Certified Resume Writer and Career Coach

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2010-01-17T23:09:00.004-05:00

The Blog has move and changed names. Get even more great career information going to

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Do You Want Your Resume to Get You Noticed?

2009-03-09T09:24:00.000-05:00

We all know what the economy is like right now and how fierce the competition is for finding new jobs. Having a well-written resume will get you noticed but isn’t always enough. Having a well-targeted resume will get you notice and get you an interview! Remember to keep in mind that a resume is as an advertisement, commercial, or flyer with one goal in mind - to gets results and get you an interview. So use it the way it is meant to be used by having one focus and making it powerful and attention-grabbing.

Most job seekers want to use a generic resume as a bit of a one-size-fits-all resume and try and squeeze in 20 or 30 years of experience into 2 pages. Job seekers also think they can use one resume for 2 or 3 jobs searches and that by putting in every important thing they’ve ever done in their career is the best way to get notice. Usually they couldn’t be further from the truth. A resume that works and does its’ job, is one that is well written and focused on one specific job or position. Hopefully this article will help you realize the importance of having a well-targeted resume and its benefits.

Resumes that have a specific target in mind make it easier for recruiters and/or hiring managers to identify its purpose. For instance, a recruiter while at a career fair collects 80-100 or more resumes for say 4 or 5 available positions. He will go back to his office and review them over the next several days; his memory will begin to fade making decisions harder. He will have to review each one just to find out which job each resume is for.

A headline or title for the resume that is specific to the job at hand will make sure your resume gets in the right pile and right hands. The headline can be the title from a job description that you are applying for or it can be the position you currently have. By using a label that is easy to see you will save the reader a lot of time by not having to scan your resume just to find out what you are trying to apply for.

Along with easy recognition, a resume is more focused if it concentrated on one specific position. This is very important when a job seeker has an extensive background that offers several possible career paths. Sticking with one objective per resume gives the job seeker more room to focus on just one position and use specific industry or position jargon, experience and achievements for the greatest impact.

A person that has 25 years in sales, management and training, for example would benefit from having 3 resumes. The information and achievements used can be the same for all 3 resume but used differently in each. Instead of focusing on the sales figures in the training resume you can focus on the training programs developed and implemented to improve sales. Or, the leadership and management skills in a management resume utilized to propel the sales team to unprecedented revenues.

It is all on how you position the information. You can to grab the reader’s attention by including what the reader is looking for, make the resume powerful and effective. Often I use the job description as a guide on what to include in the resume. If the job description requires strong communication, presentation and new business development skills I will use examples from my client’s experience that fit the job description requirements and emphasize their achievements in these areas for the biggest impact.

A resume that packs the most punch is a resume that is well-targeted to a specific position. Don’t try and put your whole career into one document if you want to look into different positions opportunities. The resume will be easier to identify, and it will allow room for more relevant information by keeping the focus simple. The results will be a more effective resume that will get you noticed, gain more interview offers, and hopefully lead to a new job.

What Are Your Goals for the Coming Year

2009-01-04T14:31:00.000-05:00

Again we were blessed with another memorable Christmas shared with family and friends, our health, and the ability to give to others. New Year’s has just past and I’ve already started to put a list together of goals I’d like to set for next year. The list has been drifting and developing for the past few months, now is the time to get serious about what I want to accomplish.

Goals are a great way to move forward in your career. They offer direction, accountability and keep you on track with your larger life-sized goals. Most executives and c-level managers set goals and agree that the goal setting and achieving processes are what put them where they are today. So, how can you get the most from your goals? First you have to know what they are. Everyone can say, “I’d like to make more money next year” or “I’d love to get my degree some day”, both are nice thoughts but neither are focused.

A real set of goals is a list of specific achievements that you would like to successfully implement. Each goal should be specific to you, what you want, when you want to accomplish it and how you intend to accomplish the task. By adding the details and a deadline you are making it concrete and real for you.

Goals can be what ever you want them to be. You can establish private goals or you can make an impact by making them known to colleagues, friends, or family. Goals can be of professional and personal natures – and should be about anything you want them to be. The important thing to do is take the time to think about what would make these dreams become realities and write down the individual plans to make them happen. Most of the time it only takes the articulating and believing in a goal to make it happen. Whether consciously or unconsciously we tend to put actions into motion to make us succeed in achieving our goals.

Once you have ten or twelve…or more goals in mind and written in detail and with specific accomplishment dates, you need to put the list in one or several places where it can be seen regularly. The key is consciously acknowledging your wishes and turn them into action driven goals. By reviewing the goal list frequently you will keep the goals in the forefront of your mind which will keep them a priority.

We’ve all said we’d join a gym, start some new health regimen, go back to school, take up golf or implement professional actions, one only to have the goals fade into extinction after a few weeks or months. By keeping your goals close to you and in a place where you can frequently review and even speak them out loud is a great way to reinforce them.

I am excited about 2009! I’ve got some big goals which make me nervous and excited about achieving but I know I will succeed once I begin to see them as destinations and start working towards completing them. Your goals can take you anyplace you want to go. Everything on Earth started with a thought. Make you thoughts become reality by putting action on your “dreams” and turning them into goals which are fluid and forward moving and achieving.

Happy New Year and Shine On!

Stand Out at Your Next Interview

2008-11-20T09:50:00.002-05:00

Put the frosting on the cake by not only being mentally and emotionally prepared for your next interview, but by being visually prepared as well prepared too. Well, maybe visually isn’t the right word – collaterally prepared? The important thing is to make sure you bring along a visual display of your professional history. The collateral documents will help you stand out and put you ahead of your competition.

When I participate in job fairs or other career events I bring with me a portfolio of my strengths to share with potential clients, hiring manager and recruiters. In my portfolio, which is just a 3-ring binder with slips holding my documents (to keep them looking fresh); I have lots of information that will be interesting and appealing to many different types of interviewers. Every interviewer has their preferred avenue of learning and a portfolio helps those who prefer visual learning by having something to look and read. It is also effective for who want hands-on learning apparatus. I ply them with an audio overview as well to meet those who prefer to listen and learn – very effective.

My portfolio includes my own resume, work samples including several resumes, cover letters, reference sheets, an executive bio; an addendum of the products and services I offer; recommendations; and copies of my writing and coaching certificates. Your portfolio should include the things your potential employer, hiring managers and recruiters would want to see for your current career goals.

To begin with, your portfolio should have several copies of your resume. Many times during an interview there will be someone who unexpectedly sits in during the interview. It will show your preparation, organization and communication skills by offering a copy of your resume to others participating in the interview. Your cover letter should also be in the portfolio. Make sure it is the one addressed to the company you are at and not a generic version or one addressing a different company.

Copies of your reference sheet and any recommendation letters you’ve received (no more than 4) can be showcased after that. If you’ve recently graduated from college a copy of your transcripts, copies of projects you’ve worked on can be included. Any substantial awards can be copied and included in your portfolio, such as a writing contest or an award for winning the cardboard boat competition in college. The awards show your ambition, competitiveness, many times your teamwork efforts, and well developed work ethics.

If it has been a while since college you should look to career accomplishments to include in the portfolio. Company awards or awards given by suppliers, vendors, or clients for work well done can and should be included. Employment evaluations, if they are very good should be included too, you can even highlight areas on the copy to showcase the areas you want read.

Depending on your career choice you can add addendums that include published articles, papers, or books that you have written, a chronology of large projects completed by you especially if in engineering, or IT or even an addendum that highlights numerous volunteer positions you’ve held that are relevant to your current career objective would be worth including.

Keep your portfolio close by; you never know when it will come in handy. Interviews are the obvious place for it, but the portfolio can also be effective at career fairs, industry conferences, and networking events. Sometimes when you least expect to meet opportunity - it shows up, keep your portfolio close so you can take advantage of those chance opportunities.

Job Search Strategies - If You Don’t Realize Your Own Strengths Who Will?

2008-10-27T10:10:00.002-05:00

I participated in a career fair a few weeks and was fascinated by the different attitudes conveyed by the candidates. By the end of the day I was really able to see the non-verbal communication attitude they emitted, before they even sat down with me to review their resume.

If I can see your attitude as you approach me, so can hiring managers, recruiters and anyone you need to impress with your experience, expertise and attitude. What I noticed was, those that walked up to me, smiled, shook my hand and were genuinely interested and interesting during the resume review, were the ones that came across confident, knowledgeable and dependable. This is the “something special” that gets you noticed and asked back for a second interview or even have offers made to.

Others that came to see me were timid, apologetic, looked away from me and fumbled with papers, folders or purses. They portrayed an unsure, un-confident job seeker with a look of fear instead of confidence. When they asked for help with some or all parts of their job search they seemed desperate, unsure and sometimes even defensive. Have you ever heard a car, insurance, beer or hair color commercial that isn’t completely confident in their product? Never.

You have to realize your strengths, believe in those strengths and make others believe in them and you, if you want to succeed in getting your ideal job. A resume is a selling tool and even the most concise, achievement packed document will only get you into an interview. If you come to the interview less than what your resume portrays, you will get passed by and be wasting everyone’s time.

Non-verbal communications can even play more of a key role than the content of your resume. If you’ve got great experience but have a poor attitude, no confidence or can’t communicate well during the interview you’ll never find the job of your dreams. Preparation, something I stress over and over, is the most important thing you can do to improve your confidence and succeed in interviews.

You have to play the part of manager, marketer, salesperson and the voice in your campaign. If you don’t feel you’ve got the right attitude start making changes today. If you feel intimidated because you don’t have a degree, sign up for a night class. If you need something that shows you are truly interested in the position, join associations, research the industry and company so you’ll feel confident when discussing current industry events and future expectations. If you don’t have enough achievements in your resume; start asking for harder assignments, doing a better job with current assignments, staying later during the day, or what ever it takes to get noticed with what you are doing today. Your improved work habits will be reflected in your next performance review, will improve what your references can say about you, and it will provide outstanding achievements to add to your resume.

You have to really own your strengths, skills, and value have offer, so you can let others know what you have to contribute. Start today, write a list of your 10 best attributes or strengths and see what you can come up with. If you’re having trouble, ask others you work with for their two cents. If you like what you find out, promote it. If you don’t like what you find out, make changes until you do and then get out there and confidently show everyone what you have to offer.

Submit Online Job Applications Successfully

2008-09-25T11:09:00.001-05:00

Do you get intimidated when you find a job that looks perfect for, you but you’ve got to submit your application online? Even when you’ve been introduced to an interested hiring manager or recruiter, most companies have mandatory online job applications that need to be completed to process you for the position. Technology is increasingly becoming user friendly but the length and complexity of online applications can be challenging. Below are tips for a successful online application submission

Time is not on your side – Most applications have a time limit on completing online applications, and for most, the time allotted isn’t enough. If possible, download and save or print out the application before you actually apply. This puts you in control of your time, and allows you to complete the application at your leisure, and gives you ample time to locate all the information asked for. Once you’ve got all the information you need, you can cut and past all the answers into the actual application site, giving you enough time to complete the process accurately.

Many times they ask for your cover letter and / or references so make sure you have all the documents you need at hand before you begin the process. Your cover letter shows the hiring manager your character, interest in the position and is your voice. If at all possible make sure to include it.

Download your resume accurately – Often application sites will ask that you cut and paste your resume to their site. To do this right you need an application-friendly version of your resume and cover letter. Usually they are looking for your documents in a text version, sometimes called scannable, electronic or ASCII resumes. These documents have had all the formatting removed and don’t look very pretty. The documents in a text version can process through the filters and applications much easier then one in a word version.

Hint: if the application asks you to attach a document, they are looking for your presentation resume in word (.doc) version. If it is asking you to cut and paste your document, they are looking for your ASCII resume in the text (.txt) version.

Save every page – Remember to save every page of the application. If you move to the next page without saving the current page you are working on, in most cases your information will be lost. Usually it will say this in the instructions but incase you miss it; remember to save as you work. Many times you can go back and make changes and resave if you need too. Some application sites even let you leave the site and return later as long as you save each page.

Read the instructions – Every application process is a little different then the last. Make sure you read everything completely and answer all the questions. Leaving areas blank can send the wrong message, such as you can’t complete tasks, don’t follow directions properly or are not familiar with computers. In any case, completing the questions give you a better chance to express your interests and your skills. Some questions may seem unrelated, but many times the hiring managers are looking for something extra that will help them determine your potential fit into a team, department or company.

Advantages of online submission – When you apply online and send your resume through the cut and paste process, all of the formatting is removed and the only thing left is the content. If you’ve got the skills and experience a company is looking for it will be sorted and noticed during the filter process. For employers they save on paper shuffling and can use the information a number of ways to easily compare candidates as they narrow their selections. This is one more reason why resume content is so critical, if you don’t have hard achievements to back up your experience on the resume it just might get passed over.

Applying for positions online is still a viable way of sending resumes to companies; it is also convenient for the job seeker because it can be done at night or on the weekends. Getting your name out through networking and meeting new contacts is still the best avenue to find jobs, but you will be called upon to use online application throughout your job search process and is a task you should master.

Gung Ho – A Great Read and A Great Concept

2008-08-21T21:58:00.000-05:00

Recently I read a great little book, “Gung Ho”, by Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles. It is ten years old but full of insight on running a business and being part of one. It was a journey of a women re-assigned as General Manager of a failing plant and her transformation of the facility earning her and the plant national recognition for high productivity and revenues and a trip to the White House.

The turn-around techniques were based on the wisdom passed down to a Native-American employee, from his grandfather. With the help and support of her Indian friend, the General Manager incorporated this wisdom and saved the company.

The problems the company faced mostly were people problems. The wisdom enacted was simple but powerful and offered in three phases. The first is “Spirit of the Squirrel” which emphasized the significance of knowing the work you do is important and makes the world a better place. Also, goals should be shared and worked toward by all, and that all processes must be value driven.

The second nugget of wisdom is “The Way of the Beaver”, using the analogy that beavers work and make decisions independently, but focusing on a common goal with no supervision or guidance of tasks. Aware that that goals are challenging but achievable. And finally the “Gift of the Goose”, invaluable throughout any process and is the importance of compliments, encouragement and cheering on of others above and below you during the process as well as with the results.

By working to include employees in the complete understanding of the company they invest a stake in the company and take pride in working hard to help make results happen. The book reminds readers of the importance of communication, maintaining high employee attitude and self-esteem, and can be acted upon today! Great book and one worth reading.

Shine On!

Cover Letters – 5 Things Not to Include

2008-07-25T14:49:00.001-05:00

Cover letters whether read or not are always expected with a resume. The debate of the importance of the cover letter may continue but its use can be very helpful for those that have a little extra information to share but the resume just isn’t the right place for. Extra information may include relocation information, additional achievements from earlier work, or the true dynamics of what makes you special and irresistible for the position.

There are also things that should definitely NOT be included in the cover letter. The top 5 don’ts that come to mind include:

Too Generic. Make sure you take the time to develop the cover letter into a strategic tool by using the company’s name, and referring to employees, projects or departments specific to the company. A generic cover letter will not only waste the time of the hiring manager and recruiters but it will also irritate the reader realizing it is a standard letter. Be specific and use that to your advantage by showing how your uniqueness can help a specific project, problem, or program currently being worked on.

Too much personal information. Sometimes additional personal information is necessary to clarify a situation or fill a gap on a resume. Including too much information on your cover letter should be avoided. Things to watch out for are rehashing information already in the resume, providing too much personal information or going through too much professional history.

Too long. Just as with providing to much personal information, making the cover letter too long can be a detriment to your job search. Cover letters should not exceed one page and they should be concise and to the point. Rambling on about achievements, your dreams, past experience or anything else will just lose the reader. The cover letter is a tool to draw the reader in and give them a taste of your personality and further reason to hire you. Being too wordy will lose attention, especially of recruiters and hiring managers that read many cover letters and resumes every day.

All about you. Although the cover letter is written about you it shouldn’t focus only on your wants. A couple of sentences about what you are looking for are really all there should be about what you want. Again, the cover letter is a selling tool and so additional information in the cover letter should be about tools, skills, or experience you have that you can contribute to benefit their organization.

Badmouthing past employers. If you have been fired from a previous position, or didn’t like a past employer – don’t mention it. You might think you are defending your reasons for leaving a previous position. but to a hiring manager it will sound like badmouthing and wining. Hiring managers will move to the next resume/cover letter package if they read your complaint letter. They don’t want new employees coming into their company and lowering morale or starting problems by badmouthing old or new employers.

Cover letters aren’t always read but they are almost always expected. The first line of filters that read your career documents might pass the cover letter by but someone further up the chain or even your future boss just might; so make it count!

Resume Update or Complete Revamp?

2008-06-22T11:44:00.001-05:00

As you progress through your career it is important to have available an up-to-date resume. You never know what outstanding opportunity will come along. Your resume should be a selling tool focused on the wants and needs of the type of employer you would like to work for. As your career progresses so does your skills and achievements.

With each new position you are accumulating skills, knowledge, achievements and confidence in your abilities. The highlights of each position should be added to your resume, sometimes just adding the latest position to the resume is enough. This process might work once or maybe even twice if the work in the new jobs is the same as the old. Most of the time, however, it is worth the time to do a complete overhaul to make sure your resume is at the level it should be.

While your career is moving forward it is important to keep your resume in line with your goals. What are your goals and objectives these days? Have they changed since the resume was last written? If they have, you will want to figure out exactly where your current goals are in order to write a resume that moves you toward your new goals.

Completely revamping your resume is a great way to ensure your career objectives are clearly represented in your resume.

Let’s start at the top.

· Your resume should have a title. The title should be the name of the position you are seeking. If you haven’t held the position before, you can write “Executive Sales Manager Profile or Candidate” or something to that affect. Until the last few years the actual title the resume was written for had to be hunted for by the reader of the document. You don’t want the reader to hunt for anything!

· Develop a stellar qualifications summary, skills set and or powerful branding statement to articulate your most notable skills, experience, or achievements. Career Objectives are pretty outdated, honestly, I haven’t written one in years. It focused on what the job seeker / candidate wanted instead of what the hiring manager or recruiter was looking for.

· A thorough review of each job description should be completed to make sure the descriptions and accomplishments are targeted toward the job description of the position you are seeking. Make sure to use concrete examples that lots of quantifiable numbers such as size of company, sales quota’s, team / department size, percentage or dollar amount of revenue increases or cost reductions, projects completed and anything else that is relevant.

· Make sure you use industry and position-specific keywords throughout the document so it sounds like it was created just for the position you sent it to. It also improves your chances of getting through the filters it encounters before ever getting in front of the targeted audience.

· Review your education and training. Include any new training, certification, or degree completions. The same is said for new associations, affiliations or volunteer work that is related. The longer it has been, the less you need to include about your education. Usually just the school, degree, city and state (and GPA if 3.5 or higher) is sufficient after 10 or more years.

· Do not mention your references on the resume. Have them with you and available at the interview and assume they will want a copy. Just a note of caution on background checks. With the internet, your information will be checked on even past the contact names you gave. Make sure your facts and experience are accurate and honest. Your resume will be overlooked if any inconsistencies are found, even if the difference was just a typo.

Lastly, make it shine! Make it as concise, powerful and as targeted as you can. Include adequate amounts of white space and other formatting to make the document stand out and easy to read. The employer wants to be able to read your resume and imagine those same achievements can be accomplished at his company. Write it for others, not for yourself and you’ll be in the running for a great job.

Shine On!

The Hidden Value of Thank-You Notes

2008-04-23T08:05:00.004-05:00

Something I have noticed increasingly in recent years is the lack of “Thank-You” notes I receive in my professional and personal life. Of course, you don’t work for the thank-you but it is nice to be appreciated for a job well done. I have also noticed a similar occurrence with receiving personal thank-you notes. Usually it is months before receiving thank-you notes for a wedding, shower or graduation gift I have given.

I was involved with a volunteer program that provided a small gift as part of baptismal preparation to parents of newborns in our church. After ten years working monthly on gifts for our newest members I received only a thank-you note from one set of parents. Again, I don’t think most people volunteer for the “thanks”, but it was a nice treat to receive the note especially when it wasn’t expected. And looking back it was a little sad that out of dozens and dozens of new parents only one couple took the time to thank me for my part in their celebration.

Thank you notes in the business world and in particular the hiring process are equally important. They are a hidden advantage for those who use them according to a recent survey which showed that 75% of hiring managers expected thank-you notes while only receiving them 36% of the time.

Be different – get noticed and write thank you notes!

After completing a round of interviews, notes should be sent to all participants, even the administrative assistant if they were involved in the process. Once you have accepted a job it would also be thoughtful to send notes to the contacts on your reference lists, any recruiters and all others that helped you during your job search.

The most successful thank-you notes are sent within 24 to 36 hours of completing the interview. This not only keeps you fresh in the hiring manager’s mind, but also may be an unknown pivotal move that can be a decision maker or breaker.

Points to mention in the thank-you note include of course a thank you for the interview opportunity and even a compliment on how the interview was run. Many interviewers are not comfortable with the challenge and a compliment on their ability to make you feel so comfortable or welcomed will be appreciated. Next, reiterate a topic or discussion that was lively or important and will be remembered by the hiring manager.

The thank-you note should convey your continued interest; it can be used to ask for or provide clarification and should move you forward by asking for the next step. Clarify the next move by asking for understanding of additional information they might be looking for in the next round of interviews or to make their final decision.

If you have decided the company is not the place for you once you have participated in the interview, this would be the right place to let them know. It will save them time and money to know in a timely manner that you are taking your self out of the running for the position.

Used correctly, thank-you notes can be very effective selling tools as well as emphasizing your communication skills, follow-up abilities, and your consideration. They might just be the deciding factor for a hiring manager so make it a habit and use thank-you notes with every interview.

Are Your References Working For You?

2008-03-18T12:25:00.001-05:00

Today, every job seeker should include a current reference list as part of their career portfolio. There are many questions I am often asked about reference sheets and what they should include. So, I have prepared some suggestions to assist you in updating your reference list to ensure your references work for you.

First I must begin by saying that references do not belong in a resume. The list should be available in a separate document. Secondly, a reference or line somewhere on the resume saying, “References are Available Upon Request” or something similar this, is also not necessary. If and when the hiring manager is in need of your reference sheet it will be asked for. Having the sheet ready in duplicate, along with your other career documents, and in an organized portfolio and available for your interview or next networking meeting illustrates your motivation and the importance to you in finding a new job.

Your reference sheet should include four to six contacts. Each contact should be relevant to your current career goals and should be able to reflect on achievements of your past. The references should be professional associates of some kind. One “friend” with credentials is usually acceptable. The contacts should be made of employers, co-workers, staff members, past employers, internship employers, college professors, association or volunteer leaders, and department heads.

Contact names that come from current or past employment don’t always need to be immediate superiors. It might be a better choice for the position you are seeking or because of unfavorable history to use someone you worked closely with such as a district manager or other superior that you reported indirectly to. Including one or two co-worker references is a good way for potential employers to see whether you related well with coworkers, or were a team player who got along with colleagues. These references can provide a clue to your dependability, work ethics, organizational skills and more.

When deciding on your contact list always ask for permission before putting anyone on your list. Inform them of they type of job you are looking for and make sure they have no hesitation or conflict in being a contact for you. Provide clear guidelines as to what would and would not be appropriate information to share. Many contacts although trying to be helpful, can get carried away during the referral and say too much. Develop a written outline with skills and achievements, projects, experiences you would appreciate the contact to mention. Make them aware that you would rather them not elaborate more than what you’ve asked of them. You want your references to work for you, preparing your contact is your best defense. On your reference sheet each contact should include name, title, company, address, and phone number.

As you progress through your job search keep your references aware of your progress. If you know they will be contacted soon send them a quick email or give them a quick call to prepare them. Once you have found a new job don’t forget to send each of your contacts a hand written note of thanks or offer a small gift of appreciation. Even if the contact was never used during your job search it is still a nice to thank them for their willingness to assist you and is very professional.

Expect potential employers to contact those on your reference list. Also expect them to verify your college information, title information of some or all jobs from your past even if they are not on your reference list. Other checks that occur regularly are licenses, certifications and other qualifiers; projects you worked on, volunteer work, and military backgrounds. I have even heard of an increase in personal credit checks of potential employees. This is why it is so important to be honest in your career documents; usually it is grounds for immediate dismissal if you have been found falsifying information.

Lastly, be aware that the next time you are in the market for a new job; make sure you complete the referral collection process all over again. Don’t assume old contacts will want to be on your list again or that they will be the right fit for future job searches. Be prepared and keep your references aware to ensure they are working for you.

Five Ways To Get Your NET-Working For You

2008-02-17T11:29:00.003-05:00

Recently I have been investing a great deal of time exploring the online networking advantages for my business as well as possible benefits I could pass on to my clients. I began with LinkedIn thanks to my good friend sending me an invitation last summer. I developed my profile and then – that was it. In the past few month however, I have worked to expand my network and join several networking groups, and have realized many the benefits it can afford to me and even more importantly my clients. Listed below are five ways for job seekers to use groups and formal networking to drive their job search and expand opportunities.

1. There are many local networks in every community that not only network as businesses but offer areas on their sites where resumes can be reviewed and also where jobs are listed that are available in your area. Check into local associations within your industry as well, their sites. They usually offer similar job and resume boards. Not only is it free but you are opening your network and job search needs to more people than you could have possibly imagined by joining and using several local networks as job boards.

2. When using these networks make sure to become an active participant. Start with a greeting to the group vial email. Provide a quick introduction of who you are and what you offer and what your current needs are such as a sales job within a particular industry.

Develop and save a descriptive signature to be used when signing your name. In your signature, include your name, email address, contact phone number and any addresses where your resume can be viewed online. You could also include your LinkedIn address and use a well-crafted profile to provide a detailed description of your past achievement and potential to an interested company.

Use this signature every time you respond on a group’s e-list or forum. It is a convenient way for others in the group to easily contact you without researching you in order to find your contact information. It also reminds members of who you are and what you are looking for.

3. Use the networking sites to your advantage by asking questions, getting involved in conversations or topics which you can contribute to. When contributing, make sure that you follow the rules of the group, using appropriate language, content etc. This should not be a problem since you are trying to attract and impress potential contacts and even employers.

As you begin contributing to the groups, one thing to keep in mind is to not dominate every conversation with your input. Some people feel the need to comment on every topic or conversation. The result is that you come across with watered-down integrity, someone who just wants to add their .02 cents and “hear themselves talk” whether it is needed, helpful or otherwise. Find the effective balance and you’ll be taken serious and get noticed for the right reasons.

4. I have also seen many incidents of job seekers asking for help from the group with her job search. Often by asking for members to keep an ear open for the position she is seeking or by asking for an introduction to a contact or hiring manager of a particular company. The local groups are especially productive for this type of networking.

Groups to consider becoming involved with can include your local county or business groups, women’s clubs, men’s clubs, chamber organizations, or college alumni group. Once you start looking you will be surprised how many groups are available and open to the public.

5. Remember to let the groups know when you have successfully found a job. Thank each group for their support and assistance. Any specific members that have helped you deserve a personalized thank you note. Don’t quit participating in the groups just because you found a job. They still offer great friendships, knowledge, future knowledge, future contacts and many other things that may just surprise you. You don’t need to stay active in all the groups but just the few that really caught your attention and you felt comfortable participating in.

Online networking is growing very quick and if you get too caught up in joining groups and contributing to all of the groups and activities associated with some of the more active groups; you won’t have time to search for a new job. Do take some time to work through the vast groups available to you. Find out which groups you feel will be most helpful and give them a try. It is a great way to meet others in your industry and gain wisdom through your new found connections.

Knowing When Not to Accept An Interview Offer

2008-01-21T11:54:00.000-05:00

For the experienced job seeker and employer, expectations increase for new jobs as careers progress. The employer looks to find job seekers with numerous achievements that reflect increases or improvements revenues and customer service. Employers look for advanced skills in management, leadership and communications as well as in-depth knowledge of the industry. Expectations are high before the interview ever takes place.

At this same time the job seekers are advancing in their career, they too have certain expectations for the positions they accept. Job seekers at this level are close to, if not already executive level and expect a particular range in salary, benefit packages, retirement plans, and leadership accountability. The higher the career level, the greater leverage job seekers also expect to have. Screening interviews can be very helpful at this level; they serve to eliminate wasted preparation time and effort for both employer and job seeker.

Screening interviews are often completed over the telephone and gives the employer or job seeker a chance to evaluate current or future work opportunities. Often initiated by employers the job seeker should understand they could just as easily originate the screening interview if they have reservations regarding the position. It is an efficient way to discover preliminary information that is critical to the accepting the position, doing so before the interview process begins saves both the employer and job seeker valuable time and money.

The screening interview occurs after the interview offer has been extended but before the offer has been accepted. If there are specific determining issues for either party, it is essential to complete the screening to decide if further pursuit for a formal interview is necessary.

Several issues may initiate a screening interview for employers such as travel or relocation expectations and starting date availability. Job seekers may feel criteria that must be met before proceeding to interviews such as benefits, hours worked per week, available corporate advancement, or retirement package availability must be available.

Honest and upfront expectations will let employers know the job seeker is serious about the job search, has specific determinants which must be in place before accepting the interview offer and is confident enough to discuss the issues before wasting precious interview time. It would be far more costly if the job had been accepted only to leave early on after realizing expectations didn’t meet reality.

Job seekers gain confidence as careers progress and therefore screening interviews are seen more often at higher levels in professional and executive career levels but should be considered at any level. The employee search is expensive and time consuming for companies and being upfront about personal expectations will save company time and give them a better impression of your goals and potential. Either way a winning outcome for both the job seeker and the employer.

Get Noticed With Good Manners

2007-12-17T21:50:00.000-05:00

You never know where your next network reference will come from. Having good manners could get you noticed and make the difference in you landing the job you are seeking. Manners will leave a positive impression and help you to be remembered during your next interview. The first impression you provide for others is up to you, will it be a winning impression?

Whether in person or on the phone, being polite goes a long way. You’ve heard of or watched the scene play out on television where a person is running late and knocks down people, steals a taxi ride or cuts someone off in traffic to get to their interview or big meeting. Of course, when they reach their destination they find the person they were so rude to just a few minutes earlier is really the person they are in need of impressing.

Don’t let that scenario happen to you. Practice improving your manners by starting small such as saying “thank you” or holding opens a door for someone. This will improve your manners and increase your joy during the day. Intentionally helping others always makes you feel better.

Another manner to work on is being friendly. By simply smiling at someone or asking how a situation is turning out, you show interest and using your manners will help develop friendly and productive rapports with others. It is often the simplest gestures that leave the most impact. You can also change how you choose to react to a situation by staying calm instead of yelling or making unkind remarks. Take a deep breath, smile or laugh to defuse yourself, this will help you remain calm and others from feeling uncomfortable.

One tip for improving your manners is to address people by using there name. Everyone loves to hear their name said. It will make others feel good and improve your relationship because they feel important. Remembering names however, can be very difficult so try a few of these tricks. First repeat the name a few times while you are in conversation with the person. While in the conversation find ways to associate their name with something to help you remember it. Secondly as someone comes toward you think of their particular name association so you will be ready to receive them using their name. It is definitely a habit that will take some practice before it gets easier. Start with people in the office or staff you see less frequently or those from other departments and work from there.

So, how is being nice, polite and friendly going to help you find a job? The professional benefits are endless! New networking contacts will be easier made when you are friendly to others including strangers. You never know how a little small talk can lead to finding your dream job. Helping someone catch the elevator or holding open a door can lead to conversations that just might put you in front of the CEO or hiring manager of a company you would love to work for. It might not be a direct meeting but you could be helping out the spouse, child or friend of a vital contact. You never know the impact you have on others. Try setting a goal of 3 or 4 daily acts of kindness. It will improve your job search and get you noticed.

It is important to use your manners on all the employees you meet while going through your interview process. Be friendly, smile, speak clearly and use proper English because a hiring manager will want a friendly, confident and well spoken employee to represent the company. After you have completed the interview don’t forget to send a thank you note to all participants of your interview process including the reference or contact that informed you of the job opening.

In today’s busy and competitive world manners still leave a positive impact. A friendly and inviting approach during your job search can make a real difference with networking activities and give you a competitive advantage over others with similar job skills and experience. Many times the race is close and it is the seemingly small things like manners that will make the difference and get you hired.

Tricks to Combat Interview Nerves

2007-11-18T12:19:00.000-05:00

Just the word interview makes most job seekers nervous. During an already stressful time of changing careers or losing a job, the process of career management usually adds to the stress. Preparation is the key to nailing interviews and finding a new career that is rewarding and lucrative. Updating your career documents to accurately represent your current job focus and showcase the adequate skills, experience and accomplishments is the crucial first step towards finding you new job.

Once your documents are in order you must tackle the job search as if it is your job. Develop a business plan for securing a new job. Make sure to update the plan and track your progress daily. As you are contacted for interviews treat your interview opportunities as a competition - a race with the other job seekers. Gain your advantage by researching the company, the industry, the position, the work ethics, projected future, current notable activities or expansions, and anything else pertinent to your interview. The more you are familiar with the company the more you will understand it and know whether this is a company worth competing to be a part of.

Next, it is imperative to practice your response to frequently asked interview questions by writing down and rehearsing your answers out loud. Knowing how you will answer the interview questions is your best defense against nerves during the interview. Have a friend or family member conduct a mock interview with you and practice saying your answers to someone else. Video taping your mock interview can assist you in improving your verbal and non-verbal skills.

When applying for any position I remind clients repeatedly that the interview is just as much their interview of the company as it is the company doing the interviewing. It is important to find out information about the company and its’ environment to determine if this is even a place where you want to work. What do you want from the job? Make sure the person you are meeting answers all the questions you have.

Another trick to reduce interview stress is to rehearse the actual interview in your head. Visualizing a productive and successful interview incorporating sight, sound and other senses make the visualization even more real. Rehearse the introduction, the actual interview including questions asked and answered and the offering of the position to you for the perfect salary. Your mind believes imagined events as though they are real. This process will reduce your stress level helping you feel more familiar and confident during the interview

Learn to develop cues that help you relax. Try meditating to a particular song or while looking at an object such as a pencil or a ring. The meditation object can even be a place in your mind that relaxes you such as a vacation spot or somewhere in your home. When you are in the middle of an interview and start to feel pressure or nervous, take a couple of deep breathes and focus on your target object or location to help you calm down and regain focus and mental composure. This technique takes a little time to master so practice at work, with your children, while fighting traffic or with the in-laws.

Positive self talk is always helpful to psyche yourself up and build lasting self confidence. I have several mantras I repeat to myself that are both professional and personal in nature. The more I say these statements and say them out-loud with real conviction, the more believable and effective they are. Your positive self talk can help to change negative thought patterns or habits. For me, the harder the mantra is to say to myself out loud the more I need correct that thought pattern. So repeat to yourself 50 or 100 times a day, “I am a great communicator” or “I deserve a great job” or something you come up with and see what happens.

The time to try these techniques for controlling nervousness and build interview confidence is before you actually go to an interview. Start working through these stress relieving techniques and see which ones feel comfortable. The more comfortable you are during the interview the better results you will have. Comfort will come from your career management and interview preparation. Not only will you feel more confident and comfortable but you will place yourself at an advantage over the other interview candidates that are not prepared.

Five Crucial Steps to a Successful Career Change

2007-10-16T12:14:00.000-05:00

Leaving any job is stressful but when you decide to not only change jobs but also change careers it is definitely a stressing situation. Good news though, you can take steps to make the transition a smooth, lucrative and rewarding experience. Below are five steps to take before ever leaving your current job that will help you in conducting a successful career move.

THINK IT THROUGH - Extensive thought should be given on the ramifications and expectations a new career. Many questions must be answered before making a decision if it going to be a successful move. These are just a few questions to get you started in contemplating a career change.

Is it the right job for you? How do you know? Have you talked with people or researched the position which you are interested in? What does your career change say to future employers about your commitment capability? What are your expectations for position growth and/or promotion? How will the new job affect your family or personal life?

Once you have reviewed your reasons for seeking a new career and have decided that this is the right decision for you, you can be confident in giving your full attention to preparing for your new career.

GET ALL YOUR DUCKS IN A ROW - Before leaving your current position, make sure you have had your resume and cover letter updated. The resume should show transferable skills that will be advantageous to your new employer and new position. These skills may include staff, budget and resource management; negotiation skills; project management capabilities and more. Your cover letter should reflect additional transferable skills and provide proof or examples of how you can contribute to the new company. Both documents should emphasize the skills and accomplishments applicable to your new career.

Securing valuable references from your current place of employment is definitely something to invest time in. Speak with the reference candidates before leaving. Let them know your career plans, ask permission to use them as a reference and prepare an outline or notes for them describing what you would like mentioned and accented during a reference call or email. Don’t leave it completely up to your references - let them know what skills, accomplishments and even examples you would like or not like them to share.

PREPARE FOR YOUR FUTURE CAREER – Do you have what it takes to be successful in your new career? Before quitting your current job check into what will be expected of you in your new career. Do you need to finish school, complete a masters program, or become certified in particular skills. The more prepared you are for your new position the better you chances will be of landing you dream job. Find others in your field of choice, talk with them, expand your network and find out if there are pitfalls to watch for as you enter your new career.

If you are in a situation where you don’t have the option of staying at your current position until you are ready to make a move, an important thing to do is make sure you have a little nest egg set aside to pay for expenses between jobs. As in any situation it is a good idea to have savings for unexpected situations. Usually suggested is to set aside money equaling three months worth of expenses.

PLAN YOUR JOB SEARCH STRATEGY – Many times a career change occurs within the same industry which is easier to adjust to and can be used to your advantage. In this case, already having a strong understanding of the industry can be demonstrated on your resume, cover letter and during interviews. You have contacts throughout the industry that should be used for networking. Most jobs (some experts say as high as 80%) are found by word of mouth. The down side is making sure these contacts will be maintain your confidence throughout your search if you don’t want your current employer to know you are looking for a new career.

If you are looking for a career outside of your current industry you will need to find contacts in the new industry and work with them in locating companies that are hiring. The optimal situation would be if you are in control of your time frame, then you would have the ability to select a job you really want and have less pressure to take the first job that meets most of your requirements.

LEAVE YOUR JOB ON A POSITIVE NOTE – It is important to make every attempt to leave your current position on a positive note. As mentioned earlier, one of the main reasons is to obtain a positive reference. If someone enjoyed working with you and respected the work you performed and the way you left the company, you will be more likely to receive encouraging references. Not burning bridges may be beneficial for future work as well. You may find yourself being in contact or doing business with past employers, coworkers or staff. Employers can even be helpful and assist in your search if they are aware of your ambition to progress into a new career. And, if things don’t work out in your new career you may be looking for work again at your previous employment, if you leave in good standing it may easily be an option.

Your best approach is to think through and weigh your options; prepare yourself, your family and your career documents; and develop a concrete plan to follow, keep you motivated and moving forward in your search. Proper planning before your move will aid in making the right decisions for your future – good luck!

Career Changes – Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Make Your Decision

2007-09-14T11:22:00.000-05:00

Extensive thought should always be given to the expectations and ramifications of a career change. Whether you are an entry level professional or have been working for decades, a career change can result in major life changes. I heartily agree that you should love what you do, however, careful thought and planning will ensure a career change is the right step for your professional and personal life. The questions below address important factors to consider before starting your decision making process.

1. Why do you want to change careers? Is the change sought for money, status, economy, or maybe boredom, office conflicts, or it is a desire to work in a different profession? Money is always an issue and in some cases must be the deciding factor; often those individuals end up still unhappy with their careers. It is important to research factors such as job expectations, stress levels, hours you’ll spend on the job and the amount of expected travel to make sure your expectations are accurate. Lastly, examine your current options to see if there are any alternatives to making the change. Could you change your attitude on your current career? By setting new goals you may be able to improve your circumstances and positively manage career boredom or office politics.

2. Will this be the right job for you? Have you thought through what your day will be like? What skills you will be using? What will be expected of you in terms of activities and responsibilities? Thoroughly research what the atmosphere and work environment will be like as well as what the job entails. Is this how you want to spend one third of your life? A great tool to help identify your behavioral preferences is a behavioral assessment analysis such as the DISC Behavioral Profiling Assessment. Proven to be accurate more than 80-85% of the time, the DISC Assessment is very effective in discovering strengths and weaknesses in your preferred behavioral style. The results can be utilized to understand what types of work patterns, skills, and environments you prefer and are a great tool for learning how to communicate more effectively and for improving professional relationships.

3. How will the new job affect your family or personal life? A new career is not only a major change for you but can also mean changes for your family or personal life as well. Check to see what the average work week will consist of; will there be longer hours or more travel? What will you or your family be giving up and what will you be gaining from the change? Is it worth it? A balance in professional and personal life will help keep both areas of your life healthy and enjoyable.

4. What are your career expectations for growth potential and/or promotion? Look into the possibility for advancements and determine if there are areas for promotion, available opportunities to take on additional responsibility and potential to make more money in your new chosen profession. Changing careers often places you back at a lower seniority status. You may start with a decrease in income from what you are used to and if there are layoffs or cuts made you may be the first to go. Since this may be the case, make sure you have a sufficient nest egg set aside to handle unexpected changes.

5. What does the career change say to future employers about your commitment capabilities? Is this your first career change or is this something you have done before? If you have made similar changes in the past it may appear to an employer as a lack of dedication or focus on your part. Employers spend a great deal of time and resources hiring new employees and they expect their employees to be willing and able to a make long term commitment. Review your professional history and prepare positive interview responses regarding changes in past professions or positions. If this is your first career change prepare to show your career progression and always offer a positive spin on your past decisions – even if they positive outcomes you can still show what you learned and accomplishments you achieved along the way.

There are many more questions that can be asked of you before beginning a career change. For some, a change will improve quality of life and it will be easy to determine if it is the right decision. For others, these questions will hopefully provide insight and help in making an informed decision. Either way it is important to take the time to think about the reasons for wanting a change and affects a career change will have on you and those around you.

Three Easy Networking Steps to Your New Job

2007-08-14T14:49:00.000-05:00

Networking is the new buzz word – it’s everywhere these days. It used to be known by catch phrases like, “It’s not what you know – but who you know” or being part of “The Good Ol’ Boys Club”. Business-focused networking today can really be a powerful career management tool but it takes time and effort to make it effective. There are many forms of networking some are very informal and others are strategically developed for optimal outcomes. Described below are three main strategies to launch your networking plan.

CONTACTING ALL THOSE YOU KNOW - The probably most obvious form of networking is done by going through your entire address book and business card collection. Set up an organized routine of systematically working through your list; communicating with friends, family, coworkers, colleagues, and acquaintances. Make sure to also include association members, church friends, people you volunteer with, and your children’s friends’ parents, coaches, and teachers on your contact list. Keep aware of opportune moments to mention you are looking for work, start with those in similar industry or field so they can keep their ears open and maybe make a few calls to others who can make a few calls to others – and so on – and so on - and so on…

Be honest with those who you don’t usually socialize with to let them know you’re interested in talking with them about your search for the perfect job. Invite them out for coffee or lunch, email if it is more convenient for them and explain what you are looking for and what you have to offer. This is when career tools such as an Online Resume come in handy. You can give them your card and write the web address of you resume on the back so they can easily pass along the site to other interested parties who can immediately see your qualifications and have your contact information waiting.

REFERRALS - My personal favorites are referrals. Working in a service oriented profession; every referral to me feels like a compliment or award. It means someone liked my work enough to tell others about it and positively pass my name on when someone is looking for assistance writing a resume or preparing for their job search or interview. Referrals like all networking, work like the “Amway Pyramid” it just keeps expanding and reaching further to more potential clients. The happier my clients are the more they will pass my name to others looking for help so I keep that in mind with every client or potential client I speak with.

In terms of looking for a job, referrals can be the strongest and fastest way to an interview. Contacts can do the selling of your qualifications for you and the employer will assume you can provide a high quality of work. So talk with your contacts and let them know you would appreciate them passing on your name to others. Keeping in touch with contacts using a newsletter, emails, phone calls or personal notes keep your name and service in their thoughts.

ONLINE NETWORKING – The newest form of networking is done by utilizing websites specifically designed to promote networking such as http://www.linkedin.com/, http://www.ryze.com/ or http://www.xing.com/. These are a great way of getting in touch with professionals you are interested in working with or for. There are smaller networks for individual industries such as http://www.nursegroups.com/ or http://www.teachersnetwork.org/. On sites like http://www.linkedin.com/ and http://www.craigslist.com/ you can even include your resume for employers to view. More social networking sites are gaining professional use such as http://www.myspace.com/ and http://www.classmates.com/. All these sites are free, easy to use and worth your time to cut and paste your resume or parts of it for viewers to see.

Remember that networking is an ongoing process, one that should be worked on daily. You will need to build a rapport with your contacts and make sure you reciprocate assistance when you can. Keep records or some type of spreadsheet to monitor contact visits, effectives and responsiveness, and any notes or tips gained from these contacts.

DID YOU KNOW? - 10 Unusual and Effective Job Search Tips

2007-07-17T12:54:00.000-05:00

Here is a list of not so common job search tips that you can use to your advantage to get noticed and be as productive as possible during your search. The important thing to remember is to conduct your job search like a job. Work at it every day, develop a plan and stick to it and don't forget to follow up on previous searches. Don't give up, hopefully the tips below will work for you.

1. Did you know Tuesday is the most productive day of the week? What does this mean to you as a job seeker? You can plan Tuesday as the day to network, to make appointments, reorganize job search files, or possibly re-touch on older leads. However you decide to spend your Tuesdays, make sure you take advantage of its’ natural productiveness in the work week.

2. Did you know that as many as 35% of employers are now using your credit report history as a means of judging personal responsibility, especially in occupations dealing directly with money? Something to think about and get in order before you begin your job search or at the least make sure you are aware of what others are finding when checking your credit history. Conducting a credit check on yourself might be a good idea.

3. Did you know you could research the current earnings rate for your new position using pay comparison Internet sites and increase your negotiating power by being prepared and aware? A couple of helpful sites to search and compare pay per job, industry, or location include www.salary.com, www.salarysearch.com or www.payscale.com.

4. Did you know 65 to 70% of jobs are gained through personal referrals or networking connections? So get networking! Make a long list of all your friends, family, past co-workers, bosses, work associates, teachers, and professors. Also include contacts from associations, church or volunteer activities, hobbies, and your children’s schools and activities. Once you have a strong list start making your way through them to let them know what type of job you are interested in.

5. Did you know only an average of 36% of those job hunters interviewed regularly send thank-you notes while 75% of employers appreciate or expect the notes? Not only is it polite but it is a great chance to touch on something specific you talked about during the interview that will help you be remembered.

6. Did you know that over 90% of employers seek their assistant’s opinion when interviewing and making hiring decisions? When calling or visiting in person for an interview make sure to be polite and friendly to the assistants and secretaries in the office. Their impression of you might just get you the job or get you passed by.

7. Did you know business cards are a great way to network? Using a plain and simple card or with a photo works best. They are another great way to be remembered and are a quick and inexpensive career tool. Business cards work especially well when you have your resume posted online and can include the website on your card.

8. Did you know having a mentor can also be another great way to network? I know from experience that having someone more experienced in your industry and field to discuss ideas and questions with can be really valuable. They are also a great networking source as well since they are familiar with your skills, experience, and current objectives and goals.

9. Did you know 60% of large companies do salary planning in the fall? What does this mean to you? First, it is a great time to ask for a raise! If you are already working for a large company a fall raise while budge planning is going on might be easier to work into a budget then at some other time of the year. Secondly, knowing the hiring managers mind is on budgets and hiring needs for the following year they will be more interested in resumes coming in that fit their needs because it might save them money to not include your hire into next years budget.

10. Did you also know that 40% of job cuts announced are in the fall? This may be a great time to have your resume updated and ready – just in case. You will be ahead of the rest of your coworkers with an updated resume if layoffs occur and you need to look for work.

Get the Interview Advantage With Research! Research! Research!

2007-06-18T19:17:00.000-05:00

I have noticed with many clients that I coach on interview preparation that most are not familiar with the companies they are interested in working for. This makes it very difficult for the clients to adequately prepare for a position they know little about. In order to decide on a move that will benefit your long-term career plans and immediate position gratification, research is your best course of action.

Going to an interview without doing your research puts you at a clear disadvantage. Why - because it can be used as a perfect opportunity to impress your interviewer or as a way to build rapport at the onset of the interview. It can leverage your salary negotiations by letting the employer know that you are aware of their corporate pay scale and what the job position is really worth to them.

In larger companies, the person who writes the ad for the position is usually not related to the department or unit in need of additional staff. The description may not be as accurate or effectively written as it should be and by researching the facility you can be prepared when communicating with your possible future employer.

After accepting the new position you will spend a large part of everyday with the people in your area or department. Have you checked into the atmosphere or culture of the company? What is the general employee attitude towards the company? Many resources for larger companies are available on the Internet that provides yearly ratings on the best industries, jobs, and companies.

Sites providing a ranking of size and likability of the companies can be found at http://www.fortune.com/. For listings on first-rate jobs within the U.S. Government try http://www.bestplacetowork.org/. Individual states and many larger cities develop lists that are posted on their sites boasting their best companies including http://www.columbus.about.com/. For smaller sized companies the http://www.greatplacestowork.com/ may be helpful.

Another way to discovering more about the companies you are interested in is by looking up articles written on the company of interest or the desired industry. It is a great way to learn more about the company written by others than the company on all areas of the company structure, future plans, and successes, and their competitors which can be new companies to look into for possible employment.

A few other areas that require in-depth research to get a true understanding and feel for the company you are intending to interview are the corporate culture, hiring practices, and even hours expected to work. It will help to be familiar and in agreement with the work environment or the philosophy of the company. It would be a waste of your time and that of the company for you to go through the process of getting your resume read, being asked to interview, prepare and interview for the position, and finally accept and start the job only to find out six months down the line that you agree or feel comfortable working with the existing management practices or company policies.

Take the time to do your research before you agree to an interview. During the interview look for signs of the atmosphere or ask questions if still unsure. You deserve to work in an environment that is a great fit, where you will feel comfortable to work to fulfill your potential and where you agree with the goals and objectives of the company. Research is key in finding just the right job for you.

Job Market Strategies for New Graduates

2007-05-17T07:56:00.000-05:00

It’s that time of the year again when colleges let out and newly graduated young adults receive their diplomas. They will enjoy a well deserved, long hot summer and then realize “I’ve graduated - now what? I don’t know what to do next!” A little daunted with the realization that now they need to find a job and put their four or five years of hard academic work into practice. The sad thing for these graduates is that they are already about a year behind.

Ideally, the best time for graduates to start looking for an entry level job is before you graduate. College Career Centers are very helpful when properly utilized. They offer counseling and other career tools, career fair opportunities and internship availabilities. The internships are invaluable beginning for soon-to-be graduates and often a requirement for many degrees. Nearly 60% of interns are asked to stay on permanently after graduation and at the very least; the internship can act as a great reference when getting into the real world after graduation.

For those who were enjoying being in the moment and now are a little in the past – what do you do? First, realize that you need to decide on which career direction you are interested. What is your current career objective? Not sure? Don’t worry many graduates aren’t – instead of procrastinating or doing nothing – chose a path and get started! You can always change your mind and steer yourself in another direction later but you’ll never know what you do like if you don’t find out what you don’t like.

Completing a Career Assessment Evaluation through a reputable program such as D.I.S.C. Assessments might be a valuable investment. These assessments provide information on your behavioral strengths and weaknesses. They determine what type of work environment, skills, and tasks you are most suited for and enjoy.

Career coaching is very effective in helping graduates narrow the possible career paths. They offer a variety of tools to help you understand which industries, fields, and work environments best fit you. They provide extensive information on job searching, interview preparation, salary negotiations, industry information and more.

Next is your gathering of career tools. I would of course recommend an experienced certified resume writer, one who is willing to assist you as you make your way through the preparation process. A well focused resume is the most powerful tool you can have, so your career objective at this point is a must! If your resume writer doesn’t provide additional services in job market strategies they are usually a pretty good source for where to find the services you will need such as interview or career coaching, resume distribution and a posting services. Although these additional services will cost you initially, you will save yourself time and frustration plus with the coaching you will receive pivotal information that will give you an edge or advantage over other applicants during an interview.

The job market is a competitive place but a great career is worth working for! Take the time to do it right and be prepared so you won’t have to settle for a job as you begin your career!

Congratulations Graduates!!

Technology on Top as Greatest Industry Potential for New Jobs and Income Growth

2007-04-11T07:19:00.000-05:00

Many clients, especially young professionals just starting out, often ask about future trends for employment and opportunity. My answer is that it depends on current supply and demand. Population and population trends are the biggest contributors to determining supply and demand of employment opportunities for the future.

With automation and advancing technology some industries have slowed while others have exploded and new ones are developing daily. Any new industries and the ancillary careers that emerge from them are a good place to start. The industry shift tends to be toward more skilled positions so an education or formal training is a must for today’s young adults.

As our younger generation grows up we will need more educators to teach the children, and as baby-boomers move into their retirement years, the need for more healthcare jobs becomes necessary. These population shifts alter the demands that will determine future trends in employment. Although projections show increases of 14% from 2002 to 2012 in the American workforce, the demographics change considerably.

According to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in the next half dozen years the fastest growing industries will be Technology at 35.8%, Healthcare at 34.5%, Nursing industry increasing 27.3%, Human Resources at 26.2%, and Criminal Justice and Education/Teaching both at 24.7% rounding the top five growth industries. So, when looking into industries with largest potential for available jobs in the above industries are the top contenders.

Now if my clients are looking strictly at income opportunity then I would suggest looking at a different index also released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics which shows the largest salary and wage changes for the next decade. Occupations listed below are expected to provide the largest earnings potential increase, starting with Software Publishing leading with a whopping 68% increase followed by Computer System Design and Related services and management, Scientific and Technology Consulting services both increase earnings by 55%, Employment services come close at 54% and Social Assistance (except child day care) at 47% and finally Motion Pictures and Video increasing by 31%.

While many of the advancing growth industries are dissimilar from the highest income candidates, the computer related industries and health care still look most promising in terms of both opportunity and income potential. But before my clients run to change their career goals I try to remind them that although income and opportunity are important if this is their planned career field for the next 20, 30 or 50 years they should make sure it is one that will offer them appeal, interest and enjoyment for many years.

Keeping Resumes Relevant Using Certified Professional Writers

2007-03-12T11:11:00.000-05:00

Working with new clients on a regular basis keeps me energized. I love learning about their different careers and the paths they have followed up to the point of meeting me. While becoming acquainted with them, getting a feel for what their objectives are, and reviewing their old resume, almost all of my clients want to interject additional information.

Additional information is obviously helpful and expected during the review and resumes development process when it is relevant. Current position achievements and accomplishments definitely need to be included as does any formal training, education, or other service performed relevant to the future objective of the client. The problem occurs when, in the process of building or updating their own resume, clients want to include an overload of information. This is usually the reason most job seekers eventually contact a resume writer. It is often a wise decision because it is very hard to be objective when writing for oneself. Weeding through all of the past performances can be a very subjective task. Certified writers are trained and very experienced in sorting through information and utilizing only the most relevant information resulting in powerful, focused resumes.

What I remind my clients is that it is important to stay focused while writing the resume. What is the goal of the resume and what is the specific position you are trying to obtain? Clients with several years of experience have the luxury of retrieving and using only the most applicable experiences and achievements. However, most want to provide information on all aspects of every job ever held. This unneeded information just adds clutter to the resume and waters down the strength of the document.

Employers are very busy and usually not excited about the whole hiring process. The average resume is reviewed for 15-20 seconds before given the “yeah or neigh”. What are the employers looking for? They are looking for actual accomplishments and achievements with numbers and facts to back up the achievement. Also they are interested in your fit with their company. Will you get along, work hard, fit in, and make them money? You resume must show them using your resume that you are what they are looking for. The resume needs to also make you stand out and shine leave a lasting impression, all in the first glance.

Resumes are most relevant when they are targeting a specific criteria, job description or goal. Pointing all achievements, as well as daily responsibilities towards your goal will give you a sharp, well focused resume and a definite advantage over the competition. A well crafted resume created by a Certified Professional Resume Writer works because it has been specifically developed for you and your current career goals and needs, it isn’t generic or to broadly focused to fit the positions you are seeking. It also has specific industry, profession, and position keywords strategically integrated into the document to draw attention from both human and computer generated senses.

Increase Your Interview Odds With Preparation and Practice

2007-02-16T09:12:00.000-05:00

People spend huge amounts of time preparing for upcoming events, finals in college, big presentations at work, or planning for a wedding. But when it comes to preparing for an interview for a position they will be spending at least a third of their lives every week, most people take little time to prepare for their interview and end up with whatever job is offered or available.

Although looks do matter and non-verbal first impressions play a strong role when interviewing, proper preparation for an interview dramatically increases your chances of impressing an employer and landing the job. When employers and potential employees are asked the same question, “Are the applicants effective or good at interviewing?” Most applicants would say “yes” while the employers say “no”. Imagine the advantage you will have being prepared for your interview, that alone will get you noticed and keep the attention focused on you as a position candidate.

How do you prepare for interviews and increase the odds in your favor? Preparation – Practice – More Practice!!! I can’t be stressed this enough. Like a test, ball game, or any activity the more you prepare the better you will perform. How someone practices is how they will play the game so give your practice efforts 110% .

Become familiar with the company. Do research on the company; discover where they are now and where they are headed. What are they looking for? What the work atmosphere is? Once you are familiar with the corporate goals you can use your experiences and skills and relate them specifically to what the current needs of the company.

Make a list of questions that will be asked of you at the interview. When I am preparing my clients for an interview we work on both the easy and tough questions. Remember to answer honestly, ease negative responses by explaining how you turned a situation around or learned something valuable from the experience. Try not to talk negatively about current or past employers, focus on positive experiences, relationships, accomplishments and share that. And again, as I tell my interview clients, you must Practice – Practice - Practice!

Have a friend, coworker or possibly a family member help you with a mock interview. Before you begin, practicing think out and even write down your answers. It usually takes several tries before you are comfortable and confident at answering all the questions. Taping yourself is probably the most effective training tool – seeing your verbal and non-verbal communication style helps to understand how you are perceived. Keep what works and changes things that don’t.

Interviewing usually isn’t a comfortable experience for anyone. You will increase your confidence; and increase the employer’s confidence in you by sounding self-assured and have a well thought out answer. Being prepared will help you to provide relevant powerful information when you know before hand how you will answer questions. People tend to ramble on when they get nervous and that can be dangerous. Interview preparation and practice in key!

Looks Do Matter in the Non-Verbal Communications of an Interview

2007-01-20T08:43:00.000-05:00

We have always heard it said that “looks don’t matter” or “it’s what's inside that counts”. Well although this may be true, when walking in to an interview environment the first rule is looks do matter.

Research shows that the overwhelming majority of communication done between individuals, especially ones meeting for the first time, is done through non-verbal cues. Non-verbal communication is very broad in nature ranging from appearance, attitude, how one carries oneself, smile, body language, eye contact, breathing patterns, laugh, voice and speech patterns. The list goes one but we will just focus on those relevant to participating in a stellar interview.

When meeting someone who may become your potential boss, the hiring manager, or an influential assistant, an appropriate, positive first impression is vital. Basic assumptions like good hygiene should be a given, clean shaven - clean clothes - clean body.

However, clothing style, hair style, outerwear, shoes, even umbrellas, bags, briefcases and purses should be appropriate to the position you are interviewing for. Nothing will hurt your chances more than walking into an interview with flip-flops, a wrinkled shirt, an old stain on the tie, or a hand bag with glitter across the side. You want to make the right impression that says you are serious about the interview, you want the job, and you are a right fit for the company.

Looking into the dress code of a company you are interviewing with is a great way to find out the right clothes for the job. Dress codes vary so it is definitely something to check into. High style is fine, even looked for in some industries but keep it conservative for the interview. Nothing should be worn that is too short, too tight, or too stylish; it might intimidate or present you as over or under qualified. After you land the job then you can get decide how far to expand the wardrobe.

Aside from your clothes, other areas to keep in check during interview preparation include items carried like a bag, purse and even umbrella. Make sure your entire ensemble is in line with the professional image you are trying to convey. Come to the interview prepared with a notepad, quality pen, additional copies of your resume and all other pertinent documentation. Poise yourself to portray the professional you are and one who is self-confident, prepared, and able to handle the job.

Other interview non-verbal communication skills to sharpen include; presenting a firm handshake, making and maintaining eye contact, walking confidently and displaying pleasant attitude are all ways to benefit your first impression. Work at finding something to “connect” you and the employer. Look around the office, does he enjoy deep sea diving, chess, or golf like you – mention it! This will help to break the ice and bring emotional connections into the picture – and help you be remembered.

Like everything in life, you have to work for anything that is worth having. If this job is worth having then go for it! Make it happen – you know you are right for the job, the only thing you have to do is convince the employer. The right look and preparation is the key!!

Successful Goal Setting Will Put You Ahead of Your Competition

2006-12-26T15:16:00.000-05:00

After my last article and my mention of goal setting I started to think about my own goals for the quickly approaching New Year. I have some goals I revise and reuse every year. Writing down my goals clarifies what I want to accomplish, as stated by author Arnold Patent, “What you focus on expands”. I apply this belief to every area of my life and it always rings true. When you focus on positive, forward thinking thoughts you don’t have time to dwell on past mistakes, negative thoughts or outside distractions. It keeps you thinking, even subconsciously, on how to achieve your objectives.

Every January countless Americans make resolutions regarding changes they want to make in and for themselves. Most people never do anything to see these resolutions become reality. The pivotal mistake is not writing down the goals. As Gene Donohue, founder of TopAchievement.com says, “The difference between a dream and a goal is the written word”. Write down your goals, short-term and long-term. Be specific and write down dates, specific outcomes and how you plan on achieving your goals. Make sure your goals are realistic and attainable. You probably won’t achieve your dream to become a Major League Baseball player if you have never picked up a bat and you’re 50 years old.

Goals you set for yourself don’t have to be monetary or professional-status related. They can be to improve a skill or characteristic by taking a class or seminar, or to read several monthly industry magazines. Think about quitting something… smoking, interrupting while people are talking, not keeping eye contact in a conversation, or being late to meetings. You might want to organize your work space, files, or a database. Maybe you can work to increase revenues, marketing strategies or even leisure time. How about offering pro bono work or some kind of community service to help others as a goal for this year?

Whatever your goals are, it is important that you review them often – preferably daily. Say the goals out loud or write them repeatedly to secure them in your mind. Another good habit is to review them in your mind before you go to bed and again in the morning to start your day with right thoughts. Practice stopping the negative talk in your head - it will defeat you if you let it. This takes a while to accomplish but every time you change your negative thoughts to positive ones you are making a difference. The more often you catch yourself and change your thoughts the easier it becomes.

Wanting badly to accomplish your goals is also important for them to be achieved. Keep the desire fresh by focusing on the final outcomes of your goals. Imagine what it will feel like and the difference it will make in you life after your goals are achieved. Hold on to those feelings and visit them often to keep you motivated while working toward your goals.

Finally, learn to believe your goals as the truth. Then watch what happens. One year from now, how many goals were accomplished? I bet you’ll be surprised and delighted. When it happens – reward yourself! Even if it is just a pat on the back or a star sticker next to your written list of goals, you deserve it. Realize you can accomplish anything through setting goals, a strong desire to achieve them and proper, positive thought patterns.

Happy New Year!!

Preparing Your Career for 2007

2006-12-05T12:36:00.000-05:00

It is already well into the Christmas shopping season. Christmas songs play on every radio channel and TV commercial, and Christmas cards have started rolling in. With all the busyness of the season many professionals overlook the need to reevaluate short and long-term career management goals, strategies and expectations. How have you fared this year? Are you still on target? Do you have changes you need to make?

Lots to think about! Maybe New Years isn’t a good time, maybe spring time would work better for you. It really doesn’t matter when it is done as long as you review your goals annually. Think of it as a yearly check-up. Usually a dreaded event but always glad you did it once it's done.

During your annual evaluation some things you'll want to consider adding to your resume should include new courses, seminars or certifications completed throughout the year. Take note and tuck away positive reviews, press releases involving your accomplishments or assistance, bonuses and awards in a file for future use. It is much easier to do this as an annual or ongoing task then 5 or 6 years down the line when details start to become fuzzy.

When the need for an update in your resume does present itself you won’t have to waste valuable time searching through files or old calendars trying to remember significant information. It might make the difference in getting your new resume together and to your potential employer in time.

Look over your goals (another good habit to get into!!) you made for the year. Have you accomplished them? Was it a successful year? Are you still on track with your focused career objective? Answering these and other questions will help you determine your success level for the year.

What are your goals for 2007? Can you list 5 short-term and 5 long-term goals that will help you stay motivated and working towards your focused career objective? Think about what you want to accomplish this year. Take a few classes, attend a conference, and expand your network are all productive goals that keep you moving forward. Make the goals detailed with deadlines and specific outcomes. Keep your Goal List in a spot where you will see it often such as a briefcase or in your planner. Review the goals often and watch them come true!!!

*****

A note about end of the year job searching. Most people think end of the year is a bad time to search for work. But this is not always the case. Some Hiring managers are putting together budgets and expected employment reports for the next year. Getting your resume to someone who is currently contemplating adding employees can make the end of the year a great time to search for work. Something to keep in mind!

Have a Blessed Christmas and New Year!!