Keppie Careers

Social media speaker, social media consultant, job search coach

New book by Dan Schawbel helps manage your career: Me 2.0

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I work with Dan Schawbel as an editor of his Personal Branding Magazine, so I am delighted to share the news about his book…

Boston, MA (April 7, 2009) – In the past few years, the competition for entry-level jobs has increased substantially, and the 1.4 million college graduates this year are about to face the toughest challenge to date. The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) reports that companies are hiring only 1.3% more graduates in 2009, which is down from 16% in 2008. A college degree, which was once a key differentiator in the corporate recruitment process, has now become a single qualifier for almost any entry-level position.

The way we manage our careers is changing and the Internet has become the new ticket to post-graduate success. In his new book, Me 2.0: Build a Powerful Brand to Achieve Career Success (Kaplan Publishing, April 2009), Dan Schawbel explains how anyone can become successful by using social media tools, such as blogs, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter, in order to stand out and make a name for themselves. Me 2.0 is the first book about personal branding written for the millennial generation by a millennial, that bridges the gap between the current business environment and the progressive best practices of the future. “In a tough employment environment, it is absolutely essential to move past old rules and embrace job hunting 2.0 — Dan Schawbel’s new book will show you how,” explains Sydney Finkelstein, Steven Roth Professor of Management, Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth.

“If you want to get a job out of college or succeed in the job you’re currently in, you have to be the commander of your career, which means that you’re accountable for your own destiny,” explains Dan Schawbel, the leading personal branding expert for Gen-Yers. Me 2.0 teaches you how to use social media tools for personal empowerment, confidence building, and professional networking that can actually result in attracting jobs directly to you, without applying! Recruiters will find you.

“Not only do you have to aggressively promote yourself, but you also have to protect your brand, by claiming your domain name and actively grooming your Google results,” says Dan. A recent Careerbuilder.com survey showed that one in every five hiring managers used social networks to conduct background checks on candidates.

Highlights from Me 2.0 include:

• A 4-step proven personal branding process for career success.
• Over 40 expert quotes from leaders, including Don Tapscott, Guy Kawasaki, Penelope Trunk, Chris Brogan, Laura Ries, David Kirkpatrick, and Steve Rubel.
• More than 70 research reports, three personal case studies and examples to offer a broader perspective on the topic.
• Tested advice on how to create an online and offline presence for career protection and self-promotion.

Today’s business world is filled with economic uncertainty, no job security and relentless competition. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the US shed 3.6 million jobs since the recession began, which is the most since 1945. Economists state that another 2.5 million will be lost in 2009 (1.8 were lost by March 2009). Me 2.0 is the handbook for surviving and thriving in the digital age, and the recession.

About the Author

Dan Schawbel is the leading personal branding expert for Gen-Y. BusinessWeek considers Dan to be “a leading voice in the area of personal branding” and Fast Company calls Dan a “personal branding force of nature.” He has introduced a whole new generation to personal branding, as he opens up new opportunities and strives to elevate the practice. His Personal Branding Blog® is consistently ranked in the top 100 marketing blogs in the world by AdAge, and has achieved syndication from Forbes, Reuters, Hoovers and the Chicago Sun-Times. Dan publishes Personal Branding Magazine®, is the head judge for the Personal Brand Awards® and directs Personal Branding TV®. For more information, visit www.personalbrandingbook.com.
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If you need help getting your career in gear, I can assist! Contact me to learn how I can help you land the job you want!

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Change the way you navigate your job search

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lexus1756317452_5ca5508533_m1As a career coach and blogger, I am constantly seeking inspiration and looking for messages to convert into job search advice for my readers. So, when I watched a commercial for Lexus recently, one sound byte really resonated with me:

You can’t change traffic, so change the way you drive through it!

How true – there is so much that individuals do not control. The economy. The weather. The neighbors’ barking dogs. I bet someone once told you, “You can’t change other people, but you can change how you react to them.”

How much happier would we be if we stopped trying to change the things that we cannot alter and instead focused on what we do control – our responses?

The job market is a case in point. What if job seekers stopped “oh woe is me-ing” and instead focused on what they DO control – the way they navigate their searches. The playing field has changed, and it is important to adjust to the new terrain.

Here are some tips to help you take the wheel:

Draw Your Own Career Map

Identify your goals. You can’t get anywhere until you decide the destination! What characteristics and traits make you special? What are you (or do you hope to be) known for in your field?

Review trends and industries with career potential and determine if there are matches between your skills and interests and those fields. Instead of cursing a business with a shrinking job market, re-adjust, re-tool and re-train to take advantage of new possibilities.

Once you know your direction, optimize your resume. Be sure that it is skill and accomplishment focused, not a list of “stuff” you’ve done. (If you’ve been blaming your age or experience level (too much/not enough) for your lack of interviews, take a good look at your resume. It may be holding you back.)

Design Your Vehicle – Brand YOU!

Once you identify a destination – drive there! Learn how to position yourself as the expert in your field. Use all of the tools at your disposal to create a “vehicle” (your brand – it doesn’t have to be a Lexus!) that will drive you where you want to go.

If you haven’t looked for a job in a while and/or aren’t tuned in to managing your “digital footprint,” it’s time for a quick lesson in social media. Presenting yourself well both online and in person will help open previously closed doors. Optimize Twitter, LinkedIn, blogs and other social networking tools to make connections and share information.

Take the Keys!

The key to a successful career is to network generously. There is nothing more important or more useful for your job search. Your success depends on your ability to broaden your professional circles and to reach out to a diverse socio-economic group of people. Professionals who habitually facilitate introductions earn goodwill and reputations as valuable resources and colleagues. Become that professional; it will help you overcome obstacles to career success.

Start the Ignition – Communicate Your Value

Your ability to promote, communicate and connect your value to colleagues and superiors is crucial. Hone this “soft” skill – practice your writing, emailing, speaking, interviewing and presenting skills. Join Toastmasters. Make a point to learn how to communicate well. When you can articulate why your role is vital, you will help secure your future.

Confidently Forge Ahead – Start Rolling

Adjust your rear-view mirror, but keep your eyes on the road! Move forward with your plans knowing that you DO control your career. Is it as easy as reading these steps? No, but if you follow this plan, you will be on your way to managing your job hunt and/or your career with finesse and aplomb!

Seize control of what you can! Don’t be a victim of circumstances. Drive your own career bus!

Have you been able to “drive your own career bus?” What made the difference for you?

If you haven’t changed the way you are “driving through” your career or job search, what is holding you back?

Let me know if I can help you by writing your resume, teaching you how to network or helping with your interview! Contact me.

What to do if you lose your job

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bridge371177532_46fc1c5cc3_mToday, I’m happy to share another guest post from my business partner, Hallie Crawford. Do you know you need a career change, but you aren’t sure what path to take? Hallie specializes in helping recent college grads and boomerangs identify their ideal career paths and make it happen.

By Hallie Crawford

If you’re like me, you hate turning on the morning news these days because of all the doom and gloom with the economy. There’s no doubt about it. The world is a scary place right now. And for many of us, what is especially unnerving is the way the unemployment rate continues to rise.

If you are one of those fearful of losing your job – or if you have already joined the unemployment line – I urge you to maintain a positive attitude. Worrying won’t help and, in fact, may create even more problems.

Having been through the experience of not having a job, I’d like to offer some tips to help you through this unsettling time:

  1. Don’t panic. Fear and anxiety are natural, but if you allow these emotions to control your thinking, you won’t be able to make good decisions about what you’re going to do next.
  2. Surround yourself with optimistic, supportive people. Misery may love company, but this is not the time to commiserate. You need to remain focused, positive, and inspired.
  3. Create a job-hunting schedule. This is an extremely important step because it will keep your mind focused so you don’t get depressed. Immediately start looking into websites like CareerBuilder or Monster for an overview of what’s out there. Next, do some targeted searches specific to your industry on sites that cater to your area of expertise.
  4. Start networking. Networking is still the best way to get a job. Spread the word that you are in job search mode among your friends, family, former co-workers — anyone that you know who could help with your job search.  Dig up names from internships or summer jobs and reach out to those people. Join online networking groups (LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.).
  5. Consider an interim job. It will get you out of the house, boost your morale, and offer some temporary financial assistance. Temporary agencies often have positions that can lead to permanent employment.
  6. Look at your situation as an opportunity. If you have ever felt unsatisfied or unfilled in your work, this could be the Universe nudging you to find the job you love!

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I’d suggest the first thing you do when you lose your job is to get some great career search advice. Save time and money – I can help you propel your search!

 

photo by rhys jones photography

5 Strategies to help you with a bad boss

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jerk-city279563125_b7e3468b62_mSo, you work for a jerk? But, it’s a recession, so you aren’t looking to change jobs or it is taking longer than you’d like. So, some tips to help you try to build a relationship with the person you probably spend a lot of your time trying to avoid…

Read the rest at my blog on GreatPlaceJobs…

Nothing works? Then, you need to get ready to look for a NEW job. Contact me…I can help!

photo by joeshlabotnik

New website offers salary information: Jobnob.com

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As a conclusion to my posts about negotiating your job offer, it is fitting to share a resource author Alexanda Levit recently mentioned on her blog, Water Cooler Wisdom. She writes:

Stanford MBA Julie Greenberg just launched a useful website called Jobnob.com that solves the dilemma faced by job hunters everywhere. Jobnob.com provides information about the salary of particular jobs offered by companies all over the US. By perusing the salary ranges and the current salaries being offered, job seekers have exactly what they need to negotiate the best price for a great salary with the company that they want to work for.

Jobnob.com can also be helpful when making the decision to adjust or change your career. If you’re a run-of-the-mill accountant, for instance, Jobnob.com will tell you that your average salary is $46,092. You could decide to become a tax accountant, who earns $50,301 on average, or an auditor, who earns $56,865 on average. Even better, maybe a finance manager position is in your future. These guys have similar skills and education as basic accountants, yet they get paid $72,376.

Consider adding this tool to your arsenal so you are prepared to negotiate well! It’s always great to have new resources to help gain the upper hand in negotiating and career planning!

Still looking for that perfect job? Contact me to learn how career coaching and a transformed resume can help!