Dear Job Seeker...

Today’s economy is creating many interesting challenges for job seekers. Often I hear job seekers say it’s impossible to find a job.  It’s not impossible, but it will be a process that tests your patience and perseverance.

That’s why we’ve created this space for you.  Don’t try to do this by yourself.  Post questions about problems, challenges, or dilemmas you are facing in your job search and allow me to help you.      

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I’ve always heard that being a member of a professional association aligned with the type of job you are seeking is an important job strategy. Well, I’ve joined two groups this year and nothing! No leads, no job! What am I doing wrong?

- Izabella

 

Dear Izabella:

First, things first – just because you joined a professional association doesn’t mean you’re going to be flooded with job leads. Yes, it’s true, participating in an association relevant to your profession is important for networking and access to job postings that might not make it to the "mainstream" options. But there is no guarantee of a job – it’s all about what you make it.

With that said, let’s focus on how to select an association. Be aware that large organizations may be experienced as too impersonal. They’re big, with lots of members and individuals attending meetings. So it may not be as easy to "connect" with others as in a small organization. Large organizations may also have the resources and systems to offer online job postings, so there may not be personal discussions at the meetings sharing information about known needs of member companies and the community. As you make a selection of an association that’s right for you, always visit a few times first to determine if that size, interactions and content match what you are looking for.

Another key piece to a successful association strategy is to get involved. Associations are always looking for volunteers. This is a great way to give back to the professional community as well as to establish and build relationships with individuals who may become important to your job search further down the road. Like any relationship – be more focused on what you can do for others, versus what they could be doing for you.

The key to successfully using your membership in an association to aid your job search should be for you to work very hard tapping into:

• volunteer opportunities - get to know others
• relationship building - connect outside of meetings to further strengthen the relationship and share information about professional skills and career interests
• educational opportunities - expanding skills and developing new areas of interest

There is no one thing that works the magic in finding a job. What you need is a holistic approach that weaves together many job search strategies, with joining associations being one of them.

I hope this helps you craft a more realistic expectation for a return on your investment. Best of luck.

With a smile,
Debbie

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I’m hearing a lot about recruiters using Facebook and other social media to do background checks on candidates for job openings. Does this really happen?
- Ruth

Dear Ruth:

Yes, social media has opened a huge window into the lives of folks who are posting a lot of information about themselves on Facebook, Twitter, etc.

On the surface it appears that the information shared will only be viewed by your "friends." But in reality, more companies are requesting access to the social media data as they conduct background checks and look for clues to questions relative to personality and "fit."

I recently wrote an article on the digital footprint we’re each creating. You might find this very interesting.

In addition, please be aware that scammers are now using postings, videos, photographs, whatever they can find online to cheat people out of information and money. Check out this ABC News report.

My advice is to be careful about what you post going forward, and to take an objective look at your own footprint. If necessary, delete information that does not represent you in the most positive light.

With a smile,
Debbie

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I’ve been out of work for over a year and I’m finding it harder and harder to motivate myself to search for a job. Any advice for kick starting a new campaign?
- Samantha

Dear Samantha:
It can be demotivating, deflating, and exhausting looking for a job in a schizophrenic economy like we’ve seen the past few years. However, it does appear that the job market is taking a turn for the better, so your question is timely.

Building off a few comments offered recently by career coach Amy Lindren, I offer the following suggestions on six job search traps that literally can extinguish the wind right out of the sails of job seekers:

• Employers don’t respond – This is difficult to deal with, especially when you’ve spent time and energy participating in interviews. No one wants to be rejected, but to improve your probability of being contacted you have to contact more employers, not stop looking because your feelings are hurt. Yes, rejection hurts, but unfortunately it’s part of the process. Understand that it’s not personal – they just don’t have the staff or the time to get back to everyone.
• Anticipating age discrimination – Yes, it could happen, but why worry about it. People of all ages are finding jobs. Don’t dwell on your age. Focus on what you have to offer as a result of your years of experience and education.
• Inflated job postings – Imagine you are an employer with two HR employees. Now add to that concept 1,000 possible candidates applying for your one job opening. There’s no way the two employees can adequately manage a response from 1,000 candidates. So to guard against an avalanche of responses the posting is exaggerated; forcing candidates to self-select not to apply. This does happen, but rather than focus your efforts 100% on job postings, spend more of your efforts on networking where you’re more than likely to encounter a realistic job preview and less competition.
• Confusing labor statistics – Why look for a job when the numbers are so bad, right? Wrong! Don’t focus on the numbers – numbers can be misleading and the psychological games the numbers can play is self-defeating. Instead, identify those industries that are growing and reconnect with your network to find appropriate networking contacts.
• Comparing your "old" job requirements and salary to new openings – You’re wasting your time if you are evaluating new job opportunities against the old position you held. It’s a new world and with so many candidates available for each position, compensation terms are in the favor of the employer. Don’t miss out on an opportunity to get your foot in the door. View each opening as a new beginning and let go of the past.
• Creating a new "normal" with unemployed colleagues – Naturally job seekers hang out with other job seekers at networking meetings, job fairs, outplacement workshops, etc. However, to find a job you also need to be engaging with individuals who are working and who know other people that are employed and may be looking for someone with your skills. Be aware of the events and people that build you up and those that bring you down. Make a conscious effort to participate more with the individuals that make you feel good about what you have to offer.

I hope exploring these job search demotivators will help you get your search back on track. Best of luck.

With a smile,
Debbie

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It appears my organization is going to merge once again. I survived the last two mergers, but I’m getting nervous. Is there anything I can do to position myself to hang on to my job?
- Terry

Dear Terry:

Mergers are again a popular way for organizations to grow. I’m glad your skill sets and performance record have positioned you to ride the previous waves of merger activities such as integration and the identification and elimination of duplicate positions. These are usually activities that occur early in the merger process.

Of course, you never are totally safe when organizations merge or restructure, but here are a few tips that could help you expand your employability potential while preparing for the unknown:

1. Assess if there are any new skills you should be developing for your line of work. Perhaps there are new software packages or technology changes that you’ve heard about, but you’re not too familiar with. Or, perhaps it’s time to expand your supervisory and leadership skills to lengthen the list of positions you are qualified to fill? Create a strategy for building these skills by accepting internal "special" projects, volunteering, or taking college courses. Employers want employees with up-to-date skills.
2. Consider what would be involved for you to move to another city should your job be centralized at a different location. Is this a possibility? If it is, perhaps spending some time getting your house in order would be beneficial, should you have to quickly put it on the market. Get tips from TV shows such as Designed to Sell, which focuses on cleaning up clutter and doing minor updates that help to stage the house for showing.
3. Assess how flexible you are, and if there are additional things you can address to improve your attitude and personal work style when it comes to embracing change. Employers like employees who are open to changing situations and see the benefits in change rather than the negatives.
4. Even with as much preparation as you can do, there is no guarantee which positions will survive a merger. Take steps to prepare yourself for the financial impact of a layoff. If possible, have at least 5-6 months of salary set aside that you can tap into. Try to pay off credit cards, and hold off on major purchases until merger activities have settled,
5. The stress, emotional and physical, of uncertainty can be overwhelming. Make sure you are taking time to take care of yourself; i.e., exercise, meditation, journaling.  Business decisions associated with merger activities are out of your control. Accept what happens, knowing there isn’t much you can do in the long run to influence the outcome. Take each day one at a time.

Best of luck,
Debbie
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It’s been a while since I’ve interviewed for a job. Should I have a few questions ready to ask when the interviewer is finished?

-DeLois

Dear DeLois:
Yes, most definitely have your questions ready! Recruiters and employers are impressed with candidates that have taken the time to do their homework and subsequently have a few questions they’d like to have clarified about topics such as: corporate culture, company vision, or industry trends.

A candidate that has appropriate questions ready indicates he/she is self-motivated, interested in the firm, engaged in the process and thinking about how the organization "fits" his/her personal values and professional career needs.

Good luck with the interview!

With a smile,
Debbie
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I’ve been out of work for over a year. What suggestions do you have for reigniting my job search? It just seems like I keep finding doors I can’t open! It’s frustrating, knowing that I was successful with my past employer and the only reason I’m out of work is because the company closed due to the recession.
- Sean

Dear Sean:

I know that you and so many of the unemployed are out of work due not to performance problems but impact of the economy on companies. However, with so many people looking for work, it’s a "buyers market." That makes the challenge of landing a job even greater. Here are several things I’d like you to consider as you look at re-stating your job search strategies.

1. Has your resume been reviewed and updated by a professional resume writer? Often I find that my clients update their own resumes and the end product isn’t as focused or energized as it needs to be. Spending a few hours with a career coach who can ask the right questions and concisely reposition your competencies and experiences is very beneficial. You might take a step back and ask someone you trust for feedback about what they learned about you from reading your resume. After listening to what they say, take the appropriate steps to ensure your resume reflects the skills and abilities you intended to share.
2. Do you find yourself in a pattern where you are only utilizing on-line avenues for job openings? Often job seekers feel less vulnerable searching on-line, rather than getting out and doing face-to-face information interviews with potential network members or hiring managers. Don’t forget there are a variety of job search avenues and you need to utilize them all. Especially in this market, many employers don’t want to advertise on-line because they’ll be inundated with too many resumes. The only way to find out about those openings is to network.
3. Are you doing any volunteer work or pro bono work to keep your resume current? This is a good idea – it keeps your skills up-to-date and it has the additional benefit of introducing you to people who may have a job opening, or know someone who does.
4. Have you considered temporary jobs in order to stay busy, keep your skills up-to-date and to work your way into businesses that may end up with a permanent, full-time position? If you didn’t read my blog on holiday jobs, please take a look at it for some ideas.
5. As you consider the feedback others have given you over the years, do you think that working with a coach might be helpful to improve interpersonal or leadership skills? The benefits of working one-on-one with a professional who can help you practice transitioning communications and performance behaviors can be many, especially to improve networking and interviewing interactions.
6. Have you taken a good look at the jobs you are interested in and the skills and competencies you have to offer to ensure there is a match? Are there any new skills you should be seeking, including technology skills? Perhaps a Department of Labor counselor or a career coach can help you evaluate if there are any gaps between the competencies posted and the ones you are offering.

Sean, searching for a job in this market is difficult, to say the least. However, there are jobs being filled. If you believe you have taken the steps noted above, you may want to research those industries that are growing and determine if looking at a new field of work is appropriate for you. Best of luck with your job search.

With a smile,
Debbie

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I’ve been looking for a job for 6 months!  It seems like nothing is working.  Should I chalk this up to the fact that I’m over 50 and just give up?  Can you help me with suggestions for dealing with age discrimination?
- Harry

Dear Harry:
I’m sorry that the process has been so frustrating, but I say, “Don’t give up!”  It’s hard to determine if an employer is denying you an opportunity because of your age.  I don’t deny that all kinds of discrimination may occur in the marketplace, but before you become a “victim” to the idea of discrimination, let’s examine a few other points:

1. Have you had a professional review your resume and offer pointers on how to strengthen it?  Yes/No
2. Do you have a networking strategy that actively involves you in business groups, job seeker meetings, and educational events on a weekly basis?  Yes/No
3. In the last 6 months have you read a business book or a self-help book and shared what you learned with others?  Yes/No              
4. Would you rate your computer skills, MS Office and other industry specific applications as above average?  Yes/No
5. In the last 3 months have you volunteered your services to a non-profit or association in order to “give back to the community” as well as keep your talents fresh?  Yes/No
6. Are you spending 80% of your job search time out networking with others vs. “connecting” through your computer?  Yes/No

Harry, if you answered “No” to the majority of these questions, I would suggest that working with a Career Coach might be a good next step to get a handle on a job search strategy that will provide you with the most effective and productive use of your job search hours.

If you feel that you can’t afford the services of a Coach, than perhaps working through a good job search book such as my book, Position Your Next Move for a Successful Job Search, would allow you to develop the strategy on your own.

If you answered “Yes” to the majority of these questions, it seems that you are doing a lot of the right things.  Perhaps working with your Coach you might want to examine your communication style or your attitude about job loss and job search.  Perhaps, even though you don’t realize it, your anger, frustration or fears about losing your job are still under the surface and may be preventing doors from opening for you.

Also, please remember that in our current economy 6 months is not a really long time to be in job search, so don’t beat yourself up for something you have no control over.

Best of luck.

With a smile,
Debbie

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I'm interested in reading some management books to help me with my new role as a supervisor and leader.  Do you have any suggestions?
- Nancy

Dear Nancy:
Congratulations on the new job. Here are a few books that I think will be helpful to you. Enjoy!

Generations at Work, Ron Zemke
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey
Tribal Leadership, Dave Logan
HeroZ, William C. Byham

As a new supervisor, get comfortable with who you are, don’t think you have all the answers, and build your strengths to engage with others in order to get the work done.

Good luck.

With a smile,
Debbie

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I recently had an interview where one of the questions I was asked was, "If you were a crayon in a box of crayons what color would you be?" That really threw me off guard and I know I stumbled. What’s up with that?

- Sam

Sam:

It is a wacky and unexpected question for a job interview, but that appears to be the latest trend according to a recent article in Fortune Magazine. Research indicates that employers are inserting "off the wall" questions in order to observe the candidates thought process and ability to manage an unexpected situation.

When encountering these types of questions, remember there is no right or wrong answer. The focus is all on your ability to process the question and respond in a manner that demonstrates analysis and problem-solving skills, as well as creativity and logic.

Just in case you want to prepare for other "off the wall" questions, concern these:

• Capital One – "Using a scale of 1 to 10, rate yourself on how weird you are."
• PricewaterhouseCoopers – "How many balloons would fit in this room?"
• Goldman Sachs – "If you were shrunk to the size of a pencil and put in a blender, how would you get out?"

Have fun with them!

With a smile,

Debbie

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I’ve heard two schools of thought on including an Objective Statement in your resume. Some say to include it, while others feel that it’s old fashioned and I shouldn’t waste precious space on my resume. What do you suggest?
- Sara W.

Dear Sara:

Yes, I too have heard the two arguments. I am still a firm believer that you need to help frame for the reader what accomplishments, skills and experiences you want to share in your next job with them. This immediately sets the foundation for the types of jobs you are skilled to take on, helping to broaden your appeal rather than limiting it to one job title.

I like candidates to immediately tell me why I should hire them. The OBJECTIVE STATEMENT can serve that purpose. I guess the real question is where does the Objective Statement belong? Is this something that should be in the cover letter or does it remain the kick off of the information presented in the resume?

The answer to this dilemma rests in whether you believe the cover letter is going to stay connected to your resume as it is copied and shared with others. So often the cover letter is ignored and attention is only focused on the resume. If that’s the case and you put your strong Objective Statement in the cover letter – it’s lost. Instead, if you lead off your resume with an inspiring Objective Statement that speaks to skills and experience the organization needs, it entices the reader to want to know more about you and to read further through your resume - just what you want them to do.

For a good article on Objective Statements and how to write them for cover letters as well as resumes, check out Money-zine.com.

With a smile,

Debbie

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Since I want to check out all job search channels, I’d like to find out what jobs are available in the government sector. Can you suggest how I go about this?

- Charlie

Dear Charlie:

The official website for federal government jobs is www.usajobs.gov. You will find this site easy to maneuver. You can search by keywords, competencies, location, etc. There are several on-line tutorials that will also walk you through how to best navigate the site and utilize it to transmit your application package (i.e., resume, KSAs and cover letter).

I know you didn’t ask, but please be aware that applying for a job in the federal sector is very different from the private sector. You might find it helpful to reference my March blog entitled, Working for Uncle Sam which highlights the differences between job search protocols in the government vs. business sectors. There are many things that are similar, but the resume format and application process are probably the biggest differences to be aware of.

With a smile,

Debbie

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I received a notice for a government agency Job Fair.  Do you think this is worth my time, and if you do, how should I prepare?
-Nancy

Dear Nancy:

As more agencies reach out to job seekers, they are engaging in a greater number of job fairs, and not just for graduating students. I think all job fairs offer an opportunity to:

• identify job leads

• meet personnel from the organization – maybe even hiring managers

• size up your competition

• practice your “30-second commercial”

With that said, you should do your research to determine if this particular fair is the one for you. Research the agencies that will be attending. What do you know about the jobs they are looking to fill? Do your qualifications and interests align with their needs? If yes, then definitely go. If no, then maybe you still will decide to go, but in this case you are attending with the strategy to learn from the experience. This way when you go to a fair for agencies you are a better match with, you’ll be seasoned and prepared.

As with all job fairs, public and private, you’ll want to be informed, look and sound credible, present a motivated and enthusiastic energy, and be prepared. By being prepared, I mean that you have prepared and practiced your 30-second commercial, you have copies of your resume available to share with representatives you speak with, you have business cards with your contact information to exchange with others you’d like to include in your network, and you have a lot of patience available for standing in line waiting to speak with an agency representative. And don’t forget, it doesn’t end at the conclusion of the fair. Do your follow up, write your thank you notes, and reach out to everyone you met in order to expand your network.

With a smile,

Debbie

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I’ve been practicing interview questions I see on-line and in books. But should I be doing more in order to ace the process?
-Jose R.

In my book, Position Your Next Move for a Successful Job Search, I outline strategies to consider before, during and after an interview. You might consider these:

Before:

• Take time to know yourself

• Realize the control you can exert during an interview

• Visualize your success

• Prepare your responses to typically asked questions – sounds like you’re doing this already

• Prepare questions you will ask the interviewer(s)

• Do your research on the company and the interviewer(s)

• Look like a winner

• Have the right tools with you – i.e., resume, pen, questions, etc.

• Have a list of references prepared

During:

• Treat everyone you meet at the firm with respect

• Offer a good, solid handshake

• Smile

• Be aware of your posture

• Maintain good eye contact

• Use head nods and hand movements to demonstrate agreement and energy

• Show enthusiasm!

• Answer the questions thoughtfully and carefully

• Don’t ask about benefits, salary, time off, etc. during the first interview

• Have questions ready for each interviewer

• Gather a clear understanding of the job, the ideal candidate, job responsibilities and next steps

• Request a business card for each interviewer so you can send a thank you note

After:

• Before you drive away, reflect on your performance and make notes

• Identify what you should spend more time on in preparing for the next interview

• Identify what you did well and should do again

• Write down any notes of things you wanted to share but didn’t get a chance to, you can add them in your thank you note

• Mark your calendar with next step dates, calls, emails

• Do your follow-up

Good luck with the process.

With a smile,

Debbie

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I’m feeling overwhelmed with emails related to my job search. Do you have any tips on how I can better manage this?
-Robert

You are not alone. Did you hear that we now have an Information Overload Awareness Day? It was October 20th. We are all being bombarded with too much information. According to Amy Lindgren a Career Consultant and author, 58% of US government and education workers spend almost half their workday filing, deleting or sorting paper or digital information and 72% of Americans check emails in bed, on sick days and on vacation.

Here are a few tips to help you better manage your email account:

1. Establish a certain time of day that you review, sort and read your emails. Build your self-control to not look at emails except at those scheduled times.

2. Sort your incoming emails into folders before you read them. Then prioritize which folders you need to review and when. Delete files as you are finished with them.

3. Establish your Job Search ToDo List each morning and try to take care of those steps before you check emails, otherwise, you may become so sidetracked it may be difficult to complete the tasks you wanted to achieve. Emails eat up a lot of time.

4. If possible, call someone rather than email them. You’ll take care of the issue faster, and the connection will be on a much deeper level than a one-sided email communication.

5. Establish a time in the evening, say 6 or 7 p.m., when you will stop checking emails. Help yourself get a restful sleep and deal with whatever happens during the evening hours, the next day during your scheduled email time.

Employing these tips will take some practice, but after you free yourself from the ties of instantaneous connections, you’ll find your stress level will be lower, and your productivity will be higher.

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I’m relatively new to my job search, and I’m wondering if there is any value in networking with all the 'support’ groups that are out there?
-Janice

Good question.  I hate to answer with a “it depends”, but really it depends.  First of all I would say do your research about how the group was formed and what the purpose and agenda addresses.  I think for the most part you will find the groups meet once or twice a month, the usually have a knowledgeable speaker on an appropriate job search topic, and they usually offer volunteers to assist with review of resumes, cover letters, answer questions, etc.  So for the most part, it can be a valuable “free” outplacement resource.

On the other hand, bringing a group of laid off job seekers together for a few hours month after month, can present a formula for gloom and depression if the meeting is not properly facilitated – and that’s clearly a situation you want to stay away from.   So you might visit a time or two, get feedback from others who have been attending and see if there is a fit – both resources and energy – with what you are looking for.

Certainly it is good to be with others who are experiencing similar challenges.  There may be someone in the group who is passing on a job that might be perfect for you, you never know.  For me, I think one of the best reasons to visit with a few of the networking groups is the opportunity to practice your introduction and 30-second commercial, as well as to observe how others present themselves and to listen to what they say, how they say it, and what they don’t mention.  This could be a very good learning laboratory.

One caution is that you never want to get so comfortable with the networking meetings, that you give up your interest in working in the other job search avenues such as one-on-one interviews, targeted contacts, published ads, etc. Unemployment can begin to feel normal when meeting with other unemployed individuals, especially in a job market where the search time in many markets can stretched to almost a year.

So, like I said, it depends.  Be clear on what you want from a networking group.  Check out the knowledge of the leaders running the organization.  Be aware of what companies and industries support the organization, and what the folks attending have to say about the benefits they are receiving from the group. Usually the careers section of the newspaper will list the groups nearest to your location, and most usually have some type of web presence so people in need can find them.

Best of Luck,

Debbie

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Did you see the recent article by Anne Fisher on wacky interview questions, August 9, CNNMoney.com?  I just had that experience – what’s going on with interviewers?  Who cares what animal I would want to be, or what color I would paint the sky if I had a choice?
-Caught-off-guard Susan

Yes, I did see the

article and I agree with Anne’s comments.  Employers are being swamped by resumes for open positions and are often looking for something to help them discover the one thing that sets someone off from the others – perhaps it’s the humor of the answer, or the cleverness of the response.

The traditional way we have taught managers to interview candidates is referred to as behavioral interviewing.  This technique is grounded in the premise that how you performed in the past, is a very good predictor of how you will perform in the future.   So questions were asked such as, “Tell me a story about a time when …….”  The interviewer was looking for how you behaved in a specific situation because it is highly anticipated you will encounter that type of situation on this job.

However, the world has changed.  And now employers are finding that they need to focus not so much on what you did in the past, but how you will deal with the pace, technologies, globalization, and change that the future will be throwing at you.  There isn’t as much certainty of the specific situations you will encounter, so asking what appears to be “off the wall questions” may help to reveal competencies such as:

1. agility – how you think on your feet and outside-the-box
2. flexibility – how you deal with the unexpected and ambiguity  
3. emotional intelligence – how you behave in a situation that brings change, perhaps even stress
4. innovation – how you approach something where there is no right or wrong answer – just what you make of it
5. creativity – how playful and open you are to coloring outside the lines of a traditional interview process

Organizations today are looking for people that can handle the future.  Yes, they will ask about your technical skills, or maybe even test them.   However, those skills that are all about understanding change; working with people from all over the world with different cultures, languages and styles; and being creative and innovative to do more with less are more likely to determine who will get the job.

So, think about and understand what future challenges businesses will be facing - things such as – smaller budgets, more work accomplished by computers, people dealing with people to solve problems, work teams scattered around the globe, etc.  Once you have that list, begin writing down the competencies those situations will require.  There’s no way to anticipate the “off-the-wall” question, but if you have thought through what the future may require, it may help you frame your answer in a more meaningful way.

Best of Luck,

Debbie

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I’ve been looking for a job for over a year.  I find myself doubting what I’m doing and spending my time second-guessing myself.  With this type of attitude, I feel like I’m wasting time, and limiting my opportunities, but I can’t seem to get over this.
-Thomas

Dear Thomas:
It’s only natural to begin to doubt that you’re not going about it the “right” way, when you don’t see yourself getting closer to your goal after so much time.  However, the first thing I would say is you are not looking for a job in what we have come to know as a “normal” job market.  This is an extremely different market right now.  You are in good company with a lot of other talented individuals who also have put together a strategic job search campaign, only to find themselves a year later still looking.

A few suggestions:

1. Take on a volunteer role where you can feel satisfaction with the results you are achieving, and at the same time, keeping your skills and experiences current on your resume.
2. Be careful to make sure you are using your time wisely, spending most of your time on those job search channels that yield the most return.  For example, be careful with the amount of time you spend posting resumes in response to ads on the internet; especially if they are blind ads.  If there is no way to do your follow up, the likelihood of a real job behind that ad is slim.
3. Don’t get pulled into doing a lot of research about a company before you have an actual job interview scheduled.  It’s one thing to do a little research to confirm your interest in the firm, and to write a cover letter that indicates you have done your research, but those activities don’t warrant hours of your time.
4. Even though “networking” isn’t turning out the number of opportunities it did in the past, it is still a way to meet people you wouldn’t have met before.  So, keep up your networking schedule.  Meet people and reflect to them a positive attitude, and a willingness to help them in their search, as well as take their help, should they offer it.  Keep your network informed of what you are doing and what you are interested in.  When the jobs do begin to open, networking will again be the preferred way employers fill those positions.
5. Don’t spend a lot of time redoing your resume, cover letter, 30-second commercial, etc.  They’re probably just fine, and there’s no better time waster than seeking perfection. 

You’ve probably heard the old saying, Timing is everything.  I think that’s the case here.  Yes, there are some industries that are hiring.  Do your research and learn what those are in your area.  If that’s a fit, target those industries.  If it’s not a fit, and you’re interested in transitioning, consider coursework or certifications you could get to better position yourself. 

If things are just slow, as a result of the economy, stop beating yourself up and think about taking a “bridge” job.  One that will hold you over until your line of work opens up again.  This may be a position at a lower salary, and maybe not even in a field you would consider long-term.  Remember, it’s a short-term solution until the economy gets better. Who knows, you may enjoy it and find yourself in a new career.

Recognizing that you’re not spending your time effectively is a good first step to making some meaningful changes.  Take that awareness and modify your routine and schedule to help you identify something that helps you feel productive and satisfied at the end of that day, and that protects you from falling into those old time waster traps.

Best of Luck,

Debbie

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I’ve worked all my life and now at 49 I find myself without a job.   This loss has been hard for me, and I’m trying to deal with the loss of routine, any suggestions?
-Mary

Dear Mary:

We can lose a lot when we lose a job; our identity, our wages and benefits, our self esteem, our friends, our routine and the list goes on and on.  It’s very important when you loose a job to give yourself the time to grieve.   Look at all your lost.   Some time to appreciate the people you’ve worked with and the types of projects you were exposed to.  After you’ve had a few days to deal with the reality of your world being turned upside down, it’s time to begin your new routine.

That’s right, you’re in charge now and what will you do with your days.  You need to get into a routine of getting up at a certain time, getting dresses and getting to “work”.   Perhaps your “work” will be looking for a job, or volunteering, or catching up on home projects that you’ve been putting off.   It doesn’t matter at this point, you just need to get busy and be productive towards some goal.

It will also be important for you to begin talking with people about your situation and begin to build your network of those individuals who you know, that know other people and can help you get connected with information regarding the type of work you’d like to pursue.   Being out and about with up-beat positive individuals will also help you see that you are not in this situation all by yourself, or through any fault of your own.   It’s just an unfortunate time in our economy and so many talented workers are being impacted.  Make sure that you are only surrounding yourself with positive thoughts and talk.  If you have a good friend, but she happens to carry around a dark cloud over her head, avoid her for now.  She will only bring you down.

This is also a good time to make sure you are getting some regular exercise and perhaps you will even dabble creatively by drawing, painting or writing about your emotions and the times you are experiencing.

Stress and the emotional trauma of a job loss are very real.   Be kind to yourself.  Perhaps a few hours at the spa would help you relax.  It may be reasonable that you might want to pull the covers over your head for a day and not deal with the world without a job.   However, if you’re still in the bed with the covers over your head two or three days later, it’s time to reach out for some help to aid you in moving forward.

Good luck with establishing your new routine and finding the right path to travel.

Best of Luck,

Debbie

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I haven’t had to prepare a resume in many years.   What advice do you have for someone blowing the dust off an old resume?
-Harry

Harry, Sorry to hear that you have found yourself in the job market, after what sounds like a good number of years with a company.  Since it’s been a while there are several first steps that I would suggest you take:

Copy the free

resume worksheet offered on my website and begin to think about what you can transfer into the new resume from the old resume – the new resume should not be any longer than 2 pages, with at least 1 inch margins, and an 11 pt. font.

Visit your local library and find a reliable book on job search strategies to help you.   The book should include good examples of resumes that show you how to structure powerful responsibilities statements, use appropriate action words to strengthen task statements, introduce quantifiable facts with your accomplishments, etc.  I hope you’ll find a copy of my book in your library, Position Your Next Move for a Successful Job Search, by Deborah A. King, SPHR.

Start making a list of the key competencies (skills and talents) you utilized in your past positions, your accomplishments and awards, and the major job functions you were responsible for in each position you’ve worked in.  These lists will ultimately be broken down into bullet statements for your resume, along with key words or statements for your Qualifications section.

In addition to these first steps, here are 10 resume red flags that you should avoid.  This list is summarized from an article written by Erin Joyce which appeared in the 2/18/10 issue of Forbes.   For the full article,

click here.

1. It’s Covered in Glitter – Literally
   Be careful trying to make your resume “stand out”.   Be aware that you want the format, font, bullets to be easily scanned and emailed.   Make the impression by what you are saying, not by how you are trying to dress up the document.
2. There are References
   Don’t waste precious space by including references, or the old line References Available Upon Request.   We all know you have to give them, and the employer will be expecting to receive them separate from the resume.
3. It’s Written in Full Sentences
   It’s not a novel – it’s an advertisement of your availability and talents.   Only reference key skills and achievements that lend themselves to the position you are applying for.   Be short, to the point and use bullets and action words to make your resume dance with energy.
4. There Are No Numbers
   You are the artist illustrating for your reader the scope, depth and breadth of your capabilities.   Use quantitative data to help the reader see the magnitude of what you dealt with, accomplished, and impacted.   This is the time to toot your horn---so maybe you’re also a musician, as well as an artist!. 
5. It Includes the Words “Duties” or “Responsibilities”
   Focus as much as you can on accomplishments, which is a much more powerful position to be coming from rather than writing about workplace duties.   Remember, your next employer wants to know how you are going to help improve performance, save money and make customers happy.  Your statements should follow this formula:  Action = Results
6. It Lists an Objective
   Although Erin suggests that you handle the reason you want a particular job in the cover letter, I still believe that on many occasions the cover letter doesn’t always get to the hiring manager with the resume, so having it on the resume ensures that interest will be included.   However, I do believe this statement, as well as your entire resume should be tailored for each job you are applying for and should not take on a “mass-mailing” appearance.   Desperation is not attractive.
7. It Contains Spelling or Grammatical Errors
   This is obvious, but still we see it.   Make sure someone else’s eyes read through your resume and cover letter before they are sent.  Using spell check is not a 100% safe.  As Erin suggests, “the best thing you can do for a resume is send it to a professional to edit or create.”
8. It Lists an Unprofessional Email Address
   Email addresses are easy to get.   Leave the HotMamma@hellokitty.com for personal use.  Be professional.   And if you are sharing an email address, make sure you are checking it for mail!  This should go without saying, but let’s say it – it’s best not to use your current work email since all emails are subject to review by your company.
9. It Includes a Picture
   The only time a picture would be appropriate is if you were applying for a modeling or acting position.  Focus on your skills and experience.
10. It Is Too Personal
    Your resume should reflect who you are as a professional – your talents, skills, knowledge and abilities.  Now that’s not to say you can’t demonstrate some of your personality with your words.   However, be mindful of the types of information the employer can not ask you and really doesn’t want to know (age, gender, religion, political preference, number of children, marital status, disabilities, etc.) and do not include statements that reflect this type of information.   Be wise in which volunteer efforts you chose to list, and also how far you go in including any personal information such as hobbies, interests, etc.  Keep it professional.  

Resumes can be overwhelming to create. Take it one step at a time. If you find yourself struggling, at least trying it on your own will have prepared you with the necessary information for the interview questions your Career Coach will be asking. Good luck with dusting off that old resume and updating it for the expectations you’ll find in the marketplace today.

Best of Luck,

Debbie

 

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James

It appears that my company is starting to hire again.   Great news for all of us.   My question is - I haven’t had a salary increase in three years; now that things are looking up, should I approach my boss for an increase or wait until the company decides to make up for some lost time.   I think they appreciate that I haven’t jumped ship…… at least not yet.

James, great question!  The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that wages are starting to rise again – up 1.9% from February 2009 to February 2010.   However, even with that encouraging statistic I think you need to be cautious.  The market is still very volatile, and companies are  still exhibiting a lot of confidence about turning the corner to bigger and better times.   Have you seen some “long” term trends in your industry that would indicate your company stands a better chance that it has weathered the storm?   If yes, than it may be safe to ask, but if not, I would proceed under a flag of caution.  With that said, I will recap a few points I read and appreciated in a recent article by Rebecca Webber.

Rebecca suggests that if any of these points apply to your situation, then yes, it may be time to ask for a raise:

1. You are having a tremendous impact on boosting the bottom line.  
2. You have taken on more work, maybe as a result of a promotion, transfer or new work responsibilities that got assigned to you.
3. Your contributions have become more important – for example – you may be heading up the social media events for your firm, having a direct impact on improved business development efforts.
4. The company is doing well – not just for one quarter, but there is a trend that things are on the way up and the company’s health is good.
5. You realize that you are a victim of “salary compression” – new hires are making more than you. 

If you decide to go for it, have your homework done and be armed with numbers to support your request.   Be very careful of salary information offered on the Internet – be aware of who did the research and confirm through several sources to clarify if the information is self-serving or justified research.

One last thought, be prepared for a negative response.   If that’s the case, be respectful and gracious.   Ask when it might be a better time to raise the topic again.   And, don’t be naïve, now that you asked, your boss may get the idea that you are starting to “shop around” for a better paying job.   Be careful with what you say, and how you continue your engagement.   For a while at least, you may be in the fishbowl.

Best of Luck,

Debbie

  

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Cassandra

I’m thinking that rather than try to go back into a corporate job, I should start my own business.   What should I consider?

Cassandra, that’s a great question, especially in this economy.  Starting your own business may be just the right avenue for generating income, as well as showcasing what you have to offer. 

There are many organizations that provide assistance to individuals with an entrepreneurial interest – information from constructing your business plan to securing financial support. Check out the workshops offered in your area by the Small Business Administration (

SBA) and the Small Business Development Centers. Most of this information is available at minimal to no cost.

In addition to workshops, there is a substantial amount of information available on the internet at sites such as

Entrepenurer.com , small business associations and conferences such as http://www.wbenc.org/ and excellent books that will guide you through the process such as Michael Gerber’s book, The E Myth.

As a small business owner, I would share that in addition to these sources of valuable information the following questions are critical for you to be honest with yourself about:

1. How comfortable are you with risk? – there are no “free lunches” and no assurances that your idea will be a success.   It usually takes longer than you think and during that time you need to be able to not lose your mind worrying.
2. What are your key business strengths and what talents will you have to outsource?    Often I work with individuals who are great with a technical or professional skill and think that they want to start a business to offer that service/product.  They overlook the fact that there are significant business requirements for talents to also contribute to the marketing, accounting, and human resource management functions of the business as well.  They’re only focused on the “doing”.  To be successful you either have to be able to wear multiple hats (and sometimes at the same time), or you need to be able to afford to have others do these things for you.
3. How good are you at articulating your vision, mission and goals into documents that you can share with prospective banks, employees, partners, etc.?  Just like a large company, you need to develop a Business Plan, Strategic Plan, Staffing Plan, and forecast for managing revenue and expenses.  If writing is not one of your strong competencies, you may need to work with a consultant to help you produce the plans required for moving the business forward.
4. Do you have a strong support network?  It really helps to have family and/or friends that will support you during the formation and stand up process.  The saying, it’s lonely at the top, holds a lot of truth.   Also joining a small business association will provide you with a network for learning, celebrating and commiserating on those occasions when that it necessary.
5. And last, but not least I would ask do you need a lot of energy; with emphasis on the words “a lot”?  When you hear small business owners talk about working long hours, and weekend, and waking up in the middle of the night thinking about work – they aren’t kidding.  You need a lot of energy and discipline to be able to work in and on your business, and then to be able to switch gears and enjoy your personal life.  Finding the balance in there may fluctuate depending on the stage of the business, but striving for it is critical.   

Best of Luck,

Debbie

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Terry

What’s the proper thank you protocol after an interview?   I’m very comfortable emailing.  Is that acceptable?

Terry, first let me congratulate you that you are thinking about thank you notes/letters!   So many people that I talk with play down this step in the hiring process, saying that “It’s old-fashioned”, and “no one expects a note”.  To them I say, “as a qualified candidate you are looking for every opportunity to showcase and differentiate yourself from the others competing against you for the position.   Sending, or dropping off a hand written thank you note as soon after the interview, will definitely make an impression.”

Naturally you want it to be sincere, express a tone of gratefulness, and highlight your professional image.  So pay attention to spelling, and your handwriting needs to be at its best.  This is an excellent opportunity to re-emphasize your strengths, re-enforce experiences that are important to the interviewer, and even share a piece of information that you forgot to mention in the interview, or that you now consider as something the interviewer might like to know about you.

Emails can accomplish the task to a certain extent.  I can’t argue with that.  However, you want to go the extra mile to demonstrate that this job is so important to you that you have taken a more personal, time-consuming and somewhat lost art form to recognize and appreciate their time and consideration of you.

It’s rare these days to get a hand-written note from someone who took the time to personalize a message.   That’s why it makes you so memorable.  It’s also too easy for an email to get deleted or lost among the many that bombard us each day.  Sending a personalized, hand-written note to each interviewer you met with is a great opportunity to stand out and be remembered.   Don’t miss it!

Best of Luck,

Debbie

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Suzanne

What should I know about a video interview before I do one?

Suzanne, great question, thanks.  This is becoming a more popular form for conducting screening interviews.   It allows the employer to save both time and money, and in the end the product they receive is easy-to-use, consistent, documentation of each short-listed candidate; all answering the same questions – great for comparing quality and moving on to the next stage of the hiring process.

First of all, your image for the interview is just as important as if it was an “in-person” event.  Be very mindful of your appearance and dress, and practice so you are relaxed and comfortable with the camera.   Usually the organization will send you instructions – walk through them before the scheduled date so you’ll have sufficient time to ask questions and get help if for some reason something isn’t working.   You don’t want to be stressing out about technologies when you need to be focused on doing your best to answer their questions.

It is a very good idea to tape yourself and watch your interview before shooting the real thing, especially if you are not experienced with being on camera.  Be aware of how fast you talk, and where you are looking.   Don’t look down at your desk.   Look into the camera as if you are face-to-face with the interviewer.   Allow them to see your genuineness and your personality.   Try hard not to come off as robotic and impersonal, even though you are talking to a camera.

Usually the format will be structured so they will ask the question and you get about two minutes to answer.   Practice answering questions which you think may be the most pertinent to the job you are interviewing for.   Be ready with an example or story demonstrating how you used each of your major strengths to make a difference at your last job.   Also be ready to discuss what you’re doing for career development and those skills that you are still honing.   If you can, check out in advance the lighting situation you will be dealing with and any background noise or distractions you may have to manage.   This is especially important if you are conducting the interview from your home office.  

Treat this as a “real” interview by following all your steps for preparation, execution and follow up.   Be ready with your questions for them as well – specifically points you can’t research on their website.   Good luck!

Best of Luck,

Debbie

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Brad

Are there any particular websites other than general searches that are good for researching companies and trends?

Brad, I like this question for several reasons – 1) It shows that you already know that your job search process must include research.  If you haven’t done the proper research on a company you are interested in, the person you are networking or interviewing with will know it the minute you open your mouth.  2) In this business environment filled with so much change, it is important that you don’t assume anything about a company based on what they were doing in the past.  Be up-to-date on leadership, mergers and acquisitions, changes in products and services, etc.

I like

Hoovers, however, you don’t want to overlook specific industry associations, journals and blogs, or regional information such as business chronicles and the Chamber of Commerce.  Finding someone in your network that has specific information on the culture of the organization or the morale, etc. is another good way to get a perspective that may not show up on the company’s website.

Best of Luck,

Debbie

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Linda

Could you give an example of a good objective statement for a resume?

Linda, thanks for asking about this very important section of your resume.  As you think about your job search interactions, either networking or interviewing, your resume is going to be front and center, and that objective statement is going to be critical in helping frame where your conversations are starting.

This key statement summarizes for the reader how you think you will fit in the organization, or how you will contribute to the organization’s success.  If the statement is too narrow, for example “Full Time Bookkeeper”, even if that organization has an opening in Accounts Payable for a Manager, they may not consider you, since your expression of your search objective was so specific.

However, if the objective was something like, “A leadership position utilizing my 20 years of broad-based accounting experience, exceptional computer skills, and passion for accuracy and details to communicate business results and drive profitability.”   Highlighting primary strengths in a manner that combines what you’d like to do with a demonstration of saving the company time and money is a much stronger statement.

Best of Luck,

Debbie

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Tom

How do you feel about Job Fairs given that recently many of them have become a networking event for the companies that are at the event rather than the job seekers?

Tom, you are asking about one of those key areas of change in this marketplace.  A few years ago job fairs provided an excellent opportunity for a job seeker to have meaningful “mini” interviews with company recruiters or human resource representatives to determine if there was a match in desires and needs and to schedule next steps.  Those days are gone.

Today with so many people looking for work, job fairs have turned into somewhat organized events where you may have the chance to practice your “30 second commercial” while there is a line of other job seekers behind you creating noise and distractions for the person you are trying to impress.  Not a good situation.

Here are a few strategies to employ before you decide to show up at a job fair. 

1)  Is it possible to get a list of the companies planning to attend and work the list through your networking connections?  If you can do this, there is a greater possibility that you will have more than a few minutes with the recruiter, or even a hiring manager, without the distraction of a crowd.

2)  Can you determine what type of jobs the job fair is focused on?  I believe organizers of job fairs are getting smarter about how to serve the needs of the companies and the job seekers and often you will now see them organizing companies with personnel needs in a specific area of focus.  This can save you a lot of time!  What if you waited for 4 hours only to get in the building and find out they were seeking IT specialists and your background was in security.  Not a good use of your time.

3)  Another change I am seeing with job fairs is that organizers are registering people in advance to avoid the chaos of thousands of people showing up when they are prepared to only service a hundred.   If the event is organized, targeted at your specific area of interest, and you can register, then your chances of having a meaningful job search experience are greater.  Without these assurances, I would rather see you contacting the companies directly to arrange for an introduction and to begin a relationship – whether they have an immediate opening or not.  Your mission is to meet decision makers before they have an opening, in order to already have the connection when they decide to fill a position.  If they have approval to fill and opening and they are already comfortable with your skills, talents and interest in their firm, it will save them a lot of time and money to interview and hire you, rather than post the position and deal with hundreds of resumes.

Best of Luck,

Debbie

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