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It’s hard to believe that summer is almost over. I have done some traveling, which always gives me some ideas to share. Usually, my inspirations come in unexpected, unlikely places. (That’s a career lesson in itself!)Today’s post idea came while I was waiting to meet my friends and colleagues, Chandlee Bryan and Donna Sweidan, in NYC in June. We met in Rockefeller Center at a time that happened to coincide with the grand opening of a Lego store in the plaza. In celebration, they were building — what else — a big apple!
So, where is the career lesson? They didn’t just have a pile of blocks that the expert builders were using to create their masterpiece. Instead, there were stations set up where they invited guests and passersby to construct a block. Everyone who built a block contributed it to a box of blocks that the Lego employees used to construct the apple. (See photo below.)
It occurred to me that we need to take this approach more often in job hunting — and in life! Instead of thinking of a huge project (searching for a new job, for example) as one, big task, which may seem overwhelming, what if we thought about it one “block” at a time?And, even better — what if we could collaborate and share pieces of the work to create a result everyone could enjoy? (Have you thought about partnering with an expert coach to walk you through the process?)
Think about it: what are the building blocks of your job hunt?
Have you thought about breaking it down into manageable pieces to make it seem easier to tackle?
You will need a pitch, a plan, a resume and a cover letter.
You will want optimized materials: a LinkedIn profile is a must, social (online) resumes are more and more common and an online presence is key. Not to mention use of Twitter and Facebook, both of which fuel today’s successful searches.
So, what is a job seeker to do?
It seems obvious – you can’t be successful until you get started. You can’t get started on everything at once, so break it down and work on one thing at a time.
As a career coach, I advise my clients to break down their tasks so they won’t be overwhelmed by the process of finding a job. It’s great advice for any of us facing lots to do and not enough time. (That pretty much describes most people I know!)
Some tips:
1.) Review your assignments and goals. Create a list of everything you need to do. Make sure you have a complete picture of the tasks and create a time frame.
2.) Break down the project into natural segments. “Write a resume” may be one project (with several parts). “Make a networking plan” is another task. Prioritize the segments and think about how much time each piece will take to complete.
3.) Focus on one thing at a time. Compile a daily “to do” list. Make sure it is reasonable; don’t give yourself too many tasks on one day. Depending on the job and your patience, you may need to further chunk down the steps. (No one should expect to write a resume in a day!)
To decide what to do first, consult your list of priorities. To keep your focus, try to include some fun, interesting or simple tasks early on. If you’re doing things you enjoy or finish rapidly, you’ll give your project a boost and quickly check things off of your “to do” list.
4.) Plan ahead. Make sure you have everything you need to work on your task as scheduled.
5.) Seek help. It helps to have a good support system. Ask for advice when you’re really stuck and to ensure that you are on the right track.
6.) Reward yourself. Celebrate your accomplishments. Do something fun!
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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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Miriam, 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'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 landed an interview within a week! They really like my resume. Thanks for all of your help!
— Julie ROur 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 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 PMiriam 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 P(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 LI 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 FI 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 DYou 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 RAfter 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 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 TOur conversation served as great job interview practice. (Miriam) asks some tough, thought-provoking questions!
— Andrew RI 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
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