Keppie Careers

Social media speaker, social media consultant, job search coach

Archives for 2010

The Smart New Way to Get Hired, a review

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Everyone is looking for a “new way to get hired.” There is no doubt that the old ways are of limited use. Maybe it’s possible that the “new way” is actually ages old? Using emotional intelligence to your advantage in a job search makes a lot of sense in an environment where “fit” can be even more important than actual skills.

Lisa Caldas Kappasser’s new book, The Smart New Way to Get Hired – Use Emotional Intelligence and Land the Right Job, explains how, unlike your IQ, your emotional intelligence can be improved and developed – specifically to impact a chance to get a job that is a good fit.

Importantly, Kappasser makes the point that emotional intelligence (EQ – emotional quotient) helps you “make the most of your other qualities.” Some skills (page 7):

  • Adapting to change
  • Knowing your strengths and weaknesses
  • Communicating well
  • Cooperating and collaborating with others

It is not difficult to understand how important these skills are in the workplace.

With chapters  highlighting how to apply emotional intelligence for job search, self-management, social awareness, social skills and developing emotional intelligence to achieve your career goals, Kappasser offers some practical solutions and ideas for anyone interested in improving his or her standings in the EQ realm.

Win a copy of Lisa’s book! Comment below for a chance in a random drawing!

If your job hunt is stalled, I can help! 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.

Help for job seekers in a rut

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There is a church down the road from my house with a marquee. It says, “Don’t count the new year. Make the new year count!” That message really rings true for me. So, how to make the most of the new year? Count on yourself! [Read more…] about Help for job seekers in a rut

Job seekers need to do more than dream to honor Dr. MLK

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Dr. Martin Luther King offered many inspiring messages. As we honor him, it seems fitting to remember his message of hope. His “I Have A Dream” address was delivered in a time when most of his “dreams” really seemed to be just that.

It’s important to recognize that having dreams isn’t enough. Dr. King and other leaders of the Civil Rights movement recognized that hard work and sacrifice was key to success. Thinking outside of the box, organizing peaceful marches…Civil disobedience. All of these at a great cost, but prepared and enacted with great hope.

Every job seeker can take something away from these optimistic messages. Maybe the message is as simple as a reminder that hope is important, even when it is hard to muster. Maybe the more important take-away is that nothing worthwhile comes without hard work and effort.

No matter the message, as the nation pauses to honor Dr. King, this is a good time for job seekers to stop and think about how to harness hope with hard work to move forward with an optimistic job hunt. Or, take another lesson from King and turn this day into a day of service and volunteer. It’s a great way to spend the holiday, with added benefits for job seekers.

If YOU have a dream, but need help getting there, 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.

How a resume writer can help you

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I recently spoke to a woman who is losing her job. Her company is closing, and she has an end date. She sent her resume to me, explaining that she knows it needs some help and that a networking contact had suggested she get in touch.

When we spoke, she admitted that she probably hasn’t fully accepted the fact that she is going to be looking for a job and explained that she is having a lot of trouble getting her head around the whole thing. It’s been a long time since she has looked for work. (And it has always been HER idea in the past.) She’s upset to be in this situation, and it is getting her stuck in a rut.

This is something I hear over and over again. It’s tough to rise above the situation to really focus on what is important – identifying and highlighting skills and accomplishments that connect with your goals.

Surprisingly, it’s not much different for employed clients. Even though they may not be dealing with the emotional issues involved in a downsizing, it is not easy to hone in on the key points and focus on what to say on the resume.

If either of these describe you, think about the value of having an unbiased, expert specialist write your resume. It could be like a breath of fresh air for your search!

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 MAS Photography

What to do if you are unhappy at your job

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I can’t tell you how many studies I’ve seen quoted that detail how many people are unhappy with their current jobs and will jump at the first chance to find something new once there are opportunities. Does that describe you? You’re looking to jump ship at the next opportunity?

If you are lucky, opportunity will come knocking. Maybe you have a well-developed and strong network, a great LinkedIn profile (that makes it easy for recruiters or hiring managers to find you) and you are well known in your industry. Maybe you will provide a resume only as a formality, once you’ve already been offered the job.

If that does not describe your situation, you are in good company. Most people neglect their networks and pay no attention to materials that will support their search for something better. When is the last time you looked at your resume?

No, this is not a “get your resume ready now or you will regret it later” post. (Although, it isn’t a bad idea to get your resume and supporting materials ready now!) Instead, this post is a wake-up call to everyone who does not like their jobs.

Think about it – what exactly do you NOT like? What can you do about it? Have you been wasting away, bored at work because it is actually boring, or because you have allowed yourself to be complacent and don’t look for any new challenges? If you work at it, are there projects you could take on that will broaden what you can add to your resume? Expand its depth?

Have you fantasized about different job opportunities that are advertised and noticed whether or not you are actually qualified? What skills would be best to add to your current resume to make you more qualified for your next challenge? Have you thought about making a plan to get those skills?

For example, you notice that team leadership seems to come up in every job description, but you haven’t really led any teams. Maybe it’s time to volunteer to head up a program or to engage with a group where you can take a leadership role. (This may even be a volunteer opportunity outside of work. If it is significant and successful, you can include it in your experience.)

Or, maybe there is a specific credential or skill set you are missing. Maybe now is the time to take some training or to pursue those goals. Showing interest in improving your skills is a great way to be a leader at work. It may also help propel you to a whole new adventure!

You may be surprised, but taking some initiative and engaging in a plan to mindfully move from here to there may actually make you like your job a little more. More importantly, it will help set you up for what is next, and we all know that one of the only things we can count on in work is change.

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Making a change can be tough. I can help! 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 jasoHill