Social media speaker, social media consultant, job search coach
Would you want to hire someone who trashed her former employer? As the next and future employer, you might be concerned about your own reputation should bad blood come between you and the new hire.
No matter how much you hated your old boss or loathe your current supervisor, it is a BAD idea to let anyone interviewing you know about it.
Instead, try to put the situation in the best possible light if pressed and avoid discussing it if possible. Negativity can only hurt you, so why go there?
I attended a networking meeting this week, and one of the participants talked about “netWEAVING,” the process of creating communities to help one another find solutions for problems.
This is not a new concept. An article by TechRepublic by Michael Sisco explains:
The term was coined by Bob Littell, a consultant who focuses on strategic marketing, product design, development, and implementation issues within the financial services industry. Rather than going to the “party” to learn what you can that might lead to new business, you attend with the intent of learning all you can from as many people as possible about their business, their needs, and their challenges. The objective is to try to help as many people as you can. The help or insight you provide may be putting them in touch with someone you know or sharing insight that can help the other person.
This approach, which is reciprocal by design, may be more comfortable for those who view networking in a negative way because it seems too much like “using people.” If you focus on going out to seek and share information, your return will be even greater!
Keppie Careers can transform your resume and help you learn how to network and netweave! Our mission is to advise, encourage and enlighten job seekers!
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In some circles, “branding” sounds more like something you do to an animal than a topic for a career column. Others nod silently, recognizing the concept…Self branding, actually thinking of yourself as a brand like Coke, Disney or Nike, is a career strategy.
If you recognize that a resume is nothing more than a marketing document – marketing you – thinking of yourself as a brand can actually help you focus on what you have to offer an employer.
You need to know yourself to sell your skills. Think about it: What makes you special or different? Can you succinctly talk about it in 15 words or less? How about in a 30-second “infomercial” for yourself? Otherwise known as the “elevator pitch,” having something short and sweet to say that describes you (your brand) is key to networking and job searching.
Once you clearly and efficiently describe what is unique about you, you are on the road to defining “BRAND YOU.”
Stay tuned for more on personal branding in future blogs!
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Looking for a job, but you need help figuring out what makes you unique? Can’t put your finger on what skills you have to offer? Keppie Careers can help! We’ll transform your resume and support you every step of the way!
Our mission: to advise, encourage and enlighten job seekers!
Fortune announced its Best Companies to Work for in 2008. Based on employee surveys, Google ranked #1, probably as a result of their unique company culture, benefits and work environment.
What makes a great company? Great pay and perks, training, job growth and flexibility are among the characteristics that employees appreciate in their work place.ÂÂ
Free scuba classes, prayer and meditation rooms, free trips and free lunch are among some of the unique perks at some of the top 100 employers rated in the survey.
Even if your company or employer didn’t make the list, less tangible factors also make for a great workplace. For example:
Working with people whom you respect and like is another important, although intangible factor that influences your experience at work. Although pay and perks are great, in my opinion, working with people whom you admire and enjoy being around may be the most important factor influencing a positive work life! After all, many of us spend more waking hours with our work colleagues than our friends and families.
Feel free to share what makes a top workplace in your opinion!
Let Keppie Careers help you find a better job!
We advise, encourage and enlighten job seekers.
If you haven’t read my previous posts about Networking, click on NETWORKING in the Categories section to your right.
This is Part II of my post on Informational Interviewing. Read Part I to learn about this networking strategy.
How to get started with your Informational Interviews…
It is usually easiest to start with close contacts. Think about your network. Can anyone you know potentially put you in touch with someone who could provide useful information? Certainly consider using a service such as linkedin.com, which allows you to see the names of your contacts’ links and request introductions, but don’t forget your neighbors, relatives, colleagues and friends. Touch base with them to ask for suggestions of people to meet in a field you are pursuing.
Once you have a list of one or two contacts, e-mail asking for a meeting. Be sure to mention the name of the person who suggested you contact them. State that you would like to meet for coffee to ask for advice and information concerning their field or organization. Emphasize that you are seeking information, not a specific opportunity. (If you do this when you are employed, you have more credibility). In your e-mail, indicate that you will follow-up by calling them, and then do it!
You may be surprised, but most people will be willing to meet with you or speak on the phone. If, when you call, they refuse, ask if they can suggest someone else to meet so you do not lose the opportunity altogether.
The Meeting
Confirm your appointment and meeting place a day or two in advance. Arrive early and be prepared. Unlike a real interview, it is okay to have a list of questions. Use a professional writing tablet and pen. As a formality, ask if it is okay to take notes.
Obstacles
Follow-up
Work your net! It’s the best way to find an opportunity!
We advise, encourage and enlighten job seekers!