Keppie Careers

Social media speaker, social media consultant, job search coach

How transparent should you be?

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fish253323619_eb37d646b9_mWhen I was in New York last month, I was lucky to be able to spend time with Marci Alboher, freelance writer, journalist, author and speaker who focuses on career and workplace trends. Marci is an authority on “slash careers” (about “custom blending” different, sometimes divergent occupations and passions). She is the author of One Person/Multiple Careers, and someone whose work I have admired and followed for a long time.

In our conversation during a walk around Marci’s Greenwich Village neighborhood (where she seemed to know everyone!), we discussed a topic that is often on my mind – how much should we reveal about ourselves online? It’s a topic that is salient for job seekers using social networking sites and blogging to get their name out as an authority in their subject, and it is just as relevant for entrepreneurs, coaches and anyone engaging in the sphere known as Web 2.0.

Marci wrote about our conversation and raised some important questions about this topic on her blog today…be sure to click through to read more about our conversations and learn about “the illusion of transparency,” which may be just the ticket for job seekers!

There is no “one size fits all” career advice. Don’t you deserve the best, personalized information and help? Learn how I can help you with your search.

Frustrated that your search isn’t resulting in a job? In Atlanta? Join me and Stephanie A. Lloyd, CEO of Radiant Veracity for our series of in-person job search interventions. Read more about how to propel your search and sign up here.


photo by atrotskyite

How to overcome the "overqualified" label

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WXIA, the Atlanta NBC affiliate's present logo
Image via Wikipedia

Chris Sweigart from Atlanta’s local NBC affiliate station, 11 Alive, interviewed me for a piece that aired on the 6:00 pm newscast about how job seekers can address the issue of being considered “overqualified” for the job.

I suggested that it is important for job seekers to realize why employers are concerned about hiring “overqualified” applicants.

Some reasons:

– They worry the candidate will be “too expensive.”

– Concern the overqualified applicant will leave at the first sign of a better opportunity.

– A desire to avoid hiring a potential “grumpy Gus” or “sad Sally” if the job does not meet the candidate’s needs.

So, how should job seekers address these concerns?

Take salary off the table. Explain that, at this stage of your career, you recognize there are more important things than a high salary. Identify positives, such as work-life balance (if appropriate), the opportunity to work for an organization with a good reputation and/or with a set of talented colleagues. Give good reasons for wanting the job that don’t make you sound desperate for a paycheck.

Make a time commitment. Offer to stay for one or two years – make it clear that this job is a destination, not a jumping off point for you.

Make a convincing case for why the job is a good match. The onus is on the candidate to point out what skills and tasks involved in the job resonate with him or her and explain why those are a good fit. The fact is, while job seekers might have been doing higher level, high powered jobs with a lot of responsibility, those tasks may not necessarily be the things they really enjoy doing. Make the case that this job, at this stage of your career, is what you know you’d like to do and convince the employer of that.

Watch the clip here:

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Unemployment in the state of Georgia is now at 10.7% and predicted to go even higher. If you are looking for a job, or thinking you should be, join me and Stephanie A. Lloyd of Radiant Veracity for a series of job search interventions. Save time, money and YOUR SANITY by learning optimum job hunting tips and tricks. Learn more about our program how you can be better at job seeking HERE.

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How to stay upbeat for your job hunt, Part 2

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sun299143323_9471124ba0_mYou’ve already heard – having a positive attitude is important for your job search.  We all know it is not easy to keep a cheery disposition when the news around every corner doesn’t look so good. But the disgruntled job seeker is less likely to land a job. Who wants to hire Bitter Bob, Sarcastic Sue or Desperate Derrick?

Susan Strayer reminds us that it isn’t easy to keep your spirits up. She offers “10 tips for handling a job search during a tough time.” Read the first 5 tips HERE. Now for tips 6 through 10. (Commentary is my own.)

6) Gimme a break. Yep, a real break!

Even if you were a workaholic at your job, it does not mean that you should be a jobseeker-aholic! Plan in some down time. Watch a movie. Go for a walk or to the park. Take the weekend off. You’ll be more refreshed and less likely to burn out if you give yourself some down time.

7) Patience is a virtue
Don’t be a toe-tapper.

I once received an email from a client who was anxiously waiting to hear back from a very large employer. They told her that she was under consideration for a position. That was two weeks ago. Her question: Does this employer typically take so long?

My response: When you are waiting for an employer to get back to you about a job (especially a large employer with an HR department and a lot of hiring layers), think in terms of months, not days.

Her reply was very smart: “I guess I should stop toe-tapping.”

8) Lean on friends and family
If they want to help, let them! Don’t be a hero.

9) Admit when you need help
Consider hiring a career coach, which could propel your search.  Your career is one of your most crucial financial investments. Whether you are actively engaged in a search, underemployed or unhappily employed, it makes sense to consult an expert as you embark on your search for a new job.

10) Be realistic. Really.
Clarify expectations for your search. Unless you have already optimized your materials and have a well-developed network, you probably aren’t going to find a job in a few weeks. However, as Susan points out, “If your search isn’t working something is wrong.” There ARE jobs – you just need to be sure you are making yourself competitive for them. Don’t blame the economy or your age if you don’t land interviews. Review and revise your materials and your networking techniques.

You do control how you approach your hunt…Take the wheel and drive your own career bus! Let me know if you need help!

photo by feuillu

How to stay upbeat for your job hunt, Part 1

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sun711161806_fcf773a330_mYou’ve already heard – having a positive attitude is important for your job search.  We all know it is not easy to keep a cheery disposition when the news around every corner doesn’t look so good. But the disgruntled job seeker is less likely to land a job. Who wants to hire Bitter Bob, Sarcastic Sue or Desperate Derrick?

Susan Strayer reminds us that it isn’t easy to keep your spirits up. She offers “10 tips for handling a job search during a tough time.” Here are her top 5, stay tuned tomorrow for the rest. (Commentary is my own.)

1) Every job search needs a plan.
Identify your goals. You can’t get anywhere until you decide the destination! Stop and evaluate. What characteristics and traits make you special? What are you (or do you hope to be) known for in your field?

2) Planning is key. Seriously.
I tell my clients to set realistic goals. How many people will you contact to request informational meetings? How much time will you spend online? When are you going to set aside time to tweak your resume to target specific employers? Plan your time so you can avoid feeling like you are spinning your wheels and not getting anything done.

3) Be honest with yourself and your family.
Rely on them for support. Susan suggests sharing if you’ve had a bad day and letting your kids or other family members help cheeer you up.

4) Variation
Change up your job search preparation. Use your plan to help vary your day. Don’t spend 8 hours in front of the computer in the row!

5) Quality not quantity
So many people sit and zap out 100 resumes in one day and call it productive. Don’t be that person! Applying for jobs online may be a small part of your plan, but sending the same resume out 100 times is useless. Have you experienced the feeling that your resume is going into a “black hole?” If your strategy is about how many jobs you can apply for and is not focused on how well to apply for them, it probably IS going into a black hole.

Spend your time networking and connecting with people who can share information with you. Connect and share what you know about your industry and offer your expertise. Look for opportunities to grow the circle of people who know you and would be willing to share information about you if an opportunity does come up.

You do control how you approach your hunt…Take the wheel and drive your own career bus! Let me know if you need help!

Stay tuned for 5 more tips tomorrow!

photo by jalalspagues

Great Employers Are Best, Even in Recession

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Are you still waiting for things to look up in the job market? You may be waiting a while…All indications are that we are in for a bit of a bumpy road for the next patch. But, all is not lost for job seekers! Did you know that workplaces that have been recognized as “great,” such as those highlighted on GreatPlaceJobs, historically outperformed the general market and are less likely to have to resort to layoffs during tough times?

These award-winning employers typically offer better job security, which is a terrific benefit for anyone who needs a job!



Read more at my blog at GreatPlaceJobs…


photo by Nick Starr

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