Career Hub

If You Are Going To San Francisco, Be Sure To...

During a recent visit to San Francisco, we visited Haight-Ashbury – something I would recommend to anyone and everyone whether you are a Baby Boomer or not! As we walked along Ashbury toward one of the former residences of Janis Joplin, we came upon a pair of white sandals. Just there. All alone. Sitting. Resting.  Waiting. Minding their business. I took a photo. What wonderful fodder for a blog post, I thought, which led me to thinking about the steps we take in life, be they in white sandals or in Berluti’s.

Step aboard.

Step about.

Step above.

Step across.

Step after.

Step against.

Step along.

Step among.

Step around.

Step aside.

Step away.

Step beside.

Step between.

Step by.

Step beyond.

Step down.

Step for.

Step from.

Step in.

Step inside.

Step into.

Step off.

Step on.

Step out.

Step outside.

Step over.

Step past.

Step round.

Step through.

Step to.

Step under.

Step until.

Step up.

If you’re going to San Franscisco, be sure to…..  

3 Steps to Attract Recruiters to Your LinkedIn Profile

According to Wikipedia: recruitment refers to the process of attracting, screening, selecting, and onboarding a qualified person for a job.  Recruiters are increasingly using social media to find and research candidates. This approach is often called social recruiting which is the use of social media for recruiting using Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and similar online sites. 

Keywords count. Have you noticed how keywords have become increasingly more important over the years? Recruiters look for people by keywords searching LinkedIn database, for example. You don’t need to make columns or long strings of keywords in your LinkedIn profile, you can weave them throughout your summary and experience sections.

Tip: Consider using more than one keyword that refers to a specific skill or expertise. For example, if you have international experience be sure to use global and international as keywords so you are searchable and found no matter which word the recruiter uses in his or her search.

Recommendations count. There has been much discussion about recommendations over the years, but the bottom line is that recruiters can see at a glance that you are respected in your job / industry based on feedback from your recommendations. They want to hire people who are respected by their coworkers, bosses, and other influencers in their industry. Of course, the recommendations should state more than “Tom is a great person.”

Tip: More effective recommendations show working relationship, nature of work, and results of your contributions. 

Groups count. How many groups have you joined? How often do you contribute to the ongoing conversations? Recruiters look for experts in their field to hire and scout LinkedIn groups for the movers and shakers. It’s like any other PR—you read Joe’s column in the Wall Street Journal, like his writing style or approach to current topics, and over time you consider Joe an expert, and he becomes the go-to person on those issues. You can create that type of reputation for yourself in LinkedIn groups.

Tip: By contributing meaningful information to conversations in your LinkedIn groups, people will consider you a resource for solutions or good ideas for current issues. You establish yourself as a thought leader.

There is no “passive” way to job search. The most effective way for executives to be found is to be “active” in their job search tactics. Take advantage of the many opportunities that LinkedIn offers you. 

Dr. William E. Bridges: Teacher, Consultant, Author Extraordinaire

Eighteen years ago in Seattle, Washington, I met an extraordinary consultant named Dr. William E. Bridges, teacher for one of the best training programs I have ever attended. Last week, as I was researching something on Twitter, I stumbled upon this tweet:

Dick Bolles ‏@ParachuteGuy20 Feb

Thirty days ago I visited my old friend Bill Bridges, author of Transitions. Susan, his loving wife, just told me he died last Sunday. RIP.

I was shocked and saddened to read this news. If you are familiar with Dr. Bridges’ work, you know of his vast and valuable contributions to transitions, managing the human side of change and his three-phase transition process.  If, by chance, you are unfamiliar with his teachings, I would encourage you to read his books to discover his pioneering work.  Here are three of my favorites:

Transitions: Making Sense of Life’s Changes

JobShift: How to Prosper In A Workplace Without Jobs

Managing Transitions:  Making the Most of Change

I will be forever grateful for all that Dr. Bridges taught me and other class participants on that cold, rainy March day of 1995. May his teachings continue to educate and inspire organizations and individuals around the globe.

Job Interview Conversations: No Dogs Allowed

In a recent conversation with my client, I invited him to share some positive words to describe his brand.

Among those mentioned, he stated “loyal, honest, and hardworking.” As we reviewed his words, I invited him to pretend that he was a hiring manager – a hiring manager that has interviewed hundreds and hundreds of candidates.

So, tell me, how impressed are you when you hear a job seeker describe himself as
someone who is “loyal, honest and hardworking?”

His response:   “Now that I think about it, I probably sound like a dog or something.”

If you find yourself in job search mode, how about choosing more compelling words to align with the target job you are pursuing? Otherwise, in the interview (in person or on the phone), you will be citing words that the listener has heard time and time again. No new news to their ears.  Same ole same ole.

To better support your candidacy in a sea of competition, do yourself a favor and take some time to figure out  at least five distinct adjectives that well describe you. Beyond that, develop examples to provide proof and evidence to back up your claims.

If you are in love with the word loyal as a term to describe yourself, how about using a thesaurus to find another word with a similar meaning, such as:

 allegiant, ardent, attached, behind one, believing, coming through, constant, devoted, dutiful, dyed-in-the-wool, firm, on one's side, patriotic, resolute, staunch, steadfast, steady, tried-and-true, true, true-blue, trustworthy, trusty, unfailing, unswerving, unwavering.

If you want someone to know that you are honest, what other word might you find to convey that? 

If you are hardworking, what other less-frequently-cited job seeker word might you supply the hiring manager? 

Choose your words carefully – let them work for you, not against you as you explore new opportunities.

Eye on Iris

When I was a little girl, my grandmother – a retired elementary education teacher – taught me about flowers. She raised an entire garden of nothing but zinnias -- pinks, purples, yellows, reds, and oranges everywhere you looked.  Her hollyhocks were also beautiful, decorating a long fence row leading from her home to the out buildings. Her lilac and peony bushes remain some of my all-time favorites.

Not far from her house was an iris patch that my grandmother referred to as yellow flags. Years ago, I dug some and brought them back to serve as a constant reminder of someone who had so richly influenced my life. In late August 2011, I noticed that the iris in our backyard was nowhere to be found. I was distraught and spent a lot of time digging around in the dirt to see if I could find any remnants or any sign of growth. I did. One little tuber had survived the sizzling summer heat.

I planted the tuber in front of our home.  A few weeks ago as the snow was melting, I started looking for any sign of Iris. Removing leaves and twigs, there she was -- the first sign of spring and life of all things green.  Iris is now about four inches tall and I am very excited. Each day as I go to work, I notice her and how she continues to flourish.

I am eager and I am anxious to see if Iris will produce a bloom. I have high hopes. I keep thinking good thoughts. I keep saying nice things to her – no doubt , she hears me.  Reality is, I have no idea if Iris will bloom or not – only time will tell.

Much like looking for a new job.

Only time will tell if all of your hard work pays off.

Only time will tell if your network works.

Only time will tell if that new résumé does the trick.

Only time will tell if the interview yields an offer. 

Only time will tell if your commitment to job search produces a good fit.

In the interim, I will keep a vigilant eye on Iris to detect any new growth and development. And my hope is that you will do the same for your job search. 

The Errand Runner and Your Job Search

If you are in career transition, perhaps you have discovered that some people think you have nothing better to do than be an errand guy or gal – an errand runner as one job seeker suggested.  My client and I were recently discussing this very subject and how it makes him feel taken advantage of.  Here are three specific examples of things employed people have said to my unemployed client:

“Since you are not working, do you mind……….?”

“Now that you have free time on your hands, will you…….?”

“Given that you don’t have a job, why don’t you do so and so for me?”

The most important job you will ever have when you are in career transition is that of looking for a new employment opportunity.

Take your new job seriously. If you don’t take your new job (looking for a job) seriously, no one else will either.

Respect your new role. When you are called upon to do a task for someone, look at your calendar and see if the request coincides with your availability and work schedule.

Set up office hours. Determine what days you will be in the office and what hours you will work. Let those in your circle of influence know your work schedule so they will not interrupt you or take you for granted.

Establish a routine and stick with it. Do not let your own distractions (or those of others) pull you away from your key duties of finding a job. For example, if the dining room needs painting, how about doing that task “after hours” just as you would if you were gainfully employed?

Don’t put off until tomorrow what needs your tender care and commitment today -- your job search. The longer you delay looking for a new opportunity, the harder it becomes to inspire yourself to do so. If you have no idea where to turn for career management help, start by asking around in your local community and see whose name keeps turning up and proceed from there.

Set yourself up to succeed by honoring the job before you – to find a new employment opportunity as efficiently and expeditiously as possible.

Bring Your A-Game to Career Transition

As an outplacement services professional, sometimes I am called upon by an employer to be on-site in order to offer career transition services within minutes of an employee discharge. Sometimes the conversation goes very well. Sometimes the conversation doesn’t go at all if the departing employee doesn’t wish to meet on-site. Sometimes, I sit in total silence with an individual until they are ready to talk. I don’t mind. I have been that person. I know exactly what it feels like to lose a job.

On one occasion a few years ago, I recall that a woman asked me to accompany her to the restroom so she could cry in privacy. I remember grabbing a box of Kleenex and off we went for the next little while. There are many ways that people learn they no longer have a job, be it in person or by phone, email or text. To date, I have not yet met anyone who has been notified of termination via a tweet. Perhaps you have.

One of my clients who recently lost his job and I were talking about words and how words can help us get from Point A to Point B. And how words can provide comfort, hope, reassurance, and encouragement. And how words can also hurt and sting and bite. He wondered how to connect the dots from being a person “in transition” to a person who is employed again. We spoke of these three words: acceptance, awareness and action.

Acceptance

Sooner or later, you realize that “it is what it is.” While my client and I aren’t particularly enamored with that expression, it somehow captures the essence of transition. And what it is may not be something that we particularly like, desire, want or prefer – starting over is simply the reality of a job loss situation. And the realization and acceptance that what was is behind us and what will be is waiting somewhere up ahead.

Awareness

The other day at a networking event, I met a job seeker who wanted to throw together a new résumé and see what’s out there.  He informed me that he was going to use a résumé template so he wouldn’t have to spend any money. Hearing this, I offered:

1.       So, do you have a target goal or some options in mind?

2.       What about your brand?

3.       Are you good to go on your skill set?

His answer to all three questions:  I don’t know what you are talking about. I just want a basic résumé. If you are looking for a job in today’s competitive market, I would encourage you to figure out what your brand is and does before you whip up that new résumé whether it is free or for a fee. The value of figuring out your brand and its value before you go to market will serve you well in the long run.

Action

Set yourself up to succeed by establishing routine office hours while you are in career transition. Discipline yourself. Focus. Stay on task. Do something each day on your work days to support your commitment to finding new employment. Track your progress. Respect your new job (finding a job) and the accountabilities that come with it. When you were gainfully employed, you may have had a performance evaluation. While you are in limbo, (between jobs), how about evaluating your own performance? Monitor your own progress. Measure what you are doing well and evaluate what needs some work. If the strategy you are employing isn’t working, how about changing your strategy just like you would if you were completing a project for your employer and something wasn’t working?

My client seemed relieved that we had tackled a conversation about acceptance, awareness and action as a part of the career transition process. Next time, I think he wants to talk about another “A” word – attitude. I can’t wait.

Five Things You Can Do to Enhance Your Interview Skills

Learn how to talk about yourself.

Many of my clients tell me “I hate
talking about myself.” While you may not be in love with this activity, it is simply a task that is necessary in order to find a job. There is just no way around it. The more you resist speaking about yourself with confidence, the better job you will do of taking yourself out of the running. It’s competitive “out there” and the easier you make it for the hiring manager to understand what you bring to the table, the greater your chances of getting hired.

Know your value.

Imagine going to an interview and being asked an FAQ such as “why should I hire you” and you respond with “wow, that’s a great question.”  While this is an answer, it isn’t your best answer. Your best answer lies in knowing what the organization’s needs are and how you can add to (versus detract from) their vision, goals and mission.

Expand your vocabulary.

Let’s say that an employer invites you to describe yourself to which you offer: “I am very loyal, honest and hardworking.” Again, while this is an answer, it most likely won’t score you points because the listener has heard this line about a gazillion times.  Before you go to your next interview, identify some unique and interesting words that describe you in a positive, professional and distinct manner.

Practice your presentation skills.

Prior to going to a job interview, it will well serve you to practice, practice and practice your lines. Know what you want to say. Know how you want to sound. Know the particular points you want to emphasize in your conversation with the hiring manager or recruiter. Do not practice on the employer – employers can detect your ill-preparedness in a matter of seconds. Practice pays and sooner or later, you will thank yourself for the time and effort you devoted to practicing your presentation.

Be a well-prepared, organized and efficient job candidate.

Put yourself in the hiring manager’s shoes and do your best to think like they think. Ask yourself these three questions:

• What do I want?  Be able to articulate this in one tweet (140 characters). 
• Why should an employer hire me?  Identify at least three good (and relevant) reasons as to why you are the one for the job.
• What are the biggest concerns an employer might have about my candidacy?  Know this before you go to the interview, so it doesn’t shock or surprise you when the employer mentions their “concerns” about you.

Career Transition Questions from Job Seekers

Why am I here?

Why am I stuck?

Why am I confused?

Where is my luck?

 

Who am I now?

Where do I turn?

Where do I go?

What do I learn?

 

Why did I get fired?

Why did they let me go?

What could I have done differently?

Why does it hurt so?

 

What lies ahead?

Why am I in limbo now?

Why can’t I move on?

Why don’t I know how?

 

What is my purpose?

Where do I belong?

Why is everything so competitive?

What am I doing wrong?

 

How long does job search take?

Do references matter still?

Will I ever find a job again?

What about motivation and will?

 

Who can I turn to?

Who can I trust?

When I know things aren’t working

And change is a must?

 

Who can help me out?

What should I do?

Starting over is tough.

Can I count on you? 

Shades of Promise for Job Seekers

How could this be, I asked myself? Officially, it is Spring, yet the snow is still piled high in the shaded areas of our backyard while out in front, it’s another story. Tulips, crocus and daffodils are popping up everywhere. Dark, medium and light green shades of promise reveal themselves to the new season. Even the first flower blossom of the year is touting her power to endure tough times. Hey, do you notice me over here? she beckons.

The winter has been long. And tiring. Even harsh at times. And you wonder, is this finally the last snow of the season? Just when you think there could not possibly be one more speck of inclement weather – here it comes again, blasting you with more snow and more ice. Enough already!

Much like job search, the weather is unpredictable, unknown and uncertain from day to day here in the Heartland. Just when you think you will never ever get another job, you get a phone call or an email from someone who wants to see you. For an interview. For a real job. Next Tuesday, 2:00 P.M. A real job with a decent salary and good benefits. A real job that pays better than the spot jobs you have been doing to pay the rent. Or the consulting gigs you have been doing to fill in the blanks on your résumé.

And just when you think things might be getting back on track, you get the rejection letter announcing that you, once again, are the bridesmaid, not the bride.

And just when you think that your luck is turning around and going in a better direction, you are advised that the job you interviewed for has been put on hold until further notice.

And just when you think that an offer is in the mail, you get a call announcing that a decision has been made “from the top” to delay funding for the position.

And just when you are told the job is yours if you want it, you receive a text the next day rescinding the verbal offer.  

Spring is here. A new season has arrived. Change is underway. Seeds are taking root, sprouting and growing as we patiently wait for plants to do their magic and for hiring managers to do theirs.