Hannah Morgan

Those Darn Kids...

I am quickly approaching another birthday and am reminded of how old I am when I watch 20-something year olds. 

• They are un-intimidated by new technology.  They actually look forward to figuring out new functionality. 

• They are unaffected by the world around them.  Recession, what recession.

• They do what they want to do.   

• They can stay out until 2 am and sleep in until Noon.

As I write each of these statements, I do so with a bit of jealously mixed with a tad of distain. 

I was talking with some fellow trainers and mentioned the need for a training session on workplace etiquette.  It would cover such things as how to shake hands and look someone in the eye to how to act appropriately in a meeting.  "Well, then, define appropriately" said one colleague.  Quickly I said, it is not ok to text message while in a meeting, that is disrespectful.  "According to who? The older generation who don't do it" they asked me.  Shoot, trapped again I thought. 

Who defines appropriate business conduct/etiquette?  Do we hold on to the unwritten laws of our parents' generation?  I can't yet answer this the way I think I should.  I do know that different companies have different accepted sets of etiquette.  Therefore, when investigating a new company for employment, you need to be sure there is a cultural fit.  You can't change culture.  If you are really open minded, you can try to adapt or cope.  This can take enormous energy, be careful.  Just don't be judgemental.  It isn't a matter of right or wrong, just different.

Treat Your Search Like a Real Job

Job search requires discipline and structure.  You have to treat is as if it is your full time job.  Hanging around the house won't cut it, there are too many distractions.  GET OUT OF YOUR HOUSE.

I can't take credit for this idea...a professional job coach recommended that job seekers find a friend with extra office space and ask if you can use it.  Of course it has to be the right friend, with the right office.  Just imagine the feeling if you were to actually get dressed and out of your house to report into an office.  The benefits include:

1) You are holding yourself accountable

2) Your body and mind begin to develop the sense of routine they crave

3) There is a sense of self-worth

4) You will be forced to interact with other people who are working

5) You won't be distracted by household responsibilities

6) Family members won't be able to ask you to do favors for them as easily

7) You won't be overlooked or forgotten

I am sure there are other benefits too.  The important part of this is that you get into a productive routine-no excuses. 

Here's what I bet many of you are thinking...I don't know anyone with extra office space or I am embarrassed to ask.  Get over it, of course you don't know and are embarrassed.  Just start asking.  It is a small favor to ask of those who truly care about you.  Just ask!

IF, and this is a last resort, you can't find space, where else could you go?  The library, the coffee shop, identify a spot and use it as your new office!  Pack your laptop, cell phone and charger, office supplies and take off!

Passion

Far too many people are unable to identify their passion- either in life or work.  It is there, it just requires a little work to put a label on it sometimes.  Passion is that feeling you get when you talk about something that is important to you.  It is that warm sense of pride when you recall certain achievements.  It is what you do and who you are. 

Often, passion is so close to us, we can't see it, but others do.  They see these strengths clearly and we take them for granted.

Identifying and labeling your passion is key to finding fulfillment in work and life.  This will allow you to create the balance to stay energized.  When you look around at the people you know, who are happiest?  Who are the people you work with with a bounce in  their step and a smile on their face?  Most likely, these people know their passion.

I met with a laid off insurance professional years ago.  When I asked him what he wanted to do next he said he had always loved tinkering with cars.  He also confessed he had never really liked being in "white collar" jobs, but his father had insisted he hold the right type of job many years ago.  I asked Mr. White collar why he couldn't work with cars now.  He asked for my permission and I gave it to him.  He went on to drive a tracker trailer and last I heard was really happy.  So, the moral of the story is to do what you love- despite what others may say or think.

The realist in me knows that with tough economic conditions, it may be difficult to pursue passion.  Maybe, but maybe not.  First label it.  Then research it in the workforce.  Could you be doing it in other ways or roles or jobs?  If the answer is foggy, ask again later (magic 8 ball), also ask those around you who know and care about you.   Don't give up.  It may also be possible to use your passion outside of work.  Volunteer.  Take classes.  Whatever it takes to use and nurture your passion.

Job Search Advice...it doesn't take an expert

I was watching CNN's special coverage of the most asked for topics yesterday...job search advice.  People wrote in with some of the dumbest questions.

One man complained that he had been out of work since August.  His resume was stellar and he had been on several interviews.  I don't even remember his question because this is where I stopped listening.  Out of work since August and only several interviews is not good if this is supposed to be his full time job.  He obviously isn't putting in enough effort.  He should have had many more interviews in that time frame.  And, what makes him think his resume is good?  It can't be if he has only had several interviews.

• Lesson learned:  Apply to as many jobs as possible and spend 20 hours outside of your house networking.  Measure your success monthly...adjust accordingly.

Another write-in job seeker asked what to do because they had a contract job and had also gotten a permanent job offer with the parent company through another source.  Duh, take the permanent job.  Why do people think they owe anything to employers?  You are being paid to do a solid day's work.  If they had to lay you off, would they think twice?  NO.

• Lesson learned:  Keep your options open, always be applying and looking for your next job (even when employed).  Be polite, and redefine loyalty.

 

For additional advice on how to endure/survive a period of unemployment, read this summary of No Job, No Prob by Nicholas Nigro.  I was given a subscription to The Week by Pop and it is a great way to keep up on events. 

Need a good blog?

If you are looking for a blog to stimulate your brain activity, you have to read Seth Godin. He writes on timely topics and has some great knowledge to share.  

There are thousands of blogs out there and it is hard to find the time to check them all out.  Ask around and see what your friends or co-workers are reading.  Read the blogrolls on blogs you visit.  Subscribe to Google news.

I have said this before- knowledge is power! 

Manage your career like a business

This may not be the most original post.  I am trying to draw parallels between how a business is managed and applying the same logic in managing our own careers.  Simple.  If we are a product and a service, how do we maintain our profitibility?

Have a clear and realistic understanding of the demand in the market place.

SWOT Analysis (Courtesy of Mindtools)

Strengths:
What do you do well?
What unique resources can you draw on?
What do others see as your strengths?

Weaknesses:
What could you improve?
Where do you have fewer resources than others?
What are others likely to see as weaknesses?

Opportunities:
What good opportunities are open to you?
What trends could you take advantage of
How can you turn your strengths into opportunities?

Threats:
What trends could harm you?
What is your competition doing?
What threats do your weaknesses expose you to?

Dealing with Change

What is it about change that scares the pants off of some people?  I don't really care for change much myself.  I get very comfortable in my routines and surroundings.  I rely on them as a source of stability.  When things around me are changing so quickly, I sometimes dig in deeper to hold on to my routines and surroundings. Is it human nature...perhaps for some.  But change is inevitable.

I think what scares so many people is the fact that the change happened and they had no control over it- or did they?  They felt like they had no control.  Now they are forced to make new choices.  That is difficult. Whether it is a lay off, restructuring, being passed over for a promotion or raise, these conditions force us to adapt to change.  We can rise to the occasion or wallow in self pity. Take the high road and embrace this wonderful new opportunity. 

If we are serious about our careers and lives, we should be looking at ways to change ourselves regularly.  When we are in control of change, it feels better as well as prepares us to manage unforeseen change more comfortably.  Is managing change a skill?  The more practice you have, the easier it generally is.  So practice handling change. Expect change.

Being comfortable with ourselves professionally and personally may not be, no definitely, is NOT a good thing.  We need to continue to learn, develop, grow and modify ourselves, sometimes even re-invent in order to survive in today's volatile world of employment.

LinkedIn and Twitter and Facebook, Oh My

Like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, you may be afraid of all the unknowns in the scary world today.  As a professional you owe it to your career to learn about these tools for self promotion and branding, as well as information gathering/intelligence.

LinkedIn is a professional networking tool that makes it super easy to network.  If you watch this brief movie, it will make sense... LinkedIn Movie.

The basic rules to remember when using LinkedIn are:

• The more complete your profile, the better. 
   Make sure you list all of your relevant experience, including volunteer and community activities.

• Use your best personal judgement on who to invite and who to accept invites from
  Maybe you shouldn't accept that invitation from the creepy ex-coworker or stranger you met at a networking meeting...

• Keep it professional and always say please and thank you.
  Follow all the traditional etiquette rules.  Customize invitations to connect. 

Twitter is another way to keep track of people, as well as be tracked.  Another great movie to watch Twitter movie Demonstrate that you are a person to watch in your field by sharing what you are reading or what events you are involved in.  It's a mini-blog or up to the minute professional diary. 

Facebook is a personal networking tool so you can see what your friends and family are up to.  It is just another way for you to develop your network. 

Have fun experimenting with all three.  Life is all about relationships and staying connected. 

Job Loss- a reminder

It is worth repeating, Job Loss is an emotional roller coaster.  We all know that.  Lorraine Henderson, a talented Organizational Development consultant first introduced me to Elizabeth Kubler-Ross's study. 

I wrote about her study in November, here it is again Job Loss

Kubler-Ross says that these emotions are predictable.  She also states we have to go through all of them in order to reach the other side. It may get easier to move through some of these emotional phases, but you can skip them.  

Denial

Anger

Bargaining

Depression

Acceptance

The bottom line- take care of yourself emotionally, physically and spiritually.  Maintain balance in your life.  Carve time out to do the things you love.  If you are not volunteering, give back- it can be extremely fulfilling.

Being "likable" is the key to success

Both securing a job and maintaining a job require that the right people like you.  Sure, you have to have the skills and abilities to do the job, but likability is critical.

How to improve your likability?

1. Develop a tangible connection (build relationships)
2. Sincerely compliment
3. Find ways to make others look good
4. Agree with people's ideas first
5. Ask for advice from others
6. Remember important personal details
7. Take on tasks that visibly help
8. Actively listen
9. Don't publicize your agenda
10. Use someone's name when you speak with them
11. Always show respect
12. Create alliances below, with peers and above
13. Know what is important to others and acknowledge
14. Never criticize
15. Admit faults, and apologize when needed
16. Be nice
17. Do the "right thing"
18. Choose your words carefully
19. Be positive
20. SMILE

Have I over simplified?  Perhaps, but remember, there is generally more than one way to get something done.  Our first instinct may not be the right one.  Learn from mistakes and be a better person because of them.  Niceness counts.

Is it time for your New Year's Resolution

I have a long time family friend who works in NYC.  She's employed in the banking industry.  Are you saying "yikes" yet.  Those two demographics together are known for mass layoffs.  2008 will be remembered for all the fallen soldiers in the finance/banking industry. Last I heard, my friend was still standing, though on very shakey ground.  Here's her advice:

1.  Have enough liquidity to live on in case you get laid off.  Manage your finances as best you can and live below your means.  Reduce leverage to zero if possible.

2. Keep your head down, add value wherever you can ; EXECUTE well in your job.

3.  No whining. Life is not always fair. Deal with it. Do the best you can and ensure you have balanced interests and have time to decompress.

4.  Network & listen actively - that's how you learn about what's going on.

5.  Be flexible / adaptable to change...It's a daily occurrence at this point.  If you're stressed, find outlets.  Ask for help where you need it.  Vent when you need to.  Accept that Wall St. will not be the same and that's not so bad...Just different.

Let's figure out how we want to live a balanced, happy and healthy life in 2009.  Let our expectations be based on the present and not what "used to be".  Let us find new ways of being fulfilled and renewed.  Life is too short, enjoy the moment!

Take Control Now

With so many people losing their jobs every day, I have to remind people of some basics steps to employ now...no matter what.

1. Re-define loyalty:  Being loyal, for you, should mean you give your job 100% no more, no less.  Your reward...the salary they pay you.

2. Plan for the long-haul: Start saving today for the unexpected. Unemployment won't cut it for very long

3. Past Managers need to remember you:  Stay in touch with past managers/references, just because

4. Window shop:  Create alerts and apply for jobs all the time

5. Develop partnerships:  Contact several recruiters and make sure they know your capabilities

6. Devote time to mingle:  Every month you should be attending a professional meeting to network and learn what's happening outside you your company

7. Be ready to go:  Resume, marketing plan, personal business cards, and 45 second commercial should all be up to date and in use all the time

8. Get your head out of the sand: identify or update companies you would want to work for on your marketing plan

 

It takes time to ramp up a job search from a dead start.  Begin revving your engines now, while your in the right mind set and it will be a lot easier.

Video Resumes...the next trend?

What exactly is a video resume you ask?  I wasn't exactly sure myself until I did a little research (with the initial nudge by a coworker).  It is basically your 45 second commercial with linkage to your resume.

The more I think about it, the more I believe this could be the new next wave to surf.  It hasn't been adapted/adopted by many employers yet, but, it is a great way for the job seeker to differentiate themselves.  It is also a super device for employers to use.  Consider you had the choice of seeing someone only on paper.  There are so many unknowns.  Now consider you can see a snippet of this person in a video.  It makes screening so much easier and faster.

With YouTube and the advancements in technology, it makes this super easy for the job seeker to create their videos.  There are also some companies with websites dedicated to hosting and creating these resume videos. 

ResumeTube

My Optimal Resume 

and the slickest, but under development producer...Allow me to Introduce Myself  

Sure, there could be potential lawsuits...I despise that thought.  The process of hiring is discriminary by definition, get over it. 

Just do some basic research yourself and see if it is for you.  In sleepy Rochester, I am not sure how quickly this will be adopted, but it sure seems the way to go in this super competitive job market today.

FYI, Jim Kerins, a professional videotographer, told me that Google video search technology is quite advanced as well as connected with YouTube, making it nice for the posters to see details of who is viewing their YouTube video.  Also, if you Google search videos, according to Jim, their is a much greater chance of branding yourself and coming up on top of the search results.  Much easier than getting yourself on top of the regular Google search.

Just keep following the trends to know what is happening!

You aren't alone or shouldn't be

There are thousands of unemployed job seekers plus thousands of employed job seekers.  What you need to understand is that you are not alone.

Whatever you do, do not isolate yourself.  Reach out to friends, family, co-workers, your community.  Find and use a support network.  Learn from others what can work and hold yourself accountable for doing what you should be doing...the hard stuff, not the easy things. Most of job search is difficult.

I came across a cool blog on the Wall Street Journal site with lessons being learned from 8 job seekers...WSJ Jobseeker blog .

Yesterday I spoke with a man who had been laid off since September.  I asked him what he had been doing in his search and he indicated that 98% of his time was being spent applying for jobs online.  I asked him if he had developed a list a companies he would like to work for and his answer was..."no, but I guess I should".  Finally, I asked him what he was waiting for (meaning, are you going to get serious about your job search and get help).  I will be meeting with him next week, if he shows up.

History repeats itself.  Learn from the history of other people's experiences.  Your situation is unique, but not.

Define "plummet" please...

In a daily digest from the Rochester Business Journal a headline started: "Area business conditions plummet" so of course, I read on.

"Some 37 percent of area businesses and individuals reported worse business conditions last month, up from 6 percent in October. Five percent reported better conditions, compared with 6 percent in October, while 58 percent reported no change in business conditions, compared with 88 percent the previous month".

More than half the businesses are still doing fine.  And only 6% more businesses reported worse conditions.  Is this really worthy of the word plummet?

So if you really want to panic and worry, I guess this is your chance.  I will choose to be thankful that I don't live down-state where the cost of living is so much higher.

There is still hiring going on, don't be fooled.  A local recruiter, Eric Derby, sends out a newsletter and in the most recent edition he states:

"Economy in the Tech Sector:  I have continued to read and look at all the data that I can find.  The bad news is that I agree that we are in a recession. The good news is that it has not presently hit the tech sector nearly as bad as many other areas.  We are seeing companies do layoffs, especially those related to banking and other financial services, but there are still many companies hiring.  I am still seeing some growth in small and medium size technical companies.  They are being very cautious, but there is still work to be done". 

This is the kind of news I like!  Real, balanced, with a touch of optimism!

You have to spend a little to get a little sometimes

There is a lot of great free advice available today.  The Internet is chock full of articles and free newsletters.  But the old adage "if it seems to good to be true, it probably is" still rings true. 

If you have been trying to read and implement all this good advice and it isn't working, you might need help.  If you still have questions, how will they get answered?

You might need to collaborate with others in you field to get the real answers.  So, you just need to pick up the phone and call people.  Oh, it isn't that easy...why?  You don't know who to call...

Join a professional group or association.  There are hundreds around. Just investigate and find one that seems like a good fit. They probably will require you pay a membership fee or to attend the meetings, they may ask that you pay a non-member rate.  Where else can you surround yourself with experts?

There are continuing education programs available.  Learning will increase your knowledge, marketability and network.  Enroll now!

There are seminars, webinars, teleconferences and the like on-line and in person.  Get in tune with who is offering these services.  You may want to see if there are testimonials or ask around to see if anyone has any recommendations. 

Last, but not least, if you still are stuck in a rut and need help, hire a coach/ consultant.  If you haven't been able to do it on your own, you might need that extra support and push to make the changes.

Managing your career is an investment.  Learn how to become the best you can be, continuously.  Invest in YOU!

What else should I be doing...are you sorry you asked?

As the "eternal job seekers" that we all are now, there are certain activities that will provide us with some knowledge and experience that will enable us to better compete in today's job search. 

All of them are important for different reasons.  I frequently hear people say they are doing everything they know how to do to look for a job and what that means is they are just looking at the job boards.  How sad.  These same full time job seekers are spending a lot of time doing this too, sometimes 20+ hours a week.  Consider all these things listed below...most are written about in more detail in past posts here.  If there are other worthwhile activities, please let me know...

Job Finding Activities

Role playing for interviews

Attend Seminars and workshops

Create Marketing Plan

Explore new career opportunities

Read newspaper/publications

Set up networking meetings

Networking

Use local One-Stop

Real interviews

Contact college/university

Contact people in target jobs

On-line networking (LinkedIn, etc)

Create interviewing preparation folder

Draft Thank You letters and Cover letters

Attend Job Club

Watch the news

Check all "job posting boards", creating alerts (use indeed.com, etc)

Internet research on companies

Volunteer with organizations

Informational interviews with peers

Contact search firms, contract houses, agencies

Look for new companies to add to target list, research materials, industry information

Attend Job fairs

Networking events

Applying for jobs online

Blog

Attend Professional association meetings and volunteer

Church or religious groups

Basically, what I am hoping is that you will carve time into your week to be pro-active in finding opportunities, rather than re-acting to the slim and dismal opportunities posted on the internet.  Get creative and get out of your house.  You will never find a job there, unless your house is filled with Hiring Managers.

Finding the right fit, culturally speaking

Have you ever found yourself in a company and realized that it isn't right for you?  You may feel it is dysfunctional, management's communication style is harsh, you have different values from your co-workers, there's no opportunity for growth, or whatever?

Can you change any of the things you don't like about the company?  Not easily.  And even if you could, how long would it take for those changes to come about?  Maybe longer than you would want to be there. 

Usually we don't notice these differences during the interview process.  There may be glimpses of some, but typically we tend to ignore the signs.  Just as employers have difficulty defining what they are looking for in a candidate, so do we have difficulty identifying what we want from an employer.

Select your preference from each category. Rank in order of importance your top 3.

Decision- making		Centralized decision-making		Decentralized decision-making
Competition-cooperation		Cooperative atmosphere		Internal competition
Career path		Well-defined career path		Flexible career opportunities
Atmosphere		Casual atmosphere		Formal atmosphere
Responsibilities		Clearly defined responsibilities		Varied/fluid responsibilities
Procedures		Loosely defined procedures		Formalized procedures
Goals		Clear, well-communicated vision		Flexible, adaptable corporate goals
Focus		Focus on public good		Focus on company success
Rewards		Individual performance-based rewards		Team-based rewards

Now that you have determined your top 3, begin crafting questions to ask during an interview or while networking that will shed insight on the answers.  I really don't mean asking questions like, "Does your company have centralized or decentralized decision-making"?  Instead, the question may sound like: "When requisitions need to be signed, what is the process" and then, "How long does that typically take"?  Ask the employer the same type of "Situational questions" they are asking you in interviews..."tell me about a time when one of your employees was recognized for an accomplishment".

For those employed, can you do what it takes to change the culture or will you begin looking for the next great employment opportunity? If you decide to stay, what will the short term implications be?  Will you disengage and become less productive?  Will you argue with management, will you disagree with co-workers, will you become negative on the job?  These are dangerous behaviors that can/will lead to termination, so be careful. 

Fit and belonging is our responsibility.  We can either move on or adapt our expectations and behavior.

Have you ever had a bad fit?  Let me know.

6 Steps to Managing Your Career and Search

Every day I hear about another friend or family member who has lost their job.  These are hard times.  Finding your next job, whether immediately or in the future requires you take some steps.  

Years ago, we started this process with tweeking our resumes.  That is not the best way to do this today. Start with the really, really difficult step of self assessment and market-place assessment. 

I have to remind you that over 60% of people find their next job by networking.  That is why you need a plan.  Don't just "spray and pray" and hope someone you knows hears of something-develop a strategy and a clear message. 

A clear message can only happen after you have prepared your presentation. 

Once you are in motion- networking, applying for jobs, meeting with recruiters and contacting employers directly (despite the fact that they are not hiring), you will need some project management tools.

Then, like any good manager, you need to assess what's working and what needs fixing, it is called project update.

Step 1:  Assessment

Step 2:  Research

Step 3:  Establish a plan

Step 4:  Presentation

Step 5:  Project management

Step 6:  Project update

If it were this easy to follow the steps, you wouldn't need a sherpa to guide you through the process.  Sherpa-ing is what I do.  Always ask for help when you need it.

It isn't all about me?

Twice yesterday, I was caught in a moment that forced me out of my self centered world... Once when I was emailing a friend and complaining about all the things that have to get done between now and Christmas.  I was so wrapped up in all the details of what I had to do that I forgot, she had the identical situation.  Thank you, Sally, for pulling me out of my self-obsession.  Really, what I should do is check in with Sally around Halloween so I can learn how she is preparing for Christmas.  Sally is super-organized, a wonderful planner and a one of the most generous people I know.  Oops, no, no, what I really should do is talk to Sally and see what she might need help with, that's better!!!

The other instance, in which, I was again complaining, hmmm, notice a pattern...I was focused on my dislikes and not the dislikes of the friend I was talking to.  It makes such a difference.  I couldn't see his problem, I wasn't looking or even attempting to understand.  Once I figured this out, stopped looking at it from my lens, it became perfectly clear.

We live in a world of Twittering, Facebook, LinkedIn, Personal Branding, and self promotion.  These ego-centric activities have their time and place...if we fail to "walk a mile in someone else's moccasins" or try to look at life through their eyes, I think we've missed the boat. 

I was reading an article last night that spoke about the endorphins released in the brains of those who were donating money and volunteering.  The body wants us to do altruistic deeds.  The payback is, it makes us feel good. 

As 2009 too quickly approaches, I am considering my New Year's resolution.  It has to be the year of "View the Lives of Others First" or "Focus on Your Friends and Family" or "Give".

Age Discrimination

With the majority of today's workforce over 50, I am surprised that this can even be an issue.  But the issue isn't the physical age of the person, it is their mindset.  An "old fart" is someone who:

• Thinks they know everything and is unwilling to change

• Has high, often unrealistic salary expectations

• Is slow to adapt to new concepts/ideas

• Looks down on the younger, less experienced worker

• Doesn't understand new technology

• Is counting down the days until they retire (not engaged/short-timer)

To eliminate the perception of "old fartism", disprove these stereotypes in all communication. 

Here's a challenge:  create a Facebook profile, try text messaging and even try Twitter.  Read about the X and Y Generations and understand what motivates them and what makes them tick.  The values are a bit different, and sometimes their communication style is too. 

We can learn a lot about each other.  Bridge the gaps and join the new workforce.

Doing the right thing

I love my 96 1/2 year old grandfather in-law.  I always learn something from him. You just have to ask the right questions.  I have asked him the difference between staw and hay (don't remember the answer, but it made sense at the time), and how many ears of corn does a stalk produce-one. 

Great Ralph, as he is known, attended Cornell's Agricultural school.  I asked him this weekend more about college.  He came from a 4th generation farming family.  I asked him why he attended college and he said "everybody I knew was going, it was the thing to do".  So then I asked him why Cornell.  He told me that it was between Syracuse or Cornell.  I was thinking that those 2 schools were close to his home, but it was more than that.  Both Syracuse and Cornell offered close to a free education in their Agricultural schools.  (Syracuse eliminated theirs right after Ralph started Cornell).  

So, imagine today, some of the greatest colleges offer in-state discounts (almost a free ride) in the programs/degrees needed in that state or our country (science and math)?  Sure, that sounds idealistic.  If we want to compete with the education in India, we'll have to do something more than offer the exclusive, cost-prohibative eduction we have today.  Why does it cost so much for college anyway?

Why does higher education have to be a priveledge, rather than a right?  Shouldn't anyone with the desire to learn be able to attend a college to get that knowledge?  It is time for colleges to wake up and smell the coffee.