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.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Creative Job Hunting
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.
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.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
positive thinking
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:
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:
Thursday, March 12, 2009
How to keep your position in a Tough Economy
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.
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.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
What is the Value of Writing a Cover Letter?
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
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
Monday, January 26, 2009
Opportunity for you to Change in 2009!
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!
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!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Interview Tips- Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
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.
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.
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