Keppie Careers

Social media speaker, social media consultant, job search coach

How to find a community of job seekers, Part 3

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This is part 3 of a series to describe a selection of resources to help job seekers support each other for networking and information sharing. Today, the topic is college/university alumni groups. I’ll also share some additional on-line resources targeted at helping alumni and mentors connect.

Read Part I – On-line resources

Read Part II – In-person resources

Don’t forget your alma mater!

Some college and university career centers have begun to extend benefits (some for a small fee) to graduates, and alumni organizations may be great resources of information and support. LinkedIn is full of opportunities to join alumni networking groups.

Andrew Rosenthal, President of the University of Pennsylvania Alumni Club of Philadelphia, acknowledges that his club is encountering increased discussion of how the alumni group can help connect people to job opportunities. While focusing on what services alumni should provide and what services the University should offer,  the club does partner with Penn’s career services for job seeking events.

Will Robinson, owner of Virtual Career Coach, has contact with college career offices as a business owner, and he suggests that both alumni and career offices have experienced an uptick in addressing their alumni relations. He notes that Yale, his alma mater, has had an evolving program that offers job-listings for alumni and the beginning of some ‘career transition’ seminars to local alumni groups.

Old-fashioned networking with a modern twist is alive at Wake Forest University. Business school professor Aneil Mishra, co-author of the book (with Karen Mishra), Trust is Everything, maintains a network of well over 1000 current and former MBA students whom he helps find opportunities for free via his “Trust Network.” He receives “scores of job opportunities” via his network and then passes them along to students and other alumni.

Mishra is connected to members in a variety of business school networks, including Princeton and U-Michigan alumni. He notes, “There is not much of a chance that Princeton, Wake Forest, and Michigan alums would have naturally had the opportunity to learn about and share such opportunities with each other, so we thrilled about how [the network has] taken off.”

Ben Holcomb, Mishra’s former student, learned about his current job via this network. He says, “The Trust Network was an invaluable tool to further my career upon completion of my MBA at Wake Forest University…I was connected with Green Resource LLC, a rapidly growing business (in the top 5 of The Business Journal’s FAST 50 Awards Program) who sought a Controller to manage the company’s finances. Without being a part of the Trust Network I would not have been presented with such a great opportunity.”

It is worth investigating if YOUR alma mater offers a network or resources. Otherwise, you may be missing some great opportunities.

Interesting online resources.

As with in-person networking, there are new businesses aiming to help connect alumni for networking.  One such site is www.onedegree.com, which is University specific (only 5 schools are online now), and offers social and professional networking for students, fans and alumni.

Another interesting service to investigate is GottaMentor. This site aims to connect those who have advice to offer (mentors) with those who seek it. CEO Ron Mitchell notes, “We felt that, particularly in this tough economy, people needed a resource they could use to get more personalized career advice and feedback from people they know and trust.”

Potentially useful tools in GottaMentor’s library include a public database of searchable career advice from trusted sources related to finance, consulting, education, media, marketing, healthcare, entrepreneurship, technology and more. The site offers certain services free to anyone who joins and has a list of paid services.

Summary

The last topic in this series is corporate “alumni” groups. I am still collecting information about these groups and welcome you to email me at [email protected] if you are involved in a corporate alumni group or have benefited from an affiliation with one.

Do you host or sponsor a group or site that supports job seekers? Feel free to add it in the comments!

You have no idea how to network and could use a little help?I can teach you how to take the steps you need to be successful. Contact me to learn more.

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How to find a community of job seekers: Part 2

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In an effort to share a selection of resources to help job seekers support each other for networking and information sharing, this week, I am writing about resources to help job seekers connect. Read Part I (On-line resources) HERE.

Today, my post focuses on in-person resources you may not have considered…
In-person resources
  • Meetup.com is an organization that helps connect people locally who have similar interests. Review their site and see if there is a group that might interest you, either a job hunting group or a more general networking group of interest. My friend and colleague, Chandlee Bryan, hosts a job search Meetup group in New York City. You should definitely join if you are in the Manhattan area. If there isn’t a group in your area, you can consider starting a job search support networking group!
  • Many communities host career ministries at churches that might be able to assist and support you in your search. Work Ministry is a resource for these groups, but you may be able to find a group locally by checking your newspapers or doing a search for “career ministry, (your city).” These groups often have speakers and offer other resources for job seekers to help them connect.
  • Networking in of itself has become a business. Many people host get togethers for the purpose of connecting people. For example, ExecuNet is one such group for executives. You can see if there are meetings in your area. Do a search for “business networking, your city.” See what comes up. If you live in a fairly large area, I would be willing to bet there are a variety of opportunities to meet people in person. The quality of the groups and interactions will vary. Try to do some homework, especially if there is a fee associated with attending.
  • Don’t forget your professional associations and organizations. Many have local chapters. Hopefully, you are already connected, but if not, now is a good time to start. These groups are also terrific if you are transitioning to a new field. People in leadership roles should be able to welcome you and offer information about the new field of interest.
  • Another resource is Pink Slip Mixers. They host free group meetings for job seekers and have a discussion board and online activity to join.
  • If you are in the Round Rock, TX area, my colleague Michael Kranes is co-hosting a Job Search Boot Camp. There are probably similar events in your city. (Contact me if you are interested in something in the Atlanta area!)
Keep your ears and mind open to the possibilities that exist when you actually engage with people in person instead of focusing all of your networking online. Do you host or sponsor a group or site that supports job seekers? Feel free to add it in the comments! I would love to add it to the next post in this series.
Stay tuned for alumni resources!

You have no idea how to network and could use a little help? I can teach you how to take the steps you need to be successful. Contact me to learn more.

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Find Your Hidden Talents and Resources for Career Success

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Today, I’m happy to share a 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. Visit her site to learn more about Hallie!

by Hallie Crawford, MA, CPCC

 

Are you wanting to switch careers or explore new job options? Perhaps you are unhappy with your current career, but unsure your options. Maybe you have so many options that you feel overwhelmed. Whatever your situation, taking some time out for self-evaluation prior to making any big change is a smart move. It’s probably been a while since you last thought about your natural talents and abilities! Career coaching can help you uncover and identify those talents and abilities that, once realized, can lead you on a journey to greater career fulfillment.

Try the following brainstorming exercise, meant to help you pull out the best parts of your professional personality. All you need is a pen and paper or your computer, and some quiet time to reflect. There are no right or wrong answers here. Just be honest with yourself. When we’re reasonable about what we can achieve, we’re better matched to a future position, one that satisfies us because we’re already inclined to perform that particular role and do it well.

1. As a child, what types of leisure activities did you enjoy most?
 Were you handy with tools? Good at making crafts? Did you write stories, enjoy brain teasers? What about sports or outdoor exploration? Were you a budding entrepreneur, with lemonade stands, a paper route, or other lucrative childhood pursuits? What about science projects or caring for and spending time with pets?

2. When asked to volunteer for a group project, whether it’s on the job, with your church, school, or another place, in which areas do you typically offer your assistance?

3. Which electives did you sign up to take in high school, college, or other training school?
 Out of those, which classes stand out in your mind as being the easiest and most enjoyable for you? Which ones did you get the best grades in, and for what types of assignments or projects?

4. What extracurricular activities did you participate in at your high school and/or college?
 To which groups did you belong, and what areas did you sign up to offer your contributions? Were you on the school paper or yearbook committee? Did you enjoy building stage sets for the theater group or work as a deejay for your school radio program? Were you a sports team member or assistant coach? Computer or math club?)

5. Think back to all the memorable moments in your life where you were congratulated or acknowledged for your efforts.
What did you do at that time to warrant recognition? If you can think back to notes of thanks, testimonials or other expressions of appreciation, what messages did people have to say about your best qualities?

6. When asked to write your performance reviews for previous jobs, in which areas did you most excel, and in what ways?
Take some time to explain, citing examples of moments where you exhibited stellar performance on the job.

When you’re finished writing out the answers to the above questions, go back and re-read your answers. What personal attributes can you see popping up repeatedly over the course of your life? Can you think of different types of jobs where you’d be able to best utilize these skills and personal strengths?

Congratulations! You have just taken the first necessary step to uncovering your career skill set.

Do you know what your next step should be?  Keppie Careers can help you put your networking plans into action for a successful job hunt. Contact me to learn more!

It’s not too late to join the free seminar I am offering with Carolann Jacobs from Vivid Epiphany. Read more about it HERE!

photo by Thomas Hawk

 

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Book Review: Smart Networking by Liz Lynch

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Networking is the most important, and sometimes most difficult, aspect of the job hunt. Lucky for all of us, Liz Lynch has made it a little easier by offering a guide for job seekers, entrepreneurs and careerists with her terrific book, Smart Networking: Attract a Following In Person and Online.

Appropriately, I first “met” Liz by networking! I noticed that one of my contacts, Walter Akana, followed her on Twitter, and I followed her, too. I was delighted when she contacted me to participate in a round of interviews about her book. It was fun to win a round of the contests she sponsored and to receive a copy of her book as part of my prize.

If you don’t like networking, this book is for you! I thought Liz’s analogy that networking is like exercise was perfect: “Some people love it, but for many, it’s something they know they must do for good long-term health.” If you are a reluctant networker or consider it unsavory, you’ll want to read a book by someone who admits that she rarely speaks to people on airplanes! Liz allows for everyone’s individual networking style and needs; she addresses all of them in her book.

Liz notes the importance of thinking of networking as relationship building, not as transactions between people. She reminds readers that there are many great ways to network, and that one of the best ways to build your “networking gravity” – “the force that draws people automatically into your world with whom you have the greatest potential to build mutually beneficial relationships” is by introducing people to each other!

I’m a big proponent of being a connector, someone who enjoys linking people together for their advantage. I love how Liz explains the importance of having a “long tail” online. Extending your reach via social networking broadens your circle of influence and allows you to consciously and generously add value to others by introducing them to contacts in your circle. By doing so, you open the door to untold numbers of opportunities.

Not only does Liz offer great tips (such as: write notes on the back of YOUR business card when you hand it to someone), she also offers suggestions of networking plans customized to your own needs and preferences. She also reminds us that there is no “magic bullet.”

The bottom line – networking IS here to stay. The marketplace will continue to be competitive, and if you bury your head in the sand and try to avoid networking, you will lose out on a lot of opportunities. Liz closes her book with a quote by Jack Canfield, “When you lift others up, they will lift you up.” This is so true. Being known as someone who helps and supports others, be it in the workplace or elsewhere, is a high honor and doorway to success.

Give generously, don’t keep score and follow Liz’s tips and you may be surprised at the results!

Need a little extra help getting started? I can help you put your networking plans into action for a successful job hunt. Contact me to learn more!


Best Careers for 2009

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Wouldn’t it be great to have a crystal ball to predict the best jobs for the next decade? Uncertainty eliminated, everyone could retrain for a new job knowing that the future job market would be rosy and bright!

Short of a crystal ball, we have information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and reports from news organizations such as U.S. News & World Report to help guide and inform our plans. The good news? The Associated Press reports that “It’s a big economy; 350 million people — there’s always going to be people hiring,” said Carl Van Horn, director of the John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development at Rutgers University.

Hiring Forecast

CareerBuilder recently published their 2009 U.S. Hiring Forecast. They note:

While 16% of U.S. employers plan to cut staff, 16% of employers “expect to add workers, while 62% percent anticipate a steady payroll.” That’s promising news for a huge chunk of workers — 78%. (Another 6% weren’t sure what staffing plans for Q1.)

Looking at 2009 overall, 14% of employers plan to increase their number of full-time, permanent employees, 16% plan to decrease staff levels and 56% expect no change. 13% are unsure.

CareerBuilder points out that “There will still be openings due to regular turnover, some job creation, a skilled worker shortage and people retiring or changing careers. What does this mean for you? There are still jobs to be had, it’s just going to take more time and some extra work to find that new position.

The trick is to figure out where that hiring will be!

Do Your Research

Every job seeker should keep an eye on his or her industry and make plans for the future with an informed outlook. It’s a good idea to set a Google alert for organizations and fields of interest to you so you’ll be aware when there are newsworthy ups and downs in your market.

Clearly, Wall Street is a difficult place to find a job (although I have heard of laid-off workers being picked up by more successful competitors quickly). Previously considered recession proof, many luxury industries are suffering as even the wealthy tighten their purse strings. On a brighter note, the health care sector continues to expand, as do opportunities in green energy organizations. (The clean energy boom is expected to produce 4.2 million new green jobs over the next 30 years, according to a study by the nation’s mayors in October 2008.)

Career expert Laurence Shatkin just wrote a book called 150 Best Recession-Proof Jobs. In an interview with Barbara Kiviat for Time Magazine, he notes, “Governments are being impacted by this recession because it’s so severe, but on the whole, government-related jobs tend to be more secure, particularly jobs that have to do with law enforcement and education. People have to send their kids to school no matter what the economic conditions are. Post-secondary education tends to be a pretty secure place to be too. People will ride out recession by going back to school. And there are certain utilities, like water, electricity, gas, garbage pickup, sewage treatment. These things will be needed no matter what the economy is.”

Lindsey Pollak recently pointed out that President-elect Obama plans to create an enormous public works construction program to stimulate the economy. Lindsey suggests, “If you’d like to land one of those new jobs when they’re created, start studying now to understand what types of skills, experience and knowledge will be required. (For instance, you could set up a Google news alert for phrases such as “public works,” “national infrastructure” or “expanding broadband access.”)

Top Jobs

Here is a list of the top 20 jobs from U.S. News & World Report’s 30 best careers for 2009:

Audiologist

Biomedical equipment technician

Clergy

Curriculum/training specialist

Engineer

Firefighter

Fundraiser

Genetic counselor

Ghostwriter

Government manager

Hairstylist/Cosmetologist

Health policy specialist

Higher education administrator

Landscape architect

Librarian

Locksmith/Security system technician

Management consultant

Mediator

Occupational therapist

Optometrist

Bottom Line

Clearly, there will continue to be opportunities for top performers in every industry. If you have kept up with your networking and worked hard to be well known in your field, you will be better situated than most to job hunt. Extra gold stars for you if you have kept your resume up-to-date and are easily able to list your skills and accomplishments for your targeted resume.

That doesn’t sound like you? You never thought you’d be looking for a job and are totally unprepared? With the right information and motivation, it’s not too late! You’ll have some catching up to do, but you can still be successful.

UPDATE: May 10, 2009:

I can help. I am offering a special, limited time offer to my blog readers to help you land the job you want!  Contact me and mention “Reader’s Special” to learn about revising your resume and coaching to help you land your target job!

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