Recruiterchic

12 Tips to Help You Make A Better First Impression April 18, 2011

2011-05-03T13:06:00.000-07:00

12 Tips to Help You Make A Better First Impression

first_impressionWe talk a lot about personal branding and the need to have solid marketing documents that articulate your true value. However, if you can’t make a strong personal connection, it will be that much harder to demonstrate that you have the skills needed for the job. Making a great first impression is half the battle in impressing a hiring manager. Here are 12 tips to help you make a solid first impression, compliments of Alyson Kruger at Business Insider:

1. Dress to impress. Studies reveal that first impressions are formed within the first 17 seconds of a meeting, and 55 percent of that opinion is appearance. How does this affect your strategy for attire? Dress conservatively, even if the dress code for the workplace is casual or “funky.” Avoid loud accessories, hair styles, shoes, or anything that would take attention away from your skills. Also dress to show that you respect for the interviewee and the company.
2. Think before you speak. Seven percent of what we think of others is based on what they say. Think about how you want to come across, whether it’s humble, aggressive, optimistic, innovative, then make a list of words to convey that impression. Even if you don’t use those words it will help you prepare.
3. Watch your tone of voice. Thirty-eight percent of a person’s first impression is taken from tone of voice. Consider how you sound to others. Do you sound calm, enthusiastic, confident, humble, self-assured. Practice the way you want to be perceived.
4. Adjust your body language. Ninety-three percent of people’s judgments are based on non-verbal cues. A firm handshake, good posture, a smile, and eye contact will help reinforce a good first impression. Avoid gestures like crossing your arms or sitting too casually which may convey that you are bored or don’t care. Be aware of your physical attitude.
5. Use their name, often. People like to be acknowledged and studies show that addressing potential customers by name increases the likelihood of a sale by 36 percent. When you meet someone, say their name – “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Jim.” And repeat their name through the interview. It will help cement the relationship.
6. Be on time. Being late shows a lack of respect for others’ time. If you can, arrive 15 minutes early and use the time to collect your thoughts.
7. Focus on them. Even though it’s an interview, focusing too much on yourself will bore the other party. Prepare by making a list of questions about the other person and their company. You don’t have to go into great detail but show that you are interested in learning more about them.
8. Listen. We have talked about the need for good listening skills in the past. Exchange information, don’t dominate the conversation, and listen to the others closely. Also acknowledge what they are saying with phrases like, “that makes sense” or “interesting” or “can you elaborate on that” to show you are engaged.
9. Tain’t necessarily funny. Watch the use of humor. Avoid sarcasm or controversial jokes that could be misinterpreted, especially if you are meeting someone for the first time.
10. Bring your documents. Don’t assume they will have copies of your documents. Bringing your own paperwork shows you are prepared. And bring them in a portfolio or briefcase to show you are organized.
11. Do your homework. Learn all you can about the person whom you will be meeting. Check them out on LinkedIn, the corporate web site, and using other social networking tools so you can ask informed questions about them.
12. Be yourself. If you can, try to relax and be yourself – be authentic. To help you overcome nervousness, do something to relieve the stress. Exercise beforehand, listen to music, whatever helps you relax. Also give yourself a pep talk, list your best qualities, practice in the mirror, or call a friend to give you a boost. And during the meeting try to relax. You can never know what the other party is thinking so just be yourself.

How to Stand Out from the Competition!

2011-02-25T07:06:00.000-08:00

Even if you have reached the top rungs of the corporate ladder, you might discover in this turbulent job market that potential employers will be looking beyond your core qualifications to your creativity, flexibility and fit into the company culture. Establishing yourself as a best-in-class professional, capable of easily adapting to and thriving during fluctuating economic cycles, will set you apart and enable you to more quickly land a career-enhancing opportunity. Some nontraditional strategies include:

1. Be open to interim positions or consulting projects. These will allow you to draw an income, keep your skills fresh and position yourself for prime roles once regular hiring levels return. So-called independent workers now comprise more than 30% of the American work force, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, demonstrating an increased willingness on the part of employers and professionals to consider unconventional working arrangements. With many companies unable to hire full-time employees, highly seasoned project or temporary professional workers are an appealing alternative.

2. Consider posts that are a pay grade or title below your most recent position. You’ll be positioned to exceed expectations and possibly turn the “downgrade” into a dream job later on. This is a particularly relevant strategy at organizations with reputations for promoting from within. By consistently over-performing and demonstrating your value to the company, you will ensure that you are at the top of its shortlist when more prestigious opportunities become available.

3. Be willing to relocate – domestically or even internationally. Look for opportunities that might ultimately keep you on the cutting edge of your field. While demand for talent will certainly rebound world-wide over time, job creation for top professionals may be more robust in emerging economies such as Brazil, Russia, India and China in the near term.

Career success in any type of job market is often as much about perseverance, preparation and timing as it is about talent and passion. Keeping an open mind about the path you take to reach your long-term career objectives is one of the best ways to ensure that you are seen as highly marketable. It will stimulate organizations – even those challenged by poor economic conditions – to see the advantage of hiring you.

Here are six New Year’s job-search resolutions to consider

2011-01-03T08:13:00.000-08:00

As the end of the year approaches, we’re all inspired to make life-changing improvements. While you’re reflecting on 2010 and planning for 2011, take some time to think about your job-search strategy and include it in your resolutions.

Here are six New Year’s job-search resolutions to consider:

1. I will build my online presence.

If you’re reluctant about using social media tools for your job search, let go of your fears in 2011. Building an online presence is likely to take your job search to new heights. What do employers see when they do a Google search for your name? Consider starting a blog, uploading your VisualCV, participating in LinkedIn group discussions, and making new connections with like-minded professionals on Twitter. A strong online presence raises your visibility with potential employers and could help you uncover hidden job opportunities.

[See 10 Smart Ways to Use Social Media for Your Job Search.]

2. I will update my resume and personalize my cover letter.

Don’t lose an opportunity to apply for a job because you haven’t updated your resume. The beginning of the year is a wonderful time to reflect on your career accomplishments and future goals—and incorporate them into your resume, cover letter, online profiles and other job-search materials.

Check out the rest on US News and World Report’s On Careers blog: 6 New Year’s Resolution for Job Seekers

Use the Holidays as an Ice Breaker

2010-12-01T15:06:00.000-08:00

Job seekers often suspend their job search for "the holidays," from early or mid-November through New Year's Day, on the theory that no one is interviewed or hired during that period. It's a big mistake! Employers are STILL hiring during this period (to meet the special needs of the holidays, to prepare for the new year, to replace someone who left, etc.).

Use the Holidays as an Ice Breaker

The common "problem" of "surviving" the year-end holidays can help you establish rapport in an interview. Even if it's just complaining about the holiday crowds or being too busy, discussing the holidays is usually a natural topic. It's also an easy way to break through the awkwardness of meeting someone for the first time in an interview or networking event, and establishing common ground.

Talk About Your Job Hunt or Employment Status at Holiday EventsRecruiter Perspective

Sandra A. MacKay, a Boston-area consulting recruiter, agrees with Dr. Cannon.

Sandra observed that a "significant amount of hiring takes place in last quarter of the year." For example, she was engaged by one client company on September 29 with a goal of filling as many job openings as possible before the end of the year. This is typical of many recruiters and HR staffs during this time of year.

In addition, Sandra recommends continuing your job search, as vigorously as you can during the holiday season, so that you are well-positioned when the traditional January 2nd job market boom begins (and everyone else begins or re-starts their job search).

So:

Don't take the holidays "off." Stay focused on your job search, and you'll land that next great job while everyone else is shopping or not paying attention!

Reach Dr. Cannon, author of "Finding a Job in a Slow Economy," through her Web site the Cannon Career Center. Also, see consulting recruiter Sandra MacKay's articles: "Getting a Recruiter's Attention" and "Getting an Employer's Attention" in Job-Hunt's Online Job Search Guide.

If your friends and extended family don't know that you are looking for a job, let them know, casually, at holiday events. The connections that lead to jobs happen in the unlikeliest places - I've seen people make connections at a funeral that resulted in job offers, even new careers. Use these get togethers as an opportunity to let people know that you are job hunting, and ask if anyone knows someone who works at [whatever employer you want]. If you know someone who works at one of your target employers, contact them directly yourself with a greeting card and/or phone call.

Re-establish Connections

The holidays (all year around, but particularly in November and December) are a great excuse to get back in touch with someone - your former boss(es?) and co-workers, college roommates, high school buddies, people in the house/apartment next door, kid's soccer coach, etc. Think about people whom you genuinely liked but have lost touch with, and track them down using Google, LinkedIn, ZoomInfo, Ziggs, etc. Hopefully, you'll re-establish a relationship that can benefit everyone involved. (Might not be a good idea to track down your high school sweetheart, though...unless you're single.)

If you really know the person well, just call them up. If you don't know them well, send a greeting card - one of the "real" cards, made of paper, put into an envelope with a stamp, and dropped off at the Post Office.

Remind Recruiters of Your Existence

Send a holiday greeting card to that nice recruiter you met back in May or August, or the hiring manager who almost hired you last month or last year. If you don't think they'll remember you (assume they won't), include a brief reminder of your last contact, who you are, and, perhaps, a business card.

Add an Update for Marketing

Include a personal note in your card, perhaps thanking them for their time in the past. If you're feeling bold (what do you have to lose?) include a short, 1 to 3 sentence update on what you've been doing since you last were in contact. The update should contain only "highlights" of the NEW news in your working life and qualifications - contract/volunteer work, education/certifications, publications, and so on -- with a very brief reminder (if needed) of your basic qualifications. You may also want to close with a sentence about getting together for coffee, a drink after work, or whatever is appropriate. Then, follow-up by phone.

Holiday Greetings for the Traditional Holidays

Beat the rush for this holiday season by sending a Happy Thanksgiving card during November. Or, send a Happy New Year card in late December, if you're determined to waste these prime hunting months and compete with everyone else on Jan. 2.

Cards for the obvious holiday (Christmas) are probably appropriate, if you know that the recipient is Christian, but more generic "Happy Holiday" cards are considered safer and more "PC," hopefully covering Kwanzaa and Hanukkah, too. Pick cards for those specific holidays if you know they are appropriate, but be VERY careful not to offend someone with a "wrong" card. Of course, your card will probably be competing with many other similar holiday cards, but not very many from other job seekers.

"Lesser" Holidays = MORE Differentiation!

Your card won't be competing with all the other holiday cards if you pick one of the holidays where sending holiday cards are not a tradition. Ground Hog Day, Lincoln's birthday, and St. Patrick's Day are some good Winter holidays, and you can usually find appropriate greeting cards for those days. Check out the greeting card section of your grocery store next time you do the grocery shopping. You might be surprised at the "holidays" you find. Take advantage of them!

Career Coach Observations

Dr. Jan Cannon, founder of the Cannon Career Center, recommends the holidays as an excellent time to job hunt because:

* Many companies have their budgets for the new year and are recruiting for people to start work in January. So, looking in January is looking too late for jobs at these companies.
* People are generally in a "holiday mood" during this time, even though shopping, vacations, and holiday party schedules may make them more elusive.
* Fewer job seekers try to find jobs during this period, so competition is not as intense, and you will have an easier time standing out from the crowd NOW.
* Holiday events are good networking opportunities.

Your brand is your reputation

2010-08-18T09:05:00.001-07:00

Your brand is your reputation – the perception of you held by the external world. It is the combination of personal attributes, values, drivers, strengths, and passions you draw from that differentiates your unique promise of value from your peers, and helps those assessing you determine if they should hire you or do business with you.

You need to identify those qualities and characteristics within you and communicate a crystal clear, consistent message across multiple channels – online and offline – designed to resonate with your target audience.

I’d like to take you deeper into defining your brand than I did in my earlier Job-Hunt article, Creating Your Authentic Personal Brand Statement.

I developed the following 10 brand assessment and defining exercises based on my training as a Reach Certified Personal Branding Strategist, and use them as I guide my clients through executive brand development. Be prepared to devote time to this. In the end, I think you'll find your efforts eye-opening and invigorating.

1. What are your vision and purpose?

Look externally at the bigger picture of your vision for the world, and then internally at how you might help the world realize your vision.

Think about one world problem you would like to see solved or one area of life that you want to see transformed or improved. This is your vision.

What role might you play in making your vision happen? This is your purpose.

2. What are your values?

Your values are your guiding principles – things like:

Balance, being the best, agility, calmness, challenge, decisiveness, perseverance, drive, honesty, integrity, pragmatism, sensitivity, structure, teamwork, sharing, vitality, zeal.

3. What are your passions?

What do you most enjoy doing – in your personal life and work life? Think about the activities, interests, or conversational topics that fascinate and energize you. Your passions make you get out of bed at 6 a.m. on a Saturday morning or get you talking enthusiastically with others. How do your passions converge with what you are best at doing?

4. What are your top goals for the next year, 2 years, and 5 years?

Work on projecting what you intend to accomplish so you can put together a strategic action plan to get there.

5. What are your top brand attributes.

What 3 or 4 adjectives best describe the value you offer? What words do you use to define your personality? Once you pinpoint what you feel are the right kinds of words, it’s a good idea to consult a thesaurus to precisely nail the exact words. Here are some possibilities, but don’t limit yourself to these:

Collaborative, resilient, forward-focused, risk-taking, connected, international, visionary, diplomatic, intuitive, precise, enterprising, ethical, genuine, accessible.

6. What are your core strengths or motivated skills?

In what functions and responsibilities do you excel? For what things are you the designated “go-to” person? What gap would your company be faced with if you left suddenly? The possibilities are endless, but here are a few suggestions:

Analyzing, collaborating, leading, delegating, empowering others, forecasting, crunching numbers, anticipating risk, mentoring, visioning, selling, innovating, managing conflict, defining needs, writing, listening, communicating.

7. Get feedback from those who know you best – at work, at home, anywhere.

The true measure of your brand is the reputation others hold of you in their hearts and minds. Notice how they introduce you to others. Ask them what your top brand attributes and core strengths are. How does your self-assessment jibe with their feedback?

The 360° Reach Personal Brand Assessment (http://www.reachcc.com/360reach), a confidential, web-based tool that collects anonymous 360-degree feedback in real time from your choice of respondents, is a good option to accomplish this step and the basic account is free.

8. Do a SWOT analysis (Strengths – Weaknesses – Opportunities – Threats).

Strengths and weaknesses are internal, and speak to your potential value to an employer. Opportunities and threats are external, and help you foresee what you’re facing in next career steps.

SWOT is an invaluable personal branding exercise that also helps prepare you for interviewing and future career growth and stability.

9. Who is your target audience?

Determine where you want to fit in (kind of job position and industry). Learn what decision makers in that field are looking for when they’re assessing candidates. Create your personal brand messaging around what keywords and content will attract them. Find out where those decision makers hang out, position yourself in front of them, and capture their attention.

10. Who is your competition in the marketplace and what differentiates you from them?

What do the people competing for the same jobs as you typically have to offer? What is it about you that makes you the best hiring choice? What added value do you bring to the table that no one else does?

Bottom Line:

The work involved in uncovering and defining your personal brand may seem daunting, but your efforts will benefit you immeasurably. In job search, defining and communicating your personal brand can help pre-qualify you as a good fit and strategically position you to land your next great gig faster.

VISIONING: TAKING CHARGE OF YOUR DAY

2010-08-18T08:20:00.000-07:00

VISIONING:
TAKING CHARGE OF YOUR DAY

Visioning is a method used by many to take control of their day. Do you take charge of your day, or is your day taking charge of you?

When you wake up in the mornings, do you know exactly what you want to accomplish, where you are going and how to get there?

If not, you are like many people who have become 'Wanderers'. They get up in the morning and they wander through the day.

They have no real goals. And they are wide open to every stress, worry and frustration that comes along.

Do you find yourself each day, running to catch up, with no time left for yourself? Would you like to enjoy your days more? There's a simple easy way to do this.
3 STEPS TO VISIONING YOUR DAY

First thing in the morning, before you get out of bed:

1.
ESTABLISH THE FEELING YOU WILL CARRY THROUGH YOUR DAY
* Sit up, close your eyes and relax into a 5 minute meditation.
* Let go of all your worries and intentions for that day.
* Breathe.
* Focus on feeling grateful for what you have, who you have in your life, where you are right now.

Be in the moment . . . peaceful . . . happy. . . grateful . . .
You have now established the feeling you will carry through your day.

2.
ORGANIZE YOUR PRIORITIES FOR THE DAY
* List your 7 Highest Priorities
- these are the things you will get done today.
* Have a small notebook to record them.
* Realize that if you do not set up your agenda for your day, someone else will set it up for you.
At the end of each day:

3.
TAKE TIME TO BE GRATEFUL FOR WHAT YOU'VE ACCOMPLISHED
* Feel good about your day.
* If you didn't get to all of your priorities, don't sweat it,
* Put these at the top of tomorrow's list.

DO YOU SEE A TREND?

After a few weeks, notice what the most important things tend to be on your Priority List each day.

* Do these priorities align with your highest values - what you truly believe in your heart?
* Or are you unsure about what you really want?
* You can change that right now. How?

YOUR IRRITATION LIST

At the end of each day, you'll have a list of complaints on how the day went.

* Jot down everything that irritated you.
* You have now noticed what you are not satisfied with in your life.
* You have taken action.
* You have created an Irritation List.

Becoming conscious of what is irritating you allows you to take steps to change it. You can turn this list into a vision of what you'd like to have in your life. Write out the positive version of that list of negatives.

A VISION FOR YOUR LIFE

You now have a Vision For Your Life That Works For You.
Each day revise, change and expand it until it feels just right.
This is the image of your life, that you carry in your heart, into each day.

TAKING CHARGE OF YOUR LIFE NOW
Mornings:

* Focus on the Feeling you want to hold for that day
* List Your 7 Highest Priorities

Evenings:

* Write Your Daily Gratitude List
* Write Your Irritation List
* Revise and Adjust Your Vision

See yourself living the life of your Dreams!

Other Articles On Work Life Balance

* An Easy Time-Management System

* Cultivating the Habit of Praise

* Visioning: Taking Charge of Your Day

* 4 Strategies to Deflect 'Worry' in Your Life

* Becoming a Magnet for Prosperity

* What is 'True Happiness'?

* Book Review: "Happy for No Reason"

* Does Your Work Environment Compliment Your Personality?

* Looking for a Secure Job - You Just May Find it in the Trades

* Key Questions to Ask When Looking for a Best Career Fit

* Encore Careers for Retirees

* Simple as 1,2,3 - A Quick & Easy Method of Career Decision Making

Please visit www.best-career-match.com for more information.
Awesome website with free testing and manuals

Prep Your 30-, 60-, 90-day Business Plan for the Job Interview

2010-08-10T08:46:00.001-07:00

Interviewing
Prep Your 30-, 60-, 90-day Business Plan for the Job Interview
Want to land a sales job and start on the right foot? Be ready to explain how you’ll move the numbers in the first months.
August 2, 2010
By Andrew Klappholz
ShareThis
FILED UNDER: Interview Questions, Presentation.
Interviewing

If you work in sales at the manager level or above, you should be prepared to hear the question from a hiring manager on a job interview; he wants to know what your 30-, 60- and 90-day plans are to build a new sales territory, halt a customer exodus or improve revenue. Be ready to deliver your plan and back it with data, said Kathleen Steffey, CEO and founder of Naviga Services, a Tampa, Fla., recruiting and staffing agency that specializes in marketing and sales roles.

“We highly recommend it for candidates, especially in the final stages of the interview,” she said. “It shows them, ‘I’ve thought about this.’ ” In any field where revenue is at stake, if the hiring team sees someone who’s prepared and appears ready to enhance revenue right away, they’ll be more likely to offer that person the job.

Dan, a medical-supplies salesman from the Midwest and a SalesLadder member who asked that his full name not be used, used the tactic to his advantage on a recent job interview for a diagnostic-services company. He said the business plan he put together for his interview showed the hiring manager that he had done his homework and was familiar with the company, its products and the market.

“I did the back research and found out what types of jobs I’ll be going on,” Dan said. “They were mainly concerned about ‘what you can do for me’ in terms of revenue.”
Career Advice from TheLadders

* 10 Good Ways to 'Tell Me About Yourself'
* How Full-Time Parents Can Reclaim a Full-Time Job
* Bringing Networking into Focus
* Why I hired you

Dan provided the potential employer with a detailed account of a sales territory, citing specific numbers of how many doctors and medical groups are in an area; he said his planning not only impressed the hiring manager, but it also prepared him to do the job.

In sales, it takes time to develop contacts and strengthen relationships, so business plans should reflect that maturation as it develops over periods of 30, 60 and 90 days. Dan said his plan was realistic and obtainable – major factors in its effectiveness – “targeting smaller accounts initially and larger ones in the 60- and 90-day period.”
Generic is garbage

The plan doesn’t need to be a 100-page briefing on every factor facing the company’s sales strategy and every data point down to the penny. It can be a simple PowerPoint presentation attached to an e-mail. Nevertheless, you must include a summary that proves you’re capable of making money for the company.

Such presentations are a platform to show the hiring manager how seriously you’re taking the opportunity, Steffey said.

While you can find business-plan templates online, there’s no auto-fill application that allows you to demonstrate your prowess with the click of a button.

Naviga Services’ Steffey stresses that these reports need to be as unique and informative as possible − considering trends and market conditions. The more it speaks to the hiring manager’s needs, the more effective it is, she said.

“It can’t be general. It has to be crafted for the particular employer,” she said. “If it’s general, it’s garbage.”

“That’s a turnoff when they see something generic,” Dan agreed. “If it matches up with their values, that’s what you have to base the business plan around.

LRS Jobs

2010-07-21T13:49:00.000-07:00

LRS Jobs

Ultimate Job Security Guide

2010-05-18T13:02:00.000-07:00

In the past two years, 7 million jobs have been vaporized, and along with them the idea that any of us are indispensable. Here are the tools you need to excel in this tough environment.Unless you’re a professor with tenure or your boss is named “Dad,” you know that true employment security is all but dead. No longer does working hard and doing well at your job guarantee even a modicum of confidence about the future; the Great Recession took care of that quaint notion. Get used to the idea that you could lose your job at any time, for any reason. And if that painful meeting with the HR drone does come to pass, you’ll be vying with an army of talented candidates competing for the rare opening — one job for every six hopefuls. According to recent Labor Department statistics, the average search lasts more than seven months.

In this new environment, working hard is no longer enough. You have to take a bird’s eye view of your company and industry, spot changes as they occur, and shift your efforts quickly in response. And you need to start thinking more in terms of income security rather than job security; that may mean finding a second income stream or working toward a career change now. Likewise, if you’re been laid off or see the writing on the wall, you have to be aware of what it takes to get a job today, from avoiding these resume gaffes to mastering the new job interview process, which has become increasingly drawn-out and intense. In this short video, watch as a career coach teaches executives how to ace an interview. For more advice — and, we hope, a bit of comic relief — follow our Twitter feed of interview goofs. Here’s your guide to the new work order:

* 5 New Rules for Job Security
* 7 Ways to Ruin Your Resume
* Real-Life Resume Makeover
* How to Ace the New Job Interview
* Video: Job Interview Tips
* @InterviewGoofs on Twitter

Tax Tips for Job Hunters: What You Can and Can’t Deduct

2010-03-24T13:51:00.000-07:00

Tax Tips for Job Hunters: What You Can and Can’t Deduct

by Adam Piore

This article is part of a package on tax deductions you can take if you’re between jobs and consulting or freelancing while you’re looking for work. To find out what you can and can’t deduct if you’re freelancing or a consultant, see our story on tax deductions for freelancers.

As if being out of work and competing with everyone and their grandmother for work weren’t bad enough, a growing number of Americans are discovering yet another unpleasant truth about job hunting: It can be expensive. It costs money to travel to interviews, to get help with resumes, and to look good for those potential new bosses you’re trying to impress. Fortunately the IRS allows you to take tax deductions for at least some of those expenses if you itemize on your return. Job-hunting expenses are grouped in the “miscellaneous deductions” of your tax return, a category which must exceed 2 percent of your adjusted gross income to qualify for the write off. Here are some of the key job-hunting expenses you can and cannot deduct.
Home Office Equipment

* Cannot deduct: The full cost of equipment such as computers, printers, and fax machines
* Can deduct: A portion of the cost of equipment

Since most office equipment can be used for many purposes, you’ll only be able to deduct the percentage of the cost that corresponds to how much of the device you use exclusively for your job search. And even then, you’ll only be able to deduct a portion of the initial cost, since the IRS considers equipment like computers and printers to have a lifetime of five years. In many cases, the deduction will be quite small so you might be better off just going to Kinko’s and doing your job-related computing and printing there, since those costs will be fully deductible.

Education

* Cannot deduct: Classes and materials if you’re training for a new career
* Can deduct: Classes and materials associated with your present career

The IRS generally has strict limits on the deductibility of educational expenses. If you were laid off as a chef and you are going back to school to become an investment counselor, you cannot write those classes off. However, if you were laid off as a chef and you take a cooking class, or you were laid off as an investment counselor and you take a business course, it’s considered career development and is deductible.

Coaches and Assistants

* Cannot deduct: The fees for career coaches, resume specialists, Web site designers, etc., if you are trying to break into a new field
* Can deduct: The fees for the above if you are applying for a job in the same field as your previous job

As with classes and education, if you’re using the services of a coach or specialist to assist your job hunting in the same field, it’s considered deductible career development. Note that the fees for any help related to your appearance — such as hair stylists, tailors, personal trainers, and dieticians are never deductible — since they don’t exclusively benefit your business or ability to do work. Knowing this should help you answer the question posed in this popular H&R Block commercial that aired during the Olympics:

Travel

* Cannot deduct: Your flight and hotel stay in Los Angeles to check out the Santa Monica Pier and decide if you’d like to live there
* Can deduct: Your flight and hotel stay in Los Angeles if you have an interview scheduled or are going to E3 to network

“The IRS wants to see a real reason for your trip; how do they know you didn’t just go there on vacation?” says Tina Salandra, CPA and owner of Numerical LLC, an accounting firm in New York City. Note: Trying to write off the cost of bringing your spouse along isn’t going to fly in either case.

Gifts

* Cannot deduct: A $100 bottle of Bordeaux to thank Mortimer for getting you a job interview
* Can deduct: A $25 case of Budweiser to thank Joe for getting you an interview

The IRS caps business gift deductions at $25.

It's 2010! Success is the Key!

2010-02-27T08:19:00.000-08:00

Dream jobs are one of those things that many dream about. Some dream to be the CEO of an internationally recognized company whereas for some a good paying job is good enough for a dream job. It seems like many people are giving up hopes on their dream jobs due to rising unemployment and hurting economy. Although the current situation may not be as good as we would like it to be, there certainly is hope. And dreams more often than not are conquered when there is hope.

There are few things that every job applicant needs to remember when it comes to landing the job of their dreams. Today we want to explore a few of those things and how it might make you a strong candidate in the eyes of your potential employer.
Make a List

That’ right! Whether you use a computer or a pen and paper, that’s totally up
to you but start with making lists. Think of things relating to work that makes you happy. Are you someone who likes a good challenge or someone who wants to get by doing the easiest stuff? Although this sounds silly, it does help tremendously. Many people waste a lot of years doing jobs they hate. There is no surprise that hundreds and thousands of people are complaining about their job each day. Make a list. Write down what you are good at and what you are not so good at. Are you good at negotiating? Do you enjoy it? If it is something you are good at and enjoy doing there might be business opportunities and jobs that cater to this quality of yours that you have yet to capitalize on. Preparing a list with pros and cons about yourself, including what makes you happy in workplace setting etc. can help you tremendously in landing a job that you have always dreamed of.

Change Can Be Good

If you have been thinking your dream jobs lies in a field other than what you are good at, dare to change. Although career change isn’t something that can happen overnight, it sure isn’t something that is impossible. If you have been working on what we talked about on point 1, by now you have a clear idea of what it is that will make you happy and satisfied as far as work goes. Don’t be afraid to change your career, but don’t be dumb enough to jump on it right away. If you have a full time job, stick to your current job and pick up a part time job or an internship or volunteer for the job that might help you excel in the new career you are thinking of. When you are ready and confident that this is what you want, quit the old job and start your new career. The key here is to dare. Dare to change. Unless you give it a try you never know if the dream job you are seeking is really dream or just a happy thought of your mind.

Break The Limitations

These limitations can be financial or geographical. Remember if you want to achieve your dreams there are certain things you have to be willing to give up. Your dream job may require you to climb the ladder and while starting out the pay may not be as good. But if that’s what it takes to get to a place where you want to be in five years, that’s a choice you have to make. Another thing when it comes to grabbing that golden opportunity or landing a dream job is that you have to be willing to relocate. I have seen plenty of people unwilling to relocate due to family, emotional attachments, etc. Although these things play a important part in ones life, if you want to succeed and that’s what it takes to land your dream job, the first thing you need to be able to do is willing to relocate. Breaking the limitations will help you make the dream a reality.

Deal Maker or Deal Breaker

The reason many job applicants never get call for a job interview isn’t because they aren’t qualified, it is because their resume doesn’t portray who they really are or what they are capable of. Interview comes after the potential employer has seen your resume. Your resume is the key to your golden career. Don’t be in a hurry when creating your resume. Resume isn’t just a piece of paper but it is one of the most important documents that tells the potential employer who you are and what you can do. Be careful when preparing your resume. Those little typo that you think may not be a big problem might be the only thing coming in between you and the dream job you are applying for.

Be Bold and Outspoken

Although networking on the computer and making use of social media platforms is a must, face to face talk is the best way to network. Meeting in person and shaking hands is way more effective then sitting behind a computer screen and networking online even in this day and age. Whether it’s a career fair or any other gathering that you are at, be bold and connect with people. Don’t be shy to talk about your ambitions, your career goals, your dream jobs and the industry you want to be in with people. Your contact at the moment may not know about these but your passion may lead them to refer you to someone they know.

Although these tips can help you land your dream job, the only person that can make it happen is you. It doesn’t matter whether you read hundreds of articles each day, it doesn’t matter whether you dream of someday landing your dream job, what matters is that you have what it takes to get there. And one thing that is of most importance when it comes to grabbing that dream opportunity is the fact that you need to be able to get up when you fall and stay on track. Be persistent, be bold and reach out. Your dream job isn’t as far away as you would like to think. Just mold yourself to be the one who can achieve and the career you want will be knocking on your door in no time.

Share your tips and thoughts on how one can successfully land a dream job.

Happy New Year! well almost!! Time Management for 2010

2009-12-22T11:38:00.001-08:00

Time management skills and techniques

Time management skills are your abilities to recognize and solve personal time management problems. The goal of these time management lessons is to show you what you can do to improve those skills.

With good time management skills you are in control of your time and your life, of your stress and energy levels. You make progress at work. You are able to maintain balance between your work, personal, and family lives. You have enough flexibility to respond to surprises or new opportunities.

All time management skills are learnable. More than likely you will see much improvement from simply becoming aware of the essence and causes of common personal time management problems. With these time management lessons, you can see better which time management techniques are most relevant for your situation.

Just get started with them. Many of your problems gradually disappear.

If you already know how you should be managing your time, but you still don't do it, don't give up. What you may be overlooking is the psychological side of your time management skills, psychological obstacles hidden behind your personality.

Depending on your personal situation, such obstacles may be the primary reason why you procrastinate, have difficulties saying no, delegating, or making time management decisions.

The psychological component of your time management skills can also be dealt with. The time management skills information below will point at a relevant solution for your situation.

Get Organized Now!
Ideas, tips, tools and more to help you organize your home, your office and your life!

How to avoid procrastination
Ability to beat procrastination and laziness is among the most important time management skills to learn. Identify your causes of procrastination and start fighting it now.

Decision making skills and techniques guide
Good decision making skills is the foundation for life and time management skills. Information on decision making skills and techniques with links to related decision making articles and resources.

Prioritizing techniques save your time and energy
Prioritizing skills allow you to focus on what is most important. Learn to set priorities wisely, and you will achieve more and will have more of personal or family time.

What is planning and why you need to plan
Planning as an important time management technique. Planning optimizes your efforts of achieving a goal.

Action plan techniques
Learn to plan efficiently. Simple and powerful techniques to convert your goals and ideas into an effective action plan.

Effective delegation skill and techniques
Why delegation skill is important for personal time management, how to choose delegatee, how to delegate. How to train your delegation skill.

Build coping skills to withstanding life's challenges
Well-developed coping skills help you maintain control and do the best that could be done when faced with outstanding challenges.

Do you often feel foggy in your brain or struggle to maintain energy?
Then I would highly recommend learning more on this subject. While you cannot increase the number of hours in your day, you can increase the energy and mental performance you put in those hours, and the quality of life you get out of them.

Analyze and improve personal time management skills with a time log
Time log is a very effective time management learning tool. Your minimal effort and a few tips and techniques can eliminate much of wasted time and help you reach balance.

A personal digital assistant ( PDA ) outperforms other time management tools
Advantages of a portable hand held personal digital assistant, or PDA, compared to paper notes or other personal time management tools.

Don't Quit

2009-11-18T14:31:00.001-08:00

Don't Quit
When things go wrong as they sometimes will.
When the road you're trudging seems all up hill.
When funds are low and the debts are high.
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh.
When care is pressing you down a bit.
Rest, if you must, but don't you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns.
As every one of us sometimes learns.
And many a failure turns about
When he might have won had he stuck it out:
Don't give up though the pace seems slow
You may succeed with another blow.
Success is failure turned inside out
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt.
And you never can tell how close you are.
It may be near when it seems so far:
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit
It's when things seem worst that you must not QUIT.

Website for employment

2009-10-21T06:05:00.000-07:00

New: Search by Key Words on Interns Over 40(ex:Resume, Skills,Internship)
Monday, October 19, 2009
Top 20 Job Search Web Sites

As we all know by now, unemployment numbers are sky high and companies are laying people off like it's 2001 again. However, there is a silver lining for those looking for new employment: there are more resources than ever to help job seekers find work.

These 20 Web sites take different approaches to find you the right job. Some sites, like Indeed, simply aggregate material from all other sites, while sites like TheLadders make you pay to take advantage of their high-paying job services. No matter how select or general you want your job search to be, one of these sites has you covered.

Scroll through our list of favorites and find the career site that best fits your own needs. And good luck with the job hunt!

Beyond

Beyond.com claims to be the "largest network of niche career communities" on the Net. It essentially hooks together different organizations like PRJobForce.com and PhillyJobs.com all in one place, which makes it easy to find leads in your community.

CareerBuilder

As the Web's biggest job site, CareerBuilder gets more than 23 million visitors a month. The company has been around since 1995, and has developed an incredible network of listing sources and job search centers since that time.

Craigslist

The granddaddy of online classifieds gives those who are focused on searching for jobs within their communities an easy way to look. It might be one of the least-polished entities listed here, but the sheer number of local job listings makes up for it.

ExecuSearch

ExecuSearch looks to be a selective, higher-tier job search property. ExecuSearch screens and reviews every resume that is submitted, and helps employers find the best possible candidates for their open positions.

Hound

Hound's search engine shows jobs from employer Web sites only. In theory, this cuts out duplicate listings and shows opportunities that are not posted on other job boards.

Indeed

Indeed works as an aggregator for listings from major job Web sites, company Web sites, associations, and other online sources. Its simplicity and ease of use are its best features.

JobCentral

JobCentral is a service formed by a nonprofit consortium of U.S. corporations like IBM and Dell, which makes it ideal if you're looking for corporate job listings.

JobServe

JobServe claims it was "the world's first Internet recruitment service." In 2008, JobServe advertised more than 2.5 million jobs across 15 industry sectors.

Jobster

Jobster uses an active approach to help employers and recruiting teams of all sizes find their candidates. The company calls its method "social recruiting," and it services 24 different job categories.

LinkedIn

Best known for being a social network for professionals, LinkedIn also has thorough job listings, some of which are exclusive to LinkedIn.

Monster

In addition to being arguably the best-known global job-listings site, Monster also offers advice on resumes, interviewing, and salary information.

Oodle

Oodle, which specializes in online classifieds, includes a job classifieds section that finely cuts job opportunities down to job title, category, industry, and company. Did you know, for example, that Best Buy has nearly 10,000 openings?

onTargetjobs

onTargetjobs owns a lot of smaller niche sites like BioSpace.com and MedHunters.com. Its expansive niche database allows users to find compatible job listings more easily than with general sites.

SimplyHired

SimplyHired is similar to Indeed, as it also aggregates listings from major job Web sites, newspapers, company Web sites, and associations. However, the site goes a little deeper and allows users to send their resumes out for posting on five other sites for free.

SnagAjob

SnagAJob is basically the antithesis of sites like TheLadders and ExecuSearch, as its focus is on hourly employment only. The site has partnered with companies like 7 Eleven, Red Lobster, and AMF, to bring the most up-to-date hourly job openings.

TheLadders

This job site has branded itself as the place to look for $100,000+ jobs only. Job seekers have to pay $30 per month to fully take advantage of the site's services.

Trovix

Trovix's free search engine makes the job-search process more personalized. Users input their work experience and qualifications and the site matches results to what info they have given. Trovix also has an innovative feature called Job Map, which allows you to type in your location and see on Google Maps how many jobs are available in your area.

TweetMyJobs

One of the newest sites to take advantage of social media, TweetMyJobs supplies Twitter users with instantaneous job listings that are derived from TweetMyJobs' Job Channels.

USAJobs

USAJobs is the official job site for the U.S. government. With the government looking to significantly increase spending during the next few years, looking at federal jobs might not be a bad move if you're in a tough place.

Yahoo HotJobs

As one of the biggest job sites on the Web, HotJobs distinguishes itself by focusing on features such as status (which shows how many times one's resume has been viewed) and the ability to block companies from seeing your resume.

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Posted by Sari Lawson at 5:00 AM

Search: careers, job, job search tools, job seekers, jobs

5 Post a Comment:

Susan Ireland said...

I want to suggest adding http://job-hunt.org. It's a great all-round job search portal with an unbelievable amount of solid information. And it's free! (And it's not mine)
October 20, 2009 11:14 AM
Rebecca Klayman said...

I suggest adding www.playfairandnoble.com, which embraces the spirit of Web 2.0 by allowing professionals and employers to communicate directly, without the interference and prohibitive costs of recruitment agencies. In fact they are not a recruitment agency.
They share 50% of their fee with the professional and reward referrers with 10%.
October 20, 2009 1:14 PM
Rangachari said...

are they applicable for India too?
October 20, 2009 5:47 PM
Anonymous said...

I prefer the excitement and pace of start-up companies. http://www.startuphire.com is a great resource for these opportunities
October 20, 2009 6:46 PM
Anonymous said...

Great summary article. Thanks for sharing.
October 20, 2009 8:15 PM

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Personal Branding for your Job Search

2009-08-17T09:15:00.000-07:00

Keeping your personal brand organized: An interview with Dan Schawbel
I’ve written a short article about office organizing that appears on page 25 of the August 2009 issue of Personal Branding Magazine. (You can check out a free sample of the magazine online.) Since we talk about office organizing quite a bit on Unclutterer, I thought it might be fun to instead let the magazine’s editor, Dan Schawbel, talk to us about a topic he knows in great detail and one that we rarely discuss on the site — personal branding.
In addition to being the editor of the magazine, Dan is also the author of Me 2.0: Build a Powerful Brand To Achieve Career Success. If after reading the following interview you want to learn more about personal branding, I recommend checking out Dan’s book, his site, his magazine, and his column in Business Week.
What is your method for helping people to identify their personal brand to stand out in the crowd?
There are four steps in the personal branding process I’ve developed: discover, create, communicate and maintain. You can’t create a brand unless you know what you want to be known for or labeled as. This isn’t a job title we’re talking about here. It’s all about positioning yourself in a crowded market by developing a personal brand statement, which contains your expertise and your target audience. For example: Top doctor for young adults in San Diego. As long as this statement is backed up, then you can stand out, demand a premium salary and become more respected and well known. Right now you’re asking “what if I’m not an expert” and the answer is simple, become the expert. I started off as a “personal branding spokesman.” Once you become proven, you can transition, but you have to start somewhere.
Brand discovery can be challenging, so you may want to survey the people who know you best. Ask them to describe you and give you feedback on what they think you enjoy. Ask yourself “what makes me stay up at night”? Write down your strength and what projects and/or college classes you enjoyed. Once you discover your brand, it will change the way you see yourself, give you confidence and ultimately make you successful, as long as you put the effort in.
What are the key elements of personal branding every worker should be scheduling time for in their day?
Each day, there are a lot of tasks you can do, depending on how much time you have allocated to building your brand. If you haven’t discovered your brand in the first place, then you should invest time in figuring out what you’re passionate about, what you’re expertise is (or what you want it to be) and what your support system looks like. You need all three to succeed and I call this the “triangle of success.” It’s not about finding a job anymore. Instead, you want to position yourself for the career you desire. You should do your homework to see what’s out there and make a list of your strengths, weaknesses, the opportunities you have and the threats (or factors that may impede on your success).
Another thing you should do is to follow conversations online, using google.com/alerts, search.twitter.com, backtype.com, and others. Set alerts and/or search for your full name, topics in your field and competitors. This will keep you up-to-date with the latest happenings in YOUR world, as well as keep you relevant and knowledgeable.
I also recommend that you publish one blog post per day. The post should relate to the career you want to create and be unique. It’s hard to stand out in the blogosphere now with over 200 million blogs, so you have to be creative to stand out.
It’s so tempting to waste time on social media sites instead of using them efficiently for work and personal branding. Any tips on how to use these services in a productive way?
You have to first recognize your current situation, both financially and responsibility wise. If you have three six year old children, two pet dogs, and a full-time job, then you might not be able to invest twenty hours per week using social media sites to build your personal brand. Second, you’ll want to concentrate on only a small amount of social media sites, or your brand will be spread too thin and you won’t be able to manage it. I recommend that you join Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn (the big 3), while discovering and joining social networks in your industry. For instance, if you’re a real estate agent, join activerain.com or if you’re an entrepreneur, you may want to join partnerup.com.
It’s quite easy to waste time on social media sites because they are fun and there are a lot of features and people to connect with, along with unlimited opportunities. The smart thing to do is to allocate a certain amount of hours per week to each social media site that you can benefit from and keep to that schedule.
How do you keep networking contacts organized? Do you have any services or advice to recommend to others for keeping all the information gathered at networking events stored in an organized and meaningful manner?
I use a simple Excel spreadsheet to log all of my contacts and worksheets within that spreadsheet to separate different types of contacts. For example, one worksheet is called “media contacts,” where I list the names of all the journalists I’ve corresponded and another one is “personal contacts,” where I list the names of friends and family. LinkedIn.com is another great tool to organize your contacts and export the list, which you can print out as well. JibberJobber.com, a company owned by my friend Jason Alba, is a highly regarded networking database tool, which allows you to track jobs you apply for, in addition to personal and professional relationships. I wouldn’t consider myself the most organized person at all. I use most of my energy executing ideas and index my contacts later. For instance, I’ll use Gmail and create a category and put in contacts who have emailed me to be stored there, until I have time to log them.
What do you believe is the most difficult area of personal branding to keep organized and clutter free?
Aside from building a strong network contact list, it can be hard to manage your online presence as it moves through the web. The reason is because we’re all constantly moving and we’re swimming in an ocean of information everyday, so it’s hard to make your brand consistent. Also, technology has changed rapidly. Just Monday, Facebook bought FriendFeed, Facebook launched it’s own real-time search engine and Google launched a test website for their new search engine. You have to keep up with everything that is going on and if you subscribe to Mashable.com, TechCrunch.com and ReadWriteWeb.com, you’ll have a pulse over the greater tech industry. The web is a cluttered place, so you should find the blogs with the most value and review them everyday. This can obviously be tedious, but you don’t want to be left out, while your competitors are paying attention.
Is there ever a time along a career path to stop maintaining relationships with others in your industry?
If you do that, then you will be in severe shape, especially if you lose your job. I’m a firm believe in the power of networking and the social equity that brings. For instance, when I needed an intern this summer, I tweeted about it and several of my contacts retweeted that internship opening. In turn, I received many resumes and eventually hired three interns. Without the social equity to make that happen, it would have been a gruesome summer. The older you get, the more important it is to have a strong network, especially in your industry. I did a poll on my blog and 60% of people got a job through networking. For executives, that number jumps up to over 75%. Building your network before you need it is required for career success, both online and offline.

Creative Job Hunting

2009-06-17T06:00:00.001-07:00

Creative Job Hunting

With the economy being tough as it is and with ever-increasing competition, you need to be more creative when searching for a job. It is no longer enough to simply put your resume online and wait for HR personnel or recruiters to call you.
In conjunction with searching for jobs on the Internet job boards and scouring the help wanted sections of the newspapers, there are other avenues you can pursue to assist your job search. Many of the avenues are related to networking.

Frequent the haunts of others in your industry
Make yourself a fixture at the coffee shops, lounges, restaurants and other establishments that people in your industry frequent. Over time, you can acquaint yourself with some of the other regulars and hopefully get yourself a job.

Join online communities
There are thousands of groups with many members that can assist you with your job hunt. Join a community in your field and get acquainted with others by chatting and joining message boards.

Email your friends
Everyone knows someone. Use this to your advantage. Let all your friends know you're looking for a position and ask your friends to forward your resume to others who may be interested in your skills.

Read industry magazines
Reading everything you can get your hands on relating to your industry helps immensely in getting information and job leads. Stay on top of events, trends, and other news. If you find an article an employer might like, send it to him and introduce yourself that way, and if you find information on a new company forming, send them your information.
Using these alternative measures to try and get your next position can make you stand out from the crowd. Also, don't limit yourself to these suggestions. Think outside the box, be alert to any and all opportunities, and do some creative branding about yourself.

positive thinking

2009-05-07T07:13:00.001-07:00

Positive thinking: Practice this stress management skill
Positive thinking helps with stress management and can even improve your health. Overcome negative self-talk by recognizing it and practicing with some examples provided.
By Mayo Clinic staff

Is your glass half-empty or half-full? How you answer this age-old question about positive thinking may reflect your outlook on life, your attitude toward yourself, and whether you're optimistic or pessimistic.

In fact, some studies show that these personality traits — optimism and pessimism — can affect how well you live and even how long you live.

With this in mind, take a refresher course in positive thinking. Learn how to put positive thinking into action. Positive thinking is a key part of an effective stress management strategy.

Understanding positive thinking and self-talk
Self-talk is the endless stream of thoughts that run through your head every day. These automatic thoughts can be positive or negative. Some of your self-talk comes from logic and reason. Other self-talk may arise from misconceptions that you create because of lack of information.

If the thoughts that run through your head are mostly negative, your outlook on life is likely pessimistic. If your thoughts are mostly positive, you're likely an optimist — someone who practices positive thinking.

Living longer and happier through positive thinking
Researchers continue to explore the effects of positive thinking and optimism on health. Health benefits that positive thinking may provide include:

■Decreased negative stress
■Greater resistance to catching the common cold
■A sense of well-being and improved health
■Reduced risk of coronary artery disease
■Easier breathing if you have certain lung diseases, such as emphysema
■Improved coping ability for women with high-risk pregnancies
■Better coping skills during hardships
It's unclear why people who engage in positive thinking experience these health benefits. But one theory is that having a positive outlook enables you to cope better with stressful situations, which reduces the harmful health effects of stress on your body.

How positive thinking gives way to negative thinking
But what if your self-talk is mainly negative? That doesn't mean you're doomed to an unhappy life. Negative self-talk just means that your own misperceptions, lack of information and distorted ideas have overpowered your capacity for logic and reason.

Some common forms of negative and irrational self-talk include:

■Filtering. You magnify the negative aspects of a situation and filter out all of the positive ones. For example, say you had a great day at work. You completed your tasks ahead of time and were complimented for doing a speedy and thorough job. But you forgot one minor step. That evening, you focus only on your oversight and forget about the compliments you received.
■Personalizing. When something bad occurs, you automatically blame yourself. For example, you hear that an evening out with friends is canceled and you assume that the change in plans is because no one wanted to be around you.
■Catastrophizing. You automatically anticipate the worst. You refuse to go out with friends for fear that you'll make a fool of yourself. Or one change in your daily routine leads you to think the entire day will be a disaster.
■Polarizing. You see things only as either good or bad, black or white. There is no middle ground. You feel that you have to be perfect or that you're a total failure.
You can learn positive thinking
Instead of giving in to these kinds of negative self-talk, weed out misconceptions and irrational thinking and then challenge them with rational, positive thoughts. When you do this, your self-talk will gradually become realistic and self-affirming — you engage in positive thinking.

You can learn to turn negative thinking into positive thinking. The process is simple, but it takes time and practice — you are creating a new habit, after all.

Periodically during the day, stop and evaluate what you're thinking. If you find that your thoughts are mainly negative, try to find a way to put a positive spin on them.

Start by following one simple rule: Don't say anything to yourself that you wouldn't say to anyone else.

Examples of typical negative self-talk and how you might apply a positive thinking twist include:

How to keep your position in a Tough Economy

2009-03-12T10:48:00.000-07:00

By Jeb Blount

For many Sales Professionals the stress of our current economic situation is taking a toll. Besides shrinking retirement accounts and the relentless stream of bad news, corporate compensation policies are becoming less generous, customers are cutting back (which impacts commission checks), and the competition for new accounts has never been more fierce. And, to make things worse, salespeople everywhere walk on egg shells wondering when the next wave of cuts may leave them without a job.

Fear is palpable everywhere I go. Everyone is scared. Most people are searching for answers. Some are so paralyzed with fear that they are taking no action at all. I'm not going to presume to tell you that your fear is unfounded because it is not. I'm not going to deliver an empty message telling you that if you just manage your attitude everything else will work out. Though attitude is very important, attitude without action can hurt you in this environment.

What I am going to give you are 5 Rules designed to keep you employed so that you have the means to make it through this recession in one piece, and are positioned to win when we come out on the other side.

Rule One - Activity Is Everything: Complete all of your customer visits, make all of your prospecting calls, hit all your new appointment and closing appointment targets. Even if you are not at quota you don't want anyone questioning your activity. And if you are achieving your activity targets but not hitting quota, the economy, not you, may get the blame. Activity is tangible. It can be measured, analyzed, and reported up. When you hit your activity targets the perception is that you are working hard and toeing the company line. Your company and your boss are more likely to invest in and keep the salespeople they perceive to be hard workers. One more note here - be sure that your reports and paper work are perfect and always on time and keep your CRM updated.

Rule Two - Don't Complain: You are stressed out, your company is cutting back, the boss is more demanding, and things are changing. You may even be asked to take a pay cut. Heed this warning: DO NOT COMPLAIN. Don't complain to anyone, for any reason, at any time -- no matter what. If you complain to co-workers, they will use your words to throw you under the bus and save their own hides. And the last thing the boss wants to deal with is a complainer. The boss is likely way more stressed than you are. She doesn't need you to remind her of how bad she already feels for reducing entertainment expenses, cutting spiffs, or having to announce that the annual awards trip has been canceled. So learn to keep your mouth shut. Instead, start repeating to yourself, "I'm lucky to have this job." or "It could be worse; I could be unemployed." Keep a smile on your face, accept things as they are, and stay focused on your activity targets.

Rule Three - Become Indispensable: In the past when companies downsized it was always last in, first out. Today, however, most organizations choose who goes and who stays based on productivity. In other words, people who generate more value for the organization stay. Being indispensable means more than just doing your sales job perfectly. It means volunteering for projects, looking for ways to add value, and consistently asking the boss if there is anything you can do to help. Change your way of thinking about work - the party is over for Work/Life Balance. Right now your job must become everything. Devote yourself to it - even if it means putting other things (like time with your family) aside. Work longer hours, be seen often, and always offer to lend a hand. Your goal is to create the perception that you are an employee the organization cannot live without.

Rule Four - Make No Enemies: Unfortunately, in most companies, non-salespeople don't like sales professionals. This dislike is motivated mostly by jealousy. The other people in your company are jealous because you work less, have a flexible lifestyle, go on the award trips, and out earn almost everyone - including top executives. Because of these feelings, your non-sales co-workers are looking for a reason to hate you. Normally this is not such a big deal. However, in a recessionary economy, you must not create enemies; and if you have enemies, do whatever you can to repair those relationships. Be flexible with demands and difficult people. Bend over backwards to accommodate. Let insults and affronts to your character roll off your back. Smile. Be polite and respectful. Stay away from office politics at all times. And never say a disparaging word about anyone because it will get back to them.

Rule Five - Have a Back-up Plan: It is always easier to find a new job when you have a job - especially if you are at the top of your game. Even in a recessionary economy top sales professionals are in demand. The proof of this are the more than 100,000 sales jobs currently listed on www.SalesGravy.com. Unfortunately, many people only start searching for their next sales job the day they get fired or laid-off. You must be prepared. Start by getting your resume in order - get a professional service to put it together for you if you don't have time. Post your resume on job boards, like www.SalesGravyJobs.com, where you can hide your personal information. Begin searching online to get a feel for the sales jobs that are available and which companies and industries are expanding. Build and nuture your professional network now. It will be too late if you end up on the street. Most importantly, keep your eyes and ears open. Pay close attention to the moves your company makes. Don't make any career changes in haste or in a panic. But, if after careful consideration, you feel like your demise is inevitable and you are about to be cut, take action to make a change while you are still employed.

What is the Value of Writing a Cover Letter?

2009-02-24T15:38:00.000-08:00

What is the Value of Writing a Cover Letter?
February 17th, 2009
The cover letter is often thought of as a last-minute item, sometimes left out altogether. Believe it or not, the cover letter does have two very specific purposes. It is a demonstration of your knowledge about the organization and the position with which you are applying, it serves as a work sample of your writing and communication skills, and it is one more opportunity that you have to make it past human resource’s screening process.

These tips may help you to end up on the potential employer’s interview list.

Avoid a synopsis of your resume- The HR folks have your resume, don’t make them read it twice. Instead, research the organization and the job for which you are applying. Use keywords from the job description and website to explain specifically how your skills and experience match the job. This is especially helpful when your career history does not obviously speak to the job being applied for.

Address your letter to a specific name- Addressing your cover letter to “To Whom it May Concern” or misspelling the individual’s name is a clear sign that you did not make the effort to do your research. If you cannot find out who you should be addressing it to on the website, call the front desk and ask, do a Google search, or try LinkedIn.

Share your enthusiasm- Companies want to know that you are interested and enthusiastic about their role, not just in finding a job. Be specific about how you can contribute to the organization’s overall mission. At then end, be direct and ask for an interview to demonstrate your skills and commitment.

Avoid typos- As I mentioned, this is a sample of your writing and communication skills. Misspellings and punctuation errors are unacceptable. Also, use an active voice (I am confident, I know) instead of a passive voice (I think, I feel).

Keep it to the point- Remember this cover letter is about the job, not your life. The letter should be no more than one page.

Yes, crafting a cover letter for each job you apply for does take more time, but a well developed cover letter can give you an edge up on the competition

Opportunity for you to Change in 2009!

2009-01-26T06:17:00.000-08:00

Change is coming across the United States and across the Globe. After listening to rants and raves, reading articles, listening to the news, and C-span, BBC, we are all in a state of change. Change has been with us since the beginning of time so I don't exactly understand why we think it is all so strange. Perhaps we are in a state of how do we change our career, our lives to adapt to the current situation.
I also, pay close attend to trends. If you Google trends for the next few years you will see that Education, Accounting and It won't have so much of a hard time.
I think one beautiful gift is to think positive despite circumstances. This is a great moment in time for us to Re-invent our purpose and re-evaluate where our true
Priorities are. We always will want to be successful and accomplish our dreams, goals, and ambitions. Now we are faced with some real life challenges. We can't really at this point effect the Globe unless of course you are a world leader and in the public forum, so best to tackle your own center of the universe. Why not start out with healthy New Year’s resolutions to improve your outlook, the way you approach business, relationships and everyone around you and don't forget to treat yourself kindly this year. Make time for the basics, reading, and writing and keep track of your progress. Set goals for your life that are attainable and measure your results.

Tips for the Tough job search,
Networking has become my favorite pastime. Networking is your Best chance of creating an exciting opportunity for your new position. Be your own campaign manager for success.
Join as many groups and organizations so that you can meet people. I spend a good amount of time at the library and on the internet reading current publications on
How to start a new business, how to create opportunities for those seeking employment.
Try using some different techniques to get employers to respond to your resume.
After over 10,000 interviews with potential candidates two stand out, one candidate
left his resume and cover letter in a huge envelop at the receptionist desk with my name on it. He followed up with a phone call to make sure that I received his resume. Of course he got an interview. One candidate went so far to send me a box with a shoe in it, and asked if he could get his foot in the door. We did recruit him and hire him on his creative way to get in front of our management team.
Most candidates now days don't send a thank you. Guess they are too busy interviewing to remember social graces but are always welcome when we hear a thank you for your time and consideration from a potential candidate. After all wouldn't you rather hire someone who is appreciative?
The biggest complaint I hear from those seeking a new opportunity is that it is hard work? Months later I receive emails and phone calls seeking my help to help them find employment. I explain to people to research firms that they are interested in working for and than send them your resume and cover letter asking them for an opportunity. Generally, these firms do not advertise opportunities.
The Best is yet to Come!! Turn change into opportunities to seek out new ways to create your success!

Interview Tips- Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

2008-12-16T18:08:00.000-08:00

Hi well we are just about ready to close out another wonderful year of tremendous "change" and new and exciting possibilites. Merry Christmas to all
and a Happy Healthy and Prosperous New Year!

Here are some helpful interview hints......
See you in the New Year!!!! Happy Holidays!!!

Pam

Interview Tips
Interview Dos

Arrive on time or a few minutes early.
If presented with an application, fill it out neatly and completely. Don't attach your resume unless you're told to do so.
Greet the interviewer by last name if you are sure of the pronunciation. If not, ask the employer to repeat it.
Project energy and enthusiasm. Smile and shake hands firmly.
Wait until you're offered a chair before sitting. Sit upright, look alert and interested at all times.
Listen carefully and respond succinctly and articulately. Look the hiring manager in the eye while speaking.
Early in the meeting, try to get the interviewer to describe the job and the duties to you so you can focus your responses on your background, skills and accomplishments that relate to the position.
Be sincere and truthful while focusing on communicating your specific professional achievements that relate to the accounting or finance job opening.
Interview Don'ts

Don't answer with a simple "yes" or "no." Explain whenever possible.
If you don't understand a question - or need a moment to think about it - say so. Never pretend to know something or someone when you don't.
Don't rely on your application or resume to do the selling for you. Interviewers will want you to be convincing.
Don't make negative remarks about present or former employers. When explaining your reasons for leaving, communicate your rationale professionally.
Don't over-answer questions. If the interviewer steers the conversation into controversial - or even illegal - topics, try to do more listening than speaking. Keep your responses non-committal.
Don't inquire about salary, vacations, benefits, bonuses or retirement on the initial interview unless you are sure the employer is interested in hiring you. If the interviewer asks what salary you want, give a range based on your research of the job market, but indicate that you're more interested in the opportunity for continued learning and professional development than in a specific salary.

Happy Thanks Giving!! Gobble Gobble!!

2008-11-14T08:01:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving !!!

Thank you - Your business is appreciated. Have a wonderful Holiday!

This year I am so Thankful for All my friends and Family and just wanted to say a special Thank you to you for all you do.

Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and a Happy Holiday..

All the Best,

Pam

Jokes for The Turkeys.......................
A lady was picking through the frozen turkeys at the grocery store, but couldn't find one fresh enough for her family. She asked the stock boy, "Don't you have fresh turkeys?" The stock boy answered, "But they are all dead. Now how can I make them take a bath?"

What did the mama turkey say to her naughty son?
If your papa could see you now, he'd turn over in his gravy!

Asked to write a composition entitled, "What I'm thankful for on Thanksgiving,"
little Timothy wrote, "I am thankful that I'm not a turkey."

Have you finished off the first one?
Yeah!
Eaten it too?
Yeah!
What happened to the other one?
The other turkey is now reading our conversation, boss.

If a man wants to eat a turkey on Thanksgiving, what does a turkey want?
Ans- It simply wants to run away.

What did the turkeys sing on Thanksgiving Day?
Ans- God save the kin.

What did the turkey say to the man who tried to shoot it?
Ans- Liberty, Equality and Bad aim for all.

What will a turkey with a dramatic bent of mind say to another turkey on Thanksgiving morning?
Ans- To be or not to be roasted, that is the question.

The pro football team had just finished their daily practice session when a large turkey came strutting onto the field. While the players gazed in amazement, the turkey walked up to the head coach and demanded a tryout. Everyone stared in silence as the turkey caught pass after pass and ran right through the defensive line. When the turkey returned to the sidelines, the coach shouted, "You're terrific!!! Sign up for the season, and I'll see to it that you get a huge bonus." "Forget the bonus," the turkey said, "All I want to know is, does the season go past Thanksgiving Day?"

How to find a job during a recession- from CNN

2008-11-07T05:36:00.000-08:00

How to find a job during a recession
15 October 2008 3 views No Comment
Excellent CNN.com story for job-seekers in this economy to take notes:

If you are getting ready for a job search during troubled times, here are some tips from the experts.

1. Take a closer look at industry data

Research industries and job sectors that are experiencing worker shortages or still experiencing job growth. These are the areas where you may want to focus your search.

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Help wanted: Must be comfortable around bombs
More CareerBuilder.com stories
CareerBuilder.com produces a quarterly job forecast that indicates hiring manager trends for the next few months, both regionally and across major sectors. The Bureau of Labor Statistics releases updated figures every month on occupational job growth.

For example, by looking at the BLS data, you will learn that health care, education, government, food services and drinking places, and IT categories have all gained jobs this year.

2. Freshen up your skills

“Don’t give an employer a reason to pass you over because you don’t know the basics,” states Diane Morgan, director of career services at London Business School. Morgan says everyone should know basic office skills like Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel. “Since these are skills you can teach yourself from the Internet or a library book, there are no excuses for not having them.”

Another alternative is CBInstitute.com, which offers easy-to-use online courses at all levels, including business etiquette, project management, foreign languages and typing. You can take courses at times that are convenient for you, so no matter how little time you have to invest, you can make it work. At the same time, the courses are affordable and reasonably priced.

Morgan also suggests brushing up your sales skills (persuasion, negotiating and influencing) even if you aren’t in the sales industry. You need to sell your best product, which is you, so make sure your personal pitch is relevant, timely and effective, she asserts.

3. Try part-time or freelance work

“Rather than one ‘job,’ think in terms of multiple positions. Breaking in [to a new job] may be easier if you aim for part-time work within a company,” advises Katy Piotrowski, career counselor and author of “The Career Coward’s Guides.” “Line up multiple part-time positions and you’ll benefit from more job security; if one position evaporates, you have the others to fall back on.”

Moreover, it will pad your résumé and your wallet.

Rachel Weingarten, author of “Career and Corporate Cool,” recommends job sharing or taking over for someone on maternity leave or during the holiday crunch.

“A lot of people don’t want to commit full-time skills to a part-time or temporary gig. In this economy though, it can allow you to not only try on a job for size, but to also improve your skills, impress a potential long-term employer and network like crazy with people in your chosen industry,” she says. “Instead of nervously waiting for the right full-time career, you can potentially make something better happen in the short term.”

4. Rev up your social networking

Gone are the days of peddling your résumé at anonymous networking events with watered-down drinks and goofy nametags. Now you can have countless opportunities with a few keystrokes and a couple of mouse clicks.

Sure you’ve received those requests to join LinkedIn and BrightFuse, and you certainly use Facebook daily. (Scrabble anyone?) But now is the time to really take of the network you’ve probably casually built over the years.

Networking is easier than in years past because of the easy access to your network and those of your friends and colleagues, Matuson declares. “Now you can go onto [social networking] sites and see who in your network knows someone at a company that you might be interested in working for. You can then ask them to make an introduction on your behalf.”

Interview preparation

2008-10-13T10:41:00.001-07:00

The 30-Minute Interview Preparation
Is it enough?

Interview preparation is recognized as a critical part of the recruiting process, and recruiters acknowledge that they have responsibility for preparing a candidate for the interview. The question is: how much preparation is adequate and appropriate?

To learn more about the interview preparation process I posted the following questions on LinkedIn:

For candidates: Having worked with a recruiter, what was your experience with interview preparation?
For recruiters: As a recruiter, how much time do you spend in interview preparation with your candidates?
The response from candidates includes:
"What prep?"
"I think 95 candidates out of any 100 asked the same question would say, 'what preparation?"
"Content was just info. on people involved, a little on the business. Not really prepared to be honest."
"If I was a recruiter, I’d haul the person into my office and drill them. Or have extensive notes prepared for them."
The responses from the recruiters include:
"At least a solid half hour."
"I spend at least a half hour per interview prepping candidates."
" …which takes 30 - 45 mins in total."
"I am a firm believer that too much coaching and preparation brings on anxiety, and from experience, when the candidate is focusing too hard on everything you told them-they end up trying too hard during the interview."
"30 minutes and an in-depth email with all the details"
Summing up these responses, candidates don’t think they are getting adequate preparation from recruiters and recruiters think that thirty minutes is an adequate amount of time for interview preparation.

Many recruiters have the philosophy that a candidate should not be too prepped for an interview. They see interviews as a place where a candidate should perform spontaneously and reveal their "true" self. Their concern is that too much preparation will bias the interview, which would put the client is at risk of hiring an unqualified candidate that "just interviews well". I propose that this is an outdated and incorrect notion.

As I have written previously, the interview is a sales call. Can a sales person be too prepared for a sales call? The more the candidate knows about the company/position/hiring manager, the better they are prepared to answer questions and handle objections. The better they are prepared to proactively communicate why they are an excellent candidate, the better their chances of landing the job.

As excellent sales people, recruiters have a great deal to teach candidates about selling themselves in an interview. Let’s take just one example. Teaching a candidate the difference between selling themselves based on their potential benefit to the company instead of features (experience) would significantly improve their performance. Is knowing how to sell oneself based on benefits being too well prepared?

To avoid the risk of a bad hire, hiring managers are primarily looking to screen out rather than screen in candidates. Thus, more qualified candidates interview poorly and lose a job than bad candidates interview well and land an unwarranted job. The more recruiters can prepare their candidates, the greater the benefit for both the candidate and the client company. Next month I will suggest efficient ways of preparing candidates for interviews.

Eric Kelly

Yearning for the Authentic ! It Pays to be Authentic

2008-10-09T06:04:00.000-07:00

Yearning for the Authentic
Throughout human history, there has never been a shortage of men and women willing to point humanity along the right path. Nor have the needs of the human family ever been a secret: food, shelter, purposeful work, companionship, freedom, forgiveness, acceptance, and love. In every age, there is an abundance of people who are able to articulate the truth of these matters and announce their social implications particular to that time. These people stand at the crossroads and point humanity down a path they have never traveled themselves. In our own age, there is certainly no shortage of books, tapes, courses, radio shows, seminars, retreats, and television programs - all of which speak to these needs in various ways.
But amidst this abundance, there is a great poverty. It seems in every place and in every time, the shortage is always of men and women willing to lead humanity along the right path with the example of their own lives. In each moment of history, authentic lives are ever so rare.
Appearance vs. The Authentic
Our own age seems to be governed by illusion and deception. We have built a whole culture based on appearance. Everything looks good, but scratch just below the surface, and you will discover little substance. Appearance has become a standard. We have grown so numb to the realities of good and evil that lying and cheating have become almost universally accepted as necessary evils. So we tolerate them, as long as they are performed in the dim light of "respectability." Occasionally, in the midst of this cultural darkness, the great light of the human spirit shines forth with honesty and integrity. At those times we seem surprised, even taken off-guard. Honesty, loyalty, and integrity seem almost out of place in the modern schema.
But beneath the surface, under the guise of appearances, this age like any other is made up of people like you and me. And if you listen carefully, if you look closely, you will discover that the people are hungry. Created to love and be loved, we feel a restlessness, a longing for more, a profound discontent with our lives and with our culture. Our hunger is not for appearances, but for something of substance. We are hungry for truth. The people of today are starving for the authentic, thirsting for the tiniest droplet of sincerity, aching to experience the genuine.

By Matt Kelly

Getting a job in a slow economy can be a tough task

2008-09-29T11:07:00.000-07:00

Getting a job in a slow economy can be a tough task. Though there are jobs out there to be found, it can be tough competition and you need to be prepared. Here are some tips on how to find job opening and do your best to get the job.

SEARCH FOR THE JOB: First you need to know what you are good at. If you have a degree, then you already know what field you are looking to land a job in. If you do not have a degree, you need to make a list of things you can do and have experience with, then start searching for those types of jobs. Start by searching for a job in the local newspapers and online at job websites. Go to your local job and family services office and let them know your job qualifications and experience. Get a list of any job fairs coming up that you can attend. Let them know your contact information and what type of jobs you are looking for and interested in so that they can contact you whenever they have those types of jobs come available. Also, network with family, friends, and past co-workers. Always ask them if they have heard of any new jobs that you could qualify for and ask them to keep you updated on any new jobs that they hear of.

PREPARE: Once you have found a job to apply for you want to be prepared. Have a well written cover letter and resume prepared to hand out any where at any time. Search online for "sample" cover letters and resumes if you are starting from scratch and don't know where to begin. You can find some very good templates by searching for "sample resume" or "sample cover letter". Make sure your cover letter and resume are top quality. Once you have typed them up take them to the job and family services office and have someone proof read them and let you know what you can change to improve their quality.

INTERVIEW SKILLS: Again the job and family services office in your area is a good place to see about classes they offer or if they know of any that you can take to learn interview skills. You can also look online for questions frequently asked in interviews and practice answering those questions in a mirror or with another person. An interview is somewhat like taking a test, the more practice the better you are at acing it.

Never Give Up! The Best is Yet To Come!!

2008-09-25T11:16:00.001-07:00

With all the wonderful things! to consider! now is not the time to give up but to press on! Kind of like the Frank Sinata Song the Best is Yet To Come!

How to Remain Active and Positive during Unemployment

2008-09-22T08:40:00.000-07:00

By Enlightened1

It can often be disheartening being out of work, and the drudge of searching for a new position may be tedious and somewhat depressing, especially if this process stretches on over a series of months. While these down times may not be altogether unavoidable, they can be lessened. Stay active and stay sane.

Step1 Organize. Keeping your job search results and the positions you apply to neatly filed, along with information on the companies or organizations researched, will not only help to maintain focus but will serve as a reminder when those calls start coming in later. It will also be a way of keeping track of your activities. This way at least, you’ll be able to see the day’s productivity.

Step2 Attitude determines action. Try to maintain an upbeat attitude. While your primary focus should be your job search, don’t ignore the urge you may have to take a break intermittently. This will help in maintaining morale and you can return to your search refreshed.

Step3 Learn a new skill. There may be new skills that can distinguish you from other candidates in the workplace. Now is the time to sharpen those job skills or even learn new ones which may further your career or open other opportunities.

Don't Worry Be Happy!

2008-09-19T08:02:00.000-07:00

Here's a little song I wrote
You might want to sing it note for note
Don't worry, be happy
In every life we have some trouble
But when you worry you make it double
Don't worry, be happy
Don't worry, be happy now

Don't worry, be happy Don't worry, be happy
Don't worry, be happy Don't worry, be happy

Ain't got no place to lay your head
Somebody came and took your bed
Don't worry, be happy
The landlord say your rent is late
He may have to litigate
Don't worry, be happy
Don't worry, be happy

Don't worry, be happy, Don't worry, be happy
Don't worry, be happy, Don't worry, be happy

A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject.

2008-07-28T07:00:00.000-07:00

A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject.
- Winston Churchill

I guess I am a fanatic about recruiting, training and being prepared. After thousands of interviews with potential candidates what I notice is
that the candidates needs to try become a fanatic about researching the dream job and become a student of the company and the value they can add to the potential firm.
It is my job as an employer, recruiter to tell the story about the company and sell the candidate. My biggest advice is ask yourself a question before each job interview? How can I set myself apart from the other candidates? what will it take for me to be successful. Alot of candidates are interviewing me at the same time. So I try to share as much information about the position as I possibly can.

It is ok to be a fanatic about something that means alot to you.

Fly Like an Eagle!!!!!!! Add your References to your Resume

2008-06-03T02:43:00.000-07:00

I want to fly like an Eagle let your spirit carry me. In these wonderful days of summer we are taking time to reflect about our career decisions and the economy and our search for "new" ventures, "new" friendships, and "new" ideas.

How to Identify, Present & Leverage Your References
To Land the Job You Want

References are one part of the job search process over which you have complete control. Why, then, don’t we spend as much time and effort compiling our references as we do our resumes? Solid references can make that critical final difference, so it’s important to line up references who will help you seal the deal. Here’s how to get the most from your references:

Create a professional references document.
Prepare a separate document listing three to five references, being sure to include their name, title, company name, company address and work phone number. In parenthesis you may indicate your relationship (for example, supervisor, peer, internal client). Include your own contact information at the top of your Professional References document the same way you do at the top of your resume. Don’t send it with your resume unless specifically asked to do so by the employer—but do take a copy to your interview.
Assume references will be checked.
Most companies do check references these days, so you need to choose the right contacts—those who think positively about your work and who are easy for prospective employers to reach. Use only business or professional references unless an employer asks for personal or character references. Include at least one current or former superior, one peer and one subordinate. Clients, customers or others familiar with your work can also serve as credible references.
Ask permission.
Make certain the references you choose remember you and are comfortable speaking on your behalf. Be sure you have their correct contact information. Discuss your job goals with them. Refresh their memories of your qualifications and instances when you demonstrated skills the employer desires. Give each a copy of your resume so they have something to refer to when contacted by an employer.
Choose appropriately.
Someone who can vouch for your technical abilities may not be the best person to speak about your managerial skills. Try to select references based on the requirements of the job you are seeking.
Be courteous.
If you’re conducting an active job search, rotate your references so that the same two or three people won’t be contacted by every prospective employer. As another courtesy, you might ask them to write a recommendation letter (or draft one yourself for their review and signature). Many times this will meet the need and may help reduce the number of calls.
Stay in touch.
Ask your references to let you know if someone contacts them for information about you, be sure to let them know when you land a job, and don’t forget to thank them for their help.
Your resume should include a statement that “References are available upon request.” It’s a good idea to take the time early on to identify your references and develop your Professional References document. Having people on your side who are well-spoken, accomplished and know the quality of your work is a real plus during your job search, and can help keep your career in gear!

Do you have a job that’s just like everyone else’s? Are you looking for a nine-to-five…but wish you weren’t?

2008-05-29T11:45:00.000-07:00

I thought this was a really good article to share:

Do you have a job that’s just like everyone else’s? Are you looking for a nine-to-five…but wish you weren’t? Do you wish there was another option, one that would lead to an exciting, unique, and fulfilling line of work? I recently interviewed more than 100 people who currently hold their dream jobs as research for a new book called How’d You Score That Gig?. These individuals, who are travel journalists, event planners, fashion designers, forensic scientists, interior decorators, internet business owners and more, have one thing in common – persistence.

As unattainable as a dream job might sound, with the right amount of forethought and preparation, you can make the move as well. Here are six tips to get you started:

1) Learn about yourself. Take time to do a self-assessment of your values, how you like to work, and what you’d be compelled to do even if you never got paid. Research careers and industries that map to your skills and interests. Hit the Internet, set up informational interviews, take relevant coursework, and arrange to go onsite at a company in your chosen field.

2) Don’t be deterred by a lack of experience. In developing a resume and other promotional materials for the field you want to pursue, think about how your current skills and talents apply to the responsibilities you’ll hold in the new job. For example, knowledge of project management, client relations, information technology, and sales will take you far in most types of careers.

3) Ease into a new career one foot at a time. Perhaps this means earning a paycheck at your current job while doing a part-time internship in your new field or taking an adult education class or workshop on the weekend. The only way to find out if you’re passionate about something is to try it – ideally with as little risk as you can manage.

4) Remember that any progress is good progress. Even confident people stay in unsatisfying jobs because they feel safe, and because they’re afraid of making a bad decision. But in the quest to uncover a source of meaningful work, though, your worst enemy is inertia. Make an effort to do one thing, like e-mailing a networking contact or attending an event – that moves you a bit closer to your big picture goal.

5) Start early. Twenty and thirty-something’s have more flexibility when it comes to test-driving different careers. The process of self-discovery is much easier when you’re unencumbered by family responsibilities and substantial financial burdens, and when you haven’t yet reached a level in a career where it’s tougher to turn back. That said, it’s never too late to pursue your passion. More and more baby boomers are leaving the world of traditional employment for alternative career paths that will fulfill them well into retirement age.

6) Have realistic expectations. Even if you’re lucky enough to hold your dream job, there’s no such thing as the perfect work situation. Every job has its ups and downs, and aspects we love and aspects we don’t love. And dream job doesn’t mean “cushy” job. As your mom always told you, anything worth having in this world requires some effort. There will be some days you feel like shutting the alarm off and going back to sleep, but many more where you feel more energized by the prospect of work than you ever thought possible!

Alexandra Levit is the author of How’d You Score That Gig: A Guide to the Coolest Careers - and How To Get Them . She speaks at corporations, universities, and conferences around the country about workplace issues facing young employees, and her career advice has been featured in more than 800 media outlets including the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, the Associated Press, ABC News, and National Public Radio.

Blazing New Territory!!

2008-04-28T09:57:00.001-07:00

Here are some quick time-saving job search tips that will help your hunt for a new job go smoothly.
Be Prepared. Have a telephone answering machine or voice mail system in place and sign-up for a professional sounding email address. Put your cell phone number on your resume so you can follow up in a timely manner.
Be More Than Prepared. Always have an up-to-date resume ready to send - even if you are not currently looking for work. You never know when an opportunity that is too good to pass up might come along. Have a supply of good quality resume paper, envelopes and stamps on hand.
Don't Wait. If you are laid-off, file for unemployment benefits right away. You may be able to file online or by phone. Waiting could delay your benefits check.
Get Help. Utilize free or inexpensive services that provide career counseling and job search assistance such as college career offices, state Department of Labor offices or your local public library

Another Rainy Monday!

2008-01-29T12:02:00.000-08:00

Hi - just wanted to touch base this week . Another Rainy Monday! and while the clouds are still out and it is wet and dreary keeping a positive attitude can really make a difference. I am thankful for the rain because afterall we do need water and our bodies are made up of water. So , this brings up a good point. It is important that we get lots of Water! well maybe, but that we also, remember to feed our minds with positive things so that we can prepare for the search for the right career, the direction our lives are taking. Maybe, Another Rainy Monday isn't bad afterall. So we can just look at the sunshine in Bermuda
and thank God for Another Rainy Monday!!!!!!! :)

Time for a Fresh Start!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-01-15T07:26:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! Changes are coming and you have to be ready to
go with the flow in your search for new employment. As a business owner,
companies are always thinking about the bottom line and how your performance level effects the business. To add value to your search for a
new career ask yourself three important questions,
1. How do I effect the bottom line what value do I bring to the company interviewing with?
2. How can I make a difference in the year to come at thecompany I select
in adding value to the firm?
3. How can I relate the added value I bring to firm by my everyday communication.

Perhaps, in answering some of those questions you will be able to rise
above the average candidate taking a look at new opportunities.

Happy New Year! and You Remember your Value to your firm!
If you are "not" bringing a value add to your company perhaps it is time to find a "new" company to bring value to?

Looking for a new Career?

2007-12-02T16:28:00.000-08:00

Hi looking for a new career can be difficult. You may want to research the firm you are applying to. Try to ask intelligent questions on the interview. Be prepared to talk about yourself with confidence.
Applicants need to take an interest in what the job decription includes. It is not just about getting a job but about finding a career that suits your dreams, goals and desires.

Be prepared to ask lots of questions.
Be prepared to answer lots of questions.
Talk about your accomplishments.

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RecruiterChic

2007-12-02T16:01:00.000-08:00

•Pamela Kortekamp Summary
•I am starting my own recruiting practice for individuals and business owners. I am developing a networking group also for business owners in the United States. Over the years I have developed Recruiting and Management Strategies which I believe will help business owners and professionals take it to the next level. As a Director of Recruiting and Training my responsibilities include, screening and hiring Budget and Financial Reports, Orientation preparation, Job Descriptions, Benefits Administration Supervisory experience, Training and assessment, Recruitment/hiring, Employee Relations policies and procedures, Affirmative action plans, Candidate Sourcing, Implements recruiting strategies designed to attract new sales personnel to the firm. Author of an Ethics Course called "Ethics and the Effects on the Insurance Industry Today" available for CE credit with Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky.
•Pamela Kortekamp Specialties:
•Leap committee with the Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce and also involved in the Professional Forum at University of Cincinnati for the Career Navigators, started my own Professional networking group called the "Link".