spice-up-your.html' rel='nofollow'>Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-1301534250098655820?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-37049538042713065322010-07-23T09:17:00.000-07:002010-07-23T09:17:00.723-07:00 I was recently asked about the difference between a resume and an online career profile. Is there a difference? Should there be a difference? Are they considered in different ways? What should be included or avoided? <br /><br />Good question… short answer… YES! They are different.<br /><br />There are a number of things to consider when creating a professional profile online vs. creating a resume to email or present to a company, or when applying for a specific role.<br /><br /><em>Here are some thoughts that can help…</em><br /><br />When creating a resume for a specific company or position you are pursuing, it’s critical that you tailor it for the specific recipient. Emphasize the experience you’ve had that would be most important to that particular company or position. Although your experience may be very broad, if they don’t very quickly see the direct related experience for the role, it’s unlikely you will be considered further. Using words from their job description, their terminology, and giving special attention to the skills you have that are directly applicable to their requirements is key. The extra effort involved in customizing your resume for each individual application will pay off in a greater chance at a response.<div class="fullpost"><br />When creating an online profile, whether it be a LinkedIn profile, your personal professional website, a Visual CV, a job board, or any number of other venues online to post your information… it has to appeal to a broader audience. You won’t know who will see it, or what kind of role they have in mind when they’re looking. <br /><br />Although you may be interested in a variety of opportunities when you are applying, the viewer generally only has one role they are looking to fill. Your online profile should help them understand all your experience and see the fit for multiple roles. <br /><br /><strong>~ An online profile isn’t limited to two printed pages!</strong> While it’s usually not a good idea to create a submitted resume that’s more than 2 pages long, you don’t have that kind of restriction with an online profile. You can include much more information, more detail, more accomplishments, more strengths, and more keywords. Keywords are important, as that’s the most likely way they will find you. Include as many keywords as you can think of that someone might use to find someone with your background. With more detail, the likelihood of being found in a search rises, and it gives the viewer a greater chance of finding what they are looking for.<br /><br />In an online profile, just as in a resume, it’s important that your information is written in short, substantive, sentences and/or bullet points. When someone is scanning your information, short lines will get read, paragraphs will not. It’s important that they grasp your experience quickly and easily, in order to gain their further interest.<br /><br /><strong>~ An online profile can include testimonials!</strong> A submitted resume doesn’t generally have the space, and it’s not the best venue to include third party comments. However, an online profile can be a great place to include reference information and comments to “back up” the assertions you make about yourself in your profile. It’s great to express your strengths and accomplishments, it’s even better when someone else confirms them as well.<br /><br /><strong>~ Consistency is key!</strong> It’s critically important that a resume you submit to a company, and your online profile agree with each other! Nothing will torpedo your chances for an opportunity than the appearance of an attempt to deceive. Although the resume you present may not give the entire picture of your full responsibilities in a particular position, it should never contradict the more detailed description. If your role was as an Office Manager of a small business, and your responsibilities included accounting, your resume should never make it appear as if your entire role was as an Accountant. <br /><br />In today’s job market, and with easy access to search engines, it’s HIGHLY likely that somewhere in the hiring process someone at the organization you are pursuing will Google you and find your profile online. If the information you have posted there contradicts what they received from you directly, it’s unlikely they will proceed with you further. The resume and online profile can complement each other, but be consistent.<br /><br /><strong>~ Links!</strong> When presenting a resume, it’s not usually easy, or necessarily appropriate to include links to websites online. An online profile is ideal for this though and can often enhance your presentation and credibility. You can include links to other professional sites where you have information posted. Link all of your relevant online presence together… LinkedIn, personal professional website, Visual CV, etc. You might also link to a professional blog you write, articles you’ve been published in, online recognition you’ve received, etc. <br /><br />Be very conscious, and careful of your overall online presence. A racy Facebook or MySpace page can be harmful to your online reputation. Comments or less than professional pictures or articles attributed to you can damage your chances of being considered for a position further. Be sure everything you link to only shows you in the best and most professional light possible, and try to clean up anything else that may be found by Google that might hurt.<br /><br /> <br />Working together, a resume and a professional online presence can be a powerful combination. However, manage them carefully!<br /><hr /><strong>Author:</strong><br /><br />Harry Urschel has over 20 years experience as a technology recruiter in Minnesota. He currently operates as <a href="http://www.eexecutives.net/" target="_blank"><strong>e-Executives</strong></a>, writes a blog for Job Seekers called <a href="http://www.thewisejobsearch.com/" target="_blank"><strong>The Wise Job Search</strong></a>, and can be found on Twitter as <a href="http://www.twitter.com/eExecutives" target="_blank">@eExecutives</a>.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7965827460478077853-4262836357633958232?l=www.careerrocketeer.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=r43UidIDSY0:5dxYfTzfs6g:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=r43UidIDSY0:5dxYfTzfs6g:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~4/r43UidIDSY0" height="1" width="1"/><br /><br />View the <a href='http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~3/r43UidIDSY0/resume-vs-online-profile-whats.html' rel='nofollow'>Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-3704953804271306532?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-77606302570334062692010-07-22T08:44:00.000-07:002010-07-22T08:44:00.217-07:00 Many job seekers write their resumes under the belief that they have to "come clean" on everything regarding their careers, from what they have achieved, to the reasons they left previous jobs, to what they want to do well into the future.<br /><br />But a resume is not a tell-all autobiography of your career triumphs, tragedies, and non-essential trivia. It's a marketing document that tries to position you as a prime candidate for whatever job you're applying for. While your long-term goal is to get the job, the resume's chief goal is short term: Showcase the stuff the employer needs to convince them to call you for an interview.<br /><br />That's why you should never include these three things on your resume:<br /><br /><strong>Why you left a job.</strong> This doesn't help when you're trying to market yourself effectively. The objective of any marketing project is to convince someone to buy a product or service. Rather than saying something like "Position was one of 10 eliminated as part of company-wide cost-cutting measures," focus only on what the employer is looking for: your skills and experience, and how they can benefit a new employer. You can explain the rest at your interview--if they even ask.<div class="fullpost"><br /><strong>What's in it for you...</strong>rather than what's in it for the employer. If you open your resume with a statement that says something like "Seeking a position that can utilize my skills in accounting and help position me for an executive-level job in finance," you've stated a clear career objective. There's just one problem with that: Your next employer doesn't really care about your aspirations or what you want to be doing in five years. They want someone who can do the job they have open today, and do it effectively. Start your resume instead with a summary of the qualifications that are most likely to grab their attention.<br /><br /><strong>Your college GPA...</strong>if it's been more than three years since you graduated. You may have heard the expression "experience is your best teacher." Hiring managers want to see what you've done in the workplace, and that also goes for new college graduates. Even 10 years after you received your bachelor's degree, you may still be proud of that 3.7 grade-point average. But that was a decade ago. What have you done since? If you're a recent college graduate and your GPA was at least a 3.5, go ahead and include it. If it was less than 3.5 but the GPA in courses related to your major was at or above that mark, include it.<br /><br />Before you send your resume, ask yourself these two questions: (1) Does this resume effectively communicate my skills and experience and how they match the job description? And (2) Does it effectively tell the employer the benefits they would get by hiring me? If you can truthfully answer "yes" to both questions, you've given yourself a strong chance at landing an interview.<br /><hr /><strong><a href="http://contributors.careerrocketeer.com/p/guest-experts.html">Guest Expert</a>:</strong><br /><br /><strong>Rick Saia</strong> is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Content Writer for Pongo Resume, a premier, full-service online resource for job seekers. Pongo provides all the <a href="http://www.pongoresume.com/services/13/resume-templates.cfm" target="_blank">resume templates</a>, tools, and support needed to write professional resumes and cover letters, ace tough interviews, and secure a great job. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.pongoresume.com/" target="_blank">http://www.pongoresume.com</a> or call 866-486-4660.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7965827460478077853-4496386849592484800?l=www.careerrocketeer.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=wdYpmVM26PE:gVlGcLgKH1Y:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=wdYpmVM26PE:gVlGcLgKH1Y:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~4/wdYpmVM26PE" height="1" width="1"/><br /><br />View the <a href='http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~3/wdYpmVM26PE/3-things-you-should-never-mention-on.html' rel='nofollow'>Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-7760630257033406269?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-65789250917192885402010-07-21T08:11:00.000-07:002010-07-21T08:11:00.262-07:00 <em>If you’ve ever found yourself in a company that doesn’t value your skills, then you’ll appreciate the discussion on finding the right corporate culture for the skills and talents you bring to an organization. In this post, we’ll take a quick look at how you can overcome a very common barrier for moving your career to the next level.</em><br /><br />A big issue for many working professionals is in finding a good fit for success within a company. Fit is usually broken up into two factors: job and organization. Job fit is fairly easy for the company and the individual to figure out; that is, you have the skills for the job or either the company feels they can teach you what you need to know. Organization or culture fit is much more difficult. It is essentially the alignment of beliefs and values of you and the company. Yes, the company has their own set of values. Why? Because companies are usually run by people and these people have values.<br /><div class="fullpost"><br />When companies interview candidates for hire, one would hope that they are asking questions that will assess both fits. Unfortunately, many companies don’t know what their values are. It’s fairly safe to say that many people that get involved in the interview process don’t fully understand their own company’s culture. Assessing whether you will fit or not is too difficult for most interviewers and usually doesn’t happen. The problem is that the interviewer will assess you with their own values. If there is a gross mismatch, they won’t recommend you. Even if there is a match, the interviewer’s values may not be the same as those in higher levels of the organization. This is important if you want to move up in an organization.<br /><br /><strong>Defining your values.</strong> It is useful for you to have a good understanding of why you work. Sure, we all work for the money. But do you work for increasing technical challenge, higher levels of authority, or high visibility? One thing most highly educated professionals value is graduate degrees. I know you are saying to yourself, of course they do. They’ve spent a lot of time and effort into obtaining the degrees so they want to get a good return on it. The advanced degree is a tool for supporting the desire to do higher level tasks.<br /><br />Other values that professionals seek are affiliation, autonomy, intellectual challenge, managing people, power, influence, prestige, recognition, security, variety and so on. If you want to achieve higher levels of success within someone else’s organization, you have to know your values and how you will use them. For example, I have a highly technical background. No matter what position you put me in, I will use analytical methods to resolve issues and perform my work. Now, consider putting me in a management position. Will my analytical skills be necessary? Maybe, but I will use them anyhow because it’s who I am. I can’t turn that off.<br /><br />To know what type of environment that you would thrive in, you must first understand what you value. If your values are not present in your environment, you won’t be happy. You’ll become restless and will make a change. Sometimes this change is a conscious move to another company or it can be a subtle transformation to self-defeating behavior that drives a wedge between you and the company, forcing them to remove you.<br /><br /><strong>Aligning your values.</strong> As mentioned earlier, ascertaining the values of a company from an interview is a big challenge. So maybe it isn’t the best place to look. You should consider your career goals to define the location for a values assessment. Let’s say you just completed your MBA and are looking to leave your current company to find a middle management position in another company. How do you determine if management will value your MBA? The best way is to evaluate their backgrounds. If management doesn’t have graduate degrees but possess many years of work experience, they most likely won’t see much value in your advanced degree.<br /><br />At all levels of management, values are different, but most managers strive to be similar to the managers at the highest levels of the organization. Henry Mintzberg defined the Ten Managerial Roles in 1973, outlining the typical behavior for CEOs. Later on, Pavett and Lau (1983) performed similar studies of lower and middle level managers and found that they emulated the higher level managers. One might think that managers desiring to be part of the executive groups will mimic their behavior so that they resonate with them and will increase their chances of being accepted into the group.<br /><br />One of my clients struggled with achieving even the smallest levels of success in his organization because of a misalignment of values. My client held three advanced degrees, mostly because he wanted to differentiate himself from his competition. Unfortunately, with such high levels of education, he differentiated himself from his management. He appeared more as a threat to them. Management is about competitive advantage, to some extent. Those that sit at or near the top won’t value things that they don’t have. No one would intentionally rule themselves out of the competition. Therefore, to align your strengths and skills with an organization, you need to align them with the values of higher level management. If they value what you have, you will be more successful. If they don’t value it, you’ll have a difficult time becoming extremely successful. After all, people don’t like to change, especially if they value security.<br /><br />Reaching your career goals in someone else’s organization is a difficult task. We often find ourselves in groups that don’t appreciate our unique skills and abilities. Of course, we don’t know what kind of culture we are in until we are neck deep in it. At that point, it can be painful and waste a lot of time trying to get out of the company and into a new one. You are better off taking the time to align your values with those that will be promoting you to higher levels. You can do that by aligning your values with their values.<br /><hr /><strong>Author:</strong><br /><br /><strong>Todd Rhoad</strong>, MSEE, MBA is Director at BT Consulting, a career consulting firm in Altanta, and author of “Blitz The Ladder” and the soon to be released “MBA Owner’s Manual.” Todd can be reached at <a href="mailto:todd.rhoad@blitzteamconsulting.com">todd.rhoad@blitzteamconsulting.com</a>.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7965827460478077853-2340441737649413013?l=www.careerrocketeer.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=7nngDCXFCRg:5kJF9IW0ttY:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=7nngDCXFCRg:5kJF9IW0ttY:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~4/7nngDCXFCRg" height="1" width="1"/><br /><br />View the <a href='http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~3/7nngDCXFCRg/finding-culture-for-success.html' rel='nofollow'>Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-6578925091719288540?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-92196883601496503872010-07-20T07:38:00.000-07:002010-07-20T07:38:00.776-07:00 In a perfect world, interview candidates would be selected based on their strength and experiences. In reality, this isn’t how the process works. Typically, a recruiter chooses the short list of candidates from a pile of resumes. The trick is to be on the short list.<br /><br /><strong>The Rise of the Machines!</strong><br /><br />Don’t assume your resume will be read just because you sent it through. Resume tracking software used by HR departments is a unique technology. This filtering system allows HR recruiters to set certain keyword parameters, about 30,000 keywords in all, to find the most qualified candidates for their searches. A great way to pass this first test is to partner with a Certified Professional Resume Writer who is trained on how to effectively keyword optimize your resume. Without it, your resume may never be seen by a human.<br /><br /><strong>The Human Eye! </strong><br /><br />You made it. Your resume is finally in the hands of a human. Better make sure the next 10 seconds matter. Yep, you guessed it; candidates are selected or discarded in about 10 seconds. If your resume doesn’t capture the recruiter’s attention immediately, all of your years of hard work and education are wasted.<div class="fullpost"><br />It has always been my belief that resumes get chosen, not candidates. To make matters worse, most people struggle to put themselves down on paper effectively. That’s where certified writers flourish. Resume writers are experts in presenting professionals in a concise and meaningful way. Countless studies have proven that professionally written resumes get more interviews, and, if it shortens your job search by even one day, a professional resume will pay for itself.<br /><br /><strong>Hiring managers need to eat! </strong><br /><br />Bam – just like that it’s down to 3 candidates. Awesome! You better make sure you have given the hiring manager something they can sink their teeth into.<br /><br />One of the most important elements to a winning resume is its ability to provide value. There is no better value, at least for hiring managers, than quantifiable key achievements. This may be the single most important reason to invest in a professionally written resume. This is also what separates you from the competition.<br /><br />Examples of well-written key achievements:<br /><ul><li>Successfully avoided client service level agreement (SLA) penalties of $100K by implementing and executing configuration management and quality assurance processes that resulted in the highest level (99-100%) audit score ratings.<br /></li><li>Substantially increased overall customer service by 35% through a 100% delivery on commitments and by proactively solving the customer's business issues instead of merely delivering on a project.<br /></li><li>Oversaw an $800M budget that included development, management, adjustments, and management presentation. Year-end closed with less than 2% variance. </li></ul><p><em>What does your resume say about you?</em><br /><hr /><strong><a href="http://contributors.careerrocketeer.com/p/guest-experts.html">Guest Expert</a>:</strong><br /><br /><strong>Edward McGoldrick</strong>, <a href="http://www.resumeprofessors.com/"><strong>The Resume Professor</strong></a>, has the answers. He will school you in how to develop the most effective resume and land that perfect job.<br /><br />McGoldrick has more than 10 years of progressive responsibility helping over 20,000 people find employment. Leveraging extensive knowledge and experience in staffing and professional resume writing, he is focused on providing top notch, results-oriented career services.<br /><br />Prior to founding <a href="http://www.resumeprofessors.com/"><strong>Resume Professors</strong></a>, McGoldrick served as a director with Spherion, a Fortune 500 staffing firm, leading the strategic and operational growth for the southeast region of the United States. He led this region through start-up, survival, turnaround and growth modes for over four years. McGoldrick also held the position of executive recruiter with Kforce where he earned several sales awards including Rookie of the Year. He also placed in the top 5% in sales every year throughout his six year tenure with the company.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7965827460478077853-7673207920242799764?l=www.careerrocketeer.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=wr1wZUblySM:EJMr2TndoYU:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=wr1wZUblySM:EJMr2TndoYU:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~4/wr1wZUblySM" height="1" width="1"/><br /><br />View the <a href='http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~3/wr1wZUblySM/why-invest-in-professionally-written.html' rel='nofollow'>Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-9219688360149650387?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-70917980648157466042010-07-19T07:05:00.000-07:002010-07-19T07:05:00.313-07:00 <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tryzbgOz0jA/S8PZDUOEs9I/AAAAAAAAAP0/--mOGV7_lTc/s1600/introduction+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459445824293745618" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 159px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tryzbgOz0jA/S8PZDUOEs9I/AAAAAAAAAP0/--mOGV7_lTc/s200/introduction+1.jpg" border="0" /></a>A lot of my people tell me that they hear and read a lot about the personal branding in a job search but don’t really understand what it means.<br /><br />To me PERSONAL BRANDING is how you differentiate yourself from your competition and let people know how special you are.<br /><br />So here are a few ways to establish a personal brand on your resume, online and in person.<br /><br /><strong>1: Create a tag line that sums up who you are in one or two sentences.<br /></strong>For some it can be a very simple statement and for others something a little more innovative. Then place it at the top of your resume directly below your name and contact information separated by a double line. Here are 2 examples.<br /><br /><em>PPM \ PMO Manager<br />"Expertise developing process & methodology to manage a portfolio of 200 projects valued at $275M annually"</em><br /><br />OR<br /><br /><em>Highly Skilled R&D Engineer<br />“Transforming your existing products and processes into ones your competition will envy”</em><br /><div class="fullpost"><br /><strong>2: Design a great business card that accentuates your brand</strong><br />Depending on your field, you can be conservative, colorful or innovative. Whichever you choose, use both sides of the business card. Generally the front has your contact info and your brand, and on the back of the card place has an ad for what you have to offer.<br /><br />There are several companies online who have professional templates to choose from, or will print your artwork for you at a reasonable cost. Zazzle and Vistaprint are two I know of. They can also print matching stationary, return labels, hats, tee shirts and other materials to help grow your brand.<br /><br /><strong>3. Work on your public persona</strong><br />Position yourself as an expert in your field by seeking public speaking engagements in front of target audiences. You can join civic and fraternal organizations which can help you solidify your bonifides and help you build your network.<br /><br /><strong>4. Be a networking group leader</strong><br />Join a group and become the most active member, or start your own live or online networking group in your field or community. Look at what interests similar groups and bring your name and expertise to the forefront by asking and answering relevant questions and exchanging job and networking leads with as many people as possible.<br /><br /><strong>5. Create a public perception</strong><br />Work on your social media profiles. Keep them current and relevant and make sure they show people more than just a boring "widget maker" looking for a job. Let your personality shine through. Set goals and a schedule of how many group responses you will reply to and how many tweets you will post each week.<br /><br /><strong>6. Maintain your own blog</strong><br />Blogging is a great way to establish your brand, show yourself as a subject matter expert and network to get other people to join and contribute.<br /><br /><strong>7. Be open and available</strong><br />Let people you know, as well as total strangers know that you are always available to help them by sharing your knowledge, your skills and your contacts with anyone who needs it. Get in the habit of <em>Paying It Forward</em> and you will see a lot of payback.<br /><hr /><strong>Author:</strong><br /><br />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 his sample resumes at <a href="http://www.perrynewman.com/">http://www.perrynewman.com/</a>, and email him your resume at <a href="mailto:perry@perrynewman.com">perry@perrynewman.com</a> for FREE resume critique.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7965827460478077853-5383383510088676675?l=www.careerrocketeer.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=ebWt1HbfZPw:_Hyt7_5A88I:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=ebWt1HbfZPw:_Hyt7_5A88I:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~4/ebWt1HbfZPw" height="1" width="1"/><br /><br />View the <a href='http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~3/ebWt1HbfZPw/personal-branding-basics.html' rel='nofollow'>Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-7091798064815746604?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-73188051781462924802010-07-18T06:32:00.000-07:002010-07-18T06:32:00.401-07:00 <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LtTBlrBCfCU/TBdTOyr3tlI/AAAAAAAAAKY/cxhyAT-4sUs/s1600/PoliceCar.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482942584935921234" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 122px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LtTBlrBCfCU/TBdTOyr3tlI/AAAAAAAAAKY/cxhyAT-4sUs/s200/PoliceCar.jpg" border="0" /></a>It is beyond me why, in this day and age, job seekers still insist on using an objective statement. I can understand if you’re a new grad or fresh out of high school; in these situations an objective is permissible. But if you’re a professional, seasoned job seeker, or have more than two years of experience, put down the objective and slowly back away.<br /><br />What’s wrong with an objective you say? Hmmm ... where should I start. First, it’s overused. Second, it’s all about you. Third, it absolutely does not communicate in a captivating or influential way who you are, what you do, or why you’re the best fit for the employer’s opening. Not convinced yet?<br /><br />Let me open the doors of professional branding statement heaven (cue lights from above and angelic singing) ... <div class="fullpost"><br />A branding statement will position you as a perfect match for the opening for which you are applying. It will tell the hiring manager who you are, what you’re known for, and what value you can add to the organization—all important things the hiring manager needs to know before he calls you for the interview. You can captivate the hiring manager in your opening statement—or you can bore him and make him hunt for the information he needs. As a former hiring manager, I’m telling you—do yourself a favor. Write the branding statement!<br /><br /><strong>Here is an example of an objective:</strong><br /><br /><em>To utilize my experience and educational background within an organization that promotes growth and advancement opportunities.</em><br /><br /><strong>Here is an example of a branding statement:</strong><br /><br /><em>Maximizing corporate potential by driving top-notch marketing solutions, innovative branding strategies, and dynamic corporate events.<br /></em><br />The objective told me absolutely NOTHING about what you do or who you are. The branding statement, however, provides me with a clearer picture of where your resume is headed.<br /><br />For additional samples of branding statements or resumes, visit <a href="http://www.greatresumesfat.com/" target="_blank">http://www.greatresumesfat.com/</a>. For a free resume analysis, submit your resume to <a href="mailto:info@greatresumesfast.com" target="_blank">info@greatresumesfast.com</a>.<br /><hr /><strong>Author:</strong><br /><br /><strong>Jessica Holbrook</strong> 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 <a href="http://www.greatresumesfast.com/">http://www.greatresumesfast.com/</a> or for a free phone consultation call 1.800.991.5187.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7965827460478077853-2217446140189996458?l=www.careerrocketeer.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=7YnKdxw9yas:0HYfCXYFLzY:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=7YnKdxw9yas:0HYfCXYFLzY:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~4/7YnKdxw9yas" height="1" width="1"/><br /><br />View the <a href='http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~3/7YnKdxw9yas/put-down-objective-and-back-away-slowly.html' rel='nofollow'>Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-7318805178146292480?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-1050891213105579372010-07-17T05:59:00.000-07:002010-07-17T05:59:00.572-07:00 <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LtTBlrBCfCU/TBdWe5Xb8sI/AAAAAAAAAKg/oQ2gOmAy9Dk/s1600/InappropriateInterviewQuestions.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LtTBlrBCfCU/TBdWe5Xb8sI/AAAAAAAAAKg/oQ2gOmAy9Dk/s200/InappropriateInterviewQuestions.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482946160142054082" /></a>In your job search, if you are interviewing regularly, it’s highly likely that sooner or later you will be asked a question that may seem inappropriate or legally dubious. How you view that question, and how you respond will very likely have a great impact on your success.<br /><br />I recently had someone in my job search class tell me about an interview he had at a small company. The hiring manager asked what year he graduated from college, as it wasn’t on the resume. The candidate told him it was an inappropriate question to ask.<br />The interviewer said he was curious, and really wanted to know. And for a couple of very uncomfortable minutes the two of them argued back-and-forth about the legitimacy of the question.<br /><br />The candidate assumed it was an effort to determine his age, and make a judgment on his suitability for the job accordingly. I have no idea if that was the intent or not, however, questions like that do occur often. So how should you react? Here are some ideas that may help:<br /><br /><strong>Most hiring managers are not HR and Legal experts!</strong> Although direct questions about age, race, family, and other topics are not supposed to be asked or considered in an interview process, they often get asked innocently. Certainly someone in HR ought to be very aware and conscious of inappropriate questions, however, a direct hiring manager may not be. Often they are simply getting to know someone and are not looking for ways to discriminate. It may not be possible to know if the question was asked out of ignorance or not, but the way you react may determine your fate anyway.<div class="fullpost"><br /><strong>Getting to know you and small talk are not necessarily forms of discrimination.</strong> If the question was asked simply as a means to get to know you better, or as a form of small talk during the interview, an over-reaction can create a very negative impression if no discrimination was intended. Yes, an interviewer should know better than to ask inappropriate questions, however, when they come about from casual conversation, they often had no ill intent behind them. Your reaction generally has more to do with whether they move forward or not than the actual answer to the question.<br /><br /><strong>You’re never obligated to take a job offer! </strong>While others may have differing opinions, my perspective is that candidates are generally best off not making large waves during the process and reserving their judgment and response for afterward. If an inappropriate question was asked. Answering respectfully, and minimizing the negative response enables the process to continue. <br /><br />If you ultimately receive an offer, it’s likely no discrimination was ever intended or took place. An offer will generally be the proof. If you still aren’t convinced though, you certainly don’t have to take the position and you can decide whether to pursue the matter with them further then.<br /><br />If you do not receive an offer. It still may have had nothing to do with discriminatory practices, but rather that they had another, better qualified candidate. If you have doubts, you can decide at that point whether to pursue the matter or not.<br /><br />Getting into a verbal battle with them during the interview process, however, virtually guarantees they will not want to consider you further for the role… not because of discrimination, but because they are not interested in hiring a combative employee.<br /><br /><strong>An appropriate response to a potentially inappropriate question might be:</strong><br /><br /><em>“I’m very interested in this position and would gladly answer all appropriate questions you may have for me in order to determine if I’m the right fit. However, an answer to that question doesn’t necessarily shed any light on my relevant qualifications, so if you don’t mind, I’d prefer not to answer it. Can we move on to other more relevant topics?”</em><br /><br />Many interviewers are likely to get the hint and move on. Some, however, may not. If they continue to press for an answer. In my opinion, it is often best to give them a quick, straight-forward answer rather than continue to challenge them on the appropriateness of the question. You can certainly determine further into the hiring process whether a further response on your part is warranted.<br /> <br />In the case of the person from my job search class… he actually did receive a follow-up interview. The hiring manager simply knew someone that went to the same college and was interested whether they might have graduated at the same time. He shouldn’t have pressed the matter, and he should have been more upfront with his reason for asking. However, no discrimination was intended in any way. The candidate was fortunate that the process continued on, however, certainly may not have in most cases.<br /><br />Don’t assume every inappropriate question has dark motives behind it. It may have been asked innocently, or because of a lack of knowledge. How you react, however, can determine if a good opportunity progresses for you or not.<br /><hr /><strong>Author:</strong><br /><br />Harry Urschel has over 20 years experience as a technology recruiter in Minnesota. He currently operates as <a href="http://www.eexecutives.net/" target="_blank"><strong>e-Executives</strong></a>, writes a blog for Job Seekers called <a href="http://www.thewisejobsearch.com/" target="_blank"><strong>The Wise Job Search</strong></a>, and can be found on Twitter as <a href="http://www.twitter.com/eExecutives" target="_blank">@eExecutives</a>.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7965827460478077853-259770699426881716?l=www.careerrocketeer.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=KhM2WNa1vyg:TOF8zE_AQQs:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=KhM2WNa1vyg:TOF8zE_AQQs:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~4/KhM2WNa1vyg" height="1" width="1"/><br /><br />View the <a href='http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~3/KhM2WNa1vyg/dealing-with-inappropriate-interview.html' rel='nofollow'>Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-105089121310557937?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-85209022905299273612010-07-16T05:26:00.000-07:002010-07-16T05:26:00.489-07:00 Having been a member of Corporate America for over 10 years, my passion for growth and advancement in the job market has thought me quite a bit. There are many different ways to look at Corporate America, every position within an organization carries its own perspective and introduces you to an entirely different experience. There is however some key areas you can focus on to ensure you are not kept from moving up into the role you desire. Most of what we’ll cover here can apply to almost any position in Corporate America, but will vary slightly if applied to retail or entry level roles in an organization.<br /><br /><em>Here are your 7 steps to succeeding in Corporate America:</em><br /><br /><strong>1. Dress Code:</strong> As simple as this may seem, it is not something to dismiss. Most will agree that they follow the dress code at work, but do they really make an effort to look the part? Most common errors made are in the details, not so much the dress code. The colors you choose, the way you knot your tie, the polish on your shoes, your belt, and off course your grooming. Choosing subtle colors will always work in your favor as management usually doesn’t have a sense of humor and doesn’t care about how you felt when you decided to wear a yellow shirt to work. Try to match your colors to your type of work. Being a banker means being socially responsible, professional and trusted so wearing dark colors with design-less ties tends to work well, especially when the colors contrast but don’t clash. Look for the details in your clothing to match the caliber of the person you are. Make sure your shoes are polished and your belt is in new condition without tears, and more importantly please make sure that your tie is not loose. Being dressed appropriately means you care and you understand your role, not only in the organization but also in Corporate America, and you will give off the right vibe to senior management when they meet you.<div class="fullpost"><br /><strong>2. Attitude:</strong> No one loves going to work everyday and doing the same thing time after time, dealing with the same customers over and over and arguing with the same co-workers. Most will actually show their discomfort or dislike of their job daily, no matter who their interactions are with. Your attitude is controlled strictly by you and no one else but you, therefore it is a direct representation of how much control you have over your own life. Management usually notices these things, and more often than you think! Through seeing how engaged you are with your work and how well you represent the company daily (no matter what issues you are dealing with in your personal life), management determines if you can lead and therefore considers you for further opportunities. This showcases that you put the company first, before yourself; and therefore holds a lot more weight than you think.<br /><br /><strong>3. What you say:</strong> Sometimes keeping your mouth shut is the only option. Often companies will invite people to voice their opinions; this is not your opportunity to complain! Companies don’t care about your complaints nor do they want to hear them, they are not complaints but rather nagging. Make sure that when you do speak, it is not only of relevance but that the things you are addressing are actually items worth mentioning. Many times people will complain of the hours a store must remain open, or their products simply not being sellable. These are issues that will not change by you voicing your opinion and therefore need to be kept to yourself. There are on the other hand many other issues that people discuss that once again should never be done in a group setting but rather only with those of relevance. You can also run into a major issue by discussing an internal corporate process that is flawed, this may expose you to a corporate violation, and now you have to deal with the consequences of the matter even though you may not have any control over it.<br /><br /><strong>4. Do your part:</strong> Many will over promise and under deliver when it comes to work. Making sure you are taking the appropriate steps to stay true to your word is key. If you are in a sales role and you make a commitment to bring in a certain amount of sales, then be prepared to meet that commitment, and to be able to demonstrate how you did so. If you are in an office setting and do mostly routine work, ensure all your deadlines are met so that no one can blame you for being a drag on the team. I have always had this theory about Corporate America and employees; most only work about 30% of the day and at 40% of their capacity. If you actually do 100% of what is expected of you and not anything more, you are doing 60% more than everyone else. Many have asked me in my past how it is that I went so far, so fast and that it would be impossible to duplicate…my response to them is simple: Do your job!<br /><br /><strong>5. Who do you know?</strong> Some call it sucking up, others call it face time, I call it mandatory. That’s right, getting promoted has more to do with who you know than what you do. This game is simpler than you think, you might do your job but if nobody knows about it, then what difference does it make. When you want to move up, you should know who your next manager and their manager will be as you will need both of them to know of you and your accomplishments before it is time for you to apply for your new promotion. Wouldn’t you want to know who you’re hiring? It is very important to build confidence in those that will have an impact on your career right from the start. How you present yourself, and speak about yourself and your story will tell all about who you are, what they can expect and give them a hint about what you want. So face time is a must if you want to get anywhere in Corporate America.<br /><br /><strong>6. Step up when appropriate:</strong> You will be giving many opportunities to take on projects for your boss, some will be relevant to your growth, others will simply be him/her delegating their work on to you. Understanding which projects will get the most exposure and if the person asking for your help is willing to give you credit for your efforts is very important. You can take on over a dozen projects, but if no one is gong to tell senior leaders that you actually worked on it, your efforts will be in vain. Stepping up is necessary and important but must be timed correctly so that it doesn’t become additional work for no reason. Declining certain projects may make sense from time to time (only as you grow more respected for having stepped up before), and it may also showcase that you have leadership and don’t simply agree to take on every task that’s given to you. Knowing how to properly say NO is very important.<br /><br /><strong>7. Leadership:</strong> No matter what level of Corporate America you find yourself in, there is always a place for great leadership. Great leaders are sometimes born, and other times made - but it is within all of us to be great everyday. No matter where you work, no matter what you do and no matter who you work for; you have it within you to make the best of it and showcase why you are not stuck where you are. <br /><br />So remember, keep your attitude up, dress well, do your part, take on more when you can, make the right friends and demonstrate great leadership EVERYDAY and you will get exactly what you want from Corporate America.<br /><hr /><strong><a href="http://contributors.careerrocketeer.com/p/guest-experts.html">Guest Expert</a>:</strong><br /><br /><strong>Don Sabatini</strong>, 28 years old has served in many different roles in Corporate America, from a small startup sales office at the age of 16, to being appointment the Vice President of a Fortune 500 company at the age of 20, and currently holding a Vice President position at a Fortune 100 company (without holding a college degree). Having nearly 10 years of VP level management as well as creating teaching management programs for the past 6 years (which are currently being used by major corporations), Don currently has 72 employees working for him, and is the youngest one in his corporate role, with his peers being no younger than 54 years old. His drive for success, expertise and experience make him one of the highest paid Vice Presidents within his company. As an industry expert and teacher, Don has taken his experiences in Corporate America, and his real world experiences in finance, real estate, investing, and business development and created <a href="http://www.secretentourage.com/">Secret Entourage</a>, to help motivate and educate others that seek a high level of success in an accelerated time frame.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7965827460478077853-2141919994828762457?l=www.careerrocketeer.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=l1PH8JcYwRY:gv55fUSe3c4:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=l1PH8JcYwRY:gv55fUSe3c4:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~4/l1PH8JcYwRY" height="1" width="1"/><br /><br />View the <a href='http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~3/l1PH8JcYwRY/7-steps-to-succeeding-in-corporate.html' rel='nofollow'>Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-8520902290529927361?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-36267182114317969422010-07-15T04:53:00.000-07:002010-07-15T04:53:00.673-07:00 <strong>1. Identify Your Target Industry or Field of Interest</strong><br /><br />- Most industries have multiple subfields and further, departmental differences between job descriptions, duties and responsibilities. Make sure you are aware of the variety of positions within each industry sector. Use the <em>Occupational Outlook Handbook</em> (<a href="http://www.bls.gov/oco/" target="_blank">www.bls.gov/oco/</a>) to research job titles.<br /><br />- Take some time to envision yourself performing each task associated with a position – could you see yourself performing this task eight hours a day, five times a week?<br />A January 2010 Gallup Poll found U.S. job satisfaction at its lowest level in two decades. Make sure you are looking at all the data before you make the proverbal leap (<a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/01/05/AR2010010503977.html">Results of polls on job satisfaction are at odds, By Carol Morello, Wednesday, January 6, 2010</a>) <div class="fullpost"><br /><strong>2. Search for Jobs via Keywords<br /></strong><br />- Job search sites such as <a href="http://www.indeed.com/" target="_blank">Indeed.com</a> allow you to input keywords or phrases when searching for jobs. Expand your job search by viewing all industries that highlight a specific skill as a job requirement (i.e. typing in “analyst” pulls up jobs such as: “financial,” “systems,” “credit,” “economic,” “risk” and “military” analyst). By expanding your job search into different industries, you may find jobs requiring the same skill sets you already have while simply working with a different product.<br /><br />- View a variety of job postings – even jobs where you do not meet the qualifications. Scan these job postings for keywords or “buzz words” that are vital job responsibilities. Use your collection of buzz words to refine your job search and define your ideal job. <br />Once you have defined your ideal job, begin incorporating the related buzz words into your resume and cover letter. Illustrate for employers your ability and interest in using necessary industry skills. <br /><br /><strong>3. Research the Professional Associations and Organizations for your Field of Interest</strong><br /><br />- Professional associations are maintained by professionals in the field. These sites often serve as invaluable resources regarding industry trends and key resources, necessary accreditations or certifications, and industry publications.<br /><br />- Use discussion or forum boards on these Web sites to ask questions about the field, to stay abreast of industry current events, and to weigh in on industry issues. This knowledge can certainly benefit you in job interviews and additionally can benefit you when employers search your name prior to the interview and see your passion in your field.<br /><br />- Many professional association Web sites also list upcoming webinars or seminar series to attend, which is another great way to stay current in the field.<br />Peruse the organization’s career center too – search for research opportunities, internship and full-time positions.<br /><br /><strong>4. Use Niche Job Boards</strong><br /><br />- Employers post positions on niche job boards to avoid being flooded with applications from unqualified candidates. Find these sites by searching “<your> job search sites” in Google (i.e. “direct marketing job search sites”).<br /><br />- Print out jobs of interest, stay organized and record your completion of each stage of the application process (i.e. updated resume, sent application, scheduled interview).<br /><br />- Create an Excel spreadsheet tracking your job search, including information about job posting closing date, contact information, follow-up points of contact, job description buzzwords, and company mission and goals. The key is to search smarter not harder for jobs. Updating this information throughout your search will keep you prepared as employers begin calling for interviews.<br />You can even create an Excel sheet of the list of niche job boards you find. Create a schedule for yourself of dates and times you check each site to help avoid searching certain sites too often. <br /><br /><strong>5. Use your City’s Chamber of Commerce Web sites or LinkedIn to Directly Search for Ideal Employers</strong><br /><br />- Many job boards cost employers money, leading companies to post job openings solely on their own human resources Web site. Therefore it is crucial to identify and target specific employers and consistently check their human resources department Web site directly.<br /><br />- Even when employers post positions on job boards, make sure to view the position opening as it is written on the company’s human resources page. Frequently, employers will list additional application requirements about the positions they post on their website only. By doing this, employers can easily identify which candidates have done their research on the company.<br /><hr /><strong><a href="http://contributors.careerrocketeer.com/p/guest-experts.html">Guest Expert</a>:</strong><br /><br /><strong>Sara Kohout</strong>, MS, is a Career Counselor at Towson University in Towson, MD who works with students to help them choose their major and explore related careers. She takes a student-focused, self-discovery approach to career counseling, always determined to find better, more innovative ways to help students discover and achieve their career development goals.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7965827460478077853-4532373809235833748?l=www.careerrocketeer.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=zjtDR7-SvYg:vQR9MlU-Pm0:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=zjtDR7-SvYg:vQR9MlU-Pm0:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~4/zjtDR7-SvYg" height="1" width="1"/><br /><br />View the <a href='http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~3/zjtDR7-SvYg/top-job-search-strategies-youve.html' rel='nofollow'>Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-3626718211431796942?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-58686606550375555472010-07-14T04:20:00.000-07:002010-07-14T04:20:00.580-07:00 Back in the day when job hunting was easier, job seekers had the upper-hand. Whether it was applying directly to a business online or registering with a local staffing firm, oftentimes it was a quick and easy process. Today – not so much.<br /><br /><strong>It’s a New World. </strong><br /><br />Businesses that ARE hiring in today’s climate are trying to save money wherever possible. Spending budgets have been depleted. The utilization of external recruiters is way down. Simply put, staffing firms are used much less than before. It is a crazy time to be looking for a job. Nothing you don’t already know, right?<br /><br /><strong>It is possible to beat the odds. </strong><br /><br />Companies are still hiring. And, yes, they are still utilizing staffing firms for certain hires. In order to win in this New World you must be proactive and forward-thinking. Whether you are someone in transition looking for a job or you are someone looking to take the next step, you need to be prepared to win.<br /><br />Market yourself the right way. It starts with a well-written resume and cover letter. This is a must whether you are applying directly to an HR recruiter online or if you are registering with an external recruiter at a local staffing firm. At some point in the process, your resume will be viewed and reviewed. Decisions will be made based off of it. Long story short, make sure your resume is exchange ready for headhunters and visually appealing and well-written.<div class="fullpost"><br />Tips when working with an external recruiter: </p><br /><ul><br /><li><strong>Be niche specific.</strong> Make sure you reach out to and work with local staffing firms that specialize in your field. This will guarantee you the most success.<br /></li><br /><li><strong>Be flexible.</strong> It is great to shoot for that great paying direct-hire opening but also be willing to take that temp or temp-perm job offer as well. Most staffing firms will alert you to permanent jobs that come across their desk while you are on their payroll working as a temporary.<br /></li><br /><li><strong>Add value to your recruiter.</strong> You must stand out and it starts with an exchange-ready resume. All things equal, a recruiter will always work smart. Usually that means work quickly. Don’t assume they have time to revamp your resume. Not anymore. There is just no time for that. </li></ul><br /><hr /><strong><a href="http://contributors.careerrocketeer.com/p/guest-experts.html">Guest Expert</a>:</strong><br /><br /><strong>Edward McGoldrick</strong>, <a href="http://www.resumeprofessors.com/"><strong>The Resume Professor</strong></a>, has the answers. He will school you in how to develop the most effective resume and land that perfect job.<br /><br />McGoldrick has more than 10 years of progressive responsibility helping over 20,000 people find employment. Leveraging extensive knowledge and experience in staffing and professional resume writing, he is focused on providing top notch, results-oriented career services.<br /><br />Prior to founding <a href="http://www.resumeprofessors.com/"><strong>Resume Professors</strong></a>, McGoldrick served as a director with Spherion, a Fortune 500 staffing firm, leading the strategic and operational growth for the southeast region of the United States. He led this region through start-up, survival, turnaround and growth modes for over four years. McGoldrick also held the position of executive recruiter with Kforce where he earned several sales awards including Rookie of the Year. He also placed in the top 5% in sales every year throughout his six year tenure with the company.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7965827460478077853-9067346356678716222?l=www.careerrocketeer.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=LeAeOfAOU-A:yfhgg44mByg:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=LeAeOfAOU-A:yfhgg44mByg:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~4/LeAeOfAOU-A" height="1" width="1"/><br /><br />View the <a href='http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~3/LeAeOfAOU-A/how-best-to-work-with-recruiter-today.html' rel='nofollow'>Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-5868660655037555547?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-3946597931114267442010-07-13T03:47:00.000-07:002010-07-13T03:47:00.622-07:00 <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tryzbgOz0jA/S8PZDUOEs9I/AAAAAAAAAP0/--mOGV7_lTc/s1600/introduction+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459445824293745618" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 159px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tryzbgOz0jA/S8PZDUOEs9I/AAAAAAAAAP0/--mOGV7_lTc/s200/introduction+1.jpg" border="0" /></a>In addition to my current practice as a resume writer, career transition coach and social media strategist, I have spent 20+ years as an independent talent acquisition specialist, the 21st century name for "head-hunter." So I am qualified to say that relying on recruiters should not be at the top of your list of ways to find a new position. The reasons, of which there are many, we can discuss at another time. The most obvious being recruiters get paid by and therefore owe their allegiance to the client and not the candidate.<br /><br />However recruiters – generalists, job or industry specific, technical, executive or retained – can help you in many ways and it is important to understand what they are and how to behave when dealing with a recruiter in order to get results.<br /><br />First off, just like you most recruiters are in business for the long haul; and just like you they live or die based on the quality of the network they establish.<br /><br />You want to build a network of people to keep you in the loop regarding unadvertised job opportunities and good recruiters are always looking to network with people who can refer candidates their way for new assignments. And who knows, when you least expect it they may call you and tell you they have the perfect job for you. So even if a recruiter can’t help you today it pays to establish a relationship with recruitment professionals who have a sterling track record of integrity and some longevity in the business.<br /><br /><em>What can a recruiter do for you?</em><div class="fullpost"><br />Recruiters are a great source of information about companies, what careers are in vogue, which are on the upswing and which are fading, and what the salary parameters are in different occupational sectors etc. Even if you are not a potential placement for a recruitment firm at this time, recruiters are willing to share information with you if you are willing to share information back with them, even if you are not a highly skilled or sought after candidate.<br /><br />So here are some do and don’ts about dealing with recruiters from their side of the table.<br /><ol><li>Many people see recruiters only as middlemen who can open doors, and think recruiters only want perfection in a candidate, which is true to a great extent on both counts.<br /><br />Therefore many candidates will outright lie to a recruiter and embellish who they are, what they have done and what they are looking for in terms of a job and salary with the thought in mind that if and when they meet the recruiter’s client they will come clean and tell the truth. This does not work. Recruiters are for the most part great judges of talent and character, and their clients do not react well when the person they meet does not live up to the recruiter’s hype.<br /></li><li>Many candidates act differently in an interview with a recruiter than they do during an interview with an employer. For instance, when asked if they have any questions most will say no.<br /><br />This is bad etiquette and bad business. When you want someone to help you treat them with the respect they deserve. Also remember that how you interview with them is how they will see you interviewing with their client. If you fail to relate or show enthusiasm with them a recruiter will blow you off in a minute even if you are a qualified candidate. There reputation to the client means much more than any one candidate.<br /></li><li>Recruiters need to know your real weaknesses as well as your strengths. Being dishonest with a recruiter is the same as being dishonest with yourself. Recruiters may call you about one job, but the chance of your getting that job is at BEST 15% in most cases. However if a recruiter likes you he or she will keep you in mind for other positions and let others in their firm and with firms they network with know about you. This can increase your network by as much as 100%. However this will only pay long term dividends if the recruiter has the whole picture and can make an honest assessment of who you really are and where you will fit.<br /></li><li>A phone interview is not a casual chat. A recruiter wants to get a sense of your personality to determine if a face-to-face or more in-depth interview is warranted, so treat this as a real interview not an informal phone chat with a casual friend. Don't put on airs and change your personality because you can’t be seen. Be business like but also be you. Most important do not take a phone interview in a casual position, a place where there is outside distraction or on a poor phone connection.<br /></li><li>Last but not least, follow up with recruiters but don’t be too persistent or demanding of answers. Some candidates I have come across become obnoxiously aggressive—and, in doing so, kill their chances at being called when the right job does come along.<br /></li></ol><br /><hr /><strong>Author:</strong><br /><br />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 his sample resumes at <a href="http://www.perrynewman.com/">http://www.perrynewman.com/</a>, and email him your resume at <a href="mailto:perry@perrynewman.com">perry@perrynewman.com</a> for FREE resume critique.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7965827460478077853-1851711035800620990?l=www.careerrocketeer.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=s9cSQD1bT1Y:st4dHmG7ZfI:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=s9cSQD1bT1Y:st4dHmG7ZfI:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~4/s9cSQD1bT1Y" height="1" width="1"/><br /><br />View the <a href='http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~3/s9cSQD1bT1Y/how-to-deal-with-headhunters.html' rel='nofollow'>Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-394659793111426744?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-78957403487631442352010-07-12T03:14:00.000-07:002010-07-12T03:14:00.516-07:00<p><a href="http://www.careerhubblog.com/.a/6a00d834516a5769e20133ee1188fe970b-pi" style="float: left;"><img alt="Grad cap in air" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d834516a5769e20133ee1188fe970b " src="http://www.careerhubblog.com/.a/6a00d834516a5769e20133ee1188fe970b-500wi" style="margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px;" /></a> Have you recently walked across the stage to receive your college diploma for the completion of an undergraduate or graduate program of study? Did you leave the college campus with a job in hand, or are you in the midst of looking for one? If you find yourself in the job <em>acquisition </em>mode following your most recent achievement, listed below are a few ideas to consider. As always, your feedback is appreciated and welcome, so feel free to add what is (or isn't) working for you as you explore life after college...</p> <ol><li id="">Stay in close touch with Career Services at your college or university. </li><li>Volunteer with an organization or 'cause' that is of interest to you. </li><li>Exercise to enhance both physical and mental health and well-being. </li><li>Review career-marketing materials to ensure overall presentation excellence. </li><li>Write a stellar resume, keeping the employer's perspective in mind. Have you made it easy for the Hiring Manager to grasp within seconds these three elements: 1. how to get in touch with you in multiple ways? 2. the type of job you seek? 3. who you are and what makes you uniquely qualified to do said job? </li><li>Avoid sending a mass-produced cover letter addressed: 'To Whom It May Concern' with your resume attached. (Sorry to say, I don't think anyone will be concerned.) </li><li>Avoid sending a mass-produced cover letter addressed to 'Dear Sir or Madam' with your resume attached. </li><li><a href="http://www.jibberjobber.com/">Keep track of stuff</a> -- people, dates, times, places, data, action steps, etc. </li><li>Make the first few lines of the body of your resume rock -- and stand out like no other in a sea of competition. (Lead off with something that will make the reader go 'WOW' -- I need to get in touch with this person now! </li><li>Target your career-marketing materials to each respective employer, so when your materials arrive on the Hiring Manager's desk, the reader will know you did the documents <em>especially</em> for them, and only them. </li><li>Consider all of your options. Make a list of possibilities to expand your target market so if one thing doesn't work, maybe another idea will...in short, have a Plan, B, C, D, and E. </li><li>Network like you invented the concept! Thanks to @<a href="http://twitter.com/spenceanderson">SpenceAnderson</a> for his tip over on Twitter the other day in response to my question about college degree and no job? "Tell them to start networking and starting networking FAST." </li><li>Also, thanks to @<a href="http://twitter.com/sitalruparelia/">SitalRuparelia</a> for his tweet in response to the same query "Offer local businesses skills and time for free, do great job &amp; 1. ask for LinkedIn recommendations &amp; 2. Referrals." (Yes, yes, and yes!) </li><li>Believe that <em>rejection</em> is a word and not a way of life. </li><li>Add an additional layer of skin to protect yourself from the word 'no' and 'naysayers' and 'negativity' -- do not be deterred by any of these 'n' words. </li><li>Unfollow a 'doom and gloom' perspective and 'friend' possibility thinking. </li><li>Establish a routine and stick with it daily. The golf game will wait; the video games will wait; your future is waiting for y - o - u to show that you care! </li><li>Inspire self; motivate self. What are some positive words with which you could start each day? Instead of thinking as a job seeker mentioned the other day: 'Same Old Stuff Different Day' (SOS DD)-- how about considering a more positive, productive mantra to help you move forward? </li><li>Do not be a job seeker who touts to the world <em>'I'll take anything.</em>' Find your focus and decide upon some type of direction -- and then do! </li><li>Get professional help if you feel lost -- there is an abundance of talent in the career management profession. Get referrals and do your homework before engaging services. </li><li>Speaking of 'do' -- take action now. <em>Thinking</em> is one thing; <em>doing</em> is another. Combine the two and voila -- you can begin to make things happen. </li><li>Be okay with asking others <em>to</em> and <em>for</em> help. These four words are powerful: "I need your help." Be not afraid to say them; it doesn't mean you are weak or anything of the sort -- quite the opposite -- it takes a strong individual to invite and accept help. </li><li>Become knowledgeable of <em>how</em> to manage your <a href="http://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/student-debt-graduate-plan-pay-off-1279.php">student loan payments</a> when they become due. </li><li>Say 'thank you' to each and every person who shares a tip, an idea, a thought, a piece of wisdom. Thank you never wears out its welcome. </li><li>Do not appear desperate when you are speaking with employers or your network -- even though 'inside' you may feel lost, confused, or overwhelmed -- put your best foot (and face) forward and let others hear and see that. </li><li>Reach out to your connections for ideas and advice; <em>do not ask for a job</em>. Besides that not being cool, it puts your contacts on the spot and in an awkward position. Invite help without hassle. </li><li>Build a transition team to help you get from point A (college) to point B (work). Invite people you trust to serve on your team; listen carefully to their suggestions and recommendations and then, draw your own conclusions and make your own decisions. </li><li>Read <a href="http://careerhub.typepad.com/">blogs</a> and books and be a sponge in soaking up knowledge about how to find work after college. </li><li>Advocate for yourself by going to a career fair and speaking with a recruiter or other representative. See what happens; see what you learn. </li><li>Advocate for yourself by doing an unpaid internship -- you may not make money right now, but it could lead you to get that hands-on experience that distinguishes you from your competition. </li><li>Smile -- you <em>are</em> a college graduate. (Think of all the people who would love to be in your shoes!) </li><li>Share an 'attitude of gratitude.' </li><li><em>Never, ever ever give up</em>. </li></ol><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/%7Er/CareerHub/%7E4/IwC4vT9GLRE" height="1" width="1" /><br /><br />View the <a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/%7Er/CareerHub/%7E3/IwC4vT9GLRE/good-to-go-after-graduation33-tips-for-the-2010-grad.html" rel="nofollow">Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-7895740348763144235?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-80312879174552266562010-07-11T02:41:00.000-07:002010-07-11T02:41:00.505-07:00<p dir="ltr" style="margin-right: 0px;"><strong>Ever heard this one before?<br /></strong></p> <blockquote dir="ltr"> <blockquote><strong><em>Work like you don't need the money,</em><br /><em>Love like you've never been hurt,</em><br /><em>And dance like no one's watching.</em><br /><em>Time waits for no one.</em></strong><br /></blockquote></blockquote> <p><strong>This quote, penned by Crystal Boyd and posted on an Internet list-serv back in 1998, is hard to forget. But does such advice exist for the job search?</strong></p> <p><strong><br />After recently attending the annual Career Management Alliance conference in New Orleans last month, I'd have to say yes..</strong>.</p> <p><br />My wordsmith is Robyn Greenspan, Executive Editor of <a href="http://www.execunet.com/">ExecuNet</a>. If you haven't heard of ExecuNet before, I highly recommend Robyn and her colleagues as an organization you should know. ExecuNet is a <a href="http://emergingprofessional.typepad.com/.a/6a00e554e4b29a88330133edfc3e3d970b-pi" style="float: right;"><img alt="Image_robyn" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e554e4b29a88330133edfc3e3d970b " src="http://emergingprofessional.typepad.com/.a/6a00e554e4b29a88330133edfc3e3d970b-120pi" style="margin: 10px;" title="Image_robyn" /></a> networking destination--and provider of competitive intelligence--for both job seekers and recruiters. I've been following their <a href="http://www.execunet.com/executive-jobs-report.cfm?ex_pid=ASUV10">Executive Job Market Intelligence Report</a> for years, and recommend you do, too. </p> <p><strong><br />While conducting research for ExecuNet, Robyn and her colleagues have asked a simple question of the senior level executives they serve: What gets you out of bed in the morning?</strong> The most common answer wasn't money. It wasn't a title. <strong>It was a challenge. Successful executives are driven by the opportunity to solve problems.</strong></p> <p><br />With that in mind, <strong>Robyn encourages job seekers to approach their own transitions with the mindset that the job search itself is a challenge to be solved. Here is her recipe for success:</strong><br /></p> <blockquote> <p><span style="font-size:15px;"><span style="font-size:15px;"><em>Collect data like a market researcher.</em></span></span> </p> <p><span style="font-size:15px;"><span style="font-size:15px;"><em>Investigate like a private eye.</em></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:15px;"><span style="font-size:15px;"><em>Talk to others like a journalist.</em></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:15px;"><span style="font-size:15px;"><em>Evaluate like a business development professional.</em></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:15px;"><span style="font-size:15px;"><em>Target like a sales professional.</em></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:15px;"><span style="font-size:15px;"><em>Think like a marketer.</em></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:15px;"><span style="font-size:15px;"><em>Interview like a consultant.</em></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:15px;"><span style="font-size:15px;"><em>Operate like a profit center.</em></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:15px;"><span style="font-size:15px;"><em>Help like a humanitarian.<br /></em></span></span></p></blockquote> <p><strong></strong> </p> <p><strong>As Robyn reads the tea leaves in the market, "your next opportunity may be the one you create."</strong> If you're looking for a challenge--here it is.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:15px;"></span><strong>Can you do it? We believe that you can. Let us know how we can help.</strong></p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/%7Er/CareerHub/%7E4/uQN0iu4YWMs" height="1" width="1" /><br /><br />View the <a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/%7Er/CareerHub/%7E3/uQN0iu4YWMs/opportunity-create.html" rel="nofollow">Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-8031287917455226656?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-12794122851882542812010-07-10T02:08:00.000-07:002010-07-10T02:08:00.183-07:00 As you diligently search for the job that sets the cornerstone for your career, it’s important to realize what is truly important in this first experience. While you may have college loans to repay and it can be tempting to take the highest paid option out there, this is not necessarily the best option for your future. <br /><br />Your first job does not lock you into a single company or career, but it does set the path for future employment opportunities. Make sure that you are choosing the right job based on your ability to learn, rather than earn. Here’s why: <br /><br /><strong>You have to put yourself in a situation that allows you to determine your future role. </strong> This may seem pretty obvious, but you will never be able to figure out the direction you want to take your career if your first job has nothing to do with your interests and future plans, even if it provides you with a healthy salary. Your first job gives you the opportunity to discern the role you want to take and the type of environment you want to be in. Do you like interacting and working as part of a team with others? Do you need your own personal creative space? Would you rather be in the office or traveling? Do you enjoy preparing presentations, or giving them? You cannot answer these questions unless you put yourself in a real working environment in the industry of your choice.<div class="fullpost"><br /><strong>True motivation comes from passion, not a paycheck. </strong>While more money may keep you satisfied for the time being, it will become much more difficult to stay motivated and driven in the workplace if you aren’t doing something that you really want to do. Take the opportunity that allows you to learn and develop skills related to your passions, and you will be much happier and much more productive at work. This will allow you to make a greater impact on the company and your coworkers, giving you more career opportunities in the future. <br /><br /><strong>Building relationships is more important than building your bank account. </strong> The right job allows you to meet and learn from successful people. You want to develop mentors and contacts in your industry that will be able to help you out for many years to come. This is much more important than receiving a higher initial salary, because these people can provide support and advice well beyond that first job, and help open doors to even better positions in the future. They will also realize that you were willing to do whatever it takes—including taking a smaller paycheck—in order to gain experience and learn, which is something almost anyone can, and will, admire. <br /><br /><strong>You need development and growth to proceed to the next level.</strong> Choosing a job for the learning potential allows you to develop skills that will allow you to take your career to the next level. You want to obtain marketable skills so that when the time comes for you to move on, you are a more attractive candidate – and can command a more competitive salary – down the road. <br /><br /><strong>Life will only get more expensive.</strong> While a nice salary might sound appealing coming right out of college, you may not need it as much as you think. You might have student loans and need to pay your rent, but life only gets more expensive as you get older. A mortgage, kids, a nicer car – it all adds up. Now is the time to take some risks. True story: I started my career by taking a “paid” job that I didn’t really want. Then I quit, moved to a bigger city and became an unpaid intern at my dream employer. And that’s where I still am today. As a paid employee this time around. <br /><br />In short, take the opportunity that allows you to learn and become better at what you want to do in the future. While you may have to “rough it” in the short term, the opportunities likely will be more plentiful down the road. Think ahead.<br /><hr /><strong><a href="http://contributors.careerrocketeer.com/p/guest-experts.html">Guest Expert</a>:</strong><br /><br /><strong>Mario Schulzke</strong> is the creator of <a href="http://www.careersparx.com/">CareerSparx</a>, an online course that helps recent college graduates begin their careers. For more information, download their <a href="http://www.careersparx.com/">free 61-page guide on how to start your career</a> or check out the <a href="http://www.careersparx.com/blog">CareerSparx blog</a>. When not helping recent graduates ignite their careers, Mario works as a senior director at <a href="http://www.wongdoody.com/">WONGDOODY</a>, curates <a href="http://www.ideamensch.com/">IdeaMensch.com</a> and is training for Ironman Switzerland.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7965827460478077853-3847701816693383673?l=www.careerrocketeer.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=D2RKD6S6q68:AKJu31Dwuig:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=D2RKD6S6q68:AKJu31Dwuig:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~4/D2RKD6S6q68" height="1" width="1"/><br /><br />View the <a href='http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~3/D2RKD6S6q68/your-first-job-why-its-more-important.html' rel='nofollow'>Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-1279412285188254281?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-58278719229640409362010-07-09T01:35:00.000-07:002010-07-09T01:35:00.212-07:00Frequently, when I meet people and introduce myself as a Career Coach, I am met with a number of misconceptions about what that role might be. Among the roles that people think I play are: 1- I give tests for aptitude or interests, 2- I write resumes, 3- I “get” people jobs, 4- I give them job leads. I would like to help define the role and to further describe the spectrum of services out there to aid people in all facets of their careers, career goals, and job search strategies.<br /><br />These are trying times and it’s good to understand what services exist and how best to utilize them. <strong><em>Here are some things to know:</em></strong><br /><br /><strong>Career Coach/Counselor –</strong> A good career coach will be able to analyze the situation and goals the client has and be able to provide them with tools and processes for getting to their goals. A Career Coach will have the necessary skills to facilitate their client’s self-examination and discovery, which are necessary for clarifying career goals. A career coach may or may not give assessments. If they don’t give assessments and they feel one would be helpful, they can point the client to assessment resources. Think of it like going to your doctor. There may be some tests they run and others they will send you out to get. A Career Counselor is very similar to the Career Coach and in some situations is identical. Usually a counselor has training and certifications that qualify them to administer certain career assessments. The field of assessment is shifting and is no longer the sole domain of counselors, mostly because many assessments are readily available on the internet.<div class="fullpost"><br /><em>Pros:</em><br /><ul><li>Personalized service and attention – done in a one on one environment where all the work and focus is on the client and their specific needs. </li><li>The scope of the services is broad- covers all or most facets pertaining to the clients career concerns, as well as any other life issues going on with the client. </li><li>The process that a client will go through is comprehensive, organized and will keep the client accountable for moving forward and taking appropriate actions </li></ul><p><em>Cons:</em> </p><ul><li>Cost – prices range from $75-$200 per session. May need to commit to a set number of sessions </li></ul><p><strong>Job Seeker Group –</strong> With the ongoing unemployment rise, a variety of job seeker-type groups have cropped up in almost all cities. Their names are different, but generally they are all free and open to the public. The topics covered are almost exclusively devoted to the job search area of careers. They are often facilitated by volunteers who may have some background related to those topics. There is frequently a networking component to the meetings, if not exclusively a networking event.<br /><br /><em>Pros:</em> </p><ul><li>Free service- may be a very good deal as some of the speakers really know their material </li><li>Very plentiful- numerous groups have been formed, so for larger cities people can generally find them in their neighborhoods. </li><li>Depending on how the group is formed and organized, it can be a good networking and “lead” sharing opportunity. </li></ul><p><em>Cons: </em></p><ul><li>There is no logical connection, plan or organization to the topics being presented. Most of the time the topics are based on who can present the topics and what the speaker wants to talk about. </li><li>The topics focus on job search, which means if a person wants to focus on other career topics, like career change or development, their needs won’t be covered. </li><li>Little or no individualized attention- the job seeker is left to pull all of the various elements together to form their own job search plan. </li><li>Some people report that many of these groups are depressing and unproductive, as desperate individuals frequently share stories about lengthy unemployment and hard times. </li></ul><p><strong>Job Clubs –</strong> A true job club (as opposed to a job seeker group given the name of “club”) is usually a group that is organized to last for a set number of weeks, has a beginning date and finish date, has closed attendance and has a weekly topic with interactive exercises. It is very much like a class where the topics each week all relate to each other and are in a logical order for learning. Many of these groups include lead sharing and promote mutual support. These groups usually have a fee for joining.<br /><br /><em>Pros:</em> </p><ul><li>A very affordable structure, less expensive than a coach/counselor, but with the benefits of a well thought out process. </li><li>Most of the job seekers tend to develop relationships with others as it creates an environment of support. </li><li>Provides a structure to keep the job seeker accountable for taking action. </li></ul><p><em>Cons: </em></p><ul><li>May be hard to find one- there aren’t that many formed, so availability is limited. </li><li>While affordable, there is still a cost. </li><li>Not individualized and usually doesn’t cover topics beyond job seeking. </li></ul><p><strong>Specialized Career Services –</strong> There is a number of people and businesses that specialize in specific facets of job search services. Historically we are most familiar with recruiters and headhunters, who are now specializing in niches like law, medicine and technology. In addition to that group of specialists are: resume’ writers, interview coaches, personal branding and job searchers. And the list goes on.<br /><br /><em>Pros: </em></p><ul><li>For people with specialized careers, some of the niche specific services are great – they are well connected and know where the hidden jobs are. </li><li>The array of services available that specialize in a specific facet of the job search means the depth of knowledge is great for that one area. </li><li>While they all have a fee, many of them are very reasonable and the amount of time to complete or access the service is short. </li><li>The focus is on the client and what they need. </li></ul><p><em>Cons:</em> </p><ul><li>There is a fee and some of the fees are in the same range as a career coach/counselor. </li><li>These services tend to cover job search only and not other career areas. </li><li>Since these are specialized services, they are not “holistic”, meaning that the entire process is not pulled together for the job seeker. </li></ul><p><strong>Summary</strong><br /><br />Most people haven’t had much experience working on the various phases of their career goals and job search strategies. Therefore, pursuing a service to fill in the gaps of their capabilities makes sense. Like everything else in life, you need to be a smart consumer and engage with the service that will really meet your needs.<br /></p><hr /><strong><a href="http://contributors.careerrocketeer.com/p/guest-experts.html">Guest Expert</a>:</strong><br /><br /><strong>Dorothy Tannahill-Moran</strong> is a Career Coach and expert on helping her clients achieve their goals. Her programs cover: Career growth and enhancement, Career Change, Retirement Alternatives and Job Search Strategy. Want to discover specific career change strategies that get results? Discover how by claiming your FREE gift, Career Makeover Toolkit at: <a href="http://careermakeovertoolkitshouldistayorshouldigo.com/">http://CareerMakeoverToolKitShouldIstayorShouldIGo.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7965827460478077853-1545045476399002814?l=www.careerrocketeer.com" alt="" height="1" width="1" /></div><div class="feedflare"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/%7Eff/CareerRocketeer?a=Cxi8zs2gARI:laFgTgofzhU:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/%7Eff/CareerRocketeer?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/%7Eff/CareerRocketeer?a=Cxi8zs2gARI:laFgTgofzhU:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/%7Eff/CareerRocketeer?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0" /></a></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/%7Er/CareerRocketeer/%7E4/Cxi8zs2gARI" height="1" width="1" /><br /><br />View the <a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/%7Er/CareerRocketeer/%7E3/Cxi8zs2gARI/which-career-service-is-right-for-you.html" rel="nofollow">Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-5827871922964040936?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-45252441710342705672010-07-08T01:02:00.000-07:002010-07-08T01:02:00.575-07:00<div><strong>Trying to reactivate a relationship with an old contact?</strong></div><div>Ask yourself “how can I best help them? What would be of value to them right now?”</div><br /><div><strong>Trying to strengthen your relationship with a recruiter?</strong></div><div>Ask yourself, “how can I help my recruiters?”</div><div><strong><br /></strong></div><div><strong>Trying to ‘sell’ an idea or opportunity to an individual or group of individuals?</strong></div><div>Focus on what challenges they’re struggling with. What is it they want to achieve? Now think how you, your idea or solution will help them.</div><div><strong><br /></strong></div><div><strong>Trying to engage a de-motivated team?</strong></div><div>Focus on what challenges they’re struggling with (individually and collectively). What is it they want to achieve as individuals? How can you and your organisation help them?</div><div><strong><br /></strong></div><div><strong>Trying to <a href="http://www.sitalruparelia.com/job-searching/linkedin-q-a-part-2-of-7-increasing-the-number-of-connections/" target="_blank">increase the number of connections </a>on LinkedIn?</strong></div><div>Stop focusing on the numbers, and instead ask yourself “how can I help and be of value to my network?”</div><div><strong><br /></strong></div><div><strong>Trying to engage an awkward / difficult client or stakeholder?</strong></div><div>Ask yourself, “how can I make life easier for them? What can I do that would be of value to them?”</div><div><strong><br /></strong></div><div><strong>Trying to build a stronger relationship with your boss?</strong></div><div>Ask yourself, “how can I help him/her? How can I make them look good?”</div><br /><div><strong>Regardless of what your objective is</strong>, when you come at it from the viewpoint of helping someone, being of service and being of value – the ideas, strategies and opportunities will open up.</div><br /><div>But come at it from the angle of “what can I get from him?”or “how can I turn this to my advantage?” and you’ll invariably hit the same roadblocks you’ve been running into in the past.</div><br /><div>How can I help?</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/%7Er/CareerHub/%7E4/PxXhkCq59A8" height="1" width="1" /><br /><br />View the <a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/%7Er/CareerHub/%7E3/PxXhkCq59A8/how-can-i-help.html" rel="nofollow">Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-4525244171034270567?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-47855640930746911562010-07-07T00:29:00.000-07:002010-07-07T00:29:00.763-07:00<p><a href="http://www.careerhubblog.com/.a/6a00d834516a5769e20133ed274b3b970b-pi" style="float: left;"><img alt="Trumpet" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d834516a5769e20133ed274b3b970b " src="http://www.careerhubblog.com/.a/6a00d834516a5769e20133ed274b3b970b-500wi" style="margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px;" /></a> The frail elderly man, probably in his late 70's or early 80's slowly sauntered over to the 4 Toulouse car stop near the French Quarter in New Orleans. My husband and I were seated on a bench waiting for the street car as the thin, feeble man wearily approached.</p> <p>In one hand was an old black tattered carrying case, a small black plastic sack, a large bottle of Mt. Dew and in the other, a golf club (maybe a wedge) that he was using as a cane. His clothes were dirty and tattered, and as he came closer, showed us a toothless smile as big as the sun. He looked directly at my husband and said..."God sure made her extra purdy, doncha' think?" My husband nodded. Then the elderly man looked at me and smiled. I asked him his name and he said, very proudly, "My name is 'Jackson'." </p> <p><em>Hello there Jackson!</em> He then slowly leaned over and fiddled with the carrying case and ever so carefully, pulled out an old trumpet, turning to my husband, once again, "Ya' mind if I play her a song?" The musician man slowly, deliberately, and mightily played 'Ain't She Sweet' as we clapped our hands to the beat of the music.</p> <p>The song was over and I stood up, thanking him for such a lovely rendition. "Jackson," I said, "Now, I would like to ask <em>you</em> something: do you mind if my husband would take a picture of you and me on his cell phone camera...I would be honored if you would do so?...</p> Jackson beamed and offered "sure would be mighty fine." He then reached for my hand, barely kiss<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/%7Er/CareerHub/%7E4/YZsbNDiRvK8" height="1" width="1" /><br /><br />View the <a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/%7Er/CareerHub/%7E3/YZsbNDiRvK8/the-musician.html" rel="nofollow">Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-4785564093074691156?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-82731507439685943872010-07-05T23:56:00.000-07:002010-07-05T23:56:00.431-07:00<strong><em>The Credentials Package and the Summary of Qualifications</em></strong><br /><br />With the national unemployment rate at 9.9%, job seekers have to make every effort to go above and beyond what is normally expected, to differentiate themselves in the eyes of the hiring manager. No matter how hard you try, attempting to differentiate yourself solely through your résumé is extremely difficult.<br /><br />It is simply too challenging for a hiring manager to easily differentiate your résumé from everyone else’s. It’s as simple as that. Sure, there are a thousand different ways to format a résumé, but in the end it’s still just a résumé. So what can you do? In addition to preparing a résumé, you will want to focus additional effort on other components of your credentials package—all of the other pieces hiring managers don’t typically see. These pieces will set you apart from other candidates and answer all of the hiring manager’s questions (and more).<br /><br />Your Credentials Package should include the following components: <div class="fullpost"><ul><li>Customized Cover Letter </li><li>Summary of Qualifications </li><li>Customized Résumé </li><li>References Summary </li><li>Personal Profile </li></ul><p>A great addition to the Credentials Package is the Summary of Qualifications. It is different from a résumé in that it provides a clear, concise, and customized assessment of your professional experience (found in your résumé) and personal attributes (from your Personal Profile – which we’ll talk about in Part II of this article) and how that experience and those attributes align specifically with the objectives of the organization and the requirements of the position (based upon your research). The Summary of Qualifications provides this in a greater level of detail than you could ever accomplish in a cover letter and in a more concise manner than can be accomplished with a résumé. After you pique the hiring manager’s interest with your cover letter, you save him/her the time of going through the details of your résumé by providing qualitative, objective, and definitive reasons why you are the best person for the job. If done correctly, often the Summary of Qualifications is sometimes all that the hiring manager has to read to select you for the interview.<br /><br />Why the Credentials Package is critical: </p><ul><li>Allows you to prepare proactively and effectively for your next career opportunity </li><li>Answers every question the hiring manager has, before it is asked </li><li>Makes it very easy for the hiring manger to select you for an interview and for the position</li><li>Provides you with the confidence you need to make a great first impression </li><li>Gives you the tools you need to effectively manage the interview </li></ul><p>Make the effort to differentiate yourself from your competition. The Credentials Package allows you to make a great first impression and provides all of the information necessary for a hiring manager to see that you are the best candidate for the position—all before you even have the opportunity to meet. Now that’s differentiation!<br /></p><hr /><strong><a href="http://contributors.careerrocketeer.com/p/guest-experts.html">Guest Expert</a>:</strong><br /><br />Over a 25-year period, <strong>Dan Burns</strong> has realized a successful career as a corporate manager, entrepreneur, educator, business owner, and now as a full-time writer.<br /><br />Prior to writing, Dan served as owner and Executive Vice President of a national technical and management consulting company, providing consulting and employee placement services to Fortune 500 companies and helping people successfully obtain their next great career opportunity.<br /><br />In May 2009, Dan published his first book, <a href="http://www.thefirst60seconds.com/">The First 60 Seconds: Win The Job Interview Before It Begins</a>. Through his book and speaking engagements, Dan is helping thousands of people to be more successful in today’s challenging job marketplace.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7965827460478077853-1250476939341483088?l=www.careerrocketeer.com" alt="" height="1" width="1" /></div><div class="feedflare"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/%7Eff/CareerRocketeer?a=DiuVjJEZ0k8:pT1BkDv-huk:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/%7Eff/CareerRocketeer?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/%7Eff/CareerRocketeer?a=DiuVjJEZ0k8:pT1BkDv-huk:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/%7Eff/CareerRocketeer?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0" /></a></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/%7Er/CareerRocketeer/%7E4/DiuVjJEZ0k8" height="1" width="1" /><br /><br />View the <a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/%7Er/CareerRocketeer/%7E3/DiuVjJEZ0k8/beyond-resume-part-1.html" rel="nofollow">Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-8273150743968594387?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-31247250707084651802010-07-04T23:23:00.000-07:002010-07-04T23:23:00.468-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><em> <a href="http://www.careerhubblog.com/.a/6a00d834516a5769e20133eceb44e1970b-pi" style="float: left;"><img alt="Iceland Volcano" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d834516a5769e20133eceb44e1970b " src="http://www.careerhubblog.com/.a/6a00d834516a5769e20133eceb44e1970b-120wi" style="margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px;" /></a></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><br /></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>"Uncertainty is the only certainty there is, and knowing how to live with insecurity is the only security."</em><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>- John Allen Paulos </strong></div><div> </div><div>Ever-changing technology, globalisation and hyper-competition have conspired to make most of our professional lives an ever-changing landscape. Add to that a changeable economic climate, political uncertainty and a <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/8623806.stm" target="_blank">sprinkling of volcanic ash</a> and voila - you have the makings of constant change and unpredictability.</div><div> </div><div>While your ability to create and execute detailed plans may have served you well in the past, in today's economy and work place, it's your ability to operate in a much more fluid environment that determines your progress. </div><div> </div><div>Regardless of whether you're currently trying to lead a team through change or attempting to navigate your own career through a turbulence, here are 17 tips which may help. </div><div> </div><div><strong>1. Focus on clear outcomes instead of detailed plans</strong></div><div> </div><div>In an ever-changing environment, you need to stay focused on your goals whilst still being light on your feet. So be clear about your broad business objectives, career goals, financial requirements and lifestyle needs - but be flexible about the precise 'plan' you'll use to get there.</div><div> </div><div><strong>2. Stop over-planning </strong></div><div> </div><div>When the goal posts and environment are constantly shifting, it's futile trying to create detailed step-by-step plans (Just ask those people travelling back home from Europe how important it is to be agile)</div><div> </div><div><strong>3. Stop over-thinking</strong></div><div> </div><div>Listen to your gut instincts and intuition much more than your head and detailed plans. When you're operating in the dark, your inner compass is much more valuable than a logical mind. </div><div> </div><div><strong>4. Embrace the uncertainty </strong></div><div> </div><div>Many people have seen amazing sites and places across Europe over the last week because they chose to embrace and enjoy the uncertainty brought on by<a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/8623806.stm" target="_blank"> the volcano and frozen air space</a> - instead of seeing it as the end of the world. They got to drive through the Swiss Alps, the Italian Lakes and the vineyards of the Southern France because of the volcanic ash and the ban on air travel.</div><div> </div><div>So rather than viewing uncertainty as negative, start viewing it as something interesting, exciting and a bit of an adventure. Once you do that, you'll start seeing the possibilities and opportunities brought on by change instead of simply seeing the road blocks. </div><div> </div><div><strong>5. Be open to more than one possibility</strong></div><div> </div><div>Keep yourself flexible and open. The current changes you're facing may take you onto bigger and better things - within your current role, firm or career - or indeed elsewhere. But you won't know unless you keep an open mind.</div><div> </div><div><strong>6. Focus on the present </strong></div><div> </div><div>When you're in travelling in the dark, all you can do is focus on the road in front of you and keep moving forward.</div><div> </div><div>So if you're in an uncertain place right now, stop focussing on the past or the future. Just stay focussed on the present and the road that's opening up in front of you.</div><div> </div><div><strong>7. Break things down and focus on next steps </strong></div><div> </div><div>Is there an idea or opportunity you're drawn towards? Take the first step......then the next step...you never know where it will lead to. </div><div> </div><div><strong>8. Give yourself permission to be a little 'flaky' </strong></div><div> </div><div>When experiencing any kind of change it's natural to think and reflect about what you want from your career (and indeed life). It's also perfectly natural to change your mind about what it is you want. </div><div> </div><div><strong>9. Give yourself permission to be a little 'down'</strong></div><div> </div><div>Constant change often puts on you on an emotional roller coaster. It's okay, there's nothing wrong with you. Whilst people around you might seem to be handling things better than you - they're probably not. It's just a 'front' they're putting on for the outside world.</div><div> </div><div><strong>10. Only focus on those things which you can control and influence</strong></div><div> </div><div>Spending your time thinking about things you can't control or influence is, (like complaining about the weather, volcanos or airlines), a complete waste of time and mental energy.</div><div> </div><div><strong>11. Surround yourself with supportive people to lean on </strong></div><div> </div><div>It doesn't matter how positive a person you are, when dealing with change you will have bad days and will need people to lean on.</div><div> </div><div><strong>12. Experiment more, not less </strong></div><div> </div><div>Try new ways of doing things, test out new roles and new opportunities. What have you got to lose?</div><div> </div><div><strong>13. Be bold. Forget small steps </strong></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div>Major change will often lock you into a corner. And when you're in a corner, baby steps are often no good to you - so start taking bold steps and measured risks.</div><div> </div><div> <strong>14. Be committed to taking forward steps </strong></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div>(even when it feels uncomfortable and scary) </div><div> </div><div><strong>15. Be okay with screwing up and making a few mistakes</strong></div><div> </div><div>You'll progress much faster. </div><div> </div><div><strong>16. Get comfortable being uncomfortable </strong></div><div> </div><div>The faster you get comfortable with change, the more successful your career will be.</div><div> </div><div><strong>17. Count your blessings</strong></div><div> </div><div>You know where your next meal is coming from. You know where you're sleeping tonight. So you probably have much more certainty than people less fortunate than yourself. So keep a perspective on things...</div><div> </div><div><strong>Uncertainty really is the only certainty there is </strong>- so don't let the clouds of doom (or ash) get to you. If you're open minded, flexible and learn to roll with the punches - you're much more likely to come out a winner - regardless of which trail you find yourself on.<br /></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/%7Er/CareerHub/%7E4/kmP04tj38nE" height="1" width="1" /><br /><br />View the <a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/%7Er/CareerHub/%7E3/kmP04tj38nE/17-tips-for-dealing-with-volcanos-change-and-uncertainty.html" rel="nofollow">Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-3124725070708465180?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-83025193962390940752010-07-03T22:50:00.000-07:002010-07-03T22:50:00.110-07:00<div class="entry-body"> <p><a href="http://www.careerhubblog.com/.a/6a00d834516a5769e20133ed0ffdec970b-pi" style="float: left;"><img alt="Beautiful People" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d834516a5769e20133ed0ffdec970b " src="http://www.careerhubblog.com/.a/6a00d834516a5769e20133ed0ffdec970b-120wi" style="margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px;" /></a> A recent post on a career industry association e-list sparked quite a discussion about job-seeker appearance and hiring standards. An association member came across a <a href="http://beautifuljobseekers.com/" target="_blank">job board</a> that caters to “beautiful, skilled and talented people looking for employment” and “employers who are looking to hire beautiful, skilled and talented people.” To access job leads, candidates must first register and upload their photo, which is then rated by visitors and members to determine if their account should be activated or rejected. </p> <p>Is there no end to the limits some individuals will go to in exploiting the tight job market while making candidates feel less than worthy? </p> <p> Okay, I will admit that appearance has always been a factor in how candidates are evaluated during the interview. After all, don’t we advise candidates to “look their best” when approaching an employer? We coach clients on what to wear, how to fix their hair and make-up, and what subtle things such as facial hair and fingernail length communicate to an employer. And we talk to clients about how they need “to look the part” to “get the part” – which is what makes some job titles, such as librarian or construction worker immediately conjure up images that even the most diplomatic employer has to shake. </p> <p> Set aside the audaciousness of BeautifulJobSeekers.com and we are still faced with reconciling the impact one’s photo has on their success in landing a job. With the widespread use of social media to match candidates to jobs, are employers - who are trying to comply with EEO regulations - feeling like they need to cover their eyes when reviewing candidate credentials on Facebook, LinkedIn and other online networking sites? Are hungry lawyers lining up to pursue action against employers on behalf of candidates who feel they have been rejected because of their apparent age, race, ethnic background – or heaven forbid, height, weight and eye color!? </p> <p> I don’t know the answer, but it all makes me a little nervous. As a professional résumé writer, I have always scoffed at competitors who advised clients to include a photo on their résumé, but now I am wondering if I should rethink my position. In a country that seems to have lost its senses to reality TV, entertainment magazines, and viewer-cast ballots for who should be the next “American Idol,” maybe it’s time that employers and career services professionals have some serious conversations about how these trends are impacting the job market – and come up with some realistic solutions. </p> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/%7Er/CareerHub/%7E4/GTrrf5rEYgo" height="1" width="1" /><br /><br />View the <a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/%7Er/CareerHub/%7E3/GTrrf5rEYgo/when-looks-matter.html" rel="nofollow">Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-8302519396239094075?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-42691661297072136352010-07-02T22:17:00.000-07:002010-07-02T22:17:00.287-07:00 <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LtTBlrBCfCU/S_Hru5PLWgI/AAAAAAAAAJg/GONOrS1Hqw0/s1600/OutofBlue.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472414213102852610" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 157px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LtTBlrBCfCU/S_Hru5PLWgI/AAAAAAAAAJg/GONOrS1Hqw0/s200/OutofBlue.png" border="0" /></a>That’s what most job seekers want to know!<br /><br />“What is the most likely source for finding the right job?” …and “Where should I focus my time?”<br />Questions that make sense to ask… however, are very difficult to answer! MANY times, the best job leads come from the most unlikely sources! The best job lead may <em>come out of the blue</em>!<br /><br />Over the last four years, I’ve helped lead a job networking group and teach an 8-week class on job transition skills. For the past 23 years, I’ve also been a recruiter who talks to people looking for new jobs every day. I’ve spoken to thousands of people in a job search. Yet I’m always amazed at the stories of how people have found their jobs. I regularly hear people tell me something like:<div class="fullpost"><br />“<em>I’ve been searching online postings and going to networking groups for months, but ended up finding the right job through…</em><br /><br /><em>…a referral from an 85 year old woman at my church one Sunday morning.<br />…the stay-at-home mom next door that knew someone.<br />…an old co-worker I hadn’t talked to in 15 years but ran into at the supermarket.<br />…a previous boss that called me out of the blue.<br />…a recruiter that found my information on LinkedIn.<br />…a company I blindly called into, not knowing if they had an open position or not.<br />…a conversation I had with someone I met at a coffee shop.<br />…an email I got back from someone I had sent a monthly update to about my job search.<br />…an introduction I sent someone based on an article I read about their company.<br />…a referral of a referral of a referral!<br />…and on, and on, and on</em>"<br /><br />There is no single best source of leads. The obvious ones (job boards, online and newspaper ads), are generally the least fruitful because nearly every other job seeker out there is checking out and pursuing those same ones.<br /><br />The reality and the challenge for the job seeker, is that you need to consistently pursue dozens of avenues, all the time!<br /><br />Don’t neglect any contact, lead, or idea you hear of. Use your time wisely, however, the best opportunity often comes from the least likely sources. Often the name you’re given that sounds like a dead-end lead (the 85 year old grandmother), may be the one that has the best contact, specific job lead, or idea for you.<br /><br />Will that always be the case? Of course not! However, don’t miss out on an opportunity by not chasing down every lead and contact you hear of. That means putting in enough time each day and managing your time effectively is key to being able to make each of those connections.<br />If your days are primarily characterized by searching and responding to ads online, you are spending most of your time on the same resources as the vast majority of other job seekers out there. To effectively find and connect to someone that is not getting overwhelmed by candidates, you must go where others don’t. Make personal connections to people whether they have a job opening or not. Getting to opportunities before anything is posted is critical in beating the crowds.<br /><br />Don’t neglect the obvious avenues. You still need to check and follow up on job postings. You still need to attend networking groups. You still need to search out contacts through LinkedIn and connect to potential hiring managers and recruiters. However, don’t dismiss the stay-at-home mom next door when she says… “You ought to talk to my cousin Frank who works at XYZ Company. He’s not in your field, but his company seems to be doing well!” You have no idea… cousin Frank may know of a particular job, have a better networking contact for you, or know of resources that may be worthwhile for you.<br /><br /><em>Effective networking is building relationships, one at a time, building a chain of referrals from one person, to the next, to the next, and to the next until you end up talking to the one that has the right lead for you!</em><br /><br />Does pursuing all contacts and leads make your job harder than just searching for jobs online? Absolutely! Is it likely to help you find a job faster? YES!<br /><br />You never know where your best job leads will come from. Check everything out and you may be surprised!<br /><hr /><strong>Author:</strong><br /><br />Harry Urschel has over 20 years experience as a technology recruiter in Minnesota. He currently operates as <a href="http://www.eexecutives.net/" target="_blank"><strong>e-Executives</strong></a>, writes a blog for Job Seekers called <a href="http://www.thewisejobsearch.com/" target="_blank"><strong>The Wise Job Search</strong></a>, and can be found on Twitter as <a href="http://www.twitter.com/eExecutives" target="_blank">@eExecutives</a>.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7965827460478077853-371088310059068345?l=www.careerrocketeer.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=pSOChjFBT6o:BVokKQ_WOL8:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=pSOChjFBT6o:BVokKQ_WOL8:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~4/pSOChjFBT6o" height="1" width="1"/><br /><br />View the <a href='http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~3/pSOChjFBT6o/where-do-job-leads-come-from.html' rel='nofollow'>Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-4269166129707213635?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-15124282016213334052010-07-01T21:44:00.000-07:002010-07-01T21:44:01.007-07:00 <img src="http://dilbert.com/dyn/str_strip/000000000/00000000/0000000/000000/80000/7000/900/87915/87915.strip.print.gif" border="0" /><p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~at/XOJYE1QFME7RkZ7UHmm24lfZ3X4/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~at/XOJYE1QFME7RkZ7UHmm24lfZ3X4/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~at/XOJYE1QFME7RkZ7UHmm24lfZ3X4/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~at/XOJYE1QFME7RkZ7UHmm24lfZ3X4/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/DilbertMostPopular/~4/JqplfR1OQS8" height="1" width="1"/><br /><br />View the <a href='http://feeds.dilbert.com/~r/DilbertMostPopular/~3/JqplfR1OQS8/' rel='nofollow'>Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-1512428201621333405?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-40268656733531922162010-06-29T20:38:00.000-07:002010-06-29T20:38:00.190-07:00 <a href="http://static.brand-yourself.com/ebooks/Brand-Yourself.com_From_Tweet_to_Hired.pdf" target="_blank"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 135px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 182px" alt="" src="http://blog.brand-yourself.com/wp-content/uploads/ebook.jpg" border="0" /></a><em>This is an adapted excerpt from Brand-Yourself.com's new eBook, </em><a href="http://static.brand-yourself.com/ebooks/Brand-Yourself.com_From_Tweet_to_Hired.pdf" target="_blank"><em>From Tweet to Hired: How to Leverage Twitter to Advance Your Career</em></a><em>, by Pete Kistler and Patrick Ambron and including contributions from Chris Perry, Dan Schawbel and several other well-known career and social media experts.</em><br /><br /><strong>How do you become someone worth following on Twitter?</strong><br /><br />Creating your profile is the easy part. The next step is to regularly push out tweets people will care about. This is where most people fail! Most tweeters join and don’t know what to do next. They end up following celebrities, tweeting about their day and the only people that follow them back are college buddies and spammers. Don’t worry: if you fall into this category, you are not alone. Only 5% of tweeters have more than 100 followers and only 8% of tweets are considered credible enough to be re-tweeted. Within this small percentage is where your opportunity lies.<br /><br />The most important thing you can remember to be someone worth following is that Twitter is not about you - it’s about everyone. You can’t simply jump on Twitter and start shouting, “Look at me!” Twitter is a completely open, ongoing conversation, and unless you give people a reason to listen, no one will hear you. Adding value to someone’s day is not only the key to attracting followers, but also the foundation for building meaningful relationships. Here are some key techniques that can help you tweet the right stuff and earn relevant followers:<div class="fullpost"><br /><strong>1. Tweet Helpful Links.</strong> People are not, and never will be, interested in what you ate for lunch. They are interested in tweets that yield a positive impact on their day. Take three minutes a day to post a relevant daily quote, tip or article. For example, at our <a href="http://twitter.com/brandyourself" target="_blank">@brandyourself </a>account, we post daily job search tips that attract job seekers who have a use for our tools.To make daily tweets easier, use a tweet scheduler to build some of these up. This allows you to enter dozens of tweets at once and schedule them to post periodically at later dates. People in your field will begin to look for these valuable daily nuggets. If you’re in graphic design, tweet daily Photoshop tips. Your followers will remember you and be more willing to help you down the road because you helped them. To analyze the strength of your Twitter profile and get suggestions about who to connect to on Twitter, sign up for <a href="http://www.brand-yourself.com/" target="_blank">Brand-Yourself</a> and visit the Twitter section of your dashboard.<br /><br /><strong>2. Link to Interesting, Relevant Information.</strong> The best way to establish yourself as a valuable member of your community is to share new information on a regular basis. If you are consistently pushing out fresh, targeted content, people will begin to look to you as a source for industry trends. Since the information is valuable, you will earn a ton of re-tweets, and in turn, valuable followers. You will also gain the attention of those you promote. When an employer searches your profile, the hiring manager will see you are heavily involved in industry conversations. See the side bar (right) for a simple way to find, read and share interesting articles with your network.<br /><br /><strong>3. Answer Relevant Questions.</strong> Another effective way to prove your worth is by providing help to people who need it. Take a little time each day to search for questions pertaining to your area of expertise using Twitter search tools (<a href="http://static.brand-yourself.com/ebooks/Brand-Yourself.com_From_Tweet_to_Hired.pdf" target="_blank">see eBook Appendix</a>). Type in a specific keyword followed by a question mark to filter results, such as “graphic design?” or “civil engineer?” Make things easier by using monitoring tools that track these searches and people who need your help. For example, at <a href="http://www.brand-yourself.com/" target="_blank">Brand-Yourself </a>we search for “resume tips?” to find people looking for help with their resume. We then answer their questions or point them to a helpful article we’ve written. This is an excellent way to attract more followers, and establish yourself as an authority in your line of work.<br /><br />People remember when you go out of your way to help them, and will be happy to return the favor when called upon. If you are looking for freelance work, this is a great way to generate leads. There are hundreds of people looking for guidance, and Twitter allows you to build up credibility one answer at a time.<br /><br /><strong>4. Engage Your Community.</strong> Make sure you are personable. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, reply to others using @replies, and ask for feedback. Offer your help for free, recommend products you love and contribute to topics. Use hashtag (#) trackers to find relevant topics and participate in related conversations.<br /><br />To read more about using Twitter in your job search and personal branding efforts, download your free copy of <a href="http://static.brand-yourself.com/ebooks/Brand-Yourself.com_From_Tweet_to_Hired.pdf" target="_blank">From Tweet to Hired: How to Leverage Twitter to Advance Your Career</a> today!<br /><hr /><strong><a href="http://contributors.careerrocketeer.com/p/guest-experts.html">Guest Expert</a>:</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://petekistler.com/" target="_blank">Pete Kistler</a> is a leading Online Reputation Management expert for Generation Y, one of the Top 30 Definitive Personal Branding Experts on Twitter, a widely-read <a href="http://blog.brand-yourself.com/" target="_blank">career development blogger</a> for Brand-Yourself.com, and a Judge for the 2009 Personal Brand Awards.<br /><br />Pete is a young, enthusiastic and active entrepreneur. As CEO, he manages strategic vision for <a href="http://brand-yourself.com/" target="_blank">Brand‐Yourself.com</a>, the world's first online reputation management platform for job applicants, named one of the Top 100 Most Innovative College Startups in the U.S. He has won a number of top honors for his writing, presentations and business plans.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7965827460478077853-5638527082700441195?l=www.careerrocketeer.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=wALLRMZW604:MOr_NcAgjcA:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=wALLRMZW604:MOr_NcAgjcA:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~4/wALLRMZW604" height="1" width="1"/><br /><br />View the <a href='http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~3/wALLRMZW604/are-you-worth-following-on-twitter.html' rel='nofollow'>Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-4026865673353192216?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-63183167003613915772010-06-28T20:05:00.000-07:002010-06-28T20:05:00.418-07:00 <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LtTBlrBCfCU/S_EUhzZLdsI/AAAAAAAAAJY/GWai-qns8sg/s1600/2010.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472177593195919042" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 190px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 189px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LtTBlrBCfCU/S_EUhzZLdsI/AAAAAAAAAJY/GWai-qns8sg/s200/2010.png" border="0" /></a>A small percentage of you were lucky enough to get recruited off campus and are ready to start your career. The rest of you are now preparing for the arduous task of finding a job, and many of you are scared and ill prepared.<br /><br />So here are a few tips for you.<br /><br /><strong>1: Set a Budget -</strong> Before you start to look for a full-time career opportunity talk with your family and see how much financial support you can expect from them, and for how long. Then determine how long you can financially afford to stay unemployed and if you also need to look for an interim part-time position to make ends meet. If you are not living at home budget your rent, utilities, food and entertainment and see if your savings and current income (if you have some) will cover them, and for how long.<br /><br />You should also set aside money for the following pre-job search related expenses if you do not already possess these items. A means of transportation, two new interview outfits, a professional resume, a computer w/internet access, and a cell phone,<br /><br />Also, if you do not have a credit card get one, this is your emergency fund. I suggest you get a credit limit of $750-$1000 to start, with as low an interest rate as possible. Don’t use this for anything non-job search related and only as a last resort.<div class="fullpost"><br /><strong>2: Don’t Think Too Big –</strong> In the ideal world most of you would love to work for a large company with strong brand identity. However the job market today is more fertile for 2010 grads among the small and mid-sized companies. These are the companies to target.<br /><br /><strong>3: Research The Market –</strong> Print out 15 jobs that you think would be appropriate for you and they do not have to be in your geographic location. Then review them all to see what the employers are looking for in a new hire and how well you match the requirements. If you do not have 75% or more of what they want, look for another type of job.<br /><br /><strong>4: Take a Personal Inventory –</strong> Now that you know what the employer wants from you, underline the requirements and write down how well you fit each requirement based on your academics and any work experience you have. List all you business and personal skill sets and rate them on a scale of 1-10.<br /><br /><strong>5: Start A Network –</strong> You all know people in the business world. Get in touch with them and ask them for advice. Work every contact you have. Don't be shy about checking in with contacts you've made. Personal referrals remain one of the strongest door openers to a job.<br /><br /><strong>6: Start A Job Search Group –</strong> Get together with 4 or 5 good friends in the same position as you and start a support group. Meet at least once a week to set weekly goals and see if you achieved them. Share leads and network buddies. Share news articles. Discuss the interviews you had, what questions you were asked, your responses and what you learned. You can also share the research assignments and do mock interviews to help you get ahead.<br /><br /><strong>7: Follow Up –</strong> Don’t let leads get cold, jump on them as soon as you hear about them. The same holds true to any network suggestions you receive. Most important follow up on every job interview and make the people you meet part of your network if they do not hire you.<br /><br /><strong>8: Job Fairs –</strong> I don’t recommend them for people with 4 or more years experience but I have found that most universities and colleges, as well as industries and companies, host job fairs. These are terrific places to meet many opportunities in one location. Make sure that you have a great resume and dress sharp. You may also want to invest in some business cards. Vista Print will do them in color for a very low price.<br /><br /><strong>9: Get a Part Time Job or Interim Staffing Assignment –</strong> I know you are anxious to get a full time offer; however, part time and temp work in the right environment can also help you make your mark at a company. It also helps pay the bills. You can also use this to work for more than more than one company and expand your experience and network.<br /><br /><strong>10: Keep Positive –</strong> Looking for your first job can be a frustrating mess, but you need to keep everything in perspective and never lose confidence. You can change your focus and job search strategies week to week, but a positive attitude is the one constant you need to get to where you want to go.<br /><hr /><strong>Author:</strong><br /><br />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 his sample resumes at <a href="http://www.perrynewman.com/">http://www.perrynewman.com/</a>, and email him your resume at <a href="mailto:perry@perrynewman.com">perry@perrynewman.com</a> for FREE resume critique.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7965827460478077853-2558223350575807531?l=www.careerrocketeer.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=hhqgB9uKJSk:CDUCm3e7KNI:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=hhqgB9uKJSk:CDUCm3e7KNI:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~4/hhqgB9uKJSk" height="1" width="1"/><br /><br />View the <a href='http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~3/hhqgB9uKJSk/10-job-search-tips-for-class-of-2010.html' rel='nofollow'>Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-6318316700361391577?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-16711350134569145912010-06-27T19:32:00.000-07:002010-06-27T19:32:00.336-07:00 Linkedin just released a suite of premium tools targeted to help job seekers. Good news - they have some truly helpful features ... Bad news - They aren't free. For serious job seekers, I think it's worth the small monthly cost, giving candidates better viability and increased job search efficiency.<br /><br />Linkedin helps job seekers accomplish two basic tasks - Finding target company contacts, and social branding. Job Seeker Premium makes both of these tasks easier and more effective.<br /><br />As part of this review, I interviewed Parker Barrile, Director of Product Management for Linkedin's Jobs Business to get Linkedin's views about how their new tools are intended to help candidates. Parker mentioned that Linkedin has 3 major goals in for its premium job search products:<br /><br />1) Allow candidates to manage job search more efficiently<br />2) Give job seekers more ways to efficiently contact hiring managers and recruiters<br />3) Help job seekers stand out, making it easier to be noticed<div class="fullpost"><br />Parker stated that Linkedin "wants to be the place that people go to find their next job. We'll continue to provide free services, but Linkedin will also offer premium services for those who want greater connectivity and visibility in their search."<br /><br />From my review of the features and discussion with Parker, I was impressed that Linkedin has made a good start in providing value adds that will help candidates in three areas they pointed out above. Parker also gave hints that this is just a start, and that Linkedin plans to release future user capabilities in its job seekers premium tools (Sadly, he wouldn't spill the beans to tell me what they would be).<br /><br />Will Linkedin's new tools find you a job? No. Will Linkedin's new tools give you more ways to help yourself find a job? Definitely.<br /><br />Linkedin offers 7-8 features fine tuned to the needs of job seekers, depending on the package offered. The three that can make the biggest difference are what make the service worthwhile. Other features may be helpful to job seekers as well, but these three are money.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LtTBlrBCfCU/S-y8gqzXNhI/AAAAAAAAAJI/--e4P0samfY/s1600/LinkedIn1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470954916779865618" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 139px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LtTBlrBCfCU/S-y8gqzXNhI/AAAAAAAAAJI/--e4P0samfY/s200/LinkedIn1.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong>Top of the list -</strong> This is the #1 reason for Job Seeker Premium, in my opinion. Businesses have been able to buy their way to the top of Google for years. Linkedin Job Seeker Premium allows candidates a way to get to the top of the list. When recruiters or hiring managers search for specific criteria they may get hundreds of results - Premium user results are listed at the top. Since recruiters and HR reps might only call the top 10-20 matches, being at the top of the list helps a job seeker stand out. If you're a Java developer, trying to stand out from the thousands of other Java developers looking for a new position - Top of the list is a huge advantage.<br /><br /><strong>InMail -</strong> Currently, Linkedin basic users can contact their first level connections. InMail is Linkedin's version of special delivery, allowing candidates to contact any of Linkedin's 60M users - even if they are not a connection. Linkedin's website claims "You’re 30x more likely to get a response to an InMail than to a cold call. Why? Your profile is attached to your message; plus, it never ends up in a spam filter." In addition, it may be challenging to find emails of people you want to reach - InMails make it quick and easy, saving you time. Depending on the premium package you choose you can get zero, five, or ten InMails with guaranteed response - or choose InMails a la carte at an additional $10 each. If you use them, InMails by themselves make the premium service worth while as packages are 1/2 the cost of individually purchased InMails. Use these for people you've just got to reach, or for those who keep their email private.<br /><br /><strong>Gold Badge -</strong> Linkedin's premium service allows anyone to view your full profile and message you, even if not connected to you without either one burning through expensive InMails or Introductions, allowing unlimited free inbound email. As many new candidates haven't been as active in networking until their job search, having a small network means that few people can see your full profile or contact you freely. While this won't replace building your network, the gold badge gives job seekers with a small network a quick jump start.<br /><br />While these are the most valuable services in the package, additional features can help job seekers as well:<br /><br /><strong>Introductions -</strong> As a free user, you have a limited number of free introductions that pass your info along through three degrees of separation. Job Seeker Premium gives you between 10 -25 introductions per month depending on the package you choose. Using introductions wisely can help you gain inside information to your target companies, reach hiring managers, informational interview sources, or hubs to help in your networking efforts.<br /><br /><strong>Expanded Search -</strong> the two top Premium service levels allow you to expand your search results beyond the 100 results you currently get as a free user - expanded up to 5x as many results. This can be valuable when searching within large centralized departments at single locations within enterprise companies. For instance, if you search for project manager at Allstate Insurance, there are thousands of results - free users only see 100.<br /><br /><strong>Who searched me?</strong> Premium users can see the titles and companies of everyone who initiated a search that your name turned up in. If you've turned up in a recruiter's or company's search, these may be companies you want to put on your target list, or recruiters you might want to work with.<br /><br /><strong>Folders -</strong> Linkedin premium services allow folders that job seekers can use to save and organize profiles, and store notes. It's not a contact management system, but it gives some capability to add some organization to your contacts.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LtTBlrBCfCU/S-y88rWXlhI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/H6mRYClF9tc/s1600/LinkedIn2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470955397963027986" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 187px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LtTBlrBCfCU/S-y88rWXlhI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/H6mRYClF9tc/s200/LinkedIn2.jpg" border="0" /></a>These features have been needed for a while, and Linkedin has been offering premium services to businesses for over a year. When I first saw notices that Linkedin was offering premium services for job seekers I wondered ... What took them so long? This makes so much sense.<br /><br />Linkedin premium has 3 packages priced at $19.95, $29.95, and $49.95. If you want the convenience and direct contacts of InMail I'd recommend the more expensive packages (it's an inexpensive way to use InMails). I don't know of any job seekers who couldn't benefit from being at the top of the list, included in even the least expensive package. That alone makes Linkedin Job Seeker Premium worth the price.<br /><br /><em>Please note:</em> This is not a paid review, and Linkedin did not give me any free services (not even a lousy t-shirt). I wrote it because I think it's a true advance for candidates.<br /><br />Source: <a href="http://recareered.blogspot.com/">http://recareered.blogspot.com/</a><br /><hr /><strong><a href="http://contributors.careerrocketeer.com/p/guest-experts.html">Guest Expert</a>:</strong><br /><br /><strong>Phil Rosenberg</strong> is President of reCareered (<a href="http://www.recareered.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://www.recareered.blogspot.com/</a>), a career coaching service, helping great people discover new career paths and beat the challenges of modern job searches. Phil runs the Career Change Central group (<a href="http://www.tinyurl.com/cccpost" target="_blank">http://www.tinyurl.com/cccpost</a>), recently named one of Linkedin's top groups that job seekers must join. An active blogger about career change, Phil's articles are republished by Business Week, The Wall Street Journal, ZDNet, CIO, FastCompany and dozens of job and recruiting sites. Phil can be contacted at <a href="mailto:phil.reCareered@gmail.com" target="_blank">phil.reCareered@gmail.com</a>.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7965827460478077853-8100589082896110048?l=www.careerrocketeer.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=-nL_nroSq0s:G15A2l1oyq4:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=-nL_nroSq0s:G15A2l1oyq4:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~4/-nL_nroSq0s" height="1" width="1"/><br /><br />View the <a href='http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~3/-nL_nroSq0s/get-to-top-on-linkedin.html' rel='nofollow'>Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-1671135013456914591?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-3682624635292754222010-06-26T18:59:00.000-07:002010-06-26T18:59:00.657-07:00<p><a href="http://www.careerhubblog.com/.a/6a00d834516a5769e20133eca2c822970b-pi" style="float: left;"><img alt="Job fair" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d834516a5769e20133eca2c822970b " src="http://www.careerhubblog.com/.a/6a00d834516a5769e20133eca2c822970b-500wi" style="margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px;" /></a> Are you a job fair goer? If you are, consider some of the following ideas and strategies as you represent you and your brand at that next job fair event...</p> <p>1. Smile.</p> <p>2. Walk confidently with good posture.</p> <p>3. Shake hands firmly.</p> <p>4. Maintain good eye contact.</p> <p>5. Take a writing instrument with you.</p> <p>6. Take a notepad for jotting info.</p> <p>7. Take extra copies of your resume, references, business cards, etc.</p> <p>8. Ask questions and show interest.</p> <p>9. Initiate conversation and introduce yourself.</p> <p>10. Say 'good morning, good afternoon, hello, or hi' -- <em>it won't kill ya'</em>! :) </p> <p>11. Be pleasant and polite.</p> <p>12. <em>Act</em> happy to be there.</p> <p>13. Refrain from saying "I am looking for a job and will take about anything."</p> <p>14. Show gratitude and appreciation.</p> <p>15. Follow-up when you say you will.</p> <p>16. Show energy and enthusiasm, regardless of how long you have been out of work.</p> <p>17. Make yourself memorable -- in a good way.</p> <p>18. Practice your 'elevator pitch' prior to arrival.</p> <p>19. Treat fellow job seekers with respect.</p> <p>20. Look your professional best.</p> <p>21. Discover one new idea or one new bit of wisdom.</p> <p>22. Meet at least one new person.</p> <p>23. Take a moment to meet, greet workshop leaders.</p> <p>24. Offer to help somebody with something.</p> <p>25. Speak with confidence.</p> <p>26. Share a job search tip with co-attendees.</p> <p>27. And always, say <em>thank you</em>.</p><p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/%7Ea/5EqJ7UzR-SGW-npw34L6anvSSn0/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/%7Ea/5EqJ7UzR-SGW-npw34L6anvSSn0/0/di" ismap="true" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/%7Ea/5EqJ7UzR-SGW-npw34L6anvSSn0/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/%7Ea/5EqJ7UzR-SGW-npw34L6anvSSn0/1/di" ismap="true" border="0" /></a></p><div class="feedflare"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/%7Eff/CareerHub?a=4h7JyWodIOM:spEFr-H8SBU:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/%7Eff/CareerHub?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/%7Eff/CareerHub?a=4h7JyWodIOM:spEFr-H8SBU:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/%7Eff/CareerHub?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/%7Eff/CareerHub?a=4h7JyWodIOM:spEFr-H8SBU:dnMXMwOfBR0"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/%7Eff/CareerHub?d=dnMXMwOfBR0" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/%7Eff/CareerHub?a=4h7JyWodIOM:spEFr-H8SBU:wF9xT3WuBAs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/%7Eff/CareerHub?i=4h7JyWodIOM:spEFr-H8SBU:wF9xT3WuBAs" border="0" /></a></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/%7Er/CareerHub/%7E4/4h7JyWodIOM" height="1" width="1" /><br /><br />View the <a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/%7Er/CareerHub/%7E3/4h7JyWodIOM/27-job-fair-to-dos-regardless-of-age-or-type-of-job-desired.html" rel="nofollow">Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-368262463529275422?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-62754459387347698292010-06-24T17:53:00.000-07:002010-06-24T17:53:00.386-07:00You know our type. We’re the kind of people who for whatever reason don’t really know how to start up a conversation. We’d rather hide under the table than start chatting with an unknown person or stay at home watching reruns than go to a party. We’re your awkward cousin or the kid that sat behind you in biology. Is there networking hope for us? There is hope and you will find comfort in knowing (for all of us procedural nerds) that it can be a process you can quickly and painlessly use.<br /><br />Like many things in my life, I’ve had to figure this out on my own but have followed it up with study. I know some people find it hard to believe that I am introverted since I have been known to speak to a crowd of a 1000 people but it’s true. It’s easier for me to do public speaking than make small talk. The difference is the type of talk and the setting for when that talking takes place. As a speaker, I develop and deliver content with a specific goal in mind. It has a goal and a destination. I can research the topic and get prepared. For networking all of that is out the door, you’re left by yourself to say something interesting. Ygads! The difference is huge. Here are the things I have learned about networking which really helps:<br /><div class="fullpost"><br /><strong>What is the purpose of networking?</strong><br /><br />In the context of a job search, your network will be the number one way you will find a job. If you’ve heard of the hidden job market, it’s the 80% of the jobs businesses are hiring for but never get posted. The only way you’ll find out about them is if you connect with enough people that know what and how to connect you.<br /><br />Outside of the job search you can think of your network as a vast web of information and connections. When you need a plumber a doctor or a restaurant, you call your network. In other words, for your entire life you develop and nurture your network. You learn as a small child that your network will share toys and sack lunches. We all have networks but we often times think of them as family, friends and work associates. Whatever you call them, you have developed enough of a relationship to call upon them for help and support throughout your life.<br /><br /><strong>Who is your network?</strong><br /><br />I could write one sentence here and be 100% accurate. Your network is everyone you know. The obvious ones like I mentioned above but also clients, vendors, people you hire, the wait staff at Starbucks and the list goes on. I should also add that you know something about them. You certainly know limited things about them because of the place of business or setting but that is enough to get started.<br /><br /><strong><em>$64,000 question:</em></strong> How do you develop a network and get past the social willy’s?<br /><br />Think of networking as creating relationships with people. Aaaannnddd, how do you create relationships with people? By getting to know them. You ask them questions about themselves! This was something I knew but didn’t “know”. People think you’re a fabulous conversationalist if you ask questions about them. The more you ask other’s about what’s going on in their life, the more you learn and can relate to in the future.<br /><br />Let me give you a personal example. When we got married my dad didn’t know but 4 people at the reception. Yet for months afterward, people would convey to me the fact that they had got to know my dad and thought he was great. Turns out, he would approach someone and ask them “How do you know Terry and Dorothy?” That was all it took for him to enter in to other people’s lives. He asked these people about their life and found a mutual association to do it. Guess what I do at wedding receptions and parties now? I’m never at a loss of an opening line. I’ve now expanded to questions like: how long have you been a part of this group? What compelled you to join this group?<br /><br />This means you don’t have to be a great conversationalist in the sense that you don’t really have to think of thought provoking banter. This isn’t about you; it’s about the other person. You simply need to ask good questions that are open ended. If you’re getting ready to go to an event, consider creating a list of questions associated with that event. If you can have some questions related to a person of mutual association that always works like my examples above. You can also ask about the event or group or business that is involved. It’s that simple. I wish someone would have told me that about X years ago.<br /><br /><strong>Refinement tips:</strong><br /><br /><ul><li>Think of your network in three layers. The first layer is people you know well, have a developed relationship and know details about. The second layer is people you know fairly well in that you know some details about them and periodically associate with them. The third layer is people you know only superficially. Your goal is to move a few more people into the first layer and a bunch into the second layer. I’ll give you some ideas on how to do that.</li><br /><li>When you go to an event and start introducing yourself to people concentrate on quality associations. You don’t need to “work the room”. If you can walk away from a room of strangers and feel like you have connected really well with a 3 or 4 people, then call your networking a success.</li><br /><li>If you’re like me, you need to make notes to remember some information about the people you’re meeting. Obviously, for a network to work you need contact information but make notes on key things you’ve learned about your new contacts. This will help you move the relationship forward if you’ve made them important enough to remember information about them.</li><br /><li>The first rule of any relationship is to give to it. You must give your time and attention. The simplest way is email. When I email, I often times simply ask about something going on with them. I’m also constantly thinking of things I can share like links, websites, and articles or connecting them with someone they might find valuable. You can’t tap into relationships without demonstrating your goodwill first. Following this process will not only move people into top two layers, it will enrich your life.</li></ul><br /><p>Your network is a living, breathing, dynamic organism. People will come in and go out of your network your whole life. The sooner you realize how easy it can be to develop a network the sooner you can breathe a sigh of relief about the next event you go to. See? That wasn’t so hard was it?<br /></p><hr /><strong><a href="http://contributors.careerrocketeer.com/p/guest-experts.html">Guest Expert</a>:</strong><br /><br /><strong>Dorothy Tannahill-Moran</strong> is a Career Coach and expert on helping her clients achieve their goals. Her programs cover: Career growth and enhancement, Career Change, Retirement Alternatives and Job Search Strategy. Want to discover specific career change strategies that get results? Discover how by claiming your FREE gift, Career Makeover Toolkit at: <a href="http://careermakeovertoolkitshouldistayorshouldigo.com/">http://CareerMakeoverToolKitShouldIstayorShouldIGo.com/</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7965827460478077853-7973781507965217651?l=www.careerrocketeer.com" alt="" height="1" width="1" /></div><div class="feedflare"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/%7Eff/CareerRocketeer?a=w6Rbu5P6MjI:9g_V4UTREL4:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/%7Eff/CareerRocketeer?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/%7Eff/CareerRocketeer?a=w6Rbu5P6MjI:9g_V4UTREL4:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/%7Eff/CareerRocketeer?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0" /></a></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/%7Er/CareerRocketeer/%7E4/w6Rbu5P6MjI" height="1" width="1" /><br /><br />View the <a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/%7Er/CareerRocketeer/%7E3/w6Rbu5P6MjI/networking-for-socially-inept.html" rel="nofollow">Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-6275445938734769829?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-73397569991940999072010-06-23T17:20:00.000-07:002010-06-23T17:20:00.464-07:00 <a href="http://www.wordle.net/show/wrdl/1923904/queen_schmooze_blog_wordle"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470711045954586722" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 95px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LtTBlrBCfCU/S-vethLtyGI/AAAAAAAAAI4/2LkyYR9_sQ8/s200/WordCloud1.png" border="0" /></a>Recently, I discovered <strong><a href="http://www.wordle.net/">Wordle</a></strong>. Wordle is a toy for generating word clouds from text that a user provides. It can help you figure out your brand.<br /><br />The point of the Wordle for me was to verify whether or not I am profiled or branded properly. This picture above was created from my blog. It says a lot about the way that I think, what is important to me and shows that I AM branded properly!<br /><br />Job seekers can use Wordle to see if their word cloud says the right thing about their resume. Most job seekers put together a document that is actually a C.V. or curriculum vitae (vital statistics of every place that they have ever worked). Instead they should be using a resume that talks about specific experience and education. (See <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R%C3%A9sum%C3%A9">Wikipedia</a>)<br /><br />The biggest mistake that most job seekers make is the dump of everything, especially the non-relevant stuff into the document. They hope that the recruiter or potential employer (usually HR or the hiring manager) will sift through the mess to find out what they can possibly do. Guess what happens? When the hiring manager cannot see immediately what you can do for them or what position you are applying for, you resume ends up in the great recycling box called Resume Hell!<div class="fullpost">I was talking to a new client the other day with his resume. He had just been laid-off after 24 years with one of the large telecoms. Although he had some great qualifications, nowhere on the “resume” did I see a <strong>profile</strong> or what it is that he can really do. Was he really expecting to get some traction from a potential employer with that document?<br /><br />The first cardinal rule of thumb on a resume is to create a killer profile. The profile tells an employer:<br /><ol><li><strong>Who you are</strong> i.e. Senior Technical Manager. I always advise using the description from the job application.</li><br /><li><strong>What you can do</strong> i.e. Implemented complex desktop deployments for 100 users and internal customers. Tell the hiring manager what you are good at and can do for them.</li><br /><li><strong>What makes you that good at what you did or can do</strong> i.e. Created quick and painless cutover by doing 3-shift per day implementation over four days. Customer had no down time which means you can save them time, money and resources.</li><br /><li><strong>Why the potential employer wants to hire you</strong> i.e. Cost saving measures of the 3-shift implementation created under budget surplus to the satisfaction of the customer, thus netting each member of the team $5,000 bonus. Pure accomplishment statements.</li></ol><br />A great resume has a profile, <strong>NOT</strong> an <em>objective</em>. So many people still use the word objective on their resumes. We all know that as a job seeker you want to work in a great company where your skills are utilized, where you are challenged, and made to feel welcome. Get off the idea of writing like a 15-year old. An objective is all about the <em>job seeker</em>. <strong>A profile is all about the potential employer.</strong><br /><br />It’s not about the person who wants the job but about what the job seeker can do for the employer to grow the company’s bottom line. Consider putting your resume through a spit-shine to clean it up a bit. (<a href="http://timsstrategy.com/resume-or-cv-consider-spit-shine/">Tim Tyrell-Smith of Tim’s Strategy</a>)<br /><br />Here is an analogy that you about someone who is thinking of buying a house. The person searches the internet for house listings. A house listing has a<strong> profile</strong> not an <em>objective</em>. The objective is obvious – the seller wants to sell the house. Similarly, the job seeker wants a job. The resume gets you the interview and the interview gets you the job. The house has a profile that gives a potential buyer an idea of its specs, what it has to offer, how good it will be, and how much it will cost.<br /><br />A killer career solo sheet or profile says upfront what the job seeker can do. This means that your professional experience had better match up to the profile. Don’t put the company first and job title after or below the company. Employers do not care so much where you worked as what you actually did for the company. Then show the <strong>highlights of qualifications</strong> in a section just below what you can do. This is the place to demonstrate <em>what you did</em>, <em>how you did it</em> and <em>what make you that good</em>. Any sort of awards for cost saving measures should be listed here. If you have special technical skills or certifications or languages or security clearances, list them here as well.<br /><br />Remember, the career profile (the icing on the cake) is what sells you and the rest of the resume is just the supporting data (the plain cake). A potential employer can see from your profile what you do and can do, what makes you great, your accomplishments, and how you will do that great stuff for their company. Not only will a great resume drive interviews your way, but may even land you that dream job.<br /><br />So, what does your resume say about you?<br /><hr /><strong><a href="http://contributors.careerrocketeer.com/p/guest-experts.html">Guest Expert</a>:</strong><br /><br /><strong>Queen Schmooze</strong> is a Re-Positioning Strategist helping job seekers, career changers, recruiters, entrepreneurs and start-ups to gain greater market share. With 25+ years in communications in different areas including the political sphere, community and social activism, non-profits, and corporate business, Michelle J. Iseman, aka Queen Schmooze, uses branding and profiling to better position the client for their target market audience. When you want to <em><strong>STAND OUT</strong></em> in a crowd, you call on Queen Schmooze to enable <strong>them</strong> to see you. She is blunt, brutal and honest, making sure that you have a true SEO that can get you ahead.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7965827460478077853-4193367620243117211?l=www.careerrocketeer.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=-7W6Qf0C-og:8fE9NhZf2Os:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=-7W6Qf0C-og:8fE9NhZf2Os:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~4/-7W6Qf0C-og" height="1" width="1"/><br /><br />View the <a href='http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~3/-7W6Qf0C-og/what-does-your-resume-say-about-you.html' rel='nofollow'>Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-7339756999194099907?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-67957867248591545902010-06-22T16:47:00.000-07:002010-06-22T16:47:01.125-07:00 I’ve been thinking a lot lately about <a href="http://www.hrmargo.com/2010/04/624/">emotion</a>, and how emotion can help - or betray – us in the workplace. Emotion can override the effects of the most finely crafted personal brand, leaving us with our defenses down in challenging moments. And every workplace, every community, serves up plenty of challenging moments, so it’s important to be prepared to control emotions so they don’t undermine our personal brands.<br /><br />But it’s a tall order.<br /><br />When we’re thinking and reacting emotionally, we may not have access to the cognitive part of ourselves – the logical, process-oriented thinking that enables us to assess a situation, perceive a set of solutions, and reason our way to a resolution. Think of the last time you were in a performance appraisal and you received a criticism you weren’t expecting (though there should never be any surprises in a performance appraisal, which is a topic for another time.) Chances are you reacted emotionally to the comment, not from within the context of your cognitive self, the heart of your personal brand.<div class="fullpost">As an example of how we can prevent emotion from sideswiping us – and how to use personal brand to recover – let’s think about Max, an accomplished marketing manager whose boss had left the organization and been replaced with someone with whom Max wasn’t entirely comfortable. Max has a strong personal brand. He understands that he has a rather controlling personality – he’s a detail guy – and knows that his skills support the tasks a marketing manager needs to be competent on the job. He’s moderated his natural tendency to be controlling by mastering active listening skills and developing a set of non-work interests that require team skills to ensure success. He manages the emotional stress that is a byproduct of his controlling personality through exercise, meditation and paying close attention to key friendships (social community – another favorite <a href="http://www.talentculture.com/">TalentCulture</a> topic.).<br /><br />Although he had good <a href="http://www.careerrocketeer.com/2009/07/personality-and-corporate-culture.html">culture fit</a> with the organization, Max felt off-balance emotionally with his new boss. He caught himself worrying about his next performance appraisal – and to make matters worse a big bonus was attached to a good review. In the weeks leading up to the appraisal he knew he needed a way to control his emotional self so he could achieve his goal – maintain his success and standing at work, build a more productive relationship with his new boss, and secure a good review – and the bonus that went with it.<br /><br />Max decided it was time to add new skills and tools to his personal brand. He called and I recommended he read the book <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15014.Crucial_Conversations_Tools_for_Talking_When_Stakes_are_High">Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High</a> by Kerry Patterson et al (do a quick search to learn more.)<br /><br />I won’t go through the book here – it’s a recommended read – but it gave Max the tools he needed to begin to find ways to initiate and stay in conversations with his new boss that he had been avoiding for fear of emotional landmines. The last time I checked in with him things were going better and he was feeling – there’s emotion again – positive about his relationship with his boss – and his upcoming review.<br /><br />The lesson here is that we all have emotions, and we can control those emotions by adding skills to our repertoire of coping mechanisms, which in turn strengthens personal brand. It’s always possible to add to and refine personal brand – in fact, it’s part of staying vital, connected and valuable in every job market.<br /><br />How do you stay connected, in the moment and in charge of your emotions in difficult situations? What tools do you rely on to forge common cause with someone when there’s no obvious connection? And what are the challenges you face maintaining your personal brand? I’d love to hear.<br /><hr /><strong><a href="http://contributors.careerrocketeer.com/p/guest-experts.html">Guest Expert</a>:</strong><br /><br /><strong>Meghan M. Biro</strong>, founder of <a href="http://www.talentculture.com/">TalentCulture</a>, is a globally-recognized expert in talent acquisition, creative personal and corporate branding and new media strategies that accelerate talent acquisition. Meghan's recruitment, coaching, and branding organization is built on her extensive experience in executive search and talent acquisition for clients ranging from Fortune 500 corporations to start-ups and mid-size organizations. Her background encompasses over 250 successful searches for clients ranging from Fortune 500 corporations to start ups and mid-size organizations. These searches range from C-level executives to matches made with recent college graduates, and are driven by her unique fusion of search strategy proficiency and fundamental belief in the importance of corporate culture and candidate personality. A career strategist,Meghan guides her clients to build distinctive corporate, employer and personalbrands-both on and offline.Based in Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA, TalentCulture partners with clients, corporations and individuals to ensure a match between hiring needs, brand and culture/personality.<br /><br />Reach at <a href="mailto:mbiro@talentculture.com">mbiro@talentculture.com</a> <br />Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/MeghanMBiro">@MeghanMBiro</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/TalentCulture">@TalentCulture</a><br />LinkedIn:<a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/meghanmbiro">http://www.linkedin.com/in/meghanmbiro</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7965827460478077853-1786123777386237900?l=www.careerrocketeer.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=dZ1QNvzzo2w:6usbYDQVEGE:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=dZ1QNvzzo2w:6usbYDQVEGE:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~4/dZ1QNvzzo2w" height="1" width="1"/><br /><br />View the <a href='http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~3/dZ1QNvzzo2w/emotion-dual-edged-workplace-sword.html' rel='nofollow'>Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-6795786724859154590?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-73385489963554375662010-06-21T16:14:00.000-07:002010-06-21T16:14:00.185-07:00<div class="entry-body"> <p><a href="http://www.careerhubblog.com/.a/6a00d834516a5769e201347fd1bced970c-pi" style="float: left;"><img alt="Images-nowhiring" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d834516a5769e201347fd1bced970c " src="http://www.careerhubblog.com/.a/6a00d834516a5769e201347fd1bced970c-120wi" style="margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px;" /></a> Hey -</p><p> You know how when we first hooked up together, I liked you, right? You were interesting and looked OK and we had a lot in common. But now I have to say I’m like really into you in a big way! </p><p>When I really noticed this was after you got back from that long trip to London and Dubai. We went to that dinner with the CEO guy and you were wearing that great suit you got tailored at Savile Row (?!!!). I hope you don’t take this the wrong way, but you looked so much better! In fact, you looked great!! </p><p> You know the way your arms are kinda long? I’m not telling you anything new here. It made you good at basketball in college. But those old suits you used to wear to interview in just came up short. Sorry, but that’s just the way I feel. Nobody's perfect. </p><p> But in that new suit! I know this may sound superficial, but it made me feel proud and confident just to be with you. It made your long arms look powerful, instead of just a little weird. That new suit gave you a real aura, you know, of power or something. </p><p>You talked better too. I just got the feeling that you knew what you were doing. You sounded so sort of savvy, you know? I don’t see how that guy could not give you a job! Now you’re charas– what’s the word? Yeah, charismatic.</p><p> I feel the real you has come out and you’re so sure of yourself. Like, if I had a problem, you’d just take care of it. Anyway, to make a long story short, as I say, the way you are now - it's waaaay better - </p><p>Later, me</p> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/%7Er/CareerHub/%7E4/pupdAFKfmyw" height="1" width="1" /><br /><br />View the <a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/%7Er/CareerHub/%7E3/pupdAFKfmyw/love-letter-to-my-new-resume.html" rel="nofollow">Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-7338548996355437566?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-6392744414645722752010-06-18T15:41:00.000-07:002010-06-18T15:41:00.341-07:00If you're looking for your best job-finding odds, check out which industries are growing where you live now ... and in hundreds of other metropolitan areas. <div class="entry-body"><p>The current Job Market Hot Spots are available free at <a href="http://jobbait.com/e/hotspots.htm">http://jobbait.com/e/hotspots.htm</a>. </p> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/%7Er/CareerHub/%7E4/bA0i-pzyfkc" height="1" width="1" /><br /><br />View the <a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/%7Er/CareerHub/%7E3/bA0i-pzyfkc/job-market-hot-spots.html" rel="nofollow">Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-639274441464572275?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-17953041248648784452010-06-16T13:29:00.000-07:002010-06-16T13:29:00.849-07:00 <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LtTBlrBCfCU/S-kszJCafnI/AAAAAAAAAIw/Elt_Xi87Ek8/s1600/Movies.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469952479529172594" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 126px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 81px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LtTBlrBCfCU/S-kszJCafnI/AAAAAAAAAIw/Elt_Xi87Ek8/s200/Movies.png" border="0" /></a>From my prior posts you may know I am a music lover and American Idol fan, and I try to keep my CR blog posts fresh, informative and entertaining 52 weeks a year. So a few weeks ago I thought I would have some fun and write a post on job search tips I gleamed from American Idol. In response I got this comment from Andrew C.; “Being in the careers space myself, I read a lot of content that is helpful for job-seekers. The correlation with American Idol was pure genius though. Sometimes in order to understand a set of circumstances better, you need to compare it with other situations that you're familiar with.” So today I will share my movie buff side with you and take you on a tour of the silver screen and see what we can learn “At The Movies.”<br /><br /><strong>ACTION / CAMERA / ROLL UM</strong><br /><br /><em><strong>Lost in Translation</strong></em><br />You know how great you are! Your former boss - the one who regretted laying you off – is going to miss taking credit for your ideas and accomplishments! The team members you led for the past X years know how much your valuable leadership skills will be missed! The vendors you dealt with will sorely miss your problem solving and relationship management skills! The receptionist will miss your warm smile and kind words of encouragement! The accounting, IT, sales and marketing departments will miss the little things you do that make their work product better than it will be without you! As a matter of fact everyone you have come into contact with in business knows that you are no Average Joe, and they can all attest to the fact that you are one of the best in the business at what you do. The only people who will think of you as just another one of the myriad number of average out of work employees, managers and executives are the people who judged you by your resume.<br /><div class="fullpost"><br />So here are two suggestions I think all job seekers, and especially mid level to senior level managers, VPs and CXO level executives should take to heart. One is to make sure you look as good on paper as you do in the flesh. Be very selective when choosing someone to help you write your resume. Make sure you are an equal partner and can collaborate freely with the resume writer; be carful what information you agree to put on or leave off your resume; and most important make sure your resume looks and reads crisp, clean and clear, and makes you come across as a candidate every prospective employer must meet.<br /><br />My second tip is to accumulate as many written recommendations as you can from people who will validate your achievements and the truthful claims to greatness you have made on your resume. Post them on your linked-in page or personal website. Then direct people in your network and prospective employers to them by hyperlinking them to your resume or by word of mouth. If you are really bold you might even put two or three select references or quotes from them on your resume as validation of who you claim to be. What ever you do make sure the’ Hero Story’ you tell about yourself, a great prospective hire, does not get lost in the translation. If you are not sure where your resume stands ask for a free resume critique by sending me your resume at <a href="mailto:perry@perrynewman.com">perry@perrynewman.com</a><br /><br /><em><strong>Network</strong></em><br />You have heard and read this a hundred times before, however not every job hunter heeds this advise. A job search is in and of itself a full time job that requires serious game planning, meticulous execution, and a minimum commitment of 30 hours every week.<br /><br />So how much time and effort do you put into your job search? Be honest now. Are you unemployed, slacking off, and putting golf, the gym, watching TV and personal tasks ahead of your job search way too often? If you are, I suggest you go to the nearest mirror, look yourself straight in the eyes and shout at the top of your lungs “I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take it.” Then make a commitment to yourself that from now on you will elevate your job search to the top, rather than keeping it in the middle or at the bottom of your list of “Important Things to do Today’.<br /><br /><em><strong>Four Weddings and a Funeral</strong></em><br />Gotcha…. you thought the previous tip was about networking for a job; well you were wrong, this one is. Being a Certified Social Media Strategist I am one of the biggest proponents of using Linked-in, Twitter, Facebook, blogs like this, and any quality social media outlet to network and establish your bonifides. Still equally important is the need for face-time. This is why you need to get out more and attend weddings, funerals, chamber of commerce meeting, alumni gatherings, CPE courses, network nights, workshops, and even religious events so you can see and be seen by the right people. As you can see I did not mention job fairs as I find them to be cattle calls, but there is a place for them as well.<br /><br />You might have an outstanding virtual image but there is nothing like being out there and having people see you as a human being. Social media, websites, emailing and texting are all nice networking tools to use, but meeting with people face to face as often as possible should have a place near the top of your job search list of ‘Things To Do.’<br /><br /><em><strong>Close Encounters of the Third Kind MEETS The Color of Money</strong></em><br />Ok, the HR department loved you and so did the department manager who asked you how much you will accept, and then tells you he wants to make you a fair offer. All you need to do is “come in and see my boss, the VP, for a 10 minute meet and greet and it’s a done deal.” You go home and tell your spouse and best friend that the long wait is finally over, a new job is in the bag. Two days later you go into this meeting over-confident that the job is yours and you let down your guard. You dress and act a little more casually; you speak to the manager as if she is your life-long friend; you say things that contradict what you said before; and when she asks you how much you want you ask for 10% above what you told the department manager. A few days go by and you have not heard back from the company and they did not reply to your follow up emails. Then when you call and are lucky enough to get the department manager on the phone, not wanting to hurt your feelings he says “’I’m glad you called. I just got out of a meeting with the VP and we were told the job you interviewed for was just rescinded” or, “I’m sorry but a great candidate internal candidate just surfaced and the VP offered her the job.”<br /><br />The scenario I just described in some form or another plays out every day at every level in the fickle word of job search. So whatever you do keep the immortal words of the Baseball Hall of Famer Yogi Berra in mind, “It aint over till it’s over.” Remember to keep your guard up at all times; treat every interview as if it’s your first interview and you have to sell the heck out of yourself to this person; and be very carful how and with whom you negotiate salary. In my experience a new job is never in the bag until the day you start work, so beware of what you say and do every step along the way.<br /><br /><em><strong>A Nightmare On Elm Street</strong></em><br />Most people I question tell me that interviewing is the most frightening aspect of their job search. Quite a number of them tell me that they are happy to get a chance to sell themselves, but once they walk in the door they are as comfortable as they would be alone, in a dark alley at midnight with Freddy Kruger. For most of us this is only natural; no one likes to be on the hot seat, and many people who are going on job interviews today are more accustomed to being on the other side of the desk asking the questions, as opposed to having the questions directed at them by someone they feel is their inferior. To improve your interviewing skills, I recommend you put together a “Board of Directors” consisting of professional people who know you well (try to include a few from your field) and who you trust and will not feel embarrassed in front of.<br /><br />When you convene the first board meeting the agenda should be to discuss what general and specific questions you might expect on a phone or live first interview, and brainstorm what you think should be the proper responses. At the next meeting begin your mock interviews around a desk or table. Appoint a ‘Director’ who will handle the video camera and the rest of the board members will take turns as the interviewers. You can then practice 15-30 minute interviews having them ask you the same and different questions in different interview roles. One scenario is a friendly HR first interview and another is a hard nosed interrogation style first interview. In subsequent tapings you can conduct the technical and/or line manager’s interview, the let’s get down to the nitty gritty interview, the final decision maker interview, and most important the salary negotiation interview.<br /><br />At the end of each session, or the beginning of the next, you need to review the tape and judge several factors: How did you answer the questions; how was your body language; how was your eye contact; how was your voice modulation; did you come across as convincing, nervous, unprepared, cocky, too light weight, too overqualified, too arrogant, or too humble. Another thing is when you go on an actual job interview, as soon as you can jot down the questions you were asked, your responses and any notes that stick out in you mind. After a number of mock and real interviews you will hopefully find your comfort zone and confidence, and get job offers instead of rejection notices.<br /><br /><em><strong>The Devil Wears Prada</strong></em><br />Didn’t you love how the clothes changed Ann Hathaway’s personality in this movie, and took her from being an outcast to be taken lightly to a real up and comer who people took seriously? A job seeker may have the brains, the skills and the experience an employer wants. But I have found that in most job interviews -just like in your resume- looking the part will be an equal if not a deciding factor in the decision making process, especially in certain fields where you are in the public eye such as retail, fashion, sales, and even public accounting. My suggestion is to designate in your current wardrobe at least one outfit and accessories (shit/blouse, tie/scarf, earring, shined shoes) that will be used almost exclusively for interviewing. If you don’t already have appropriate interview cloths go out and buy some. If you are short on cash arrange with a friend or family member to borrow a suitable interview outfit, or check the web to see if there are organizations in your area that loan people clothes for job interviews.<br /><br />Now it’s your turn: To better help me help others in their job search efforts please rate this article and leave a comment.<br /><hr /><strong>Author:</strong><br /><br />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 his sample resumes at <a href="http://www.perrynewman.com/">http://www.perrynewman.com</a>, and email him your resume at <a href="mailto:perry@perrynewman.com">perry@perrynewman.com</a> for FREE resume critique.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7965827460478077853-4523366887920223019?l=www.careerrocketeer.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=RNWwLcrdY4c:PQvQQi4iO04:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=RNWwLcrdY4c:PQvQQi4iO04:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~4/RNWwLcrdY4c" height="1" width="1"/><br /><br />View the <a href='http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~3/RNWwLcrdY4c/at-movies-job-search-lessons-from.html' rel='nofollow'>Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-1795304124864878445?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-48680736080187049972010-06-15T12:56:00.000-07:002010-06-15T12:56:00.195-07:00<div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">1. The Trigger</span></strong></div><br /><div>Something happens which stops you in your tracks:</div><br /><div>• Major changes at work which make you think… “Is this what I really want?”</div><br /><div>• Redundancy</div><br /><div>• A major health problem (for you or a family member)</div><br /><div>• The death of a close friend or family member</div><br /><div>• A divorce or major a relationship break-up</div><br /><div>• Financial difficulties</div><br /><div>• Extended travel or volunteering activities that make you question what you’re doing<br /></div><br /><div>• External factors that move you (e.g. 9/11, the tsunami in Asia, earthquake in Haiti)</div><br /><div><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Tip:</span><br /></div><br /><div>Remember, everything happens for a reason. Some of the worst things that happen to you will teach you the biggest lessons. Sounds very clichéd – but in years to come, you’ll know them to be true.</div><br /><div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">2. The Reaction</span></strong></div><br /><div>You’re angry, upset and in denial. Some days you’re relieved and pleased, but then the next day you feel down again. You get the ‘3am sweats’ – waking up in the middle of the night with that sickly knot in the pit of your stomach.</div><br /><div><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Tip:</span></div><br /><div>Remember that it’s perfectly normal to be ‘all over the place’ – there’s nothing wrong with you. It’s just the process you go through as you shift from one stage in your career and life to the next. The 3am sweats are a signal that it’s time for change.</div><br /><div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">3. The Withdrawal</span></strong></div><br /><div>Your confidence is low, you feel pretty unsociable, much quieter than normal and simply want to withdraw and hybernate.</div><br /><div>As you withdraw, you may indulge in a few vices to make yourself feel better on a day-to-day basis. Which means you may drink more, smoke more, eat more sugary junk food , watch more junk TV, shop more and gamble more. But it’s completely normal when you’re going through change.</div><br /><div><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Tip:</span></div><br /><div>Give yourself permission to withdraw and spend time with yourself. Educate people around you to give you space and time to reflect to ‘just be’ (e.g. get them to read this article).</div><br /><div>Slow down, take good care of yourself. Politely say “no” to invitations and new projects.</div><br /><div>Read, reflect and journal to capture any insights and ideas which come to mind. Think about what you want and what’s most important to you in the next chapter of your life.</div><br /><div>When you give yourself time and space, you’ll start getting insights and ideas about what you really want from the next phase of your career and life. You’ll come across chance conversations, chance meetings and read random articles that start pointing you in a certain direction (this could well be one of those random articles that you were ‘meant’ to read).</div><br /><div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">4. The Research and Planning Phase</span></strong></div><br /><div>The insights you gain from the withdrawal stages start giving you clues about what you want from the next phase in your career and life. You start researching and becoming more outgoing once again.</div><br /><div>You start waking up in the middle of the night again. But instead of the knot in your stomach, you’re waking up excited about an idea or insight and want to grab a pen and pad before you lose the inspiration. You suddenly have a spring in your step, your eyes light up and your family and friends feel relieved to ‘have you back’.</div><br /><div><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Tip:</span></div><br /><div>When making a change, the dots join up backwards, not forwards. So don’t over-plan or over-think things at this phase. For now, forget what’s “realistic” – trust your intuition, be open-minded and explore options and ideas you’re drawn to. The precise ideas, contacts and insights come from getting ‘out there’, not from sitting at home creating plans.</div><br /><div><strong>5. The Next Chapter</strong></div><br /><div>You’ve made decisions, developed a plan and are now well into the next phase of your career. It may be a new job, new career, new business – or simply a new outlook or adjustments of your priorities in life.</div><br /><div>You’re excited and enthused: you’ve well and truly turned the page in the next chapter of your career.</div><br /><div><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Tip:</span></div><br /><div>Enjoy…!</div><br /><div><strong>This is the process of reinvention we all go through</strong> when moving to the next chapter of our careers and our lives. The triggered event was just that – a trigger or catalyst to get you moving. To force you to make some decisions and take some actions which deep down you wanted to go for but had been resisting.</div><br /><div><strong>So if you’re faced with a major ‘trigger’ situation right now</strong>, remember that these things often happen for a reason. Whilst you may be in shock and a little scared, follow some of the tips above and have faith that, in time, things will turn out fine.</div><br /><div><strong>If you’re stuck in the ‘reaction’ or ‘withdrawal’ phases</strong> – remember, there’s nothing wrong with you. You simply need to go through those phases to come out the other side. So hang in there.</div><br /><div><strong>And if you’re in the ‘planning and research’ or ‘next chapter’ phases</strong> – enjoy the journey!</div><br /><div>So what stage are you at?</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/%7Er/CareerHub/%7E4/rzikl_0Q1DM" height="1" width="1" /><br /><br />View the <a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/%7Er/CareerHub/%7E3/rzikl_0Q1DM/the-5-stages-of-reinvention.html" rel="nofollow">Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-4868073608018704997?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-88152275446875522942010-06-14T12:23:00.000-07:002010-06-14T12:23:00.337-07:00 <img src="http://dilbert.com/dyn/str_strip/000000000/00000000/0000000/000000/60000/3000/300/63352/63352.strip.gif" border="0" /><p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~at/ulFteWweoeqCojUuOZr40Qv1BYQ/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~at/ulFteWweoeqCojUuOZr40Qv1BYQ/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~at/ulFteWweoeqCojUuOZr40Qv1BYQ/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~at/ulFteWweoeqCojUuOZr40Qv1BYQ/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/DilbertMostPopular/~4/2bIsmU9oG4Y" height="1" width="1"/><br /><br />View the <a href='http://feeds.dilbert.com/~r/DilbertMostPopular/~3/2bIsmU9oG4Y/' rel='nofollow'>Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-8815227544687552294?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-84537909348061778312010-06-13T11:50:00.000-07:002010-06-13T11:50:00.119-07:00 <em>If you’re like most people, you start to get a little bored with your work after about two years. By this point, the novelty has worn off and you’ve learned most of what you need to be a contributor to the organization. These two years are also enough time for you to really figure out where you are in the corporate food chain; that is, a fast riser to the top or a bottom dweller. For those in the later category, you may often consider making a change. Of course, that idea can certainly generate a lot of questions in your mind on just how to do that. Well, here’s a strategy for making this type of change.</em><br /><br />Here’s the situation: you’ve been in your job for two or three years and your career in this company boils down to just a job. You shouldn’t worry too much about it. This is about the point where most people determine that they need to make a change. They’ve given the company sufficient time to recognize their skills and contribution to the company. If they haven’t been rewarded with bonuses and promotions by now, they assume they aren’t going to get any. So, they begin to adjust their mindset to consider new options.<br /><br />Jumping out of your company usually isn’t the first consideration. That takes a little more work, since searching for jobs today is difficult for anyone. A quick option is to consider other opportunities within your existing company. If you haven’t done this before, it can appear quite elusive. It really isn’t too challenging, if you follow these simple steps.<br /><div class="fullpost"><br /><strong>1. Make your efforts visible.</strong> We judge ourselves by what we are capable of, while others judge us by what we have done. Most people track their accomplishments on their resume. How many people in your company have seen your resume? I would guess very few. This means most people don’t know what you can do. You have to show them what you are capable of. If you want to be known for having talent in a specific area, find projects to work on that require those talents and make sure the most influential people know you are working on it. High profile programs and projects are great for such exposure. Once you’re on one of these projects, use your internal network to promote your activities.<br /><br /><strong>2. Show you can solve problems.</strong> There's no better time than today to start stepping up your game and becoming a positive thinking problem-solver. It's too easy to be a blamer. Always ask yourself “what's the problem here?” Don't be afraid to take the lead in solving a complex problem. It's not career risk. It's career enhancement. One problem facing CEOs, as indicated by the IBM Global Business Services report “After The Crisis: What now?”, is in finding targeted approaches for developing revenue, such as through improved service and support. Tight credit and tight budgets are putting the strain on business. Help solve this problem for your company and you will help put some mobility back into your career.<br /><br /><strong>3. Demonstrate your skills in many ways.</strong> Don't just focus your skills and talents on your specific area of expertise. Organizations are constantly pushing the limits of the “doing more with less” philosophy. This is unlikely to change anytime soon. The people that move up in this environment are the ones who step up. Managers don’t know what skills you have, so they aren’t going to come around to your cube and ask you to take on projects that may push you outside the skill sets required by your daily tasks. Growth opportunities are available and are on a first-come first-serve basis. Show your management that you can speak by making presentations, show that you can lead by managing teams, or show that you can teach by offering a class to your company.<br /><br /><strong>4. Compare your performance to other attempts.</strong> Always promote your successes by quantifying the results to previous attempts by others in your company or from other documented cases. Don't highlight the failure from the previous attempt but focus on the technique or skill you used that differentiates your attempt. One of the big issues organizations face today is flexibility in their operations or being able to respond to changing customer demands. Companies that are flexible in operations must first be flexible in thought. Demonstrating your ability to, not only think outside the box, but solve problems that way is a huge benefit to an organization that wants to grow.<br /><br /><strong>5. Gather endorsements.</strong> An endorsement is a validation of your efforts and YOU. Get as many endorsements of your performance as you can. Recognition from others at higher levels is an acknowledgement of your ability to perform at their level. I was sought an endorsement from a billionaire for my efforts. It took me over 18 months to get it. Once I got it, it only took me two weeks to gain the support of other billionaires. Higher level executives are always managing risk, especially to their reputation. By having other executives validate you through an endorsement, you remove the perception of risk from the next executive who will endorse you. The more of that risk you reduce up front, the more likely you’ll get what you want.<br /><br /><strong>6. Make your successes known.</strong> This can be a tough one for many people, although there’s a simple solution for this. To gain visibility, you must advertise yourself as much as you can. Many of us don’t like to tout what we have accomplished. Unfortunately, that’s about the only way we can get the good news of our accomplishments to those in power is by marketing them. Executives and managers don’t work around the organization and ask people what they have accomplished recently. If you’re lucky, that happens once a year in a performance review (and you know what benefits that has for your career). The best way to get the word out on your big victories is to build your own marketing team (e.g. your co-workers and friends). Use others to promote your achievements so you don't come off as bragging.<br /><br />Maintaining a high rate of speed up the corporate ladder is difficult today, to say the least. Often the path isn’t purely vertical. Oh if it could be. Opportunities present themselves in many different ways, such as lateral, upward or downward. Nonetheless, developing a good method for encouraging a change when you need one is essential to continued career growth. After all, no one watches your career but you. These six steps are a great way to convince those at the helm that you are more than ready to take on a bigger role in the company.<br /><hr /><strong>Author:</strong><br /><br />Todd Rhoad, MSEE, MBA is the Director at BT Consulting, a career consulting firm in Altanta, and author of the book, Blitz The Ladder. Stay tuned for his upcoming book, The MBA Owners Manual, coming out this year. Todd can be reached at todd.rhoad@blitzteamconsulting.com.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7965827460478077853-8994816504271700600?l=www.careerrocketeer.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=Z9hxIoNt__Y:8zX42Z-3HRA:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=Z9hxIoNt__Y:8zX42Z-3HRA:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~4/Z9hxIoNt__Y" height="1" width="1"/><br /><br />View the <a href='http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~3/Z9hxIoNt__Y/how-do-you-ask-for-career-change.html' rel='nofollow'>Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-8453790934806177831?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-81769400574083301712010-06-12T11:17:00.000-07:002010-06-12T11:17:00.978-07:00 <strong>1. Sending out blanket emails to people you don't know</strong><br /><br />When people receive emails from those they do not know, they may consider them "spam." They do not know you and therefore, why should they care about you or what you are after? If you are sending out a mass email into the cyber abyss, the people reading and receiving these can tell. It’s generic, impersonal and usually highly annoying to the reader. Why on earth should they help you? They do not know you and you have not taken the time to get to know them! Imagine you are a top manager somewhere going about your day job, but you consistently get emails from people asking for a job. Would you respond or want to help them? Unsurprisingly, this approach is a big waste of time. Targeted emails and/or letters – which have been thought through and proofread– are a better investment for you job search efforts.<br /><div class="fullpost"><br /><strong>2. Adding anyone you can find to LinkedIn network</strong><br /><br />I receive several invitations from people that I don't know asking to connect and "join their professional network" on LinkedIn. Do I accept these invitations? Nope! I usually send a message back asking how I can help. There is also a polite "Have we met!?" note that I sometimes use to hint at the fact that adding random people is not the best idea.<br /><br />When people try to add random connections, what usually happens is the invited individual will click the ‘I don’t know this user’ button, which means you will never be able to contact that person again. If this occurs several times, LinkedIn will restrict you from openly contacting and connecting with people until you start acting professionally again.<br /><br /><strong>3. Sending your resume/CV to anyone you can get your hands on<br /><br /></strong><strong></strong>There have been many tunes that I have been sent a CV from an unknown person. So what am I supposed to do with it? Okay, there might be a chance that I have a job or know someone who does, but am I inclined to help if I’ve just had a random CV thrown in my face? Has it been specifically created and targeted i.e. aimed at me? On average, no. So I’m not going to spend much time looking at it or considering it if the person sending it hasn’t spent any time tailoring it for me.<br /><br />So if you send out a CV to someone, ensure that it's targeted and that you know who they are and why they would be interested. But more importantly, make it obvious to the recipients that it’s targeted and that you chose them specifically.<br /><br /><strong>4. Applying to all the job ads you can find</strong><br /><br />The other day I was talking on the phone to "Tom." He was down having been trying for many months to get a job. After asking how he has been going about his search, he explained how he sits for a couple hours each day going through jobsites and applying for all the roles he can find. <br /><br />When asked if there’s something specific he is after, his reply is "no." Spending hours of your time applying for everything under the sun without any focus or way to distinguish yourself from the crowd will get you nowhere. All it will do is make you tired and frustrated.<br /><br /><strong>5. Relying on recruitment agencies or headhunters</strong><br /><br />Tom also mentioned in our call that he expected to get more calls from recruiters after applying to various positions and sending out his CV.<br /><br />You cannot rely on the agencies of headhunters to magically find a job for you. It does not work like that. They are sitting on countless CVs at any one time. Their CV database is huge. You are a number to them and they will only contact you if you happen to fit one of their roles. Given there are thousands of candidates for them to choose from, you cannot count on this as your only or main route to finding a job.<br /><br />If you are looking for a new job and find any of the above true in your job search, it is time to review your job search efforts. If you want to get ahead, be smart about how you use your time. Re-evaluate your approach and get smarter. If you’re struggling in the market you might benefit from getting some guidance and support.<br /><br />You can give us a buzz at <a href="http://www.positionignition.com/">Position Ignition</a> to get that extra ‘ignition’ towards your next step, if you feel like you don’t want to go it alone! Otherwise just take a bit of time out to make sure that what you are doing is productive. Make a plan and execute it. Harness your network. Get smarter about how you spend your time job hunting. Cut out on the time wasting activities and focus focus focus.<br /><hr /><strong><a href="http://contributors.careerrocketeer.com/p/guest-experts.html">Guest Expert</a>:</strong><br /><br /><strong>Nisa Chitakasem</strong> is the founder of <a href="http://www.positionignition.com/">Position Ignition</a> – a careers company dedicating to taking you to the next step in your career. Nisa is passionate about helping individuals find the right career path for them whether it involves finding a more rewarding career, making a career change, figuring out the right career plan or being creative about career directions. <br /><br />Visit: <a href="http://www.positionignition.com/">www.positionignition.com</a> or email: <a href="mailto:enquiries@positionignition.com">enquiries@positionignition.com</a> to contact Nisa.<br /><br />For more free advice, guidance and information from Nisa visit: <a href="http://www.positionignition.com/blog">Position Ignition Career Blog</a> or find her on <a href="https://twitter.com/PosIgnition">Twitter: PosIgnition</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7965827460478077853-3820764957175182579?l=www.careerrocketeer.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=TCGJwVZYwOw:fEU6osRoGdE:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=TCGJwVZYwOw:fEU6osRoGdE:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~4/TCGJwVZYwOw" height="1" width="1"/><br /><br />View the <a href='http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~3/TCGJwVZYwOw/5-job-search-time-wasters.html' rel='nofollow'>Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-8176940057408330171?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-26529389609967139802010-06-11T10:44:00.000-07:002010-06-11T10:44:00.172-07:00<h3 class="entry-header"><br /></h3> <p> <a href="http://www.careerhubblog.com/.a/6a00d834516a5769e20133ed16e4ed970b-pi" style="float: left;"><img alt="Image-DalaiLama3smaller2" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d834516a5769e20133ed16e4ed970b " src="http://www.careerhubblog.com/.a/6a00d834516a5769e20133ed16e4ed970b-120wi" style="margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px;" /></a><br /></p><span style="line-height: 18px;font-family:Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:13px;" ><p class="MsoPlainText">In a Harvard class he was teaching, <a href="http://bit.ly/UCvqy" mce_href="http://bit.ly/UCvqy">Nick Morgan</a> said that the Dalai Lama exemplifies 2 qualities that make for a great public speaker: charisma and authenticity. What if a job seeker had an interviewing style that had those qualities? My guess is that he or she would have a huge competitive edge.</p><p class="MsoPlainText">Personal Branding Guru <a href="http://www.williamarruda.com/">William Arruda</a><a>,</a> through his Reach interview series, introduced me to Nick's ideas about public speaking (refer to Nick Morgan's book <a href="http://amzn.to/chAM3D" mce_href="http://amzn.to/chAM3D">Trust Me</a>). Nick says that there are 4 parts to developing your own communication style: openness, connection, passion, and listening.</p><p class="MsoPlainText">When I saw the Dalai Lama in the TD Garden with tens of thousands of others, I felt as though I was the only one in the room. Out of great quietness came this teaching voice. The impression of stillness and total non-judging acceptance that I felt was unique in my life and was unrelated to his words (which were mainly a rehashing of Buddhist tenets). </p><p class="MsoPlainText"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoPlainText">If 80% of an interview's success lies in nonverbal communication, then it's critical to give out a sense of "presence" that matches the person you say you are. Part of what Nick is recommending is making sure your nonverbal cues align with what you are saying. Because the interviewer is going to believe your body language not your words!</p><p class="MsoPlainText"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoPlainText">If, for instance, you say you are a bold leader, it would be a good idea not to hunch your shoulders and use nervous hand gestures!</p><p class="MsoPlainText">That day in the Garden, I saw how the Dalai Lama made the connection with the audience. Imagine if, in an interview, you were able to speak out of a place of deep conviction in yourself - about your unique promise of value, your achievements, and your strengths - while also connecting genuinely with the unique other that is your interviewer. Now that would be powerful.</p></span><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/%7Er/CareerHub/%7E4/cNTG0JW_GTE" height="1" width="1" /><br /><br />View the <a href="http://www.careerhubblog.com/main/2010/04/the-dalai-lama-your-interviewing-style.htmll" rel="nofollow">Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-2652938960996713980?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-17817421186809350752010-06-10T10:11:00.000-07:002010-06-10T10:11:00.408-07:00<p><a href="http://www.careerhubblog.com/.a/6a00d834516a5769e201347fc44fc6970c-pi" style="float: right;"><img alt="Invisibility Cloak" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d834516a5769e201347fc44fc6970c " src="http://www.careerhubblog.com/.a/6a00d834516a5769e201347fc44fc6970c-120wi" style="margin: 0px 0px 5px 5px;" /></a> My esteemed colleague Don Orlando recently wrote an article for the Professional Association of Resume Writers monthly newsletter that asked the question, “Does Your Resume Wear an Invisibility Cloak?” </p> <p>While Harry Potter’s invisibility cloak helped him through a variety of challenging and dangerous situations, an invisibility cloak around your resume is the very last thing you want in any job market, particularly in today’s brutally competitive scene. </p> <p>Long gone are the days when the resume was just a dry listing of employment dates, titles, and responsibilities. Even before the Web and digital transmission of resumes began to play an important role in hiring, resumes had evolved into powerful self-marketing tools—at least those resumes that afforded their candidates any reasonable chance of success in the job market.</p> <p>As online job boards and candidate sourcing became the rage, as Don so aptly put it, “the digital dump truck backed up to the hapless employer’s email and overloaded him with résumés still stuck in the past.” Those whose resumes sold the employer on what could be delivered by that candidate afforded some advantage, but suffered along with the rest—covered in the invisibility cloak provided by hundreds if not thousands of other submissions.</p> <p>Harris Interactive’s poll of employers in June of 2009 indicated that a whopping 45% of employers now use social networking sites to source job candidates, completely bypassing the traditional post a job, then weed through the resumes submitted or found by keyword search scenario. This is a huge increase from 22% only one year previously.</p> <p>So it would appear that the key to what is termed “digital visibility” is not just to post your resume on the Web, but to build a presence spanning social media, industry association, and topical forum websites—“hang out” where your colleagues and superiors in your field do. Comment on relevant blogs, and/or maintain your own blog. Engage others (including recruiters who lurk on these sites) in meaningful conversations, and at some point you will be asked to provide your resume, blissfully free of its invisibility cloak.</p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/%7Er/CareerHub/%7E4/54P9iC_AvZE" height="1" width="1" /><br /><br />View the <a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/%7Er/CareerHub/%7E3/54P9iC_AvZE/how-to-shed-your-resumes-invisibility-cloak.html" rel="nofollow">Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-1781742118680935075?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-65407778893462176732010-06-09T09:38:00.000-07:002010-06-09T09:38:00.610-07:00 <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LtTBlrBCfCU/S9_xWjIhaZI/AAAAAAAAAIY/lQqkEXO3UyI/s1600/10+Commandments.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467353842341472658" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 157px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 199px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LtTBlrBCfCU/S9_xWjIhaZI/AAAAAAAAAIY/lQqkEXO3UyI/s200/10+Commandments.png" border="0" /></a>Do you suffer from “Butterfly-itis” at the very mention of networking at business functions? If you answered yes, you are not alone! Many business people and entrepreneurs get a bit uncomfortable when it comes right down to walking up to someone and starting a conversation. Many others are concerned about getting effective results from the time they spend networking.<br /><br />The process doesn’t have to be traumatic, scary, or a waste of time. When done properly, it can truly make a difference in the amount of business your company generates. With the right approach, you can use it to build a wealth of resources and contacts that will help to make your business very successful.<br /><br />Use the following Ten Commandments to help you network your way through your next business networking event:<br /><div class="fullpost"><br /><strong>1. Have the tools to network with you at all times<br /></strong><br />These include an informative name badge, your business cards (I’m amazed at how many people forget to bring these to networking events – really critical for people to be able to contact you), somewhere to write notes (I use the cool, free tool at <a href="http://www.repocketmod.com/" target="_blank">http://www.repocketmod.com/</a>), something to write with, and a way to refer other professionals to those you meet (such as a card file, smartphone, etc.).<br /><br /><strong>2. Set a goal for the number of people you’ll meet</strong><br /><br />Identify a reachable goal based on attendance and the type of group. If you feel inspired, set a goal to meet fifteen to twenty people and make sure you get all their cards. If you don’t feel so hot, shoot for less. In either case, don’t leave until you’ve met your goal.<br /><br /><strong>3. Act like a host, not a guest<br /></strong><br />A host is expected to do things for others, while a guest sits back and relaxes. Volunteer to help greet people. If you see visitors sitting, introduce yourself and ask if they would like to meet others. Act as a connector.<br /><br /><strong>4. Listen and ask questions</strong><br /><br />Remember that a good networker has two ears and one mouth and uses them proportionately. After you’ve learned what another person does, tell them what you do. Be specific, but brief. Don’t assume they know how to help you.<br /><br /><strong>5. You’re not there to close a deal</strong><br /><br />These events are not meant to be a vehicle to hit on business people to buy your products or services. Networking is about developing relationships with other professionals. Meeting people at events should be the beginning of that process, not the end of it.<br /><br /><strong>6. Give referrals whenever possible</strong><br /><br />The best networkers believe in the givers gain philosophy (what goes around, comes around). If I help you, you’ll help me and we’ll both do better as a result of it. In other words, if you don’t genuinely attempt to help the people you meet, then you are not networking effectively. If you can’t give someone a bona fide referral, offer some information that might be of interest to them (such as details about an upcoming event).<br /><br /><strong>7. Exchange business cards</strong><br /><br />Ask each person you meet for two cards - one to pass on to someone else and one to keep. This sets the stage for networking to happen.<br /><br /><strong>8. Manage your time efficiently<br /></strong><br />Spend ten minutes or less with each person you meet and don’t linger with friends or associates (you already know them!). If your goal is to meet a given number of people, be careful not to spend too much time with any one person – and don’t spend too little time only focusing on gathering business cards. When you meet someone interesting with whom you’d like to speak further, set up an appointment for a later date.<br /><br /><strong>9. Write notes on the backs of business cards you collect</strong><br /><br />Record anything you think may be useful in remembering each person more clearly on the back of their business card (or remember the <a href="http://www.repocketmod.com/" target="_blank">repocketmod.com</a>). This will come in handy when you follow up on each contact.<br /><br /><strong>10. Follow up!</strong><br /><br />You can obey the previous nine commandments religiously, but if you don’t follow up effectively, you will have wasted your time. Drop a note or give a call to each person you’ve met. Be sure to fulfill any promises you’ve made.<br /><hr /><strong><a href="http://contributors.careerrocketeer.com/p/guest-experts.html">Guest Expert</a>:</strong><br /><br />Called the father of modern networking by CNN, <a href="http://twitter.com/IvanMisner" target="_blank">Dr. Ivan Misner</a> is a New York Times bestselling author. He is the founder and chairman of BNI (www.bni.com), the world's largest business networking organization. His latest book, <a href="http://networkinglikeapro.com/" target="_blank">Networking Like a Pro</a>, can be viewed at www.IvanMisner.com. Dr. Misner is also the Sr. Partner for the Referral Institute (<a href="http://www.referralinstitute.com/" target="_blank">http://www.referralinstitute.com/</a>), an international referral training company. He can be reached at <a href="mailto:misner@bni.com">misner@bni.com</a>.<br /><br />A highly sought after word-of-mouth and referral marketing expert, <a href="http://twitter.com/bniva" target="_blank">Mark Deutsch</a> is the Managing Editor of The Business Networker. Mark is also the Dean of Elephant University (<a href="http://www.elephantu.com/" target="_blank">http://www.elephantu.com/</a>), a sales/marketing training company, and he is the CEO/Executive Director of BNI-Central Virginia (<a href="http://www.bniva.com/" target="_blank">http://www.bniva.com/</a>). He is a widely recognized expert in sales, marketing, sales management, and entrepreneurship and a frequent speaker on the topics. Mark is also a Guest Expert for Love Your Life (Again) specializing in business networking. He can be reached at <a href="mailto:mark@markdeutsch.com">mark@markdeutsch.com</a>.<br /><br /><strong>Coordinator<br /></strong><br />This article was coordinated by CareerRocketeer regular contributor Brent Peterson.<br /><br />Brent Peterson, PMP, MS, MBA, is the founder of Interview Angel Inc, a company that offers a comprehensive guide and toolkit for job seekers to use in interviews. Interview Angel is in use at universities, corporations, non-profit agencies, and local governments.<br />Discover customer testimonials, blog posts, upcoming events, and media interviews at <a href="http://www.interviewangel.com/" target="_blank">http://www.interviewangel.com/</a>. Brent is also in LinkedIn (<a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/brentpeterson" target="'_blank">www.linkedin.com/in/brentpeterson</a>) and on Twitter (<a href="http://twitter.com/InterviewAngel" target="_blank">@InterviewAngel</a>).</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7965827460478077853-5652348704125711439?l=www.careerrocketeer.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=bMChX38S7N0:odUcrJYkAoA:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=bMChX38S7N0:odUcrJYkAoA:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~4/bMChX38S7N0" height="1" width="1"/><br /><br />View the <a href='http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~3/bMChX38S7N0/10-commandments-for-better-networking.html' rel='nofollow'>Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-6540777889346217673?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-44064397518436847602010-06-08T09:05:00.000-07:002010-06-08T09:05:00.099-07:00 <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LtTBlrBCfCU/S-FJktY2rSI/AAAAAAAAAIg/VYPTRLLxYn0/s1600/BlindSpot.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467732317612453154" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 149px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LtTBlrBCfCU/S-FJktY2rSI/AAAAAAAAAIg/VYPTRLLxYn0/s200/BlindSpot.jpg" border="0" /></a>When I pull into our garage at home, I have to make a hard right turn from the driveway. Backing out is an equal challenge. The opening around the garage door is a testament to the several failed attempts over the years to successfully navigate this turn. Unfortunately as a result, I’m on a first name basis with the local body shop. Blind spots are expensive.<br /><br />Virtual blind spots can be just as expensive, if not more so. People don’t think about Google or other search engines as having blind spots, but they do. Searching for everyday people is a big problem for search engines, yet “Googling” and being “Googled” are now standard practice for professional, personal and other reasons. We use search engines to learn more about people and validate their backgrounds. And we trust what search engines tell us. In 2008, Google was the most trusted brand in America according to Advertising Age. Worldwide, Google’s brand ranked 7th in 2009 according to Interbrand. Disney ranked 10th.<br /><br />Search engines are typically much better at delivering results for businesses or well-known people. Businesses benefit from their web presence and having unique names (corporations typically cannot have identical names). Having a web presence is required to be relevancy ranked by a search engine, even if that means only having a simple web site. Google even provides instructions for how to improve your web site’s search ranking through a technique called Search Engine Optimization.<br /><div class="fullpost"><br />But most individuals don’t have personal web sites and there is no rule about using the same name for people. As a case in point, there are more than 150 Google Profiles for “James Alexander”. If being visible in search engines is important to you or your career, you need to know how you are presented and why. When it comes to searching for individuals, search engines have three fundamental challenges: 1. Name expansion; 2. Mistaken identity, and; 3. Name entry errors.<br /><br />Name expansion is a big problem. I like to use Carl Mark as an example. Carl is one of the founders of Jones Soda. Not only is this name common (74 Google Profiles so far), search engines use a technology called expansion dictionaries to find variations of each word and then return a name combination that it thinks you meant. In his case, Google thought I wanted to see results for “Karl Marx”. This produced useless results, of course. I understand the logic behind the approach search engines take but it really exposes the fact the search engines have a significant blind spot when it comes to searching for everyday people.<br /><br />Mistaken identity can happen when two or more people have the same name. It can be serious because the results may look like they are about you but are actually about someone else. I read a story recently in which a woman named Lauren Bernat felt her job search was hurt by the search results for someone else with the same name but whose results cast her in a negative light.<br /><br />Name entry errors are a problem for people with names that are difficult to spell. When we were developing <a href="http://www.vizibility.com/">Vizibility</a>, I would occasionally hear someone tell me they have a truly one-of-a-kind name and probably wouldn’t need a service like this. I find that level of name uniqueness and spelling difficulty usually go hand-in-hand. If someone misspells a name and doesn’t catch it, they’re going to believe what they see.<br /><br />Search engines are powerful tools that improve our lives every day. We rely on them. We trust them. But search engines struggle for a clear view of the world around them. And unfortunately, if your career depends on them, you want to make sure you’re visible so you don’t get run over.<br /><hr /><strong><a href="http://contributors.careerrocketeer.com/p/guest-experts.html">Guest Expert</a>:</strong><br /><br /><strong>James Alexander</strong> is the founder and CEO of <a href="http://www.vizibility.com/">Vizibility</a>. A serial technology entrepreneur, James has been involved with Internet search since starting eWatch in 1995.<br /><br />Most recently James served as General Manager of Jupiterimages. Getty Images acquired the company in early 2009. Before that, James was Director of Product Management at Adobe Systems years where he created, built and managed Adobe Stock Photos, which served more than 7,000 creative professional customers in its first 36 months of operations. He joined Adobe in 2001 to manage and build the company’s early-stage electronic book (ebook) business.<br /><br />Prior to Adobe, James led venture-backed Mibrary Inc., a New York-based software start-up founded in 1999 to make electronic books and other digital content easier for consumers to use. Prior to Mibrary, James co-founded the Internet brand monitoring service eWatch, which was purchased by PR Newswire in 1999.<br /><br />James was awarded a patent for search innovations on Adobe Stock Photos and has other patents pending. He earned his Masters of Business Administration with distinction from Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Rockefeller College at the University at Albany in New York.<br /><br />Google James at <a href="http://vizibility.com/james">http://vizibility.com/james</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7965827460478077853-8874839499808074983?l=www.careerrocketeer.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=OdMoe-O4qww:wPdH9HGXXQY:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=OdMoe-O4qww:wPdH9HGXXQY:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~4/OdMoe-O4qww" height="1" width="1"/><br /><br />View the <a href='http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~3/OdMoe-O4qww/are-you-in-googles-blind-spot.html' rel='nofollow'>Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-4406439751843684760?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-3801992896663727442010-06-07T15:08:00.000-07:002010-06-07T15:08:00.320-07:00<img src="http://dilbert.com/dyn/str_strip/000000000/00000000/0000000/000000/60000/9000/200/69231/69231.strip.print.gif" border="0" /><p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/%7Eat/Libgyq6nCaq00hvBmAfed_aU_rw/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/%7Eat/Libgyq6nCaq00hvBmAfed_aU_rw/0/di" ismap="true" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/%7Eat/Libgyq6nCaq00hvBmAfed_aU_rw/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/%7Eat/Libgyq6nCaq00hvBmAfed_aU_rw/1/di" ismap="true" border="0" /></a></p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/%7Er/DilbertMostPopular/%7E4/SMjG9QmsmzY" height="1" width="1" /><br /><br />View the <a href="http://feeds.dilbert.com/%7Er/DilbertMostPopular/%7E3/SMjG9QmsmzY/" rel="nofollow">Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-380199289666372744?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-49568330982819241532010-06-07T08:32:00.000-07:002010-06-07T08:32:00.131-07:00 The end of the semester is fast approaching for many college seniors. Even though you may be caught up in campus life, the professional world is just around the bend. Here are a few tips on how to get into a “real world” mentality to make the transition a tad bit easier.<br /><br /><strong>Think about what you want to do.</strong> You have been studying a particular field for around four years, but that doesn’t mean you will—or will want to—automatically enter it. If you know that you want to pursue something else upon graduation, there is nothing wrong with not going into the field you studied. In fact, you’ll do better off knowing this from the get-go so you can build your career in another field. Regardless of what you want to do, learn about your options. Examine what you want your ideal day to be like. What kinds of jobs are available in your industry and in the region you want to work in?<br /><br />It may sound silly but most new grads are on autopilot and, understandably, enter the working world taking whatever job they can get. But you want to build a career now that you have your degree; not just get a job. Put some thought into the direction you want to take.<br /><div class="fullpost"><br /><strong>Get crackin’ on a resume.</strong> I know it may seem daunting to work on something that doesn’t have a deadline—unlike turning in a final paper—but this document is equally as important. While you are on campus and have the resources, talk to the pros at your Career Services office and get tips for writing a resume, and feedback from people who know all about them.<br /><br />Compiling a resume is often overwhelming for soon-to-be grads because they feel like there’s nothing to fill up an entire page, but if you really assess your skill set and look at the latest resume-writing trends, you can come up with a powerful resume that will get you the job.<br /><br /><strong>Start looking for a job—yesterday.</strong> Again, you may be swamped with class work or you may be trying to relish your time as an undergrad, but nowadays, jobs are hard to come by. Add the fact that you’ll soon have to pay off loans and bills—and probably want to get your own pad at some point—and you will realize that you don’t want to be behind the eight ball. It is frustrating when your peers have great jobs lined up while they are still students. While that does not happen to everyone, many students are preparing to enter the professional world months before they graduate. Be proactive in your job search and start putting feelers out. You never know how long it will take to get a job and it’s smarter in the long run to get something fulfilling and profitable so you don’t have to take any old gig to get by. (Chances are, you went to college so you would not have to just “get by” anyway.)<br /><br />Even thinking about what you want to do and where you want to live—and arranging for those things—is smart planning. Talk to your parents about the possibility of moving home or see if you can get a roommate if you want to be out on your own or plan to move far from home.<br /><br />When summer starts and your classmates are at work and you are home on mom’s sofa, it may feel good for a while but it won’t be long before you will want to get out into the working world. Start your search now so you can make a timely transition.<br /><br /><strong>Practice interviewing.</strong> If you aced your public speaking class and excel at debates, that doesn’t mean you will be a natural at an interview. Most of the time, the weight of landing your first job and the pressure of impending expenses can turn you into a frazzled mess when it comes time to sit down for a one-on-one. That kind of anxiety can take away every strategy you have mastered in the past. Start developing answers to common interview questions and practice a mock interview with a friend or a professional in the Career Services office. You can submit a stellar resume but the interview is what makes or breaks it. First impressions are huge in the real world.<br /><br />Coming in to an office wide-eyed and bushy-tailed is common for recent grads, but you can get more comfortable with a professional environment by rehearsing answers and dressing up. Pay attention to things like how much you fidget—you may smell like an entry-level candidate to the interviewer but you don’t want to look like one, too!<br /><br /><strong>Enjoy your last days in college.</strong> Even though it is beneficial to think about and prepare for the future, there is nothing like living in the now. Spend extra time with friends, sleep in, stay out late, hit up a crazy party, or enjoy campus activities. Even if you cannot wait to graduate, you will probably long to be a college student again at some point in the future—make the most of it now.<br /><br /><strong>Balance, balance, balance.</strong> This is an overwhelming time for everyone so try to prioritize what matters. Yes, putting together the resume and starting your job search is important, but you may just want to get the foundation started before you start job hunting. Then you can use that time to complete coursework and make time for fun. There’s also nothing wrong with visiting a counselor to help developing coping strategies. If you’re feeling stressed, take a step back and make time to enjoy things—no one said you have to do everything before your graduation date, but starting to get things in order will help you in the future, too.<br /><hr /><strong><a href="http://contributors.careerrocketeer.com/p/guest-experts.html">Guest Expert</a>:</strong><br /><br />Kristen Fischer is the author of Ramen Noodles, Rent and Resumes: An After-College Guide to Life. For more tips on preparing for life after college and coping with 20-something issues, visit <a href="http://www.ramenrentresumes.com/" target="_blank">http://www.ramenrentresumes.com/</a>.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7965827460478077853-7369794576235652898?l=www.careerrocketeer.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=EIYda4u_IvA:6L2CTYJH3U4:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=EIYda4u_IvA:6L2CTYJH3U4:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~4/EIYda4u_IvA" height="1" width="1"/><br /><br />View the <a href='http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~3/EIYda4u_IvA/getting-into-real-world-mentality.html' rel='nofollow'>Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-4956833098281924153?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-6440950093135064842010-06-06T07:59:00.000-07:002010-06-06T07:59:00.284-07:00<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-size: 15px;"> <p style="text-align: center;">~ A sign on the door of opportunity reads <em>Push</em> ~ Author unknown</p></span></span></strong> <p><a href="http://www.careerhubblog.com/.a/6a00d834516a5769e201347faaad90970c-pi" style="float: left;"><img alt="Door" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d834516a5769e201347faaad90970c " src="http://www.careerhubblog.com/.a/6a00d834516a5769e201347faaad90970c-500wi" style="margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px;" /></a> Doors. All kinds, types, models, makes, designs, shapes, textures, and colors. Doors that close behind you. Doors that jam. Doors locked. Doors closed to you. Doors shut. Doors slammed. Doors held open. Secret doors. Back doors and front doors. Doors seldom seen. Doors unlocked. Behind closed doors. Doors knocked on. Doors yet to knock. Doors that offer you a new opportunity. Doors that open when you least expect it. A door to the future. </p> <p>What doors have defined your career?</p> <p>Which door, if any, do you need to close?</p> <p>What door do you wish would open up for you now? </p><em> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>"When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us." - Helen Keller</strong></p></em><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/%7Er/CareerHub/%7E4/dR8_5wveeuQ" height="1" width="1" /><br /><br />View the <a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/%7Er/CareerHub/%7E3/dR8_5wveeuQ/your-many-career-doors.html" rel="nofollow">Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-644095009313506484?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-81533247924218933152010-06-05T07:26:00.000-07:002010-06-05T07:26:00.379-07:00<a href="http://www.careerhubblog.com/.a/6a00d834516a5769e201347fb767dd970c-pi" style="float: left;"><img alt="Nick " class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d834516a5769e201347fb767dd970c " src="http://www.careerhubblog.com/.a/6a00d834516a5769e201347fb767dd970c-120wi" style="margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px;" /></a> Nicholas Lore, founder of <a href="http://www.rockportinstitute.com/">the Rockport Institute</a>, is a career development pioneer. <div class="entry-body"> <p>He single-handedly transformed the career coaching field, he’s been commended for excellence by 2 US Presidents, and his book “The Pathfinder’ is one of the best selling career books in US history. Over the last 29 years he’s helped over 14,000 people to make a change.</p>I was fortunate to spend an hour on the phone with Nick recently, and I picked his brain about the career change process. Here are the key things I learned:<br /><br /><strong>Take a holistic approach to the decision</strong><br /><br />When Nick started out, career counselors all followed the same model – using very basic interest and personality tests to identify and suggest jobs that might suit you.<br /><br />It was a flawed model and even now, Nick believes many career change ‘experts’ are misguided, focusing solely on one aspect such as ‘following your passion’ or ‘identifying your life purpose.’ Instead, he says, career change decision-making must be a holistic process. He points out that a passion for animals won’t necessarily translate into happiness if you take a job in an animal protection agency. You may find you don’t like your tasks, or the people, or the salary, or the hours. And what started out as a passion can quickly feel like a millstone around your neck.<br /><br />That’s why Nick guides his clients through a holistic decision-making process. He likens it to detective work – identifying and interpreting clues in order to guide each person towards the right decision. <br /><br /><strong>Go beyond the dream</strong><br /><br />You may think you know exactly what you want do, but Nick encourages his clients to “expand what’s possible.” He believes we tend to base our dreams about the future on what we have known in the past, and he encourages his clients to think beyond what they know and consider completely new possibilities. In the process, many find joy and self-expression in work they had not previously considered.<br /><br /><strong>Be realistic</strong><br /><br /><p>According to Nick, there are two different tracks to consider when working through a career change decision.</p>The first is reality: We all have constraints on what changes we can make. Perhaps you have to pay for two kids in college. Perhaps you need to stay in a certain regional location. Your talents and skills are another reality constraint – if you can’t draw, you can’t become a video game artist.<br /><br />The second is what Nick calls ‘the invented world.’ By this he means the world you decide that you want to create for yourself (within the limitations of reality of course). To help people create their invented world, Nick and his staff coach them through a series of exercises designed to help them explore, research, and understand all of the many possibilities.<br />He also encourages people making a career change to research the reality of the positions they are considering. It’s easy to imagine only the good things about your desired role without considering the down sides. It’s also common for people to succumb to “yeah-but” thoughts that keep them from making a change.<br /><br /><p><strong>Don’t focus on random options</strong></p> <p>Nick says one of the biggest mistakes career changers make is that they start by thinking through random options. (“Maybe I could be a psychologist” … “Perhaps I could learn to style hair” … “I wonder if I should become an accountant.”)</p> <p>While this approach might result in success, it’s more likely to lead to a dead end. Instead Nick recommends developing definite clear, written statement of your specifications for happiness before you start to consider options.</p>This list should include both your reality constraints and your ideal “invented world.”<br />And as you make your choice, ask yourself ‘what will it take to get there?’ to be sure you’re willing (and able) to do what is necessary.<br /><br />For example, one 40 year-old client of Nick’s decided she wanted to be a doctor, gave up her job, and went to medical school in order to make the change. That kind of commitment is only possible when you have fully thought through your decision from all possible angles.<br /><br /><strong>A resume isn’t going to do the trick</strong><br /><br />A good resume is important but it can’t get you where you need to be without a creative approach.<br /><p>In general, employers are looking for someone with experience in the specified field or industry. They are not looking to take a chance on someone new and untested. </p> <p>This means that you can’t just apply to advertised positions and wait for the phone to ring. Instead, you need a more creative approach. Nick puts it this way: “if you want to be a duck, you need to walk, talk and fly like a duck.”</p> <p>He gives the example of one client, a successful economist who realized she had an amazing gift for product design. But as a middle-aged professional, she wasn’t enthusiastic about returning to school to learn an entirely new skill set. Seeking other ways to break into her chosen field, she devised a creative solution – she set up, planned, organized and moderated a symposium on breakthrough design, held at the Smithsonian. In this way, she placed herself right into the middle of the product design field with the key players. Or as Nick put it “she beamed her way up rather than battling her way up.”</p>This strategy has become easier than ever with the advent of social media. Sites like LinkedIn allow you to reach out and connect with people from any industry. Services Like Twitter allow you to initiate conversation with anyone you choose. For no cost at all, you can set up a blog about your target profession and very quickly build a strong reputation.<br />Remember, if you want to be a duck, you have to act like one.<br /><br />My conversation with Nick was inspiring. He told me that what keeps him going after 29 years is his commitment to helping people love their lives. What a great mission! </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/%7Er/CareerHub/%7E4/UeCsE16ZcSA" height="1" width="1" /><br /><br />View the <a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/%7Er/CareerHub/%7E3/UeCsE16ZcSA/quack-like-a-duck-and-other-secrets-of-successful-career-change-.html" rel="nofollow">Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-8153324792421893315?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-80283267707806851032010-06-04T06:53:00.000-07:002010-06-04T06:53:00.395-07:00 <img src="http://dilbert.com/dyn/str_strip/000000000/00000000/0000000/000000/40000/8000/000/48093/48093.strip.gif" border="0" /><p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~at/WdQESqYXMtbOx3vNprTihpuxkzQ/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~at/WdQESqYXMtbOx3vNprTihpuxkzQ/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~at/WdQESqYXMtbOx3vNprTihpuxkzQ/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~at/WdQESqYXMtbOx3vNprTihpuxkzQ/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/DilbertMostPopular/~4/2PEOjMvZ4QQ" height="1" width="1"/><br /><br />View the <a href='http://feeds.dilbert.com/~r/DilbertMostPopular/~3/2PEOjMvZ4QQ/' rel='nofollow'>Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-8028326770780685103?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-30095120469947566122010-06-03T06:20:00.000-07:002010-06-03T06:20:00.226-07:00<p>If you have been laid off from a job, downsized, fired, “let go”, or otherwise removed from your last job, your feelings of anger, sadness, disbelief, frustration, denial, humiliation, lack of confidence, and emotional rawness are a natural result. The challenge you face when seeking your next job is to resolve those unproductive, negative emotions and stop them from sabotaging your job search.</p> <p>Emotional and mental rehearsal prior to an interview can help you to imagine yourself successfully fielding even the most difficult questions. In addition, with guided visualization and the assistance of a trained facilitator, you can not only safely explore and put negative emotions on the backburner, but also exude more self-confidence and genuine positive attitude in all your job-search interactions.</p> <p>Mental and emotional rehearsal is a reliable and oft-used technique by the best athletes in sports, as well as every other high-performance activity. For example:</p> <blockquote dir="ltr"> <p>Before the (Olympic) trials I was doing a lot of relaxing exercises and visualization. And I think that that helped me to get a feel of what it was gonna be like when I got there. I knew that I had done everything that I could to get ready for that meet, both physically and mentally. - Michael Phelps, Olympic record-breaking athlete</p> <p>Visualization lets you concentrate on all the positive aspects of your game. - Curtis Strange, American top-rated golfer</p> <p>I've discovered that numerous peak performers use the skill of mental rehearsal of visualization. They mentally run through important events before they happen. - Charles A. Garfield, American peak performance expert, researcher and trainer</p> <p>See yourself confronting your fears in your mind's eye and handling those fears like a champ. - Les Brown, American motivational trainer, speaker and author</p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">The <a href="http://joblossrecovery.com/" title="Job-Loss Recovery Program">Job-Loss Recovery Program</a>, created by Dr. Lynn Joseph, has proven results. When Dr. Joseph conducted a study with dislocated white-collar workers using the guided visualization process, she found that 62% of the guided imagery group landed a job within 2 months, as compared to 12% of the control group (in the same timeframe) who did not engage in job-loss recovery guided visualization.</p> <p dir="ltr">Guided visualization is as essential tool in any job seeker’s toolkit. That’s why I am so excited to have earned certification as a Job-Loss Recovery Program Facilitator, one of a select few in the first training program (10-hour interactive workshop).</p> <p dir="ltr">Every communication and job-search action you engage in has the potential to fast-forward your success. Why not tap into that potential through guided imagery and mental rehearsal? Contact me to learn how you can improve your mental and emotional resilience though this proven visualization system.</p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/%7Er/CareerHub/%7E4/xrIhRViqFwU" height="1" width="1" /><br /><br />View the <a href="http://www.careerhubblog.com/main/2010/05/emotional-and-mental-rehearsal-for-job-search-success.html" rel="nofollow">Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-3009512046994756612?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-37971880683579137422010-06-02T05:47:00.000-07:002010-06-02T05:47:01.026-07:00<p><strong>Question: What are some of the most common mistakes people make when it comes to a job interview:</strong></p> <p><strong>Answer:</strong></p> <p>1. Not being on time.</p> <p>2. Offering a weak or wimpy handshake.</p> <p>3. Showing disrespect or being discourteous or rude.</p> <p>4. Texting or talking on cell phone during interview.</p> <p>5. Lack of knowledge about the organization and its mission, values, goals, and clientele.</p> <p>6. Inability to speak about personal brand with confidence, clarity and conviction.</p> <p>7. Disheveled, poor appearance and lack of good grooming.</p> <p>8. Don't take the interview conversation seriously.</p> <p>9. Lack of knowledge about the product (YOU) and its value, impact on the organization.</p> <p>10. Lack of career focus and direction.</p> <p>11. Lack of professionalism in words, actions and overall demeanor.</p> <p>12. Poor communication skills when there appears to be no valid reason for same.</p> <p>13. Bad attitude and use of negative-sounding language, including profanity.</p> <p>14. Unwillingness to embrace social media, technology to keep up with changing times.</p> <p>15. Lack of overall preparation. </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/%7Er/CareerHub/%7E4/k4CVNUtx9PY" height="1" width="1" /><br /><br />View the <a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/%7Er/CareerHub/%7E3/k4CVNUtx9PY/common-interview-mistakes.html" rel="nofollow">Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-3797188068357913742?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-92184131918533282102010-06-01T14:35:00.000-07:002010-06-01T14:35:00.255-07:00<img src="http://dilbert.com/dyn/str_strip/000000000/00000000/0000000/000000/60000/3000/300/63352/63352.strip.gif" border="0" /><p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/%7Eat/fR7PMzeRXLzohdM7RWGnGth2ktA/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/%7Eat/fR7PMzeRXLzohdM7RWGnGth2ktA/0/di" ismap="true" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/%7Eat/fR7PMzeRXLzohdM7RWGnGth2ktA/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/%7Eat/fR7PMzeRXLzohdM7RWGnGth2ktA/1/di" ismap="true" border="0" /></a></p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/%7Er/DilbertMostPopular/%7E4/Bkoz5NJPmqM" height="1" width="1" /><br /><br />View the <a href="http://feeds.dilbert.com/%7Er/DilbertMostPopular/%7E3/Bkoz5NJPmqM/" rel="nofollow">Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-9218413191853328210?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-64044106733428128352010-06-01T05:14:00.000-07:002010-06-01T05:14:00.284-07:00 Many people have questioned the need for personal branding. Is it worth all the effort? Is it only for celebrities? How does it relate to the job search? When we analyze the use of branding by public figures and corporations, it is evident that they successfully manage to appeal to us by developing an ongoing relationship with us. They become experts in their fields as they’ve been able to associate themselves with human needs and wants by utilizing media strategies. When you think luxury and mobility, perhaps you think BMW or Mercedes. After you have finished a long workout, and you are looking for something to “quench your thirst” perhaps you think of Gatorade. When you think of Donald Trump, you think of extravagance, as he has attached luxury to almost any product by simply putting the TRUMP name on it. When you think of Oprah, you think of honesty and openness, which has enabled her to increase sales of almost any product by simply recommending it. So what do people think when they say your name?<br /><br />If you cannot answer this question then you have an ineffective brand. But don’t worry, not all is lost. The internet has provided people with the ability to create a brand just like Oprah, Donald Trump, BMW, Mercedes, and Gatorade all within the budget of the average Joe. In the past, you needed millions of dollars to market a brand because the only outlets where high-cost forums, like television or magazines. Now with the internet and social media, the only cost for marketing a brand is your time.<br /><div class="fullpost"><br />The internet and social media have also made it increasingly important to brand yourself or your company online. The competition for jobs has become more intense over the years. Not only as the job competition intensified locally, but with the emergence of globalization, job seekers are now competing with people in China, Mexico, India, and other developing regions. The increased supply of workers is forcing job candidates to become experts in their fields if they want to stand a chance at gaining employment. <br /><br />So how do you develop this online brand? Dan Schawbel is a world-renowned personal branding expert and the bestselling author of Me 2.0. Dan suggests’ the following:<br /><br /><strong>Discover your brand:</strong> The biggest mistake that people make is branding themselves just for the sake of branding themselves. You need to brand based on what your passion is. Think about what you want to do for the rest of your life. Set goals. Think about a personal branding statement: what you do and who you serve.<br /><br /><strong>Create your brand:</strong> This means getting business cards regardless if you are a college student or CEO. Make sure you have a great resume that showcases your accomplishments. Develop a blog or website and sign up for LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook. Align your wardrobe to suit your personal brand. The clothes you wear are becoming increasingly important because they will be viewable through your online pictures, which will reinforce your brand. Do not underestimate the power of an email address. Your email should be listed as firstname.lastname@domain.com<br /><br /><strong>Become a networker: </strong>The size of your network will be a major factor on your ability to get jobs in the future. The Internet has made your personal network visible for the first time in history. Companies can view your social accounts and find out how connected you are. How many Facebook friends do you have? How many Twitter followers do you have? How about your Linkedin contacts? How many people are currently subscribed to your blog? The people with the largest networks are going to get the jobs because networks illustrates the ability to build relationships, which could be vital for the jobs that candidates pursue. <br /><br />Good luck developing that personal brand and remember to inspire for only the best!<br /><hr /><strong><a href="http://contributors.careerrocketeer.com/p/guest-experts.html">Guest Expert</a>:</strong><br /><br />Ozzie Saunds is an experienced Career Specialist who has worked with North America's largest job board and the world's second largest international recruitment firm. Currently the founder/owner of a successful recruitment organization and CEO of <a href="http://www.ResumeWritingEdge.com">ResumeWritingEdge.com</a>, he is committed to continuing his efforts of maximizing the potential of every career professional he works with by consulting them through the job search process. Additional you can visit his blog at <a href="http://www.WriteMyResumeNow.com">WriteMyResumeNow.com</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7965827460478077853-5653301520993251963?l=www.careerrocketeer.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=Ao_XQ-qr8PM:ROsbglKhiqU:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=Ao_XQ-qr8PM:ROsbglKhiqU:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~4/Ao_XQ-qr8PM" height="1" width="1"/><br /><br />View the <a href='http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~3/Ao_XQ-qr8PM/discover-brand-in-you.html' rel='nofollow'>Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-6404410673342812835?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-73258767492118340062010-05-31T04:41:00.000-07:002010-05-31T04:41:00.588-07:00 <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tryzbgOz0jA/S8PZDUOEs9I/AAAAAAAAAP0/--mOGV7_lTc/s1600/introduction+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459445824293745618" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 159px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tryzbgOz0jA/S8PZDUOEs9I/AAAAAAAAAP0/--mOGV7_lTc/s200/introduction+1.jpg" border="0" /></a>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. <br /> <br />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.<br /> <br />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."<br /> <br />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.<br /><div class="fullpost"><br />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.<br /> <br />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.<br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.” <br /> <br />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. <br /><br />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? <br /> <br />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. <br /><br />9: Stay positive and realize that your being out of work has more to do with the state of economy than your abilities<br /><br />10: If you want a free coaching session you can contact me. Offer is good until May 31, 2010.<br /><hr /><strong>Author:</strong><br /><br />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.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7965827460478077853-7438099724678257921?l=www.careerrocketeer.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=XDktU_jG0NI:yN2MeL30fVU:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=XDktU_jG0NI:yN2MeL30fVU:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~4/XDktU_jG0NI" height="1" width="1"/><br /><br />View the <a href='http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~3/XDktU_jG0NI/back-to-future.html' rel='nofollow'>Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-7325876749211834006?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-59956136586875220132010-05-30T04:08:00.000-07:002010-05-30T04:08:00.414-07:00<p>Do you have any <em>what if's</em> in your life? Is the 'what if' question part of your DNA? Are you a frequent 'asker' of this question? Listed below are some <em>what if's</em> for you to consider as your job hunt journey progresses...<a href="http://www.careerhubblog.com/.a/6a00d834516a5769e20120a9765a61970b-pi" style="float: left;"><img alt="What if" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d834516a5769e20120a9765a61970b " src="http://www.careerhubblog.com/.a/6a00d834516a5769e20120a9765a61970b-500wi" style="margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px;" /></a> </p> <p>What if you replaced fear with focus?</p> <p>What if you focused on opportunities instead of obstacles?</p> <p>What if you created a resume from scratch instead of a template?</p> <p>What if you realized that the risk would lead you to the reward?</p> <p>What if you squelched a negative attitude with a positive one?</p> <p>What if you dreamed big or little dreams instead of no dreams at all?</p> <p>What if you decided to just <em>go for it</em> and see where the river takes you?</p> <p>What if you kept every promise that you ever made to yourself, or others?</p> <p>What if you got some good career help instead of feeling helpless?</p> <p>What if you doubled the amount of time you devote to your job search?</p> <p>What if you contemplated hope over hopelessness?</p> <p>What if you were happy with what you have vs. what you don't?</p> <p>What if you helped someone who's in a worse 'fix' than you?</p> <p>What if you reached out to people over retreating from connections that care?</p> <p>What if you set a small goal to strive for each and every day?</p> <p>What if you made that extra phone call, even when you don't 'feel like it'?</p> <p>What if you applied to five jobs per day instead of one or none per week?</p> <p>What if you acknowledged 'I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired"?</p> <p>What if you built a team of raving fans instead of 'fishing' the pond alone?</p> <p>What if you let go of what has 'passed' and looked onward to the future?</p> <p>What if you exhibited immense gratitude over a poor attitude?</p> <p>What if you built a business or investigated the merits of buying one?</p> <p>What if you attended one more networking event instead of staying home -- again?</p> <p>What if you abandon the excuses to aggressively pursue the exceptions?</p> <p>What if you pressed on with a 'can do' mentality over a 'can't do' mantra?</p> <p>What if you pursued meaningful work instead of looked for a job?</p> <p>What if you tapped into your imagination for ideas and innovations?</p> <p>What if you completed the task today that you are putting off until tomorrow?</p> <p>What if you believed <em>there's no limit to what you can do, if only you'd do it</em>?</p> <p>What if _______________________________________________________?</p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/%7Er/CareerHub/%7E4/kHm5jSIcB-w" height="1" width="1" /><br /><br />View the <a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/%7Er/CareerHub/%7E3/kHm5jSIcB-w/job-seeker-what-ifs.html" rel="nofollow">Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-5995613658687522013?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-21859368819436741972010-05-29T03:35:00.000-07:002010-05-29T03:35:00.360-07:00<p class="MsoNormal"><span color="#567A26" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Arial,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.careerhubblog.com/.a/6a00d834516a5769e20133ec4e6411970b-pi" style="float: left;"><img alt="Image-aceupyoursleeve" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d834516a5769e20133ec4e6411970b " src="http://www.careerhubblog.com/.a/6a00d834516a5769e20133ec4e6411970b-120wi" style="margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px;" /></a> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Arial,sans-serif; color: rgb(86, 122, 38);">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. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;; color: rgb(86, 122, 38);">1. <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">KNOW WHERE THE JOBS ARE IN YOUR FIELD AND REDIRECT YOUR CAREER TOWARDS THEM. </span></strong></span><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;; color: rgb(86, 122, 38);">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.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;; color: rgb(86, 122, 38);">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.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;; color: rgb(86, 122, 38);">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? <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;; color: rgb(86, 122, 38);">2. <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">CHANGE YOUR CAREER &amp; GET CERTIFIED IN A NEW FIELD.</span> </span></strong></span><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;; color: rgb(86, 122, 38);">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.) </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif;color:#567a26;"> </span></p><span style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif;color:#567a26;"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;; color: rgb(86, 122, 38);">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. <o:p></o:p></span></p> </span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: rgb(86, 122, 38);"></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;; color: rgb(86, 122, 38);">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.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;; color: rgb(86, 122, 38);">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.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">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.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;; color: rgb(86, 122, 38);"><strong>3. <span style="text-decoration: underline;">GET CREATIVE, FOLLOW YOUR PASSION, AND CHANNEL YOUR INNER ENTREPRENEUR. </span></strong></span><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;; color: rgb(86, 122, 38);">On NPR's "On Point" radio program on "Life After Layoffs,"<strong> </strong></span><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;; color: rgb(86, 122, 38);">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.<strong> </strong></span><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;; color: rgb(86, 122, 38);">(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.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;; color: rgb(86, 122, 38);">Many people's successful alternative careers are heavily dependent on technology for making products and on the Internet for selling products and services.<em><o:p></o:p></em></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;; color: rgb(86, 122, 38);"><em>Wired Magazine </em></span><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;; color: rgb(86, 122, 38);">(Feb. 2010) predicts that a new industrial revolution is in the making "in an age of open source, custom-fabricated, DIY product design.<strong>" </strong></span><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;; color: rgb(86, 122, 38);">Now that individuals are able, without<strong> </strong></span><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;; color: rgb(86, 122, 38);">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. <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></p> <span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;; color: rgb(86, 122, 38);"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">IN SUMMARY. </span></strong></span><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;; color: rgb(86, 122, 38);">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 caree<strong>r. </strong></span><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;; color: rgb(86, 122, 38);">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 <strong>thinking about having an ace up their sleeve and an idea about how to adapt to "what's next."</strong></span><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/%7Er/CareerHub/%7E4/dYtc5fL8PXQ" height="1" width="1" /><br /><br />View the <a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/%7Er/CareerHub/%7E3/dYtc5fL8PXQ/what-to-do-when-you-really-cant-get-a-job.html" rel="nofollow">Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-2185936881943674197?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-19162557440840453782010-05-28T03:02:00.000-07:002010-05-28T03:02:00.367-07:00 You know the question is coming in a job interview.<br /><br />So... tell me a little bit about yourself.<br /><br />But are you prepared to deliver a memorable introduction on the fly when you are introduced to the right contact at say a restaurant?<br /><br />It in fact happened to me the other day, and I'll confess I didn't have my A game on.<br /><br />I was having lunch with a recruiter about the upcoming <a href="http://www.interviewangel.com/getconnected/default.aspx" target="_blank">Speed Networking Event in Virginia</a> 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).<br /><br />"Hey, Brent. You need to connect with the woman over there about your event. I know her."<br /><br />"Uh, that would be great" (as I quickly started to script an introduction in my mind).<br /><br />The introduction was made as the other party started to leave.<br /><br />My clumsy elevator pitch went something like this...<br /><div class="fullpost"><br />"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."<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Here are 4 P's to keep you (and me) focused:<br /><br /><strong>1. PASSION</strong><br /><br />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.<br /><br /><strong>2. PROFESSIONAL VALUE</strong><br /><br />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.<br /><br /><strong>3. PERSONAL INTERESTS</strong><br /><br />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.<br /><br /><strong>4. PITHY</strong><br /><br />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.<br /><br />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: <p></p>(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.)<br /><br /><em>"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.</em><br /><br /><em>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.</em><br /><br /><em>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. </em><br /><br /><em>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."</em><br /><br />Here is another example more for the actual interview setting (it covers all 4 P's in less than 30 seconds):<br /><br />Q: So tell me a little bit about yourself<br /><br /><em>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.<br /><br />In my free time, I enjoy swimming at the YMCA and volunteering at the community arts center in town. </em><br /><br />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.<br /><hr /><strong>Author:</strong><br /><br /><strong>Brent Peterson</strong>, 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 <a href="http://www.interviewangel.com/" target="_blank"><strong>www.interviewangel.com</strong></a>.<br /><br />Brent is also on Twitter at (<a href="http://twitter.com/InterviewAngel" target="_blank"><strong>twitter.com/InterviewAngel.com</strong></a>) and in LinkedIn at <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/brentpeterson" target="_blank">http://www.linkedin.com/in/brentpeterson</a>.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7965827460478077853-7824530513729035457?l=www.careerrocketeer.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=71L4xl5MawM:FlxmhcAYPUA:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=71L4xl5MawM:FlxmhcAYPUA:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~4/71L4xl5MawM" height="1" width="1"/><br /><br />View the <a href='http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~3/71L4xl5MawM/4-ps-to-tell-me-about-yourself.html' rel='nofollow'>Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-1916255744084045378?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-3419983042442774662010-05-27T02:29:00.000-07:002010-05-27T02:29:00.776-07:00<h3 class="entry-header">Does Music Have A Positive Impact on Your Job Search?</h3> <p><a href="http://www.careerhubblog.com/.a/6a00d834516a5769e201310fcb592d970c-pi" style="float: left;"><img alt="Musical notes" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d834516a5769e201310fcb592d970c " src="http://www.careerhubblog.com/.a/6a00d834516a5769e201310fcb592d970c-800wi" style="margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px;" title="Musical notes" border="0" /></a> 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).</p> <p>Watching one of my favorite television shows, <em>CBS Sunday Morning</em>, there was a story about <a href="http://www.muzak.com/">Muzak</a> 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? </p> <p>What do you think? Does music inspire and motivate you to 'buy' yourself a job? What impact, if any, has music had on <em>your</em> job hunt? Is there a particular song that has motivated you into action that could be of value to job seekers? </p><strong><em> <p style="text-align: center;">~ "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</p></em></strong><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/%7Er/CareerHub/%7E4/HfuoMUZO2J0" height="1" width="1" /><br /><br />View the <a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/%7Er/CareerHub/%7E3/HfuoMUZO2J0/does-music-have-a-positive-impact-on-your-job-search.html" rel="nofollow">Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-341998304244277466?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-85046770546945945542010-05-26T01:56:00.000-07:002010-05-26T01:56:00.956-07:00<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; color: black;">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.<br /><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; color: black;">Click this link to see what's hot where you live now: </span></p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; color: black;"><a href="http://jobbait.com/e/hotspots.htm">http://jobbait.com/e/hotspots.htm</a><br /><br />Video instructions are included, and it's free. </span><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/%7Er/CareerHub/%7E4/S2z4p-OCam4" height="1" width="1" /><br /><br />View the <a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/%7Er/CareerHub/%7E3/S2z4p-OCam4/hot-spots-for-findind-a-job.html" rel="nofollow">Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-8504677054694594554?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-41845957348304683622010-05-25T01:23:00.000-07:002010-05-25T01:23:00.250-07:00 <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LtTBlrBCfCU/S9VlL3D8fAI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/eAbwMymUEiE/s1600/AmericanIdol.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464384977317428226" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 152px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 96px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LtTBlrBCfCU/S9VlL3D8fAI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/eAbwMymUEiE/s200/AmericanIdol.png" border="0" /></a>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.<br /><br />So that’s what I would like to focus on today.<br /><br />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.<br /><div class="fullpost"><br />Next I found several valuable lessons job seekers can learn from the American Idol judges.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Now if we explore this thought more closely there are some fine points you can learn from the individual judges.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Finally let’s examine some of the judges' criticisms and see what else we can learn from American Idol.<br /><br />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.”<br /><br />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’.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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)<br /><hr /><strong>Author:</strong><br /><br />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.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7965827460478077853-2849610970027870436?l=www.careerrocketeer.com' alt='' /></div><div class="feedflare"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=G1ykJCDAUCk:-T35y9ZIXws:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?a=G1ykJCDAUCk:-T35y9ZIXws:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/CareerRocketeer?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~4/G1ykJCDAUCk" height="1" width="1"/><br /><br />View the <a href='http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CareerRocketeer/~3/G1ykJCDAUCk/american-idol-and-your-job-search.html' rel='nofollow'>Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-4184595734830468362?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-10663037123521547892010-05-24T00:50:00.000-07:002010-05-25T00:59:50.939-07:00<div><strong>Career Changer: </strong>"Sital, I need your advice.</div><br /><div>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? </div><br /><div><strong>Sital:</strong> “Firstly, tell me attracts you to teaching. What made you sign up for the course?”</div><br /><div><strong>Career Changer:</strong> "Well it’s the easy option”</div><br /><div><strong>Sital:</strong> “The easy option?”</div><br /><div><strong>Career Changer:</strong> “Yes. There’s a shortage of teachers and so it should be easy to find work. Plus we’ll always need teachers.”</div><br /><div><strong>Sital:</strong> "ok……so what else attracts you to teaching?"</div><br /><div><strong>Career Changer:</strong> "The holidays. Teachers get lots of holidays" </div><br /><div><strong>Sital:</strong> "Apart from it being easy and all the holidays, what else draws you to the profession and the course?”</div><br /><div><strong>Career Changer:</strong> “Nothing else really - that’s it”</div><br /><div><strong>Sital:</strong> “Can I ask what kind of research you’ve done into teaching?</div><br /><div><strong>Career Changer:</strong> “Oh I’ve done lots of reading on the internet”</div><br /><div><strong>Sital:</strong> “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?”</div><br /><div><strong>Career Changer:</strong> “Well no…”</div><br /><div><strong>Sital:</strong> “Let me ask you a question:</div><br /><div>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.</div><br /><div>Does that sound like a good idea?</div><br /><div><strong>Career Changer:</strong> “No, you can’t do that!”</div><br /><div><strong>Sital:</strong> “Why not?”</div><br /><div><strong>Career Changer: </strong>“Because it’s not that easy. The course and the job are demanding.”</div><br /><div><strong>Sital:</strong> “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.”</div><br /><div><strong>Career Changer:</strong> “That's just not right”</div><br /><div><strong>Sital:</strong> “Oh why not?”</div><br /><div><strong>Career Changer:</strong> “Because you're not passionate about accountancy.”</div><br /><div><strong>Sital:</strong> “Really?</div><br /><div>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.”</div><br /><div><strong>Career Changer: </strong>“Aaaah....yes”</div><br /><div>(The penny dropped)</div><br /><div><strong>Career Changer:</strong> “I think I need to do some more research into teaching. And maybe look at <a href="http://www.sitalruparelia.com/career-goals-planning/3-ways-to-get-passionate-about-your-work/" target="_blank">finding a career which I'm passionate about</a>.”</div><br /><br /><div><strong>Choosing a career option because you assume it's the easy or safe option</strong> is a huge disservice to both the profession and the people the profession serves: pupils, patients or clients.<br /></div><br /><div>But it's an even bigger disservice to yourself.</div><br /><div>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.</div><br /><div>Are you taking the easy option…?</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/%7Er/CareerHub/%7E4/62x3I1OON2k" height="1" width="1" /><br /><br />View the <a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/%7Er/CareerHub/%7E3/62x3I1OON2k/career-changers-are-you-taking-the-easy-option.html" rel="nofollow">Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-1066303712352154789?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-89186147872489301182010-05-23T00:17:00.001-07:002010-05-23T03:45:31.883-07:00<em>Volunteering during periods of unemployment provides many benefits including networking, enhancing skills, and the prevention job loss induced insanity.</em><br /><br />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, <a href="http://networkingnuggets.com/">actively networking</a>, 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.<br /><br /><strong><em>Does this sound like you?</em></strong><br /><div class="fullpost"><br />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, <a href="http://careerlifeinstitute.com/">finding a job is the hardest job</a> 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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Volunteering is an ideal way to network and keep your skills sharp. Additionally, if you are hoping to <a href="http://successfulcareertransition.com/">transition your current skills to a different position</a>, 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 …”<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Online services such as Volunteer Match (<a href="http://www.volunteermatch.org/">www.volunteermatch.org/</a>) or Network for Good at (<a href="http://www.networkforgood.org/volunteer/">http://www.networkforgood.org/volunteer/</a>) 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; (<a href="http://www.handsonnetwork.org/">http://www.handsonnetwork.org</a>) 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.<br /><hr /><strong><a href="http://contributors.careerrocketeer.com/p/guest-experts.html">Guest Expert</a>:</strong><br /><br /><strong>Brandy Walters</strong>, 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 <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/brandywalters"><strong>http://www.linkedin.com/in/brandywalters</strong></a>.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7965827460478077853-3918496400856837276?l=www.careerrocketeer.com" alt="" height="1" width="1" /></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/%7Er/CareerRocketeer/%7E4/X1G0xSuWIvU" height="1" width="1" /><br /><br />View the <a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/%7Er/CareerRocketeer/%7E3/X1G0xSuWIvU/how-working-for-no-pay-can-actually-pay.html" rel="nofollow">Original article</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-8918614787248930118?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-58943834107396942742010-05-15T21:11:00.000-07:002010-05-23T03:38:02.890-07:00Tired 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 <em>The Google Job Experiment</em>. I watched the one-minute video and thought it was ingenious! Here’s the link in case you haven’t seen it yet: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FRwCs99DWg" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FRwCs99DWg</a>.<br /><br />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...<br /><br />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:<div class="fullpost"><br /><strong>Step 1: Research –</strong> 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.<br /><br /><strong>Step 2: Make Contact –</strong> 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).<br /><br /><strong>Step 3: Follow up –</strong> 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.<br /><br />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”.<br /><hr /><strong>Author:</strong><br /><br /><strong>Jessica Holbrook</strong> 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 <a href="http://www.greatresumesfast.com/">http://www.greatresumesfast.com/</a> or for a free phone consultation call 1.800.991.5187.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><br /><br />View the <a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/%7Er/CareerRocketeer/%7E3/Mirt1Vre-Hc/3-steps-to-taking-your-job-search-into.html" rel="nofollow">Original article</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/26644778-5894383410739694274?l=careerlifestrategies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Katie Dardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16462594810375382009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26644778.post-27202611374377321042010-04-17T14:02:00.000-07:002010-05-23T03:38:47.255-07:00<img src="http://dilbert.com/dyn/str_strip/000000000/00000000/0000000/000000/80000/9000/000/89042/89042.strip.gif" border="0" /><br /><