Why a Resume?

Good question. Your resume is your tool to sell the product - YOU. Writing about yourself is an onerous task and you do wonder if anyone really is reading it. Guess what? Most people who read resumes will only read the first third. Really, that's it! So, make the most of that first third.

I am a firm believer in an accomplishment oriented resume. What is everyone worried about today? MONEY!! If you are able to indicate to prospective employers that you have made money for former employers you have a much better chance of getting attention. The best predictor of future performance is past performance.

Make the most of the first third of your resume. Need ideas? Contact me...

More than halfway...

Here we are...July. That means we are more than halfway through the year. Are you still looking for a job? Well, keep looking because you can find one. Don't listen to the negative chatter. Concentrate on what you can do to find a good job.

First, network, network, network. Really, networking is the best way. That doesn't mean you should entirely ignore the Internet and Recruiters. It means that you should spend 60-80% of your time networking.

• Next when you actually get an interview - set yourself apart from the crowd. WOW them! How? Design achievement statements to show where you have and can add value to an organization.


• Know their language. Every industry uses certain buzzwords. Make sure you know the ones that fit in your industry.


• Consider offering yourself as a part-time or contract worker. It is easier to land a permanent, full-time job once you get your foot in the door.

Did I mention networking?? Yes, network....If you need some help - contact me.

Try Some Gratitude with your Networking

I haven’t done specific research on this, but I believe that if you have family, friends, a place to sleep tonight and clean clothes, food in the refrigerator, education, a telephone, computer and Internet access you are more privileged than about 90% of the people on the planet. No matter how bad the day, week, month or year, there are things to be grateful for.

With that in mind, consider offering some evidence of gratitude to those people who are in your network.

Here are some easy ways to help those in your network know you appreciate them:

• Every week call one person you have not talked to in 90 days just to see how they are doing and thank them for something they have done for you.


• Send a gift or note as soon as someone has done something for you.


• Invite people to join you in an event if you think it might interest them.


• Send clippings and articles from newspapers or magazines. When someone you know is in the paper, send them a copy of the article with a note of congratulations.


• Keep your note cards handy and designate some time in your schedule to write that note.


• When you think of someone whom you think deserves a note, do it as soon as you can.
  

The effect of a note is more than most people realize. The note reinforces the contribution, the support, and the congratulations, or whatever it was you wrote about. A note brings the contribution alive for both parties. This is nurturing; developing a relationship and growing it for both of you.

Thank you is always an appropriate response when someone acknowledges you or offers support. Develop your ability to show appreciation with graciousness and humility. You will discover a richness you never knew existed.

Are Happy Days Here Again???

Good News…maybe…at least I hope so…but, really I don't know...

Maybe, hopefully, possibly we are beginning to see the end of this crazy economic time. What? Dare I say that out loud, well, yes, I will take the plunge and say it out loud. I think better economic times are ahead! So, start getting ready for it.

This is a good time to really look at employment trends and determine what opportunities will pop first. Those opportunities are likely to be in smaller companies. Small motor boats can turn around faster than a cruise ship; same thing for smaller companies.

What industries are doing well? The answers keep changing. Here is a great website I just discovered: http://www.simplyhired.com/a/jobtrends/home
I found it to be full of helpful information about what has happened to certain industries and projections for the future.

Another interesting site is: http://www.rileyguide.com/trends.html . This site also had a lot of good information for those over age 50 (yes, it is possible to find a job over the age of 50!)

It is also useful to research: http://www.bls.gov/ the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This site allows you to look at trends in your geographic area.

So, put on a positive attitude. Call an end to the recession and start searching for your dream job!

Power Interview with Power Statements

I teach a two-day Career Workshop designed to help job seekers improve their interviewing skills. As a result, I have interviewed thousands of job seekers throughout my career. Everyone seems to share the common trait of being bashful about ‘tooting their own horn’. Let’s face it folks…no one else is going to do it. It is up to you to convince the prospective employer that you are worthwhile.

The best way to make a lasting, positive impression on prospective employers is to use a Power Statement. A Power Statement allows you to emphasize your worth to an organization. Using a Power Statement to answer an interview question leaves the employer with some definite evidence that you will do for his/her company what you have done in the past.
A Power Statement can also be useful to get an interview back on-track. For example, if you had to explain an employment gap or an uncomfortable departure from a former company, once you have made your explanation, end it with a Power Statement thereby leaving a positive result in the mind of the interviewer.

So, polish up a few Power Statements and your interviews will be more successful!

5 Tips for Job Searching in a Recession

How do you search for a job effectively in a recession? To start, don’t use the bad economy as an excuse. Yes, jobs are tight, but guess what? There are companies that are hiring. Here are a few tips to help you along.

1. Look closely at the market. Research the Bureau of Labor Statistics website (www.bls.gov) for insight on companies that are doing well. At this time education, healthcare, government, environmental services and food companies are adding jobs.
2. Improve your skills. You have to keep your skills sharp. What is the new trend in your industry? How good are your computer skills? Have you considered learning a foreign language?
3. Learn how to social network. Make yourself familiar with Facebook and Linked In. Facebook is more social and Linked In is more business-oriented. Learn how both can be effective during a job search.
4. Practice interviewing. Don’t wait for that key interview to start practicing. Think in terms of results when answering questions. What is your biggest strength? Learn how to state your strength with a quantifiable result. Than practice interviewing in front of a video camera if possible. Critique it honestly.
5. Part-time work. There is nothing wrong with taking a ‘survival’ job. As well, consider taking a part-time job with a company that really interests you. A full-time job may follow.

Unlike other recessions there are jobs out there. If you need some ideas, feel free to contact me at morcareers@aol.com

A New Year - Get in Gear!

Are you ready to jump into your job search? Well, get ready, the new year is here!

In this period of challenges and opportunities, some companies and industries will enjoy booming business. Take a look at some of these industries:
–Discount Retailers
–Health Care
–Information Technology
–Biotechnology
–Bio-energy

Understand the changes surging through the economy in order to determine the companies to pursue and which to avoid. That means you need to RESEARCH companies of interest.
The employment market is evolving quickly and job seekers must be knowledgeable in order to position themselves properly.

The Internet is a great tool to use for Research. Also use your local library. There are many directories available to help you find companies. Engage in conversation with the reference librarian. He/She has spent a lot of time learning how to find things; USE that knowledge.

Don't limit yourself to the Internet, also use your network for gaining information. People love to give advice. This is a great time to ask for it!

Be prepared to hear a lot of conflicting and confusing information about the state of the job market and the state of the economy. TUNE IT OUT!! Focus on the positive. If unemployment is at 7% in your state, remember that means 93% of the labor force is working.

For more help and suggestions, contact me at: morcareers@aol.com