Keppie Careers

Social media speaker, social media consultant, job search coach

Finding the silver lining in job search – Altruistic Tuesdays!

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If you look hard enough, you can find a silver lining in this economy for job seekers. Many people have been trudging along in careers that didn’t suit them, but leaving seemed impossible and risky.

Taking advantage of a layoff and turning a difficult situation into an opportunity is not always easy, and it may not be the first thing that comes to mind when making plans for the future. Let’s face it, if you have always done a certain type of work, it is easy to think that your “next” thing needs to be that same thing. If your field does not seem to have much of a future (or even a present!), making a change is obvious and necessary, but I hope my new series of posts will remind ALL job seekers that this may be a good time to take a different path!

I recently reviewed Alexandra Levit’s new book, New Job, New You – A Guide to Reinventing Yourself in a Bright New Career,where she highlights stories of people who have made career changes for a variety of reasons, including:

  • Family requirements
  • Need for independence
  • Desire to pursue additional learning
  • Financial aspirations
  • Pursuit of a passion
  • Personal or health setbacks
  • Honing a talent or skill

There is no doubt that layoffs can lead to a second career. (Take a look at this piece from NBC Nightly News that highlights people who made big jumps.) It is no surprise that Marci Alboher commented in this story. An authority on career changers, Marci is a senior fellow at Civic Ventures, the author of One Person/Multiple Careers: A New Model for Work/Life Success and creator of the popular Shifting Careers blog and column for The New York Times. I’ve had a chance to talk to Marci about her work for Civic Ventures and the resources they offer via Encore.org. (Learn more about Civic Ventures and Encore.org HERE.)

My discussions with Marci and reading Alexandra’s book inspired me to create a new, ongoing feature here on my blog. I’m going to highlight stories of people who have made big career changes. To start off, I will share information and resources for and from those who have shifted to not-for-profit careers. I will call this feature “Altruistic Tuesdays” and highlight resources, many from the Encore.org site, aimed at smoothing the transition.

If you have a story to share, please contact me! In the meantime, think about how you can use your skills in a different setting…What have you always wanted to do, but never thought it was possible? You can translate your skills (maybe along with some new training) into a whole new career.

photo by pranav singh

What to do if you are unhappy at your job

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I can’t tell you how many studies I’ve seen quoted that detail how many people are unhappy with their current jobs and will jump at the first chance to find something new once there are opportunities. Does that describe you? You’re looking to jump ship at the next opportunity?

If you are lucky, opportunity will come knocking. Maybe you have a well-developed and strong network, a great LinkedIn profile (that makes it easy for recruiters or hiring managers to find you) and you are well known in your industry. Maybe you will provide a resume only as a formality, once you’ve already been offered the job.

If that does not describe your situation, you are in good company. Most people neglect their networks and pay no attention to materials that will support their search for something better. When is the last time you looked at your resume?

No, this is not a “get your resume ready now or you will regret it later” post. (Although, it isn’t a bad idea to get your resume and supporting materials ready now!) Instead, this post is a wake-up call to everyone who does not like their jobs.

Think about it – what exactly do you NOT like? What can you do about it? Have you been wasting away, bored at work because it is actually boring, or because you have allowed yourself to be complacent and don’t look for any new challenges? If you work at it, are there projects you could take on that will broaden what you can add to your resume? Expand its depth?

Have you fantasized about different job opportunities that are advertised and noticed whether or not you are actually qualified? What skills would be best to add to your current resume to make you more qualified for your next challenge? Have you thought about making a plan to get those skills?

For example, you notice that team leadership seems to come up in every job description, but you haven’t really led any teams. Maybe it’s time to volunteer to head up a program or to engage with a group where you can take a leadership role. (This may even be a volunteer opportunity outside of work. If it is significant and successful, you can include it in your experience.)

Or, maybe there is a specific credential or skill set you are missing. Maybe now is the time to take some training or to pursue those goals. Showing interest in improving your skills is a great way to be a leader at work. It may also help propel you to a whole new adventure!

You may be surprised, but taking some initiative and engaging in a plan to mindfully move from here to there may actually make you like your job a little more. More importantly, it will help set you up for what is next, and we all know that one of the only things we can count on in work is change.

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Making a change can be tough. I can help! 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 jasoHill

Search for jobs by identifying a company

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One piece of advice I share with all of my clients – don’t look for a job, look for a company. If you are looking only specifically for a job (focusing only on job boards or posted listings), you are missing out on potential opportunities that are never advertised. Seeking an organization and broadening your target will help you be more competitive in this environment.

Research from the Michigan State University Collegiate Employment Research Institute, which conducts an annual survey, (as reported via CNN) suggests that:

“Large companies, those with more than 4,000 employees, plan to decrease hiring of all graduates by 3%, and medium-sized companies, those with between 500 and 4,000 employees, expect to lower hiring by 11%.

Smaller companies, however, may provide a bright spot in the job market for new graduates.

Employers with fewer than 500 staff members said they expect hiring at their companies to jump by 15%. These companies will hire 11 new graduates on average in 2010, and 8 of them will be at the bachelor’s level.”

So, it may be wise to stop looking only at large companies and to focus on smaller firms for opportunities.

I have many clients who identify organizations first.  They say, “I want to work for a small company where I will be able to get involved in a lot of different areas.”  Or they say, “I want to work for a large company with opportunity to be promoted.”  Or, “I’d love to work for a large firm and be pigeon-holed into doing the same work day after day.”  Except for that last one…

There are pros and cons to every type of job. I have a client who works for a small family firm.  Her stories are exactly what one would expect based on stereotypes of small family firms…Uncle Bill comes in to do the taxes, Aunt Sue is hired to decorate the waiting area.  Non-family members work at their own peril.  At the same time, this client had the opportunity to take on responsibilities and hone skills she otherwise would not have had the chance to do had she worked at a larger firm.

Points to consider…

Small businesses offer:

  • Quick response time
  • Decision making flexibility
  • Personal attention
  • Specialization opportunities
  • Ability to change with the times

Salary.com offers these reasons to choose a small company:

  • Improved work/life balance
  • Less political
  • Better company culture

Larger firms may offer better benefits (free lunch, anyone?), training opportunities and an HR department that prevents Uncle Jim from getting a job that someone else is more qualified to do.  Although I was glib in noting that large firms may pigeon-hole their workers, it is also true that they may provide more opportunities for advancement from within or transfers from one office to another that would not be possible in a small firm.

Suite101.com notes these advantages of working for a large company:

  • More resources
  • Leadership potential
  • Ability to specialize
  • More job options

There are pros and cons to every choice, but it is interesting to consider:  Are you a large company or small company worker?

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?  Could you use some help mobilizing your job search plans? If you’re ready to hire a pro to help you get where you want to go, contact me to find out how you can boost your job search – both online and off line. Check out my new book, Social Networking for Career Success, to learn how to use social networking tools to your advantage!

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 Clif1066

More good jobs for 2010 and beyond

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Still looking for a great career option for 2010 and beyond?

The following is from HotJobs.com’s suggestions of  eight “gigs expected to be both prosperous and abundant in the coming decade.” Be sure to read their post for more details about each selection.

Cardiovascular technologist
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), this job is expected to grow by 24 percent through the year 2018. As the BLS reports, most cardiovascular technologists in training earn at least a two-year technical degree. In addition, some get on-the-job training in the necessary equipment (for example, EKGs). 
 Median annual salary: $60,400

Database administrator
Like health care, information technology remains a hot field with ample opportunity, says workplace expert Alexandra Levit, whose latest book is New Job, New You: A Guide to Reinventing Yourself in a Bright New Career. A solid foundation in computing is essential, reports the BLS, adding that certifications can only make you more attractive to employers. 
 Median annual salary: $72,600

Gas/electric/utilities strategic planning analyst
Working in the utilities sector remains a wise bet, no matter what the economy’s doing. According to the BLS, of all utilities sector support staff, technology workers and analysts will find themselves best equipped to capitalize on job openings. 
 Median annual salary: $68,700

Accountant
Do you enjoy crunching number? The BLS estimates that accounting jobs will grow by 22 percent in the next decade.
Median annual salary: $49,100

Marketing manager
Organizations from all walks of corporate America need creative folks who can write and analyze a marketing survey, position a product to consumers and the media, and collaborate with market researchers, product managers, and profit-minded accountants. What’s more, the BLS predicts that opportunities for marketing managers will increase by 13 percent through 2018. 
 Median annual salary: $60,200

Dental hygienist
Of all the jobs that require a two-year technical degree, this one promises the most opportunity in the new decade, boasting a whopping 36 percent growth rate. Many of these positions are part-time with flexible hours, making them ideal for parents with young children. 
 Median annual salary: $57,100

Interior designer
Are you a design blog junkie? The friend everyone calls when they need help sprucing up their living room? Although you’ll need to invest in a design degree and acquire the necessary budgeting and software skills, the payoff is worth it, says Shatkin: Job opportunities are expected to grow by 19 percent through 2018. 
 Median annual salary: $46,100

Occupational therapist
Thanks to the country’s aging population, occupational therapy remains a high-growth field, with 26 percent more jobs predicted in the new decade. According to the BLS, nearly a third of occupational therapists work part-time, and a master’s degree and state license are usually required. 
 Median annual salary: $69,400

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 darkmatter

Holiday networking tips and advice

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network.pic.2048034334_22b098c829_mIt’s hard to believe, but I have not finished sharing the great ideas my colleagues shared for my holiday networking for job seekers series!

Sandra Naiman, author of The High Achiever’s Secret Codebook: The Unwritten Rules for Success at Work (JIST, 2009) [read my review HERE] echos the sentiment that the “holiday season is a great time to enlarge and reactivate your network.  That is not to say that you ask people if they have or know of a job; however social networking sites, letters and cards are a great way to get back on people’s radar screen.”

She suggests that you create inexpensive ways to bring people together at your house – such as a cookie baking party where everyone cooks and shares cookies and candies with everyone else. “Again, your objective is to connect with as many people as possible and create opportunities for follow up, where appropriate, after the holidays.”

A fun idea – host your own party!

Another author, Richard S. Deems, who wrote, Make Job Loss Work For You (Jist 2010) with his daughter, Terri Deems, suggests job seekers move their focus to direct (in-person) networking during the holidays to take advantage of the generally good mood. Richard reminds us how important it is to follow up, which is key!

Jeff Lipschultz, a founding partner of A-List Solutions, a premier recruiting firm, brings great advice from the “other side of the hiring desk.” I “met” Jeff on Twitter, and I encourage you to follow him @jlipschultz for terrific job hunting tweets and advice! I also highly recommend his blog.  He is also a featured writer on www.job-hunt.org.  Jeff adds:

“The employment world at the end of the year is an unusual situation. Sure, it’s the holiday season and there are many vacations and last minute goals to achieve for the year.  But, it is also a prime time to be interviewing.  Many companies still need to fill a spot on the team that was budgeted this year.  Other companies have a little more time to wedge in some interviews.  Some budgets for 2010 are already set or close.  Which means, some hiring managers already know their January job hires and may get a jump start on the search to grab the best talents available ahead of other companies.  They’re anticipating  the start date of any hire being in January.

Candidates who are actively pursuing open jobs during this time frame should stand out as serious candidates.  Keep the search alive during the holiday season!”

Finally, my friend Ellen Sautter, a senior career management consultant with Right Management and co-author with Diane Crompton of Seven Days to Online Networking (Jist 2008) [read my review HERE], brings her unique perspective as someone working at a large outplacement firm with many job seekers shares some good news!

We see the job market picking up right now.  Many of our candidates are landing new positions and certainly getting more ‘traction’ in the market than earlier this year.  With companies starting to loosen the purse strings, we would advise job seekers to stay engaged and attentive…..while of course taking some time for fun and family activities to maintain ‘balance.’

She reminds us that:

Hiring is not as predictable as it used to be.  There are no weeks / months / periods when companies stop recruiting and screening candidates. New jobs are posted all the time; and interviews are scheduled and offers are extended during all weeks of the year.

So, good news for job seekers. I hope you are totally convinced that prepping your pitch and going to holiday parties with a positive attitude is the best job search strategy! Tomorrow, one final thought to close our series. FEEL FREE TO SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES WITH HOLIDAY JOB SEARCH IN THE COMMENTS!

Be sure to take a look at all the great advice from my colleagues:

Part 1 – My suggestions and a free ebook offer

Part 2 – Walter Akana – Take care of yourself

Part 3 – Anita Bruzzese – Stay ahead of the crowd

Part 4 – Jacqui Barrett-Poindexter – Unplug and embrace rest

Part 5 – Wendy Enelow – Ideas for employed and unemployed job seekers

Part 6 – GL Hoffman – Use time to research and prepare

Part 7 – Meghan M. Biro – Use the holidays as a time for self assessment

Part 8 – Craig Fisher – Recruiters don’t ease up during the holidays – neither should you

Part 9 – Ronnie Ann – Take advantage of other peoples’ resolutions

Part 10 – Alison Doyle and Andrea Santiago – Use parties and festive occasions to fuel your job search

Part 11 – Sharlyn Lauby – Take your job search social

Part 12 – Karla Porter – Be in it to win it

Part 13 – Lisa Caldas Kappesser – Use emotional intelligence to overcome job search hurdles

Part 14 – 4 tips for effective networking follow up for the holidays and the rest of the year

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.

image by Nimages