You have a job, but maybe you don’t completely feel secure due to layoffs. Or perhaps you like your job, but aren’t adverse to hearing about new opportunities. Whatever the case, there are some definite rules of thumb to follow so that you don’t inadvertently end up being discovered by your employer, or end up in the next RIF yourself.
First, be very careful about openly posting your resume on job search engines such as Monster or CareerBuilder. Many companies have access to these sites as part of their own employee sourcing process, so you will be plainly visible to them when they look. From the recruiting end, there are parameters on both sites (searching by company, industry, name) that make it simple to see if any employees are searching. Also be aware that newly posted resumes are displayed to hiring managers each day. These sites do allow you to make position titles, company names and your own name “confidential.” But it still can be very obvious who you are as much as you may try to hide. It’s not worth the risk, especially if your company is looking for candidates to lay off.
Interviews will require that you dress your best. The problem is, most will be conducted during business hours on weekdays. Don’t stick out like a sore thumb in a casual workplace by suddenly showing up in a suit and tie. You’ll almost certainly get the “so who are you interviewing with today” comments. Leave your jacket and tie in the car, and put them on in the car or in a bathroom OFF company premises before the interview. Ladies, accessorize in the same manner. Change to heels or add that suit jacket off site. The smallest rumor gets around pretty quickly, so don’t give anyone a reason to start one.
Speaking of interviews, try to schedule interviews at times that won’t interfere with your regular job schedule. Scheduling during lunch, after work, or before work are your best bet. Disappearing at 2:15 and showing back up at 4:15 on a Wednesday may arouse suspicion.
I don’t know why people are so willing to do this, even with me ……… DON’T participate in a phone interview in your office or cubicle at work! It seems like common sense, but it happens every single day.
Be careful who you tell, if anyone, at your current company about your intent to look for a different job. Even those who seem to be the most loyal, or are your closest colleagues can slip and pass that info on. Again, the last thing you need are rumors to start and spread.
Don’t search for jobs on your company computer, or during work time. And don’t print your resume on a company printer! These are the property of the company, and you leave your internet footprint whether you clear out your cache or not. It’s easy for an employer to track, and be tipped off to your leaving.
If you are doing any of these things, you are doing them at your own risk. With RIF’s and layoffs being so common today, don’t give your employer a reason to show you the door.
One thing that you should do, and that I absolutely recommend, is update and perfect your profile on LinkedIn. The vast majority of recruiters and hiring personnel alike are using LinkedIn almost exclusively to find new candidates. This is particularly due to the outrageous fees charged by the CareerBuilder’s and Monster’s of the world, with little or no return. These sites have been inundated with resumes, and it is like searching for a needle in a haystack for the best candidate. Having a professional profile on LinkedIn that is highly visible will give you a leg up. Take a look sometime at your own connections, and you will notice that close to 80% - 90% of them have their parameters set to include interested in “Job Opportunities.” This makes it that much more discreet since nearly everybody else has the same thing. Additionally you should be building your network, and networking as much as possible. LinkedIn is the perfect platform for this.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Maintain A Positive Attitude
I wanted to share an article that I came across the other day in which stories of triumphing over long-term unemployment during this recession are shared (http://www.slate.com/id/
I have a close colleague who I met for lunch one Friday afternoon. He had been laid off from a position as a Financial Reporting Manager for a Fortune 1000 company three months prior, and after a long and tumultuous effort to find a new job without success had all but thrown in the towel. It was apparent in his attitude that the negative effects of being unemployed and not having had any success in his job search had taken it’s toll. Instead of being confident in interviews, he approached them with self-defeat. How could he ever expect to land a job when he didn’t believe in himself?
His problem was not that he lacked credentials, accolades or experience. His problem was that he was wallowing in self-pity and self-defeat. It was as plain and easy for the interviewers to see as the words on his resume. I tried my best to give him a motivational talk, and suggested he go to the nearest bookstore and buy a copy of “The Power of Positive Thinking.” It could have been any of a number of books, and by no means am I promoting that exclusively (although I have seen many people thrive after reading it and acting upon its precepts). I knew though he needed something that would inject a dose of positivism into his outlook. If he was going to change his dismal outlook on his job prospects, he needed to first change his attitude, and leave the self-defeat behind.
On a Friday morning exactly 2 weeks later, I received a string of texts from him on my way in to the office. That very week he had been offered 3 jobs, and was on his way to accept one of them at that moment. He told me he let go of every negative thing that had been holding him back, tried to be positive, and it was as if suddenly a magnetic force was attracting hiring managers and recruiters to him.
Magnets work because they have a magnetic field. The end that points in the North is called the North Pole of the magnet, and the end that points South is called the South Pole of the magnet. Like magnetic poles repel each other, whereas unlike poles attract each other. If you are mired in self-defeat, you’re repelling people in a position to give you a job. If your magnet is steered in a positive direction, you will likewise see incredible results. It may not happen overnight, or in a week, or even in a month. But if you stay the course, it will happen, and you will be sharing your success story with others to inspire them.
Let me close by relating a story from the book “Think and Grow Rich.”
“An uncle of R.U. Darby was caught by the “gold fever” in the gold-rush days, and went out West to dig and grow rich. He had never heard that more gold has been mined from the brains of men than has ever been taken from the Earth. He staked a claim and went to work with pick and shovel. The going was hard, but his lust for gold was definite. After weeks of labor, he was rewarded by the discovery of the shining ore. He needed machinery to bring the ore to the surface. Quietly, he covered up the mine, retraced his footsteps to his home in Williamsburg, Maryland, and then told his relatives and a few neighbors of the “strike.” They got together money for the needed machinery, and had it shipped to location. The uncle and Darby went back to work the mine.
The first car of ore was mined, and shipped to a smelter. The returns proved they had one of the richest mines in Colorado! A few more cars of that ore would clear the debts. Then would come the big killing in profits.
Down went the drills! Up went the hopes of Darby and Uncle! Then something happened! The vein of gold ore disappeared! They had come to the end of the rainbow, and the pot of gold was no longer there! They drilled on, desperately trying to pick up the vein again - all to no avail. Finally, they decided to quit.
They sold the machinery to a junk man for a few hundred dollars, and took the train back home. Some “junk” men are dumb, but not this one! He called in a mining engineer to look at the mine and do a little calculating. The engineer advised that the project had failed, because the owners were not familiar with “fault lines.” His calculations showed that the vein would be found just three feet from where the Darbys had stopped drilling! That is exactly where it was found!
The “junk” man took millions of dollars in ore from the mine, because he knew enough to seek expert counsel before giving up.”
You may be standing 3 feet from gold right now. Don’t stop until you find it.
How to Network Effectively
Networking is the single most effective way to job hunt and to increase business opportunities. Without a circle of high quality professional acquaintances, you will be severely disadvantaged throughout your career. However, building this circle requires planning and you have to continually work at it. How do you get started? Most importantly, how do you make sure you aren’t turning people off or damaging your reputation? Read on to learn the fundamentals of effective networking - what TO do and what NOT to do.
How to Start
There’s really no single formula. However, I recommend that you start with a specific goal and timeframe. For example, decide to meet 3 new people in your field who work both in your company and in other firms over the next 6 months. Once you “program” that goal into your brain, you’ll be amazed at the number of opportunities that come your way. Sign up for seminars, attend presentations, take a class, or ask a friend to introduce you to someone. Just get going. And don’t worry about imposing – people are generally very nice and like to help each other out.
How to Get People Interested in You
Who are you interested in networking with? Probably people who are cheerful, hard-working, well put together and well thought of, right? Well, then you need to work on being that kind of person yourself. You have to demonstrate that you are worth building a relationship with.
If you’re meeting someone for the first time, let them do most of the talking. People love to talk about themselves. Ask them about their interests, profession…whatever. First, you’ll learn pretty quickly if this person is someone you want to keep in touch with. Second, if you do ask them for their business card or contact information, they will gladly give it to you because they now look upon you very favorably as being “a good listener”. Make sure you ask for permission to contact them in the future. Don’t assume that you can. Just say something like “I’m glad we met. May I keep in touch with you?” If you’ve used the active listening approach I described, they always say “Yes” or “Of course”.
If someone isn’t interested in networking with you, just back off. Don’t bug them or try to change his or her mind. Be objective about why this is the case and try to determine if there is something about yourself that needs improvement. If they never come around, don’t worry about it. The world is a big place and there are plenty of great people out there.
Start Off Conservatively
Wait for at least 24-48 hours to pass before getting in touch with someone after you meet them. Otherwise, they might get the impression that you’re needy or over-eager. Don’t ask for huge favors the very first time you communicate with someone, either. Networking is a give-and-take process, not a one-time event. People don’t “owe” you anything just because you were introduced or exchanged business cards.
Mind Your Manners
What ever happened to “Please” and “Thank you”? People of all ages are violating this basic rule and it’s appalling. Use an appropriate level of formality and respectful tone. Over time you can become more relaxed but never, ever lose basic courtesy. If you’re sending an email, watch your grammar and spell check it before sending. If you’re leaving a voicemail, write it out first and practice saying it a few times. That way, it will be delivered it smoothly and naturally. Your verbal and written communication reflects who you are.
Demonstrate Respect for Process and Position
Don’t ask people to go around their company’s internal processes or to leap over organizational levels for you. This puts them on the spot. Instead, ask them to explain what their company’s process is and who they recommend that you contact. Always, always ask for permission to use their name before doing so. This approach shows that you are a responsible and trustworthy person. And, you will ultimately get in touch with the right individual(s) through a series of personal internal referrals Trust me – this works.
Set Up a Schedule
A preset schedule will ensure that you keep in regular contact with your networking circle. 2-3 times a year is a good guideline, unless you are working with someone on a specific project or request. Make it a convenient time for them – breakfast, coffee, lunch, or after work. Keep it to 30 minutes. If the other person wants to make it longer, let them suggest it, not you.
Keep the Conversations Productive
Be completely professional and upbeat in your networking activities. Networking is not a vehicle for you to whine, complain, or badmouth. It’s an opportunity for you to learn from others and to help them out as well. Anybody who is a quality individual for you to know will not be interested in listening to garbage. In networking circles, word travels fast about which people to avoid. Don’t get on that list.
Be a Giver, Not a Taker
Keep track of how many times you ask for favors. You should be giving and taking in equal measure. End each conversation with “Thanks for your time. Please tell me how I can help you.” Even if the other person says “Oh, don’t worry about it.” or “I don’t really need anything right now.” - they will always remember you as being a very unselfish and thoughtful person. I cannot stress enough how much networking is about helping others. Again, word travels fast about which people just take, take, take and never do anything for anyone else. Don’t get on that list, either.
Be on Your Best Behavior at all Times
Not everyone is an outgoing extrovert. And we all have bad days. But the world is a small place and people have long memories. You never know who you will run into and whose assistance you will need, even if it’s years and years from now. You can never go wrong by being kind and respectful to everyone all the time.
You Must Sow Before You Reap
Start networking NOW. Don’t wait until you need something. There is nothing more annoying than getting a phone call from someone you just met or someone who hasn’t been in touch for years (or worse yet, didn’t return your calls when you contacted them) asking for a big favor.
If you truly don’t need anyone or anything right now, then reach out to others and help them. And be sincere about it. Develop the reputation for being someone who helps others. Not only is it the right thing to do, but by doing so, you will build up a “bank” of goodwill that you can easily tap into when you really need it. Believe me, that day will come and when it does, you’ll be amazed at the outpouring of assistance you’ll get.
Protect Your Good Name and Reputation
Don’t feel obligated to let just anyone into your personal network. Be especially careful if you have any doubts about how a person’s behavior will reflect upon you, even if you’ve known this person since childhood or if she is your second cousin. It can take someone less than 5 minutes to ruin the good reputation you’ve spent years and years building.
Don’t blow the person off. Return the phone call and listen to the request with respect. Then simply say “I wish I could help you out. Unfortunately, I’m not in a position right now to be of assistance. If things change, I’ll certainly get in touch with you.” Leave it at that.
Source: here
The importance of NETWORKING
I have received a lot of wonderful feedback as well as questions regarding the job search blog. Because I have been receiving so many questions on this subject, the first and probably most important area that I want to focus on initially is networking. Now more than ever networking is vital in landing positions. These are things that I have seen work and hopefully may be able to help you or someone you know as well.
1. Alumni Networks: If you haven’t done so, get acquainted with the services your college or University provide to job seekers. This does not include only the Career Services department. Find out if your alumni base has a local club where you can meet and network with fellow alumni. With college football season fast approaching, this may be a good time to join the local alum game watch. There are also often times “secret” networks that exist via your University’s website where jobs are posted by alums for alums.
2. Volunteering: While you are searching for a job, why not look for opportunities to volunteer in the community? I can’t explain why or how, but I have seen numerous individuals find positions through volunteer endeavors. Whether it is good karma or networking, it has worked and may just work for you too.
3. LinkedIn: I can’t stress enough the importance of setting up a profile on LinkedIn. It is the top online networking tool that currently exists for professional networking. I will be talking more about LinkedIn in the future, but for now I am including a link that explains more about LinkedIn and how to get started.
10 Steps to Effective Networking
Although I’ve got 10 steps listed here – the reality is that there are 3 that are extra critical and generally get missed, so cover the whole list, but make sure you pay special attention to #’s 1, 7 and 10!
1. Develop a Networking Mindset
Free your mind and the rest will follow! There are plenty of techniques and tips to make you a better networker, but the real key is approaching it in the right frame of mind.
2. Develop a Great 30-Second Commercial
What’s your unique selling proposition? Can you get across what you do in an interesting and concise way? Just like on television, you need to grab attention quickly.
3. Identify Your Target
Have you ever seen a fly fisherman that pulls in fish after fish? He knows what he’s fishing for and he knows what those fish like. Do you know what you’re after?
4. Identify Where to Network
Sure you can network almost anywhere, but there are only so many hours in the day so you should identify what will work best for you.
5. Prepare Your Meeting Strategy
One of the best ways to overcome fear is to be prepared – decide what you want to do.
6. Work the Event
You weren’t planning on just showing up, having a few drinks and throwing your cards around were you?
7. Ask Questions
People enjoy being listened to. The secret to being a great listener is to ask the right questions. Go with open-ended questions that will get people to talk.
8. Don’t Sell
Don’t do it…at least not at networking events, it doesn’t work and it’s likely to annoy people! Don’t be ‘that’ guy (or person)!
9. Go With a Team Approach
Not only is there safety in numbers, you can get a lot farther with teamwork than you can on your own.
10. Follow-up
If you were a farmer, you would have spent a lot of time determining the best thing to plant, preparing the field and going to pick out the seed. However there will be no crop if you don’t actually plant the seed and water it. There are a lot of ways to follow-up, including phone, email or even LinkedIn – the key is to make sure you do something with the contacts that you make to keep the ball rolling (when it makes sense).
Obviously this list is high level – but it should give you some ideas on what to focus on. Remember the end result that you’re looking for is developing relationships – mutually beneficial, win-win relationships and that starts by helping other people out first.
Source: here
JOB SEARCH BLOG
As a recruiter, I am asked questions related to job searching, interviewing, networking, and a myriad of other areas by job seekers every day. Most of the questions are the same, and I have thought that I wish there was a way to consolidate all of the advice, and make it accessible to all. I have been talking about the idea of starting a blog that focuses on job search advice for over a year (maybe longer), but just have not found the time to sit down and start it. Now is the time. I will be starting the actual blog in the next week or so, but until then I wanted to send out an email and get the ball rolling with an article focusing on a subject that has come up recently.
My hope is that this blog will not only allow job seekers the opportunity ask questions and get ideas in their respective job searches, but will also be a forum where input on methods that have helped them can be shared. Should you have others in your circles or network that are currently searching for a job, feel free to pass along this email. Hopefully it is a great way to help them and also a great way to give to those who find themselves in less fortunate circumstances this year.
Gaps of unemployment on resumes
So you’ve found yourself in the predicament of needing to look for a job. Maybe you are looking for greener pastures, because those long hours are starting to add up. Or perhaps, and unfortunately, you find yourself looking out of necessity due to a layoff. Certainly there are advantages to looking while you are still gainfully employed, most obvious being that you still have a job and income. On the flip side, the job search can be a little more challenging while unemployed. I’d like to focus the attention of this post on the latter, particularly in regard to how to approach the “gaps” in your resume as time marches on. Weeks turn into months, months approach a year, and as I’ve seen several times in this economy, a year turns into two or even three. How do you occupy your time doing something meaningful (and keeping your spirits up) to put on your resume? Here are a few suggestions that may not only help fill the void, but land you a new job as well.
My personal favorite is volunteering. Volunteering not only provides an opportunity to use your time in a manner that benefits others, but it also allows you to focus on positives instead of dwelling on negatives. Keep in mind that volunteering is also a great way to network with other professionals. But volunteer work does not only need to be limited to charities. Seek out new businesses or struggling organizations where your unique skills or background may be of use as a volunteer. You can make invaluable connections, and if your performance is top notch, you may well be on your way to being offered a paid job.
Another way is to spend time by focusing on developing new skills. Whether it’s completing an online class in Microsoft Excel, or brushing up on typing, new skills that can be added to your resume will make you more marketable, and thus more attractive to prospective employers. Do some research while you are applying for jobs, and pay close attention to what employers in your industry are looking for in employees. If there is a theme across jobs of a certain designation that is required, and you don’t have it, this could be what’s holding you back. It’s also an opportune time to complete it.
This is also a time that can be beneficially used to learn more about your industry, and network with other professionals within it. Never underestimate the power of networking – it really can be about who you know, and successful job seekers are able to attest to this every day. Networking on social media avenues such as LinkedIn or Facebook, or through alumni groups or professional associations can lead to great results.
This may be the time to start your own business, even if only for a short time. It could be something related to a hobby or talent, or it could be a start-up business in an area that you already have a solid background and skill set in. Believe it or not, some of the most successful businesses today were created during times of economic downturns. Would you ever believe that big names such as Microsoft, GE, CNN, HP, MTV, FedEx, Trader Joe’s and Burger King all started during similarly bleak economic times? The key is to find a market need, and fill it. It could be an underserved niche, an opportunity to streamline, or the idea for a new product. As counterintuitive as it may sound, the best time to start a new company may be in a down economy.
How about starting an accounting services business? Why? Because small companies often seek out help in order to identify areas of cost savings, inefficiencies, or potential problems in down economies. Hiring someone on a project basis can far outweigh the costs associated with poor expenditures and unsound financial decisions. A few more recession proof ideas include areas relating to health care, IT, discount luxury items, personal services, cosmetics, and believe it or not, candy.
But as a caution, be careful about how you represent entrepreneurship on your resume. Although you fill a gap and create more experience and skills, it can also be a double-edged sword. Many prospective employers shy away from entrepreneurs due to being burned in the past – a number have taken positions temporarily during down times, only to bolt back to entrepreneurial endeavors once economic conditions pick up. Be sure to clearly convey your intention to get back into a full-time position, and assure the reader that your personal business aspirations will not interfere.
But what if out of necessity to pay bills, you have to take a job where you are underemployed? The answer is, it’s a lot better than nothing, and it has more value than simply sitting around. It could also provide an opportunity to develop new skills such as people management, working as a team or customer service. If the choice is working a job that is lesser than your background or skill set indicates, or not doing anything, choose the lesser job. The more idle time you have on your hands, the less attractive you begin to look to recruiters and hiring managers.
The point is, there are number of productive ways to use your time while looking for a new job. It’s highly unlikely that it will take all day, every day to apply to jobs online. Applying online is necessary, but it shouldn’t be the only method used. Think outside the box, use your own creativity, and use some of the ideas discussed. The job seekers who are taking a proactive approach to their job searches are also having more positive results.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)