Career Hub

Job Search Success: Part 4

With thousands of layoffs being announced daily, many job seekers find they are vying for the same jobs as other candidates and the odds are not stacked in their favor. It’s no wonder then that luck – “being in the right place at the right time”, “it’s who you know not what you know” – is often associated with landing a job. In Part 4 of the of Job Search L-U-C-K series, the final precursor to job search luck, comprised of two components that complement each other, are revealed.

K – KEEP Focused & Flexible

Keep Focused - to reach your goals.

“Goals provide the energy source that powers our lives. One of the best ways we can get the most from the energy we have is to focus it. That is what goals can do for us; concentrate our energy.”-- Denis Waitley (American motivational Speaker and Author of self-help books)

What are your career goals? How do they mesh with your life goals? Have you defined what your Focus – career / job / industry target - is for your job search, or are do you feel like you are wandering aimlessly through a desert without water or a map? Are your career goals in sync with who you really are, and with your personal brand identity? These are critical questions to address and answer, so the path to your future career can be clear and actionable.

SMART Goals for Your New Year’s Resolutions details the SMART formula for structuring your goals. If you seriously intend to reach your goals, accountability matters. Goals need to be written out and posted where you can see and act on them every day. Use the SMART formula to create a branded action plan that reflects your personal branding attributes, strengths, and skills in what you do and how you do it to attain your goals.

“Goals are a means to an end, not the ultimate purpose of our lives. They are simply a tool to concentrate our focus and move us in a direction. The only reason we really pursue goals is to cause ourselves to expand and grow. Achieving goals by themselves will never make us happy in the long term; it's who you become, as you overcome the obstacles necessary to achieve your goals, that can give you the deepest and most long-lasting sense of fulfillment.”-- Anthony Robbins (American motivational Speaker and Advisor to business and government leaders)

Keep Flexible – to weather the storms and grasp the opportunities of change.

While establishing and acting on goals via a branded action plan can organize job search activities and define benchmarks to keep you on the path to your goals, beware of becoming rigid in your mindset.

“The boldness of asking deep questions may require unforeseen flexibility if we are to accept the answers.”--Brian Greene, American Physicist and Author

Be open to new questions, information, and opportunities that may positively alter your goals and plans. In fact, seek out those questions and cutting-edge information, for if you can be ahead of your competition in identifying potential job and industry trends, you will have the advantage to act swiftly.

Flexibility and adaptability will serve you well in this ever-changing globally interconnected world. For example, you may want to consider employment in other industries and occupations that use your transferable skills and existing training or that require you to acquire new training. In Career Transition Tips for Gazelles Who Want to Be Zebras, 3 strategies with accompanying specific actions are described to assist you in making such a transition.

“If you cannot catch fish, catch shrimps.”—Chinese proverb

Catch shrimps and create your own job search luck!

For those who may have missed the beginning of the Job Search L-U-C-K series, here are the links below.
Job Search Success: Part 1 – Learning
Job Search Success: Part 2 - Understanding
Job Search Success: Part 3 – Commitment and Courage

Cross-posted by Susan Guarneri at Career Goddess Blog

The Key To Finding ONE JOB During A Recession

If you’re job searching at the moment, let me ask you a question – how many jobs do you want?

Just the ONE right?

If you’re looking for just one job, it doesn’t matter how deep the recession is, how many job cuts are announced each day, how much doom and gloom there is in the environment – if you’re only looking for one job – one job will be out there. (Really, it will).

That’s the same attitude I had during the recession of the early 1990’s when I graduated with no relevant experience and a fairly average academic record. I kept telling myself “I only want one job – there’s one job out there with my name on it, I just need to go out and find it”

And I did. I joined a top 10 listed firm which most of my peers thought was beyond our reach.  Many of them sat back with a "there's no jobs out there - what's the point" attitude which meant they stopped trying.

It took me several months of hard work, plenty of set backs, being flexible (it wan't exactly my ideal job), and being persistent (I had sooo many rejections)– but all this was based on a mindset that I was just as good as anyone else and “I only want one job.”

That’s the same attitude you need to take in the current market.

I appreciate that there are fewer roles in the market compared to 12 months ago and there are more people looking – but it all comes down to a) the level of self esteem you have and b) what actions you are willing to take to find a job.

a) Self Esteem
Placing a high value on yourself and having a belief that there are employers out there that you can make a contribution to - employers who will value that contribution – give you the foundation to find work during a recession.
Of course it’s not just about the self esteem – it’s also about action.

b) Taking action
If you are really clear about the results you have delivered to date, can articulate them coherently to other firms and are persistent in your approach whilst being open minded about what you’ll consider - there will be opportunities in any market. For some people, that may mean having to reinvent your career and find new jobs in different parts of the economy - but again, there will be opportunities if you rebrand yourself, are flexible and willing to work hard it.

So don’t get too absorbed in the bad news and job loss announcements that seem to be a daily occurance in the media. Stop that voice in your head that keeps telling you "you're screwed, there are no jobs out there." If you place a high enough value on yourself and take the appropriate actions consistently, you’ll find work.

After all, you only want ONE JOB right..?

By Sital Ruparelia, Cross Posted on the 6 Figure Career Management blog

Age Bias and Your Rights at Work

As the economy declines and layoffs continue are you concerned that, if your company downsizes, your position may be eliminated because of age discrimination? That's on the minds of many people in the workforce today.

If you are not aware of it, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) provides employers with specific guidelines when they are offering severance packages to their employees.

Mildred Culp's recent column (Workwise) offers helpful points to be aware of regarding potential age discrimination and your rights. According to Attorney Andrew Milne, whose practice specializes in employment, business and technology law:

• If you are terminated, but not part of a group of layoffs, you are given by law at least 21 days to think about the severance package. Don't be forced to sign on the spot a release of claims when offered the package.

• If you sign it, you must be given the option to revoke the waiver in the release of claims - in writing - within seven days.

• You have 45 days or more to make your decision about your package, along with the seven-day revocation provision, if your severance is part of a group layoff or early retirement program.

• Your employer is also required to provide you with written information about other employees in your group. This information will help you determine how many are being laid off or offered early retirement by job classification and by age. If you need advise, you can then take this information to an attorney to determine if there is any targeting of employees over 40 years of age at your organization.

Whether in a good economy or not, with or without layoffs looming, remember that effective career management is in your care. Nurture and take steps to manage your career proactively so that you stand apart as an indispensable member of your organization. This can help you in surviving layoffs.

You Can't Fix Your Resume With a Ten Minute Critique

I participate in a lot of career events where I critique people's resumes. It's usually a five to ten minute diagnostic exercise and I can give job seekers general guidance on the strengths and weaknesses of their document. While it's really designed to help people "check the pulse" of their resume, many people come with the expectation that the critique will "fix" their resume or at least provide them with a step by step roadmap of how to craft the perfect self-marketing tool.

It's not that simple and job seekers should view the critique like a cholesterol or blood pressure check. Once you know the state of your "resume health" you can begin to craft a strategy for improving it. There is no quick fix and you will have to put in some work.

Deciding on your next steps requires some soul searching and introspection on your part. If you are a real do-it-yourself-er" you might want to invest in a few resume writing books. Career Hub offers a free resume writing guide and Blue Sky Resumes offers a free resume course. If you want to view books with writing tips and samples, you can check out the JIST expert resume books at Wendy Enelow or Your Best Impression. You can also find advice and samples in Happy About My Resume. 

But if writing and self promotion is not your thing, be honest about it and make the investment in yourself by partnering with a professional resume writer to be your muse and best position you for your next opportunity. The bloggers on this site represent some of the industry's best resume writers. Find a "voice" here that you can relate to and initiate a conversation with a professional.

I know a lot of people are feeling they can't afford professional help these days, but a poorly constructed resume just keeps you out of work longer. Instead of asking yourself "Can I afford a professional resume?" ask yourself "Can I afford not to have a professional resume?"

Posted by Barbara Safani

John Updike's Personal Brand and Yours

I heard an interview with David Resnick, Editor-in-Chief of the New Yorker magazine, this morning about John Updike who recently died. Updike was a prolific writer and you'd think it would be hard to pinpoint who exactly he was as an author. But Resnick had no trouble! This, roughly, is what he said:

John Updike was the chronicler of the middle - not of kings and queens and not of the urban poor and desperate.

How concise is that? One sentence that clearly delineated Updike's brand, in this case by indicating who he was NOT.

When asked to review a resume yesterday, after I finished I was left wondering: "Who is this guy?" The title he gave himself was "Information Services Professional." And his resume was all over the map in terms of technology.

But, when I spoke with him, it turned out that he is a master database architect/designer. He loves the role and has numerous success stories in support of that positioning.

Taking a page from John Updike's book :), what he needed to do in his resume was reveal who he really is and what niche he plays in. It also became obvious in our brief conversation that he had personality X10. No hint of this in his resume, although his personal website also made that abundantly clear. 

He'd been through parts of the Reach personal branding process but hadn't taken that next all-important step of integrating what he learned into his self-marketing materials and self-concept. 

Whether famous and exalted or one of millions looking for jobs in this market, it makes sense to "know thyself." No need to wait for an obituary. Here is a moving poem by Updike that addresses this issue of our own authentic identities:

Perfection Wasted

And another regrettable thing about death

is the ceasing of your own brand of magic,

which took a whole life to develop and market-

the quips, the witticisms, the slant

adjusted to a few, those loved ones nearest

the lip of the stage, their soft faces blanched

in the footlight glow, their laughter close to tears,

their warm pooled breath in and out with your heartbeat,

their response and your performance twinned.

The jokes over the phone. The memories packed

in the rapid-access file. The whole act.

Who will do it again? That's it: no one;

imitators and descendants aren't the same.

-John Updike

 

Gone Fishing

I like going to my annual eye exam. My ophthalmologist is a really smart guy when it comes to matters of the eye. Not only that, he always dishes out some how to live your life advice, whether you want to hear it or not. A while back, he offered these words of wisdom:

...when I was a med student, I had to decide if I wanted to be a big fish in a little pond, or a little fish in a big pond. And after I figured out the answer to that question, it became clear where I wanted to practice...

If you have decided to start a business, do you plan to conduct your business worldwide, or do you prefer to build a business predominantly in your local community, wherever that might be? Do you wish to see customers face-to-face, or do you prefer not to see your customers at all and interact with them via technology tools? Or, or, or? While there are no right or wrong answers to this fish business, the good news is that you get to choose.

Big fish in a little pond? Little fish in a big pond? What kind of fish will you be and who do you hope to catch?

posted by: billiesucher

20 Steps To Self Employment

As the rate and speed of lay offs continues, I’m meeting more and more people who are looking to leave the corporate world to become freelance consultants or start up their own businesses in another area completely. 

Whilst there are fewer jobs across the economy, there are far more problems to be solved. Problems which create opportunities for new businesses.

How do you get started? 

Suppose you have a desire to become a freelance consultant or have a great business idea, how do you actually get started - and what are the key steps you need to take?

Here’s a simple 20 step slide show published by BusinessWeek on how to move from the corporate world into self employment. 

What’s missing?

Having made the leap into self employment after the last financial services downturn in 2003, I can see some of these points are very relevant. But I do think there are some key steps missing from this list. For one, there’s the importance of finding a new peer group.

Step 21. Find a new peer group

Finding a new peer group and community of self employed people (ideally within the same industry) is, in my experience, one of the biggest success factors for a start up. Being self employed can be a very lonely place to be. You need a peer group to share your highs and lows with, people to exchange ideas, resources and best practices with. Without it, you’ll struggle.

There are plenty of self employed people following this blog, so tell me – what do you think is missing from this slide show?

By Sital Ruparelia, Cross posted on the 6 Figure Career Management blog

You're so Thain, you probaby think this post is about you

You get called to your new bosses office for a chat - things might appear ominous

You agree that things have not gone as well as you expected, but then it is the economy after all, but since you have been in the job you have had made some significant changes for the good, saved the company so money and set it on a better track. There are some losses but it's not that bad. 

Of course you did ask for a $10 million bonus last month!

You boss kindly points out that........

The company you did run he bought at a heavily discounted price 

Thousands of your former employees have been laid off

The losses you mentioned last year are actually $27 billion

Oh yes and then there was the little case that you had your office refurbished last year and spent over $800,000

Including a $1400 waste paper basket and $35,000 commode!

Don't let the door hit you on the way out - and enjoy trying to explain that one at your next interview!

Good News: Hired over the holidays

Randy’s story: Both Randy and his wife were downsized right before Thanksgiving. A big blow to most people and a hardship before the holidays. This did not stop Randy from looking for a job. And he got one. Randy transitioned from a downsized airline pilot to a project manager in a totally new industry.

“I have truly been blessed to the job search efforts pay off so handsomely during: one of the longest recessions on record, the Holiday Season, the end of a lame-duck presidency, and a career change. On top of financial stability, I am able to spend more time with my family in my new career... life is good!

I am grateful for your service - thank you for helping me land a great gig during the holidays!” -- Randy

Here’s what Randy did to get hired faster:

1. Took the initiative and made the investment to use a career coach (that’s me), uncover his personal brand, get a solid career focus, and a professionally written resume and cover letter.

2. Networked: Randy networked with everyone - and did so the right way.

3. Took action: Randy not only networked, but when cool opportunities arose - even over the holidays - he took action and got his resume to the decision-maker FAST.

4. Polished interviewing skills: Randy cranked up his interview with stories - stories about how his skills were directly transferable to this new industry, how he contributed to his previous employer's bottom-line, and how he could make an immediate, and positive contribution to this new industry and organization.

5. Negotiated successfully: Randy negotiated a great salary by capitalizing on how he could help that company get a return on their investment in him. In fact, despite a dramatic career change (from pilot to project manager) he got a salary increase!

Most importantly, Randy had the right attitude throughout the process. He stayed positive, never gave up, and took action on what he learned.

If you want to get hired in this economy, learn from Randy!

Amy did. She's got an interview today with "the big cheese." She learned about a gig through her network, updated her resume, and directly referenced the networking connection in her cover letter, and got it to the decision maker within two days.

Challenge: What action can you take this week to land your next big gig?

Posted by: Wendy Terwelp

The First 100 Days in a New Job

Now that Barack Obama has been sworn in, the world will closely watch what occurs during his first 100 days in office. Even if your new job is not President of the United States, your performance will also be watched more closely during your first 100 days in (the) office. If you have recently accepted a new position or hope to accept a new position soon, here are some tips for managing those first critical 100 days.

1. Study Up. You prepared for your interviews by researching the company and understanding their strengths and challenges. Now that you are in the job, use the first 100 days to dig deeper into the company's mission, brand proposition, and reputation in the market. Read everything you can get your hands on that references the company.
2. Crack the Company Code. When you begin a job at a new company, it can sometimes feel like you've just moved to a foreign country. Many companies have their own acronyms, lingo, inside jokes, etc. Try to buddy up with someone who can act as a translator to get you up to speed quickly. 
3. Showcase Your Strengths. You talked about your strengths during the interview process and leveraged past stories of success to prove your value-add. Take charge of a project you know you can deliver on and then make sure that you do. 
4. Document Your Accomplishments. It's never too early to start documenting job successes. One year from now, when it is time for your performance review, you want to be able to site your accomplishments throughout the year, including those achieved within those first critical 100 days. 
5. Break Bread With Colleagues. A lot of critical information about the company will not be found in annual reports or monthly newsletters. In order to understand the unofficial rules, company politics, and corporate culture, you need to have ongoing conversations with both management and people in the trenches.
6. Find a Mentor. Connect with someone who is more senior than you and has significantly longer company tenure than you. A mentor can help you manage your career by putting you in front of the right people and exposing you to the right resources. 
7. Dress the Part. Don't put away your interview suit just yet. Observe the dress code around you, but remember, you may still be scrutinized more closely than your colleagues. Play it safe and always choose an appropriate, but possibly more conservative style. 

 Posted by Barbara Safani