Keppie Careers

Social media speaker, social media consultant, job search coach

Ask your job search and social media questions here!

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There’s something ironic about the fact that, whenever I am working on a book, I have trouble thinking of ideas of things to write about on my blog! You’d think, when I am focused on writing so much, it would be obvious what to write on the blog, but it’s the opposite for me. I’m so conscious about NOT sharing exactly the same stuff as I am writing. (Who’d want to buy something if they can get it for free?) Yet, my mind is all wrapped up in the book, and inspiration for the blog wanes. (Stay tuned for more about the book and a request for your input later this week.)

I also sometimes feel like I’ve written everything there is to say about job search in the almost four (!) years I’ve been blogging. Add guest posts and other things I write for various outlets, and I think it wouldn’t be too surprising to know I’m at a loss for ideas. In fact, my colleague @WalterAkana recently tweeted:

It’s really striking that we get pretty much the same five tips, offered in countless posts, on how to stand out on LinkedIn! #justsayin

I don’t want to be passing around the “same old” ideas…

That’s where you come in! I have found, with a little inspiration, I am easily motivated to write and respond to inquiries. Even when I thought there was NOTHING ELSE to say about social media for job hunting, a colleague would prompt me with a few questions and I’d be motivated to share ideas I had not already written and written and written about already.

Can you help? Send me (either via the comments or use my contact form) your questions relating to job hunting, social media — anything in those niches you’d like to know about. I will blog the answers to your questions, or at the very least provide some suggested resources to help you.

Thanks! I look forward to your responses!

Photo by b4b2

b4b2

Thoughts about volunteering and job hunting on a National Day of Service

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Last week, there was news from LinkedIn about their new section allowing users to highlight their volunteer experiences, organizations you support and causes important to them. (You can read their blog announcing this news.)

I’ve written about how job seekers can help turn volunteer efforts into a job. I’ve linked to the Encore.org site, which has a very useful (and free) ebook on the subject. They suggest:

  • Find volunteer work in an organization whose mission you share.
  • Offer your expertise.
  • Show your range.
  • Make yourself indispensable.
  • Identify an organizational need.
  • Incorporate your volunteer work into your resume.

The ebook (available to download HERE) offers practical tips and resources and reminds careerists to focus on the experience and its usefulness rather than expect that it will lead to a job.

Volunteering has many good potential outcomes. Some people volunteer to do work to gain experience (via internships, for example), or offer their services free of charge in order to keep their skills up when they are not engaged in paid opportunities. Others recognize the value of working with and meeting people who share a passion or interest. They may volunteer first because that is what they enjoy doing, but may also reap some secondary benefits — meeting new friends and contacts.

All of this is important to remember, but what is the best way to highlight volunteer experience if you’re job hunting? Even though LinkedIn now provides a whole, separate place to focus on your volunteer work, I usually advise clients to consider showcasing in-depth, significant volunteer work as “experience,” without specifically highlighting it as “volunteer work.”

There is no reason to designate your experience on your resume or job search materials as “for pay” and “unpaid.” Your experience is your experience, and if you have been engaged in working for or with an organization, and have skills to describe and accomplishments to showcase, it’s appropriate to do so within the “Experience” section. If interviewers ask if the work was a volunteer efforts, feel free to share why you chose that organization and highlight your altruism after you explain your accomplishments and the skills you used.

I think it’s great LinkedIn is giving everyone a place to showcase their favorite causes, but don’t include your work-focused volunteer efforts in the new section INSTEAD of in the regular experience section. Feel free to continue to highlight your experience as just that — EXPERIENCE!

How to use your time in a job hunt

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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

How to job hunt in a stubborn job market

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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

Online tips for job seekers – On CNN

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While networking is the most important part of applying for jobs, sometimes applying online is the only option. I spoke with CNN anchor, Alina Cho, to provide tips for job seekers to help them successfully apply for positions, even if they’ve been out of work for a long time. For example, is your resume targeted? Alina Cho commented, it’s not “one and done” for resumes anymore!

Watch the video for additional ideas.