Career columnists like Anita Bruzzese (USAToday), Sarah Needleman (Wall Street Journal), Vickie Elmer (Washington Post) and Alison Doyle (About.com).

Recruiters, including Heather McGough (Microsoft), Jeremy Langhans (Starbucks), Richard Cho (Facebook) and Susan Strayer (Marriott Intl)

Authors, such as Alexandra Levit and Jonathan Fields.

Coaches, including Paula Caligiuri (professional career counselor), Alison Green (career advisor with non-profit expertise), Jason Seiden (executive coach) and Jennifer McClure (business process coach). I will cover resumes and job search/social media coaching in my session!

Plus, Mary Ellen Slayter (career advisor and senior editor, SmartBrief), Ryan Paugh (Community Manager for Brazen Careerist) and Susan Joyce (Job-Hunt.org Job Search Expert).

The site explains:

You buy one ticket and you have access to 13 sessions covering all aspects of job seeking and career management. The difference is you have control – you can access the information live, or whenever you like, since it’s all online and archived. Live sessions run between October 26th through November 17th. General sessions will be held every Wednesday, between 3 and 6PM ET.

You get invitations to all of our career expert sessions which you attend online. If you miss anything, log in to your account and access the session archives. We will record everything so you will have unlimited access to the classes. You can go back and listen at your convenience.

Why THIS summit? Because it’s the one-stop shop for the most relevant career expertise in the market today. There is a lot of “career expertise” floating around out there. We used a tough and cynical eye to handpick the experts we thought were most helpful and actionable – given today’s economy, given today’s social networking environment, and given what’s coming next. Check out our agenda to see what we’re talking about.

Sounds good? You really can’t lose, especially with early-bird pricing. You get all of this, plus bonus materials and a chance to win a career makeover for only $99 if you sign up soon!

Learn more by CLICKING HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.

The post Looking for a job? The Career Summit is for you! appeared first on Keppie Careers.

In the “old days,” job seekers could put together some basic information (a resume, a cover letter and a pitch) and, with a little luck, land an opportunity. Now, not so much. People like to see optimized materials (a *good* resume isn’t good enough), a LinkedIn profile is a must, social (online) resumes are more and more common and an online presence is assumed. Not to mention use of Twitter and Facebook, both of which fuel today’s successful searches.

So, what is a job seeker to do?

It seems obvious – you can’t be successful until you get started. You can’t get started on everything at once, so break it down and work on one thing at a time. My friend, Cindy Petersiel, a business coach, introduced me to a term that describes this basic, yet important idea: “chunk it down.”

As a career coach, I advise my clients to “chunk down” their tasks so they won’t be overwhelmed by the process of finding a job. It’s great advice for any of us facing lots to do and not enough time. (That pretty much describes most people I know!)

Some tips for “chunking it down”:

1.) Review your assignments and goals. Create a list of everything you need to do. Make sure you have a complete picture of the tasks and create a time frame.

2.) Break down the project into natural segments. “Write a resume” may be one project (with several parts). “Make a networking plan” is another task. Prioritize the segments and think about how much time each piece will take to complete.

3.) Focus on one thing at a time. Compile a daily “to do” list. Make sure it is reasonable; don’t give yourself too many tasks on one day. Depending on the job and your patience, you may need to further chunk down the steps. (No one should expect to write a resume in a day!)

To decide what to do first, consult your list of priorities. To keep your focus, try to include some fun, interesting or simple tasks early on. If you’re doing things you enjoy or finish rapidly, you’ll give your project a boost and quickly check things off of your “to do” list.

4.) Plan ahead. Make sure you have everything you need to work on your task as scheduled.

5.) Seek help. It helps to have a good support system. Ask for advice when you’re really stuck and to ensure that you are on the right track.

6.) Reward yourself. Celebrate your accomplishments. Do something fun!

Get ahead by getting started… timeless advice for job seekers!

–

No matter what your job target, you can benefit from personalized advice! 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 radiant guy

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I’m always telling my readers to do something different and to stay ahead of the crowd, so I was glad to see that Anita’s advice starts in that vein…You never know what information may be exchanged over the candy dish at a holiday party!

These are Anita’s thoughts on the subject of looking for a job during the holidays:

I think you should NOT take a break from hunting for a job during the holidays, because that’s what a lot of other people will be doing. That gives you a chance to make some inroads. Sure, some managers will be gone for the holidays, but a lot of them will be sticking around to finish up year-end work.   If you can present yourself as the person who can hit the ground running and be on board raring to go for 2010, it can be pretty appealing to them.

Also, the latest research I’ve done shows that companies (especially technology and health care) are contracting with more recruiters. That means these employers need hires to be made, and they’ve got the money for salaries.  So, now is the time to really get your name out there and network.

Don’t forget that a lot of people will be using social media to post about holiday parties or company volunteer activities. Pay attention and you might be able to volunteer at an event where you can meet a hiring manager or make a contact. Or, you may be able to learn key players through a Facebook page talking about a holiday get-together.

The key is thinking ahead: Do your research about these employers and be looking to put yourself in their line of sight. Maybe that means attending a tweet-up, volunteering at the local food bank or finding a friendly employee posting holiday pictures and talking about a gift exchange.

What are your experiences with job seeking during the holidays? Share in the comments!

Part 1 – My suggestions and a free ebook offer

Part 2 – Walter Akana – personal branding expert and coach

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 sharynmorrow

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Anita suggested that I should take inspiration from what is all around me. So, some NYC inspired thoughts for the job seeker…

One of the highlights of our trip was a visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. A few thoughts the museum inspired in me…

Forgive me for saying so, but am I the only one who thinks, “Art is in the eye of the beholder” whenever I visit a museum? Of course, the halls were full of masterpieces, but when I visit their famous collection, there is always something I walk by and say “hmm…THAT’s in the Met?”

To a certain extent, the same concept – art is in the eye of the beholder – applies to the job search.

I have written about the fact that there is no ONE right way to look for a job. If someone tells you that they offer the holy grail of job search, be wary. The fact is, just as certain art appeals to some more than others, resumes, job search techniques and approaches for the hunt can only be evaluated individually. Everyone brings a unique set of circumstances to the table – biases and personal preferences are an undeniable aspect of job hunting.

My colleague Louise Fletcher recently addressed the issue of including something on the resume that may not appeal to 100% of readers. Her client was concerned, but she argued that doing something that is  “calibrated to appeal to your target audience” has the potential to appeal to more people than not.

There are many nuances in job hunting…How you write your resume, what you say in your LinkedIn profile…If you should write a “social resume.” It’s not a “one size fits all” or a “come as you are” job market. Everyone has an opinion, and you want to be sure that you are listening to someone who is an expert to advise you.

Stay tuned for more thoughts…Feel free to share your insights!

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 credits:  wallyg

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Last week, I signed on as the Career Coach Correspondent for the National edition of Examiner.com. I’m very excited to join this group of journalists, who write about every topic you can imagine! You can find my column HERE.

(I learned of this opportunity via Twitter, thanks to Heather Huhman!)

I often write about how valuable it is for job seekers to engage in Web 2.0 applications (such as blogging and social networking). I get up on my soapbox and remind clients that they must take the time to engage and connect for success. So, I thought it made sense to publicly acknowledge and thank a few professionals who really made a difference when I first started blogging.

Lindsey Pollak was the very first blogger who reached out to me online. I commented on her blog, and she responded by posting a comment on mine. I was excited to hear from Lindsey and really appreciated that she took the time to connect. She was the first one to demonstrate to me the importance of personal connections online.

Anita Bruzzese‘s blog also quickly became a favorite when I joined the blogosphere last year.  Anita has been successfully writing about career topics for years, and I was thrilled when she went out of her way to respond to me and offer advice. Anita has never had writer’s block, so she’s a great inspiration to a blogger like me! (She also keeps me laughing and informed with her tweets!)

Another early favorite blog belonged to Penelope Trunk. I liked her conversational style and how she often linked to topics so readers could explore further. Imagine my surprise and delight when she emailed me asking for a guest post for her (then) new site, Brazen Careerist! I wrote a blog exploring being connected versus being exceptional. So began my foray into being connected via Web 2.0!

I thought about listing the many wonderful opportunities I’ve been offered as a result of this blog and all of the great people I’ve “met” online, but I realize that the list is too long! I am thrilled to have the opportunity to connect and partner with so many terrific professionals and to share information with job seekers around the world! I’m excited to see what 2009 holds for job seekers, Keppie Careers and this blog!

Thanks for reading…Please come back often. I hope to celebrate many more blog-aversaries with you!

Are you ready to jump start your job hunt? Contact me to see how I can help!

photo by happy via

The post Happy Blog-aversary to Keppie Careers – Announcing a New Blog on Examiner.com appeared first on Keppie Careers.

There is a car wash not far from where I live with a marquee out front that reads, “We are not participating in the recession.”

I drive by frequently, but today, the sign made me stop and think. (Literally stop – it was a really long red light!)

Maybe it sounds silly, but can individuals deny the recession? Some would talk about the power of positive thinking and how it can impact our reality. I’m no economist, but I know that the stock market rises and falls on confidence levels and expectations. Can we wish ourselves
out of a recession?

Maybe not, but job seekers should control one factor – acting on desperation.

Desperate people do foolish things. We’ve all watched the movies where the main character, anxious to achieve some goal, takes paths that lead away from the target instead of toward it…Viewers feel like shouting at the screen – NO – STOP! Don’t do it! If you were a character in a movie, what would you say to yourself?

One mistake you never want to make is lying or embellishing your resume. The Wall Street Journal recently noted that “about 20% of job seekers and employees undergoing background checks exaggerate their educational backgrounds. In a 2004 survey of human-resource professionals, 61% said they “often” or “sometimes” find résumé inaccuracies when vetting prospective hires, according to the Society for Human Resource Management.”

You can imagine that finding a lie on your resume would be a deal breaker in a job hunt. Anita Bruzzese recently suggested a great list of facts that an employer can easily check. Here is her list of items you should review on your resume to be sure everything is on the up and up:

1. Schools. Make sure your dates are correct, as well as the major field of study, GPA, etc.

2. Honors. Everything from graduating at the top of your class to an industry award can be verified with a couple of phone calls by an employer.

3.  Job titles. While many former employers will only verify your dates of employment, it’s easy enough to use online resources to find people who used to work with you and can talk about your past work performance, titles, duties, etc.

4. Credit history. If you are applying for a position where you will have anything to do with money, chances are good your credit history may be reviewed. Be prepared to explain why it’s bad, if that’s the case, and what you’re doing to improve it.

5. Criminal history. Unless you’re applying for a government job, it won’t be required that you answer if you were charged with a crime. And, most employers are willing to even overlook some convictions if it was a youthful indiscretion or you got caught with one too many glasses of wine in your system. If you were convicted of a crimes that involve sex, drugs or theft, it’s going to be tougher. On the application, simply note that you would like to discuss the issue. Remember: It’s pretty simple to access court records concerning a conviction, so it’s better to come clean in person and try and explain it rather than lying outright.

6. Online. First, try and clean up your reputation with these tips. Second, get your story together on how you’ll explain anything that an employer digs up about you online. It’s better to show you’ve learned your lesson rather than trying to lie about something unflattering that is revealed on the Internet.

Another thing that raises a red flag? Many people do not write their LinkedIn profiles carefully. An employer who finds that your LinkedIn and resume have discrepencies may hesitate to contact you for an interview.

What would raise a red flag for you? Do you think that this job market will drive job seekers to desperate measures? Share your thoughts in the comments section!

Don’t wait until you are desperate! Keppie Careers will help get your job hunt on the right track.

photo by the hidaway

The post Don't Be Desperate – Lying on Your Resume is a Bad Idea appeared first on Keppie Careers.

I spend a lot of time reading other blogs in what I like to call the “career space.” One of the best things about being part of the blogging community is being inspired by others who write thought provoking and interesting posts.

One of my favorite bloggers, Anita Bruzzese, award-winning journalist and author, recently wrote about what a pain it is to work with a perfectionist. She said:

The truth is, there’s a difference between perfectionism and excellence. Perfectionism on the job is anything but. It’s disruptive and unproductive. For the perfectionist, it can lead to physical illness and depression. For those who must work with a perfectionist, it’s annoying as hell.

The problem is that the perfectionist gets so caught up in minor details that they can’t attain excellence. Instead, they become a bottleneck as they fuss, for example, with the binding of a project report instead of getting the report completed by deadline. The perfectionist boss hovers and nitpicks and agonizes over the smallest detail, preventing the staff from getting their work done…

Instead of aiming for excellence, which can energize someone because they like what they’re doing and enjoy reaching for the top, perfectionism seems to bog people down in realizing what they’re missing, not what they’re gaining.

I was struck by the distinction Anita made between perfectionism and excellence. I think many of us mistake one for the other in our lives, our careers and in our job hunts. It’s easy to be confused by the differences…After all, you may think, isn’t it semantics to debate the difference between two words that imply being “the best?”

I don’t think so.

Striving for quality – for excellence – is admirable and necessary. We should all commit the time, energy and resources necessary to achieve top-notch work. In a job hunt, you MUST strive for excellence. Your resume, cover letters, other correspondence, interview preparation…All of it needs to be first-class. It’s important to take your time, to review and double-check. Striving for excellence indicates that you care about the outcome and are willing to put your best efforts towards success.

Quality doesn’t equal perfection, though. I often find myself quoting my first boss who said, “The perfect is the enemy of the good.” Why?

Coping.org uses these words to describe perfectionism:

Irrational, the underlying motive present in the fear of failure and fear of rejection, a reason why you may be fearful of success, a rigid, moralistic outlook, an inhibiting factor that keeps you from making a commitment to change habitual, unproductive behavior.

Knowing the difference between excellence and perfection? As the credit card commercial says, “Priceless.” I think being able to distinguish between these characteristics is a soft skill that separates those headed for the peaks of success and those headed in a different direction.

At the very least, everyone should be able to follow this advice: The next time you think about answering the pervasive but challenging, “What is your weakness?” interview question by insisting that you are a perfectionist…Think twice!

Striving for excellence is our hallmark! Keppie Careers is here for you! Need a great resume? Some help to write the perfect cover letter? Write to me and visit www.keppiecareers.com for more about what services we provide.

If you want to receive free up-to-date tips to help with your job hunt, Click here to subscribe to receive future blogs sent directly to you!

photo by ewitch

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Anita describes the rules:

Find the book nearest to you, go to page 123, go down to the fifth sentence and then type the following three sentences. After that, you pass the message along to other people you want to bug… uh, get to contribute.

Anita’s contribution:
Of course, the book nearest me is my own, “45 Things You Do That Drive Your Boss Crazy…and How to Avoid Them”:

Anything that has a “those people kind of edge to it should be ommitted from your language in the workplace.  Speak up if there a problem. If you find something a coworker says is insenstive, take the person aside and calmly say, “You know, you’re giving all women a bad name when you make sweeping, derogatory comments about men.” Focus on the behavior, not the person. Calling someone a racist or a bigot won’t get you anywhere — it will just erect more barriers.”

My contribution:
I have been reading a soon-to be-released book by Tamara Erickson, published by Harvard Business Press – Retire Retirement:  Career Strategies for the Boomer Generation.  This optimistic book takes a look at opportunities and changes that may be coming to the workplace as boomers reach retirement age:

Request a lateral move.  Lateral moves are a particular subset of fresh assignments that allow you to develop new skill sets, thus providing even greater scope of experience, and enhance learning more, than a new assignment based on your existing skill set.  Ideally a transfer sideways would be based on some mix of new knowledge and existing strong capabilities. Expect options to move laterally to become more common; with the changing shape of the workforce, vertical promotions – advancement up the hierarchy – will occur less frequently.

Stay tuned for a full review of Erickson’s book on this blog!

I’m going to pass this game on to some friends at Secrets of the Job Hunt:

Chris Russel of Jobs In Pods, Phil Rosenberg of Recareered  and Sam Blum of Razume.

Please, join in!

Keppie Careers will help make your job search possible!  www.keppiecareers.com

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