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3 Parts to Your Job Search

You are aware that finding work that is rewarding and long-lasting takes planning, preparation and persistence.

It also takes organization, motivation, a lot of time and energy, a positive outlook, and critical decision-making. In summary, you must also have patience, yet be persistent.

Your ” job” at this trying time is to sell yourself to potential employers. You must promote yourself as a productive worker. You have abilities that an employer can use. You are marketing your skills, your ability to learn, and your willingness to help an employer succeed. Maintaining a positive outlook throughout your job search may require some extra effort.

Review important information about yourself or your portfolio. Remind yourself that you are a valuable member of society. Make sure you exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet, and stay in contact with your immediate support group of family and friends. Using these and other tools will help you stay positive and be at your best.

So what can you do when you read about hiring freezes, layoffs that crowded the field of available candidates, and long, dragged-out interviews when an opportunity does appear?   In this tough environment, you can still find excellent opportunities under the radar.

Here are some doable steps (in 3 parts) to help you wage a winning job search right now.

Part One: Who are you, and who needs what you have?

Create your own personal brand. Give yourself a “time out” to reflect on your special mix of job skills and personal qualities. How can you piece this puzzle into your own unique brand, one you can spell out in a tag line about yourself?

Naming your own brand can help shape your resume, your cover letter and your “elevator pitch,” a 30-second, easily worded sales pitch you can slip into any chat with people of influence.

Your brand should be head-turning and offer a solution to the market you’re targeting. When companies are cutting expenses, you can position yourself as an investment that pays back.

Demonstrate results. How can you prove you can add value? If you’ve made a name for yourself growing sales, reducing overhead, winning new clients or raising profit margins, highlight these features on your resume and during interviews.

Show your potential employer how you’ll apply your know-how to create value-driven solutions that translate to the company’s bottom line.

Expand your reach. In this tight market, traditional networking doesn’t go far enough. You need a better approach to connect with decision-makers.

Think about developing relationships, not just leads and contacts. Network to build contacts within the industry you prefer – plus competing and complementary industries.

Try joining a social network site such as LinkedIn and see who knows someone at a company you might like. Ask them to introduce you.

Also, contact former classmates and teachers, and start speaking up on Internet discussion boards.

Part Two: Build your foundation so you can stand tall

What is your game plan? Designing a doable plan of action is what the doctor ordered to keep your morale high. Take a look around. Which industries are healthy and growing, and where could you see yourself thrive? Making lists can help you settle down and focus. This list is important.

One week at a time. Rome wasn’t built in a day. Each Monday morning, you can choose goals for the number of contacts you’ll call, industry or social events you can attend (for free if possible) and how many face-to-face meetings you can land.

Good news: President Obama’s $787 billion stimulus plan will create new, relatively high-paying jobs in renewable energy, education, health care and construction.

How to increase your success rate? Get organized. Make yourself a splashy, colorful progress log or Excel chart to record each person you contacted, met with personally, when you talked, who said what, and your follow-up actions. This step matters. By keeping systematic records, you’ll create a network of valuable contacts to use on your new job and beyond.

Can you become the rainmaker? Even if you feel fearful or confused right now, make up your mind to be a lifelong learner. Imagine yourself the go-to woman who knows about industry trends, keeps up with technology and gets comfortable talking to colleagues of any age.

Online webinars and tutorials can keep you current on skills and abilities now in demand. Update your online presence regularly to position yourself as a thought leader, cost-saver, turnaround artist or innovator.

Part Three: Stay on the sunny side

Be flexible. Employers need executives with problem-solving skills grounded in experience. In difficult times, many companies outsource to fill the gaps.

Are you willing to sign on as a consultant? This could lead to a full-time offer. Freelancing, telecommuting and flexible work options become more feasible as employers strive to meet fluctuating workloads.

Use your negotiating skills to create new work options that meet their needs. Remember, “No” doesn’t always mean “Never.”

Lend a helping hand. Women instinctively reach out to help each other. Follow your instincts to offer support, share search tips and introduce colleagues also searching for new opportunities. Stay in touch with your network contacts and exchange information and advice.

By becoming that go-to source, you might be the first to receive word of a position that could be perfect for you.

Volunteer. Regular volunteering is the single strongest predictor of health and longevity. Being passionate about a cause and proactive helping others is rewarding not just for you but for your community. Show future employers your volunteer skills are immediately transferable to the job you desire.

Your optimism will win the day. Everyone can sink down into the dumps during a job search. But every morning, think of what you can do today to move your job campaign one notch ahead. Turn to trusted friends and family for pep talks and reassurance. Take time out to reward yourself and practice powerful stress releasers like yoga or meditation. Walking, jogging, swimming and other aerobic workouts can reenergize and restore you.

Remember: Target organizations where you can be most useful and look for opportunities to emphasize how you can add value to the bottom line. By knowing what drives you, where you excel and how your personal brand can make a positive difference, you can stand out from the crowd.

Source: Carol Malysz, VP, New Directions Inc., a Boston career consulting firm

Twitter – Tool for Your Job Search

Include Twitter as a key tool in your on-line, social media job search!

Like LinkedIn, Twitter is rapidly becoming a must-do social networking tool. And also like LinkedIn, it is rapidly becoming a popular hangout for job seekers.  Unlike LinkedIn, however, Twitter is not just about adding contacts …. it is mostly about making new (out of work)  friends, be it socially, professionally, or both.

Twitter is a great tool to use for your job searching, but remember that  it won’t happen the day you begin to tweet, but over time, as you build up your “Followers” and those who “Follow You” – you will have something going for yourself. You can raise visibility with recruiters in your geographic search area by sending out your “brand”
statement or “elevator speech“;  or,  you can post comments on current marketplace issues, deliver subject matter expertise, and show that you are on top of current trends by linking to your blog site.

As those who follow you on Twitter become interested in your content, when employers are looking at you, you’ll have more than just your resume to back up your knowledge and experience.  But don’t limit your job search to just Twitter. Personal/professional networking is still the best approach for job seekers. Face-to-face interaction always works best, and no matter how great social networking is, it can’t replace that type of connection.

For the non-user, Twitter can be confusing .. you are limited to just 140 characters and are bombarded with “tweets” and “retweets”.  Where to begin?

Tips for using Twitter for your job search:

Twitter Account Settings

At the Twitter main page, look for the menu bar for Settings >> Account .. This is where you set up a One Line Bio;  put a link to your blog (if available), include your e-mail address, and include the city you reside in.

In your 160 characters of bio – note the position you are seeking, the more targeted the better.  Be as specific as you can within the 160 character limitation.

Start your “Tweetering”

Many times job seekers will tweet out little blurbs in the hopes that someone will notice them.  An example might be:   “I need a job, can someone help me?”

Since you are looking for work, forget about tweeting to rant or rave … especially a bad idea if you want hiring managers and recruiters to contact you.

Note that a good recruiter will search for a job seeker on Twitter and then look at the quality of the tweets he or she has posted.  Remember, your “tweets” are public. Unlike LinkedIn, more folks than just your followers can read them.

“Follow”  Job Search / Career Professionals

Twitter has many career professionals, from resume writers to recruiters to staffing agencies to placement firms. Niche sites are frequent users of Twitter as well. Looking for Human Resource jobs, Marketing, or IT jobs? You can find several specialty job boards on Twitter to follow, and check the  Twitter job board ( www.twitterjobsearch.com )

As examples of who you may want to “follow” in the San Francisco Bay Area:

• San Francisco Business Times (http://twitter.com/SFBusinessTimes)
• SFBayJobs (http://twitter.com/sfbayjobs)
• Jobvite (http://twitter.com/Jobvite)
• BAJobs (http://twitter.com/BAJobs)
• HotWireRecruit (http://twitter.com/HotwireRecruit)

Key point: Take advantage of hash tags like #jobangels, #jobseekers, #jobseach #jobs #employment #unemployed #needajob #jobseekers.   You can post the type of job you are seeking and then use one or all of these hash tags.   Your post will then be read by everyone who follows those tags.

Search for interview subjects for that next article (examples: Twellow or Twitter Search). There is a world of wisdom in cyberspace – just waiting for you to find it!

Help your fellow Job Seekers

Twitter has many job seekers during this economic downturn / recession.  You are advised to look for job advice, postings, etc. You will see many opportunities that may not be right for you, but they might be a good fit for someone else.   If this is the case, then you may “retweet” or pass along those leads  to a colleague, a fellow job seeker. Remember that real networking works – especially with Twitter.   So. if you want to make friends, it’s a give-and-take relationship.

Twitter Profile

Twitter is a “branded online exposure” for your professional online presence; for searching for work.  The key message is to promote your Twitter presence with an “employer-friendly” background.  Your Twitter profile should operate like you would with a business card.   Craft a well-written professional description in the spot meant for your bio. Personalize the background also!

There’s lots of space you can use to promote yourself. Use this link  http://www.twitterbacks.com for ideas on creating a professional-looking Twitter background, including side bar identification information.  You may also want your online resume or blog to be listed as a link on your Twitter Profile.

Twitterbacks.com has templates you can use to create your very own Twitter brand / background. Twitbacks.com is another solution that also lets you promote your Twitter profile / brand.

Twitter Tools

It is hard to “Tweet” when you are following many folks and sending and receiving replies and direct messages. A cool solution is to manage your “Twittering” with a free desktop client.

Desktop clients are software built specifically to utilize Twitter. Clients for the desktop generally do very helpful things, like let you put the people you’re following into groups, so you can be sure you won’t miss a tweet from those you care about the most, alert you when you get a new direct message or @reply, search Twitter without having to visit a separate page, or help you share images or videos. In other words, they help you get the most out of Twitter and not miss anything important.

Here are two great applications to use. Twhirl and Tweetdeck are popular ones that help you organize the tweets of your followers by making groups and help you search on specific topics, just as “job search.” They also help you see when someone has specifically spoken to you even while you were away.

Tweetdeck shows your Twitter feed in columns of information based on your preferences, rather than one long stream. As an example, you might set up columns with headers such as:

• All tweets, jobseeker, direct messages, friends, thought leaders, and jobs.

You can click to see anyone’s profile, and from there add them to a particular column. It has a URL shortener build in, which is invaluable.

TweetDeck allows you to set up search columns so you can stay up to date with topics or brands you’re interested in. Search columns auto-update every minute using data from the Twitter Search API

Twitter directories Twellow and WeFollow organize Twitter users based on topic, and are great places to find other users who will regularly tweet about things you’re interested in.

You should also look into third party sites like Twubble and Twitterel, which attempt to give people friend suggestions on Twitter, based on the friends of your friends and the things you’re interested in.

One tool new Twitterers can use to find like-minded users is Twitter Search. Twitter’s own built-in search engine lets users search for others who are job seekers like you – just pick out some keywords.

BONUS: A Twitter Guide Book

Twitter can be very daunting for new users. It has its own set of jargon (#hashtags, @replies, retweets, direct messages, etc.), its own set of commands, confusing rules about who sees your tweets, and a sea of third party clients to navigate. That can be overwhelming for someone new to get into. One place to start learning about Twitter, is the site’s own help portal and Getting Started forum aimed at new users. They’re not the most user friendly sites, though, and might raise more questions than they answer for some users.

In addition, spend time on Mashable (http://mashable.com/) and look for the Twitter section to find a cool Twitter Guide.   Too many people join Twitter and just start following as many people as they can without any thought to whether it makes sense to do so.  The Twitter Guide Book should help both new and experienced users learn how to use the service and get the most out of it.

Final Notes

You should maintain your Twitter presence with regularity. There is no hard and fast rule, but lots of companies and non-profits try to post and tweet at least once a day, no more than five times a day.

You need to integrate your social media with other efforts, like linking to a site or a blog post in a tweet, coordinating with a newsletter, plan ahead as part of a marketing campaign, etc.  Being a personality without tying back to your real-life business efforts is a great way to waste time.

Twitter’s value lies in two aspects: content and immediacy.

Content has to provide value to users (in no particular order):

• entertainment
• access to information otherwise unavailable
• feeling of inclusion into a desired group
• reciprocity with their own personal/business social media agenda

Immediacy factor engages user with time-based opportunities:

• breaking news (being the first to know/share, accessing info traditional media doesn’t have or won’t share, firsthand reporting…”unmediated” media)
• instant actions (flash mobs, political protests, emergency responses, calls for help, etc…often with a geolocative aspect)
• immediate input/feedback (user reviews, customer service issues)

How to Network

Networking is building relationships before you need them!

Check this 1 minute, 50 section video from HowCast:

It is logical and common for professionals to build up their network during a job search, and then stop being in contact with their network once they have a job. This definition encourages people to continue networking even when they are not looking for a job.

• Networking is the most effective method for gathering job information from contacts to assist you in a job search. It does not require you to know scores of people or that you only talk to incredibly important people.
• Networking is essentially understanding the nature of relationship networks, talking to people you already know and developing relationships.
• Networking is about getting people you know to introduce you to people who are connected with your targeted organizations.
• Networking should not make you cringe. It is not just for extroverts ….. anyone can network successfully … all you need to do is: prepare, plan and spend the required time.

How to Network:

There are many ways to build your network. It isn’t just about going to after-hours networking meetings to stay connected. It’s about extending your efforts to everyone you know. Choose people you know and ask for introductions of  those you don’t know.

Check this video from CommonCraft on Networking:

Getting the word out about you and your job search is a very effective job search technique. Be sure to let everyone know what you are looking for, using your marketing plan and target list where appropriate.

Consider setting up a personal Web site. It is easy to build and customize your own professional looking Web site using materials you have already prepared, such as your resume and marketing plan.

Note that body language and HOW you actually say something are more important than the words you use.  Remember,  every time you send an email, you forfeit 93% of your communication.    We tend to use email a lot, as it’s easier and faster, but remember how it limits real communication.  When you talk on the phone, you’re still only getting 45% of the communication.

Telephone Calls: Another tip is when you call someone at the recommendation of someone else, start by mentioning the connection first.

Hierarchy of a Network  “Database”

• Database - Everyone in all of your contact databases (email, LinkedIn, personal address book, Twitter, etc.).
• Network - All he people who would return your phone calls!  They’re people you are in touch with and you trust.  Based on statistics, this group shouldn’t be more than 200-250 people, as after that amount, it’s more difficult to stay in touch.
• Inner Circle - People you could go to to ask their advice about what they think you should be doing for a living.
• Personal Board of Advisers (PBA) - These are the people who should champion you in your life.  It’s like a Board of Directors, but for you, rather than for a company.  You should have about 4-5 people on your PBA each year.
• Friends, Family, or Fools (FFF) – This is an obvious group… that actually likes you.

Get Noticed with a VisualCV Resume

A VisualCV is an online resume that includes all the facets of a traditional resume, with add-ons like video, images, and links to your accomplishments.

You will have your own URL …  here is mine:  (http://www.visualcv.com/ronproctor)

The VisualCV resume looks like a typical resume with your work history, education, achievements, and awards.  Watch this video for a quick overview of VisualCV to learn why you would want to create a VisualCV and how it can help you in the job search.  Notice that the right side of the VisualCV page can include a video, links, references, and other information you would like to highlight.

VisualCV is a free online web portfolio, with a variety of social media type features.  When you set up a VisualCV resume you will extend the value of your existing resume to include a variety of other documents. You will consolidate all your documents into one online location where they are easily accessible to employers and hiring managers – no need for them to open email attachments.

You can add sparkle to your VisualCV with pop-ups, embedded documents, images, photos, videos, audio, links to your blog or other online published works, or your LinkedIn and other online networking groups badges.

A few examples if the functionality of a VisualCV resume:

• Embed a photo of your last CEO awarding you the President’s Club award last year.
• Show examples of the clean, elegant software code you write.
• Include your outstanding writing samples, articles, artwork, or designs.
• Embed any of the following type of files: .doc, .pdf, .ppt, .jpg, .gif, .png, .mov, .wmv and more.

Other benefits include:

• Control access to your VisualCVs through privacy settings, and share with recipients you choose – companies, colleagues, customers, and friends.
• Develop as many versions of your VisualCV as you want, each with a unique privacy setting, to share with distinct groups.
• Track who is looking at your VisualCV and when.
• Share your VisualCV with a growing number of major companies and employers who have a VisualCV presence, such as Amazon, Sun Microsystems, Duke University, Dayak, Perot Systems, and Citrix.
• Access the growing VisualCV Marketplace of career services providers – Certified VisualCV Creators, resume writers, career coaches, and recruiters.

Whoever reviews your VisualVC will be aided by real-time, value-add information:

• Mouse over companies listed in your VisualCV and they pop up with live, rich data through VisualCV’s partnerships with Standard & Poor’s Capital IQ and Dow Jones’ VentureSource.
• Mouse over college names to pop up rankings via exclusive partnerships with Princeton Review and QS Quacquarelli Symonds.
• Industry-specific terms describing your experience expand into definitions, with pop-ups from a variety of sources.

OK, so how do you create VisualCV?

Begin by registering with VisualCV, then follow the directions to set up your resume. If you already have a resume you can cut and paste from that and then add to it from within VisualCV’s system. Or, you can start from scratch using the VisualCV resume builder. You just upload the files you want to include into a portfolio and select which files you want to include in each of your VisualCVs.

VisualCV as a professional “show and tell” for the 21st century. It brings you, your skills and background to 3-dimensional life with video, images, informational pop-ups and examples of your work

Examples of completed VisualCV resumes:

• http://www.visualcv.com/davidhahn
• http://www.visualcv.com/jsikora
• http://www.visualcv.com/jessicaforrester
• http://www.visualcv.com/eyj2000
• http://www.visualcv.com/halliehmoore
• http://www.visualcv.com/davidalexander
  

More information:

VisualCV is not a video resume but you can include video to supplement the basic content of your traditional resume.

Do look professional. Remember, this is the hiring manager’s first impression of you and you want it to be perfect. Try to create a professional background for your video, like an office, dress appropriately, and speak eloquently.

Don’t try to do the presentation unrehearsed. You don’t want your video to become an office joke; you want it to be your ticket to an interview. Write an outline and practice your speech in front of the mirror a few times before recording.

Do keep it short …  think about the fact that hiring managers are looking at hundreds of pieces of paper every day. What are you going to show them in your video that is going to get their attention and keep it?   One way is to answer questions you anticipate they’ll ask in your first you interview.

Don’t use a video resume as a standalone. A video resume can’t take the place of the traditional resume entirely.

Do include video references from coworkers or managers to supplement the video in your VisualCV resume (See a tip from the WSJ on video references). Including references provides employers a better picture of who you are and what you’ll bring to the company. Plus it saves time for both of you after the first interview. What better way to make a great impression on the hiring manager than to save them time and money?

Louise Kursmark offers her tips in The Insider’s Guide to VisualCV.

Why create a VisualCV ?

Put Your Best Self Forward

Your VisualCV ensures you’ll stand out for all the right reasons by providing your contacts and potential employers with a polished, multi-dimensional profile.

Cut To The Chase

Your VisualCV completely streamlines the job search and hiring process. Use it to:

• Provide employers with a complete representation of your talents.
• Speed up the process. Interactive web features automatically eliminate research and validate candidates.
• Replace the first interview. Standard screening process questions are answered through video or audio files that are housed on the Web.

Check the VisualCV blog for more insight into this tool -  blog !!

Boost Your Job Search – with Linkedin

You are using Linkedin aren’t you?

When you’re job searching, be sure to use Linkedin to its’ full potential as a social networking site that will enhance your job search and boost your prospects of landing a new job. The best way to do this is to ensure you know what Linkedin is capable of – in order to maximize your employment potential.

Here are ten tips on optimizing your job hunting experience on Linkedin:

1. Edit your Profile. The first step is to make sure your LinkedIn Profile is complete.  The more detailed your LinkedIn profile, the more chances you will have to be found and to be contacted. This is important because your profile is what you use to connect with people how you get found on LinkedIn.  Complete your LinkedIn profile as carefully as you write your resume and provide prospective employers with detailed information on your skills and experience.  If you’re currently unemployed, list your current position as “Open to opportunities”. If you don’t have a LinkedIn profile, sign-up.

2. Include a Photo. You can add a photo (a head shot is recommended) to your LinkedIn profile. Note that the photo can be no larger than 80×80 pixels.  Do make sure your photo represents the professional you, not the personal you, because LinkedIn is all about professional networking.

3. Professional Summary.   The Professional Summary section of your profile is a good way to highlight your experience. Select an Industry, because recruiters often use that field to search. Don’t forget the Headline, because that’s right at the top of the page when someone views your profile. It’s your first chance to make a good impression.

4. Include Keywords and Skills. Include the keywords and skills from your resume in your profile. This will make it easier for your profile to be found in search results.

5. Contact Settings. Your contact settings let your connections (and hiring managers and recruiters) know your availability. Options include: career opportunities, consulting offers, new ventures, job inquiries, and reference requests. Even if you’re not actively seeking a new job, it’s important to be flexible, because you never know when an
opportunity to good to pass up might come along.

6. Profile Website Links. The Links section of your profile is a good way to provide even more information to potential employers and to your contacts.  If you have blog or a personal web site that is business related, include those links in the Links section of your profile.

7. LinkedIn Applications. LinkedIn Applications are a terrific way to share even more information in your profile. The blog applications enable users to feed their blog directly to their profile, so other LinkedIn users can see the most current posts automatically.

8. Your Public Profile. Don’t forget to make your profile public – that’s how the world can find it.  Also, customizing your URL will give you a link that’s easy to share.

9. Grow Your Network. Connect with other members and build your network. You can find connections you’ve worked with, done business with, went to school with, or are otherwise affiliated with. The more connections you have, the more opportunities you have, but don’t randomly connect with people you don’t know. The point is to connect
with people you do know, so they can help you and vice versa.

10. Get Recommendations. To a potential employer, a LinkedIn recommendation is an opportunity to read a reference in advance. Having strong references can only help you when it comes to getting selected for an interview or for a job.  The best way to get recommendations is to give them, so take some time to write recommendations for
your contacts and they will most likely reciprocate.

Source: Alison Doyle, job search expert

Mastering the Digital Job Hunt

Digital Job Hunting – 3 ways to get employers to take notice

Check this short video!  Jennifer Braunschweiger, editor at More Magazine recently appeared (May 21, 2009) on ABC News Now – and spoke on the topic: How To Master the Digital Job Hunt.

Topics included resume preparation, developing your own personal website and managing your online identity.

To view the video go to http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=7649307

Contents of the Video selection: Resume, Website, manipulate your Google Results

1-Resume:

• Need 3 forms of Resume:  PDF (snapshot version), Word, TXT file (unformatted)
• Need a professional e-mail address
• Do not include a photo of yourself on resume, only put your photo on your Linkedin page

2-Create your own website:

• Key tip -  register a domain name; for $20 / year  (domain name suggestion: firstname, lastname)
• Build a website yourself (many free options) or hire someone to do it
• Organize the content on your website; not just your resume; include samples of your work; a video of you
• Consider including a blog feature; on your website, but you need something to say;  for example: your thoughts about your industry – can be very useful.

3-Google Tips to manipulate your results

• Note that 83% of employers look at you via a Google search and 43% – have dropped the applicant due to the results
• Check your results on Google – just “Google” yourself to see what comes up!
• If you are a member of Linkedin your should see the Linkedin page when you do your Google search

Thinking About Starting a Business?

More and more boomers are taking the entrepreneurial route!

But starting a business is a risky venture.

Before taking the plunge, take a hard look at yourself, your finances, and your business ideas.

Research, network, and plan, plan, plan.

Analyze Yourself

• Do you have the confident, take-charge personality it takes to run your own show?
• Does your family support your entrepreneurial project?
• Do you have the tenacity to stick with it?
• Are you ready for a significant time commitment? Starting a business often involves more than a 40 hours a week.
• Are you comfortable with a certain level of uncertainty and chaos?
• Are you a risk-taker?

Identify Your Product or Service

• Take the time to choose. Carefully compare the pros and cons, the risks and benefits, of each type of business.
• Look for a business that allows you to specialize and fills a growing need.
• Learn the business by working for someone in the same business first.
• Pick something that you will enjoy doing.

Know the Financial Risks

• Don’t use your retirement income to start a business. Consider a small business loan to get you started.
• Know that you have the resources and cash flow to cover a start-up period of a year or more.
• Consider “moonlighting,” that is, starting a business in your off-hours while still working. But avoid all possible conflicts with your existing job.
• Beware of self-employment scams.

Develop a Good Business Plan

• A business plan shows why your idea is workable, how your business will operate, and how much your income and expenses will be.
• The checklist for starting a company from the Small Business Administration is a good place to start. It helps you assess your situation, identify a niche, analyze the market, and organize your finances.
• It’s not enough to have a good product. You must know how to market and sell it. How will you reach your targeted market? What will make people buy your product?
• Use the online workshops and templates from the Small Business Administration to help you develop your plan.

Get Help

• Contact SCORE—Counselors to America’s Small Business—for free, confidential counseling on starting up a business.
• The Riley Guide has links to many sources of help for setting up your small business.

Source: AARP

Phone Interview Tips

Phone interviews can be difficult… With the lack of visual communication, you must be able to rely on auditory feedback and be disciplined enough to keep focus.

Preparation

There are two main types of phone interviews – expected and unexpected. In order to be prepared for the unexpected phone call, make sure you have access to proper materials near your phone or desk. Keep a file of “employer research” near by along with a fresh copy of your resume. Your resume will allow you to easily answer questions about your past experiences. Company research can help you quickly come up with a few questions for your interviewer. Having access to a notepad and a pen is probably a good bet as well.
For expected interviews, make sure you have a space set aside that is free of distractions. Keep a glass of water nearby in case you need to clear your throat. Remember, phone interviews are just as much of an interview as a traditional meeting.

Tips

Know your comfort zone.

Some people perform best in a quiet room, while others prefer to pace around. If sitting still is your style, a room free of distractions is best. If you are the type of person that likes to walk-and-talk, consider determining a predefined route. This will help ensure that there are no outside noises or unexpected distractions like sirens. Make sure it is a leisurely walk so you can maintain calm breathing patterns.
Smile.

Negativity or a uneasy attitude can easily show itself over a phone call. Before the interview, consider spending a few minutes listening to your favorite song or watching a funny video on YouTube. Make sure you are in a good mood.
Disable call waiting.

If for some reason you are not able to disable call waiting, absolutely ignore it if someone calls.
Listen.

Without the visual communication of an in-person interview, it can be tough to know when to stop talking. If your nerves are high and your blood is flowing, you can easily make the mistake of saying too much. Make sure to speak slowly and articulately. When you have answered the question, allow for that possibly uncomfortable moment of silence. This will let the interviewer know that you are through, and then they will proceed. Listen and wait for them to finish with their next question, and then proceed. Consider taking notes on the key aspects of each question.

Do’s and Don’ts

Do give accurate and detailed contact information in your cover letter so your interviewers can easily connect with you.

• When in job-hunting mode, don’t have a disproportionately silly or long greeting on your answering machine or voicemail.
• Do ensure that household members understand the importance of phone messages in your job search.
• Do practice, if possible. Have a friend call you to do a mock phone interview so you get the feel of being interviewed over the phone. Practice makes perfect. As with all interviews, practicing before hand helps you prepare for common interview questions. Remember to “play in practice as you will in the game.” It will make a huge difference.
• If you cannot devote enough time to a phone interview, do suggest a specific alternate time to the recruiter. It’s often best to be the one who calls back so you can be mentally prepared.
• Do consider using a phone interview log.
• Do consider keeping some notecards or an outline in front of you to remind yourself of key points you want to cover with the interviewer. You don’t want your responses to sound scripted, but you don’t want to fumble for important points either.
• Do ensure that you can hear and are being clearly heard. If you are taking the call on a cell phone, make sure there is no wind in your vicinity. Wind noise will prevent you from hearing the questions and make it harder for them to hear your answers. No speaker phone.
• Do consider standing when being interviewed on the phone. Some experts say you’ll sound more professional than if you’re slouching in an easy chair. Stretching out your torso will allow you to have the full strength of your lungs. You will be able to speak more clearly and powerfully.
• Do enforce a dress code. Believe it or not, properly dressing in at least a business casual attire will make a big difference in your ability to focus on the interview. Wearing the right clothes and taking a serious approach to the call will help you maintain a professional attitude regardless of your surroundings.
• Do create a strong finish to your phone interview with thoughtful questions.
• Make sure to ask for your interviewers name. Follow up with a thank you note.
• Don’t panic if you have special needs. If you are hearing-impaired, for example, phone interviews are still possible.
• Don’t snuffle, sneeze or cough. If you can’t avoid these behaviors, say “excuse me.”

See more >>> How to Ace a Phone Interview

Cover Letter Tips

Check these seven wonders of a world-class cover letter; make your resume stand out simply by writing a one-page cover letter that features these seven recommendations:

1. Three paragraphs on a single page: Introduction words, your skills and qualifications, and a request for an interview.

2. Three or four well-written sentences in each paragraph. Easy on the eyes.

3. Plenty of ‘white space’ around your writing so the cover letter is easy to read and comprehend. Set up generous margins and double space between paragraphs.

4. Bullets and numbered lists when appropriate. This helps the reader scan quickly.

5. Bold-faced type to emphasize certain points.

6. Correct spelling, usage, and punctuation for a professional appearance.

7. Accurate name, contact info, and signature.

In summary: Write a cover letter that makes your point about the job you want, states your qualifications concisely, and asks for the opportunity to meet in person. Then double check for the ’seven wonders’ listed above before sending it off to the hiring manager.

With all these points in place, the employer will not have to ‘wonder’ what you’re all about. It will be clear from your cover letter that you’re a person of integrity and dependability–one he or she will want to contact.

If you incorporate the seven recommendations for a world-class cover letter into your writing, your cover letter may be the one that attracts the hiring manager’s attention enough to single you out for that important call for an interview–and ultimately for the job itself!

5 online job search tricks

Tricks for finding jobs online – new online search techniques

It’s true, so much of the job search process happens online… the most common complaint – as you know – is the “black hole” — that mysterious place to which resumes seem to travel from the moment an applicant hits the “send” key.  If you’re involved in a job search where you feel like you repeatedly send out resumes in response to ads and rarely hear back, then it might be time for some new online search techniques.

Here are the 5 tricks to shake things up for you:

Answer questions on Linkedin
Your strongest chance of being hired is to find ways to show off your expertise and build relationships in your field. One easy way to do this is to troll the “Answers” section on LinkedIn and start responding to questions where you think you can be helpful. People whose answers get high ratings show up on a list of experts. Nabbing one of those spots is a terrific way to ensure that people using the site to fill a position will find your profile.

In addition, use LinkedIn for research, not just reaching out to people. You can search for people who have the job you want or who are at the company you want and view their profile to get a sense for their background and skills.  For smaller companies who may not have a lot of published news about them, learning about who works there may give you a window into the projects they do and the backgrounds they hire

Play around on Twitter
Twitter offers a huge way to search for job postings, interact with recruiters in particular fields or geographic locales, and respond to listings. The beauty of job searching on Twitter is that there is a live person on the other end of a Twitter account and you just might be able to attract that person’s attention and engage in conversation.  Job activity tends to be heaviest in web-related fields, but now that Twitter has gone mainstream, jobs are being posted because companies realize that all kinds of people are showing up on the service.

Find jobs on employer websites
Ever hunt around a web site unable to find the job listings even though it seems like they should be easy to find? Try this method, which should work with nearly any search engine.

Make sure you are looking in the right place
The Web is so big and fluid that it’s easy to get lost.  Alltop.com is a comprehensive blog directory that makes it simple to find scores of blogs on a particular topic. Scan the “careers” and “jobs” categories, where you’ll be able to decide if a blog is relevant to your search based on its 5 most recent posts; you can also look for blogs that cover your industry.

“Key word” your resume
I’m not a big believer in getting jobs through the blind submission of resumes. Still, if you are going to send yours out for any postings where you don’t also have a personal relationship, you’ll want to give yourself the best chance of being noticed. And since most resumes are digitized and scanned by software for screening, it is vital that your resume contain the key words an employer will be searching for in a given job search.

As a starting point, figure out the words your resume should contain by looking at the job description and title given in the posting. But there’s more to it than just plugging in those words. Here’s some additional things to consider to make sure that you are key word optimized. Keep in mind that it’s not just your resume that should pay attention to key words. The same thinking should go into all of your online profiles.

Source: Marci Alboher, Working the New Economy

Interviews: Hiring Manager perspective

So, what exactly is the hiring manager looking for?

No matter what field you are in or what position you’re applying for, there are some similarities across the board that all hiring managers seek in ideal candidates.

Preparing for interviews to the best of your ability is time consuming but extremely important. You must know and understand the interviewer(s), organization, clients/products/services and the industry itself—plus how you fit into that big picture.

Here is the list:

1. Likeability. Do you get along with the hiring manager? Does the hiring manager feel you will get along with his or her team? This is a big factor. I know when I see myself in candidates, I find myself leaning toward them more than individuals who remind me nothing of me. (That sounds self-centered, but hiring managers want a cohesive team!)

2. Strategic thinking. Are you thinking ahead about the future of the organization? Do you have a suggestion already in mind you’d like to brainstorm with the hiring manager? In this economy—or any, for that matter—organizations want (and need) results. If you can show you’re a results person—or at a minimum thinking about results—you will prove a strong candidate.

3. Clear communication. Is your tone and word choice professional? Do you get your message across effectively the first time? Chances are, you’re going to have to communicate with others in some fashion in order to do your job. Throwing in any type of slang word, giggling or other methods of unprofessional communication will make the hiring manager forget what you’re actually trying to say.

4. Professional appearance. If you’re interviewing at an organization where you know the hiring manager will be wearing ripped jeans and a T-shirt, you can probably get away with far less than a suit and tie. However, at most organizations, you want to not only dress the part for which you are interviewing, but one step above. Again, it’s these little things that stack up in a hiring manager’s mind about whether or not to hire you.

5. Enthusiasm. Be happy you are there! And not just because this is the first interview you’ve had in weeks (or months), but because you are genuinely looking forward to the possibility of working at the organization.

6. Good eye contact and “engaged behavior.” Don’t stare and not blink throughout the whole interview, but make sure you have decent eye contact. Also, lean forward slightly when the hiring manager is speaking—this is what I call “engaged behavior.” Both tactics show the hiring manager you are listening and interested in what he or she has to say.

Source: Heather Huhman, mentor to individuals seeking entry-level positions, particularly in the public relations field

Hiring Managers Need to Hear …

5 Things You Need to Tell Hiring Managers

Competition in the job market is fierce, and if you hope to land a new position, you must stand out from the crowd — but for the right reasons. You want to provide hiring managers with a positive impression, so here are a few messages you should get across right from the start.

1. “I’m professional.”

Potential hires who take the application process seriously will be treated similarly by prospective employers. This means, for example, proofreading your application materials for grammatical or spelling errors. It never hurts to have someone else review your cover letter and résumé as well, in case you overlook something. Also, be careful with the type of language you use. Remember that your application materials are business documents, so avoid slang or casual speech, such as the kind you might use when text messaging with your friends.

2. “I’m a go-getter.”

Because hiring managers are being inundated with résumés, your application materials may get only a cursory glance. That’s why you need to take some initiative. For instance, when you initially contact the employer, instead of ending your cover letter or e-mail with a standard statement like, “I look forward to hearing from you,” be proactive. Try: “I will contact you next Thursday at 3 p.m. to discuss the opportunity and my fit for the position in greater detail.”

Also, unless you’re specifically asked not to, follow up with an employer if you haven’t heard back after sending in your résumé. In fact, 82 percent of executives polled by Robert Half International said job seekers should contact hiring managers within two weeks of submitting application materials. By doing so, you can reassert your interest in the position and remain at the top of the hiring manager’s mind.

3. “I’m an expert.”

Employers want to hire people who can hit the ground running. That’s why you need to demonstrate your expertise from the beginning. Three great methods for doing so are enhancing your online reputation, joining a professional association and earning a certification.

Options for increasing your exposure include starting a professional blog or Web site, submitting articles to an industry publication or even simply contributing to message boards. For instance, blogging about the industry that you want to work in and including the blog’s link on your résumé give prospective employers an easy way to see that you are well-informed.

By joining industry groups and trade associations, you can remain up-to-date with recent trends through interaction with others in the field. Use your résumé to highlight your membership in a professional group and show hiring managers your interest in furthering your industry knowledge.

Finally, consider earning a relevant industry certification. Many employers value candidates who have these credentials because they demonstrate a desire for continual professional development.

4. “I can save your company money.”

In today’s economy, companies are looking for ways to reduce costs. If you’ve implemented successful cost-cutting measures for previous employers, describe how you did so in your résumé or cover letter. For example, when applying for a role as an administrative assistant, you might note that in your last position, you helped renegotiate your company’s contract with an office supplies vendor, reducing spending in this area by 10 percent. Hiring managers will take notice of these types of accomplishments.

5. “I can fill your need.”

To show that you are an exact fit for an open role, make sure your application materials are targeted to each position and company. Use phrases from the job description within your résumé and cover letter, so long as they accurately describe your experience. Many employers use software programs that scan application materials for relevant keywords, so even if you are qualified but don’t use the employer’s terminology, your résumé may never be seen.

Sending the right messages to a prospective employer may not guarantee that you are offered the job, but it will increase your chances of being called for an interview. Then, you can make your case in person.

Source: Robert Half International

5 Tips for Telling Better Stories

Better Stories – like in your interviews!

This is a good list … for job seeekers … who need to get their stories straight.

The author has referenced the increasingly popular storytelling movement where people stand up before a live audience and tell stories.  I have adjusted a few items to make it relevant to the job seeker.

You are aware that being a good storyteller is a useful skill when you are looking for work (like when you are in an interview setting). We need to tell stories all the time — to position ourselves in the job market, to pitch a new business idea to investors, to explain why a failure was actually a success, and so on.

Here’s the 5 tips:

1. Keep it simple.   The brain gets overwhelmed when trying to process too much information.

2. Openings and closings are very important. Be sure to begin and end the interview with your strongest material since this is often what stays with the listener. That is the same reason skilled public speakers often memorize the beginning and ending of a speech but allow themselves to improvise more in the middle.

3. Be mindful of your story’s “spine”. If your story has six parts, all six parts must be essential. Beware of tangents: if something goes too far astray, you will probably lose the recruiter / hiring manager’s attention.

4. Make sure not to alienate your target (the recruiter / hiring manager). When speaking about delicate subjects (like why you have been out of work for 6 months, or longer) or things that have the potential to offend (like taking it out on your last company), carefully plan your approach.

5. Tell the truth. If you are not telling the truth, the recruiter / hiring manager will know it.

Even stand-up comics — who are permitted exaggeration — perform best when their material stems from the truth. Failure to make comfortable eye contact (usually by looking away or looking too long) or providing too much information are two common tip-offs that someone is not telling the truth.

Remember, good stories can be told in simple language

Source: Marci Alboher, writer for The New York Times Company

Job Search Engines

Use INDEED as your job search “Engine “

Tips and Suggestions from Indeed.com CEO Paul Forster.

• “Job seekers narrow their search as much as possible in order to find jobs that fit their experience, skills, and desired location.”
• “Focus on finding exactly the right jobs, rather than taking a scattered approach to job searching.”

More suggestions to help you focus your job search to generate listings that match your criteria:

Save Time With Job Search Engine

Using a job search engine saves time. Indeed.com, for example, searches jobs on job boards, newspapers, associations, and company web sites, including most of the Fortune 1000 companies. You can search for jobs all in one place, rather than having to visit all these sites independently.

Job Search by Salary

Indeed’s job search by salary tool enables job seekers to find jobs that pay at least a certain salary. Enter an annual salary in the search box to find all jobs that Indeed estimates pay at least that much.

Job search by salary uses proprietary methodology based on an analysis of similar job listings that includes salary, job title, job description, and location. Indeed’s algorithm extracts salaries from all job listings containing this information – about a fifth of the total – and then estimates salaries for the rest.

Job search by salary makes it easier for job seekers to find the job that is a right fit.  It saves the job seeker time they may have spent applying for jobs they couldn’t afford to accept, and it also helps companies, because it limits applications from candidates who aren’t in the position’s salary range.

Advanced Search

The most effective way to search is to drill down so you are searching as narrowly as possible and getting to the right jobs.   Use skills, interests, and location, as well as salary requirements, when searching for jobs. That way you can narrow your search so the results include only the most relevant listings. Click on Advanced Search and search by:

• Keywords
• Phrase in the job title
• Type of employer
• Radius

Set Preferences

Use preferences to choose which jobs you want to show on your results list. You can select only jobs within a certain distance from a zip code and jobs that have been published within a certain period of time.

Blocking Companies

If there is a company you don’t want to see job listings from you can block it, so you won’t see jobs from that company in future searches.  Click on the ‘block’ link beneath each job search result. You can then manage the settings in your preferences.

More Actions

Use the More Actions link under the job posting to view all the listings from the same company, map the location of the job, research salary information, research the company on Google, email the listing, and get a permanent link to the post. You will also be able to find contacts at Facebook or LinkedIn who may be able to help you connect with the employer.

Job Search Tools

Indeed has job search tools you can use to help manage your job search and to ensure you get the job listings that match your interests.  Job seekers can set up a my.indeed account to access saved jobs, searches, and alerts from any computer, and download job search plugins for Firefox and for Google Desktop, an application for Facebook, a button for your Google Toolbar, and other applications to help expedite your job search.

Source: Paul Forster, CEO, Indeed.com