Keppie Careers

Social media speaker, social media consultant, job search coach

Archives for 2009

Know what employers want to strengthen your career fitness

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fitness3125436528_6790992c00_mSo, you want to find the all important, challenging and meaningful work. I’ve been sharing information that Peter Weddle of Weddles said in his talk at the Career Management Alliance seminar. (Be sure to read the previoius posts – It’s not a come as you are job market and What’s your 3%?)

Weddle talked about having the courage to break out of the box you created for yourself at work. He asserts that everyone can be an A-player at something! The trick is to identify that special and unique part of you!

So, what does Peter think are the most important traits that employers seek?

He says, “Employers value people who are accomplished, but who accept responsibility for continuing to engage and learn.” In other words, you may be the most accomplished CEO, but your resume includes evidence that you are learning a new language!

But, what other aspects are attractive to employers?

  • Leadership
  • You speak a second language
  • Specific computer skills
  • Flexibility

Not surprisingly, employers all want to work with winners! How can you be a winner? Stay tuned for more ideas!

I will help you move in the right direction for your job hunt…If you are ready for a change and could use some help with your search, follow THIS LINK to learn more about me and how we can work together!!

photo by ambrosianapictures

Stop and think: what's your 3%?

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stop294078052_79bf02307a_mWhen work is challenging and meaningful, it is one place where people are happiest! At least, that is what Peter Weddle of Weddles said in his talk at the Career Management Alliance seminar. (Be sure to read yesterday’s post – It’s not a come as you are job market.) He asserted that “if you have courage, you can break out of the box you create for yourself” and take charge of your own career.

I liked this advice, as it echoes what I always tell my clients – “You drive your own career bus.” YOU are in charge of what direction you go, and you have choices about where to go next.

Weddle explained that the genome project taught us that humans are 97% similar! So, he suggested that we each offer 3% that is special and unique. Have you thought about that 3%? You need to focus and purposefully identify what you have to offer that makes you stand out from everyone else. It’s not enough to assume that it’s obvious or that everyone will recognize your talents. Stop, outline what you have to offer and focus on your goals. Then, move forward with intent.

Have you ever gone for a drive, but didn’t plan exactly where you wanted to end up? If you were lucky, you ended up at a great place for dinner or a nice spot to enjoy a water view. Other times, you just sort of drove and drove, but never really got anywhere? Sound familiar? You don’t want to take that chance with your career.

Weddle points out that the global markets are unforgiving. Stay tuned for more from Peter’s talk about what employers are seeking.

Need help to market your best skills? Peter says that EVERYONE can be an A-player. I can show you how! Contact me for help with your search.

photo by adobemac

This is not a "come as you are" job market

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junglegym693887927_c5059fe2a6_mHave you heard? Peter Weddle, CEO of Weddles, commented at last week’s Career Management Alliance that this is not a “come as you are job market.” He explained:

  • There are four job seekers for every job.
  • Companies are experiencing a reduction in structure.
  • Less jobs will be recovered…Weddle is expecting a profound change in the market going forward, with a much leaner and meaner job market.

So, what does this mean for you? Is it time to pack it all in and give it up?

No, of course not! I believe that everyone has the choice regarding how to navigate his or her own career or job search. If you drive your own career bus, you can excel, even in a tough market. However, you can’t just “come as you are,” as Weddle noted. In the “old days,” all anyone needed to do to find a job is make a few calls or apply for enough jobs. With competition fierce and opportunities scarce, you need to do more.

You need to work on your career every day! Weddle described the “career jungle gym” that is replacing the old career ladder. He says that career advancement isn’t always about following the rungs of a ladder in one direction; it can mean moving sideways – as long as you keep your eye on your goal!

Stay tuned for more thoughts from Peter Weddle’s presentation and suggestions to help you improve your “career fitness.” Please share your thoughts in the comments section!

Are you “coming as you are” to your job hunt? Don’t make a mistake that will cost your time, money and sanity. I can help – contact me to discuss how!

photo by mcmorr

Highlights for job seekers from Career Management Alliance

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This has been a slow week for blogging for me because I’m in San Antonio at the Career Management Alliance conference. It’s great connecting with Twitter friends and other contacts in person and learning a lot that I’m looking forward to sharing here on my blog!

Highlights?

Peter Weddle, CEO of WEDDLE’S says this isn’t a “come as you are job market” and suggests that you must work on your career every day!

Kathryn Troutman, Federal Job Expert and head of The Resume Place, reminds us that there are 350,000 Federal jobs, and you need to know how to apply for them to win a chance!

Lauryn Franzoni and Robyn Greenspan from Execunet say that the top fields for growth in 2009 are:

  • Healthcare
  • Pharma/Med/Biotech
  • Energy
  • Business Services

We also heard from a futurist (!) and a screenwriter who helps train people to succeed in interviews! Stay tuned for more details. I need to get ready for breakfast!

Personal Branding Magazine – help lift up others to encourage personal success

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sampleissue6Your “personal brand” is what makes you special and unique – it is what you are known for in your circles (and beyond). It is amazing how a well-constructed online strategy can form a successful personal brand.

Dan Schawbel is one of the authorities on the topic of personal branding, particularly for the Millennial generation. I am happy to serve as a co-editor of Personal Branding Magazine.

This issue is dedicated to female brands and their impact on business and our culture. In this issue, we’ve interviewed some of the brightest and most talented female brands, including Sarah Austin, Laura Ries and Natalie Gulbis, to explore what these women are doing to make this world a better place. There are many tips and strategies for women who want to control their careers and command their futures, as well as for men who are looking to learn from these talented women.

This is an exerpt of my introduction to the magazine:

This issue of Personal Branding Magazine, “Female Power Brands” puts the spotlight on women who have made significant contributions in personal branding. By designating a special issue to highlight these women, I hope we don’t run the risk of marginalizing female contributions to the movement. Rather, it is a great opportunity to showcase some women whose work and insights are unique and significant.

Contributor Pamela Slim shares this quote that I believe helps set the tone for the issue:

“Success is liking yourself, liking what you do and liking how you do it.” — Maya Angelou

I hope our readers come away with the sense that one way to like yourself, what you do and how you do it is to focus on how you and your personal brand can benefit others. This is a theme that pervades this issue. Laura Ries points out that, “Using skills such as communication, compassion and candor allows women (and men) to be known as effective leaders and team players echos this sentiment. She asks, “How does one make sure to give meaning? Mostly by listening and learning, often by staying with it to help others. It’s that love thing. It has incredible power, when given freely.”

Contributor Judy Martin quotes Barbara Litrell, former publisher of Working Mother Magazine, as saying, “Women have been running businesses in great numbers since the 1970’s, but they are branding themselves more confidently now, as they support one another in partnerships, thus enhancing their own brands.”

So, brand yourself thoughtfully, but don’t forget how important it is for others to sense your kindness and generosity of spirit. One lesson to learn from this issue is that being a team player, giving of yourself and connecting with others because you genuinely care will help lift YOU to higher career heights.

FREE sample available today (HERE).

To subscribe to the magazine please follow THIS LINK.

Have no idea how to “brand” yourself? You aren’t comfortable self-promoting? I can help! From writing a great resume to showing you how to move your career forward – Keppie Careers is here for you.