My Job Is Gone - Now What?
Many jobs that disappeared will never come back. Either they have gone off-shore, been replaced by technology, or it was determined they did not provide the value to keep them. This doesn’t mean that the person in the job was not valuable, but that the position did not provide the necessary value.
If your job was out sourced overseas or replaced by technology; you must be looking at how you can transition your skill set to another career. You may find a similar position, but chances are that, at the new company, the position will eventually be replaced and in the meantime the pay is most likely not at your previous level.
You Must Constantly Be Updating Your Skills
We all must be continually updating our skill sets. If you are not moving forward, there is no standing still; just falling further and further behind. The ball is truly in your court and you must make the most of it. You can ONLY do this by building your skills.
Critical Success Factors
The Critical Success Factors that a job seeker must possess include:
1. A personal network that can be tapped for information and help.
2. An appearance and wardrobe that are appropriate for the opportunity. If you are not sure what is appropriate, contact someone that works there or camp out in the parking lot and observe the people coming and going.
3. A specific goal. If you present as a “jack or jill of all trades” that will be the type of job and pay level that you receive.
4. A value proposition. What makes you different and sets you apart? Why should the hiring manager; hire you?
5. A resume that tells the job seeker’s story.
6. Interviewing skills.
For more networking tips and ideas read the other posts and visit UPPROACH.
Showing posts with label resumes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label resumes. Show all posts
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Raise Your Hand If You Love Networking
This came through my mailbox earlier today from Kevin Donlan and I felt it was worth passing along.
Hey, job seekers: Raise your hand if you love networking.
I thought so.
And why don't you get a thrill out of talking to friends and family about
your job search?
For many folks, it's a problem of how to start. There's really no way to
ask, "Know anyone who's hiring?" without feeling awkward.
To fix that, here are two ways to open your next networking conversation
that are proven to produce job leads -- and won't make you feel self-conscious
1) Use Me as an Excuse to Call
Over the past year, I've quietly been perfecting a short networking script
at my Guerrilla Job Search seminars.
In every case, at least one person in the room gets a job lead -- in less
than 5 minutes.
Here's the four-part script that people are using to start networking
conversations by phone, with explanatory notes in parentheses:
1. "Hi, this is YOUR NAME! I'm at a training session and they told me to
call the most-connected person I know. That's you!"
(This gets you over the hump right away, by giving you an excuse to call.
Here, that excuse is me -- just say that somebody else told you to call.)
2. "I'm looking for a position as a JOB TITLE at a company like COMPANY #1,
COMPANY #2, or COMPANY #3."
(You have to think first, about what JOB you want and 3 COMPANIES you most
want to work for.)
3. "Who would you call if you were in my shoes?"
(You're asking someone to take ownership of your problem, by putting their
ego aside and thinking as if they were you. Simple psychology that's very
powerful.)
4. "Could I have their name and number?"
(Write it down. Hang up. Call that new person and drop the name of the
person you called first.)
For best results, use this script to call the most-connected person you
know -- the one person who seems to know almost everybody.
Here are three examples of how this has worked in my seminars:
1. Ellen in Minneapolis, MN, got a networking lead at the chamber of
commerce after calling a friend.
2. Greg in Fargo, ND, got a lead on a pharmaceutical sales job by calling a
friend.
3. Pete in Chanhassen, MN, got the name of an HR rep by calling a colleague
he had fallen out of touch with.
2) Use an Object as a Conversation Starter
Chris Russell, founder of JobRadio.fm, warns that a false sense of pride
can hurt your job search, recalling a friend who struggled mightily to get
hired. "He would never tell people that he was out of work, even his former
co-workers. I guess he was embarrassed."
Russell points out that, when it comes to your job search, you should look
for any excuse to start a conversation.
One such excuse may be the "Laid Off, Need a Job" wristband.
Described as an "attention getting conversation starter" by its makers, the
wristband retails for $3 and comes in bright yellow, with the message, "I
Need A Job."
The idea is, you put wear the wristband each day, people see it, ask about
your job search, and -- shazam! Instant networking conversation. More
information is at www.LaidOffNeedAJob.com.
Two other tactics I've seen are renting a billboard (pricey) and wearing a
T-shirt with your resume on it (no verifiable successes).
Now. How else could you get attention and start networking conversations?
Here's an idea: Stick a magnetic sign on the side of your car.
For less than $95, Kinko's can create one for you. Your sign's message
could be on two lines, like this:
Need Accounting Help?
HireShellyNow.com
Nobody wants to hire, but almost every business needs help, so don't use
"Hire me!" or "U-M Grad Will Work Cheap" as your headline.
The format I would follow is: "Need YOUR SKILL Help? CONTACT INFO."
Test several ideas on cardboard mockup signs and drive them past people, to
see if they can read your contact info at 25 or 40 miles an hour.
(Note: I practice what I preach -- look for my black SUV around the Twin
Cities with a magnetic sign on the side that says, "Got Work? My New Job
Hunt .com")
Do these conversation-starting ideas make you feel uncomfortable? Good!
Because, if you've been comfortable thus far in your job search, and you're
still unemployed, it may be time to leave your comfort zone and try
something new.
Kevin Donlin is co-author of Guerrilla Resumes. Since 1996, he has provided
job-search help to more than 20,000 people. Kevin has been interviewed by
The New York Times, Fox News, ABC TV, CBS Radio and others. To learn more
about how to create a Guerrilla Resume, visit
Cover Letter Examples
151-32500 South Fraser Way, Suite #290, Abbotsford, BC V2T 4W1, CANADA
Hey, job seekers: Raise your hand if you love networking.
I thought so.
And why don't you get a thrill out of talking to friends and family about
your job search?
For many folks, it's a problem of how to start. There's really no way to
ask, "Know anyone who's hiring?" without feeling awkward.
To fix that, here are two ways to open your next networking conversation
that are proven to produce job leads -- and won't make you feel self-conscious
1) Use Me as an Excuse to Call
Over the past year, I've quietly been perfecting a short networking script
at my Guerrilla Job Search seminars.
In every case, at least one person in the room gets a job lead -- in less
than 5 minutes.
Here's the four-part script that people are using to start networking
conversations by phone, with explanatory notes in parentheses:
1. "Hi, this is YOUR NAME! I'm at a training session and they told me to
call the most-connected person I know. That's you!"
(This gets you over the hump right away, by giving you an excuse to call.
Here, that excuse is me -- just say that somebody else told you to call.)
2. "I'm looking for a position as a JOB TITLE at a company like COMPANY #1,
COMPANY #2, or COMPANY #3."
(You have to think first, about what JOB you want and 3 COMPANIES you most
want to work for.)
3. "Who would you call if you were in my shoes?"
(You're asking someone to take ownership of your problem, by putting their
ego aside and thinking as if they were you. Simple psychology that's very
powerful.)
4. "Could I have their name and number?"
(Write it down. Hang up. Call that new person and drop the name of the
person you called first.)
For best results, use this script to call the most-connected person you
know -- the one person who seems to know almost everybody.
Here are three examples of how this has worked in my seminars:
1. Ellen in Minneapolis, MN, got a networking lead at the chamber of
commerce after calling a friend.
2. Greg in Fargo, ND, got a lead on a pharmaceutical sales job by calling a
friend.
3. Pete in Chanhassen, MN, got the name of an HR rep by calling a colleague
he had fallen out of touch with.
2) Use an Object as a Conversation Starter
Chris Russell, founder of JobRadio.fm, warns that a false sense of pride
can hurt your job search, recalling a friend who struggled mightily to get
hired. "He would never tell people that he was out of work, even his former
co-workers. I guess he was embarrassed."
Russell points out that, when it comes to your job search, you should look
for any excuse to start a conversation.
One such excuse may be the "Laid Off, Need a Job" wristband.
Described as an "attention getting conversation starter" by its makers, the
wristband retails for $3 and comes in bright yellow, with the message, "I
Need A Job."
The idea is, you put wear the wristband each day, people see it, ask about
your job search, and -- shazam! Instant networking conversation. More
information is at www.LaidOffNeedAJob.com.
Two other tactics I've seen are renting a billboard (pricey) and wearing a
T-shirt with your resume on it (no verifiable successes).
Now. How else could you get attention and start networking conversations?
Here's an idea: Stick a magnetic sign on the side of your car.
For less than $95, Kinko's can create one for you. Your sign's message
could be on two lines, like this:
Need Accounting Help?
HireShellyNow.com
Nobody wants to hire, but almost every business needs help, so don't use
"Hire me!" or "U-M Grad Will Work Cheap" as your headline.
The format I would follow is: "Need YOUR SKILL Help? CONTACT INFO."
Test several ideas on cardboard mockup signs and drive them past people, to
see if they can read your contact info at 25 or 40 miles an hour.
(Note: I practice what I preach -- look for my black SUV around the Twin
Cities with a magnetic sign on the side that says, "Got Work? My New Job
Hunt .com")
Do these conversation-starting ideas make you feel uncomfortable? Good!
Because, if you've been comfortable thus far in your job search, and you're
still unemployed, it may be time to leave your comfort zone and try
something new.
Kevin Donlin is co-author of Guerrilla Resumes. Since 1996, he has provided
job-search help to more than 20,000 people. Kevin has been interviewed by
The New York Times, Fox News, ABC TV, CBS Radio and others. To learn more
about how to create a Guerrilla Resume, visit
Cover Letter Examples
151-32500 South Fraser Way, Suite #290, Abbotsford, BC V2T 4W1, CANADA
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Job Search - What Are You Attracting
In August I posted "You Are What You Attract". That concept, the Law of Attraction, was brought home to me recently when I presented a workshop on LinkedIn. One of the attendees talked about some of the inquiries he was receiving regarding employment and how none of those inquiries related to what he wants to do or has done in the past.
He is not the first person to encounter this; I have had many of these emails myself. When you receive them you just sit there in wonderment. You are trying to figure out what this individual is thinking and why they would send this information to you. I still have not figured it out completely, but I believe I am getting closer.
Many times it is just a random process or an automated emailing system that searches resumes. If it is one of those emails; there is not much you can do. If you are really searching for work you have few other choices than to put up with it and use the delete key when they arrive in your in-box.
Review Your On-line Presence
If you are being approached for things that are not of interest and do not apply; you need to step back. It is time to review your resume, your Web 2.0 application profiles, your website, your blog postings, your comments, your posted resumes, and any other "branding" that may exist to find out why you are getting these solicitations.
There is nothing worse than receiving a job posting for something completely unrelated and of no interest. Not just because it is a waste of time, but it is also disconcerting and makes you wonder why someone would even think of you for this type of position. These emails can also cause self doubts which are counter productive and take you off task. Put them aside and keep moving forward.
Granted there will always be some random opportunities presented because those people do not care about what you want and, more than likely, have not read your information. All they know is that you are out there and you are potentially or specifically looking for employment. To them that is an open opportunity to approach you: whether you are interested or not.
If the solicitations or opportunities are more specific or it looks like they have actually done some research; then it is time for the review. You need to look carefully at your information and try to determine what is giving people the incorrect impression. When you locate the confusing information you must clean it up.
Clarify Your Profiles and On-Line Presence
It is important that you create a consistent On-Line presence that clearly presents you and your skills. Each profile tells part of your story or reinforces parts of your story; you want to ensure that the story is consistent and clear.
Part of having a consistent On-Line presence is to distinguish yourself from anyone else that may have the same or a similar name. Having a consistent or at least readily identifiable picture with each posting is one way to accomplish this. Using a middle initial or middle name is another part of creating your brand.
Some of the confusion that could occur with potential employers could be the result of confusion between people of the same or similar name. You must differentiate!
Keep Your Information Relevant
Do not muddy the water with information that is confusing. Read the post "Does Your Resume Pass the So What Test on Wordpress?" This information is as valid for your on-line profiles as it is for your resume. Ensure that you are only posting information that helps to tell your story and clarify who you are.
Follow me on this blog so you are notified of all my new posts; just click the button to follow. Also follow me at Resumes with Impact where I post information specific to creating effective resumes.
You can sign up for my free newsletter, "7 Days to a More Effective Job Search" and download job and resume tips at Smart Resume Writing System.
He is not the first person to encounter this; I have had many of these emails myself. When you receive them you just sit there in wonderment. You are trying to figure out what this individual is thinking and why they would send this information to you. I still have not figured it out completely, but I believe I am getting closer.
Many times it is just a random process or an automated emailing system that searches resumes. If it is one of those emails; there is not much you can do. If you are really searching for work you have few other choices than to put up with it and use the delete key when they arrive in your in-box.
Review Your On-line Presence
If you are being approached for things that are not of interest and do not apply; you need to step back. It is time to review your resume, your Web 2.0 application profiles, your website, your blog postings, your comments, your posted resumes, and any other "branding" that may exist to find out why you are getting these solicitations.
There is nothing worse than receiving a job posting for something completely unrelated and of no interest. Not just because it is a waste of time, but it is also disconcerting and makes you wonder why someone would even think of you for this type of position. These emails can also cause self doubts which are counter productive and take you off task. Put them aside and keep moving forward.
Granted there will always be some random opportunities presented because those people do not care about what you want and, more than likely, have not read your information. All they know is that you are out there and you are potentially or specifically looking for employment. To them that is an open opportunity to approach you: whether you are interested or not.
If the solicitations or opportunities are more specific or it looks like they have actually done some research; then it is time for the review. You need to look carefully at your information and try to determine what is giving people the incorrect impression. When you locate the confusing information you must clean it up.
Clarify Your Profiles and On-Line Presence
It is important that you create a consistent On-Line presence that clearly presents you and your skills. Each profile tells part of your story or reinforces parts of your story; you want to ensure that the story is consistent and clear.
Part of having a consistent On-Line presence is to distinguish yourself from anyone else that may have the same or a similar name. Having a consistent or at least readily identifiable picture with each posting is one way to accomplish this. Using a middle initial or middle name is another part of creating your brand.
Some of the confusion that could occur with potential employers could be the result of confusion between people of the same or similar name. You must differentiate!
Keep Your Information Relevant
Do not muddy the water with information that is confusing. Read the post "Does Your Resume Pass the So What Test on Wordpress?" This information is as valid for your on-line profiles as it is for your resume. Ensure that you are only posting information that helps to tell your story and clarify who you are.
Follow me on this blog so you are notified of all my new posts; just click the button to follow. Also follow me at Resumes with Impact where I post information specific to creating effective resumes.
You can sign up for my free newsletter, "7 Days to a More Effective Job Search" and download job and resume tips at Smart Resume Writing System.
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