Keppie Careers

Social media speaker, social media consultant, job search coach

Ideas for employed and unemployed job seekers for the holidays

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busybee739001547_82f23331df_mIn an effort to convince you to ramp up your job search efforts during the holidays (look below for links to part 1,  2, 3 and 4),  I’m sharing ideas and insights from some of my colleagues and friends during this holiday week and next. Today, I’m happy to share some thoughts from Wendy Enelow, author, trainer and career consultant with 28 years of experience in the careers and employment industry.

Here are some of her ideas regarding job hunting during the holiday season (especially for you busy bees!):

1. Use your down time wisely to support your job search and your career. If you’re currently working, then you’re probably looking forward to a bit of downtime during the holidays, at least a few days off of work. If you’re actively in a job search mode, this time can be allocated to updating your resume to showcase your most recent achievements … writing new and more impressive cover letters … upgrading your LinkedIn profile with new information and new success stories … there’s a lot you can do to enhance your portfolio of career marketing documents and strengthen your online identity. Use your time wisely to further prepare yourself for your current or anticipated job search.

2. READ!!! Use the holiday season to research industries and professions on the rise. Whether you’re currently employed or not, it is always wise to be knowledgeable about what’s hot and what’s not. Dedicate some of your time to learning about the job market in general. It’s always wonderful to operate from a position of power and knowledge, so be certain to stay abreast of what’s happening and what the trends forecast.

I am so glad that Wendy made a point of recognizing the opportunity that currently employed job seekers have at this time of the year. Recently, I have worked with several clients with very demanding jobs who are hoping to make changes soon. They were so busy, it was difficult to schedule our coaching sessions. My most timely advice to them – take advantage of this time of the year, when you will be traveling less and when things at work may slow a bit.

If YOU are a job seeker who wants (or needs) a new job, NOW is the time to act. Are your materials ready to go? How does your resume look? Take action for change while you have a little extra time, or you may find yourself in the same spot for much longer than you would like.

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

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 frankeyscreation

Seal the Deal With A Postage Stamp – Interview Thank Yous

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Photo by Brian Mitchell

Forbes.com recently wrote
about how important it is
to follow up an interview
with a thank you note.

“Thank-you letters are a marketing tool just like your résumé,” says Wendy Enelow, author of The $100,000+ Job Interview: How to Nail the Interview and Get the Offer. “You’re writing the thank-you to further your candidacy.”

What NOT to Say

Forbes.com cautions, “Never say something like, ‘I don’t know if I made that point clear. Here’s what I meant…’ Instead, state your points without hesitation…Also, instead of saying, ‘I think I’d be perfect for the job,’ write, “I really appreciated meeting you and the time you spent with me. I’m really excited about the position.”

Snail or Email?  Hand Written or Typed?

The article discusses the all important topic: email or snail mail?  If it’s a snail, should it be hand written or typed?

I like to tell my clients that a snail mail note, sent immediately after the interview, is key.  It’s okay to send a well thought out email, but following up with a hand delivered or snail mailed (as in, with an actual stamp) note helps make it more likely that your note (or notes, if there were multiple interviewers) will actually be seen and possibly added to your file.

I’m also a big fan of a typed note.  I think that it is possible in a typed note to ensure that what you write is actually reviewed.  The note is a great opportunity for you to indicate your strong interest in the job and to review issues from the interview.

The article quotes Cynthia Shapiro, a former recruiter and author of What Does Somebody Have to Do to Get a Job Around Here?, as advocating for a hand-written note:  “People get 500 emails a day. Writing an old-fashioned note is so rare today and will stand out.”  So, if you are a big fan of hand-written correspondence, be sure to write the same type of in-depth letter that you might write if you typed it.  Writing a quick, “Thank you for interviewing me” on a note card probably isn’t going to win you many points.

Summary

So, thank the interviewer (with a separate and personalized note to each), re-emphasize where your skills intersect with their needs and how you can solve their problems.  Remind them why you are best for the job and re-express your strong interest.  Proof and double-proof your note for typos or errors and recognize that by sending a note, you are helping yourself stand above the rest of the candidates who are too busy to follow through!

Need help with your job search correspondence?  Keppie Careers will write cover letters and thank you notes.  Contact us:  [email protected]