Hannah Morgan

What Is it you REALLY want to do?

Focus! What makes you truly unique? What combination on knowledge, skills and abilities best represents you?

You don't want just any job. You want a job that you'll enjoy and be successful in. So where do you find such a job? Before you go looking, you have to know who you are.

I've just finished reading Career Distinction by William Arruda and Kirsten Dixson. The book leads you through their process of assessing and defining your personal brand and shows you how to manage your brand from this point forward. It is full on great information and even has an online workbook you can access!

If you don't have it in you to read the book right now, at least visit their website www.reachpersonalbranding.com and poke around. There are lots of great articles and videos! This job search won't be your last. It is worth it for your to start investing in yourself and being true to your values.

Do You Still Use A Rotary Phone?

There are children today who have no idea what a rotary phone looks like.  Remember dialing your friends who had nines and zeros in there phone number...it took for ever to call them. (Or so it seemed).

We've advanced well beyond Alexander Graham Bell's innovation with today's cell phones and technology.  Maybe it is time to innovate how we manage our careers?!

It will always be about relationships

Though the method we are using to communicate with friends and family, coworkers, colleagues, etc. has changed, the purpose is still the same.  Maintaining relationships is at the core.  We are just finding new ways to do this. 

Those who are resilient and seem to land on their feet more quickly are usually the ones who have continued to maintain contact with their network.

Innovative Thinking

It is going to take more than just doing your job well to succeed.  It is going to take more than just producing cheaper products for our country to succeed as well.  This requires innovative thinking.  How can you take what you've learned into new industries that need that help?  How can you expand on what you've learned to take it to the next level?  Seth Godin and others write about our workforce needing to be more than cogs.  They need to be empowered to be innovators. 

Look for quality not quantity

Many people focus their sights on the "stability" of large organizations.  Bigger isn't always better.  Many of today's employers are operating lean and mean.  They want to grow, but with the right people.  These can be quality employers, if you can find them!

As you look for your next job, internally or externally, consider how you can nurture relationships, innovate and respect quality!

This post has been greatly influenced by "Strategy, Leadership and the Soul: Resilience, Responsiveness and Reflection for a Global Economy" by Jennifer Sertl and Koby Huberman.

Career Management Is Not For Me

I write a lot about "managing your career".  I also know a lot of people who don't want to do this or at least say they don't care about a career. (They don't read my blog either.) They want time with their family or time to do things THEY want to do. Climbing the corporate ladder is not their thing.

My friend Kelly doesn't see herself as a career enthusiast.  She works part time and fits that in around her family's schedule.  She views attending meetings as an interruption to her personal life and a drain on her wallet.  She has zero desire to network for the sake of meeting new people in her field of work.  Kelly's desire is to be a mother and take care of her family.  Her interest in her "career" is very low at this point in her busy life. 

There are lots of "Kelly's" out there-  people who have priorities and values which don't really include a career. I get it. 

Though Kelly doesn't think she is managing her career, she is. Here are some reasons why:

• Her work does require her to interact with other departments and she does a phenomenal job at managing these relationships. 

• She is a life-long learner.  Though Kelly doesn't read trade publications, she does talk with others in her field regularly to learn what's going on.  She also has maintained the certifications necessary to work in her field.  

• She has developed a reputation of being fair and honest and hard working.

Kelly would never use LinkedIn or Twitter.  She'll never have a blog. But she doesn't need to. What Kelly does day after day is develop a reputation as an expert among her peers.  She does this by doing her job well.  She plays nicely with others.  She seeks out information and is current in her knowledge. 

Kelly is being true to her personal values. She is a survivor. She understands relationships.  She shows interest in others 100% of the time.

For those of you thinking, "Kelly has a job", I can tell you that she has been a job seeker more than once and every time she's searched, she's found something and it didn't take her long. 

I hope this helps those of you who say you just want a job.  I know it has helped me understand that there's more than one way to manage a career!

 

Summary Sunday

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there!  I hope you enjoy your special day!

Instead of just listing posts this week, I am sharing 5 of my favorite career blogs.  Finding a blog is like finding a favorite book author.  They have a style of writing that either appeals to you or not.  Additionally, there is a genre (fiction, non-fiction, business, self-help, etc) that each blog author falls into. 

These are only five of the blogs I read.  I subscribe to many more for different reasons.  It is how I get my news and ideas and motivation.  Please visit all of these and find some that suit your style! 

Keppie Careers

 

Executive Resume Branding

Tim's Strategy

Brand Yourself.com

Adventures of the Job Search Ninja

Driving Change from the Bottom

Can change really happen from the bottom and move up the ladder?  Do "grass-roots" efforts succeed? 

I attended the local meetup of "Linchpins are Everywhere Raise the Flag" last night.  For those who don't know what I am talking about, Seth Godin, author of Linchpin and many other books and one of the most popular blogs on the block organized a worldwide meetup of linchpins. The mission: "A completely non-commercial chance to find and connect with other members of Seth's tribe, an opportunity to talk, challenge, and inspire your fellow travelers." 

What happened? 

A small group of people with one common connection, Seth, met to talk about his ideas and our own as well.  We were from different occupations and different generations.  The common thread was enough to unite us.  No one was sure where this was headed or what the outcome would be, but there was enough interest to draw a small crowd.

What happened, really?

We sat around and talked about stuff.  We discussed "linchpin-ness" and how to carry it out. We talked about how we might like to meet again and what that might look like. 

No, what really happened?

It brought together people.  Isn't that enough?

Thanks to our local organizer, Juli Klie for making this happen.  I met some new terrific people and re-connected with others.

Finding Professional Development Ops- Part 2

Yesterday's post talked about identifying skills gaps and the need to develop a training plan or road map of what development you are looking for. 

Today's post is just the beginning of where to go to find professional development opportunities. 

The internet is truly full of wonderful information.  Libraries too!  Colleges/universities and many schools are offering adult education programs at low or no-cost.  Before you spend any money, ask for endorsements or recommendations and ask people you know about the program.  It is called due diligence!

Leadership, Etc:

Personal MBA

Tom Peters

Online MBA

BlessingWhite

MIT/Sloane School of Management    (thanks Mike Lally)

YouTube:

Intelligent YouTube Channels from Open Culture

Professional Associations:

Listing of Professional Associations from Job-Hunt.org

Another Source of Professional Associations from Weddles

I have listed professional associations because many times they have free newsletters, offer webinars, and other opportunities to learn from others in your occupation. 

There truly is so much out there it can be overwhelming.  That is why you will want to identify the type of development you are looking for before you start searching for "anything".

Have a great weekend!

The Only Constant is Change

Even the ancient Greek philosophers such as Diogenes Laertius knew that change was inevitable.  Little did they know how fast changes would occur in the world today.

With that said, how do we accept the fact that there are changes in life, most beyond our control.  How can we better adjust and react to the unpredictability of life?  The study of resiliency may hold the key. 

How well you bounce back depends on many things.  The good news is that we can improve our bounce-back rate!  It is as simple as changing how we think. 

Take this quiz to see how adaptable you are! View this photo

Here are two other posts on the topic:

Resiliency:  Three Ways to Increase Your Range of Motion

What is Your Threshold for Change

 

Summary Sunday

The internet is full of useful content!  It can be overwhelming to find what you are looking for.  Each week I summarize some of the favorite posts I've re-tweeted.  If you follow great people, you are sure to find great content on Twitter. 

Workplace/New Job

4 Things They Must Teach Every New Hire from bNet

Networking

How to Organize Your Contacts for Networking Success from Mashable by Dan Schwabel

How to Effectively Use LinkedIn's Group Feature to Grow Your Network from Careerealism by Andy Robinson

Questions to Ask During Informational Interviews or Networking

Leadership/Self Development

A Ritual to Help You Keep Your Focus and Your Temper by Peter Bregman

9 Ways to Prepare for Jobs of the Future from More.com

100 Ways to Develop Your Mind from Change Your Thoughts, Change Your life

Personal Branding

15 Personal Branding Tasks You Can Do Every Day from Personal Branding 101

Personal Branding and Career Self Marketing Article and Tools from QuintCareers

Leading A Team of One

We all lead a team of one (sometimes more).  Being a leader doesn't mean that you are directing/managing/guiding others.  It means having an awareness and practicing the competencies that make you the best person you can possibly be. 

I've lifted/listed this tremendous list from NYS Work Force and Success

Accountability	Empowering Others	Managing Risk
Analytical Thinking	Entrepreneurship	Negotiating
Building Trust	Establishing Focus	Organizational Communications
Change Management	Exercising Self-Control/Being Resilient	Partnering/Networking
Coaching	Facilitation	Political Skill
Communicating in Writing	Fiscal Management	Project Management
Communicating Orally	Flexibility	Providing Direction
Conflict Management	Getting Results	Providing Motivational Support
Continual Learning	Influencing Others	Solving Problems
Continual Improvement	Initiative	Systems Thinking
Customer Focus	Innovation	Technical Credibility
Decision Making	Interpersonal Skills	Technology Use/Management
Delegation	Listening	Thinking Strategically
Developing Others	Maintaining Personal Credibility/Meeting Ethical Standards	Valuing and Leveraging Diversity
Emotional Intelligence	Managing Performance	Visioning

Which of these is NOT important to your personal success?  How would you rate yourself in these areas?  Are there any that you think you should improve upon? 

As I re-read Seth Godin's "Linchpins" he talks about changing our perspective of work.  Godin says we should no longer cogs in the system.  Not being a cog, to me, means developing these leadership competencies.  What do you think?

What the World Needs Now Are Linchpins

Seth Godin's "Linchpin" could become one of the most inspirational and culture changing books ever written...that is if people actually begin shipping.

It is quite possible that you've not heard of Godin.  If that is the case, then please, go to his website (it is really a blog, but there are still many people who aren't sure what that is, so I've called it a website).  

Linchpin challenges the status quo.  It talks about innovation, a new way of doing work, and so many more topics.  Dare I say- it should be required reading for all college graduates and everyone collecting unemployment.  

Being a linchpin is OUR responsibility.  Not the responsibility of employers.  It isn't a job title, it is a way of looking at managing your career. Being a Linchpin is about making yourself indispensable. 

On June 14th, in cities across the world, there is a "free and unofficial" meetup. 

If you find yourself looking for other like-minded people- people who are serious about how to better manage their careers or be an innovator, not a cog, this is your chance.

Here's to making a difference! 

You've Landed A Job, Now What?

You've persevered and finally secured a new job.  Congratulations!  You'll have a lot of work ahead of you to learn your new job.  Well, not really the job, but what your new employer expects of you and how to fit in.  This in itself is more than a full-time job.  You are bound to feel overwhelmed.  Give yourself time to adjust, however, don't forget to stay actively connected to the hundreds of new contacts you've made.  You will need this network again, maybe sooner than you want.

Here's a simple list of things to do when starting a new job:

• Have a One on One with your new manager. 

Before you do this, read Scott Herrick's post:  The Ultimate Introduction to Your New Manager from Cube Rules

• Learn the rules from your new co-workers
• Chisel time into your schedule to continue to attend professional meetings
  
• Look for opportunities to continue to develop your "brand"
• Be open to new ways of doing things (Don't be a know-it-all)
• Inform recruiters of your new status, but stay active with them
  
• Keep a running list of Accomplishments from your new job (you'll need them)
• Maintain contact with job search friends (LinkedIn can make this less time consuming)

Sharing your success story is also important.  People want to know there is a light at the end of the tunnel.  Give back by telling your story.

Is there anything you would like to share?

Summary Sunday

Here is  summary of great posts from this week on career advice.  I hope you enjoy reading them.

CAREER MANAGEMENT

The Problem with Work/Life Balance from AMA (American Management Association)

The No. 1 Habit of Highly Creative People from Zen Habits

NETWORKING

How to Work a Cocktail Party from Keith Ferrazzi

INTERVIEWING

Playing Hard to Get - A Good Job Search Strategy or A Recipe for Disaster? from The ICT Job Hunter Blog

TWITTER

Twitter Chats - Great Way to Expand Your Network from Keppie Careers

#JobHuntChat Twitter Digest Moderated by  @MsCareerGirl @Blogging4Jobs @CornOnTheJob

PERSONAL BRANDING

Best of Branding from Brand- Yourself.com

7 Examples of Kick-A$$ Personal Branding from Social Mouths

Going Up or Going Out

The cream always rises to the top, or so the saying goes. Today's organizations are becoming flatter and so is our world.  This poses a problem for those career enthusiasts who wan to "climb the corporate ladder", which has fewer rungs.

Where do you go if you can't go up?  Is the answer out? 

Sometimes yes, sometimes no, it depends on what you need. 

If you are not finding job satisfaction or you've reached one of the highest rungs, consider adding side projects to your plate.  These could be for skill development (ie more challenging work), fulfillment, additional income, personal brand development, or other reasons. 

Side projects could be writing, speaking, consulting, photography, graphic arts, music...or any other interest that burns within you. Is it entrepreneurship?  Kind of.  Managing your career is entrepreneurial too.  (visit Tom Peter's blog for more about this!) 

On #MBAChat last night, the question was asked:

Perhaps we shouldn't be thinking about sequential careers, one job leading us to the next job.  What if we considered our career a mix of different jobs we hold simultaneously?  

I like this thought, first because I wrote it, second, because it provides insurance for WHEN we are let go from a job. 

Does it take time, well, yes and I think that will be the reason most won't buy into the concept.  Our personal time is precious and it is highly valued by certain upcoming generations.

What are your thoughts about finding professional satisfaction from adding work to your portfolio?

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?

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!

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.

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. 

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? 

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!

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! 

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.

Practicing Your Art

What is your art?  What is it that you do to please yourself and others?  That is the work you are meant to do.  We all have an art.  Truly, we do or we did before it was driven out of us or we forgot about it.

Seth Godin's book "Linchpin" helps define and explore this way better than I ever could.  It does not ask simple assessment questions.  "Linchpin" uses examples and asks the really big and difficult questions we should be thinking about today, whether employed or unemployed.

We are all at different phases of our life.  However, no matter where we are, deep down, we all want to enjoy the work we do.  Having a job is more than just a means to an end or collecting a paycheck.  Yes, a paycheck is incredibly important.  Health insurance benefits also weigh-in as pretty important. 

How do we figure out what it is we will really enjoy?  Oh, this is the billion dollar question.  Sometimes we find out by trial and error, sometimes it requires deep introspection, sometimes it is there all along, we just need to give ourselves permission to acknowledge it. 

If we take down the barriers and beliefs of what a "job" is supposed to be, perhaps there are endless opportunities to practice our art.

Are there risks?  Certainly.  But no one said we would be successful 100% of the time. This is also part of Godin's message.  As long as you are practicing your art, producing something to please yourself and others, there is satisfaction.  Eventually we hope we'll have a hit or a masterpiece or a winner.  But the goal of producing your art isn't about the grand slam or the huge success.  Satisfaction comes from producing what we have a passion to produce. 

In the process of practicing our art, Godin believes that we can become indispensable. Being indispensable is a form of security.  Some of us crave security. 

So, do you practice your art?

So Many Things to Fix, So Little Time

Are you thinking?  Do you wonder?  I constantly find myself trying to solve problems that are beyond my control- or are they?  I get so discouraged when I hear people say "But it has always been this way" or "It is too big to change" or "Politics, Its Politics".

Here are some things I think about:

• Healthcare options that are affordable
• Lower tax rates in New York State
• Teaching our youth to be problem-solvers and innovators
• Increased membership in my church
• Plowing the sidewalks in my town so people can walk and enjoy the outdoors
• Moving away from fossil fuel 
• A better way to inform our workforce of trends impacting their jobs
• Inspiring financial responsibility or smarter spending (Need vs. Want)
• Teaching youth how to network and diversify their portfolio beyond sports

This is a short list.  I know I don't have the time or energy to tackle them all today, but I do hope to impact change in many of them before my time is out.

When I go back over this list, I realize, I do know people who could help make changes.  I could inspire them or collaborate with them.

I want this world to be a better place.  Don't you?  So, do you wonder?  Are you thinking?  Can you make a short list of things you would like to fix or make better?  Maybe you can. 

Oh, by the way, I am still reading Seth Godin's Linchpin.  Fascinating.  Inspiring.  Please read it!  It makes me think and I bet it will make you  think too. 

Putting It Out There

A great number of Boomers are not comfortable putting themselves out there.  They are far different from the narcissistic Gen Y who seek opportunities to share information about themselves readily.

Maybe the Boomers can learn something from the younger generation.  

Ryan Healy of Brazen Careerist addresses two key points:

1) People have the power (hard to believe but true)

2) People make the best matches

You have to read the full article to see why.  It makes sense to me!  

Frequently I hear Boomers or Gen X job seekers or transitioners tell me that they don't want to put their information out there.  FEAR.  What they don't understand yet is that they have to play.  LinkedIn is the bare minimum.  Recruiters of all kinds from all industries are using this tool to find candidates.  Healy explains there are too many factors to consider when hiring.  Plus:

"But the truth is that the future of online recruiting is not simply in search engines. It’s in human connections and conversations."

Brazen Careerist has taken the concept of "self promotion" one step further by offering a forum/tool to attract match making.  Social Resumes.  Here are some of the components that can be incorporated:

You might be thinking it sounds a bit like VisualCV.  Yes, but with more "real time" features.  It is also within the Brazen domain and I think that draws some employers.  It's interactive, VisualCV is not.

I am not necessarily suggesting that you all pop your information on Social Resumes.  I am however, suggesting that you begin to consider the fact that you have power to promote and control you message.  You also should remember that having the greatest resume in the world won't necessarily get you the job.  Getting the job is about relationships...

Innovation vs Expertise

Here are some questions I am trying to get my arms and head around:

• What are employers looking for?
• What will make you a better leader?
• What will take your career farther?
• What will make you successful?

As the owner of our career, I think we need to be able to answer these questions. I am not sure if there is a right answer or a "right for now" answer, but it is worth asking yourself and others.

I started following a new blog A Smart Bear written by Jason Cohen.  I've categorized his blog and several others under "GREAT THINKERS" in my reader.  His interests and focus are a bit out of my typical reading, AND I enjoy this.  Reading or skimming, on other topics offers me a fresh perspective, and thus today's post.

Jason is engaging his audience and so  much of the value in reading his blog comes from the comments as well as his post.

Enough with the "Expert" Guilt is a recent post I am hoping you will have time to read and ponder.  As you read remember that you are an entrepreneur- the owner, VP, COO of your own business, YOU! Everything that he is writing about certainly fits or can be made to fit your situation.

It isn't enough to focus on your next job.  You want to manage your career and that requires some thought and effort too!

The Two Absolutely Most Useful Skills for Managing Your Time by Dan Erwin outlines what you can do to better become in charge of your time.

1) Identify your top 3 priorities (this is not as easy as it sounds).  See Dan's post for an example.

2) Do the thing you hate doing most FIRST.

Managing your career is about taking an active role, not a passive role.  Be the driver not the back seat traveler.  Get in the game!

Recalling Past Accomplishments

Humility can be dangerous to your career.  This is new warning label that should accompany every application and new hire paperwork.

Because you are now in charge of managing your career, you will be the one responsible for preparing your annual review and making sure your supervisor, manager, VP, whomever, is aware of your accomplishments.

So how do you do this without bragging?  Tell a story using facts. 

To outline your story, use the acronym STAR Download Accomplishments

Situation

Task

Actions

Results

If you get into the habit of doing this regularly, it will become easier. 

Looking back over past blog posts, I found some that are worth re-circulating.  One of these days I will better organize my blog.  Hope you can check some of these out.  Comments are always appreciated, and/or Retweets.  You can use the "share this" button at the bottom of the post.

Why Do Job Seekers Obsess Over Their Resumes?

Manage Your Career Like  A Business

It Takes A Village

Do You Make Things Happen

Pay Attention

Laying the Foundation for Our Children

What's Going On- Perceptions, Realities or Somewhere Inbetween

We spend numerous hours a day working for our employer.  Sometimes we forget to dig our heads out of the sand and see what is really going on in the world around us.  If you understand what's going on and why, you will be able to make adaptations and adjusts.  These adjustments might prevent you from being perceived as a dinosaur.

This week I spoke with several people who hadn't had to look for a job in awhile.  They were frustrated that this search stuff was so difficult and different.  I wondered if they knew why it was different.  But instead of asking that question, I asked if they had read "The World Is Flat" by Thomas Friedman.  None had.

Perhaps there are many others who haven't read this either.  It is a look at our current history.  Things are changing so fast and I am not sure we understand why that is.  Friedman has had to update his book since it was first published, due of course, to even more changes in recent history. 

This is how Wikisummaries introduces Friedman's book:

"Thomas Friedman’s examination of the influences shaping business and competition in a technology-fueled global environment is a call to action for governments, businesses and individuals who must stay ahead of these trends in order to remain competitive.

In a narrative punctuated by case studies, interviews and sometimes surprising statistics, Friedman’s message is clear: be prepared, because this phenomenon waits for no one. Without rhetoric or scare tactics, he paints a picture of a world moving faster than most can keep up. As we explore America’s place in the fast-evolving world economic platform, Friedman presents not only the problems we face, but preventative measures and possible solutions."

Some, in fact many, may not be rushing out the door or to Amazon to buy the book after reading this.  It should be, however, required reading if you really want to understand how we got here.

I came across an eBook that helps take Friedman's concept one step closer to your lives.  Fans, Friends and Followers by Scott Kirsner is free for a limited time. We are all "artists" managing our careers and there are many parallels here that I hope you can see.

"Fans, Friends & Followers is divided into three sections: an opening essay that lays out some of the “new rules” for using digital tools to build a fan base and an economically-viable creative career; a set of 30 interviews with filmmakers, musicians, writers, visual artists, and others who have been in the forefront of this revolution; and a “toolbox” at the end that explores the business models, sites, and services artists are using to build a solid foundation for their work."

I admit, I have a different way of looking at things, as a matter of fact, I was given a kaleidoscope by co-workers once who said just that.

How do you view things? My challenge to readers is to ask how these world and cultural changes are impacting our lives and what can we do about it. 

Taking Control of Your Career

Yesterday's post was about looking for a new job while you are employed. This post is about why we are looking for new work. 

DDI conducted a survey last summer Pulse of the Workforce and declares that our workforce is stagnant.  Here is one of the questions they asked:  

44% will be leaving when the economy improves.  What can be done to fix this?  None of us really want to look for a new job.

It would be easier to stay where we are and make the situation better.  But do companies understand this?  Do we really understand that the grass isn't always greener on the other side? Your new mindset is that you are in control of your career.  It is not your employer's responsibility or obligation to provide you with challenging work, though that would be nice.  Their responsibility is to operate a profitable business right now. 

Dan Pink's book "Drive The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us" is hot.  Actually, anything Pink writes is hot.  Sital Ruparelia's post quickly summarizes some of Pink's key points and includes an interview with Pink. 

Pink points out in his interview that what truly motivates workers are these 3 simple things:

1. Autonomy
2. Mastery
3. Purpose

If you are in the 44% of those considering a job change, what is it that you are searching for? What improvements are you looking for in your work environment?  Will you know them when you see them? Are you willing to take control and/or responsibility for your engagement and satisfaction in your next job?

Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better

We have always believed that the employer has the upper hand.  They have the jobs and we want the jobs.  They have the money and resources to promote their brand or product, or service, we don't.  Both of these statements are false.

Let's make the job search process the launch of a business.  Tom Peter's wrote about Me Inc long before it was "cool" to talk about personal branding.  (Here's the FastCompany article if you haven't read it yet.)  As a business, you are looking for potential business opportunities.  These opportunities might include providing a service. This service would be conducted within a company.  This logic puts the power back in your hands.  And this continues through out the interviewing process.  View the interview as an exchange.  It is a two way street!  You want to see if this is the "right" opportunity for your business and they want to know if you are a good fit for their company.

The other way you can level the playing field is to use the same tactics employers are using today to attract talent.  They develop an on-line reputation for being an employer of choice.  They tout their press releases, news and events on their corporate websites.  They list their features and benefits.  They are developing their brand.

It costs very little, and sometimes nothing, to develop your own on-line presence.  Now you can begin to manage your on-line brand and become an service provider of choice for a company.   Google, BING, Yahoo, any search engine, should point to you.  Employers are searching for information about you in various places in various ways.  Make it easy for them to find your service!

The Blog is the New Resume, from The Underground Job Network has summarized why having a blog is a wise move for managing Me Inc.  An article by Forbes is referenced in this post and it explains the Four New Job-Search Trends. 

You deserve to feel in control.  You deserve to re-gain some of the lost power.  Start today by managing your company!

Summary Sunday

I am always looking for interesting, beyond the basic career management/job search advice to share.  What I find is that there is a lot of basic information being pumped out.  I guess what that means is that people still need the basics.  "How To" start your search kind of information (write a resume, write a cover letter, conduct an interview, search for jobs on line).

These posts aren't necessarily basic, nor are they advanced...they caught my attention. And by the way, there are blogs you should add to your reader!

You're Not Applying for a Job. You're Running a Campaign.  from Career Hub

A 5 Step Job Search Method that Never Fails   from CareerJockey

49 Personal Branding Questions to Ask Yourself   from Personal Branding Blog

If you want to follow me on Twitter, feel free.  I re-tweet these kinds of great articles daily! 

Follow me on Twitter!

Job Satisfaction- Got it?

It seems that the US has hit rock bottom...well, job satisfaction is at an all time low.  However, this should come as no surprise.  Many have been holding on to jobs, just waiting for the tide to turn.  Others have taken jobs to pay the bills. 

The scary part of all of this is that job satisfaction directly correlates to innovation.  Right now, we, the US, need more innovation. 

Here are some posts that take a deeper look in to employee satisfaction:

Only 45% of Americans are satisfied with their jobs.  Read the entire summary from MSNBC.  Americans’ job satisfaction falls to record low

According to the Conference Board these are some of the reasons why:

• Fewer workers consider their jobs to be interesting.
• Incomes have not kept up with inflation.
• The soaring cost of health insurance has eaten into workers' take-home pay.

From the employer's perspective, there are issues as well, how to retain talent. 

The Mass Exodus of Talent by Rob Jannone on ERE.net Community 

Dissatisfied Workers + Recovery = Workforce Planning from ERE.net

Before you jump on the bandwagon and start believing you are miserable too, consider what defines job satisfaction for you.  By the way, it isn't as easy as it sounds.

5 Step Method for Defining Your Job Satisfaction from Careerealism

Did You Choose Your Working Environment Or Did It Just Come With The Job? from Adventures from the Job Search Ninja, Todd Bavol

Once you have pin pointed what satisfies you and before you jump ship, plan your job search campaign. 

Reinventing You (and Me) in 2010 by Sital Ruparelia

Are you one of the 45% of employed American's dissatisfied with your job?  Tell me why!

Need A Little Help From Your Friends?

Gosh, I love the Beatles.  I could listen to them all day!  Each song inspires or connects to wonderful memories.  As a job seeker, you don't want to lose sight of the happy, positive things in life.

The job search process is 90% psychological.  It doesn't make us feel very good; therefore, you need to do things that will.

This is a series of posts containing ways to make your job search better:  Job Search Advice in Review

This is another post about a very important lesson of job search/career management:  Being a good listener

Keep moving, forward, sideways, even a step back... just keep moving!  You are learning as you move!

Executive's Set the Pace for Job Search Trends

The 2009 ExecuNet Executive Job Market Intelligence Report is out!  Understanding what is happening with these C-Level folks (CEO, CFO, COO, CMO, CIO, etc) offers wisdom for us all.  Download the full report by going to their site!

This summary is in its 18th year and provides an overview of what executives have seen in the past year and offers a glimpse of things to come.

This year has been particularly challenging for everyone.  The first part of 2010 isn't looking much better.  With that said, there are some positives emerging from this economic recession.

Executives have learned to be more resilient

The summary states the tenure of executives is shortening and that many executives are learning to transfer their backgrounds to new industries.  The summary also states that executive should be open to relocation which would increase their options.

Executives understand the data

When considering an industry change, understanding where the growth opportunities are is vital!  So is understanding the reality of finding the next job. 

Executives are looking for satisfying jobs

Executives are building life-long connections

Please, read the full summary for additional information and to draw your own conclusions! You won't regret it. 

Summary Sunday

Taking control of your future/career seems to be the theme this week.  I am sharing posts that have similar messages about how, why and when to "take control". 

How to Be Your Own Career Expert  by Curt Rosengen

Wherever. Whatever   by William Arruda

The Old Great Career Ain't What it Used to Be  from CareerRocketeer

Will Your Contacts Be There When You Need Them?  By LIz Lynch From Career Success  

The Personal Branding Authority Flow Chart  from Personal Branding Blog

Please share these posts with those you know who may be stuck in a rut.  Share these posts with those that "don't get it".  Share these posts with those that need the information!

Happy Valentine's Day! 

Summary Sunday

Are you looking for something new?  A new job or a new strategy?  This summary is dedicated for those in search of something other than what they may know or have tried before. 

IF NEW TO SOCIAL MEDIA/BRANDING

20 Tips for Building Your Brand on Twitter by Interview Angel 

The Top 10 Tips for Your Online Profile from Elite Resumes

Top 6 Employer/Recruiter Magnets from Job-Hunt.org

Being indispensable and your personal brand from Keppie Careers

NEW JOB/CAREER

Lessons Learned from New Job, New You by Alexandra Levit

NEW TO JOB SEARCH

30 Ideas. The Ideas Of Successful Job Search. New 2010 Edition from Tim's Strategy

NEW NUMBERS

Two January Numbers You Need to Know from UpMo

100 Best CEOs in the World from Executive Resume Branding

Are you happy in your job?

There's been some talk around the web about what will happen when the economy turns around. The talk has to do with all those discontent workers looking for new jobs.  Will it happen?  Could it happen?  Sure.

Everyone has been under an extreme amount of pressure and anxiety over the past year. Companies have laid off employees, making even more work for those remaining.  Profits are slim, if they exist at all.  It seems everyone is holding on tight.

But what will happen when the economy starts really growing?

Will employers decide they need to fill jobs and/or create new ones?  If this does happen, how do you think they will promote their new opportunities?  I can't imagine they will go back to the job boards.  They've had success or heard of success using social media, word of mouth, referral hiring. 

So what might this mean?  It means that if you will be looking for a new job, you had better start nurturing your network now.  You'll need to start using LinkedIn more.  You'll want to develop an understanding of Twitter and Facebook and other networking sites unique to your industry. 

There are a lot of really smart recruiters out there talking about the new world of recruiting and the challenges and wins they have come upon. 

On ERE.net, John Sumser takes a look at trends. 5 Recruiting Scenarios For the Future. 

Bill Boorman hosts a show about HR and recruiting trends on Blog Talk Radio.  You can download past shows  and learn what's happening from the other side of the hiring desk.

Are you happy in your job?  Will you be looking for a new job in the future?  Read this post for a guide of how to get started.

College-Bound or Career-Bound

What is the purpose of a college education today?  Is it:

A) Learn to be a great thinker

B) Obtain a degree

C) Teach life skills (career management included)

D) Learn cutting edge technology and methodologies

E) None of the above

From where I stand, most colleges don't understand how to prepare students for life after college.  Two recent posts from great authorities on career management both find flaws with college career centers. 

Career Management, It Take a Village from CareerSolvers (@barbarasafani)

Safani says:

"But nowhere on any of the handouts was there information concerning college career and placement offices…"

"...Schools need to have proactive career planning and placement offices that know how to help students land plum internships and counselors that can help students market themselves effectively on their resume. They need strong relationships with employers and they need to be up to speed on the importance of social media in a job search."

How to Manage a College Education from Penelope Trunk's Brazen Careerist (@penelopetrunk)

Trunk points out:

• Career centers cater to companies, not candidates.
• Career centers don’t understand social media.
• Career center staff is self-selecting for under-performance.
• Pick a school based on their track record for getting students jobs

If this is the reality, then parents need to teach career management to their children, and at an early age- pre-college.  The best way to do this is to show by example.  Live your life and be in control of your career.  Know how to change with the times, understand how past experiences relate to future employers, be able to sell those experiences and invest in your own professional development.  No one else can do this for you.

Our Professional and Personal Lives are Blending

Sharing information is a personal value of mine.  I hope that by sharing information that people reading it or hearing it will come up with solutions or new approaches or innovation of some sort that will improve how we all are doing things. 

This week, I was hit over the head by some information and it forced me to think about the advice I've been giving job seekers.  Previously, I've held the belief that a job seeker needs to fit into the employer mold.  Well, kind of.  The job seeker needs to give the employer what they are looking for and my recommendation has always been to keep your personal stuff, personal. 

However, personal and professional seems to blur a lot lately.  Sometimes it is difficult to draw the line.  Is the fact that I am a mother relevant to my future employer?  No, not unless my new employer is an advocate of families or mothers.  But it is a crime to let people know I am a mother?  I used to believe the answer was almost yes.  If you are confused, I am too. 

Social media or change in societal norms is changing my outlook.  What I mean is, you see and hear people sharing both their professional and personal stuff on social media.  Is that wrong?  The old me says yes, the new me says, I don't know.

Chris Brogan is in the forefront of social media.  If you take one look at his blog, you will see the blending going on.  He merges professional and personal.  Please, go read Chris Brogan.  I think it is partially fair to say that this merging/blending of the two is how we start building trust.  Trust is key to building relationships.

What really got me thinking was this post my friend (Mike Lally) forwarded to me.  It is an interview with Seth Godin by J.T. O'Donnell.  Seth is a great thinker.  Here are some of the topics Godin brings up:

• You’ve Been Brain-Washed & Seduced…It’s Time to Fight Back!
• Why Career Labeling Stinks & What to Do About It
• Older Generations: Safe Doesn’t Cut It Anymore
• Get Fearless, Get Reckless

So what this post is really about is understanding how and maybe why things are different today.  We all want to succeed, but we need to understand that perhaps the rules are changing.  Perhaps our definition of success needs to be re-evaluated.  Perhaps our goals are no longer realistic in today's world. 

We can't change the world, we can adapt.

Summary Sunday

Summary Sunday is a collection of posts from blogs, newsletters and other resources that I have come across and would like to share with job seekers and those trying to manage their careers.  My hope is that you will find a new blog or source of information that you will begin to follow.  (I am teaching you how to fish). 

This week's summary begins with the post from Career Collective.  This is a group of talented resume writers, branding experts and career coaches that provides their collective ideas on a particular question.  I am honored to be included with this talented group.  I hope you take time to read these posts...the question for the month of January was,"What can a job seeker do to make the most of 2010?"

Your search for a job is a major project and therefore requires project management skills.  One of those is mapping out your activities.  Most job seekers balk at the idea of tracking their search efforts.  They don't see the purpose.  Hopefully this post from CareerRocketeer will provide a new framework to see the importance.  Plan and Execute Your Job Search Using Gantt Charts

I truly enjoy Nick Corcodilos' straight-forward approach.  I am hoping that everyone reading this next post takes away a perspective on the darn resume.  "How to Apply for a Job: The Working Resume" is from Ask the Headhunter.

Scot Herrick's Blog post "The Most Important Factor in Deciding to Stay or Leave a Job", offers a very good perspective on how to decide whether to stay or leave a job while inserting great thoughts about the "new world of work" (a job isn't for a lifetime).  

If you are looking for insight on how social media is being used (by everyone), subscribe to SmartBrief on Social Media.  Here is a link to the most clicked articles. 

Branding isn't just for those who are career-minded.  Even if you are just looking for a job, you need to understand your reputation and image.  This monthly newsletter is filled with ideas and suggestions and thoughts.  Reach Personal Branding Newsletter 

Thanks for reading!  Remember, if you like something, share! 

Technology Is No Longer A Separate Division

We now live in a world where we have to be technically savvy.  IT departments really don't help us with the basics any longer.  We are expected to know how to access our email from home, know how to connect a wireless hub to our home network, research the most recent tools we supposedly can't live without, set security levels, firewalls, etc, use Smart phones/iPhone/Blackberry/Droids and the list goes on.

At home and in the workplace, new technology is at our disposal.  We have to learn what will be the best solutions for us, based on facts not fear.

Never fear, there are resources.  The best resources generally are free, they are your friends or co-workers who love to use the most recent gadgets.  They also enjoy giving advice and helping.  Tap into their expertise.  On-line you can find user groups and even use Google to find answers to your questions. 

If you don't know how to use LinkedIn, ask!  There are free resources available. 

If you don't know how to keep track of versions of your resume, ask.

If you don't know how to create alerts on job boards, ask.

If you don't know how to use Skype, ask.

This is just the tip of the technology iceberg for job seekers.  It can be overwhelming.   Break the iceberg down into manageable pieces.  Prioritize.

Learning this new technology can demonstrate to employers your ability to learn new things, be adaptable and even resilient.

For a job seeker, a thorough resource to begin with is Job-hunt.org.

There is also a robust tool available called jibberjobber.  It helps you keep track of your vast network and job opportunities.  And so much more.

Don't plead ignorance, claim mastery!

Summary Sunday

So here we are in a brand new year, 2010!  There have been a lot of posts on resolutions; how to make them, how to stick with them.  I don't really like resolutions, per se.  Here are my favorite posts about making decisions or doing this job search thing better.  You can find your own resolutions from these.

3 Motivation Keys by Career Goddess

A Fresh Start in Your Job Search for the New Year from CareerRocketeer

LinkedIn Taglines by Recruiting Animal

Introducing Confidence Marketing from Spin Strategy

How to write a Bio and Why You Should from Brand-Yourself.com

3 Job Strategies to Get it Right in 2010 from Cube Rules

Cover Letters Are We Thin-Slicing Recruiting? from Recruiting in 3D

Top Job Search Books by Alison Doyle from About.com 

Top 6 Employer/Recruiter Work Magnets from Job-Hunt.org

2009- Job Search Advice in Review

I've selected blog posts from the past year that I want to make sure job seekers don't forget.  Perhaps you missed some of the earlier favorites.

I wish you all a Happy New Year!  Enjoy.

Job Search Help Is Everywhere

Job Search Secrets from the Great Depression

6 Steps to Managing Your Career

Everyone Needs A VisualCV

Starting A New Job? Remember These 3 Things

25 Signs You Need Serious Help with Your Job Search

Practice Your Interview Answers Out Loud

Your Marketing Plan

10 Steps You Should Have Taken When You Were First Un-Employed

Well, this will probably be a 2 part post, because I can't possibly get them all here or in an order that makes sense.

Do you have a favorite post from Career Sherpa in 2009?  Let me know what it was.

Summary Sunday

There is so much help available on the internet, it can be overwhelming, I suppose. Just a little digging or a little asking around and you can find credible resources.

Job-Hunt.org has a mini tutorial called Job Hunt Navigator which shows how to use their site to help your job search! 

If you are looking for Entrepreneurial Guidance, that is available too. 

The M.A.P. Maker is dedicated to helping people figure out what is important to themselves.  This post with video is about Social Entrepreneurship. 

I recently signed up for SmartBrief news on Entrepreneurialism.  Though it is filling my in-box, there are definitely helpful resources in each email.  Here are the Top Stories from this week's SmartBrief.

Are you thinking about a Portfolio Career?  A what?  The created opportunity to have several, less than full-time jobs, using your greatest strengths. Jason Alba, Penelope Trunk, Tom Peters, Peter Weddle and many others occasionally mention this career management strategy.  This blog is dedicated to the concept:  Portfolio Careers

If you haven't been exposed to Seth Godin, what better time!  He has launched a new eBook, and it is just in time for the New Year.  Great Thinkers share their thoughts! (Download here)

Summary Sunday

'Tis the season!  Whether you are jolly or not, it is difficult to keep motivated this time of year.  You will get a job.  It just isn't happening as quickly as you would like.  If you are looking for ideas on how to keep your job search moving this holiday season, here is a collection of job search advice from a wide array of career experts.  (By the way, if you find a post you like, consider adding that blog to your reader or subscribe to receive their posts in your email).

4 Tips for Effective Networking Follow Up by Keppie Careers

Tired of talking about the holidays? Do you want to think about what happiness means to you?

The American Dreamby Peter Weddle

Want to learn some Guerrilla Job Search Tactics?  This is a great interview jam -packed with advice from David Perry, co-author of the award-winning Guerrilla Marketing series and Kevin Donlin, co-authorof Guerrilla Marketing for Job seekers 2.0.

Job Search Secrets Revealed from Reach Personal Branding

For more great reading on personal branding here are great blogs that are dedicated to the cause!

Kristen Jacoway writes Career Design Coach

Susan Guarnari writes Career Assessment Goddess

Dan Schwabel's  Personal Branding Blog 

Chris Perry's CareerRocketeer

Meg Guiseppi writes Executive Resume Branding

Have fun reading and learning from these resources!  Not just now, but for the future! 

If you would like to receive this daily blog as an email, subscribe by clicking on this link.  I will not spam or sell your information.  I'm too honest!

Be Somebody

I was driving into work yesterday and the DJ's were talking about "Participation Trophy's".  You know about these if you have kids. Kids are being giving trophies for participating on a team. It isn't just the MVPs or Unsung Hero awards that are being passed out.  Some parent decided that all the kids, especially theirs, needed recognition.  What kind of precedent does that set?  No wonder we hear about Gen Y being characterized as entitled.  That's how they were trained.  I know, I know, this isn't true for all of Gen Y. But...what have we done?

Life isn't fair. We all know that.  It is a tough lesson to learn and one that should probably be taught earlier.  Our world is so competitive.  Isn't a good idea to teach kids how to compete and lose and keep trying?

Mediocrity no longer is tolerated by employers.  They are in business to make money and in order to do that, they need to hire star players not bench warmers.  They can't afford to.  They are operating lean and mean, especially right now after the layoffs many have done.

Instead of being a generalist...you need to have a specialty as well.  Perhaps being a jack of all trades and a master of ONE is your new message.  What will your ONE specialty be?  (Most everyone has one, yet we take it for granted.)

Think about the good things your past colleagues have said about you.  Review past performance appraisals.  Read through customer letters of thanks.  The answer lies in them.

What I am talking about is leveraging your innate talents by creating a greater awareness (perception) of them.  Who needs to know about this talent?  Who needs to be reminded of this talent? What company is in dire need of this talent? 

If we teach this valuable lesson to our children today, they will be better able to thrive in the new world we live in. Can we teach them to continue to develop themselves, set goals, learn how to sell and to be good people?  Can we?  

We need to develop a team of "hungry" players-  people who will do anything (ethical) to make this world a better place.   

Pay Attention to the "Red Flags"

Being offered a job is a terrific feeling, especially if you have been searching for awhile.  It is flattering to know that a company selected you from all the other candidates.  But before you scream "Yes, I'll take it!" , be sure you haven't overlooked some "red flags" that could lead to future trouble. 

Usually hind-sight is 20-20.  If you've ever gotten yourself into trouble or a bad situation, and you look back, you can see where things went wrong.  As you investigate a new employer, make sure you are keeping notes on your "gut instincts".  By no means am I suggesting you stop the interview process or turn down a job for a single reason.  What you are looking for is a pattern or several reasons that make you ask yourself questions about whether or not this is a good decision.  There is no absolute right or wrong.

Researching the Company:

• Is the company family-owned?
• What is the financial status of the company?
• What to current and ex-employees say about the company? 
• What do you know about the Hiring Manager? Where did they come from?  What is their management style? What do other people know about him/her?
• What is the company culture like?

Interviewing Process:

• Did they do a thorough job screening you prior to calling you in?
• Did they ask awkward or unusual questions during the interview?
• How many people did you meet in the company?
• Were the answers they gave to your questions in sync with one another?
• Did they stop and start the interview process? Why did they do this?
• What has happened in the company to create this opening?
• Is there a job description?

Job Offer/Negotiations:

• Did they offer you the job on the spot?
• Were they rigid in their inability to negotiate?
• How are they going to handle your on-boarding or orientation into the company?
• What will your first few weeks on the job look like?
• Did you get your offer in writing?  Was it what you had discussed?

Even evaluating all these things and being in tune with your instincts won't protect you from every situation. Once you are inside, things can begin to look different.  If you have been told something, hold people accountable for delivering what they've said.  We hate conflict, especially when we are the new kid on the block and just beginning to get the lay of the land.  However, having heart to heart conversations with your new hiring manager will be critical to your success.   Continue to pay attention and look for "red flags".