Keppie Careers

Social media speaker, social media consultant, job search coach

What you don't know about the job hunt will hurt you

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As you might imagine, I receive a lot of inquiries from blog readers about my services for job seekers. Sometimes, the communication between us reminds me of just how much help some job seekers need.

Recently, a very savvy, high-level professional with a stellar work history contacted me asking for help with her resume and with moving to a digital format. I replied, delighted to hear from someone who was asking me about a digital, or social, resume before I mentioned it first!

I explained that I am partnering now with an expert web developer to offer online resumes and described my services, which include a free coaching session “to discuss how to look for a job.”

The prospective client replied that she did not need to be told what to wear or how to interview, and assured me she was very capable, thank you very much. She also asked how much a social resume with fewer pages would cost, as she does not have enough to fill more than just an “about me” and resume page.

“Hmmm,” I thought, “This bright, talented and accomplished job seeker has no idea that there is so much she does NOT know about getting a job.” The fact that she thought my offer to help her learn “how to look for a job” would be about how to dress for an interview, yet she cannot envision what information she might use to fill her online profile seemed a bit ironic to me. However, how can you fault someone for not knowing what they need to know to succeed?

This was my reply:

Thanks for your note. I think that the key thing with a social resume is that you create the content to fill the tabs. Maybe it is links to the various news stories you generated, events you impacted, data or stories about previous companies (how they did while you were there), etc. The sky is really the limit – you have lots of room to share your “story,” and readers have the option to explore more or not! (Which is the major advantage of having a social resume that supplements the paper resume.)

I don’t usually focus on how to dress for an interview with my clients. Like you, they know about that, but are less well schooled on how to leverage social media. Why are you not on Twitter? It’s my absolute favorite social network for job seekers. Do you really optimize LinkedIn? There is a lot that most job seekers don’t have the time (or the inclination) to feel their way through. I spend all of my time in that “space,” so I can help you get where you need to go faster. Especially in your line of work, I would imagine the return would be significant.

So, when I offer a free coaching session to discuss how to find a job, I am not talking about “your father’s job search” – what to say in an interview, how to stand up straight – I am offering insight and ideas for job search that you probably have not considered.

Think about it – do YOU know what you DON’T know that may be preventing you from moving forward with your career plans?

photo by flowerbeauty

What to do when you are discouraged about your job search

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Today’s post is one of many from members of the Career Collective community I co-coordinate with my colleague Jacqui Barrett-Poindexter. I encourage you to visit other members’ responses, which are linked at the end of my post! Please follow our hashtag on Twitter: #careercollective. This month’s question?

  • What do you do when you’re really, really, really discouraged about your unsuccessful job search?
  • How do you overcome the negative aspects of job search?

It breaks my heart when I hear from a job seeker who reaches out to me after hunting unsuccessfully for a job for months – even a year or more. More often than not, it is clear to me why the person’s job hunt has gone on for so long. Either the resume and job search materials are not up to par, the job seeker’s strategies are dated and not optimized and/or the person has simply been paralyzed by uncertainty and unable to present him or herself confidently and competently.

If you have been searching unsuccessfully, it is tough not to be discouraged and give up. It takes a lot to avoid approaching with a bad attitude or a defeated outlook. However, take heart, as there are probably a lot of things that will help your prospects that you have NOT done yet!

Talk to people you DON’T think can help you with your search.

Expand your net of networking contacts. You never know when a connector is in your midst – someone who takes pride in knowing a lot of people and introducing them to each other.

In a recession, it is even more important to expand our circles when job seeking.

Never underestimate the possibility for really interesting common ground.  Some of the meetings I’ve least felt like getting up at 6 a.m. to attend have been the most productive in terms of what I’ve learned.

Open your eyes to the opportunities!  Seek out places to meet new people.  Join an organization, a new health club or take a class.  Google “networking opportunities, (your city)” and see what comes up!  Then, don’t just attend, be an active participant.

Just because someone isn’t in your field doesn’t mean they don’t have useful information for you.  (Or you for them.) Our lives intersect in so many points.  Think of someone you consider least likely to be able to share good information with you for your search. Meet for coffee. You may be surprised!

I challenge you to engage – ask questions…be able to explain who you are and what you do.  Don’t underestimate the value of every connection.  Everyone knows someone who knows someone who knows something. Inserting yourself as part of the chain is a great step in the right direction!

Search for Companies Instead of Jobs

This is crucial advice that many overlook. Instead of searching online for job descriptions of interest, start to target organizations of interest. Research them and the people who work there. Recognize that the majority of jobs are never posted – they are filled via networking. So, network! Figure out who works in the places where you want to work. Infiltrate via LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and via connecting in person at events, including professional meetings and organizations. You may be surprised how easy it is to connect online and befriend people who are impressed by your interest and enthusiasm.

Target Your Materials and Your Approach

Have you been giving the kiss of death answer to people asking what you would like to do? “I can do anything.” “I am flexible.” “I can’t afford to be picky.” Stop and TARGET your search. Focus your resume, your pitch and your goals and engage with people by demonstrating that you know what you offer and that you are a strong match for what the targeted job needs.

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.) Make sure that you are using LinkedIn effectively. You may be amazed at  how quickly you can connect and “befriend” people online.

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. Ideally, you will start a blog at www.yourname.com, but if you just want to dip your toe in the waters, consider writing for Examiner.com. I am the National Career Coach Examiner and would be happy to help you get started if you are a strong writer with a niche topic in mind. (For example, maybe you want to be the “Seattle PR Examiner” or the “Miami Accounting Examiner.” Contact me if you are interested in learning more!

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. If you can be excited about something that you can obviously control (since your job search SEEMS less control-able), it should help your outlook.

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 be afraid to pay for some great content as well! Once you know and trust a source for information, invest in yourself and your plans and learn something new.

Expand Your Reading List

Have you considered reading books written for the HIRING side of the desk? It could help you to know what hiring managers are thinking. Also, be sure to spend time expanding your interests and expertise. Read things that have NOTHING to do with your job hunt. Keep up to date on current events, sports, cultural arts, entertainment…

Volunteer

Of course, no list of things to do would be complete with suggesting volunteering with an organization you support. I’ve already shared great reasons to volunteer if you have some free time. You never know when you might meet someone influential for your career and/or learn and use new skills. Volunteering is an amazing opportunity to do some good while helping yourself as well!

What ideas do you have?

Need some help getting started with any of these ideas? Learn more about how I can help you get a job.

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How did members of the Career Collective respond? Follow us on Twitter with our hashtag #careercollective and read these posts:

@MartinBuckland, Job Search Made Positive

@GayleHoward, Job Search: When It All Turns Sour

@chandlee, Strategy for Getting “Unstuck” and Feeling Better: Watch Lemonade

@heathermundell, Help for the Job Search Blues

@heatherhuhman, 10 Ways to Turn You Job Search Frown Upside-Down

@KCCareerCoach, You Can Beat the Job Search Blues: 5 + 3 Tips to Get Re-Energized

@WalterAkana, Light at the End of the Tunnel

@resumeservice, Don’t Sweat the Job Search

@careersherpa, Mind Over Matter: Moving Your Stalled Search Forward

@WorkWithIllness, Finding Opportunity in Quicksand

@KatCareerGal, Job-Hunting in a Weak Job Market: 5 Strategies for Staying Upbeat (and Improving Your Chances of Success)

@ErinKennedyCPRW, Dancing in the Rain–Kicking the Job Search Blues

@DawnBugni, It’s the little things

@ValueIntoWords, Restoring Your Joy in Job Search

@jobhuntorg,  Just SO VERY Discouraged

@barbarasafani, Making Job Search Fun (Yeah, That’s Right!)

@GLHoffman, How to Overcome the Job Search Negativity

@ExpatCoachMegan, Dealing With Job Search Stress: Getting to the Source of the Problem

photo by fiveforfun

How to apply for jobs

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Have you been applying for jobs and have not been hearing back? I recently read something about the percentage of employers who are not replying back to job applicants…If anyone is familiar with a post along these lines, please share it, as I cannot put my hands on it now. Suffice to say that many, many job seekers never hear a word in reply to their applications.

The question is – can you apply for jobs in such a way that you don’t wind up in this predicament? Of course, there is no perfect approach, but I want to suggest something to consider – ONLY APPLY FOR JOBS YOU ARE CLEARLY QUALIFIED TO DO!

Doesn’t sound like rocket science, does it? Take a hard look at jobs you are applying for…Are there clear links between what they want and what you offer? Go through the job description. What do you offer the employer? Do you have the skills needed to solve their problems? Are there direct connections between what you have and what they want? If there are – make sure these are clearly stated in your resume. Do not expect hiring managers to decipher and interpret your resume. No one has time for that.

I was sharing this philosophy with a client who has hired many people in her career. She heartily agreed and commented, “Yes – if you are a chef and want a sales job, it’s important to convince me that you can sell!”

So, back to our topic – how to apply for jobs. First things first – only apply for jobs that you can qualify yourself to do. Don’t waste your time zapping resumes here or there, just because you can. If your application might make someone scratch his head and/or would have no chance of passing an initial computer screen, you are wasting your time and the organization’s time.

Would it be NICE to receive a “no thank you” note from every organization in reply to all applications? Of course. However, the fact that so many people are applying, apparently randomly, for jobs, makes it more difficult for that to become reality.

Read THIS POST about what one guy did when he never heard back from HR. I laughed out loud, but wouldn’t suggest this tactic to my clients. (Thanks to @heatherhuhman for sharing this link via Twitter!)

Does this mean that a chef should never apply for a sales job? Not at all…The key is to SHOW HOW you are qualified. Stay tuned for some ideas if the job of choice is a bit of a reach.

Do you need help showing that you are qualified? You 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.

Job searching tips from the trenches – how to get the job you want

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Today, I am happy to share a guest post by Teresa Basich, who has just joined Radian6 as the company’s Content Marketing Manager. Teresa writes a terrific blog, Writing On Purpose and is on Twitter @transitionaltee.

Job searching. It’s daunting these days, isn’t it? With talk of mile-high unemployment rates and the scarcity of jobs lurking around every media corner, it can be easy to become overwhelmed at the thought of having to look for your next big break. When I began my job search in January of 2009, I was up against more than just a bad economy and scary news stories; I was hoping to make a slight career change and find my new gig 2,000 miles away from my current city of residence.

Despite the odds, I was offered an incredible role that will allow me to finally do what I love and move across the country, too. If you need proof the old ways of finding a job don’t work anymore, my story is that proof. And if you need some ideas for how to get started on the road to a job you truly love, start here.

3 Dos and 1 Big Don’t to Help You Get the Role You Want

Strategically network. Don’t just throw yourself into every networking event you can fit into your calendar; seek out industry- and organization-specific events that you know people you’re interested in connecting with will attend. Because I’m a bit of an introvert, I joined online social networks and made a point to connect with professionals I respected who worked for companies doing great things. And when I felt comfortable, I took those relationships offline. Bottom line: spend your networking energy making connections that count.

Invest in your résumé. Remember, your résumé is your first impression and one shot. And not only will a well-crafted résumé make a fantastic impression on potential employers, if it’s at its best, it’ll remind you how great a professional catch you really are. I “met” Miriam of Keppie Careers via Twitter and decided to enlist her services after finding the resources and advice she tweeted incredibly helpful. Miriam and I worked together to revamp my résumé, so I was able to take ownership of the document while she taught me how to reflect on my experience in ways that highlighted what I’d accomplished in my career.

Show what you know. Your path to success lies in the knowledge you hold, but that knowledge will get you nowhere if you don’t demonstrate it. There are plenty of opportunities outside of formal interviews in which you can show your smarts, including informational interviews, online forums, professional meet-ups and volunteering. Not only did I engage in conversations about marketing and social media on Twitter, I created a blog and maintained it regularly to demonstrate my writing skills and inspire engaging conversation.

Don’t wait. One of the biggest mistakes people make in their professional career is waiting until they need a network to build it. It is so easy to get comfortable with your job and put off attending professional events and joining business organizations, but if you do the work now, you’ll make incredible connections while continuing to learn about your field outside the bubble of your organization. And, if the time comes for you to tap into your network for help, it’ll be ready and waiting. I made the unfortunate mistake of waiting until I lost my job to build my network, but now that I’ve experienced the power of my connections firsthand, I don’t plan on letting that network dissipate.

There is no one standard way to successfully navigate a job search, but having a few tips in your pocket from someone whose “been there” can help. Although these sound like basic action steps, it’s surprising how many job seekers stubbornly avoid them. Connect with people, put time and effort into your résumé so it reflects what you’ve done and take those opportunities that give you a chance to show off your smarts. Good luck out there!

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If your job hunt is stalled, I can help! 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.

Being indispensable and your personal brand

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Dan Schawbel is one of the authorities on the topic of personal branding, particularly for the Millennial generation. I am happy to serve as a co-editor of Personal Branding Magazine, along with Jessica Lewis. The new, free sample issue is available. This is how Dan describes it:

Summary: Volume 3, Issue 3 is about becoming so important to your company, your customers and the people around you, that they can’t live without you. When that occurs, you’ll be making more money, have better relationships and wield a powerful personal brand. In this issue, Seth Godin reveals his hope for career revolutionaries who want to remain relevant in a world that is being transformed by the internet. Also, in this issue we explore how Guy Fieri has built his personal brand as a television personality on the food network and how NFL football player Jarvis Green has taken the leap into entrepreneurship.

Here is my introduction to the magazine:

Becoming indispensable – a tall order to be sure. Is it the proverbial “golden ring” –an admirable ambition, but always
out of reach?

This issue of Personal Branding Magazine may convince you that there are many ways to be indispensable –and that it is an
achievable goal for anyone with courage and determination, both of which are key for success. Seth Godin reminds us that one big hurdle is having “enough guts to be criticized.” True enough; it is tough to be remarkable without remarking!

You may be surprised to learn that becoming indispensable is not all about you! Seth reminds us that the most important
consideration is not about how to promote yourself. Instead, ask, “How can I do work that people will want to promote?” So true,
and something many forget when trying to make a name for themselves.

This issue makes it clear that being indispensable means giving more than you expect to receive. Develop what Nicole Crimaldi describes as a “personal balance sheet.” She advises, “…Build relationships, follow your passions…and create value for others in everything you do.”

Actualizing that value helps you carve out another important piece of the puzzle –engendering confidence. Contributor Maria Elana Duron points out, “Even if you have the best mousetrap in the world, if people don’t know you or like you and trust you, then they’re not going to do business with you. Period.” Well said.

Be someone people WANT to know. Offer useful resources, advice and insights. You may be surprised by how far good content, well shared, will take you on your road to becoming indispensable.

Features:

  • Full paid issue (February 1st): 28 articles total covering how to become a valuable and indispensable brand.
  • Sample issue: 8 articles total, including how to be an authority, blog SEO and how to grow, polish and protect your future.
  • Interviews with: Seth Godin, Guy Fieri, Jarvis Green and Alexandra Levit

Promo video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMuHZZJtv90
Free sample URL: www.personalbrandingsample.com
Paid subscription URL: www.personalbrandingmag.com
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/PersonalBrandingMagazine

If you need a little assistance demonstrating your personal brand, I can help! 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.