Hannah Morgan

Find and Follow- New on LinkedIn

Finding who you are looking for is generally the toughest part of the battle.  LinkedIn has just made this incredibly easy, well, for Twitter users at least.

Here is the most recent post from the LinkedIn Blog (which I hope you all are reading for updates and news on this networking tool)

Find and Follow Your LinkedIn Connections on Twitter

I just added 14 people to the Twitter followers who were part of my LinkedIn network, but who I didn't know were playing on Twitter.  Twitter users are always looking for new people (or old friends) to follow. 

In order to take advantage of this Twitter sync, you need to install the Tweets application.  The link to do this is in the blog post above.  And in case you are wondering, it is free.

The benefits of using Twitter continue to mount, so what are you waiting for?  Come engage and connect on Twitter (@careersherpa)

Learning How to Use LinkedIn

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

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

First is the LinkedIn Learning Center.  

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

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

LinkedIn Job Seeker Introduction Video

Create a 100% Complete Profile

Listing of all tips produced by LinkedIn

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

Where do you go to learn about LinkedIn? 

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...

LinkedIn Groups- What is the purpose?

 Are you a member of a LinkedIn group that you benefit from?  Let's define "benefit from". In other words, are you learning, sharing, engaging in conversation, meeting great thinkers?  In my opinion, that is what LinkedIn groups are supposed to foster.  You hear the term virtual community used to describe some groups.  Are they really functioning like that?

Tim's Strategy - Ideas For Job Search, Career And Life does this better than most.  If you are a job seeker, you will find other job seekers introducing themselves and sharing content (articles they've read, etc).  Tim Tyrell-Smith, the manager, will chime in too. 

You can belong to as many as 50 groups.  That's nice, but it may be difficult to regularly engage in that many. My belief is that it is quality not quantity, though others disagree. As you select groups to join, consider how you would benefit. 

As a job seeker, you've heard that recruiters/employers are using LinkedIn to source and evaluate talent/candidates.  This is one reason you want to evaluate the groups you belong to.  If you were a recruiter looking for a really good marketing candidate, would you search a group of job seekers or a group of talented marketing professionals?

As a recruiter, you would be looking for demonstration of key marketing skills.  What constitutes demonstration? Perhaps these are some:  discussions around cutting edge marketing trends, presentations, papers, articles written or discussed, participation in events. 

OK, you may think that recruiters would go to "job seeker groups", though I don't think so.  But if that is what you believe, then the same logic applies.  How are you demonstrating your talent?  

In order for you to see value in a group, sometimes you'll have to put yourself out there.  Social media is about giving and engaging, not hanging on the fringes or being an innocent by stander.  ENGAGE.  Ask questions. 

I think engaging is very hard for most of us.  We are not used to engaging.  We are used to taking in information and not giving back.  Remember the cardinal rule of networking is to give.  

To select the groups you will want to participate in you can see what groups others belong to on their LinkedIn profiles.  Also consider how many members are in the group.  More isn't always better, but it means something.

Growing Your Personal Brand Using LinkedIn Groups by Meg Guiseppi from Job-Hunt.org  

3 Ways to Use LinkedIn Groups

LinkedIn Tips- Groups & Their Benefits by Greg Taylor

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

Be a good groupie!  Participate!  Learn!  Connect!

2009 Hiring Trends In Review

Each year I look forward to CareerXroads Sources of Hire study results.  Why?  Because it justifies what all the expert career coaches are saying. 

We all know how turbulent 2009 was.  The results of this study help point out several things:

51% of Full time jobs were filed by Internal Transfers and Promotions

26.7% of all external hires were from Referrals (#1 external hiring method)

22.3% of Hires attributed to the Company Website

The authors of the study state that hiring attributed to the company website an obvious flaw in sourcing.  However, I believe that the message is getting out to job seekers that the job boards may not be the answer.  The pro-active search method of identifying employers and targeting them for opportunities might be catching on.  Social Media is also catching on.

Please, read the full study and come up with your own conclusions!  Let us know what you think!

LinkedIn Is No Longer Optional. It May Be More Important Than Your Resume

You've heard about LinkedIn.  You have a skeleton of a profile and a few contacts...now why isn't your phone ringing off the hook?

It isn't that simple.  Your LinkedIn profile needs to have quality content.  It needs to convey a message about you.  Invest the time to make your profile 100% complete.  There have been some great articles on how to do this.  Please don't make excuses or say you don't know how. 

Here is two explanations of HOW to complete your profile:

Make Sure Your LinkedIn Profile is 100% Complete from Brand-Yourself.com

Leverage LinkedIn for Personal Branding and Targeted Executive Job Search  by Meg Guiseppi.

Once you have your profile complete, begin to use LinkedIn.  There is no greater teacher than experience. 

If you don't think you need LinkedIn, you should read this post about how to be found using LinkedIn:

How to Be Found By Recruiters On LinkedIn by Marci Reynolds from Job-Hunt.org

7 Ways to Get More Out of LinkedIn by Sharlyn Lauby from Mashable

Please, don't just stop here.  Begin to really USE LinkedIn.  Consider it your networking rolodex or address book.   It will keep track of all the great people you meet as you go through your career.  And there is no need to update your contacts information, no more bounced emails or disconnected phone numbers.  It is done by them when they change jobs.  It is an virtual contact list that never gets outdated!  

LinkedIn is not a fad, it is not a toy, it is an investment in your future.  Learn it and use it to your advantage.

Stay "On Brand" and Cater to Your Desired Audience

It is wonderful that there are so many networking groups around for the unemployed.  These groups offer wonderful support and ideas.  They also offer great opportunities to meet new people whom you instantly have something in common (job search).  These groups offer the opportunity to meet people from other industries and backgrounds you may not have interacted with before.  All this is good.

You know the old saying, everything in moderation.  That's where I am going next.  Use these networking groups to support your job search, however, don't stop there.  Join professional associations related to your desired new occupation.  Become involved in volunteer work that will allow you to use your talent. 

Beyond job seeker networking groups, there are GROUPS on LinkedIn.  It is also important to have a mix of professional interests represented here.  What I mean is, join and participate in groups that have something to do with your next career move. 

Recently, I was looking at a LinkedIn profile of someone who belonged to almost 50 groups (50 is the maximum you can belong to).  More than half of the groups this woman was affiliated with were "job search related".  She was missing an opportunity to interact and develop relationships targeted towards her next goal.  

Part of social media and networking is becoming known as an expert.  I don't think anyone wants to become known as being an expert job seeker!  I don't want to bash these forums, they are important, but...everything in moderation.  Networking is networking.  I have always been an advocate of networking with the unemployed.  They are very empathetic and probably more in tune with the job market than those that are employed.  However...there is an element of marketing involved in job search as well.

Know your audience.  Cater to them.

Post status updates related to your industry or occupation more than what job seeker related events you are attending or other details about your search.

I read a post the other day on the 4 P's of Social Media.  Here is the link.  The original content is credited to Buzz Marketing for Technology.

These 4 P's have to do with promoting you!  The talents and skills and knowledge you bring to the table. You want to be sought after for your demonstrated knowledge.  Using social media is a way to get the message out there and share what you know about your new career, NOT JOB SEARCH (unless you want to become a job search coach).

As you use Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn for your search, consider sharing information that demonstrates your knowledge more than what you had for breakfast or other "off-brand" information.

Find trade publications or industry newsletters to read.  Then you can share interesting articles from those.  Here are some resources to find on-line content:

SmartBriefAllTop

AllTop

WebWire

Weddle's Association Directory

LinkedIn Help

If you are looking for a job, you've probably heard of LinkedIn.  If you aren't looking for a job now, you might possibly need to in the future. Now is the time to invest in maximizing your LinkedIn connections.

This one tool is probably all you need to connect with new people and promote your brand.  Sure, there are other tools out there, but if you are feeling overwhelmed, just master this one.  It has the biggest bang for the buck.  Over 90% of Hiring Managers and recruiters are using this tool to find or research you. 

First:  Build your profile

Second: Learn the rules

Third: Invest time in using the tool

Building your profile requires thought

What do you want to be known for?  How will you show it?  There are great resources for building your profile.  Here are just a few.

Executive Branding and Your LinkedIn Profile from Executive Resume Branding

Profiles from the LinkedIn Learning Center

How to: Build your personal brand from Mashable and Dan Schwabel

LinkedIn Etiquette

The Best LinkedIn Invitations from CareerRocketeer

The 20 Most Common LinkedIn Mistakes from Executive Resume Branding

Invest Time and Use the LinkedIn

LinkedIn from JobMob

100+ Smart Ways to Use LinkedIn from Linked Intelligence

The Awesome Power of Linked-In from The Executive Brand

Problem with LinkedIn Account from Susan Ireland’s Job Lounge

LinkedIn Maintenance: Do This Right Now (or else?) from Jibber Jobber Blog

3 Ways to Use LinkedIn Groups

According to some LinkedIn experts you should join as many groups as possible.  That maximum has been capped by LinkedIn at 50.  That sounds like a lot and it is.  What being part of a group does is give you better accessibility to connect with people, create an awareness of you and an ability to learn what is going on within the group's area of expertise. 

Join groups to make connections

Once you have joined a group, see who the members are.  Are there people from target companies or who used to work in target companies in this group?  Before you invite them to join your network, learn about them. See what their interests are.  Read whom they are willing to make contact with.  Then, when you are ready to invite them, create a personalized invite explaining why you would like to connect with them. 

Join groups to become known

Some groups are more active than others.  See what discussions have been posted within the group. Take part and add comments to the discussion that are relevant and intelligent. Commenting on people's discussions can ping them so they see your name as well as your comments. Don't go overboard, but DO participate.  Remember, you have to give to get.  You can add news articles you stumble across that are relevant to the group.  Again, this is creating an awareness of you.  The lesson here is about being active in the group.

Join groups to learn about trends

Have you ever wondered how to solve a problem at work or with your job search?  Chances are the information you are looking for is out on the web somewhere.  Search LinkedIn for answers to your questions.  Many groups post feeds from industry publications and blogs.  Read these.

The important lesson about joining LinkedIn groups is that you want to be active.  Ask questions and play it forward as much as possible.

If you are still feeling overwhelmed by LinkedIn, you can go to the LinkedIn Learning Center to get many of your questions answered. 

This is a link to their Job Seekers user's guide

This is a link to their overview of Groups

There are lots of blogs and resources that talk about the "Best Use" of LinkedIn.

Mashable

JibberJobber blog

SirLinkedAlot

If you have a favorite source for learning about LinkedIn, please share it with us in a comment!

Social Media is NOT about Telling People What You Had for Breakfast

Social media isn't about disclosing what's going on in your personal life.  It is about sharing information with other people.  It is a tool for learning! 

This is the same definition for networking, if you recall. 

Finding people with whom you have a common interest and sharing what you know and what they know.  Because we live in a "flat world", the answers to our questions are out there somewhere.  You can find the answer if you know where to look.

There are yahoo groups, google groups, wikis,  user forums, Ning, LinkedIn groups, blogs and Twitter.  There are hundreds, if not thousands, of ways to share content and info, Stumble Upon, Digg, etc.

Most people, not all, get it. They are using these tools to spread a message by sharing information- by providing written content and sharing their expertise.

If you want to learn more about these tools, you are going to have to teach yourself.  That's the bad news.  The good news is that there are some great places to learn:

Mashable:  The Social Media Guide is chock full of great information on all those tools.  Go read and learn.

LinkedIn has a Learning Center with tons of articles and mini videos to walk you through using and even mastering the beast.

Facebook might be just for fun for you, however, businesses are tapping into it. It makes it easy for them to "push information".  There are applications you can add to your Facebook account that can help you find jobs.  Keppie Careers wrote about these applications and there might be even more now.

This is not a short term investment.  This is an investment in your future.  You will, undoubtedly, be out of work again.  Isn't it time you start learning this now and begin managing your career?

Still not convinced? 

If you think age discrimination is a problem now, wait until you aren't using these tools and missing out on all the jobs being posted and shared ONLY in these places.  It may just happen.

Why Job Search Advice is the Same but Different

This post is to support the efforts of Job Action Day, an initiative started by Quintessential Careers. As a member of a new community of resume writers and career coaches called the Career Collective,this post is one of many responses to ideas and concrete steps to secure your future in a changed economy.  I encourage you to visit other members' responses, linked at the end of my post. Please follow our hashtag on Twitter: #careercollective.

 

We find ourselves in unconventional times.  Never before have any of us experienced economic conditions like today.  As crazy as these times are, the advice to job seekers is the same, NETWORK!  But we have so many more ways to network today, that is the difference.

There are two things we know about the job market:

1. Employers aren't posting jobs
2. Job seekers don't know what to do without job postings

There is absolutely nothing anyone can do to force employers to post their openings when they do have them.  What this has done is force the traditional employee to find new ways to look for work.  And in many cases, there are just not enough jobs to go around so the advice being given is to become more creative and network.

NETWORKING

The C suite (CEOs CFOs, COOs) certainly understand this.  They hardly ever have applied for job postings.  Their jobs have been mostly secured through the power of networking.  There were seldom postings to apply to. 

The majority of job seekers today have not had to look for work in a long time.  They remember when you entered a company lobby, filled out an application and interviewed for the job on the spot.  It also didn't take months for the employer to make a decision.  Back then, the employer also was in contact with the job seeker to let them know what was going on or where the job seeker stood. 

When I recommend networking to this set of job seekers , they don't understand how.  They don't know what to say. And sometimes the flatly refuse to even try.

Then, let's enter social media into the equation.  It is new to most of us.  It is often seen as a waste of time, frivolous, or too high of a hurdle to leap.  Or it becomes an obsession and takes time away from the more critical task of actually meeting with people face to face. Here's a quick summary of what LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook each mean to developing your network.

SOCIAL MEDIA TOOLS

LinkedIn has been around since 2001.  This past year there has been a huge demand from the job seekers I've been working with for information on how to use LinkedIn. If you aren't there yet, you should be.  Read why here.

Twitter was founded in 2006.  It is seen as a fad by many.  There are great ways to use Twitter to meet people to network with and even find jobs (check out twitterjobsearch) Do you want to read more about how to grow your network using Twitter, read this post. 

Also quickly emerging into the world of job search is Facebook.  This used to be seen as a kids platform, but it's functionality is proving to work for businesses and professionals too.

MARKETING/SELF PROMOTION

The large number of people looking for their next job makes the market competitive.  This competition is forcing job seekers to be great self-promoters (aka sales people).  Our society has long taught us not to brag and boast.  The majority of job seekers are humble.  What they hear is that they have to "toot their own horns". However, what I am encouraging them to do is to take credit where credit is due.  But this isn't always what they are hearing. 

Today, more than ever before, job search takes project management skills,  marketing savvy, great discipline and incredible perseverance. 

For other insight and advice on job search in 2009, read the posts below contributed by Career Collective's talented experts. 

Katharine Hansen:  His Resume Savvy Helped New Career Rise from Layoff Ashes:  http://resumesandcoverletters.com/tips_blog/2009/11/job-action-day-09-his-resume-s.html

Meg Montford:  Job Action Day: Finding Your “MOJO” After Layoff
 http://coachmeg.typepad.com/career_chaos/2009/10/job-action-day-finding-your-mojo-after-layoff.html

Debra Wheatman: Plan B from outer space; or what do you have in case your first plan doesn’t work out?
http://resumesdonewrite.blogspot.com/2009/10/plan-b-from-outer-space-or-what-do-you.html

Heather Mundell: Green Jobs – What They Are and How to Find Them,http://dbcs.typepad.com/lifeatwork/2009/10/green-jobs-what-they-are-and-how-to-find-them.html

Grace Kutney: Securing Your Career While Navigating the Winds of Changehttp://sweetcareers.blogspot.com/2009/10/securing-your-career-while-navigating.html

Hannah Morgan: Career Sherpa– Why Our Job Search Advice is the Same but Differenthttp://hannahmorgan.typepad.com/hannah_morgan/2009/10/why-our-job-search-advice-is-the-same-but-different.html

Gayle Howard: The Enlightened Jobseeker http://www.theexecutivebrand.com/?p=500

Laurie Berenson: Making lemonade out of lemons: Turn unemployment into entrepreneurshiphttp://blog.sterlingcareerconcepts.com/2009/10/30/making-lemonade-out-of-lemons-turn-unemployment-into-entrepreneurship.aspx

Jacqui Barrett-Poindexter: You Can Thrive In, Not Just Survive, an Economic Slogginghttp://careertrend.wordpress.com/2009/10/30/you-can-thrive-not-just-survive-an-economic-slogging/

Rosalind Joffe: Preparedness: It’s Not Just for Boyscoutshttp://workingwithchronicillness.com/2009/10/preparedness-its-not-just-for-boy-scouts/

Rosa E. Vargas: Are You Evolving Into The In-Demand Professional of Tomorrow? http://resume-writing.typepad.com/resume_writing_and_job_se/2009/10/furture-careers.html

Dawn Bugni: Your network IS your net worth http://thewritesolution.wordpress.com/2009/10/30/your-network-is-your-net-worth/

Miriam Salpeter: Optimize your job hunt for today’s economyhttp://www.keppiecareers.com/2009/10/30/optimize-your-job-hunt-for-todays-ecomony/

GL Hoffman: The Life of An Entrepreneur: Is It for You? http://blogs.jobdig.com/wwds/2009/10/30/the-life-of-an-entrepreneur-is-it-for-you/

Katharine Hansen: Job Action Day 09: His Resume Savvy Helped New Career Rise from Layoff Ashes http://www.resumesandcoverletters.com/tips_blog/job_action_day_09_his_resume_s.html

Martin Buckland: Job Search–The Key to Securing Your Future Career. http://aneliteresume.com/job-search/the-key-to-securing-your-future-career/

Chandlee Bryan: Where the Green Jobs Are: http://emergingprofessional.typepad.com/the_emerging_professional/2009/11/where-the-green-jobs-are.html

Heather R. Huhman, Take Action: 10 Steps for Landing an Entry-Level Job, http://www.heatherhuhman.com/2009/10/take-action/

Barbara Safani: Where the Jobs Are 2009 and Beyond: http://www.careersolvers.com/blog/2009/10/31/where-the-jobs-are-2009-and-beyond/

LinkedIn is Only a Tool, You are the Operator

LinkedIn is simply a tool to use to develop and nurture your network.  As a tool, you have to determine how you will use it.  You are the operator. 

I'd like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn.

-Sarah

What does this message tell the receiver?  Who is this "Sarah"?  How do I know her?  Why do I want to connect with her?

Do not use the default invitation message.  It is bland and defeats the whole purpose of developing and nurturing.  It says nothing about "why" you want to add this person to your network.

Jason Alba's dvd shows how you can customize the section of your profile for "contact settings". It also explains why. You should consider listing your connection criteria or rules here for all to see and understand.  As an inviter, you should read and see what, if any, rules/conditions are listed for the person you want to invite.  Besides the basic billeted ways in which I am open to connecting, I state in my Contact Settings: 

I will gladly connect with people I know. I am more than happy to accept twitter followers at http://twitter.com/careersherpa.

I could and probably should go one step further and state that in order for me to know someone, I have to have met them face to face or had significant interaction via phone. 

There are many good posts on LinkedIn manners.  Here are just some I found to be helpful:

4 Tips for LinkedIn Professional Etiquette, CareerRocketeer

2 Lazy Invitations that Can Burn Bridges, The Job Lounge

10 Tips for Using Your Status Update, Career Success!

And from JobMob's recent listing of 93 Most Popular(4 about LinkedIn)

100+ Smart Ways to Use LinkedInfrom Linked Intelligence

The Awesome Power of Linked-In from Gayle’s Blog

Problem with LinkedIn Account from Susan Irelands’s Job Lounge

LinkedIn Maintenance: Do This Right Now (or else?) from Jibber Jobber Blog

Sales 101

People with a background in selling understand the job search process.  They have lived it daily as they sold whatever product or service they represented for their previous employers.  Networking uses those same principles.

Identify your target audience:

This means identifying which companies need your services.  If you were selling something, you would develop a large pipeline of potential customers.  You would do this by identifying what they are currently doing and using.  You would identify them as having a problem your product or service could solve.

Create your value-add:

Once you have identified these targets, you would create a sales pitch for each individual company based on what they would gain by using your service.  In many instances, you already know some of their problems or why your service would benefit them.  In other instances, you will need to gather information about what the company is doing and how they are doing it.  How might you gather that information?  You could speak with people who are currently working there. You could read about them in publications and on their website.  You could speak with people who used to work their or have some connection.  Once you have this information, you would better understand which benefits are of the greatest value.

Who to pitch to:

You wouldn't dream of trying to sell your product or service to someone who doesn't control the budget.  It would be a waste of your time.  Instead, you would identify the Decision Maker for the department or company.  They are the people who ultimately make the final decisions.  Do they want to talk to you?  Of course not.  They are busy. And in many cases they don't believe they have a problem that needs solving or fixing.  However, the great sales person, finds the magic words to get the meeting.  It takes persistence.  It takes confidence.  Trying to push the concept from the bottom up is generally seen as a long and fruitless process.  Sure, it has been done and can be done, but, the ultimate pitch has to be made to the decision maker.

As job seekers, we absolutely have to follow the same process.  We need to keep the bigger picture in mind.  It is great to meet new people and develop our network.  It is equally important to remember our targets and goals...to present to the ultimate decision maker.  Trying to push your message from the bottom up is difficult.  Peers can be threatened by your experience/talent.  How likely are they to become your cheerleader or advocate?  Why would they do that for you?  Sure, it can happen.  Your return on these peer to peer conversations will seldom be as beneficial as a single conversation with a decision maker.

We don't know many decision makers.  It is a difficult process to identify them.  It is even more difficult to gain access to them.  Begin by using LinkedIn to identify who's who in target companies.(Great article from Personal Branding on how to do this.)  If that fails, you can read trade publications and local newspapers.  If that fails, consult the local chamber of commerce. 

One job seeker recently followed her targeted decision maker to a presentation he was giving.  She attended and after his presentation, created the opportunity to connect with him and introduce herself.  She demonstrated an interest in his company and began the process of developing a relationship/connection.  As sales people know, this can be a long and arduous process.  She, most likely, will face many rejections in trying to follow-up with this company owner.  But, if, in her persistence, she demonstrates that she can solve a problem or be a solution, she will win the coveted meeting she is hoping for. 

Connecting with decision makers is the brass ring job seekers must strive for.  Anything less is like pushing a boulder up a huge mountain. 

You Want A Change, But You Don't Know What To Do

This has been quite a year for people searching for work.  Many of them are thinking about doing something different.  While changing careers and/or industry can be difficult, it is certainly possible.  This change is particularly difficult with so many people unemployed.  The competition among qualified candidates is great.  For someone wanting to move into a new industry, this can be a difficult hurdle.  They are immediately seen as less qualified for not having the industry experience.  However, if using strong networking contacts, lacking some of the requirements can sometimes be overlooked.

I asked the question the other day of some twitter colleagues about how they recommend job seekers find new occupations that might be of interest.  One colleague recommended using LinkedIn.  She recommends her clients use that to find people with similar backgrounds and look at what career paths have been and where they go onto next.  (If I could remember who said this, I would certainly give her credit, sorry)

The other tool I recommend all the time to people is O*Net.  It has a new look and includes "Green Occupations".  (Thank you to @KarenUnderhill at MinnesotaWorks for the update info).

Most importantly, it is going to take conversations with people to get some of the clarifying information you will need to move forward.  Those people can be friends, mentors, career coaches...They key is to keep the process of exploration moving forward.  Don't delay.  Set a deadline.  There may not be any ONE perfect job, so don't hold out.  Explore and move forward with one of interest and see where that information takes you.  You may find something else along the way. 

If you know someone who is exploring, help them by introducing them to people who may be able to help provide information (not a job, INFORMATION).

If you are looking for ideas of emerging occupations/predictions for hot occupations, you'll have to read this article from Fast Company.  Here are the top 3, no surprises...

1. Nursing/Medical Services
2. Computing /Engineering
3. Education

The article also explores some predicted trends in types of employment for the future.  What do you know about telecommuting?  Will there really be droves of people retiring?  These and other issues are already impacting the employment situation.   Also check out Fast Company's link to the Best Green jobs. 

Keep your eyes and ears open!

Setting Yourself Apart from the Crowd

Yesterday I re-tweeted (shared) an article from Mashable called "Do You Pass the Social Media Test".  Every job seeker must read this.  It explains, from a recruiter's viewpoint, how they evaluate candidates (beyond the resume).

There have been other studies and research that shows well over 50% of recruiters and HR professionals are using social media to evaluate and even source candidates.  While this may not be true in all industries and all occupations, it is certainly something to watch and like playing the lottery, "hey, you never know".

What this article so nicely points out is the logic behind WHY recruiters are looking at more than your resume.  In short, recruiters can find hundreds of equally talented candidates now.  LinkedIn has made that very easy for them.  The large numbers of available talent knocking on their doors also helps.   The recruiters need a way to identify the right fit for the jobs they are filling and it goes much farther than just having the skills to do the job.  They are looking for "fit" in the big scope of things.

Here are ways the writer/recruiter looks at LinkedIn to select or de-select candidates:

"1. Has genuine recommendations from peers, managers and colleagues
2. Has the more complete profile
3. Is a member of more groups pertaining to their respective field
4. Has a picture
5. Lists interests, hobbies and other information related to their life
    outside of work
6. Participates and highlights their involvement in non-paid projects
    related to their field (open-source, community, volunteer, conference)
7. Updates their status more often
8. Asks and answers more questions
9. Links to their employer, blog and other projects of interest
10. Has the larger network"

Just imagine you decided you didn't need LinkedIn or only had a couple of connections.  This recruiter would not have chosen your resume as the one to call in.  Simple, huh? 

What this means is that your message across LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter needs to be consistent and professional.

Your content should not be extremist or beyond PG-13.

You can't "not play" in 2009.

Some people are saying that Twitter is a fad.  We don't know for sure.  People didn't really think very much of LinkedIn in the early days either.  Don't invest too much time or energy in any one area. 

Social media is an interesting blend of networking, marketing, information sharing and technology.  Have fun and experiment. 

Using LinkedIn to Find Target Companies

OH, my gosh!  I knew LinkedIn was a great tool, but this is amazing.  How many of you have used the Search Companies function on LinkedIn?

In my search, I found over 4,000 within my 1st and 2nd degree contacts and over 900 companies listed in Rochester, NY.  So what are you waiting for.

It is so simple.

1. Click on Search by Companies
2. Then, you can see on the right hand side of the screen the ability to filter or specify your search by location, company size, company industry, or companies with job postings (this isn't that important, really)
3. Once you find a company listed, you will find all sorts of information about it. A brief description, number of employees, LinkedIn contacts within the  company, ie. people for you to network with, recent promotions, career path (where people came from), average age, female/male ratio...good stuff.
4. Begin connecting with people who work in these target companies.  The names are provided to you.  Of course, you'll want to make human contact, not just virtual contact.

There is more information on LinkedIn's Learning Center. 

For those who are interested in how and where the data on companies is compiled, click here.

If you are looking for additional ways to use LinkedIn to help your job search, see LinkedIn's suggestions here.

If you are looking for a free webinar on how to use LinkedIn for job search, there is one listed herehosted by LinkedIn themselves!

When is a slide show more than just a slide show?

I get tired of reading the hundreds of new posts on job search sometimes, do you?  I also don't have time to sit and listen to an interview with a leading expert on interviewing or job search (however, I did listen to some of Liz Lynch's interview with Jason Alba).  Video's are too long sometimes, I want them to get to the point. 

I've known about Slideshare and I've heard that it could be a nice addition to your LinkedIn profile. It wasn't until I came across this post, 7 Must Read SlideShare Presentations For Job Seekers that I became convinced there's a lot to be said for slideshows.  I can scroll through them at my own pace. They are designed to be snippets of information to learn from.  This makes them a nice alternative to the paragraphs of text that overwhelm me sometimes. 

What amazes me is that people are willing to share their hard work and knowledge for free.  So who says we're a selfish society?  Oh, maybe these slides demonstrate knowledge and expertise?  Maybe they are a form of branding?  Or maybe, they just are.

Are you using Slideshare on your LinkedIn profile?  What is the show about?  What do you want people to know about your skills, knowledge, abilities from viewing it?

25 Signs That You Need Serious Help with Your Search

Perhaps it takes an innocent by-stander or someone with outside perspective to see what might possibly be the problem with your job search.  Here's a checklist of signs that your search needs help:

1. You've been attending a networking group for over a month and you still don't know the names of people.
2. You have had more than 10 first interviews and zero second interviews.
3. When people offer suggestions, you tell them why they won't work for you.
4. You don't have a LinkedIn account.
5. You believe and state out loud the reason you aren't getting a job is because you are too old or too inexperienced.
6. Your father tells you that the Hess Mart is hiring.
7. When people ask what you are looking for you say "A JOB".
8. Your resume has been sent to over 20 job postings and no one has called you.
9. It has been recommended that you change your elevator pitch, but you don't.
10. You believe that the job market is the reason you can't find a job.
11. You've said more than once, there aren't any good paying jobs.
12. You keep applying for jobs at the same company and aren't getting interviews.
13. You believe that recruiters are looking for jobs for you.
14. You've been told your salary requirements are too high more than once.
15. 20 hours a week is all you can spend looking for a job.
16. You've got a collection of business cards but can't remember where you met the people.
17. You've been given a contact name and don't follow up immediately.
18. You believe you are entitled to collect unemployment for as long as the benefits last.
19. You can only name 2-3 companies you would like to work for next.
20. You believe in being perfectly honest.
21. You believe the best time to apply for jobs on-line is between 9-5.
22. You can't network because you don't know anyone.
23. You've run out of people to talk to about your search
24. You don't want anyone to know you are looking for a job.
25. You know who'll be on Oprah tomorrow afternoon.

All of these are real answers I've heard.  Some I share to make you laugh, some are meant to make you mad and some are meant to make you think.

LinkedIn Is A "MUST" Tool

I had a great set of conversations last night and the topic of LinkedIn and questions regarding it's benefits came up.  I am convinced that everyone today needs it.  Consider it your rolodex (some younger folks may not know what that is).  It will house your contacts beyond your next job/company.  Why is that important?  Because you will most likely need to tap into those contacts in the future, the next time you are laid off or decide to leave a job.  It makes sense to start building and nurturing your network today for your use in the future. 

But, you say, I am not career-minded, I just work to pay the bills.  You too can benefit from using LinkedIn to keep in contact with vendors, suppliers, old co-workers, new co-workers, people you meet networking.  The value to you is that it allows you to effortlessly stay "top of mind" with all these people you know by simply updating your status! Wouldn't you look like the company hero if you could find a lower cost solution?  By asking for advice or information within your LinkedIn network, that could happen.

I've been searching for free/low cost space for a new training program and I've looked for connections to space within my LinkedIn network.  Sadly, this has not yet helped, however, my next step will be to post a discussion in some of the local groups I belong to on LinkedIn asking for their advice on sourcing space and share this question with some of my contacts on LinkedIn too.  (I'll let you know if this is fruitful).

Whether you are an active career enthusiast or a job seeker, you owe it to yourself to make sure your LinkedIn profile is up to snuff.  I viewed part of Jason Alba's dvd on LinkedIn and found it to be of great help.  You can also view his blog where he frequently critiques LinkedIn profiles (such as this post).  You can also read his LinkedIn blog.  In case you don't know Jason, he wrote one of the first books on using LinkedIn.

 

Eureka! Strategy for On-line Presence Explained

Chris Brogan did it.  He defined how to build a platform in which to be seen and heard. Trusted too. You may have heard how important it is to have an on-line presence.  As a job seeker, you want to stand out from the crowd.  You want to be known for having something valuable to offer.  You want to know what the trends are in your industry and occupation.  There should be a strategy.

Read the full post, A Simple Presence Framework, for his explanation.

First:

Listening:  Understand what is being said about your occupation, industry, niche.  Chris recommends checking out "Alltop and Google Blogsearch to find existing blogs on the topic. Subscribe. Get ready to start commenting there."

Then build a home base, outposts and pasports:

"A home base is the eventual site where you hope people come to interact the most with you. Outposts are places of presence that you maintain for interaction and promotion purposes. Passports are profiles to use on various social sites, meaning that it’s important to have an account/profile there, but you might not necessarily have to participate as a full-fledged community member."

For even more about outposts, read this post.

How does this apply to job seekers?  I hope you are seeing the connection.

Your home base would be a specialty blog where you share expertise and knowledge of your industry, occupation, or niche.

Outposts are places where you promote your message.  They could be email accounts, or social news or recommendation sites like digg.com, stumbleupon.com, delicious.com or disqus.com.

Passports are your LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter accounts.

You are sharing information, not about what you are doing, but, information relevant to what you do.  Trends, research, factoids. 

95% of Employers Using LinkedIn

If you are serious about managing your career, you've got to be on LinkedIn.  A study released by Jobvite (posted on UpMo's blog) asked employers about their use of social networks in sourcing employees.  Here are the impressive numbers:

68% of employers are using social networks
95% of employers are using LinkedIn to find candidates
74% of employers are using social networks because it is a low cost solution
66% of employers have successfully hired people using social networks

If you combine your digital/on-line social network with face to face networking, it becomes an incredibly powerful combination. Plus, it saves a lot of time.

So how do you become "found" on LinkedIn? 

1) Create a profile that is well thought out (having a strategy is key)
2) Connect with people you know and who know you
3) Join groups and submit articles as discussion items or partake in group discussions

LinkedIn is not a job board it is about connecting with professionals. It is a spring board that makes it easier to connect with people you want to meet, nurture relationships with, and learn from.

There was a post on Career Rocketeer about networking.  It addresses 11 key steps to networking and the first step was... connect with a past co-worker on LinkedIn.  It actually goes into more detail on how someone did that in a meaningful way.  Read that post to gain ideas on how to network the right way! 

Use Every Resource Available to Find Your Next Job

The next time you poo-poo technology (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn or others), think about how they may actually be able to help you instead of waste your time.

I read a great post about using Twitter to find jobs, Twittering for Jobs (which I found on Twitter, by-the-way).

There were a couple of good take aways for me:

One, use all media forms for your search: print, web, radio, TV, mobile, RSS, newsletters, podcasts (both in searching for jobs and promoting YOU). You will want to cover all the bases, because, you just never know. 

Two, leaving out technology-based resources would be like omitting recruiters from your search options.  So if you aren't using all the available technology, you are missing jobs.  It is about balancing ROI (your return on investment).

Just because you can diversify what you are doing in your search, doesn't mean you are ready. I met with a woman yesterday who understood the logic of diversifying her search.  She believed she was doing a good job networking and applying via the job boards.   Her next goal was to leverage recruiters.  After discussing this for awhile, we went back to discussing her use of technology.  She had just started using LinkedIn last week. Good start.  But she has a long way to go. Then we reviewed her resume.  It needed a lot of work.  It just didn't convey her message.  It wasn't focused and there weren't any accomplishments.  

Before anyone diversifies their search, make sure you have a clear message to send.  Send this message consistently with everyone you are communicating with. Don't confuse people or leave them wondering.   

Casting a Wide Net

You've heard people say you should cast a wide net to improve your job search.  So what does that mean exactly and how do you do it?

Increasing the possibilities of finding a fit and getting an offer is what drives this thought.  How would you answer this question: 

I am doing a thorough and diversified search which includes:

A) Searching for multiple job titles, some very different from what I did
B) Looking for jobs outside of the region
C) Pursuing opportunities in a different industry
D) All of the above

The correct answer is...D) All of the above.

SEARCHING FOR DIFFERENT JOB TITLES

This may require a little research first.  If you haven't taken the skills assessment on O*Net, it is free and good.  It will help you find and research occupations that might be of interest. 

Ask people you know what they think you would be good at and what they do.

Go to indeed.com and enter in your favorite or greatest skill in the keyword search. (Take out the city, state search criteria) Spend some time readingwhat job titles come up and look for reoccurring patterns or repeating titles.

SEARCHING OUTSIDE THE REGION

Whatever your commutable preference is, enlarge it. 

Ask recruiters if they have contacts in other cities they can connect you with.

Identify cities you think would have the greatest offerings or would be enjoyable to work in.  Read survey results at Glassdoor.com Best Places to Work 2009; and Fortune's 100 Best Companies to Work For.
And take this fun survey at Find Your Spot and become exhilarated at the prospect of working and perhaps relocating to another great city.

Find connections on LinkedIn in these cities too. 

Use your college alumni center to find other alumni in this area.

PURSUE OPPORTUNITIES IN DIFFERENT INDUSTRIES

The trick is to find industries that hire similar occupations or functions AND to clearly link what you've done that is similar, whenever possible using their language/terminology.

O*Net can be of help here too. 

What industries are ramping up their hiring or at least maintaining their growth?  This can be regional, however, nationally, hiring in Health care, IT/Technology and Professional Services has been identified as having potential.

Once new industries have been identified, you will have to do some fact finding to learn about this new-to-you industry.  Find industry publications, attend professional association meetings, find people to talk to who work in this industry. 

Now you will need to re-vamp your resume to show the transferable skills and competencies.  Omit jargon used in your old industry. 

You may even want/need to sign up for some professional development in the areas you are weak or missing.  Think about who might be in these classes you could connect with too!

The wider the net, the clearer the connection of skills, the greater the passion/interest, the greater your chances will be!

Looking for a Job Is Different than it was Last Time

What I saw the other night in a room of over 20 people was that more than half of them had not had to look for a job in over 5 years.  Think about how our lives have changed in just 10 years.

• A gallon of gas cost a little over $1.00
• The Euro was first established
• You could fly on an airplane without worrying
• Airline reservations were mostly made over the phone
• VOIP didn't exist to the public (no digital phone)
• You may not have had email then, you must have it now
• iPod's didn't exist
• Social networking sites were just beginning
• You wouldn't have considered buying anything on-line

Life is different.  How you look for a job HAS to be different too.

Peter Weddle at one point said there were over 40,000 job boards.  Good luck finding a job on one. What about Indeed?  If you have to use on-line boards, this search engine is for you.

Most of the time you apply for jobs today it will be done on-line.  You will have to create a profile, then complete an on-line application and submit your resume electronically.  If you have never done this before, it is time consuming. 

If you don't know about LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter or the other social networking tools, and yes, I'll call them tools, you need to understand how they work. See this earlier post

Your resume will fall into a black hole and you will never know if they received it.  Even after an interview, you will be lucky to get a call back unless you are the selected candidate.

All these changes (and more) will frustrate you.  You can get angry or depressed or both.  This is why you need help and need to learn how to do a job search in 2009.  It isn't the same. 

Check out your local One-stop. Previously known as the Unemployment office, these vary from state to state, but have FREE resources.  Go to the library and bookstores.  Only read books published within the last few years.  Read websites, look in the newspapers for local events.  Find groups dedicated to helping job seekers.  Don't think you can do your job search alone, please.

Letter to the newly unemployed

Dear Job seeker:

It has come to my attention that you have recently been released of your duties.  I am sorry to hear this news, I am sure it is very difficult for you.

In my desire to help (everybody wants to help you), please provide me with some simple yet very specific ways in which I can help you.  First, tell me the job you are most interested in.  Tell me where you want to work (name companies), And tell my why you are great at what you do (45 second elevator pitch).

Here is some unsolicited, yet probably needed advice:

Please reach out to others for help and advice. Join job seeker networking groups, professional associations and volunteer. Keep yourself active and engaged.

Get on LinkedInand build a meaningful on-line network.

Remember to take care of you.  As they say in the airplane, please put your oxygen mask on first so you can better care for those around you.

Finally, know when you need help.  Don't wait until you are out of unemployment or severance to panic.  Evaluate your progress weekly.  If after six weeks you aren't making significant progress, ASK FOR PROFESSIONAL HELP!  These are unusual times.  No one has been here before. 

I wish you the best of luck, hey, you are going to need it (only kidding).  Please don't be afraid to reach out. 

Sincerely,

Hannah Morgan, Career Sherpa

PS  Read my past blog posts by selecting a category to the right.  Stay current with my posts by subscribing by email or a reader of your choice. 

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.

Are you LinkedIn?

Networking is the most effective job search method, period.  There is a tool that makes it easier to network, LinkedIn.  Yes, there is now more competition in the professional social networking tool arena, so shop wisely.  It is similar to the choices for internet search engines, find one that works for you and stick with it. (The number of users in your area/field is important)  Here are ways to use LinkedIn, not an all inclusive list, but a teaser to get you started.

• Get in touch with past co-workers. 

It used to be so difficult to find out where your friends went.  I've found past co-workers who are doing some pretty cool things in other parts of the country.  It's fun to re-connect.

• Learn about someone's background before you meet with them.

Information is power.  If you know about someone's background (work history, interests, education) before you meet, it makes it more comfortable and easier to break the ice.

• Join a group to share and learn

Start a discussion on a topic related to the group you are in.  See what the responses are and who provides them. 

If you want to learn more, you can go to their blog http://blog.linkedin.com/.  Have fun. 

I invite you to let me know some of your favorite uses of LinkedIn.