It's been a while since I last posted. To some extent, there's not that much new. I'm checking some websites, applying to anything I find that might be a fit, meeting with others who are searching for a position to exchange ideas, support and leads and continuing to uncover new network connections. I am pleased to report that my spirits are good - at least for the past week. I think it's in part because I've accepted the fact there are people out there who really try to help you out when you contact them. And there are those who don't. What continues to amaze me is just how rude people can be. For goodness sakes, walk a mile in our shoes. Tell me you have no time. Tell me you have no interest. Just tell me something!
My mantra is - it's not about me, it's a statement about them. I keep repeating it and I truly believe it.
I spoke with a colleague today who has been in a bit of a funk. Very understandable. He's been interviewing with a major company for months. They first had him in for one job, for which they said he was a great fit and then they yo-yoed around for a while and finally decided to give the job to an internal candidate. So the hiring manager says that there's this other job which would be a good fit. HR jumps in with an early swing on money and a target number for negotiation is out there. No problem, except they once again keep my friend on the hook and then simply stop replying to e-mails or phone messages. Just rude! No wonder that roller coaster was in a nose dive.
What happens to many of us who jump through these types of hoops, get all these buy signs and then become invisible? We simply stop looking. At least for a day or two. Actually the best antidote for this kind of disappointment is to rev up your search to connect with some of the good guys out there, because they are out there!
In my friend's case, he thankfully didn't have to wait too long to get the positive reaction so needed to balance the negative ones. He contacted two people who were on his list, but to whom he hadn't spoken in quite a while. Both are fairly senior and well connected in their companies and both have signed on to help out. It really helped my friend get back in the saddle again.
The message - just keep plugging. The only way out of a funk, the only way to keep that roller coaster moving in the right direction, is to keep at it. And when you land and someone reaches out to you, remember what it felt like to be on this side of a phone call or e-mail and join forces with the good guys!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Monday, November 30, 2009
What's On Your Answering Machine?
It's amazing how many tries it takes before I get the recording on my answering machine or voicemail just right. Professional. Personal. Just the right amount of enthusiasm. I'm not looking for a lot of detail like the date or time, as my machine gives me that information anyway. I always hate it when I'm asked to leave the date and time as sometimes I'm not sure about either when put on the spot. In addition to a name I want a phone number. It really annoys me when people leave their name without a number, assuming I already know it. And while I may have it somewhere, unless I have caller ID, I'll probably have to look it up. Had the caller simply responded to my request and left their number it would have saved me time and I wouldn't have to feel as if my request, the number, had been ignored.
The message on your answering machine or voicemail when you're not involved in a job search can be funny, cute, include heavy metal music or your kids' voices. The message when you're involved in job search must be professional and in your voice. Remember that everything you do creates an impression and you don't want a potential employer to be put off by a loud, off color or cutesy message. I actually counseled my son to change the message on his cell phone when he was applying to colleges for the same reason.
The other thing to consider is who answers your phone when you're not around. If it's another adult, coach them how to respond to a potential employer. There are two critical rules for answering a job search related call.
1. The person who answers the phone should not give out any information about you - your whereabouts, how excited you are about the job, whether you're interviewing elsewhere or who you're out with. Their job is to acknowledge that you're not available and take a message.
2. Their key responsibility is to take an accurate message which includes the caller's name, the company they're calling from and a contact number. Coach the person who may answer the phone to ask for the spelling of the caller's name and the company name unless it's something simple like Susan Jones from IBM. Have them repeat the phone number back to the caller to make sure they've got it right.
In order to insure that you get the information you need, put a note pad next to each phone with blanks for name of caller, company name and phone number.
It there are teens in the house, younger children or someone not capable of getting the information correctly, ask them to refrain from answering the phone at all. Make sure you have an answering machine that allows those at home to listen to who's on the phone so they know whether to pick up or let the answering machine handle the call. If they pick up and it is a business call, tell them to ask the caller to call back and leave a message.
If you have two phones in the house, designate one your job search number and make it clear that the only person who will answer that phone is you. Another way to avoid having your 4 year old son or 87 year old mother answering the phone, is to only provide your cell phone number, thereby eliminating the need for almost all of the advice I've included above.
The message on your answering machine or voicemail when you're not involved in a job search can be funny, cute, include heavy metal music or your kids' voices. The message when you're involved in job search must be professional and in your voice. Remember that everything you do creates an impression and you don't want a potential employer to be put off by a loud, off color or cutesy message. I actually counseled my son to change the message on his cell phone when he was applying to colleges for the same reason.
The other thing to consider is who answers your phone when you're not around. If it's another adult, coach them how to respond to a potential employer. There are two critical rules for answering a job search related call.
1. The person who answers the phone should not give out any information about you - your whereabouts, how excited you are about the job, whether you're interviewing elsewhere or who you're out with. Their job is to acknowledge that you're not available and take a message.
2. Their key responsibility is to take an accurate message which includes the caller's name, the company they're calling from and a contact number. Coach the person who may answer the phone to ask for the spelling of the caller's name and the company name unless it's something simple like Susan Jones from IBM. Have them repeat the phone number back to the caller to make sure they've got it right.
In order to insure that you get the information you need, put a note pad next to each phone with blanks for name of caller, company name and phone number.
It there are teens in the house, younger children or someone not capable of getting the information correctly, ask them to refrain from answering the phone at all. Make sure you have an answering machine that allows those at home to listen to who's on the phone so they know whether to pick up or let the answering machine handle the call. If they pick up and it is a business call, tell them to ask the caller to call back and leave a message.
If you have two phones in the house, designate one your job search number and make it clear that the only person who will answer that phone is you. Another way to avoid having your 4 year old son or 87 year old mother answering the phone, is to only provide your cell phone number, thereby eliminating the need for almost all of the advice I've included above.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Tips on Telephone Interviews
Always stand when interviewing via phone. Pace. Wave your hands around. Sitting not only flattens the diaphragm, or at least that's one thing I've been told, you can also get just too relaxed and comfortable which may cut into your tone and volume. When you pace, your energy is up. When you use your hands or smile as you would in a face to face interview, it tends to energize your voice as well.
Check out your facial expression in a mirror. Pass by a mirror while you're interviewing via phone. Watch your facial expression. If it's flat or lifeless, you can bet your voice is reflecting what you're seeing. Watch your pace, volume and tone. It is hard enough to keep up with a fast talker when they're sitting in front of you. Speaking too quickly when interviewing via phone can really damage your chances to make it to the next round. Likewise, if you are soft-spoken, you may come across as weak or unsure. There is a time and place for soft-spoken and the telephone interview is not it.
Know your space fillers. We all have space fillers, things we say when we're reaching for our next answer. Your space filler may be 'you know' or 'like' or 'uhm'. Whatever it is, be aware of how often you use the space filler because it can really detract from the important information you're trying to convey. This is true in person and especially true when you're interviewing via phone.
Do NOT multitask when on the phone! You know how easy it is to talk to someone with your laptop open in front of you. This is not the time to multi-task. Focus on the interview. Your e-mail will wait until you're through.
If it won't make you crazy, have someone coach you while you interview via phone. You can actually talk to them so you are interacting with someone in the room. Know your own tendencies to either speak too quickly or quietly and have your coach signal you to either slow down or speak up.
With the volume of resumes floating around today, it is likely you will have to go through at least one phone screen. Have your stories ready to tell. Get your walking shoes on and be ready to wow them with your energy and enthusiasm.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
The Benefits of Being Grateful
While there are days that it's harder to remember that I have blessings to count, on this Thanksgiving, as well as most other days, I try to spend at least a moment reviewing what I have versus what I don't have or what I want. Examining this a bit closer, I try to focus on what I need versus what I want. Focusing on wants often brings me to things other than the those that really matter - a warm home, food on the table, the ability to pay my bills, the support and love of family and friends.
This may all seem unrelated to job search, yet we know that those who convey a positive attitude will land sooner than those who don't. Those who have a positive attitude on the job tend to keep their jobs longer, even when their skill set is not as strong as a colleague who complains a lot.
Until a decade ago, the focus of psychological research was heavily skewed towards what makes people sad or depressed. During the past ten years, there has been a shift towards examining what makes people happy. The evidence is overwhelming - those who are grateful, which has a direct link into being happy, are healthier, more productive and more likely reach their goals. The results of one major study on the impact of gratitude clearly indicates that taking the time to count our blessings makes a huge difference in how we face the world each day.
So today, I am not only grateful for the smell of the turkey cooking in the oven and the knowledge that I will be surrounded by friends and family later in the day, I am also grateful to all of the people who were strangers to me several months ago and are now part of my network. I am grateful for the time and energy they've put into meeting with me, the guidance and advice they've offered and the people they've connected me to. Today I focus on all that has gone right with my job search and remind myself that I am making progress, make the choice to believe that each 'no' brings me a step closer to my 'yes' and count my blessings. I truly have a lot to be grateful for.
This may all seem unrelated to job search, yet we know that those who convey a positive attitude will land sooner than those who don't. Those who have a positive attitude on the job tend to keep their jobs longer, even when their skill set is not as strong as a colleague who complains a lot.
Until a decade ago, the focus of psychological research was heavily skewed towards what makes people sad or depressed. During the past ten years, there has been a shift towards examining what makes people happy. The evidence is overwhelming - those who are grateful, which has a direct link into being happy, are healthier, more productive and more likely reach their goals. The results of one major study on the impact of gratitude clearly indicates that taking the time to count our blessings makes a huge difference in how we face the world each day.
So today, I am not only grateful for the smell of the turkey cooking in the oven and the knowledge that I will be surrounded by friends and family later in the day, I am also grateful to all of the people who were strangers to me several months ago and are now part of my network. I am grateful for the time and energy they've put into meeting with me, the guidance and advice they've offered and the people they've connected me to. Today I focus on all that has gone right with my job search and remind myself that I am making progress, make the choice to believe that each 'no' brings me a step closer to my 'yes' and count my blessings. I truly have a lot to be grateful for.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Convert that Turndown to a Network Opportunity
I did something today I really wasn't looking forward to. I met with someone who had chosen the other person rather than me. While the turn down was supportive and the feedback was positive, it was still a turn down and it still cut into my self-esteem. I counsel others to view a rejections as a networking opportunity, especially when they come close to the finish line. When you know you're a top contender, you also know there are folks at the hiring company who were impressed with your skills and experience. These same folks might feel bad about not being able to offer you the position and would most likely agree to see you in order to provide feedback and guidance. In an effort to follow my own advice, I scheduled an appointment with the manager who didn't hire me. Going back in was something I knew I should do, but the desire to do this was right up there next to having a tooth pulled!As I've said so many times before in other posts, you just never know what will happen when you walk into one of these network meetings. In this case, it was just terrific. I went in to get advice about what I can do to strengthen my candidacy next time a similar position opens up. I walked out feeling confident that the volunteer work I'm doing will help establish my credentials working with undergraduates, experience I know is missing on my current resume. I also walked out with network connections at three other universities and some ideas about alternative avenues to explore. The interview I'd been on for the position I didn't get was with seven people. Meeting one-on-one to network with the hiring manager gave me the opportunity to better establish myself and build rapport with someone who will likely be in the position to hire someone in the future.
So, all in all, I did what I was supposed to do and, in this case, got more than I expected. You simply never know where these network meetings will take you. Next time you come in second, remember to reframe the turn down as a networking opportunity.
Monday, November 23, 2009
A New Job Search Strategy: Volunteering
I have been working as career counselor for over 20 years, and while volunteer work was sometimes suggested to those involved in a job search, it was more often seen as a diversion, something that would steal time away from the real work of finding a job. Not so today.
Volunteer work can be a real part of a search strategy and serves a multitude of purposes. Working as a volunteer one can...
During one of my network interviews I was told about a woman who wanted to work in college admissions, but had never worked in admissions or on a college campus. She offered to volunteer in the admissions office and ended up working two days a week. She confirmed her belief that she really liked the work and became a known resource in the department. The following year when the college had a part-time opening in admissions, she was the logical choice. This year she's on board full-time.
One critical thing to remember is that your search doesn't stop because you spend some time volunteering. If you hear yourself say you don't have the time to get that resume out or make a network call because you're too busy with your volunteer work, then volunteering is serving as a means of avoiding your job search. While you need to take volunteer work seriously, an interview for a paying job that can only be scheduled when you are supposed to do your volunteer work trumps the volunteer work. You notify the agency, give your apologies and put on your interview suit.
When we're honest with ourselves, most of us have to admit that we don't spend all of our time working on our search. So, there is time to spend volunteering and it's often time spent more productively and with more value (see bullets above) than simply killing time at home.
If you don't know where you want to volunteer, there are numerous placement agencies that can help you identify opportunities. Google 'volunteer opportunities in (your town or county)' and see what comes up. Sites like idealist.org and Volunteer Match are places to research the types of volunteer opportunities out there and to connect with the organizations in need of help.
One of the challenges in this market is maintaining a sense of self worth. Volunteering is one way to contribute to something important and to get the acknowledgment and appreciation that's hard to find sitting by yourself in front of a computer screen.
Volunteer work can be a real part of a search strategy and serves a multitude of purposes. Working as a volunteer one can...
- make new contacts
- feel good about themselves and connected to others
- be reminded of the skills and energy they bring to the work place
- explore new opportunities, possibly even a total job shift
- discover all that it takes to run a non-profit organization, including accounting, marketing, etc.
- uncover consulting opportunities
- walk in the shoes you hope to step into to see if they're a good fit - this is really helpful to those thinking of a true career transition
During one of my network interviews I was told about a woman who wanted to work in college admissions, but had never worked in admissions or on a college campus. She offered to volunteer in the admissions office and ended up working two days a week. She confirmed her belief that she really liked the work and became a known resource in the department. The following year when the college had a part-time opening in admissions, she was the logical choice. This year she's on board full-time.
One critical thing to remember is that your search doesn't stop because you spend some time volunteering. If you hear yourself say you don't have the time to get that resume out or make a network call because you're too busy with your volunteer work, then volunteering is serving as a means of avoiding your job search. While you need to take volunteer work seriously, an interview for a paying job that can only be scheduled when you are supposed to do your volunteer work trumps the volunteer work. You notify the agency, give your apologies and put on your interview suit.
When we're honest with ourselves, most of us have to admit that we don't spend all of our time working on our search. So, there is time to spend volunteering and it's often time spent more productively and with more value (see bullets above) than simply killing time at home.
If you don't know where you want to volunteer, there are numerous placement agencies that can help you identify opportunities. Google 'volunteer opportunities in (your town or county)' and see what comes up. Sites like idealist.org and Volunteer Match are places to research the types of volunteer opportunities out there and to connect with the organizations in need of help.
One of the challenges in this market is maintaining a sense of self worth. Volunteering is one way to contribute to something important and to get the acknowledgment and appreciation that's hard to find sitting by yourself in front of a computer screen.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Keeping the Faith
I admit it. This networking thing can be tough and demoralizing. I keep facing two big challenges.
Back to the facts. This is a tough market. People are getting inundated with resumes and requests to network. I choose to believe that most of those on the other end want to reply and be helpful and just can't find their way around the volume.
When networking works, it works. When it doesn't, the most important thing for me to remember is that it's not about me or what I bring to the party because more often than not the person I'm trying to network into doesn't know me. It's about the market. It's about the volume. It's about the person at the other end.
So, I keep at it knowing that I've gotten every job I've ever had through my network, and keep the faith that it will happen this time as well.
- How to keep yourself from taking it personally when you do everything right and don't get any response. You use the right connection. You make it clear that you're looking for guidance and advice. You make yourself totally available to work within their time schedule. And still, you don't get so much as a 'sorry I'm busy'. You simply get no response! It is tough when you make the warm call or outreach using a mutual contact as the connection and get no response. It's hard not to personalize it or somehow feel rejected.
- How many ways can you approach someone to try to get that meeting without feeling like a nag. You get no response the first time, and after waiting a few days or a week, you try to come up with a clever way to connect with your network contact and score that meeting. No response this time can really cut into your self-esteem.
Back to the facts. This is a tough market. People are getting inundated with resumes and requests to network. I choose to believe that most of those on the other end want to reply and be helpful and just can't find their way around the volume.
When networking works, it works. When it doesn't, the most important thing for me to remember is that it's not about me or what I bring to the party because more often than not the person I'm trying to network into doesn't know me. It's about the market. It's about the volume. It's about the person at the other end.
So, I keep at it knowing that I've gotten every job I've ever had through my network, and keep the faith that it will happen this time as well.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Why This an Ideal Time to Find Your Next Job
There are three realities that make this a great time to network and land your next job.
This is not the time to take a breather. It is the time to keep the energy up and keep plugging.
- Budgets for next year are often set in the next few weeks which means managers know they have the money to fund their open positions and start to search for the right person to fill the spot.
- People get into the holiday spirit and are often more open to network meetings.
- Many job seekers assume that nothing will happen during the holidays and decide to drop out of the market until January, so there's less competition.
Take That Holiday Job
There are some obvious benefits to taking a seasonal job.
- Bring in some money - it may not be what you were earning, but money is money.
- Get out of the house - for many of us, a reason to get out of the house, the need to be somewhere, can really lift our spirits.
- Meet new people - it gives you the chance to expand your network. The person working next to you may have contacts at a company you've been trying to get into. Remember, you never know who someone knows until you ask.
- Uncover opportunities - this may actually turn out to be in the company or store you're working in. While the majority of seasonal opportunities are in sales, there are back office ans support functions in most major stores either locally or at their headquarters. You could end up uncovering an opportunity in marketing, accounting or graphics and you'd be coming to it from the inside.
- Discover a new passion - you might just find out that you love sales. This could be an eye-opening experience.
These jobs are filling up fast and the time to act is now. Reframe what a short-term job can bring you, take advantage of the opportunity and go for that seasonal job.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Committing to Action - An Admission
I have to come clean. I am not doing everything I can to find my next job. There are a whole lot of shoulds that I can't cross off my list because I haven't done them.
And I have to ask myself why I'm not running at full throttle. Regardless of the advice I give, I know that part of it has to do with self-doubt. Most of the things I'm targeting are truly under the heading of career transition and I can easily slip into a 'why would they hire me' state of mind. That's a dangerous place to be when you're trying to make a change. This is where talking to yourself comes in. This is where talking to your fans becomes important.
Admitting what you're not doing and why is the first step in making a change. And, for me, it is time for a change. So now I have to follow my own advice and kick this search into full gear starting right now. I know the best way to do this is to set some realistic goals. I don't plan on moving through my entire 'shoulds' list in a day. I will set a few goals each day - all of which are doable - and in so doing, move into action.
Is this easy? Yes and no. Yes, because I know I can make a call, search on-line, book a lunch meeting. No, because I have to make myself do it. Will I feel better when I'm back into full search mode? Absolutely!
I have a cousin who has many challenges to deal with in life, including being legally blind. Yet she gets up every day and greets the day with a smile. She views each day as a new start with new opportunities. And, her attitude and zest for life, her ability to put a positive spin on things, enables her to be fully independent and enjoy each day.
My new mantra: Every day is a new day bringing new opportunities for me to uncover and new people for me to connect with.
- I should be joining some local networking groups.
- I should be joining more professional associations and attending meetings.
- I should be sending my resume out to all listings that have any semblance of connection to my experience and what I'm looking for and then work hard to find some network contacts at those companies.
- I should be networking more.
- I should be better at looping back to people I've met with both to let them know I'm still looking around and to keep in front of them.
And I have to ask myself why I'm not running at full throttle. Regardless of the advice I give, I know that part of it has to do with self-doubt. Most of the things I'm targeting are truly under the heading of career transition and I can easily slip into a 'why would they hire me' state of mind. That's a dangerous place to be when you're trying to make a change. This is where talking to yourself comes in. This is where talking to your fans becomes important.
Admitting what you're not doing and why is the first step in making a change. And, for me, it is time for a change. So now I have to follow my own advice and kick this search into full gear starting right now. I know the best way to do this is to set some realistic goals. I don't plan on moving through my entire 'shoulds' list in a day. I will set a few goals each day - all of which are doable - and in so doing, move into action.
Is this easy? Yes and no. Yes, because I know I can make a call, search on-line, book a lunch meeting. No, because I have to make myself do it. Will I feel better when I'm back into full search mode? Absolutely!
I have a cousin who has many challenges to deal with in life, including being legally blind. Yet she gets up every day and greets the day with a smile. She views each day as a new start with new opportunities. And, her attitude and zest for life, her ability to put a positive spin on things, enables her to be fully independent and enjoy each day.
My new mantra: Every day is a new day bringing new opportunities for me to uncover and new people for me to connect with.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
What Happened to Old Fashioned Courtesy
There is no doubt that old fashioned courtesy has gone out the window in this job market. One could argue that this has been happening for a while and not just when it comes to job seekers. The common courtesy of please and thank you, allowing someone to get in front of you to make a turn or exit off of a train...it's not that we don't see it at times, it's just that courtesy used to be a given and now it's an exception.
I've found that people don't seem to be very courteous in this crazy market.
A friend in human resources insists that it's not about courtesy, just about volume. I do buy that to an extent. I know there are a lot more resumes per opening than there were a few years ago, so communicating with applicants has become a much bigger task. I also know that some acknowledgment, even when it's a turn down e-mail, is better than not hearing anything. It's just too easy to feel like you're operating in a black hole when you hear nothing. And that's a lonely place to be!
I've received several computer generated acknowledgments from companies, and while I'd prefer the human touch, any and all communication is welcomed. When I get something back from a company I at least know my paperwork or e-mail was received and that I'm somewhere in the system.
I've also received a Dear Applicant turn down e-mail. Here, too, I was actually grateful for the contact. The e-mail itself was well written, emphasizing the large pool of qualified candidates and the need to focus on those who had the most relevant experience. I came from an HR role in which I had responsibility for recruiting and can appreciate the need to concentrate on those who most closely match my job criteria. I actually wrote back to the company to thank them for the turn down e-mail. At least I knew where I stood.
The message here - don't personalize it when you don't hear back from a company you've applied to. This lack of courtesy is probably tied into volume. It's not that it's OK. I just can't afford to doubt my ability because people don't respond or can't see beyond the stack of resumes on their desk to see what a catch I am. I have to remember that it's more about the folks at the other end and the market than about my worth as a candidate or as a human being.
I've found that people don't seem to be very courteous in this crazy market.
A friend in human resources insists that it's not about courtesy, just about volume. I do buy that to an extent. I know there are a lot more resumes per opening than there were a few years ago, so communicating with applicants has become a much bigger task. I also know that some acknowledgment, even when it's a turn down e-mail, is better than not hearing anything. It's just too easy to feel like you're operating in a black hole when you hear nothing. And that's a lonely place to be!I've received several computer generated acknowledgments from companies, and while I'd prefer the human touch, any and all communication is welcomed. When I get something back from a company I at least know my paperwork or e-mail was received and that I'm somewhere in the system.
I've also received a Dear Applicant turn down e-mail. Here, too, I was actually grateful for the contact. The e-mail itself was well written, emphasizing the large pool of qualified candidates and the need to focus on those who had the most relevant experience. I came from an HR role in which I had responsibility for recruiting and can appreciate the need to concentrate on those who most closely match my job criteria. I actually wrote back to the company to thank them for the turn down e-mail. At least I knew where I stood.
The message here - don't personalize it when you don't hear back from a company you've applied to. This lack of courtesy is probably tied into volume. It's not that it's OK. I just can't afford to doubt my ability because people don't respond or can't see beyond the stack of resumes on their desk to see what a catch I am. I have to remember that it's more about the folks at the other end and the market than about my worth as a candidate or as a human being.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
How to Deal with the Salary Question
That being said, you may have an interviewer who comes back to the salary question and won't let go until you give in and answer. There are several approaches to this depending on your level, package and what you're looking for.
See if you can possibly turn this around so the interviewer provides you with some information, like the salary range or rank for the job for which you're interviewing. It's then easy to confirm that the range works for you without divulging your exact salary. If the range isn't a match, comment on the fact that salary is but one part of a compensation package and it's the total offer that will make the difference in the end and jump to a TURN IT AROUND question.
You can talk in terms of total compensation versus base salary.
While many suggest giving a range, whether your range is $50,000 to $55,000 or ten times that amount, give a range and the prospective employer is probably going to head for the lower end of that range. One of the safer approaches is to speak in terms of low, mid or high. I'm targeting a package in the mid 50s. In addition to your bonus package, I am looking for a salary in the low 90s.
Before any of these conversations take place, in fact before you go on any interview, make a list of what you'd like to have versus what you need to have. For some, it might be worth taking a slightly lower salary for a position closer to home. For others, the salary and bonus are the driving factor. Ask yourself the question - How much do I need to earn to maintain my quality of life? What do I need to have? What do I want to have?
Research salaries before you interview. You can go to sites like salary.com to get some information. Talk to people in the field. If you have a relationship with a recruiter or someone in HR, ask them about the salaries they're seeing for a particular position or in a specific field. Remember there are other things to factor in to your negotiation besides salary. Vacation (often not real negotiable but I've seen some real creative ways to get more time off), company car, flex time, tele-commuting and bonus are just a few of the things you can play around with when crafting a compensation package.
Another thing to remember is that you can't get what you don't ask for. Be reasonable and put your requests out there. You never know what an employer will agree to once they've decided you're the ideal candidate for their opening.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Your Window of Opportunity
Your best window of opportunity to negotiate a compensation package is after they say "We want YOU!" and before you say yes.
Once the hiring manager is through interviewing and has decided you are the one for the job, he or she really doesn't want to go back to the drawing table. This is the time to negotiate your package. Once you've signed on the dotted line, your bargaining power is greatly diminished if not gone!
And remember, you can't get what you don't ask for!
Don't Deal Until It's Real
Never accept or reject a job before it's offered.
A tale of wasted energy and angst...
Several years ago I had an interview at a great company about an hour away from home. The commute would have been all highway driving, so not terrific. The job was neat but would require a lot of travel and time away from home, also not terrific. I went in to wow them nonetheless. It became clear during the interview that, due to the travel requirements, the job was not for me. I obviously did wow them, because the senior manager gave me a name of someone to network into at a major company 10 minutes from my house.
I made an appointment and went in on a Friday for what was supposed to be a one hour meeting. I wasn't aware of openings, so this was truly a network meeting, information gathering and an opportunity to add someone to my network. The one hour grew into two one hour meetings and a return to meet with others later in the afternoon. At the end of the day, the senior manager told me there was a job as Head of Organization Development which he thought I'd be great in. I didn't have a lot of experience in this area, but he was confident I could do the job. His request was for me to think about it over the weekend and get back to him on Monday if I wanted to pursue this opportunity.
I was certainly complimented and also a bit petrified. While I'd worked with others on several OD projects, I didn't have a wealth of experience in this field. So, I made myself crazy all weekend. Should I go for it? What if they asked me to do something and I didn't know how? They'd be viewing me as an expert in something I didn't feel expert in. How could I possibly be successful in this position? After a while I felt like a ping pong ball. I went back and forth over whether or not to pursue this job. Then the light bulb lit up!
No one had offered me a job. All they'd offered me was the opportunity to interview for a specific position. They didn't make any promises. After stressing myself out all weekend, I decided to tell the manager that I was interested in continuing the conversation. After all, what did I have to lose? I called on Monday to let him know I'd be happy to interview for the job only to find out that a job freeze had been announced that morning. What did I get from all of this? A weekend of wasted energy and angst.
I spoke to a colleague today who told me she'd been called by an HR manager to get salary information. She's had several interviews in the company so this call seems like a good sign. And maybe it is and maybe it isn't. It certainly is a sign of increasing interest. It clearly means they are seriously considering her as a candidate for the position. So we kicked around the pros and cons of the position and what she's looking for in a compensation package. As we talked more I realized she was beginning to sound like that ping pong ball - what if they don't offer a high enough salary, what about vacation time, bonus - a lot of what if this and what if that mixed in with what a neat opportunity this would be. So, I shared these words of wisdom...
Never accept or reject a job before it's offered. Make this one of your job search mantras. Do research and be prepared but don't react or angst over something that may or may not happen.
The Journey Continues
There is no doubt that this is not a great job market. I have a tendency to slip into kicking myself for not making a move a few years ago when there were jobs for the taking. Speaking of a waste of energy! So when I go there, I have to remind myself that I've been engaged in productive work during the past few years and jump into the here and now. I talk about having a fan. The primary fan you have to have is yourself.
Back to the job market. While there are fewer jobs and more candidates for each, there are still openings every day. You just have to work harder to find them and be willing to think more broadly. The wider I cast my net, the more opportunities I find. It isn't enough to go to the regular sites to find openings. I have a set list of sites I visit each day or week like Indeed.com, nj.com/jobs and higheredjobs.com. I also scour individual web sites for schools, companies, colleges or universities I have on my list. I am pleased that there are still new openings, as most of my targets staff up before the school year or semester begins. Those of us engaged in job search have to remember that 'stuff happens' resulting in openings on a regular basis. These unexpected openings need to be filled and my goal is to be well positioned so that when a potential employer is looking for someone, I'm there.
Finding the listings is one piece. Even more important, and often more difficult, is finding a network connection when there is an opening. Here, too, it seems the more I put my request out there, the greater the likelihood I'm going to find the someone who knows the someone who may get me on the inside track.
I know. I know. It keeps coming back to networking. I do have colleagues who are being found after they file their resumes at on line sites, but admittedly, this is rare. Networking is generally the key to those who are landing jobs.
So I'll continue to be the cheerleader for the networking crowd. And I'll continue to remind myself to get out and do it.
Back to the job market. While there are fewer jobs and more candidates for each, there are still openings every day. You just have to work harder to find them and be willing to think more broadly. The wider I cast my net, the more opportunities I find. It isn't enough to go to the regular sites to find openings. I have a set list of sites I visit each day or week like Indeed.com, nj.com/jobs and higheredjobs.com. I also scour individual web sites for schools, companies, colleges or universities I have on my list. I am pleased that there are still new openings, as most of my targets staff up before the school year or semester begins. Those of us engaged in job search have to remember that 'stuff happens' resulting in openings on a regular basis. These unexpected openings need to be filled and my goal is to be well positioned so that when a potential employer is looking for someone, I'm there.
Finding the listings is one piece. Even more important, and often more difficult, is finding a network connection when there is an opening. Here, too, it seems the more I put my request out there, the greater the likelihood I'm going to find the someone who knows the someone who may get me on the inside track.
I know. I know. It keeps coming back to networking. I do have colleagues who are being found after they file their resumes at on line sites, but admittedly, this is rare. Networking is generally the key to those who are landing jobs.
So I'll continue to be the cheerleader for the networking crowd. And I'll continue to remind myself to get out and do it.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Networking Groups
A few weeks ago a client expressed frustration with her job search. She'd been trying to network but felt as if she was getting nowhere fast. She was going away for a few days, taking a break from her search, and coming back to renew her networking efforts. When I spoke to her a week later I couldn't believe the difference in her attitude and spirits. She seemed on top of the world. She'd gone to two local networking groups. One group was very well attended, the other was not, yet in both cases she made new contacts and uncovered information that helped forward her job search.
Local networking groups are popping up all over the place. To find one in your area, Google networking groups in your city, town or county. I was amazed at the list that appeared when I tried it. Try it yourself. Put yourself out there and attend a few network groups. If one isn't right for you, keep trying until you find a group to work with. You can get information, leads and support in these groups. You'll also be able to share your insight and contacts with others. In fact, my client ended up giving me some network contacts from the group she attended!
Another important aspect of a networking group is that everyone there 'gets it'. Sometimes when networking, it feels like people just don't get it. They'll tell me that the best way to find a job in this market is through network connections, and then they tell me they don't know anyone to refer me to. People who attend network groups understand the process. They know what it feels like to be out there and they also know how great it feels when someone passes along some helpful information. So, go hang out with others who understand your situation and are willing to offer advice and support. Staying active is critical to riding the job search roller coaster and network groups are one way to keep your search moving forward.
Local networking groups are popping up all over the place. To find one in your area, Google networking groups in your city, town or county. I was amazed at the list that appeared when I tried it. Try it yourself. Put yourself out there and attend a few network groups. If one isn't right for you, keep trying until you find a group to work with. You can get information, leads and support in these groups. You'll also be able to share your insight and contacts with others. In fact, my client ended up giving me some network contacts from the group she attended!
Another important aspect of a networking group is that everyone there 'gets it'. Sometimes when networking, it feels like people just don't get it. They'll tell me that the best way to find a job in this market is through network connections, and then they tell me they don't know anyone to refer me to. People who attend network groups understand the process. They know what it feels like to be out there and they also know how great it feels when someone passes along some helpful information. So, go hang out with others who understand your situation and are willing to offer advice and support. Staying active is critical to riding the job search roller coaster and network groups are one way to keep your search moving forward.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Tried and True Resume Tips
My regional newspaper has focused on one job searcher each weekday, matching them up with a local career counselor to get some advice. It amazes me how similar the advice is and how much it centers on the resume. Before I share the common wisdom I culled from this daily column, I think it's important to first clarify the purpose of the resume.
A resume can't get you the job, although it can kill it for you if it has typos, grammatical errors or is simply too long.
The resume does not take the place of the interview.
The purpose of the resume is to whet an appetite. It serves as the script for the interview. It helps you convince yourself that you have skills and experience to showcase. To some extent, this last piece is critical as the act of putting together a resume requires the job seeker to do some self analysis and self acknowledgment necessary to conducting a successful campaign.
Whet an appetite means just that - to create interest, to entice the reader to meet with you to learn more. The resume is not a 'tell all' document. When someone shows me a resume in 9-point type running three pages, I can almost guarantee them they are shooting themselves in the foot. No one has the time to read a book. While there is a range of opinion about the exact length of time you have to grab the reader's attention ranging from 5 - 30 seconds, you need to make the resume easy to read and you want your key skills and accomplishments to pop!
In today's world, a friendly computer is often screening resumes to match key skills against a job. Make sure the skills reflected in a job description are prominent on your resume.
Your resume is the script for the interview as it's the prompt for what most interviewers will ask. Don't highlight something you hate to do. You can't interview with enthusiasm when you are talking about the least favorite part of your last job. Bullet point your accomplishments and put them in the order in which you want to talk about them. Make sure the accomplishment, project or responsibility that really makes you shine is your first bullet point. If you bury your best stuff midway down a list of 10 bullets, you may never get a chance to showcase it.
When I ask someone what his or her strengths are, I generally get a puzzled look. When I ask someone what their weaknesses are, I get a laundry list. Assessing your skills and highlighting them on your resume is a critical exercise because it helps you position you for yourself. The first person who needs to sign on as your fan is you. Take the time to examine your successes so you can comfortably talk about strengths. Make sure you have at least one bullet that demonstrates each strength or attribute in your profile.
An objective or no objective? Most objectives read something like this - 'Seeking a managerial position in a growing company that will enable me to use my skills and experience.' And who wouldn't? If you're going to include an objective, you must be clear about what you want to do and what you bring to the lucky organization that hires you. I generally recommend rolling the objective into a Professional Summary or Profile. The profile is your opportunity to paint a picture of who you are, your skills and attributes. Use language like proven, demonstrated, and known for to highlight these skills and attributes. For example, 'Demonstrated analytical, communication and relationship building skills' OR 'Proven ability to attract and retain customers'. Be ready to back these statements up with accomplishment bullets in the body of the resume.
Each accomplishment bullet should begin with an action verb, not 'I am responsible for', rather Manage, Analyze, Design, Develop, etc. In fact, if you find yourself using the word 'I', you are probably speaking your resume versus putting it in resumespeak which, albeit is not proper English, but allows you to convey what you do without a list of I's and better highlight your skills. When spell check tells you you're using sentence fragments, you know you're on the right track. You can Google action verbs for resumes and you'll get a number of sites. One I find particularly useful is www.quintcareers.com. You'll find not only action verbs, but also resume samples and sample cover letters on that site.
Another way to use an action verb or attribute list is to go through it and check every term/verb that resonates with you or represents something you're good at. Go back and circle the top five. These verbs should be prominent on your resume. If they are not, you're describing someone other than you.
Don't list interests and hobbies on your resume. Something that interests you may turn off a future employer. And, in that they're not job related, it's not really something to emphasize on your resume.
Do list volunteer activities and leadership roles outside of work. In today's world, volunteering is viewed as a positive thing. Be careful not to go overboard. Select the few volunteer activities that support those communication skills or your ability to build a strong team. Listing too many volunteer activities can leave an employer wondering when you'll have time to come to work.
We all know you'll supply references if asked, so there is no need to waste a line on 'References furnished upon request'.
Last of all and most important, proof, proof and proof again. Use some of the tips I outlined in my last post.
Ask for feedback on your resume from some trusted colleagues, friends or former managers. At some point stop asking for feedback. You need the opinion of others, but not to the point where it's making you crazy and you put off starting a search because you are continually revising your resume. Once you're comfortable with what you read like on paper, post on several job sites, go to a job fair, network into someone. With your resume in hand, you are ready to hit that job market!
A resume can't get you the job, although it can kill it for you if it has typos, grammatical errors or is simply too long.
The resume does not take the place of the interview.
The purpose of the resume is to whet an appetite. It serves as the script for the interview. It helps you convince yourself that you have skills and experience to showcase. To some extent, this last piece is critical as the act of putting together a resume requires the job seeker to do some self analysis and self acknowledgment necessary to conducting a successful campaign.
Whet an appetite means just that - to create interest, to entice the reader to meet with you to learn more. The resume is not a 'tell all' document. When someone shows me a resume in 9-point type running three pages, I can almost guarantee them they are shooting themselves in the foot. No one has the time to read a book. While there is a range of opinion about the exact length of time you have to grab the reader's attention ranging from 5 - 30 seconds, you need to make the resume easy to read and you want your key skills and accomplishments to pop!
In today's world, a friendly computer is often screening resumes to match key skills against a job. Make sure the skills reflected in a job description are prominent on your resume.
Your resume is the script for the interview as it's the prompt for what most interviewers will ask. Don't highlight something you hate to do. You can't interview with enthusiasm when you are talking about the least favorite part of your last job. Bullet point your accomplishments and put them in the order in which you want to talk about them. Make sure the accomplishment, project or responsibility that really makes you shine is your first bullet point. If you bury your best stuff midway down a list of 10 bullets, you may never get a chance to showcase it.
When I ask someone what his or her strengths are, I generally get a puzzled look. When I ask someone what their weaknesses are, I get a laundry list. Assessing your skills and highlighting them on your resume is a critical exercise because it helps you position you for yourself. The first person who needs to sign on as your fan is you. Take the time to examine your successes so you can comfortably talk about strengths. Make sure you have at least one bullet that demonstrates each strength or attribute in your profile.
An objective or no objective? Most objectives read something like this - 'Seeking a managerial position in a growing company that will enable me to use my skills and experience.' And who wouldn't? If you're going to include an objective, you must be clear about what you want to do and what you bring to the lucky organization that hires you. I generally recommend rolling the objective into a Professional Summary or Profile. The profile is your opportunity to paint a picture of who you are, your skills and attributes. Use language like proven, demonstrated, and known for to highlight these skills and attributes. For example, 'Demonstrated analytical, communication and relationship building skills' OR 'Proven ability to attract and retain customers'. Be ready to back these statements up with accomplishment bullets in the body of the resume.
We all know you'll supply references if asked, so there is no need to waste a line on 'References furnished upon request'.
Last of all and most important, proof, proof and proof again. Use some of the tips I outlined in my last post.
Ask for feedback on your resume from some trusted colleagues, friends or former managers. At some point stop asking for feedback. You need the opinion of others, but not to the point where it's making you crazy and you put off starting a search because you are continually revising your resume. Once you're comfortable with what you read like on paper, post on several job sites, go to a job fair, network into someone. With your resume in hand, you are ready to hit that job market!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
The Importance of a Human Spell Checker
I got my position in Human Resources at Citibank through a network contact. It was admittedly in the days when you didn't send a resume electronically, you either mailed it in an envelop with a stamp or brought it with you. In my case, I thankfully brought it with me so my future boss got to talk to me before reading my resume. It wasn't until I started to work for her that she mentioned I'd had a typo on my resume and acknowledged that had she received the resume before she met me, I probably wouldn't have gotten my foot in the door. The typo was in the very last word of the resume! While I'd scanned the resume for typos, sometimes you just don't see them when you've read the same document over and over for what feels like a million times.
Today we have spell check, which is supposed to pick up errors in both spelling and grammar. Truthfully, it works pretty well. AND, it is no replacement for a set or two of human eyes going over your resume and cover letters one word at a time. In fact, employing the old proof reading trick of reading a document through forwards and then backwards can often uncover errors an electronic check will miss. Read from the beginning to the end both to pickup errors and for content. Read from the end to the beginning to focus solely on spelling. You also need to remember that while a spell check tool is great for picking up spelling errors, if you’d meant to type of and instead typed or, it’s a typo. One I commonly make is typing you instead of your. Small mistakes, but typos nonetheless.
Remember, more than ever before, resume readers are swamped with paper to scan either electronically or in hard copy and they are looking for any reason to eliminate someone. Give them an easy out like a typo or small error in grammar and your paperwork ends up in the circular file!
So ask a friend or that fan I keep mentioning to take the time to proof your resume. Don’t risk losing opportunities due to the is that should have been an in or the you that should have been a your.
Today we have spell check, which is supposed to pick up errors in both spelling and grammar. Truthfully, it works pretty well. AND, it is no replacement for a set or two of human eyes going over your resume and cover letters one word at a time. In fact, employing the old proof reading trick of reading a document through forwards and then backwards can often uncover errors an electronic check will miss. Read from the beginning to the end both to pickup errors and for content. Read from the end to the beginning to focus solely on spelling. You also need to remember that while a spell check tool is great for picking up spelling errors, if you’d meant to type of and instead typed or, it’s a typo. One I commonly make is typing you instead of your. Small mistakes, but typos nonetheless.
Remember, more than ever before, resume readers are swamped with paper to scan either electronically or in hard copy and they are looking for any reason to eliminate someone. Give them an easy out like a typo or small error in grammar and your paperwork ends up in the circular file!
So ask a friend or that fan I keep mentioning to take the time to proof your resume. Don’t risk losing opportunities due to the is that should have been an in or the you that should have been a your.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Who's In Control Anyway?
Control is a big issue in job search. For those of us who have chartered our course through most of our careers or those coming out of school with the belief that their training would land them a job, finding ourselves without a job can make us feel very out of control. So a true story...
Several years ago I led some 'Managing Change' workshops for a company that was going through their third or fourth merger. I was working with those whose positions were to be eliminated. Needless to say, there were a lot of unhappy people. One couple in particular comes to mind. They had both worked for the company for over 25 years. They'd met there, gotten married and expected to remain with the company until they were ready to retire. They had actually already mapped out some of the trips they were planning to take once they retired. Then the merger hit and the axe fell. This couple, along with most of their colleagues, walked into the workshop very caught up in the 'they' - what 'they' did to me. This is understandable when someone first confronts a lay off or a sinking economy, but holding onto the 'they' can also serve as a major roadblock in one's search. So we worked through some exercises and then came to one that really turned things around.
I drew a line down the middle of a flip chart and wrote 'What's Out of My Control' at the top of one column and "What's in My Control' at the top of the other. And we started to fill in the lists. Here's what they looked like
*the economy
*the job market
What's In My Control?
*my reaction to job loss
*my resume
*the decision to jump into my search
or take some time off
*whether to do what I've always
done or try something new
*whether to relocate
*how I use my network
*how I spend my time
*my attitude
The number of items in the 'what's in my control' list increased the longer the group explored the question. The items that resonated most with the group were reaction to job loss and attitude. I was amazed at what a difference it made to all of the participants when they realized how much control and power they still had. The couple who had walked in so dejected, walked out smiling as they realized that most of the choices about the road ahead were still in their hands.
There is no doubt that there are some big ticket items that are not in our control right now...not the least of which are the current job market and the economy. AND, there is no doubt that our attitude and how we approach tough times make a big difference in the success of a job search. So keep plugging. The theory that every NO brings you one step closer to your YES is more true now than ever. Put yourself out there. Deal with the NOs and keep looking until you hear those magic words - we'd love to have you join our staff. Keep the faith. Keep a positive attitude and it will happen.
Several years ago I led some 'Managing Change' workshops for a company that was going through their third or fourth merger. I was working with those whose positions were to be eliminated. Needless to say, there were a lot of unhappy people. One couple in particular comes to mind. They had both worked for the company for over 25 years. They'd met there, gotten married and expected to remain with the company until they were ready to retire. They had actually already mapped out some of the trips they were planning to take once they retired. Then the merger hit and the axe fell. This couple, along with most of their colleagues, walked into the workshop very caught up in the 'they' - what 'they' did to me. This is understandable when someone first confronts a lay off or a sinking economy, but holding onto the 'they' can also serve as a major roadblock in one's search. So we worked through some exercises and then came to one that really turned things around.
I drew a line down the middle of a flip chart and wrote 'What's Out of My Control' at the top of one column and "What's in My Control' at the top of the other. And we started to fill in the lists. Here's what they looked like
What’s Out of My Control?
*the decision to eliminate my job *the economy
*the job market
*my reaction to job loss
*my resume
*the decision to jump into my search
or take some time off
*whether to do what I've always
done or try something new
*whether to relocate
*how I use my network
*how I spend my time
*my attitude
The number of items in the 'what's in my control' list increased the longer the group explored the question. The items that resonated most with the group were reaction to job loss and attitude. I was amazed at what a difference it made to all of the participants when they realized how much control and power they still had. The couple who had walked in so dejected, walked out smiling as they realized that most of the choices about the road ahead were still in their hands.
There is no doubt that there are some big ticket items that are not in our control right now...not the least of which are the current job market and the economy. AND, there is no doubt that our attitude and how we approach tough times make a big difference in the success of a job search. So keep plugging. The theory that every NO brings you one step closer to your YES is more true now than ever. Put yourself out there. Deal with the NOs and keep looking until you hear those magic words - we'd love to have you join our staff. Keep the faith. Keep a positive attitude and it will happen.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
You Never Know Who Knows Whom Until You Ask
I’ve had two experiences in the last few weeks that give credence to the title of this post.
In early September I was walking with a friend who consults in the accounting world. I casually mentioned that I’d applied for a position as a student advisor at a local college. To my surprise she said, “I have a good friend at that college.” She passed my resume along to her friend with a strong personal recommendation. Her friend contacted the hiring manager and forwarded my resume directly to her. While I’d applied on line, it’s the personal recommendation that took my name from one of many on a screen to a short list of potential candidates.
Today I had lunch with another friend who lives in Connecticut and recently retired from her position as Director of Guidance for a school district. I casually mentioned that I’d applied for a position in Career Services at a college in New York City. To my great surprise, she said she knew someone who is teaching at that college. She will be making the connection for me tomorrow and hopefully I will be talking to her contact by the end of the week.
I’d rather be saying that I uncovered these contacts through intent versus accident, but the truth is it was pure luck. I did reach out to two colleagues who work in higher education, but neither knew of anyone at either of the institutions I’d applied to. I did not expand the inquiry to my broader network group.
One of the basics of networking is don’t edit before you ask – meaning don’t assume that someone wouldn’t have a contact in a company or field you’re interested in. Put the question or request out there and see what comes back. These stories are a reminder that you never know who your friends, family members, on-line network and colleagues know until you ask.
In early September I was walking with a friend who consults in the accounting world. I casually mentioned that I’d applied for a position as a student advisor at a local college. To my surprise she said, “I have a good friend at that college.” She passed my resume along to her friend with a strong personal recommendation. Her friend contacted the hiring manager and forwarded my resume directly to her. While I’d applied on line, it’s the personal recommendation that took my name from one of many on a screen to a short list of potential candidates.
Today I had lunch with another friend who lives in Connecticut and recently retired from her position as Director of Guidance for a school district. I casually mentioned that I’d applied for a position in Career Services at a college in New York City. To my great surprise, she said she knew someone who is teaching at that college. She will be making the connection for me tomorrow and hopefully I will be talking to her contact by the end of the week.
I’d rather be saying that I uncovered these contacts through intent versus accident, but the truth is it was pure luck. I did reach out to two colleagues who work in higher education, but neither knew of anyone at either of the institutions I’d applied to. I did not expand the inquiry to my broader network group.
One of the basics of networking is don’t edit before you ask – meaning don’t assume that someone wouldn’t have a contact in a company or field you’re interested in. Put the question or request out there and see what comes back. These stories are a reminder that you never know who your friends, family members, on-line network and colleagues know until you ask.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
The Power and Pleasure of Networking
Today was one of those days we all wish for when engaged in career transition. I had an informational interview or 'pure' network meeting that really lifted my spirits. Let me explain.
When I talk with people about networking, aside from the usual…
'I don't know anyone to network with',
what I generally hear is…
'It's uncomfortable'.
'It's fake.'
'I know they don’t have a job for me.'
'Everyone knows you're just looking for a job'.
Yes, those you network with know that you're in the market. They don't have a problem with that. It's the way you feel about what you're doing and the way you approach people that can really make the difference between a positive, productive network meeting and one that never gets off the ground. Again, let me explain.
People become uncomfortable when they feel you expect them to have a job for you. Most often people want to help, but if your only approach is 'do you have a job for me?' they have nowhere to go if the answer is no. You must enable the network process by expanding what you're looking for. Let me explain what I mean by enabling the process.
A network meeting is truly an information interview. You enable the process by expanding what you’re looking for beyond simply an open position. The network meeting is an opportunity to get feedback on your resume. It's an opportunity for you to get information about a company, a field, a specific type of work. It's an opportunity to get some ideas about other paths you might pursue. It's
an opportunity for you to get the names of other people you can reach out to who may or may not have an open position but can give you information, guidance and advice as well as the names of other people to connect with. The more people you connect with, preferably in person, the greater your network of fans will be. And, the broader your network of fans, the more likely that someone will either have a job for you or know of someone else that does. Look at all the opportunity you create when you network!
Let me get back to that concept of a 'pure' network meeting. I got to the person I met with today through someone I'd networked to through a friend. So this person was twice removed from my main contacts. I knew going in that there were no open positions. To me, that qualifies as a 'pure' network meeting. I went in with a clean copy of my resume and a list of questions, but no expectation that there would be a job there. What I was hoping for was information, suggestions and connections to others. I clearly didn't know what to expect, although most people I've networked to and with have been positive and friendly. But sometimes you leave a network meeting with positive feedback and no new leads to follow, and sometimes you connect with a true networker so you leave the meeting with new ideas and contacts. That's what happened for me today. We had a great exchange of ideas and information and I left with three other possible career paths to explore, the names of three people to explore them with and feeling like there are more options out there for me than I was aware of.
There is no question that networking in this climate is tough, as people are getting a lot of requests for meetings. There is no question that people are not as responsive as they might be if we were operating in a boom economy. And, while on-line networking is a great way to connect with a lot of people, there is no replacement for meeting someone face-to-face.
So get out there. Pick up the phone and make some appointments. As mentioned in an earlier post, don’t sit down to make one call. Sit down with a list so you improve the odds of scheduling some face-to-face meetings. Just try it! You may not learn to love it, but hopefully you’ll experience the power and potential pleasure of networking and meet some interesting people along the way.
When I talk with people about networking, aside from the usual…
'I don't know anyone to network with',
what I generally hear is…
'It's uncomfortable'.
'It's fake.'
'I know they don’t have a job for me.'
'Everyone knows you're just looking for a job'.
Yes, those you network with know that you're in the market. They don't have a problem with that. It's the way you feel about what you're doing and the way you approach people that can really make the difference between a positive, productive network meeting and one that never gets off the ground. Again, let me explain.
People become uncomfortable when they feel you expect them to have a job for you. Most often people want to help, but if your only approach is 'do you have a job for me?' they have nowhere to go if the answer is no. You must enable the network process by expanding what you're looking for. Let me explain what I mean by enabling the process.
A network meeting is truly an information interview. You enable the process by expanding what you’re looking for beyond simply an open position. The network meeting is an opportunity to get feedback on your resume. It's an opportunity for you to get information about a company, a field, a specific type of work. It's an opportunity to get some ideas about other paths you might pursue. It's
an opportunity for you to get the names of other people you can reach out to who may or may not have an open position but can give you information, guidance and advice as well as the names of other people to connect with. The more people you connect with, preferably in person, the greater your network of fans will be. And, the broader your network of fans, the more likely that someone will either have a job for you or know of someone else that does. Look at all the opportunity you create when you network!
Let me get back to that concept of a 'pure' network meeting. I got to the person I met with today through someone I'd networked to through a friend. So this person was twice removed from my main contacts. I knew going in that there were no open positions. To me, that qualifies as a 'pure' network meeting. I went in with a clean copy of my resume and a list of questions, but no expectation that there would be a job there. What I was hoping for was information, suggestions and connections to others. I clearly didn't know what to expect, although most people I've networked to and with have been positive and friendly. But sometimes you leave a network meeting with positive feedback and no new leads to follow, and sometimes you connect with a true networker so you leave the meeting with new ideas and contacts. That's what happened for me today. We had a great exchange of ideas and information and I left with three other possible career paths to explore, the names of three people to explore them with and feeling like there are more options out there for me than I was aware of.
There is no question that networking in this climate is tough, as people are getting a lot of requests for meetings. There is no question that people are not as responsive as they might be if we were operating in a boom economy. And, while on-line networking is a great way to connect with a lot of people, there is no replacement for meeting someone face-to-face.
So get out there. Pick up the phone and make some appointments. As mentioned in an earlier post, don’t sit down to make one call. Sit down with a list so you improve the odds of scheduling some face-to-face meetings. Just try it! You may not learn to love it, but hopefully you’ll experience the power and potential pleasure of networking and meet some interesting people along the way.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
What's The Worst That Can Happen?
Today was one of those days when the roller coaster was sliding downhill. Not a freefall, just a slow slide. I had a lot to do and not enough to do - meaning a lot of stuff but nothing that felt like I was moving forward. So I listened to my own advice and went for a long walk with a friend who is also a fan.
The conversation led to what felt like a mantra - Give it a try. What's the worst that can happen? This is really important as we negotiate through a challenging job market.
At one point most career counselors I know would advise people not to waste their time on job fairs. Now we tell clients to give it a try. What's the worst that can happen? You'll walk around the floor and talk to some people and possibly connect with someone from a company or a search firm. You might meet someone you know who is also involved in job search and go for a cup of coffee and get some support. Re-frame it as creating the opportunity for something to happen.
Today too many people are using the internet as their only means of finding their next position. Should you use the internet as a tool? Yes. Should you use it to network? Yes. Should it replace face to face meetings? NO!
Networking is something too many of us avoid. It's not necessarily the most comfortable or easiest thing to do. You need to reframe networking as a business reality. Something you need to do. And, Give it a try. What's the worst that can happen? Someone doesn't take your call or isn't willing to meet with you. OK, so that's why you never make one network call at a time. Make 10 and if you're lucky you'll land 2 meetings. That's a good day. You've created some new opportunities for something to happen.
Another reality in career transition is that the path to your next job generally looks like this...
No, No, No, No, No, No, No, No, YES! I know the No list may be even longer in today's marketplace. The No list can rob you of your self-esteem. You have to tell yourself that every NO is taking you one step closer to that YES!
This all loops back to that roller coaster. The NOs in job search can lead to the downhill slide, whether they come from a negative experience at a job fair or no response from someone you're trying to network into. You have to remember that you have demonstrated skills and experience to offer your next employer, someone who will be very lucky to have you on board.
And when you forget, when you begin to doubt yourself, call that fan and go for a long walk. Give it a try. What's the worst that can happen? You just might feel better!
The conversation led to what felt like a mantra - Give it a try. What's the worst that can happen? This is really important as we negotiate through a challenging job market.
At one point most career counselors I know would advise people not to waste their time on job fairs. Now we tell clients to give it a try. What's the worst that can happen? You'll walk around the floor and talk to some people and possibly connect with someone from a company or a search firm. You might meet someone you know who is also involved in job search and go for a cup of coffee and get some support. Re-frame it as creating the opportunity for something to happen.
Today too many people are using the internet as their only means of finding their next position. Should you use the internet as a tool? Yes. Should you use it to network? Yes. Should it replace face to face meetings? NO!
Networking is something too many of us avoid. It's not necessarily the most comfortable or easiest thing to do. You need to reframe networking as a business reality. Something you need to do. And, Give it a try. What's the worst that can happen? Someone doesn't take your call or isn't willing to meet with you. OK, so that's why you never make one network call at a time. Make 10 and if you're lucky you'll land 2 meetings. That's a good day. You've created some new opportunities for something to happen.
Another reality in career transition is that the path to your next job generally looks like this...
No, No, No, No, No, No, No, No, YES! I know the No list may be even longer in today's marketplace. The No list can rob you of your self-esteem. You have to tell yourself that every NO is taking you one step closer to that YES!
This all loops back to that roller coaster. The NOs in job search can lead to the downhill slide, whether they come from a negative experience at a job fair or no response from someone you're trying to network into. You have to remember that you have demonstrated skills and experience to offer your next employer, someone who will be very lucky to have you on board.
And when you forget, when you begin to doubt yourself, call that fan and go for a long walk. Give it a try. What's the worst that can happen? You just might feel better!
Monday, September 21, 2009
Riding the Job Search Rollercoaster
Job search is truly a journey, especially in today's market. The biggest challenge along the way is often holding onto all that you bring to the table. When you get any buy signs - someone agrees to meet with you for a network interview, you get a call from a recruiter or you get invited to interview for a position - you may feel on top of the world. When job search feels more like a black hole - you've applied to numerous positions on line without a nibble or even an acknowledgment or you feel as if your network has run it's course - you may begin to doubt yourself and your chance of ever landing a job. Take heart and welcome to the job search roller coaster!
It is critical to feel good about yourself and the skills you bring in order to effectively and successfully journey through a job search, yet the process itself can often rob you of those positive feelings. The roller coaster of job search often ties into feeling out of control. What to do? Here are some tips about how to feel more in control and better about yourself.
1 - Make sure you have as fan, a cheerleader, someone who you've worked with or for who truly knows how terrific you are. You may have worked with your fan in the workplace or on a volunteer project. Your fan could be a professor or teacher who knows the quality of your work and has been supportive. This person should be someone who can remind you of what a key contributor you have been and are to any effort you're involved with.
2 - Make a list of your best accomplishments, those you are most proud of. This may be work related or may have to do with a volunteer project or a surprise party you pulled off for someone close to you. Think about the skills you used to be a success in any of these endeavors and state them out loud. Saying something out loud often feels more real, more affirming.
3 - Join a support group or form one of your own. Contact others who are "in the market" and set up a weekly meeting at a local coffee house, a room at the library or your own living room. Make these gatherings useful and positive by staying away from simply venting which can often drag everyone down. If there is a need to vent, declare the first 5 minutes of your meeting vent time and let everyone talk at once. After that five minute window, switch gears. Talk about what isn't working (with the goal of how to change it) and emphasize what is working so everyone can pick up new strategies. Share tips, leads, ideas and suggestions. Be cheerleaders for each other.
4 - Get a hold of the movie "Cool Runnings". It's the true story of the Jamaican bobsled team. Yes, Jamaica, as in hot and sunny, and bobsled as in snow. It is a wonderful story about determination and belief in oneself. Watch it and it will put a smile on your face. Feeling good about something outside of yourself can often help you relax and begin to feel better about yourself.
5 - Go out and do something physical. Take a walk, ride a bike or go for a swim. Find a buddy to do this with you and it's even better. Take a break and do something positive to keep your mind and body healthy during this stressful time.
6 - Volunteer to help someone else. This could relate to job search or simply be a way of staying active and getting out. It's also a great way to expand your network and explore new career options.
Remember, it's a roller coaster - peaks and valleys. Utilize some of the tips above and you will hopefully find it to be an easier ride.
It is critical to feel good about yourself and the skills you bring in order to effectively and successfully journey through a job search, yet the process itself can often rob you of those positive feelings. The roller coaster of job search often ties into feeling out of control. What to do? Here are some tips about how to feel more in control and better about yourself.
1 - Make sure you have as fan, a cheerleader, someone who you've worked with or for who truly knows how terrific you are. You may have worked with your fan in the workplace or on a volunteer project. Your fan could be a professor or teacher who knows the quality of your work and has been supportive. This person should be someone who can remind you of what a key contributor you have been and are to any effort you're involved with.
2 - Make a list of your best accomplishments, those you are most proud of. This may be work related or may have to do with a volunteer project or a surprise party you pulled off for someone close to you. Think about the skills you used to be a success in any of these endeavors and state them out loud. Saying something out loud often feels more real, more affirming.
3 - Join a support group or form one of your own. Contact others who are "in the market" and set up a weekly meeting at a local coffee house, a room at the library or your own living room. Make these gatherings useful and positive by staying away from simply venting which can often drag everyone down. If there is a need to vent, declare the first 5 minutes of your meeting vent time and let everyone talk at once. After that five minute window, switch gears. Talk about what isn't working (with the goal of how to change it) and emphasize what is working so everyone can pick up new strategies. Share tips, leads, ideas and suggestions. Be cheerleaders for each other.
4 - Get a hold of the movie "Cool Runnings". It's the true story of the Jamaican bobsled team. Yes, Jamaica, as in hot and sunny, and bobsled as in snow. It is a wonderful story about determination and belief in oneself. Watch it and it will put a smile on your face. Feeling good about something outside of yourself can often help you relax and begin to feel better about yourself.
5 - Go out and do something physical. Take a walk, ride a bike or go for a swim. Find a buddy to do this with you and it's even better. Take a break and do something positive to keep your mind and body healthy during this stressful time.
6 - Volunteer to help someone else. This could relate to job search or simply be a way of staying active and getting out. It's also a great way to expand your network and explore new career options.
Remember, it's a roller coaster - peaks and valleys. Utilize some of the tips above and you will hopefully find it to be an easier ride.
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