Keppie Careers

Social media speaker, social media consultant, job search coach

CareerBuilder's 2010 Jobs Forecast wrap up

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CareerBuilder released its 2010 Jobs Forecast, and Anthony Balderrama touched on the highlights in a recent CareerBuzz:

If you’re wondering where the jobs are, look to the West, where 24 percent of employers intend to add full-time workers. Employers in the Northeast anticipate the next highest amount of hiring, followed by the South and Midwest.

The industries where you can expect to see the largest hiring increases are information technology, manufacturing, financial services, professional and business services and sales.

Other notable results from the survey? Some good news for job seekers: “20% of employers plan to increase their number of full-time, permanent employees this year, up from 14% in 2009.” On the flip side, “9% plan to decrease headcount, down from 16% in 2009.” Most (61%) don’t anticipate hiring or firing workers.

The survey asks hiring managers and human resource professionals to comment on a variety of topics of interest to job seekers and employers. Some highlights from the survey include companies’ plans to:

  • Replace lower-performing employees. Although most employers surveyed would grade their workforces a “B” or above (85%).
  • Emphasize social media to strengthen their brand. 37% will focus more on social media and 8% plan to hire someone to do the job.
  • Rehire laid-off workers. 32% plan to bring back workers, some in the first six months of the year.
  • Continue to provide flexible work arrangements. 35% (up from 31% last year) will offer alternate schedules, telecommunting, compressed work weeks, summer hours, job sharing and/or sabbaticals.
  • Cut perks and benefits. 37% (up from 32% last year) plan to cut employee incentives. Bonuses are the biggest cut (15%), followed by medical coverage (10%), suspended 401k matching, condiments, incentive trips, academic reimbursement, vacation time and wellness benefits.

Other items from the survey:

  • Mature workers get the nod from 27% of surveyed companies who say they are open to retaining their workers who are approaching retirement. 1% say they may rehire retirees from other companies this year. 10% may offer incentives to keep workers approaching retirement age with their company. This works well for those approaching retirement age, as 37% of employers surveyed reported that they have employees requesting to stay on, up from 22% last year.
  • Freelance or contract workers will still be on the books this year for 30% of surveyed employers, up from 28% last year.
  • The environment is a greater focus for 11% of employers who plan to add “green jobs,” which is on par with last year’s figures.
  • Bilingual employees are in luck. 40% of employers plan to build a bilingual workforce, although the survey does not specify what languages are in demand.

Read highlights HERE or download the full report HERE.

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 segozyme

Careers for the super smart in 2010

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Marty Nemko, career coach, author and radio host, offered an interesting resource for Mensa members and other super smart job seekers: a list of careers to consider for 2010.   Be sure to read all the details and resources that Marty shares about these careers at his post. He offers terrific advice and information about each selection to consider!

This is his list:

Researcher with expertise in two or more of these: physics, math, molecular biology, engineering, and/or computer science. Key specializations:

• energy

• genomics

• neurophysics

• diagnostic imaging

• pollution control


Federal government manager – (homeland security, energy, health care…the environment).

Corporate executive specializing in global business development or managing global workforces.

Finance specialist, especially with skills in raising funds globally.

Terrorism expert

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapist.

Immigration expert.

Optometrist.

Genetic counselor.

Health informatics specialist.

Patient Advocate.

Program Evaluator.

Higher Education Administrator.

Physical Therapist.

Veterinarian.

Media coach.


  • Even the most brilliant job seekers can benefit from targeted, 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 Frank Bonilla


    • The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs – A Review

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    PresentationSecretsofSteveJobs4173s6m5hNL._SL160_I have said it before, and it is worth saying it again…

    If you asked me, “What is the single most important skill a job seeking candidate can have?,” I would initially probably respond along the lines of, “It depends on the job!” However, upon further thought, I might also reply, “Being a strong communicator is an underlying key skill for any job seeker.”

    I’ve written about the importance of “soft skills” or “emotional intelligence.” Some business schools are incorporating classes to teach communication and leadership skills, as they are so important in the workplace. Let’s face it – if you have trouble communicating, you are likely to have trouble getting along with colleagues, persuading others to agree with you and succeeding in most workplaces.

    Communication skills extend beyond being able to negotiate a one-on-one conversation. Often, being able to present in front of an audience is the key differentiating skill that makes the difference between getting the job and coming in second place.

    The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs – How to Be Insanely Great in Front of Any Audience, by Carmine Gallo, promises to teach anyone how to successfully present their ideas. The author explains Jobs’ approach to a classic argument (p. 13):

    1. Deliver a story or statment that arouses the audience’s interest
    2. Post a problem or question that has to be solved or answered.
    3. Offer a solution to the problem you raised.
    4. Describe specific benefits for adopting the course of action set forth in your solution.
    5. State a call to action.

    In the book, he continues to explain exactly how to go about making that happen. With specifics that include everything from offering the variety that the brain craves (p. 129) to techniques to improve body language (p. 170). He explains how to toss the script (p. 202) AND how to use notes when you must (p. 204).

    Carmine maps out how to become a better presenter, using a well-known master presenter’s methods as a guide. I enjoyed his book and believe that everyone who needs (or wants) to present better (and who doesn’t need to present better) can learn something important and useful.

    —-

    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.

    Four tips for effective networking follow-up for the holidays and the rest of the year

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    hook2921148701_6d1985e27f_mToday’s post is one of many responses to the question, “How can  job seekers make the most of the holiday season?” 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.

    If you have been keeping up with my series about how and why to use the holidays to advance your job hunt, you know there are many reasons and many ways to make the best of the holiday season. Click HERE for a launching page that links to all of the advice from my expert panel of colleagues and friends.

    With so much great advice about how to use the holidays to network, I thought it would be appropriate to revisit an important, but overlooked topic to help job seekers stand a head above the rest at this busy and fun time of the year.

    Networking is great. Meeting a lot of new people is terrific. However, knowing what to do once you’ve made a contact is just as important as finding the contact. How can you hook your contacts? Here are my tips for being remembered:

    1. Send a nice note. In the mail.

    If you met someone at a party or gathering and you want to keep in touch, send a nice note. I like typed notes, some people prefer a hand-written message. At this time of year, a card with a nice hand written note is fine. Be sure to include enough information to help the person remember when and where you met and what you discussed. Don’t forget that not everyone observes the same holidays, so avoid specific references to a particular holiday unless you know for sure. Greetings for the new year are usually appropriate and cannot steer you too wrong!

    Of course, sending a note relies on you having the correct contact information, so don’t forget to exchange business cards.

    2. Cover your social networking bases.

    When you meet someone and you think there is a professional connection, ask if they are on LinkedIn and if it would be okay to connect. Then, be sure to follow up right away (after you get home – not from your iPhone!) with a request to connect. Again, even if it is shortly after the party, remind the contact where you met and what you discussed. Don’t assume he or she will remember everything you talked about!

    Connecting on LinkedIn provides many advantages. Of course, growing your network is always important, but also remember that your new friends will now have a chance to see your updates (and you theirs). In general, keeping tabs on someone is easy on LinkedIn and a very low impact way to stay in touch.

    Also be sure to ask if the person uses Twitter. I’m a big fan, and I hope more people will begin to use if for professional purposes. Do NOT ask to connect via Facebook unless you are invited after an incidental meeting. Typically, this is not considered proper etiquette.

    3. Set a Google alert for the name of the person you met and/or the name of their company.

    No, I am not suggesting that you stalk the new contact! However, if Google can help you easily find out news or information about someone with whom you are trying to build rapport, all the better! When you learn that XYZ company  has won an innovation award or that Julia Smith has been named a top ten PR rep, you will be able to be among the first to send a follow-up note. This helps keep you top of mind. It sets you apart from every other random contact, which is important in this competitive market.

    4. Make a strong personal connection.

    In the midst of your initial conversation, hopefully you learned something personal about your new contact. For example – he is a Bulls fanatic or she went to UGA. She’s a photography buff and loves to garden. He is a world traveler, but hasn’t made it to Asia. You get what I mean – make a point to learn something interesting about people you meet. This gives you several benefits:

    • You will earn bonus points for being a good listener, for asking questions and for being attentive to your new friend’s interests. We all enjoy talking about ourselves. When you engage around a topic that tweaks someone’s passions, you are more likely to be remembered later.
    • You now have a new “hook” to use for follow up! Assuming you keep your eyes on the newspapers and Internet, you are bound to come across a post or article of interest to your contact. Send it along via email with a personal note. Again – the point  here is to maintain a “top of mind” status. You sent an article on tips for travel in China and your friend thinks about you in a day when you would not otherwise cross his mind.

    You can do everything “right,” (know what you have to offer, have a great twitpitch, know where to look, have great materials…The list goes on and on. However, if you don’t follow up with your networking contacts, all of that work could easily go down the drain. Don’t let that happen to you!

    Other responses to the question from Career Collective members:

     

    @MartinBuckland, Elite Resumes, “Season’s Greetings and your Job Search”

    @GayleHoward, The Executive Brand, “It’s Christmas: And a ho-ho-ho-hum?”

    @KCCareerCoach, Career Chaos, “The Gift Every Laid Off Job Seeker Needs”

    @resumeservice, Resume Writing Blog,“Holiday Resume Sparkle: Outshine the New Year Job-Search Mob”

    @heathermundell, life@work, “Have a Holly Jolly Job Search”

    @sweetcareers, Sweet Careers, “Holiday Job Search Tips for College Students 2009″

    @careersherpa, Hannah Morgan: Career Sherpa, “Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Kwanzaa Cheers”

    @careerealism, CAREEREALISM.com, “Holiday Tip for Job Seekers: 4 Ways to Impress Others with Your Professionalism”

    @heatherhuhman, HeatherHuhman.com, “4 Tips for Making the Most of Holiday Job Hunting”

    @LaurieBerenson, Sterling Career Concepts, “Three Resolutions to Take It Up a Notch”

    @KatCareerGal, Quintessential Resumes and Cover Letters Tips Blog, “Avoiding the Holiday Blues in Your Job Search”

    @WorkWithIllness, WorkingWithillness.com, “Avoid this Minefield: No Holiday Here!”

    @DawnBugni, “The Write Solution Could that sound really be opportunity? During the Holidays?”

    @andyinnaples, “Shift Your Focus to the Highest Impact Job Search Activities During the Holidays to Leverage Your Time”

    @erinkennedycprw, Professional Resume Services, “How to keep up the Job Hunt during the Holidays”

    @keppie_careers, Keppie Careers, “Four tips for effective networking follow-up for the holidays and the rest of the year”

    @ValueIntoWords, Career Trend, “Navigating the Mistle Toe of Job Search”

    @GLHoffman, What Would Dad Say, “Merry Christmas! Can I Buy You Coffee to Talk About Me?”

    @BarbaraSafani, Career Solvers, “Holiday Networking Can Facilitate New Year Opportunities”

    @expatcoachmegan, Career By Choice Blog, “Expat Networking: Holidays Are a Great Time to Nurture and Grow Your Network”

    @chandlee, The Emerging Professional Blog, “Footprints & Associations: Job Search Tips for the Holidays”

    @JobHuntOrg, Job-Hunt.org, “(Holiday) Party Your Way to a New Job”

     

    @MartinBuckland, Elite Resumes, “Season’s Greetings and your Job Search”
    @GayleHoward, The Executive Brand, “It’s Christmas: And a ho-ho-ho-hum?”
    @KCCareerCoach, Career Chaos, “The Gift Every Laid Off Job Seeker Needs”
    @resumeservice, Resume Writing Blog,“Holiday Resume Sparkle: Outshine the New Year Job-Search Mob”
    @heathermundell, life@work, “Have a Holly Jolly Job Search”
    @sweetcareers,Sweet Careers, “Holiday Job Search Tips for College Students 2009″
    @careersherpa, Hannah Morgan: Career Sherpa, “Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Kwanzaa Cheers”
    @careerealism, CAREEREALISM.com, “Holiday Tip for Job Seekers: 4 Ways to Impress Others with Your Professionalism”
    @heatherhuhman, HeatherHuhman.com, “4 Tips for Making the Most of Holiday Job Hunting”
    @LaurieBerenson, Sterling Career Concepts, “Three Resolutions to Take It Up a Notch”
    @KatCareerGal, Quintessential Resumes and Cover Letters Tips Blog, “Avoiding the Holiday Blues in Your Job Search”
    @WorkWithIllness, WorkingWithillness.com, “Avoid this Minefield: No Holiday Here!”
    @DawnBugni, “The Write Solution Could that sound really be opportunity? During the Holidays?”
    @andyinnaples, “Shift Your Focus to the Highest Impact Job Search Activities During the Holidays to Leverage Your Time”
    @erinkennedycprw, Professional Resume Services, “How to keep up the Job Hunt during the Holidays”
    @keppie_careers, Keppie Careers, “Four tips for effective networking follow-up for the holidays and the rest of the year”
    @ValueIntoWords, Career Trend, “Navigating the Mistle Toe of Job Search”
    @GLHoffman, What Would Dad Say, “Merry Christmas! Can I Buy You Coffee to Talk About Me?”
    @BarbaraSafani, Career Solvers, “Holiday Networking Can Facilitate New Year Opportunities”
    @expatcoachmegan, Career By Choice Blog, “Expat Networking: Holidays Are a Great Time to Nurture and Grow Your Network”
    @chandlee, The Emerging Professional Blog, “Footprints & Associations: Job Search Tips for the Holidays”

    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 Robert in Toronto

    Job seeking during the holidays: use the time to research and prepare

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    linkup-logoIn an effort to convince you to ramp up your job search efforts during the holidays, I’m sharing ideas and insights from some of my colleagues and friends during this holiday week and next.  Today, I am happy to share some insights from my colleague and fellow Career Collective member, GL Hoffman. GL is Chairman of JobDig and writes at www.whatwoulddadsay.com, JobDig.com, and is a weekly guest writer at US News and World Report.
    I’m not surprised that GL’s advice includes a reference to his job board, LinkUp! I often refer candidates to review LinkUp as a tool in their job search arsenel. If you’re keeping up with this series, you’ll note a similarity between Walter Akana’s advice in part 2 and GL’s today – it may not matter if there are jobs to be found out there right now. What matters is that you are out there looking for them!
    GL shares his suggestions:

    Everyone says the holidays is a terrible time to search for a job.  This may or may not be right.  Companies may have identified some new initiatives for after the new year, for example, and are starting now to identify some quality candidates. Often, the FIRST place these jobs show up is on the company’s own website, inside their career page.  Of course, www.LINKUP.com is a fantastic place to start because only jobs from company sites are there.  Think of LinkUp as the only true job search engine.

    For those who are convinced this IS a bad time of year, what better time than to sharpen your skills and identify exactly the companies you want to work for.

    If you do send out resumes during this time, always a sure fire way to spice up your resume and cover letter is to actually DO SOME RESEARCH ON THE COMPANY.  Or, you can do research on any issue that is being confronted by the company.
    And then, REFER to this issue in your cover letter.  This technique will move you to the top of the pile.

    Some may say…what exactly  do you mean?
    Like: “I noted that the city is dropping local waste service for your manufacturing plants, here is how I would have responded…”

    The OBVIOUS thing is that it does NOT make any difference what the issue might be, or if you comment is even particularly noteworthy.  Your investment in time alone will elevate your standing.

    I appreciate this take on the subject – being involved in a job search is about more than just looking for opportunities; it is also a matter of connecting what you have to offer with what the organization needs. If, in fact, your industry is so slow now that no one is even in the office and networking is totally futile, take some time to do some research. You can still propel your search forward and be up-to-date when the time is right.

    Are you relaxing or revving up your job hunt during the holidays? Share in the comments!

    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

    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.