Hannah Morgan

Should You Hold Out or Throw In the Towel?

The Job Seeker dilemma is when or if to take a less than ideal job.

Do you want to hold out for the "perfect job". Maybe you've reached the point of asking, "will taking this job at Wal-Mart hurt my career?" If you have been out of work for any length of time, I am pretty sure you are sick and tired of it. You may be wondering "should I hold out" or "Should I sell out"?  Before you throw in the towel and take just any job, ask yourself these three questions:

1.  Have you been specific about what you are looking for?

In other words, what is the specific job function you've been looking for?  Can you name it?  Have you been communicating this clearly and confidently to people you know?  Do your written materials (resume, cover letter, LinkedIn profile) support your qualifications and interest in this kind of work? If you've been telling people you are want a new job, period, I'm pretty sure that isn't specific enough for them to be able to help you, nor want to help you. 

2.  Are you qualified? Is it a realistic option?

If you are a new grad with little work experience, it is pretty doubtful you'll be able to obtain a management or higher level job right off the bat. You usually have to put in the time, really!  If you lack certain skills, the degree or certification, this could be more of an obstacle than you think.  If you have had interviews and you've been told more than once "You lack XYZ software skills", that's a pretty good sign you are not qualified.  Be honest with yourself and assess feedback you've received from interviews and meetings with industry insiders.

3.  Have you exhausted all your options?

Have you looked at EVERY company that hires for that job in your area?  Have you looked for this job in other cities? 

If you've been honest in answering these questions and you still believe you've done everything, then you have a choice.  Should you take a job?

• What skills will the job develop?
• What types of people will you meet?
• What special projects or talents might you be able to work on?
• When will you find time to continue to look for the "better job"?

You are not signing a lifetime contract with your next employer and job hopping once or twice isn't such a bad thing today.

When/if you take that job, find ways to make a difference every day.  Look for opportunities to learn new things and meet new people.  Consider this a form of education.  By all means, don't be resentful, negative, or give an air of superiority.  Be grateful to have been given a chance.

Having a job, any job, is better than not working.  Most employers feel that way. 

Who would you rather hire?  An Oprah Junkie or a Wal Mart Greeter?

 

Summary Sunday

This is one of my favorite Summary Sundays so far.  It is referencing some of the posts from this week I shared on Twitter.   Actually, if you aren't on Twitter yet, there are some posts here to help.

Let me start with Tim Tyrell-Smith's post on the sales funnel and target companies!  This is WHY target companies and marketing plans work.  This is why traditional job search fails.

How to Create a Job Search Funnel from Tim's Strategy

Defining an Target Audience for your Personal Brand from Brand-Yourself.com

This post takes the Tim's idea to the next level of implementation!  Who needs to know about you!

These posts are all about using social media to build relationships and communicate your value.  They aren't going to talk about job postings over Twitter...remember, stop chasing the job postings.  Build relationships.

10 Ways to Initiate a Conversation on the Social Web from Social Media Today

You WILL Get Googled Are You Afraid? from Careerealism

The 5 Best Ways to Use Twitter for Your Job Search from The Wise Job Search

10 Ways to Use Twitter Lists from Mashable

Leadership Gurus to Follow (on Twitter)  from New Rules of Work

Twitter in 3 Easy Steps

Part of maintaining and expanding your network, personal brand and reputation could/should include using Twitter.  You say, "But I don't know how!".  It is much easier than you think.  However, before you get started, write down the answers to these questions:

SETTING UP YOUR PROFILE

1) What will your twitter handle be?  Your name?  Or a catchy title?  Avoid being cute.

2) What location do you want to be "tagged" to?  Is that important?  I've seen "worldwide", "online", and other creative locations.

3) What website will you reference?  If you don't have a website or blog, you could reference your LinkedIn URL or perhaps your VisualCV URL.

4) What will you put in your 140 character bio?  This is not a lot of space.  Each word matters.  You don't need to use complete sentences.

5) Yes, you need a photo!

NOTE:  You can always go back and edit items 2-5, but not #1.

SENDING YOUR FIRST TWEETS

Now you are ready to send your first Tweets.  If you want to share an article, usually you can find a Retweet button somewhere on the original post.  That's easiest because it will usually shorten the URL.  Your first tweets should be on topic.  This is how you are creating an awareness of what you KNOW. 

There are more helpful resources about sending tweets here:

Twitter Guidebook from Mashable

Twitter Personal Branding Checklist from Personal Branding Blog

The Twitter Job Search Guide review by Meg Guiseppi

FOLLOW FOLKS OF INTEREST

One of the easiest ways to do see who might be of interest to follow is to look at other peoples' lists.

 

Following others lists allows you to lurk and observe for awhile.  Get the lay of the land.

To start following people of interest to YOU, go to Twellow and create a free account.  Twellow is like the yellow pages for twitter.  You can search by category, twellowhood (location), keyword etc.  

 

Eventually, you will want to add target companies and people within target companies.  Follow professional associations, follow anyone you want really. 

Getting started isn't as hard as it sounds and it doesn't take a lot of time.  Test the waters!

To Blog or Not to Blog

Creating a blog is an excellent way to begin developing your "brand" and start managing your career.  I've been speaking with several people recently about starting one.  I truly believe any one can do this and have fun with it.  There are some things to consider before testing the waters of blogging (and by no means am I the expert on this, just a practitioner sharing her thoughts.)

Why do you want to blog?

Do you want to blog because you want to create an online presence?  Do you want to share your expertise?  Do you like writing and are looking for a format in which to do this?

Do you care if anyone reads it?

In other words, is there an audience who would be interested in reading what you have to say?  When I started, the only one I knew reading my blog was my Dad.  He would send me emails critiquing my work.  There were others who began to read it but few commented on the blog.  It was like hearing crickets chirping and I wondered, "is this even worth it?"

How often will you add to your content?

There is no wrong or right answer here, however, the "experts" say that building a lot of content can increase your Google Search rankings.

What will you blog about?

This is probably the most important point. What is the "brand" or reputation you are trying to create for yourself? You want you topics to be "on brand" or related to the type of work you want to be known for.  Sure, it is OK to go off-topic or off-brand once in awhile, but, if the purpose of blogging is to increase the awareness of you, I would recommend that you write about something that will promote you professionally. 

How will you let people know about your blog?

You can add your blog to your LinkedIn profile.  You can share your posts on some of your LinkedIn groups, you can put it on your business card and you can Tweet it.  Just to let you know, I've seen a large increase in my readership since I started using Twitter.  These two tools are very symbiotic.

If you are truly serious about taking your blogging idea to the next level, you will probably want to speak with people who are blogging.  You will also want to read about blogging.  Here are some of the resources that were recommended to me to help you learn more about blogging:

ProBlogger.  This post on 5 Steps for Planning the Direction of Your blog is super!

The Blog Catalog

I would like to provide two additional thoughts about blogging:

• Blogging is supposed to be interactive.  Ask for comments and feedback.
• Anyone can read what you've written, so be aware.

Monitoring Media: A Must for Career Management

I remember about 10 years ago, the only way to get press release, financial and other news about companies was to go to the library. You would sift through periodicals and perhaps even read articles on tape (do they still use this?)  Today, we are overwhelmed with digital information - blogs, websites, Twitter, etc.  This is good and bad.

Good because it makes it easier to find what we are looking for, bad because it can be overwhelming.

If you haven't started converting over to consuming digital information yet, it is probably time to start.  It allows you to conveniently stay on top of what is going on in your industry, occupation, and city.  It also allows you to monitor your brand, which has never been more important that it is today.

The idea is to have all this information in one simple spot that you can regularly peruse and Google reader might just be the answer. Google Alerts is the other.

If you subscribe to certain newsletters, you might be able to receive them in your Google reader.  Some you won't be able to.  But if there is a link to them on the internet, try and add it to your subscription.

If you read a good article online, chances are that site might be a source for other good information.  Add it to your reader.  I wrote a post about this awhile ago with more explanation.

Use Google Alerts to monitor what's going on with your target companies and find out about other companies and people in your field. Meg Guiseppi wrote a very helpful post on how to utilize alerts, Google Alerts Amplify Your Executive Brand Visibility and Job Search

I won't go any further, but will mention that joining groups on LinkedIn and using Twitter are very important to monitoring your field. 

I Think I Can

Do you remember the story of the "Little Engine That Could"?  Imagine my surprise when my Star-Wars-loving, DS Nintendo-toting son, brought that book home with a gleam of excitement in his eyes, declaring this was a great story.  That little blue engine accepted the assignment and determinedly pulled the toys over the hill to the good little boys and girls on the other side of the mountain.

Do you also remember the clown and the toys?  They displayed as much perseverance and persistence as the little blue engine.  They knew where they wanted to go and exactly why they wanted to get there. They were polite and direct in their requests. (They sound like good job seekers, don't they?) 

They were rejected by a shiny new passenger engine, a freight engine, and old tired engine. These passer-bys snubbed the desperate, kind toys with the words  "I won't pull the likes of you."

This story is as much about the selfishness of those other engines as it is about the success of the little engine that could.

We all are faced with the opportunity to help others. How often do we take the time to make a difference?

Setting Yourself Apart with a 30-60-90 Day Plan

You've been invited back for your second or third interview and you want to really "Wow" them.  You want them to know how truly interested you are in the company and job.  Can creating a 30-60-90 Day plan seal the deal?

What Goes Into the Plan?

It is a written document explaining how you will transition and excel and provide value to your future employer within those time frames.  It can be as specific or general as you want.  There are some really great ideas over on The Medical Sales Recruiter's blog, Use a 30-60-90 day plan ....  I know, you aren't in medical sales, however, these ideas carry over to all positions in all industries. We are all in sales today.  Look for ways you can apply  Peggy McKee's recommendations.  I've summarized some of her points below:

The 30 day section of your plan is usually about how you will learn the company's systems, procedures, people, customers/clients and overall culture.

The 60 day section of your plan can outline how you plan to continue to assess the company, and begin to use your strengths.

The 90 day section of your plan shows how you will take what you've learned and begin to put it into action. How will you meet some of the goals stated in the job description?

I Can't Answer These Questions

Perhaps another reason to think about creating a plan is that it will make you a better interviewer.  Before you start a new job, don't you want to plan or at least think about what your first 90 days on the job will look like?

Will Presenting this Plan Really Make a Difference?

Only time will tell. Using this plan is demonstrating to the interviewer that you are serious about their job and their company.  It shows you have initiative and you know how to organize your goals. It is also showing that you know how to transition into a new job.  Maybe you'll decide to bring it to Day One of your job to share with your new boss. Perhaps the exercise of creating this plan is just for you.   It might help you make a better decision in accepting the job or not. 

Who is going to give it a try?  Or maybe you have already... Let us know.

Portfolio Careers- One Year Later

It was exactly one year ago that I wrote this.  It is time to bring it up front again.  My friend and fellow blogger across the pond, Dr. Barrie Hopson co-wrote a book on portfolio careers, And What Do You Do? 10 steps to creating a portfolio career  It is now available in the US on Amazon! 

I have written about Portfolio careers before and I was asked the other day how to go about starting a portfolio. 

Before we go there, let me say, it may not be for everyone.  Here are some characteristics of people who might do well pursuing this type of option.  The list comes from Portfolio Careers

• Self-starters
• Excellent time managers who organize their lives very well Live with ambiguity and often find little difference between their work and free time
• They are largely in control of their own destiny
• Do not like to be bossed ie. have a need for independence
• High energy
• Prepared to market themselves and actually enjoy networking
• Like change and variety
• Not afraid to take risks
• Cope well with stress and pressure
• Feel positive about themselves
• Enjoy deadlines
• Love to learn
• Not driven purely by money & not over anxious if they have insufficient amounts at some times
• Like to be in control generally
• Assertive
• Multi-taskers

If many of these describe you, start thinking about what you love doing.  Then ask if you can do it on a part time basis? Per gig basis?  Contract basis?  Is there a book in it?  Could you blog about it?  Could you sell it on-line?

If you are really great at helping coordinate events (volunteer or paid), who might need you on a part time or per event basis?  Colleges, non-profits, corporate?  All of them. 

JibberJobber has posts dedicated to describing the multiple income streams of Jason Alba and others.  It can also provide ideas on how you can find opportunities.

The next step is to do your research and find out why they need to purchase your services. Talk to people in the industry.  Ask what their challenges are around this area you are interested in. 

Construct a list of company names who would be likely to benefit.  Think more than one company...greater odds of success. 

Then develop a convincing proposal and followup persistently.  The proposal might contain:

• Introduction/Summary of Skills
• Supporting research/data for the use of your services
• Proposed Scope of Work
• Cost

There is another source where the topic is frequently address at Employment Digest.  Take a look!

Summary Sunday

In honor of the droves of folks who have secured new jobs, I thought I would share some of the posts I've read that have a connection to managing your career. 

Eight Thoughts on Elegant Leadership from Keith Ferrazzi

Ten Things You Can Do Today to Earn Respect in the Workplace from What Would Dad Say

Emotion- The Dual-Edged Workplace Sword from CareerRocketeer

You Must Earn the Right to be Heard from Buzz to Bucks

39 Ways to Live, and Not Merely Exist from Dumb Little Man

Are You An Elite from Seth Godin

Whether you've secured a new job or not, I highly encourage you to read Linchpin by Seth Godin.  It is going to help you understand how you will survive and thrive in the workplace today, promise!

10 Ways to Re-Use Old Business Cards

You have them, don't you- a box or stack of old business cards that sits wastefully in your desk or perhaps they are in the box in the attic along with your old work files.  Perhaps you resigned and boxed them up along with your other desk items, maybe you were laid off and took everything you possibly could as a way of getting back at your employer, or maybe your title changed or your company revamped its logo, leaving you with leftover out of date cards.

I never knew what to do with the cards, until I had a conversation the other night with Kate. So it got me thinking, what can we do with old business cards?

1. Carry them in your purse/wallet to balance teetering tables at coffee joints or restaurants
2. Use them to jot down short shopping lists
3. Line the cat litter box with them
4. Keep them by the fireplace to use as kindling
5. Put them in the kids craft closet, kids are truly creative
6. Write recipes on them for a mini recipe box
7. Use them for daily to-do lists
8. Scrap paper by the phone
9. Wallpaper your office
10. Use them to label frozen food

Let's be "green" and recycle this expensive printed material...what have you done with your old business cards?

The Interview: A Well Rehearsed Performance or Hacked Improv?

Each month I am honored to collaborate with a community of resume writers and career coaches called the Career Collective, this post is one of many responses to ideas and concrete steps to secure your future in a changed economy.  I encourage you to visit other members' responses, linked at the end of m post. Please follow our hashtag on Twitter: #careercollective.

   This month's question explores:

"What should job seekers do now to prepare for interviews?"

Practice Your Answers Out Loud

As crazy as this may sound, it is really important to practice your interview answers out loud. 

You may have spent hours rehearsing the answers in your head but when you go to open your mouth, seldom does the answer come out like what you were practicing. 

Whether it is in front of the mirror, on video, or over the phone with your cousin Isabelle in Massachusetts, just do it. 

An actor in one of my interviewing classes told us about the 3 steps actors use to rehearse lines:

1. Memorize
2. Internalize
3. Personalize 

You don't want to sound robotic, you want your answers to sound "fresh".  That's one of the keys. 

I also have heard people tell me that they don't need to memorize their answer, that they are better winging it.  As you can imagine, they are not as good as they think.

Each time you practice out loud you will feel more confident about your answer.  It becomes crisper.  Most importantly it becomes more concise. 

Do Your Research Before the Interview.

Develop accomplishment stories that will specifically relate to the job and company you will be interviewing for.  Know these stories and know why they are important to the interviewer. 

Research the company and person you will be interviewing for.  It will give you a level of comfort entering into the conversation.  Search for their name and company within Google, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. 

Prepare Questions You Will Ask During the Interview.

In addition to company and job specific questions, prepare open ended, non-leading questions. 

• What are the most significant factors affecting your business today?

• What is the greatest demand for your services or product?

• How do you differ from your competition?

• Describer your star employee.  What are the qualities of people who perform best in this?

• If this company was known for 3 things as a workplace, what do you think those 3 would be?

• What trends do you see in the future that will affect your organization and industry?

By asking these open ended questions, you allow the interviewer to speak about the issues that are most important to them- right now.  Listen carefully to which path they chose to take as they answer.  You may think you know the answers, but the interviewer might have a different logic. 

 

Don't save all your questions for the end.  The interview should be a dialog with your interviewer.  The flow should go something like this:  They ask you a question.  You provide an answer and ask them a question. They ask another question.  However, if the interviewer is inexperienced this can be quite challenging.  They may do all the talking.  Listen dutifully.  Be careful not to threaten their egos by interrupting.

One Last Suggestion.

Develop a new mantra, perhaps thinking differently will allow you to approach this event totally differently.  Instead of thinking "I want this job", "I need this job"- change your programming to "DO I WANT THIS JOB?"

 

Sit Down and Panic. The Interview is Yours @GayleHoward

How to Stand Out in a Job Interview @heathermundell

Avoid These Reference Mistakes @DawnBugni

Unspoken Secrets of Job Interviewing Prep: How Your Nonverbal Presentation and Behaviors Impact the Impression You Make @KatCareerGal

Prep for Interviews Now: Snuff out the Elephant in the Room Later! @chandlee << not working yet

What Should Job Seekers Do Now to Prepare for an Interview @erinkennedycprw

Take a Ride in the Elevator Before You Interview @barbarasafani

Are You Ready for the Elephant in the Room? @WorkWithIllness

"Tell Me About Yourself" (Oh, Yikes!), @KCCareerCoach

The job interview as a shared narrative @WalterAkana

Prepare your references for job search success @Keppie_Careers

No Pain No Gain In Job Search and Interview Prep @ValueIntoWords

Job searching? Take a cue from the Boy Scouts @LaurieBerenson

Preparing for Career Success Starts with Interviewing the Employers @JobHuntOrg 

What Mountain Will You Climb Today?

OK, Procrastinate Instead!

Is there an obstacle you are facing this week? How will you overcome it?  What will you need to do the job?

Before you decide to tackle any of these, take some time and watch this!

We all procrastinate, right?!  In job search, at work, in school.  Laugh a little and see what changes you'll want to make!

Share Your Secret

Are failing job seekers hiding or is the job market really bad? 

I have to wonder why so many people are unemployed.  Is it because they lack the skills to fill needed jobs as many employers are saying, or is it that they are hiding?  Or is it that they don't know how to talk and write about their skills?  Or is it because they don't know how to find available jobs? Maybe it is because the successful job seekers aren't sharing their secrets. 

Obviously, there isn't just one thing that contributes to their success.  Nor is there one thing that puts someone into the category of an unsuccessful job seeker. 

People who have secured a new job have these things in common:

• Confident in their abilities
• Understand where the demand for their jobs exist
• Positive attitude
• Strong network
• Persistent

These are the basics. Certainly there are other reasons they are successful.  Wouldn't it be nice to know more? 

If you would like to share what you think contributed to your securing a new job, please, help others by sharing.  If an online forum isn't for you, then find another way to help inspire others! 

Start with A Plan to Grow Your Network

Why Do You Need A Network:

The chances of your securing your next job solely because you had resume posted online or submitted a resume online are slim to none.  Can it happen?  Sure.  But, when was the last time you were struck by lightening?  Those are the kinds of odds I'm talking about. 

Everyone, must start purposefully growing their network. Perhaps I should more clearly define what I mean.  Purposefully and genuinely start nurturing and expanding the people you interact with and share information with.  Climb out of your cube.  One day, maybe sooner than you think, you will find yourself either dissatisfied with your job/employer or laid off. 

Dan Schwabel's Personal Branding Blog shared these stats, that I hope will shock you into taking action:

• 70% of jobs are secured through networking (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
• Jobs seekers spend 68% of their time looking at online job postings–and less than one-third of their time reaching out to others (UpMo.com)

If you are interested in reading his full post, you can find it here!

Who Do You Need To Know:

Start thinking about who you need to know.  This can be truly difficult if you haven't thought about it before.  Who are the people in your industry or occupation you need to meet because they are doing it really well or being recognized as top performers.  You may find them in a trade publication, association news letter or even the newspaper.  They win awards, give presentations, hold leadership positions.  Start creating a "Wish List" of people you would like to meet.

How Will You Meet Them:

Before you start "cold calling" these "need to know" people and asking to network (YUCK!), find out who you know who may know them.  Ask your friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, everyone, if they know this person and if they might be able to introduce you.  You will need to explain to everyone WHY you want to meet them.  Bear in mind, it isn't just about you.  What do you know that might be of value to this "need to know" person?  Again, this requires a bit of thinking and perhaps research. 

If they belong to an association, they may attend monthly meetings.  They may be giving a presentation.  They are, most likely, networking.  Find out where they "hang out"and go.

If you are on LinkedIn, it is much easier than ever before to find out who knows who.  If you aren't already on LinkedIn, now is the time.

What Will You Say:

This, my friends, is most important.  You don't want to sound like a stalker.  You don't want to come across as desperate either.  Genuinely and sincerely state the reason you would like to meet them and share something you know will be of value to them.

Theory vs Practice:

I know, I know, in theory this sounds really simple.  It is much more difficult to carry out.  But don't let that be the reason you don't do it.  Ask really good networkers for advice.  Read books and blogs.  Think of it as a self-improvement action item. 

11 Tips for Completing the Online Application

What is the purpose of an online application anyway?

An online application is serving two purposes:

1.  It is a legal document to cover HR.

2.  It is tool used to weed out applicants.

Sounds horrible, doesn't it.  My disclaimer is, I am not an HR professional.  I am a guide to help job seekers navigate the process of getting hired.  I might also add, that those two statements are very big picture.  I am sure there are companies who truly believe in their online application system and try and use them for the greater good of finding the right candidate.  But the fact remains, as they review the submissions, they are screening out candidates. That's their job.

The other day, a job seeker was asking a question she had about an online application.  Her question was: "What do you think they meant by ...?"  She wasn't sure what answer to give them.  If she provided the right answer, her application would move forward in the process.  If she gave the wrong information, she'd end up in the wastebasket.  There was a lot riding on her response on the application.  You know how she resolved it?  She guessed at what she THOUGHT they meant. 

The difficult and best way to handle the question would have been... to call the employer and ask what they meant.  Seems logical, but why didn't she do this?  It would take time, she probably would get voicemail.  She might be perceived as dumb?

The next time you aren't sure what someone is looking for, ask for clarification.  (This is true in an interview as well!)

Here are some other reminders for filling out an online application:

1. Never lie.  It is a legal document. 
2. Use correct capitalization (upper and lower case) when filling in the blanks.
3. Insert all the right key words from the job posting (remember rule #1)
4. Follow all instructions to the letter.
5. Add as much detail as will fit in the job responsibilities.  Use Action and Result bullets, like you did on your resume.  Make sure they fit the level of the job you are applying for.
6. Avoid using FIRED as your reason for leaving- a layoff is not "fired".  Fired means you did something really bad.
7. Do thorough research about the job and company before entering salary requirements.  The number may not be "how much you need to pay your bills". Use a range if possible
8. Break long careers with one company into individual jobs at that company.
9. Keep personal information to a minimum.  Don't confess medical problems or negative information about yourself or the employer on your application.
10. Use exact dates of employment.  If you don't know, find out now.  This question comes up a lot.
11. Don't expect this application to get you an interview.  Find insiders to recommend you.

I am being a bit glib with some items on this list.  If you have questions about what I mean, please ask for clarification. 

If you have tips you would like to add/share, please, do so!

Summary Sunday

Here are some of my favorite posts from this week. Each week I find new people to follow and new blogs to read. In sharing them, I hope you learn something new and/or find a new blog to read.  Happy Hunting!

10 Commandments of Networking from Career Rocketeer

10 New Rules for Today's Job Hunt from On Careers

Top 10 Personal Branding Articles April 2010 from Personal Branding 101

Social Media Is Communication from Buzz101

More on Google Alerts from Brand-Yourself.com

How to Identify and Select Target Employers to Land a New from Netshare

31 Ways to Uncover the Interesting Parts of You from Tim's Strategy

Avoiding the Resume Black Hole Tactics for Getting Your Resume Noticed from UpMo

Hope you've found something here that hits a chord or fills a need. 

Coasting Through Your Career

 Looking back over my work (not sure if I can truly call it a career), I've been lucky and I've been stupid.  Hindsight is a wonderful thing.  If I had only known then what I know now...

I've been writing some advice for graduating college students to get involved and build relationships.  I wrote those things and meant them, however, I only half heartedly did that myself. 

The same is true about the advice I provide about managing your career.  I can't say I've always practiced what I preach.  But when I write about things, I look at how I "should" have done it, learning from my own mistakes or mishaps; as well as from looking at the mentors and sages of the world.

Sometimes I've coasted through- not engaging, not networking. I can say, however, that now that I've seen the light of living an engaged and networked career, it is so much more fulfilling. 

I hope you all will know the feeling of being fulfilled!  It isn't all work, it isn't all play.  It is a balance that rejuvenates your spirit, mind and body.

Are You Lurking or Participating?

Are you a "lurker"?  I guess I should define the term to be sure you know what I mean.  According to Wikipedia:

"In Internet culture, a lurker is a person who reads discussions on a message board, newsgroup, chatroom, file sharing or other interactive system, but rarely or never participates actively. Research indicates that "lurkers make up over 90% of online groups" (Nonnecke & Preece 2000). Lack of trust represents one of the reasons explaining lurking behavior (Ridings, Gefen & Arinze 2006)."

Is it a lack of trust that prevents you from engaging? Spam, violation of your privacy...what is preventing you from participating? Why should you bother?

"Trust Agents" and "Crush It", two amazing books I've recently read, reference lurking. It is, according to them, a good first step to take when exploring new tools.

So, there's nothing wrong in getting the "lay of the land".  Figuring out who's active and how they are active in the groups you are newly part of is pretty smart.  However, at some point, once you've figured it out, you need to participate.

Participating means commenting and sharing.  Why is this important? 

• Creates an awareness of you
• Demonstrates knowledge/expertise

I moderate a LinkedIn group exclusively for job seekers who have completed a job search training program.  There are over 500 members.  The majority of them do not participate. Perhaps it is lack of trust or maybe they don't know that they can share news or add discussions.

I am also part of a Yahoo Group which is extremely active. People regularly post information.  But you know what?  It is a clunky tool.  It is email based, it is difficult to find user profile information.  Yahoo groups were wonderful when they were first invented, but we've come so far. (Sorry, got sidetracked). Members of this group lurk too.  They majority don't participate.  When they do participate, they have been encouraged to "introduce themselves".  They post a long boring resume-type message. 

If you are ready to stop lurking, then begin posting information that is "on brand". You can do this in any of the "groups" you belong to or tools you use (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter)  What I mean is, if you are an Electrical Engineer, share an article, news or link that would help other electrical engineers. Look for ways to help others. 

Instead of "introducing yourself" begin by participating!  Your reputation will precede you (if done correctly).

Are You Lurking or Participating?

Are you a "lurker"?  I guess I should define the term to be sure you know what I mean.  According to Wikipedia:

"In Internet culture, a lurker is a person who reads discussions on a message board, newsgroup, chatroom, file sharing or other interactive system, but rarely or never participates actively. Research indicates that "lurkers make up over 90% of online groups" (Nonnecke & Preece 2000). Lack of trust represents one of the reasons explaining lurking behavior (Ridings, Gefen & Arinze 2006)."

Is it a lack of trust that prevents you from engaging? Spam, violation of your privacy...what is preventing you from participating? Why should you bother?

"Trust Agents" and "Crush It", two amazing books I've recently read, reference lurking. It is, according to them, a good first step to take when exploring new tools.

So, there's nothing wrong in getting the "lay of the land".  Figuring out who's active and how they are active in the groups you are newly part of is pretty smart.  However, at some point, once you've figured it out, you need to participate.

Participating means commenting and sharing.  Why is this important? 

• Creates an awareness of you
• Demonstrates knowledge/expertise

I moderate a LinkedIn group exclusively for job seekers who have completed a job search training program.  There are over 500 members.  The majority of them do not participate. Perhaps it is lack of trust or maybe they don't know that they can share news or add discussions.

I am also part of a Yahoo Group which is extremely active. People regularly post information.  But you know what?  It is a clunky tool.  It is email based, it is difficult to find user profile information.  Yahoo groups were wonderful when they were first invented, but we've come so far. (Sorry, got sidetracked). Members of this group lurk too.  They majority don't participate.  When they do participate, they have been encouraged to "introduce themselves".  They post a long boring resume-type message. 

If you are ready to stop lurking, then begin posting information that is "on brand". You can do this in any of the "groups" you belong to or tools you use (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter)  What I mean is, if you are an Electrical Engineer, share an article, news or link that would help other electrical engineers. Look for ways to help others. 

Instead of "introducing yourself" begin by participating!  Your reputation will precede you (if done correctly).

They Don't Teach Job Search, Do They?

When you were in high school or college for that matter, when did someone teach you how to search for a job?

At my college there was a career center.  It was tucked away in a building I never visited.  Not once. 

I learned how to look for my work through my parents, specifically my dad, who had his own executive search company. He didn't sit me down and help write my resume.  He didn't coach me on my interview answers.  He introduced me to people who might have a job.

The point I am trying to make here is twofold.  First, job search 101 classes are optional and given the choice, who would want to take them over the fun and entertaining "Underwater basket weaving"?  Second, there is way too much emphasis put on writing a good resume.  I have never landed an interview because of my stellar resume.  It has always been my relationships that have opened a door.

For those of you with children, take the time now to "teach" your kids how to search for a job. That means showing them the importance of developing relationships with teachers, coaches, parents, everyone who might have a connection to a job.  Introduce them to your friends. Also be sure to help them develop strong communication and interpersonal skills- making eye contact, using active listening, being polite.  Truly coach them on these important subtleties.  Where else will they learn this stuff?  

If you don't have kids, think about  your friends and colleagues.  Do they get it?  Do they know what you know about job search?  If they haven't done it in awhile, then the answer is, they need your guidance now, not when they are out of work.

Managing your career includes:

• Learning what is going on in your industry
• Participating in professional organizations, conferences, meetings
• Talking with people doing similar work
• Ensuring their is an "awareness" of your talents internally and externally
• Always perusing the job market for interesting opportunities
• Maintaining connections with recruiters

It has never been more important to take care of you than it is today.  Help spread the word, because tomorrow any of us could be searching for our next job. 

Marketing Your On-Line Presence

Part of my personal mission is to share information.  Why?  Because I like finding information to share and I believe that once you've shared it, it can grow into something bigger and better.

I shared an invitation to create a Google/YouTube ShareStory on my  Career Sherpa Facebook page 

and on Twitter,

Why create a sharestory?  Because it is a form of marketing and self promotion. And it forces you to examine your online presence.  Plus...it may take you out of your comfort zone. 

Creating a ShareStory is simple.

Follow this link. 

Then begin entering keywords in Google that will find you on the internet. 

It will walk you through the rest of the steps.

Here is what mine looks like. 

Bill Griffin used his to tell the story of how he landed his job.  You can watch it here. 

Mike Lally used it to create awareness of his presence on the web. Here is his link.

I am pretty sure you all can get pretty creative.  Please, share your link either in a comment here or on my Career Sherpa Facebook page.  

Feel free to follow me on Twitter and/or "like" my Facebook page! 

I look forward to seeing your videos!

Another Example of "Perception Is Reality"

Having an on-line presence may never be more important

If you are a job seeker (active or passive) you have probably heard that it is important to build your on-line reputation.  Have you begun?  The facts are in.  79% of hiring managers are searching for information about candidates on-line.  Furthermore, 85 percent of the recruiting professionals polled said that they were positively influenced when they found favorable information online.

Thanks to a study commissioned by Microsoft and NETSHARE.com, I will share with you the findings.  

How did these surveyed recruiters and hiring managers use the information they found on-line?

Having a presence and a positive/professional one is the magic combination.  How are you managing your on-line reputation?  Please share.

Managing Your Personal CRM and Network

Are you looking to improve how you manage your network?  How are you:

• keeping up to date with what's going on
• sourcing information on target companies and hiring managers
• reminding people about your talents

In the world of sales, they've developed tools to track "leads".  CRM (customer relationship management) databases are important.  But with all databases, garbage in, garbage out.  As the owner of this database, you will want to do a thorough job of collecting and categorizing your contacts.

Many of us use the good old Excel spreadsheet.  That's great.  But, given the fact that you seldom sit behind your computer, you may want to have mobile access to your network.  Blackberry, Droid, whatever Smart phone you may be using has wonderful apps to make this easier.  Is there a way to improve upon this?

I just signed up for Gist.  I think this free tool might actually be very helpful to job seekers.

Videos on how to use and maximize these tools!

Gist

Use Gist to Organize Your Job Hunting Contacts from Career Enlightenment

Gist helps build stronger relationships by connecting the inbox to the web to provide business-critical information about the people and companies that matter most. (from their website)

What is Gist? 

Gist is probably best if you are using social media and are active on the internet. You can see what your network is up to real time by their Twitter stream, and other activities posted on the internet.

JibberJobber

JibberJobber  from Jibberjobber and Jason Alba (watch the video)

JibberJobber allows you to keep track of the information you collect during a job search. Track the companies that you apply to (Target Companies). Track each job that you apply for, and log the status of each application (date of first interview, date thank you letter sent, etc.). Want to know where you sent your different resumes? Use JibberJobber to keep track of it! (from their website)

What is JibberJobber?

Here is the Quick Start Guide

JibberJobber is highly intuitive. If you are already using an spreadsheet to track your contacts and target companies, this might be easier to transfer over to.  The benefits to using Jibberjobber include a free lifetime membership, in other words, you will always have access to your account!  The other benefit is that no matter where you are, you just need to log into your account to see your information.  No more carrying around your spreadsheets, unless you like doing that.

LinkedIn

What Is LinkedIn (watch the video)

LinkedIn is simpler still.  Find your connections and invite them to connect with you.  You can watch their updates on LinkedIn.  If you still aren't using this tool to manage your network, please, get going.

Summary Sunday

Here's what I've been reading and sharing this week. 

10 Commandments for Better Networking from Interview Angel

Face-to-Face Networking with Care from The Personal Branding Blog

On Line Portfolios Done Right from Heather Huhman

7 Benefits of Social Media Marketing Revealed from Penn Olson

Taking care of your network has never been more important.  Managing your "brand" is equally important.  I'll keep driving home these points every chance I get. 

I hope you all have a great week!

Please feel free to share this with anyone you know who may need it!

The Trio Every Worker Must Read

Linchpin, Trust Agents and Crush It...just finished them all.  What a perfect trio.  You've heard me say  that the world of work is changing.  These three books helped me understand that better and studied how social media is involved in the change. The tools available to us all right now make it easier to do what we want to really do. 

Portfolio careers will most certainly be on the rise as we move forward.  At least having multiple streams of income, rather than one traditional job seems to me to be the safest career management practice. Trust Agents and Crush It helped me understand how anyone with a passion and determination can make this happen.

The traditional business models have morphed. This has made it easier to enter the world of being a solopreneur.  If you read Trust Agents and Crush It you will understand why and how!

If you are interested in owning your career, you owe it to yourself to take in these three books!

6 Wishes for College Graduates

This is the time of year when college seniors begin to really think about what they'll do after they graduate.  Some, perhaps few, have jobs lined up already. Finding a job is difficult, especially if you haven't had "real experience" to put on your resume.  But that shouldn't be an issue if you understand how to translate your college activities into "experience". 

The same advice holds true for anyone searching for a new job.  Learning how to translate your past experiences into something your future employer will value is difficult.  It requires an understanding of what your future employer would be looking for and an understanding of sales and marketing!  Spinning is a very valuable skill!

It always helps if you have something to work with first, so here are my 6 wishes for anyone who is serious about managing their career:

1.  Get involved.

Do more than just get good grades or do your job.  Take initiative and get involved in projects, groups, activities that will build skills and connections.

2.  Build relationships.

Make connections inside and outside your normal circle.  You can never know enough people.

3.  Find a mentor or mentors.

Find people you respect and either set up a formal or informal mentoring relationship. 

4.  Be "Other-centric". 

It isn't all about you.  Give whatever you can and do it generously.  Volunteering is always a good idea but what I'm talking about goes much deeper.  Showing an interest/concern for others should be practiced in thought, word and deed.

5.  Continue to Learn

Just because you're out of school doesn't mean you've finished learning.  Continue to seek information.  Soak up new ideas. Commit to being a life-long learner.

6.  Develop Resiliency

This is going to be a bumpy ride.  Things won't go the way you plan.  Be able to adapt and adjust.  Learn how to roll with the punches and make lemonade out of lemons. 

These wishes apply to us all, no matter what stage of life we are in.  What advice/wishes do you have for someone embarking on a new phase of life? 

Learning How to Use LinkedIn

Whether you are actively seeking a new job, looking for like-minded thinkers, sourcing any kind of new solution, LinkedIn is the place to start!

This is THE best tool to use to find information about people.  I don't think many really understand its full power, so I wanted to share some resources!

First is the LinkedIn Learning Center.  

There is a section of information dedicated to the job seeker and helps explain how to begin getting the most out of LinkedIn.  Here's what the page looks like:

You will also find excellent simple videos by LinkedIn on YouTube.  Here are a couple of links:

LinkedIn Job Seeker Introduction Video

Create a 100% Complete Profile

Listing of all tips produced by LinkedIn

Learn how to mine this master database of over 65 million users worldwide to find the people you need to be talking to! 

Where do you go to learn about LinkedIn? 

Movers and Shakers Meeting This Week

The Career Management Alliance Conference begins today! 

This is where all the big names in career management come together and share their information.  It is one of the major events of the year and this is their 40th conference. 

There are job seekers out there who are saying, who cares.  I know.  But I need to follow my own advice about staying current and understanding what the trends are in my industry, right.

I wanted to mention this here, because it can help you follow the big names in the field.  Here is the agenda and I hope you take a minute to add these speakers/presenters to your regular reading.  For those of you who won't follow the link to the agenda, I am listing some of the big names here for you to pay attention to:

Jason Alba, CEO & Creator of JibberJobber.com

Jania Bailey, President & COO, FranNet

Dick Bolles, Author, What Color is Your Parachute? A Practical Guide for Job-Hunters and Career Changers

Chandlee Bryan, President, Best Fit Forward

Jack Chapman, Author, Negotiating Your Salary: How to Make $1000 a Minute

Joel Cheesman, Senior Vice President, Jobing.com

Gerry Crispin, Principal and Co-Founder, CareerXroads

Sherrill A. Curtis, SPHR, Principal and Creative Director, Curtis Consulting Group, LLC

Deb Dib, President, Executive Power Brand

Debra Feldman, Executive Talent Agent, JobWhiz

Paul Forster, CEO and Co-Founder, Indeed

Steve Gallison, Director, Professional Outplacement Assistance Center (POAC)

Chris Galy, Director of Talent Delivery, Intuit, Inc.

Wendy Gelberg, Founder, Gentle Job Search/Advantage Resumes

Robyn Greenspan, Editor-in-Chief, Execunet

Angela Guidroz, Recruitment Manager for Military Sourcing and Strategy, Sodexo

Ken Lazar, Founder, The Scioto Ridge Job Networking Group®, LLC

Yves Lermusi, CEO and Founder, Checkster

Carla Major, VP of Human Resources and Community Relations for Harrah’s New Orleans Casino & Hotel

Don Orlando, Owner, The McLean Group

Jacqui Barrett-Poindexter, Chief Career Writer and Owner, Career Trend

Miriam Salpeter, Owner and Career Action Coach, Keppie Careers

Beth W. Stefani, Founder and President, Inspire Careers, Inc.

Greg Taylor, Executive Recruiter, Excelsior Search Partners

Don Watson, Dallas/Denver Deputy Regional Administrator and Regional Program Analyst, Department of Labor Veterans Employment Services (VETS)

Peter Weddle, CEO, WEDDLES

Susan Britton Whitcomb, Founder and CEO, The Academies

Caitlin Williams, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Counselor Education, San Jose State University

This is quite a line-up and we will most certainly be hearing more about this conference!

If you are on Twitter, by the way, you should be, you can follow the hashtag #cma2010 to get real-time information. 

PS:  For folks in Rochester, NY...do you recognize a name on this list?  Wish @SirLinkedAlot well!

How Do Employers Find Good Candidates?

What is the greatest source of external hiring according to CareerXroads 2009 study? If you understand the answer, you'll also understand why networking is so important. 

26.7% of external hiring came from referrals! 

 

To me, this speaks volumes about how job seekers should be spending their time. Creating a target list of companies and networking will allow you to better find the opportunities you are searching for!

This is also a good time to remind you that many employers offer "Employee Referral Bonus'".  That's right, in many companies, they will pay bonus' to an employee who refers a candidate who is hired.  This bonus is generally paid out in two parts- the first payment occurs shortly after the referred candidate is hired, the second payment occurs after the candidate has been with the company for several months. 

This is a great incentive for employees to refer past coworkers or people they know for job openings.  And this isn't new, it has been around for awhile.

CareerXroads does point out some other interesting points about this reward system:

Have you ever received a referral bonus for recommending someone for a job?  Would you do it again?

Thank you to Deborah Cox for reminding me of this important topic!

Changes In Procedures

In the olden days, I used to fly ever couple of months.  Back then, I would just run into the airport and jump on the plane. Well, it seemed pretty easy compared to today.  Now I only fly once or twice a year.  I am overwhelmed with the new guidelines and procedures.  What happened to "ticket agents" at the main part of a terminal?  There are kiosks now...where did all the people go who could answer my questions?

Finding your gate number is easier now.  The monitors showing flights are colorful and easier to read!  Yeah!

Over in "security" there are long snaky lines.  I have to have my ID out, my toiletries in 3 oz. containers (and in a zip-lock baggy), and then take off my shoes.  For the less experienced traveler and the traveling family, this creates great anxiety.  I watched the veteran travelers zip right through while my family was still gathering their stuff and trying to get their shoes back on.

I can't forget to mention that EVERY traveler had a phone.  Usually a smart phone.  (I have smart phone envy already).  About half the travelers whipped out their laptops upon sitting down either at the gate or on the plane.  I felt left-out without mine.

I mention all these changes because job search and traveling have similarities.  If it has been a while since you've last looked for a new job, you better find out what the new guidelines and procedures are.  The best way to do this is to talk with friends who've recently "flown" into a new job.  There are now thousands of websites and blogs providing job search advice.  I would recommend you read as many as you can.  A great compilation or magazine rack of blogs can be found at AllTop.

The "Unemployment Office" has been replaced by automated procedures, just like the airline ticket agents.  You might find it frustrating to not speak with someone in person.  Persevere, find the loop holes and talk with other veteran travelers.

There are long snaky lines at security points.  On-line applications are used to weed out candidates.  Learn what it is going to take to get yourself through this security.  I happened to notice while flying, special privileges were given to flight crew. 

Last but not least, have your phone and laptop ready at all times.  You need to stay connected.

Whether your destination be for business or pleasure, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Summary Sunday

I'll have to admit, this was a not a very busy week for me on Twitter.  Twitter is where I find many of the posts/articles I recommend reading here.

The other tool I use to source helpful information is my Google Reader which I have set up with over 100 blogs.  I read topics outside of my main topic because they provide additional insight and often relate back anyway.  Marketing, small business, eLearning, social media- these are just some of the categories. Do you use Google reader?  How do you keep up with your news?

Personal Branding Blogs

Personal Branding 101 by Ryan Rancatore

Personal Branding Blog by Dan Schwabel

Brand-Yourself.com by Pete Kistler

Reach Personal Branding Blog by William Arruda

Add these to your reader!

Have a great week!  I'll be away from my computer next week- enjoying some family time.  Feel free to search through some past posts for information or inspiration while I'm gone!

Share What You've Learned in Your Quest

Why do you feel people are not seeking help with their job search?  Were you ever of the mindset that you could do it yourself? You figured out that you needed some help and you began to seek out information.  That led to your discovery of new information and you continued to learn. Right?

If you could tell just one person about something you learned, what would that be? 

This week three people spoke on a panel at a job club I help oversee and shared their job search experience.  These three people have secured new jobs.  Jobs they absolutely love. Their stories were and are inspiring. 

Their quests began during the darkest days when there were very few companies hiring and large numbers of people were being escorted out the door regularly.  Obviously, this was discouraging.  However, they persevered.  They navigated through uncertain career goals.  Two were able to transfer into different occupations within different industries.  The other stayed in the industry of which he had extensive knowledge.

All three were introduced to their current employer through a networking contact.  I hope this tells you something.

Each of them found ways to keep themselves motivated.  Focusing on physical health was something they all found to be helpful.

These three are not slackers.  They are committed individuals who want to contribute to an organization and make a difference.  Obviously this came through during their interviews.

I want to thank Claire Eirmann, Kate Krueger, and Mike Lally for sharing what they've learned.  This is what life is all about! 

Tell Me About Yourself

Possibly one of the most difficult questions for any of us to answer is "Tell Me About Yourself?".  If I asked your friend to tell me about you, they could easily rattle off several interesting things. Overcoming the stage-fright in answering this question is pretty important.  So let's look at ways of doing that.

Number 1, Create a script of what you want to cover in 45 seconds or less.  In the olden days, two years ago, my recommendation on how to answer this question was to complete these 4 key phrases:

I am a...(insert your profession, occupation here)

With expertise in ...(2-3 key skills sets you possess)

My background includes...(list industry experience)

My unique qualities are...(2-3 memorable qualities)

Now let me refine this a bit for 2010. I am doing this because the market is competitive and you have to be better at this than most.  This is the advanced recommendation:

I am known for ...(insert value proposition here)

With expertise in ...(2-3 problems you have solved over your career)

My background includes...(specify industries, company cultures, and/or community experience)

One of the things I am most proud of is...(site an example something you were proud to accomplish)

How to Write You 60 Second Elevator Pitch by Heather Huhman puts a similar spin on the pitch.  

The key is make it your own and know it completely.  That is best done by practicing!  If you have a webcam, you can record it and analyze it.  Or, if you would like, post it over on Career Sherpa's Facebook page and I will provide a quick critique!  

All you need is to post your video on the Discussion Page.

Job Search Is All About Marketing

We all need to learn more about marketing.  Either as an employee or a job seeker, understanding the key trends in marketing is important to your career preservation.

If you are job seeking, then you are launching a new service into the marketplace...that requires you  know how to market your service!

I've written posts about marketing: 

The 4 P's of Marketing

What's Your Value Proposition?

Sales 101

WIIFM

While I don't have formal training or education in the concepts of marketing, I am researching and learning more about it every day. 

How does marketing apply to job seeking and business?  Watch this video.  I've followed iWrite for a while.  They are a super cool company with super cool people and I was honored to help out with their project, "Talking Marketing".  They are on Facebook and have a super website and blog!  Add them to your Google reader!

Just Like Job Seekers, Marketers Need to Use Social Media to Build Trust from Talking Marketing on Vimeo.

It is not the most talented person who rises to the top...it is the person with the greatest brand!  Start thinking like a marketing manager today!

A New Book. The same message.

You all are in trouble...I've started reading another book "Trust Agents" by Chris Brogan.  What this means is that I am going to be cramming his ideas down your throats  sharing some of his points from time to time within my posts.

Why would you read his book?  Because I find it empowering!  It is pointing out that we can take actionable steps to become known as a trust agent.  Better yet, we can manage our careers/destiny.

Since I first started writing this blog, part of my intent was to help people understand that the world has changed since you last looked for a job or perused the job market for a new job.  The standard tactics won't work very well any more.

Being in control of your career has to start today (actually last year).  You need to do this now because it takes time.

Building your network takes time. Solidifying your reputation takes time. Figuring out your strengths and really using them takes time.

If you've read "Trust Agents", tell others why they should read it! 

So You Have Excellent Communication Skills

We read this phrase and use it too often.

"Excellent communication skills, written and oral".

Really?!  What does that say?  What does this mean? How do you quantify or qualify this phrase?

Quite honestly, it is going to take more than communication skills to make it today.  It is about interpersonal skills.  I think employers really mean they are looking for interpersonal skills.  So what's the difference? 

From Wikipedia:

"Communication is a process of transferring information from one entity to another."

"The term "interpersonal skills" is used often in business contexts to refer to the measure of a person's ability to operate within business organizations through social communication and interactions. Interpersonal skills are how people relate to one another."

Which do you think is more valuable to your employer? 

If your occupation requires communication skills, and many do, it is equally important to develop the interpersonal skills.  Being able to clearly communicate information is different than being able to convince people that your communication is worth listening to.

There are subtle nuances involved in effectively communicating.  These nuances usually require making a connection, developing trust, conveying value. 

It is one thing to push your communication out there, it is another thing to get people to listen and it takes something even greater to get them to respond.

Think about this in terms of your resume, cover letter, networking meetings...

Think about this in terms of your performance on the job...

Research to Make the Information Stick

There is a funny thing that happens when you have to research and write a report...the information sticks. 

I still remember a report I had to write in 4th grade about Polar Bears.  I also remember a report I worked on in 5th grade on the state of Texas.  We all have had to write numerous reports over the course of our lives.  Do you remember anything about the topic you reported on? 

Chances are you still remember some of facts.  Why is that?  Perhaps the topic was interesting.  Perhaps your immersion in the subject was all it took. 

When you are seeking employment, the recommendation to select 40-50 target companies is loosely based on this same idea.  As you begin to compile your data from the research of these companies, the information will most likely stick.  You might feel a connection or a greater interest in some of those companies.  This increased interest is visible on the outside.  It is one of the most attractive qualities to future employers.

It has been my experience that job seekers don't research companies completely until the interview has been scheduled.  They cram to soak up all the information they can in a very short time period. 

Why not start today conducting your research on the companies you would like to work for.  What harm can it do?  Will you learn more about your industry in doing this?  Will you gain insight and begin to recognize key names of people in that industry? 

Become a SME (subject matter expert) in your industry.  This is bigger than your occupation.  You will want to be a SME within your occupation as well but understanding the bigger picture will benefit you in the long run.

There are many good resources for conducting research and compiling data.  Do you have a favorite list of questions or areas of investigation you use to research? 

Summary Sunday

The focus of this week's Summary is...interviewing.  As I was gathering posts for this, I saw I wasn't the only one with this idea.  Tim Tyrell-Smith summarized interviewing posts this week as well.  What could this mean?

1. There are more people interviewing for jobs right now (good sign)
2. People need help interviewing.  It requires practice.

To help get you ready for your next interview, here are some of my recent favorite posts on interviewing:

6 Questions You MUST Be Prepared to Answer During Interviews

Job Seeker Blunders: 10 Interview Prep Steps

Interview 3.0 

10 Ways to Ask for the Job at the Interview

5 Easy Things to Say at Your Next Job Interview

Pre Interview Prep

"Buying Signals" in a Job Interview

It is the end of the week, what do you have to show?

I, like many of you, love Fridays.  It gives me permission to stop thinking about work for a couple of days!  However, before I do slip into my mini vacation, I like to look back at the week and see if I've made progress/headway/completed my goals.  Certainly there are some weeks I give myself higher marks than others.

When you look back at your week, what accomplishments have you made?  Were there significant breakthroughs or milestones you crossed?  Did you make yourself smile?  Did you do anything to help someone else?

In my favorite movie there is a wonderful quote:

"A heart is not measured by how much you love but how much you are loved by others."
— Wizard of Oz

It is easy to find ourselves measuring ROI (Return on Investment) and other technicalities, but don't forget the bigger picture! 

Developing a Career Insurance Policy

How many of you would say that collecting Unemployment Insurance and being without a job has been the best part of your career? Has it empowered you?  Has it changed how you think about managing your career?  What will you do differently?  Is it about taking control?  Try and Get a Job the Right Way by Barbara Stafani talks about search and maintenance of your career.

Many job seekers have learned how important it is to network.  They proclaim they will continue to network after they secure a new job.  So sadly, life, work, obligations get in the way and their commitment to networking sometimes fizzles out. 

Absolutely, networking is one form of "career insurance".  However, there may be an even more pro-active productive way of doing this...and the best time to start on this path is while you are employed.

I am talking about a portfolio career.  BNet defines a portfolio career as:

"a career based on a series of varied shorter-term jobs at either concurrently or consecutively as opposed to one based on a progression up the ranks of a particular profession. The portfolio worker is frequently self-employed, offering his or her services on a freelance or consulting basis to one or more employers at the same time. However, a portfolio approach can also be taken to full-time employment with a single employer, if the employee chooses to expand his or her experience and responsibilities through taking different roles within the organization."

Think of it this way.  You have a retirement account and maybe even financial investments.  You don't put all your money into the same fund do you?  You diversify your investments.  You do this as a form of insurance because if one doesn't perform as well, you'll be protected by the others.  This is exactly the same logic you'll want to apply to your career. 

How do I get started, you may be asking?  It starts with assessment.  What do you really enjoy doing?  What are your core competencies?  This is the best place to start. 

I came across The Launch Coach.  7 Steps to Creating Multiple Income Streams is a free downloadable .pdf with great questions to get you started.  Honestly, it really gets you thinking (and I am not getting paid to say this). 

The Employment Digest has written Is A Portfolio Career Right For You?  This post has references to other resources and things to consider before jumping into this arena.

Another valuable resource comes from my friend, Barry Hopson, who has co-authored a book "And What Do You Do" and maintains a blog on the topic of Portfolio Careers. .

Right now, portfolio careers are an option.  With the changes in how employers are doing business and the types of jobs they are hiring for, being a contractor or working on short term projects may be the only option in the future.  

Will you consider diversifying your portfolio today? 

3 Communication Strategies Learned From Meteorologists

I've always thought that being a Meteorologist/weather-woman would be a great job.  What other job do you know of that won't damn you for making a wrong forecast or won't hold you accountable? 

Meteorologists have a wonderful skill in ambiguous language.  What is the difference between

Partly Sunny and Partly Cloudy?

How do you really measure a percentage for a chance of rain?  

And what's with a temperature range of "somewhere in the 60's"?

Doppler radar has certainly made us all more knowledgeable about weather patterns, however, it doesn't take an advanced degree to figure out that the dark green shadow over my city means bad weather.  It's  happening.  I can see it out my window. 

All kidding aside, we can learn a lot from this occupation and how they communicate.  We all need to learn a little CYA.

Lessons learned from a Meteorologist:

1. Don't over-commit
   Never promise something you can't deliver or know can't be delivered.
2. Do your research
   Know what previous patterns have been.  At least you'll be able to speak with accurate historical data.
   
3. Leave yourself wiggle room
   Speaking in generalities can often prevent backlash. 

While these lessons work for a meteorologist, I realize they won't work for every occupation.  Use at your own risk.

Which of the Seven Dwarfs Are You?

Can you name the seven dwarfs?  Why and what does this have to do with your career?  These wonderful characters might just be your clue to understanding yourself better- either in job search or on the job.  

1. Sneezy
2. Sleepy
3. Dopey
4. Doc
5. Happy
6. Bashful
7. Grumpy

Sneezy had a physical ailment, easily treated with today's medicine or change in diet.  

Sleepy would fall asleep anywhere, any time. 

Dopey was never taken seriously.

Doc had the answers.

Happy was...happy.  Positive, upbeat.

Bashful always blushed but worse he was always turning his head away, avoiding eye contact.

Grumpy was an unpleasant complainer. 

Do you see yourself in any of these dwarfs?  Heigh-Ho, Heigh-Ho, its off to work you go!

Mondays, Do You Dread Them or Look Forward to Them?

  How do you feel about starting off your week?  Is it something you look forward to?  Does it depend upon the week?

As I sit and write this post, I can tell you that I feel neither one way or the other...and that just stinks.  If I had a feeling one way or the other, at least I would feel connected and engaged.  Should every Monday spark some sort of feeling?

If you dreaded going into work wouldn't that mean there were things you could do to change that?  Could you set a plan into action to correct or adjust?

I recall fondly the days when I couldn't wait to jump in the car and get to work.  To have a mission.  To have a mountain to climb. 

Your mountain is out there waiting, you just need to find it.

Summary Sunday

This Summary Sunday features posts and videos about the personal branding, social media, updates on employment and professional development. 

Yuck,  I hear some saying.  I don't want to have a personal brand.  But you already do, you just don't realize it.  Your personal brand is your reputation.  It is what people are thinking or saying about you.  Visit these links to learn more:

VideoBio Walter Akana from Reach Personal Branding TV

Invisibility Killing Your Career?  from Tim's Strategy

Professional Development Lessons Kung Fu Panda Style from Dragos Roua

What's New in the Labor Market?

Senior Executives Dissatisfied Following Recession from Talent Management Tech

5 Changes in the Way We Work  from Portfolio Careers

Social Media and networking are no longer an option...Here are some reasons why you should start playing

How Can You Use Social Networks to Conduct Market Research?  from iWrite Marketing

Twitter and Me - An Anniversary from Dorothy Dalton

Twitter Personal Branding- Get the Most out of Re Tweets from Personal Branding Blog

If you are interested in getting this information more quickly, follow me on Twitter!  @careersherpa

Committment to Keeping Current

It is so important to stay current with what is going on within your occupation and industry.  How are you keeping up?  Do you dedicate time each month or each day to review current trends?  Things change so quickly, it is hard to keep up with it all sometimes. 

One of the worse things to do is make excuses for not keeping up.  Have you ever said any of these:

• I don't have time to keep up.  I am spending all my time "doing" the work.
• My company isn't on the cutting edge, so I don't really need to know those things.
• It doesn't effect me or my work. 
• I want to maintain a work-life balance and it would take too much of my time.
• It is out of my "core strengths" to focus on emerging trends.
• My employer won't pay for this.

Then let me ask another question.  If your company were to lay off half of its employees on Monday, would you be in the 50% that remain?  That slim remainder of employees have to be masters at cross functional work.  Not just knowing about how to do other things, but actually being able to do them. 

The remaining 50% have to be innovative and have ideas on how to streamline and expand into new markets.  Do you have ideas?

No matter what your role in a company, it will benefit you and your employer to understand the bigger picture- internally and externally.  

This is a form of job security.  It is professional development.  It is staying in control of your career.

I would really love to know how you are are staying current with what's going on. What do you read?  What seminars do you attend?  How often do you pursue learning opportunities?   I welcome your comments!

Job Search Is No Joking Matter

        
   

As a member of a community of resume writers and career coaches called the Career Collective, this post is one of many responses to “How to avoid being tricked by common job search blunders?” (in honor of April Fool's Day!)

I encourage you to visit other members' responses, linked below. Please follow our hashtag on Twitter: #careercollective.

  I want to thank Jacqui Barrett-Poindexter, MRW, CPRW, CEIP (www.careertrend.net) and Miriam Salpeter (www.keppiecareers.com) for bringing this team of experts together. 

Whether you are currently unemployed or plan on changing jobs, right now is the time to get your ducks in a row!  It has been said that today's job search is not like it used to be (in the good old days).

These are some things you can cross off your list and avoid:

• Searching Sunday's Help Wanted ads in the newspapers
• Waiting for a response from the company that they received your resume
• Waiting for a response from the company that they would like to interview you, again
  
• Typing your resume and going to the "copy shop" to have 100's of copies made
• Using the same generic cover letter and mass mailing this stuff everywhere
• Logging onto the "best" job search boards to find your next job
• Waiting until your unemployment is almost over to "really" start looking for a job

Phew, no need to worry about those time commitments.  Now you can focus on the really important things!

• Identify several different job titles to pursue
• Develop a list of companies that hire those titles
• Craft your LinkedIn profile
• Draft resumes for each of job titles you are pursuing (you will have to customize each resume whenever you submit it)
• Take steps to find people who work in those target companies (ie. network)
• Nurture relationships before, during and after the search! (Ooops, but it is never too late)
• Gather information, don't ask for jobs
• Be patient. Be giving. Be kind.

If you've been in job search for awhile, this is too basic, I know.  For the advanced job seeker (which no-one wants to admit to):

1. Focus your communication. Don't send mixed messages
2. Evaluate what is working and what isn't getting you results
3. Take care of yourself
4. Ensure your reputation and brand are on the web...LinkedIn, Facebook, Virtual CV, Google Profile, etc.
5. Commit time to volunteer in something that will feel rewarding
6. Do something every day that pushes you out of your comfort zone
7. Ask for help- financial, emotional, job search
8. Do not hide behind your computer

Don't stop reading yet...Visit the expert advice for “How to avoid being tricked by common job search blunders?”

The April, 2010, Career Collective Links

10 Ways to Tell if Your Job Search is a Joke, @careerealism

April Fool’s Day – Who’s Fooling Who?, @MartinBuckland @EliteResumes

If It’s Not You and It’s Not True, You’re Fooling Yourself, @GayleHoward

Don’t Kid Yourself! (The Person You See in the Mirror is a Good Hire), @chandlee

Avoiding the Most Common Blunder, @jobhuntorg

Are you fooling yourself? Bored at work? Is it your own fault?, @keppie_careers

Hey, Job Seeker — Don’t Be a Fool!, @resumeservice

Is Your #Career in Recovery or Retreat? (All Joking Aside), @KCCareerCoach

9 Ways You Might Be Fooling Yourself About Your Job Search, @heatherhuhman

Don’t get tricked by these 3 job search blunders, @LaurieBerenson

Trying to hard to be nobody’s fool?,  @WorkWithIllness

It’s not all about you, @DawnBugni

Mirror ‘their’ needs, not ‘your’ wants in #jobsearch, @ValueIntoWords

Stop Fooling Yourself about your Job Hunt: Things you may be doing to sabotage yourself – @erinkennedycprw

Same as it ever was – @walterakana

Don’t be fooled. Avoid these – @kat_hansen

Job Seekers: You Are Fooling Yourself If...@barbarasafani

Follow us on Twitter with our hashtag #careercollective

Maybe You Are Being Too Practical

Imagination. Creativity. Innovation. 

For just a minute, travel with me back in time to when you were a little kid.  Did you pretend?  Did you create make-believe adventures?  Those are the memories I want you to hold onto for a day.  What was it you wanted to be when you were young? 

I wanted to be an archeologist.  I would grab my trowel and head out into the woods behind my barn and dig for hours.  Dirty and hungry, I would return with my treasures...dirt-laden high button shoes, medicine bottles, horse shoes and even a sterling silver thimble  holder with the initials "VD".  The memories of this are vivid.  I was so excited and so interested in my findings that I began to research.  I learned how to tell the age of a bottle by its molding seam.  I learned that the thimble holder belonged to Virginia Dorne who lived in our house in the 1800's. 

Two things were going on here. 

1) I visualized and played out my dream of being an archeologist.  I actually did it.

2) I got excited and found a passion.

As children, we acted out our dreams of being a fire fighter, Super Hero, etc.  We envisioned ourselves performing the functions and duties of the role.  Along the way we sometimes became really really interested in the subject.  

Where did that go?  Why don't we do that anymore?  

If you are stuck in a rut or not sure what you want to do next, go back in time and remember what it was you pretended to be as a kid. 

The other option is to pretend you are a kid again and allow yourself to pretend to be something or somebody else.  Pretend. Role play in your mind the daily activities and functions of this something else.  Maybe you can find an opportunity to volunteer doing this make-believe career opportunity.

Still another option is to tap into your child-like imagination and create or innovate.  There are millions of problems to solve right now.  You may just have the answer. 

Our country was founded by pioneers who were not afraid to take risks.  They traveled into unknown worlds and territories for a better life, a new adventure.  They truly risked their lives, not just their life-savings.

Could you?  Would you?

How Can I Help

If you are out of work or looking to make a change, the best advice I can give is to figure out what you want to do next.  Not as easy as it sounds, I know.  Without a focus or without a clear idea of what you're strengths are, no one is going to be able to help you, except a career counselor.

It is not the job of your friends and family to know about the thousands of different jobs available.  They only know what they know. 

A friend of mine got off the phone with someone whom they had been connected with to help provide insight and advice.  My friend was trying to help.  When he got off the phone he said to me, "I have no idea what he looking for and I have no idea what he does."  They were on the phone for at least 20 minutes.  Is there a problem here? 

People do want to help but you have to be clear.

Some example intros for career exploration:

• I am interested in learning from you how non-profits differ from for-profit businesses.  What are their challenges and where are their needs.
• I enjoy being the interface with customers- helping them with their problems and providing resources that might help them.  What do they call this where you work?
• You've been in several different lines of work, what have you found to be the most satisfying and why?
• If you were to change careers right now, what would you do?
• I've always wanted to be a teacher of some sort.  How would you suggest I break into teaching?

Of course you will also have to use your elevator pitch or 45 second commercial.  This brief bio has to be spoken with passion and conviction.  It also has to be forward thinking, not a laundry list of past work history, no one cares where you've been early in a conversation.

I am an educator with vast experience conveying new concepts and ideas in many different industries from manufacturing to technology.  I've been fortunate to have had the opportunity to increase the performance of teams and individuals.  My research has indicated that a corporate trainer, teacher's aide or HR Generalist would be potential opportunities to pursue. 

This type of pitch helps the listener understand how they can help.  It is future focused and minimally touches upon past lingo or experience. 

My hunch is, that as the conversation continues, the listener will ask for more information.  Be ready to provide your information concisely, avoid long drawn out explanations.  The listener is trying to piece together their connection and offer help.  Listen closely. Explore and learn. 

Do you have questions you have found to be helpful in exploring new careers?  Please, share them so we can all learn! 

It Is Tougher to Network Today

The job search landscape has changed quite a bit over the past two years.  In the old days, two years ago, it wasn't as difficult to secure a meeting with someone you barely knew.  There are at least a couple of reasons for this.  Let's take a look at the why and then we'll take a look at how you might need to go about networking more effectively.

First of all, thousands more people are looking for employment or fear they will need to be looking for employment.  What this means is that one person with the ability to hire within a company could conceivably receive hundreds of requests for a "networking meeting".  In the old days, they may have received a couple of requests and they could accommodate those. They can not accommodate all the requests they receive today.  They will have to filter requests based on the warmth of the referral and/or relevancy to what they may have a need to hire.

The other issue is that many of those thousands of "networkers" are going about it all wrong.  They ask for a job.  This turns off the poor victim and spoils their view of trying to do something helpful or nice.  They feel like the tables have been turned on them or worse, they feel like they are being used.  No one wants to feel like they are being used.

The tougher is gets, the better we have to be.  Based on the information above, you'll need to become even better at networking.  Here are some things to consider:

1. What is the strength of your relationship?
2. What specific pieces of information you are seeking?
3. What is something of value you can provide in return?

If you barely know the person providing the referral and you know little about the person you wish to network with, what are the chances they'll agree to meet with you?  Slim to none.

What can you do to fix this.  First, remember that networking is an investment and takes time.  You need to develop relationships.  Don't be in such a hurry to take your information and run to the phone.  Take more time to learn about the person offering you a referral.  Second, find out how they know this contact they are giving you.  All of this data/information will warm up the lead.

Liz Lynch writes and speaks about networking.  Her blog offers insight to anyone needing to improve their networking skills.  She addresses the needs of business owners and job seekers.  In a post about building relationships organically, Lynch recommends:

"Move on to having more robust conversations by asking more thoughtful questions."

Miriam Salpeter of Keppie Careers recently wrote  5 Networking Fundamentals to Land a Job: 

1. Research
2. Ask questions
3. Be interested in the replies
4. Have a story
5. Follow up

Someone, somewhere, holds the key to your next job.  The fun part is trying to find that person! 

Summary Sunday

I would like to share this thought provoking video.  Chris Brogan had a post this week What I learned at a Charter School and this was submitted in the comments. This video from TED Talks is by Sir Ken Robinson who is highly entertaining and intelligent! 

These posts are to help you with your search!  Happy reading.

Nurture:  The follow up after the follow up from Jibberjobber.com

5 Reasons Your Social Network Isn't Working from Careerealism

8 Easy Ways to Network on Twitter from Social Media Examiner

Thinking Creatively About Your Job Search from UpMo

How to Discuss Your Job Search with Your Family from Computerworld