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Social media speaker, social media consultant, job search coach

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What to eat before your job interview

September 7, 2011 By Miriam Salpeter

No detail is too small when you’re in the midst of a job hunt. You don’t want to wait until the last minute to decide what you’d wear to an interview, or what you’ll say when they ask, “Why should we hire you?”

By the same token, you want to bring your “A game” to every conversation. Knowing what to eat to encourage peak performance may be as important before an important meeting as it is when planning to run a marathon. Athletes know how to load up on all the right foods and how to hydrate on a regular basis, in addition to right before a big race or game. Think of your job hunt from a total body perspective.

Have you thought about the fact that there are foods to help you:

  • Think clearly and maintain optimal brain function
  • Solve problems
  • Reduce anxiety, control stress, stay calm

Consider the following suggestions to help improve performance in these key areas:

Web MD suggests anti-oxidant-rich blueberries, omega-3 essential fatty acids such as salmon, and foods high in vitamin E, such as nuts and seeds such as “walnuts, hazelnuts, Brazil nuts, filberts, almonds, cashews, peanuts, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, and unhydrogenated nut butters such as peanut butter, almond butter, and tahini” may help improve brain functions. The article also suggests eating avocado to contribute to healthy blood flow and brain health. (Although, you may want to eat avocado in moderation, as Web MD notes they are high in calories.) Other good “brain foods” recommended in the article include: whole grains (oatmeal, breads, and brown rice), wheat germ, pomegranate juice, freshly brewed tea, and dark chocolate.

Health Ambition suggests walnuts (to increase oxygen to your brain), strawberries (for mental awareness), dark chocolate (for anti-oxidants) and drinking water (for better memory) to help improve your brain function.

Read the rest on my post at U.S. News & World Report.

photo by gezellig-girl.com

Filed Under: Career Advice, Interviewing Tagged With: career expert, how to find a job, how to get a job, job search, Miriam Salpeter, what to eat before an interview

How to use your time in a job hunt

September 4, 2011 By Miriam Salpeter

Are you looking in the mirror when you search for a job – to take a good, hard look and see if there is something about your attitude or approach that you can change? Staying positive and upbeat is important to your ultimate success.

Another important tip? Use your time well if you are not currently working. It’s easy to let hours, days and weeks pass by before setting up a strategy that will help you succeed in your  hunt.

I’ve already shared great reasons to volunteer if you have some free time. Here are a few additional tips to consider if you’re not quite sure what to do with your time.

If you haven’t started, dive into social media and Web 2.0 applications! Yes, this can take some time if you are going to do it full force. But, you have time, so go for it! Start searching for blogs in your niche. Guy Kawasaki’s Alltop list is a perfect place to find blogs in an array of topics, but you can certainly use Google to find current information in your field of interest. Spend some time researching and exploring. See if you can identify the stars in your field. Use online mechanisms to connect to them!

How? Post smart comments on their blogs. See if they use Twitter and follow them. (Read more of my suggestions about using Twitter for the job hunt HERE or check out my book, Social Networking for Career Success. (You can even get in on Kindle for a great price on Amazon.) Make sure you are using LinkedIn effectively. You may be amazed at  how quickly you can connect and “befriend” people online. (Learn more about my book and my Google+ Guide!)

Consider authoring a blog. If you are a strong writer, there isn’t a better way to influence your Google rankings and demonstrate authority in your subject matter. If you have the time, why not try? You have nothing to lose. (If you want to learn more about what you’d put on your own website/social resume, but sure to check out my site. I can even help you get into your own site if you’re not technically inclined.)

Stop and think about what you really want to do. Use your time to assess yourself, your goals and plans for the future. How often are we forced to take a moment to really think about the future. This is your chance. Do you like the way your life is going? Are you happy with your path? If not, consider a coach to help you figure out a new direction.

Learn a new skill. Have you been thinking about taking a class in something that will help you with your job? Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn how to knit? This is a good time. Doing something new and learning a new skill is good for your attitude and will help you in multiple ways.

There is so much information and opportunities to learn new things online for free. High-profile and talented people are offering free teleclasses, webinars and seminars all of the time. If you plug in, you’ll learn about these opportunities and benefit from them. Take advantage of your public library as a resource for information. Check in with the librarian for information you might be missing!

Don’t wait until you have an interview scheduled to prepare for the interview! Do you know what you’ll wear to an interview? Does it fit? Is it clean and pressed? How about your shoes? Do they pass muster? Dont’ wait until you’ve been searching for two months and get a call for an interview tomorrow to look in your closet!

Once you have an outfit ready, start planning and practicing what you will say in an interview, in a networking situation…Use your time to get ready. I work with clients on mock interviews, so you will really know what skills you can improve. If you are prepared, when you start pulling in opportunities, you won’t panic!

Of course, much of your “free” time will be taken up with job hunting. Don’t forget, many of the activities listed above are part of your job hunt. I would be remiss if I didn’t specifically mention that networking (in person and online) is key – spend more time doing this than searching for online postings. Make sure your resume and materials are top-notch and use your time to prep for everything you will need.

What ideas do you have?

photo by Earls37a

Filed Under: Career Advice, Career/Life Balance Tagged With: career coach, career expert, how to find a job, job search coach, keppie careers, Miriam Salpeter, Social Networking for Career Success

How to job hunt in a stubborn job market

September 2, 2011 By Miriam Salpeter

The job search news isn’t great…The feds report no new jobs added in August.

What can you do to improve your chances in this stubborn market?

Pause, but don’t stop.

If you don’t have a great network and job search materials at-the-ready, facing an unexpected job loss can be very overwhelming. Take a moment to take stock, but don’t take a month. Consider potential next steps. Assess your skills and figure out what you offer that is unique and special. In an environment where many people are looking for opportunities at once, you need to be able to identify what sets you apart.

Avoid sending applications without giving each one your full attention. Applying for every job that crosses your path is not going to help you land something sooner.

Clean up your digital footprint.

Especially if you’ve been thrown into a job search unexpectedly – IMMEDIATELY clean up your social networking profiles so that they are professional and wouldn’t cause any potential employer to think twice about hiring you. (Including your photos – make sure you are dressed like you are ready for work in your highlighted pictures.) Set a Google alert so you know when your name comes up online. With the majority of employers researching candidates online, an un-professional comment or picture may be the difference between getting the job and being the #2 choice.

Network smart.

You already know. Network, network, network. But, do you know how? If you’re not familiar with social networks (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Google+, blogging, etc.), now is the time to get familiar!

When you are planning your networking, focus on information gathering and sharing. Don’t ask for informational meetings to discuss your need for a job. If that person doesn’t have a job to offer, he or she will probably not want to meet with you and will suggest you contact HR.

The key with your networking is to expand your group of “loose contacts” – people who don’t know you well, but are willing to do what they can to help you achieve your goal. If you can present yourself as talented and skilled and make a personal connection, you will get much further with your job hunt.

Job hunt full time, but don’t be a workaholic.

Make a plan. Get up, get dressed, make appointments, keep a to-do list. Have goals for your job hunt as you do for your work life. I don’t have to tell you that this is a stressful time, but don’t feel the need to be job hunting 100% of your day. Take time to enjoy yourself and seek supportive groups to help you get through this tough time. Take time to vent and to be angry, but try to achieve a positive outlook, as that will help you in the long run.

Consider the cost benefits of seeking career advice.

The fact is, most people don’t have a very good resume and have no idea how to search for a job in today’s economy. In a competitive environment, your job seeking materials (this includes your linkedin profile and web 2.0 presence) will be even more important. Money may be tight, but hiring a coach and/or a resume writer might be just the boost you need to propel your search.

Consider the cost of unemployment and the fact that you are much more likely to land a job in a timely way if you have a great resume, understand how to market yourself and are well prepared to interview and negotiate.

The list of things to do when suddenly facing a job hunt is very long…Those who make a plan and   methodically move toward their goals are most likely to achieve them.

photo by magnusfranklin

Filed Under: Career Advice Tagged With: career expert, how to find a job, Job hunting, job search, keppie careers, Miriam Salpeter

Have social networking for job search questions? Join me at the Decatur, GA Book Festival

September 2, 2011 By Miriam Salpeter

If you’re in the Atlanta area, you may already be familiar with the Decatur Book Festival. The web site calls it the “largest independent book festival in the country.” I’ve attended for the past several years, and always enjoyed the variety of activities, vendors, authors and information available.

This year, I have a book to sell, and I am delighted to announce I’ll be in the Atlanta-Fulton County Library’s booth (#127) selling Social Networking for Career Success on Saturday from 2 – 4 pm (or later, if I have lots of visitors).

When you buy my book directly from me, I’ll send you a free copy of my Google+ Guide, a $6.95 value!

The library will also have crafts and storytelling for children, library card sign-up and information about what’s going on at their 34 branches

Please stop by to visit, ask questions about how to use social networking for career success and to pick up a copy of my book and Google+ Guide!

Learn more about what’s going on at the Festival on their website, and be sure to stop by the Atlanta-Fulton County Library’s booth on Saturday from 2-4 to meet me!

Filed Under: social media, Uncategorized Tagged With: career coach, career expert, Decatur Book Festival, Miriam Salpeter, Social Networking

Improve your resume by asking yourself, “So what?”

August 23, 2011 By Miriam Salpeter

Last week, I had a chance to join CNN anchor Fredricka Whitfield on the air to provide tips for job seekers. We went over some “before” and “after” resumes. Here’s part 2 of a several-part series dedicated to improving your resume. (Don’t miss part 1, showcasing resume headers.)

OLD RESUME

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE 

Managing Web Editor, XYZ Company
New York, NY  March 2008 – Present

-Manage high-traffic Web site for 1.5-million member organization.

-Edit and write content for Web magazine, marketing materials and internal memos and reports.

-Project manager for Web site overhaul. This includes planning and testing design, navigation and developing streamlined functionality to stimulate e-commerce activities.

How could this description be improved?

  • Underlines look dated. Usually, you’ll only include months in the date section if the experience was one year or less.
  • Bullet points shouldn’t just list WHAT you did, but focus on HOW you did it so it relates to the employer. Decide what they need you to do and show that on your resume. Ask yourself, “SO WHAT?” for every bullet point and provide an answer in your resume. Incorporate skills and accomplishments when giving the answer.
  • Be sure all bullets are consistent – parallel tense. Begin each with a verb: manage, edit and “project manager” don’t match.
  • Don’t make your resume a laundry list of “stuff” you’ve done.

NEW RESUME

CAREER ACHIEVEMENTS

Managing Web Editor, XYZ Company  New York, NY   2008 – Present

  • Analyzed site traffic using Google Analytics, Lyris HQ Agency Edition and SiteCatalyst. Identified strategic patterns, trends and popular content and recommended changes to site, resulting in 17% increase in page views in only three months.
  • Supervised site’s overhaul in compliance with company’s goals. Conducted needs assessment, identified market opportunities and planned and tested design, which stimulated e-commerce and increased profitability from $15M to $20M in 2010.
  • Authored content for Web and email newsletters and created and recorded podcasts highlighting organization’s mission. Management attributed increased membership rates to high-quality online and audio content.

What is better about this description?

  • Decide if your title or the organization name is more important. In this case, the resume focuses the reader on job titles. Be consistent across the entire resume.
  • Incorporate details important to the employer. Use key words (for example, the names of the programs to analyze site traffic).
  • Show your impact – use $ amounts, %ages and other numbers when possible. (These answer the question, “So what?”)

photo by y-a-n

Stay tuned for another post with resume tips!

 

 

Filed Under: Resume Advice, Uncategorized Tagged With: avoid job search frustration, biggest job seeker mistakes, career expert, CNN, Fredricka Whitfield, how to best use social media to find a job, how to find a job, keppie careers, Miriam Salpeter, Social Networking for Career Success, why use social media to find a job

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