Job Search Advice, Resume Writing Tips from a Career Consultant

Why Tough Guys Finish First

2008-05-13T07:37:00.001-05:00

Everybody likes tough guys. From Vito Corleone to Tony Soprano these personas continue to be phenomenally popular. Tough guys are also good guys such as John Wayne, Harrison Ford and Sean Connery. Their movies are some of the entertainment industry's most popular. We feel good watching tough guys and amazingly some of us even emulate them, forgetting they are merely figments of screen writers.

We also hunger to study and observe corporate tough guys as illustrated by the popularity of Donald Trump, Jack Welch and even the quiet but mighty Bill Gates. What's the appeal of these tough guys? We admire their power and their successes. Most important, they win our confidence, a fact that deserves close examination by any job seeker.

Following my survey of Human Resource Directors last year, I sought to survey and study several more-accessible corporate leaders looking to see if they too were tough guys. Predictably all the business leaders I questioned (there were seven nationwide) had some combined characteristics of tough guys though not bad guys. While differing in age, diversity, economic background, industry, and even management styles, they all had certain qualities in common, and when conducting hiring campaigns, they required and sought other tough guys! Here are the qualities they preferred!

Opinionated and passionate but never arrogant... No rear view mirrors and no excuses for past failures... Insatiable hunger to be proactive... Extremely likeable... Never Greedy

Savvy Strategies from FlowWork

2008-05-05T07:28:00.001-05:00

I found these strategies from an organization that specializes in the concept of Social Networking. These are not normal strategies that we've heard for decades!

What Have You Got To Lose? Call 5 organizations that won't hire you. This may seem like a waste of time, but the point of the activity is to provide you with the opportunity to practice your cold calling. Thinking that you don't have an opportunity to get a job will lower the anxiety you may have about making contact with the employer. Give it a try. It's a great way of practicing your approach without affecting your chances for getting an interview at an employer you really want to work for.
Goal: Work on your approach to contacting employers.

Employer Risk - Something We Never Consider! Before you go on your next interview, ask yourself 'why might I not get the job?' Try and think about the risk the employer might face in hiring you. Are you new to the job of interest? Do you lack some of the skills required for the position? Do you live far from the place of work? Does your experience match what they are looking for? You can think of other questions to ask yourself. By focusing on the risk factors, you can proactively develop a plan on how to deal with any 'hidden objections' the employer may have and deal with them straight on.
Goal: Assess the employers risk on hiring you.

Making a Professional Impression with Email and Voicemail

2008-04-28T07:33:00.002-05:00

Email Image - I use Janice@WorthingtonResumes.com. And those I want to reach know from where the mail is coming. I realize that some address books are out of control and even with an identifying address, recipients may still be nervous. But for sure I'd delete mail from dhgty8j@beatsme.com without blinking! Also create a header in the subject line that defines the email and again confirms your identity such as "Rsume - John Smith" or "Engineering Manager position."

Voice Mail Problems - The resume finally succeeded but when the Human Resources Manager attempted to extend the interview invitation by phone, what he heard was some digital voice expressing regret that 222-2222 was unavailable. No mention of name and no gracious invitation to leave a message were present. Most important there was no strong, communicative voice that could have served as a positive first impression. The phone call to the next candidate wasn't any better. An adorable but inappropriate message from a 4-year old stating that neither Mommy nor Daddy could come to the phone was certainly a joy to make but less than impressive to the caller attempting to hire a Chief Financial Officer.

Voice Mail Solutions - This is where the cell phone saves the day. For security we needn't breach our commitment to never attaching a name and phone number to a residential location. Better yet, we carry our cell phones with us so employers have a better than average chance of actually connecting. If we are unavailable we can actually acknowledge, in a professional manner, that the employer has indeed reached the intended person and encourage him to leave a message by indicating that his call will be efficiently returned. Don't get so wrapped up in voice mail that you forget to practice the way you answer your phone in real time. Nothing fancy is required; "This is Carl Candidate" is fine if spoken with authority.

When Interviews Don't Produce Job Offers

2008-04-21T07:18:00.003-05:00

Question:
I get to the second or third interview in the hiring process but can't get a job offer. What could I be doing wrong? And how can I "close the sale?"

Answer:
The fact that you're getting interviews is a good sign. It means that your letters and resume are working and that you're making a good first impression. There are at least eight reasons you could be failing:

1. You don't look the part.
Your clothing is out of style. Make sure your clothing, including eyewear and briefcase, is current. Have shirts and blouses professionally cleaned and starched.

2. You lack focus.
You come across as too much of a generalist, as someone who can "do it all"--jack of all trades and master of none. You haven't defined what you want or where you fit, and companies pick that up as lack of direction. Without sharp focus you appear scattered and may come across as a "loose cannon." To combat this, develop strong preferences and be clear about what you want and what you don't want.

3. You're overselling.
In an attempt to "make the sale" you're pushing too hard, or coming across as desperate. You may appear too eager or overanxious. Create a high-impact, accomplishment-oriented resume and let it do most of the selling. In general, listen 75% and talk 25% of the time.

4. Your references are shooting you down.
Who are you using to support your candidacy? Have you asked them what they'll say? Have you prepared guidelines for them? Do they have your resume? Do you brief them before they're called? Be sure to give employers references they can relate to. Engineers like to talk to other engineers, and attorneys prefer other attorneys. Last point: don't overuse your references.

5. You want too much money.
Don't gauge your present worth on your last salary. The market may have changed; people with your skills could be in oversupply. Do a quick salary survey to determine realistically what you should be earning. Ask what the company plans to pay for the position. Then be flexible. You can lose out by seeming to care more about salary and benefits than about making a big contribution.

6. You appear difficult.
In multiple interviews companies have time to uncover weaknesses, character flaws, and problem behaviors, such as being arrogant or losing patience. You must appear co-operative, collaborative, and easy to work with.

7. Someone on the team doesn't like you.
Many companies hire by consensus. That means nearly everyone has to like you. Technical people often feel their track record "speaks for itself," but that's seldom true. In today's team-oriented environment, you need to make a strong effort to be liked by everyone you meet, from entry-level workers to the CEO.

8. You're not the best qualified. There may be others who really do fit the job better. Interviewing is a selling opportunity. It's a relatively short time frame and you're in the spotlight. Even in so-called casual interviews, you're watched and evaluated very closely. You're compared to others and graded. Everything you do, everything you wear, and everything you say is magnified, and either helps or hurts you. You can sell yourself into a job by using closing comments. This is one way to "close the sale!"

Interview Techniques for 2008

2008-04-15T07:51:00.001-05:00

Background Specific Questions - These take aim and require direct explanations specific to the choices you have made. Why are you looking to leave your current employer? Why haven't you been promoted? Why didn't you finish your MBA? It is apparent that these are sometimes directed toward bringing up the most unflattering points in your background so you don't want to be caught off-guard. If you analyze your vulnerabilities and anticipate having to field questions about your decisions, you should be able to formulate responses. Two points to remember: don't lie and don't ever become defensive.

Behavioral Event Questions - Decades ago industrial psychologists developed the behavioral interview, an interviewing technique founded on the premise that a prospective employee's future performance can be most accurately predicted by past performance in similar circumstances. Behavioral event questions can be hypothetical, "What would you do if your boss wanted you to bend company policy?" or historical, "Give me an example of a time when you failed to meet expectations." As you can see many are traps meant to disclose an unflattering time while you are focused on impressing. Hypothetical behaviorals can be used to rehearse response strategies designed to turn negatives into positives. The STAR method (situation, task, action, results) while turning negatives into positive learning experiences is the best method of fielding these questions.

Building Up Your Job Re-Sale Value

2008-04-03T07:13:00.001-05:00

Candidates are traditionally defined by the functions they perform and the environments in which they are performed, i.e., Staff Accountant in a manufacturing setting or Sales Manager in consumer products. If these candidates are good career planners, they change jobs based not necessarily on vertical promotion, i.e. Director of Operations to CEO, but on securing alternative opportunities, perhaps requiring sacrifice, that will ultimately ensure more options. They build value that follows them throughout their careers.

It is never too early or late to configure your recession proofing plan. In advance of any job search, take an inventory of what functions and within which environments you bring to the table. These offerings will appeal to the needs of a perspective employer. Next, make a list of those things critical to increasing your ultimate resale value that you currently don't possess. With this strategy, you will actually know, long-term, why you are accepting a job offer. If the for some reason you go back on the job market after two years with a strategically selected employer, your value will have increased. Wise career planners know that, while the best of jobs may evaporate, no one can ever take away the experience equity they have gained.

Do You Suffer From Job Search Flu?

2008-03-24T07:07:00.003-05:00

If your head hurts, your muscles ache and the thought of sending out one more resume sends you in a state of panic you might be suffering from job search flu. While we are offered a million ways to live a healthy life-style, few remedies are provided to cure an ailing job search. Check out these symptoms and remedies:

Job Search Couch Potato - Perhaps this should be called a desk potato or screen potato. This job seeker waits for the job to come to him. Oh he applies on line, posting to job boards and blasting to recruiters (we do advocate these!) and complains because he has no hits. Like a stately royal, the couch potato waits for others to approach him. Then he gets depressed.

Remedy- Use every method of communication. Get on the phone and get out of the house! The more folks who see you and hear you, the quicker will be your recovery... a job offer. The very computer upon which you're reading this should simply be one tool. Don't hide behind it!
Drive Though Job Seeker - Much like walking through the snow barefoot, expecting a fast hire is a sure way to catch the job search flu. Job seekers, especially those who normally control their teams and make business decisions, have a difficult time when they realize that decision makers not only determine who gets hired but when 2nd interviews occur and when/if you find out that you're no longer under consideration. To be blunt, job offers are not like to come at your convenience!

Remedy- Never stop searching and wait for any company to make a decision on you. Take charge of your job search and move on! The healthy job seeker knows that the more irons he has in the fire, the better chance a job offer will come... and come more quickly. We can't control the speed at which a company decides upon us but we can control the momentum and persistence of our search.

Your Blue Book Value in a Tight Job Market

2008-03-14T07:14:00.002-05:00

And you thought only autos had blue book values! If you've ever wondered why some folks stay employed it could be their blue book values. They have skills that employers desperately need. Did you not quite finish that degree? This may be the time!

There has always been an argument for not remaining professionally stagnant. Economies have been in boom/bust almost every decade, complete with tough job markets caused by numerous factors.

While new jobs have been created, a disproportionate number have either being relocated offshore or are low wage, hourly opportunities in service industries. Thus while the observation that there are no jobs isn't quite accurate, the fact that there are far more good candidates competing for them is a reality. Here are more realities:

If you have held the same position for years without updating your knowledge and education or enhancing your skills, should you become expendable to your employer, you could also appear antiquated to the outside market. In more mature employees, one's inability to be contemporary is a sentence to crash and burn.
If you've changed jobs too often, you will lack credibility in the experience you've gained and will not fare as well as others because of your inability to leverage those weaker credentials.
If you are unwilling to relocate or commute, especially in the higher-paying jobs, you could remain unemployed for years.
If you remain unemployed for too long, you will raise the red flag of rejected goods and ultimately devalue the very credentials that you worked so hard to secure.
If you don't plan to recareer well in-advance, you may not be able to take the time or make the investment required to become a sought - after candidate in The New Economy.

Get certified, volunteer to take on extra duties that will sell well and know what's going on around you. If you develop job search skills and regularly update your knowledge of the job market, you will maneuver far better should you have to eventually make a change.

How to Create an E-Mail/ ASCII Resume for Internet Job Openings Requiring Cut and Paste

2008-02-27T09:11:00.001-05:00

First, make a copy of your existing resume. Give this new document a different name, then make any needed changes (such as adding your e-mail address or incorporating keywords). Next, use your word processor's SAVE AS function to save the resume as a plain text or text only file. You may get a warning about losing your formatting enhancements, but that's okay - that's what we're trying to do.

After saving it in text format, exit your word processor, then open the document again. In doing this, you'll find that the formatting enhancements have been stripped from the resume. Bolding, italics, ruling lines and such are gone. Some programs will automatically replace bullets with asterisks (*), but if not, you can make these replacements yourself.

It's also a good idea to spell out ampersands and percentage signs (& and %), because some scanners have difficulty interpreting these symbols. This can quickly be accomplished by using your word processor's find and replace function.

Finally, you'll want to clean up any extra spaces or awkward gaps caused by tabs. When you're done, your name should be at the top, flush left, with your address, phone and e-mail address stacked underneath.

Regardless of your original format, your categories should be left flush and the body text directly underneath. You can add one hard return between paragraphs that are not separated, but if you add more returns, they won't "hold" and may cause problems later... so don't doctor things up too much. To check your changes, simply save the document, exit and open again to review the results.

Before e-mailing this resume, it's a good idea to check and see how it holds up. To do this, simply send a copy to yourself, and print it out and see what it looks like. In most cases, some additional "cleanup" work will be needed before it's ready to use.

The Winter Storm Warning in Your Brain!

2008-02-18T08:10:00.006-05:00

Last week in Columbus, Ohio we had a winter storm warning. Impending danger was predicted because we were to have up to 7 inches of snow turning to rain and then turning into ice. As always it was kind of exciting. And scary!

Able to work from my home office I looked outside my window at a winter wonderland that, according to my TV, I didn't dare confront. Danger would be everywhere so, judging from what I could see from my view of my window and the anchor on Channel 4 News, (how'd HE get to work?) I was convinced to stay in for the day.

Being a news junkie all day I watched TV while I worked from my home office. The news was pretty consistent... don't go out! Other news included layoffs and a gloom and doom prediction of recession. So I sat and sat and watched and watched. Each time I looked outside the window I saw desolation and ice. No cars going down my street and it appeared that Ohio was literally frozen in time.

Then it happened... I ran out of Diet Coke and my printer cartridge went dry. I was forced to drive the store and with the Weather Channel and the CNN Business report streaming from my Sirius radio, and with proof of insurance on the seat next to me, I headed up the street.

Imagine my surprise when I saw normal life as soon as I left the neighborhood! People, cars, stores and restaurants all busy!

Last week I learned an important lesson... the narrow view from my window might not be real. And while the media is valuable, they just might not be talking about your street... or your job search!

The Enemy that Lies Within

2008-02-08T11:27:00.000-05:00

Those of us who coach and mentor job seekers know that the greatest challenge in getting hired isn't a tight job market, lack of a college degree or old age. In fact, the one issue that prevents success in anything we attempt is our own self-defeating human nature.. specifically pride and self-doubt.

Do one of these statements capture how you are feeling?

I just don't have the confidence to move ahead. I can't imagine myself doing something new--I've been a _____ [fill in the blank] my whole life.
I have feelings of unworthiness--I just don't deserve to pursue this new direction. People will likely think I'm being presumptuous and wonder, "Who is she to think she can do that!"
I am being pressured by parents, family, or colleagues to pursue a career course that just doesn't fit with who I am.
I'm avoiding moving on an opportunity because it seems beneath me--I've paid my dues and shouldn't have to lower myself to that level.
Antidote: Don't let your human nature dictate your decisions and whatever you do, never let self-doubt in your presence!

If you've lost your job on Thursday you're no less valuable on Friday! Only when our identity is rooted in the significance of being a human being and not based solely on what we do for a living (the lie of "I'm valuable because I'm an attorney/manager/engineer") can we maintain our inner-worth no matter what happens on the outside!

In 1961 the day after my father lost his job, my mother, a practical woman and far from a psychologist, made him put on his black pin-stripped suit and took him to the best restaurant in Cincinnati. They could barely afford it. While there she had a photographer snap a photo of them and hung it in our living room. When she would find my father still in his bathrobe as she returned from work she would hand him the framed photo as a reminder of who he was not who he had been. He went on to start a small business that sustained us for the next 20 years.

Maneuvering Within the SchoolYard

2008-01-31T08:34:00.000-05:00

All I ever needed I learned in kindergarten. There's a book that makes a great case for this concept and while I'm not sure I totally agre, one point is indisputable...the concept of the schoolyard.

The schoolyard is the community in which your identity is first formulated, and it's both this identity and recognizing the identity of others that determines everything from who you will play with in the sandbox to whether you will someday be a leader or follower. Are you the football quarterback, the cheerleader, the geek, the bully, the rich kid or the kid that, to date, no one has noticed?

Ok now fast forward to the workplace and it should be more than apparent that the schoolyard cast members are alive and well in the workplace. However now there are four generations in the schoolyard, Generation X, Generation Y, Baby Boomers and Traditionalists. All generations have been raised by generations with differing values and work habits. And all must live and work together.

Are you thinking of changing jobs because you don't like the office bully, the boss's pet or the sneaky geek? Perhaps you need to rethink that strategy because another of whoever is bothering you will be waiting for you at the next job! Never run from anything! Run toward something better!

Ten Steps in Getting Started in Job Search

2008-01-23T09:55:00.000-05:00

1. Know Your Aptitudes, Talents and Preferences - Professionals are much like physicians in a hospital. There are ER docs who are faced paced and like the action, and there are brain surgeons who prefer quiet methodical work. What kind of doc would you be?

2. Know the Market - You need to have the best credentials possible and you can't plan the steps of an education/internship/experience journey if you don't know the destination.

3. Realize the Competitive Event - Job-Seekers are often too busy believing they need only to qualify and that their credentials entitled them to a job. You are not entitled to a job offer. You are entitled to compete for one!

4. Understand the Triathlon –-There are three events between the beginning of job search and a job offer. The resumes/cover letter must out- compete, your search strategies must be creative and persistent and your interview must be value based. You must win in all events. There are no job offers for silver medalists.

5. Be Ready to Sacrifice - You might have to relocate, commute travel, or take a pay cut. If the returns merit the sacrifice you could kill a career if you are awarded the opportunity for a great job but unwilling.

6. Be Willing to Get Help - Job search coaches prepare resumes, often times have access to recruiter/employer networks, teach and prepare you for interviews and help negotiate your job offers. Doctors don't change their auto transmissions and savvy career seekers don't write their own resumes.

7. Don't Only Use the Computer - The closer you are to being able to shake a hand the better your chances for a job offer. Network, network, network!

8. Use All Search Resources - There is life beyond Monster.com. Many folks "dis" the newspaper classified while employers spend millions looking for employees.

9. Know Much About the Company with Whom You are Interviewing - You won't know what to offer-up if you don't know what they need. Learn the industry, the status of the company within the industry and the company's challenges. Then be its solution.

10. It's Called Job Hunting for a Good Reason - It's a jungle out there but there's a place for everyone. You need to use all search vehicles and you need to realize that despite that new degree, certification or experience, there are four talented generations in the workplace and more competition than ever!

Caucuses, Primaries, Debates, Delegates and You!

2008-01-15T09:11:00.000-05:00

If you are a news junkie like myself you are now submerged in the politics of electing our next President. Don't be in denial. Submerged is exactly where you should be! Whatever your employment situation might be, it could very well be affected by the decisions of your President! Ask my son, Adam, the Blackhawk pilot. He's an Ohio Nation Guardsman, a part time job that will turn full time when he leaves for Iraq.

But seriously (ok that was serious), we need to know what's happening on the planet as a whole, and in case you don't know the difference between Slovenia and Slovakia, please review the headlines! We live in a shrinking world and global business is here to stay. Employers want to know what you know about current events and they are not above asking you how you feel the jobs report will affect the stock market. After all their businesses will be affected by what is happening and companies want their employees aware and awake! This is an election year!

Worried? Don't be. Go to http://www.msnbc.com once a day if you're not getting a regular dose of what's happening.

Getting back to the elections, do you know what to do if someone asks you who your candidate is on an interview or at work? Tune in next week!

Why We Should All Be "Out to Lunch"

2008-01-07T08:30:00.000-05:00

Last January I broke down and accepted a lunch invitation. I never used to go to lunch. I was always far too busy in my own little world or sometimes it was the weather. To this day I'm not sure why this particular recruiter succeeded in prying me from behind my desk. I never could have guessed what would happen next.

It seems that Chris Gardner, the recruiter that bought my salad, took folks to lunch often. He had a list and he had a mission, professional networking groups. Today I belong to Executive Recruiters Exchange and Corporate Recruiters Exchange, two active groups that actively share both candidates and job opportunities. Each group meets for lunch on a monthly basis and those of us who have formed special alliances meet on Fridays once in awhile.

No matter what your job or industry, building your network requires that you "go to lunch." In fact the best idea is that you be the one to extend the invitation. People who only start networking when they are in need of contacts and help often lack the authenticity that is so critical to building a viable network. They also lack time to harvest the fruits of their efforts.

Networking is a process, not a special event. But once in tact, it is one of the most powerful tools you can use to connect. Last week was the first week of 2008 and I received lots of invitations for lunch. I'll get back to you with the results.

Vice President of Human Resources - He Speaks - I Listen!

2007-12-26T08:23:00.000-05:00

Recently I had the pleasure of meeting Steve Folden, Vice President of Human Resources for Tween Brands, one of America's fastest growing retail chains. It is sometimes difficult to reach these decision makers and even more challenging to encourage them to share their secrets in open forum. Here is some of what Steve shared:

- He moved 9 times in 10 years to ascend to his current position. As he prepared to leave the military he networked with another soldier who was aware of a retail opportunity that was to become his first position as a trainer in a distribution center.

- He will many times interview a job seeker in the employee cafeteria. If the job seeker is unable to focus because of distraction he no longer appears to be a viable prospect...no matter his qualifications.

- He is amazed at how many prospective employees know so little about what his company does while sitting in the midst of an audition for hire. They are also no longer under consideration once their lack of preparation is revealed.

- As a general rule of career management, he advises to always be aware of your surroundings. Much like in military engagement, the job market can change as can your false sense of security.

I once asked my congressman, Pat Tiberi, if he were running this year for re-election because I had forgotten if his term has expired. He replied that he's always running for re-election. As careerists we would be well served to learn from these experts.

The Coolest & Craziest Things in 2007

2007-12-18T08:54:00.000-05:00

Every year I like to look back and remember what my clients did to "seal the deal" or "crash and burn" in their quests for job offers. While we strive to teach and train, humans do silly things, brilliant things and disastrous things while attempting to get what they want. Here are some of Worthington clients' more memorable:

Tim the Technology Manager - After a layoff, Tim took an entire year off to lead the fundraising effort for his daughter's high school marching band. They had been invited to journey England by government officials to play at an official event. He led a phenomenal effort and then left the entire victory off his resume! He felt it wouldn't count! I gave it the glory of a corporate achievement and within 60 days he was hired.

Michael the Financial Director - Forgetting that everything is negotiable, Michael responded that company's salary range for a tax director was more appropriate for some accountant who merely fills out forms. He told them all right! It was soon determined that he would not be a good fit for the company.

Cheryl the Engineering Director - She held multiple interviews with a major industry leader. In preparation for extending an offer, the company asked Cheryl if they could contact her previous employer. Without thinking, she impulsively answered, "Id rather you didn't." They didn't.

Maria the Merchandising Manager - With no greed and true sincerity, Maria sadly declined a job offer because her budget wouldn't allow for relocation. She then recommended her colleague in that city so that no relocation was required. The employer was so impressed at her selflessness that within a month this Fortune 500 company found a place for her locally, at a higher pay grade.

I'm going into my 35th year in job search coaching / recruiting, and I see no end in sight. Without question times, transportation and technology have all changed. But as I teach in my interview classes, humans haven't changed in 5000 years. My sources tell me that we never will!

Four Reasons Why Job Hunting through the Holidays is Productive

2007-12-05T09:13:00.000-05:00

Compliments of Scioto Ridge Job Networking Group

1. Fewer job seekers are active during a holiday season - this means less competition.

Many executive job seekers retreat during the holidays, believing their time will be wasted. The reverse is true. Savvy shoppers know that buying a car or a house in late November or December presents the best opportunities. Your job search is no different. In essence, when you are actively seeking jobs during a holiday season, you will often be one of the few applicants for available openings. Your resume is less likely to be lost in a pile and, statistically speaking, you will be more in demand.

2. Many companies have their fiscal year at the end of the year plan adding new staff.

For many companies, the end of a calendar year is time for planning. Your timing often couldn't be better if you propose valid reasons why you will be a great addition to their team in the coming year. As a matter of fact, a good approach may be suggesting to employers that you can help them make the next year more profitable and successful. Smart employers will listen.

3. Hiring decision makers are less resistant to your message.

Holiday cheer and celebrations bring a message of hope and a positive mindset to most people. We are reminded of the joys and celebrations, and often become more relaxed with people around us (unless we are desperately looking for a last minute gift!). In essence, hiring decision makers are just plain nicer during this time of the year. They are less prone to reject your message and more likely to listen.

4. It is often easier to arrange interviews and initiate productive communication.

While you may not get an offer on the spot, holiday season is an excellent time to start negotiating with prospective employers. An informal meeting is usually all it takes to get the ball rolling. During that meeting, ideas are exchanged and mutual interest determined. Sounds too easy? It is. No doubt you've heard stories of successful executives who (during this time of the year) established very good contacts with companies they wanted to work. These contacts became solid job offers a few weeks down the road.

What do the OSU/Michigan game, Super Bowl and World Series have in common?

2007-11-26T08:24:00.000-05:00

They are all scheduled events for which contenders will train right up to the coin toss. Teaming with strength coaches and trainers, every waking moment will be dedicated to winning their main events. By the big game, each finalist will know the competition and practice sessions will even include videos of the other's last performance.

Unfortunately job search isn't as user-friendly. It is the one competition in which candidates never have the advantage of a match scheduled in advance nor do they know the identities of their competitors. Job search is the only competitive event in which you'll never see the competition perform and won't even be told the winner, unless you are the winner!

So as you shadow-box your way to a job offer it should become apparent that you need to begin training immediately. There is no better technique to perfect than fielding those dreaded interview questions. We regularly conduct interview boot camps and during practices we see traditionally savvy professionals blossom from tongue-tied deer in the headlights into confident communicators. The process of learning to field questions in a smooth conversational manner requires much practice. It is not an exercise in memorization because canned answers do not impress.

There is no way that you can anticipate each interview question. But you should be aware of the various categories of questions so you can reach into your vault of experience for tales of when you dealt with difficult people, resolved difficult situations or performed in less than perfect circumstances. Learning to field interview questions requires as much training and rehearsal as winning the big game. Candidates will eventually be able to produce smooth responses as they develop quick recall while the question is being asked. You can't fake it till you make it. An interview is no time for thinking only for performing.

Job Search Networking Groups are Alive!

2007-11-14T08:34:00.000-05:00

Based on the concept of it's not just who you know but who knows you, getting to after-hours job networking groups have proven to really be effective. I am a sponsor and advocate of Scioto Ridge Job Networking Group in the Midwest. Human Resource decision makers and recruiters attend along with job-seekers. What follows are valuable tips to make networking work for you!

1. If unemployed, print your own business cards to use at networking events. Include your contact information with your target market. Example: John Q. Smith, Sales Management.

2. When you collect business cards, follow-up! Note on the back of each card where you met the person and something noteworthy to help you remember him. Schedule a time to meet for coffee to continue building the relationship.

3. Consider networking as a process you do for the life of your career, not just something to do between jobs. Continue to grow your career by building and maintaining relationships.

4. When networking, offer first - take second. Determine what value you can provide others before asking for their help. This way you will leave a very favorable impression.

5. Remember that everyone you meet has the potential to lead you to your target. Most people are only six degrees removed from the person with whom they need to connect.

6. Networking gurus have polished 30-second commercials. Practice your "signature statement" so it sounds natural and conveys the right message in a concise way.

7. Be authentic. No one likes a know-it-all any more than a wallflower. Be yourself and be real. Above all else, remember your manners. Thank those who help you.

Women in the Labor Force: A Databook - ~Interesting Stats~

2007-11-07T08:07:00.000-05:00

Some Report Highlights:

* In 2006, about 59% of women were in the labor force.

* Since early 1980s, women's and men's unemployment rates have continued to be similar; in 2006 they were the same.

* From 1975 to 2000, the rate of working mothers with children under age of 18 rose from 47% to 73%, where it remained in 2006.

* One-third of women in the labor force had college degrees as of 2006.

* In 2006, women accounted for 50.6% of those employed in management, professional, and related occupations.

* Employed Asian women were more likely to work in higher-paying management, professional, and related occupations than White, Black, or Hispanic women in the labor force.

* By industry, more than 50% of women were employed in financial activities, education and health services, and leisure and hospitality.

* Women working full-time in 2006 had median weekly earnings of $600, compared to median income of men at $743 weekly. Earnings of White women were slightly higher than what Asian or Hispanic women earned.

* Women with college degrees earned 81% more than women with only a high school diploma.

Full 2007 report available at: www.bls.gov/cps/wlf-databook-2007.pdf

A CASE OF THE "YES, BUTS"?

2007-10-29T07:25:00.000-05:00

There's an illness running rampant among career changers and job seekers, and I bet you've seen a case or two recently. It's a disease called the "Yes, Buts!" Common to individuals in career transition, its primary symptom involves settling for the status quo. Other signs of the disease include a resistance to overcoming obstacles and an emphasis on developing valid-sounding excuses to justify inaction. Let's take a light-hearted look at this problem and what can be done to treat it!

THE "YES, BUT" OF FEAR
For most people, the known is more comfortable than the unknown. The old acronym for FEAR-False Expectations Appearing Real--helps people to examine those expectations and find ways to take action.

Antidote: For starters, name your fears, such as:

I'm afraid that the new work I'm moving toward will require sacrifices on my part.
I worry about having the resources I need to make my transition (finances, connections, training).
I'm afraid of others having negative opinions about my new career direction.
I don't know if I can do the job well enough to be successful.

Once the fear has been named, get comfortable with not knowing! Life doesn't guarantee us all the answers ahead of time. Trust that there will be solutions and provision. Look to past successes in having managed other transitions (no matter how small) and leverage that into confidence and momentum.

THE "YES, BUT" OF TIME
Life's most precious commodity these days is time. Our calendars are crammed with commitments--some good, some not so good. With the busyness and breakneck speed of life, the thought of making a career change could send you over the edge. Perhaps some of these statements ring true for you:
The thought of finding time to pursue a new career direction seems overwhelming and impossible right now.
I want my transition to be quick and painless.
I'm running so fast that I can't even hear myself think.
There just isn't anything I can let go of, turn from, or put on hold to make more space in my calendar.

The reality is that we make time for what's important. When a busy working mother is given the news that she has cancer and needs daily radiation treatments to beat the disease, you can bet she'll find time in her schedule. This is an extreme example, of course, but it illustrates that we can make changes in our schedules.

Antidote: Make daily priority lists, and stick to them. Accomplish the "mission-critical" items first--if they get pushed off because of other emergencies during the day, don't go to bed without having tackled them and checked them off. And don't buy into the quick-fix mentality that is so pervasive in our society--a phased transition may be the solution for you. If it takes a few months or even a few years to get where you want to go, you'll be exactly where you're supposed to be every step of the journey. Think long-term!

THE "YES, BUT" OF FINANCES
Money can be one of the biggest obstacles to career freedom. Which of these statements might you relate to?
My new opportunity will require me to take a cut in pay, which I (or my family) cannot afford.
My new opportunity will require me to lower the lifestyle to which I have become accustomed.
My new opportunity requires an investment in retraining and I can't afford the tuition.
I'm going after this position primarily because of the high salary it pays, even though it will cost me in terms of having life balance or pursuing what I truly feel called to.

Antidote: If finances are frustrating you, develop a strategy to create financial reserves. Talk to a financial planner. Again, consider a phased transition. Look at work options such as a flexible part-time or temporary position to financially cushion the transition. Enlist the support of family--making the transition a team effort, with everyone cutting back on expenses, can add the important element of solidarity.

THE "YES, BUT" OF IDENTITY
The topic of identity can range from feeling insecure to struggling with pride. One of these statements may capture how you are feeling:
I just don't have the confidence to move ahead. I can't imagine myself doing something new--I've been a ____ [fill in the blank] my whole life.
I have feelings of unworthiness--I just don't deserve to pursue this new direction. People will likely think I'm being presumptuous and wonder, "Who is she to think she can do that!"
I am being pressured by parents, family, or colleagues to pursue a career course that just doesn't fit with who I am.
I'm avoiding moving on an opportunity because it seems beneath me--I've paid my dues and shouldn't have to lower myself to that level.
My ego is itching! I have to admit that I'm pursuing this opportunity because people will be impressed with the title/company/perks.

Antidote: As members of the human race, we are meant to grow throughout our lives. Only when our identity is rooted in the significance of being a human being and not based solely on what we do for a living (the lie of "I'm valuable because I'm an attorney/manager/engineer") can we make true progress.

THE "YES, BUT" OF ISOLATION
We were designed to be connected with one another! Which of these statements best typifies you?
I prefer to do things on my own.
I'm too busy to network or get together with a support group.
I'm too shy/embarrassed/insecure to reach out to others.

Antidote: Life is a contact sport, and so is your career! If you don't have a job support network, develop a "fan club" or group of supporters and accountability partners. You can also start your own career club in a library or coffee shop if one doesn't exist in your community. Reach out for the support you need and stay connected!

In closing, did you see yourself in any of the above symptoms? If so, be proactive and take part in determining the best course of treatment. Here's to career health!

Reprinted with permission, Susan Britton Whitcomb, Career Coach Academy

When Interviews Don't Produce Job Offers

2007-10-24T08:03:00.000-05:00

Question: I get to the second or third interview in the hiring process but can't get a job offer. What could I be doing wrong? And how can I "close the sale?"

Answer: The fact that you're getting interviews is a good sign. It means that your letters and resume are working and that you're making a good first impression. There are at least eight reasons you could be failing:

1. You don't look the part.
Your clothing is out of style. Make sure your clothing, including eyewear and briefcase, is current. Have shirts and blouses professionally cleaned and starched.

2. You lack focus.
You come across as too much of a generalist, as someone who can "do it all"--jack of all trades and master of none. You haven't defined what you want or where you fit, and companies pick that up as lack of direction. Without sharp focus you appear scattered and may come across as a "loose cannon." To combat this, develop strong preferences and be clear about what you want and what you don't want.

3. You're overselling.
In an attempt to "make the sale" you're pushing too hard, or coming across as desperate. You may appear too eager or overanxious. Create a high-impact, accomplishment-oriented resume and let it do most of the selling. In general, listen 75% and talk 25% of the time.

4. Your references are shooting you down.
Who are you using to support your candidacy? Have you asked them what they'll say? Have you prepared guidelines for them? Do they have your resume? Do you brief them before they're called? Be sure to give employers references they can relate to. Engineers like to talk to other engineers, and attorneys prefer other attorneys. Last point: don't overuse your references.

5. You want too much money.
Don't gauge your present worth on your last salary. The market may have changed; people with your skills could be in oversupply. Do a quick salary survey to determine realistically what you should be earning. Ask what the company plans to pay for the position. Then be flexible. You can lose out by seeming to care more about salary and benefits than about making a big contribution.

6. You appear difficult.
In multiple interviews companies have time to uncover weaknesses, character flaws, and problem behaviors, such as being arrogant or losing patience. You must appear co-operative, collaborative, and easy to work with.

7. Someone on the team doesn't like you.
Many companies hire by consensus. That means nearly everyone has to like you. Technical people often feel their track record "speaks for itself," but that's seldom true. In today's team-oriented environment, you need to make a strong effort to be liked by everyone you meet, from entry-level workers to the CEO.

8. You're not the best qualified. There may be others who really do fit the job better.
Interviewing is a selling opportunity. It's a relatively short time frame and you're in the spotlight. Even in so-called casual interviews, you're watched and evaluated very closely. You're compared to others and graded. Everything you do, everything you wear, and everything you say is magnified, and either helps or hurts you.

Courtesy of Career Lab

Don't Fall in Love Too Fast!

2007-10-12T09:09:00.000-05:00

Did the interview go well? Were you a perfect fit, and did they say they'd call you back by Friday? Great! Now forget the meeting ever took place and forge ahead on to your next "perfect fit." Companies will tell you anything to keep you available while they look at other possibilities to find the best candidate. The very worst thing you can do is believe everything you hear except when it comes in the form of a job offer. Don't sit home waiting for them to call. It might never happen! Tell them you want the job to keep your hat in the ring and then move on! Have as many "perfect fits" going as possible and one will come through!

Job search is much like dating. Many scenarios are necessary until you find the right workplace for your particular situation. The more advance time you have to determine the best career move the more likely you are to reach your long term goals. Look around at the people you work with and live with. Some are sailboats whose direction have been determined by the wind. Others are motor boats complete with rudders. It should be easy to tell who is who. Remember.. you have a choice!

Your Old Resume May Be Hazardous to Your Wealth

2007-10-03T11:19:00.000-05:00

If the events of the last 10 years have taught us anything it is to be prepared. In years past I've done everything from purchasing silly Y2K videos selling below-ground housing in case of nuclear attack to more sensible investments such as off-site backup for our hard drives. I'm more prepared for weather emergencies and more vigilant than ever at airports. These are the only models from which I've been taught. I know I can't anticipate everything, but if I were ever a job seeker in a recovering job market one thing I certainly would prepare for is opportunity!

Can opportunity be deemed an emergency? It certainly can be if you're about to miss out on competing for your fantasy job! An interesting phenomenon occurs when a job market begins to recover. What recruiters refer to as "passive job seekers" are now joining the already swollen pool of the unemployed and disillusioned. But there's one major difference; they are actively being pursued!

Recently I felt badly for the Controller who got a call from a Big 4 firm he believed held his dream job. Following a recommendation from an internal source, a director offered to fly him down within 48 hours for an interview. Frantically he called and begged us to update his resume and executive portfolio. We couldn't help him. Nor could any of our colleagues. He had waited too long. I don't know what became of him. My instincts tell me that he was forced to resort to the "Bill Gates" Windows resume template. An enviable career on a form resume? Not a good thing! Could this issue kill the deal? In combination with a poor interview the deal probably died.

Some of us spend our lives working hard and longing for the chance to get that great offer, and after such challenging times, it's nothing short of tragic if we experience paralysis, much like a deer in the headlights, due to lack of preparation. Polishing your presentation for opportunity should be ongoing.

Job Search Advice, Resume Writing Tips from a Career Consultant

Why Tough Guys Finish First

Savvy Strategies from FlowWork

Making a Professional Impression with Email and Voicemail

When Interviews Don't Produce Job Offers

Interview Techniques for 2008

Building Up Your Job Re-Sale Value

Do You Suffer From Job Search Flu?

Your Blue Book Value in a Tight Job Market

How to Create an E-Mail/ ASCII Resume for Internet Job Openings Requiring Cut and Paste

The Winter Storm Warning in Your Brain!

The Enemy that Lies Within

Maneuvering Within the SchoolYard

Ten Steps in Getting Started in Job Search

Caucuses, Primaries, Debates, Delegates and You!

Why We Should All Be "Out to Lunch"

Vice President of Human Resources - He Speaks - I Listen!

The Coolest & Craziest Things in 2007

Four Reasons Why Job Hunting through the Holidays is Productive

What do the OSU/Michigan game, Super Bowl and World Series have in common?

Job Search Networking Groups are Alive!

Women in the Labor Force: A Databook - ~~~Interesting Stats~~~

A CASE OF THE "YES, BUTS"?

When Interviews Don't Produce Job Offers

Don't Fall in Love Too Fast!

Your Old Resume May Be Hazardous to Your Wealth

Women in the Labor Force: A Databook - ~Interesting Stats~