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Have you ever watched any of the popular shows that demonstrate how to make a recipe or bake something? Martha Stewart or Rachel Ray – they make it all look so easy. And, you can do it in 5 minutes or less. Presto – out comes a fully baked cake from the oven. Of course, any type of cooking or baking is a lot easier if someone first selects, cuts, chops and measures out the ingredients and cleans up for you after it is done.I was thinking about this the other day. I have recently done a lot of entertaining (including all my own shopping, chopping and cooking), and I happened to have some extra cut up onions. Once I realized I had a “start” to dinner, it was so easy for me to get cooking. A sauce was brewing in no time at all – and no tears!
I know that job seekers who are able to “get everything ready” for their search feel the same way – that it isn’t so hard getting going once all of the “ingredients” are lined up (such as a resume, online profile and a plan). Of course, comparing a job hunt to making dinner is a stretch, but the concept is sound: getting things ready, having everything in order makes getting started easier.
If you are a job seeker (or soon-to-be job seeker) without everything in order (or maybe you don’t know where to start), Encore.org offers many terrific resources. Their mission revolves around helping people transition to jobs in the nonprofit world and the public sector, so this is a *must use* resource for anyone thinking of making that change.
I blogged about Encore.org’s “Get Started Guide,” and shared their quote from Herminia Ibarra, author of Working Identity: Unconventional Strategies for Reinventing Your Career, (with regard to a career change) “Doing comes first, knowing second…It’s a transition, not a transaction.” (From Part One of the Guide.)
So – if you are thinking of a change, but don’t know where to get started – get doing!
Part Two of Encore.org’s Guide helps job seekers begin to answer the question, “What do I need to know about job hunting these days?” It offers a number of great resources for anyone considering making a change to a career that will help you contribute to a better world. Visit the site to download it for free!
Be sure to take a look at the stories of people who have made a transition to a career focused on helping others and you may just be inspired to take that road yourself!
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No matter what your job target, you can benefit from personalized advice! Don’t forget that clear, concise, optimized job search materials AND a strong, well executed plan are key for job search success! I can help with every part of your job hunt! Need a great resume? Tips to use social networking? Interview coaching?  If you need help mobilizing your networks and your job search plans, learn more about how I can help you! While you’re at it, don’t forget those social networks! Be sure to become a fan of Keppie Careers on Facebook…I’d be thrilled to have you as part of the community! Since we’re on the subject of doing something new…Are you on Twitter? Jump on and touch base with me @keppie_careers.
photo by bunchofpants
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Article by Miriam Salpeter
Miriam Salpeter, author of Social Networking for Career Success, is a CNN-named "top 10 job tweeter" and contributor to U.S. News & World Report's "On Careers" column. Quoted in major media outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and NBC news for her cutting-edge career advice, Miriam is an in-demand writer and speaker regarding job search and social media. She offers custom packages for job seekers and business owners, including transforming resumes and creating social media profiles/personal websites for clients. Keppie Careers has you covered. Let's get started!
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I landed an interview within a week! They really like my resume. Thanks for all of your help!
— Julie RI did get a job offer today based on my new resume - more than I had in 1 month with the old resume! (Received this email within 48 hours of delivering new resume!)
— Andi DAfter being out of the work force for over four years, I was lost when facing the task of updating my resume. Keppie Careers was a life-saver! We all have skills and talents; however, getting them on paper in a way that pops out to potential employers is an art. Thanks to Keppie Careers, I now have a polished, professional and very well written resume and have found the perfect job! Thank you for your outstanding service!
— Monica MMiriam understands the frustration of the twenty-something trying to pursue a career and has devoted herself to helping others achieve their goals. My correspondence with Miriam has resulted in not only a renewed determination in the pursuit of my career, but also in a remarkable transformation for both my resume and, perhaps most importantly, confidence in myself.
— Susan PI had an interview yesterday with a company that I'm very excited about. I had sent them a version of the resume we worked on about a week ago, and they responded back within 24 hours asking for an interview! Thanks for everything!
— Lauren BYou were so kind and thoughtful. I knew from reading your blog that you would be able to help me. I appreciate your efforts and look forward to using my transformed resume!
— Shelly C(Before we worked together) I felt like I had no skills, that no one would look twice at my resume, let alone hire me, and I should just give up before I even start. Now I feel amazing! You helped me remember that I am good at something, and that I do have some marketable skills. Actually, for the first time in a while, I feel good about what I'm saying about myself. (Now I'm getting all weepy). So again, thank you!
— Kelly LMiriam, I must tell you again how pleased I am with what you've done for my resume so far. When I'm lying awake at night worrying about my future, I feel better when I read about my accomplishments as you've set them out so far. I can't tell you how much this means to me.
— Gloria MI floundered around for months, unemployed and without knowing what to do. Then, you revised my resume and wrote my cover letters and interview invitations started streaming in! I can't THANK YOU enough for all that you've done to encourage and support me in this tough time.
— Noel POur mock interview really narrowed down my weaknesses. Thanks for your great suggestions to improve. I'm much more confident and ready to take on my next job interview now!
— Alex MYou helped me reach for a promotion and get it! My new resume stood out among many other applicants and made my organization take a second look at me. I now understand that I am more marketable than I thought. I can define my strengths and skills, and I feel better about my career now that I know what I have to offer and where to focus my energies. Thanks so much!
— Jeff ROur conversation served as great job interview practice. (Miriam) asks some tough, thought-provoking questions!
— Andrew RI'm hardly a religious person, but I must bless you for all the inspiration and support you've given me. What you do is very special. I hope earthly rewards will follow, because you deserve them.
— Gloria MI am very pleased and excited by the results so far. This process has been a great "shot in the arm" for my confidence. Again, thank you for the kind words and the advice. This resume gives me a great foundation for my story in the interview. It was a pleasure working with you and I will keep you informed of my progress as well as recommend your services to whomever I meet. Thanks again!
— David TI never thought it would happen, but I found a job! Your resume must have done the trick, because I've been looking so long and nothing! I'll be happy to tell my friends to contact you when they need help! Thanks so much!
— Cathy F