While watching my niece’s soccer game recently, there was one girl on her team that was obviously very skilled. This particular girl worked mostly alone and tended to be a ball hog. While she played hard it was noticeable that there was a disconnect with her and the rest of the team. When asked about her I was told that although an excellent player, her attitude and behavior toward her teammates was very negative. On the field the rest of the players had a hard time playing with her and working as a team.

My niece said because there was so much animosity the coach had begun to play her less and the team was actually playing more effectively. The team knew they should leave their personal issues and conflicts off the field but they found it hard to do. This girl was creating enemies and missing out on utilizing her obvious talents to help her team. This situation is not uncommon in the school, teams, volunteer activities and in the workplace as well.

When looking to meet new contacts, networking, and especially when interviewing being likeable and a team player can be as important as what you have accomplished or your expertise. There is an abundance of competent competition and sometimes the only thing that may help you stand out, is You – your unique personality, your friendliness and your likeability.

The key is to know that fine line that allows you be confident not arrogant when sharing your skills, achievements and expertise sounding, friendly and like a team player. Like the soccer player, working alone and trying to hard to show off your skills may not be the best course to getting noticed. Instead be sure to demonstrate genuine friendliness and the successes you have had working with others to show employers how you will fit into their culture and work environment.

How you treat others, your willingness to be a team player and your personality are things to be very aware of while you are searching for a job and while you are in a job. A pleasant demeanor is vital when you are working and it will help your employer determine if a raise is deserved, if a promotion will be yours and if a strong recommendation will be given when you look for another job in the future.

Getting along with others and being nice should be a given, but for some it is something that needs to be kept in check or it will hold them back, so be nice!

Last week I left Michigan for beautiful San Diego to attend the annual Career Directors International (CDI) Summit. The conference was an absolute success! The topics were relevant to the resume writing and career coaching industries and the Catamaran Resort was picturesque with the Pacific Ocean to our west and Mission Bay to the east. The only glitch was the weather, but the fog and cool climate couldn’t detract from a memorable experience!

Most of the participants were able to visit with old friends and meet those in person they had only spoken with via Twitter, Facebook, email, eGroups and other virtual platforms. My take-a-ways from the conference were many but the first was that I am blessed to be in an industry with so many warm and friendly people. They are true experts in their field and came to the conference willing to share and support each other during such a fun event.

Conversations varied but the focus was usually on our clients, the job seekers. Every presentation and conversation centered on how we could help our clients in their job search using new technology and social media, career related products and services, career document development, coaching on job search stages and strategies, and even our own business’s growth.

Other take-a-ways from the CDI conference included the reminder of how crucial it is to use targeted resumes and career documents that are focused, concise and aimed at a particular company or position. Teaching clients when and how to use social media in their job search was also a strong theme for the conference. Job seekers that use these mediums effectively gain opportunity, and showcase their ability to stay on the leading edge of technology and trends by utilizing platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and of course LinkedIn in their job search.

Networking effectively during the search using social media tools and career marketing documents was also reinforced. Networking begins with meeting new contacts and maintaining those and existing relationships not only throughout your job search but throughout your career.

On my way home from the conference I wrote notes on the many nuggets captured during my trip that will be used for future blog postings and products and services I can offer to assist my clients. I felt very proud as I shared some of the conference nuggets with the person next to me on the plane ride home; once again realizing that our expertise and commitment to staying current with certifications, technology and social trends really is contributing to a better economy and brighter future.

I took off work a few days ago to take my mother-in-law to a doctor’s appointment. The appointment went well and after visiting for a while back at her house I headed home. We live about 50 minutes apart and being such a beautiful sunny day I decided to take a different route home. I almost immediately found myself sitting in traffic and thought I had made a big mistake!

A break finally came and I was able to make the last turn that would get me out of town and on the highway heading home. But before I had a chance to even pick up speed I saw several bicycle riders in the road. It was more than the average 2 or 3 riders you might see together. In wonder I watched as dozens and dozens of riders came out of a church parking lot.

Stopped again but this time for the riders, I was amazed to see a hearse come out and pass in front of me to maneuver into the oncoming lane. Like little ants the riders began following the hearse down the road to the cemetery. It was heart warming to see so many people riding in what I assumed was a sign of respect for a fellow rider.

On the way home I kept thinking about the deceased rider. How old was he? What had caused his departure? And most importantly, what had this rider done to deserve such respect? Most riders were in true riding gear but there were some that had older, non-racing bikes and even an older couple riding a tandem bike in dress clothes. It was pretty clear the mourners were following on bikes because of who the person he was and not what he did for a living. It dawned on me that those bikers were his network.

I thought about the job seekers I work with every day that are concerned with finding a new job but are afraid or uncomfortable to do the formal network thing to build their contacts. Often when I talk with them I hear, because of their fear, they’ve done nothing. This man had built a huge following and network through a sport he was obviously passionate about.

Job seekers can do the same. You don’t have to attend formal networking events if they make you too uncomfortable. Networking doesn’t have to be so serious. You can go out and get involved in a sport, hobby, volunteer programs, charities, church activities, town or city event and activities or some other area that interests you.

Make networking fun! When you feel comfortable you can express your passion for your work and the activities you’re committing to and you will shine, be noticed and be remembered. You don’t need to follow a specific script or spout out your elevator speech to everyone you meet. Instead, enjoy who you are with, learn about them. If they ask about you then let them know what you do and your situation without dwelling or putting pressure on others to do something.

The good you do and how you treated others will be remembered much longer than an elevator pitch. Those that remember you because of who you are will go out of their way to help you if they can. Networking is about meeting and helping others and letting others see how great you are as a person.

I’m so thankful I chose to take the alternate route home and got stuck in traffic. I never would have seen such a remarkable procession for someone who was obviously a remarkable person.

_________

Added to this article: I saw a story about this man on the news that night. He was someone who had physical impairments but had used his love of cycling to raise more than $200,000 over the past few years for various charities, while riding with only one arm and one leg. More than 200 riders came from as far away as Kansas (I’m in Michigan) to attend his funeral and ride with the hearse to show respect for their friend who had touched so many lives.

When I talk with job seekers that have been searching for a new position or transitioning into a new career the discussion of the competitive market and high rate of rejection often comes up. During these conversations I usually see three different types of attitudes emerge. I see those that those are personally hurt by every resume sent out that receives no response. Those same people also, after hearing repeated rejection, are somewhat depressed with their job search and move very slowly for fear of more rejection.

Then I talk with job seekers that have a quite different attitude. They have something cynical to say about every missed opportunity or company connection that didn’t work out. They project a tough attitude that they probably think will keep them protected but it comes across as harsh and uncaring, and if I were a hiring manager I would think it might be a hint of someone who is not easy to work with.

Finally my favorite, and the type of job seeker all others should strive to be like are those that are the gracious, helpful and thankful job seekers that resume writers, career coaches, recruiters, HR and hiring managers love to work with. They are pleasant and always try to put their best foot forward no matter what the outcome looks like.

Remember, a pleasant attitude will be remembered long after your work history.

During my conversations with job seekers I often ask what their goals are, what they have done so far with their job search, how they follow up and if they send some type of Thank You note. By far, the group that most often sends a note of thanks is the job seeker group with the positive attitude. Not only do they send the interviewer a note but they also send notes of appreciation to contacts, referrals and anyone that has helped them along the way, again – regardless of the outcome.

Talking with my clients and job seekers I meet on line and in person at networking events, social media communities and at job fairs, those that have the quickest success are those that are working to help themselves and others and those that regularly give thanks where it is due!

Many debates occur whether thanks should be given in person, over the phone, via email or hand written using snail mail. For different situations different formats are better but truly, any thank you is better than none. With more than 75% of hiring managers expecting some form of a Thank You note and only 35% say they regularly receive them, there is a big gap. In this competitive economy, every opportunity should be taken to get in front of important contacts and those that can refer you to target companies or decision makers. Thank You notes do just that.

So, where do you fit in? Are you sitting in neutral feeling a bit sorry for yourself, blaming everyone else for your unsuccessful job search or are you pressing on in your job search leaving a trail of smiles and Thank You notes? If your way is not giving you the results you are looking for, make the decision to change today and start with a Thank You letter.

It is definitely spring time in Michigan! The birds have become very loud as they prepare for their new arrivals, the grass is a brilliant green and growing exceptionally fast and my gardens seem to be calling out to me. Actually I have already gone through my gardens and pulled out all of the debris left from winter and have trimmed some of the plants that need a spring pruning.

Now that I have cleaned the gardens I have a clear view of the shrubs and perennials, and can take stock of additional perennial work I will need to do and determine the best places to add cheery annuals. I began a mental list after the first time in the gardens but now my list is on paper and I hope to take care of it this week!

While working in the gardens and having gone through my annual preparation, I am reminded of my contacts list and the many similarities between networking and growing my gardens. Contacts too need long-term care if they are to support you throughout your career. Just like the individual flowers and the many small gardens I have, each contact is a little different and needs special attention to shine and succeed.

Commonalities for maintaining a healthy contacts list and garden include:

• Both are in need of constant care and upkeep in order for them to thrive and provide a return.
• Both needs the old and unused removed – to make room for more productive individuals!
• Both have perennials that will be around forever with little maintenance or ask in return.
• Both have invasive perennials that can overwhelm and choke if not restricted in growth.
• Both have dwellers that aren’t valuable but are cherished and will remain regardless.
• Both need to be shared with others in order to be truly appreciated.

As I worked in my gardens this weekend and as I am planting my annuals this week, I will make a mental list of ways to improve and grow my contacts list, the relationships I have with my contacts and ways I can help my contacts to grow, thrive and bloom.

Shine on Job Seekers

For me, the favorite part of my job is helping my clients. I think I get more excited by being able to restore confidence and helping clients to regain a solid footing in their job search, than I do delivering an outstanding resume (although that’s not bad either). When I am able to answer questions, coach, suggest options, educate on a job search process, and give these people, many who have never been in this position before, someone to talk with, is when I remember how much I love what I do. It is so gratifying to help my clients make sense of the changes they are facing and the opportunities unfolding before them.

With the different personalities types you have different reactions toward layoffs and being let go. Some need order and start developing a plan immediately to keep themselves sane. Others are a bit more carefree and so they wander unsure where to go or what to do next. There are also clients that seem to feel that being out of work is something they have to take lying down, something they have no control over.

The different types of job seekers look to me for different kinds of help. On some days I am there to hold a hand and walk them through the process and on other days I am just someone to affirm that the job seeker is on the right track. Sometimes I am just a springboard for a job seeker to hear themselves think and bounce their thoughts off of. And, there are those that have fallen off the tracks and just need a little help getting back on board and a little push to get them going – then they’re on their way, picking up speed as they go.

I particularly love when I hear a change and calmness in their voice that I hadn’t heard before. It is an “a-ha” moment for them when they understand they do have some choices and some control in what is happening to them. Even if their control is only in the ability to choose how to handle things with a certain, positive mindset. I know I’ve helped them to regain their focus and now understand what their next move is.

I love when I know I’ve helped ease the uncertainty of how to maneuver through the job search process. So, thanks job seekers, for realizing I can help – and want to help to get you moving in the right direction with your eyes focused on a target and with a plan in hand.

Shine On Job Seekers!

I am excited be attending the 2009 CDI Empowerment Summit which takes place at the end of this week (October 16^th-17^th) in Orlando, Florida. The Career Directors International (CDI) Association with its President, Laura DeCarlo, never stops amazing me.

The Association has a content rich website full of support for career professionals and job seekers. It also has an active membership which communicates regularly through e-lists, webinars, and conference calls. Career professionals contemplating joining CDI won’t be disappointed in their membership – it is really a great group of professionals!

The CDI Empowerment Summit holds the same promise. I’ve gotten a glimpse of the conference program which looks to be 2 full days of new and helpful information for career professionals to use and pass on to their clients. In case you won’t be there, watch for updates on Twitter from attendees including myself (@KrisPlantrich) using #cdi09 hashtag.

I’ll be sure to blog about the conference and share the new nuggets I’ll uncover while I’m there.

Thursday’s Review

What seems like a cute little book quickly impressed me as a little book with a big punch. In the book The Power of Small, the authors Linda Kaplan Thaler and Robin Koval provide interesting and relevant small stories from their extensive careers in advertising. These stories impress the importance of paying attention to the small things in life.

This book looks at and reminds us of the importance and impact of the little details, extras, and accessories that make people and events memorable. Instead of not worrying about the small or little stuff, we should be focusing on them. Life is all about the small stuff and the details that make are days special, unique, challenging and rewarding.

Using little details to make your business stand out is what makes good companies great. Things like manners, being nice, exceptional customer service, working hard, or providing a little something extra gets businesses noticed. Those that get ahead and stand out as successes in their personal or professional lives, do so because of the little things they do. The book also looked at how getting big things accomplished begins with small tasks, small plans – one step at a time.

I would recommend this book to anyone building their business or trying to improve their personal life. A refreshing thought that rings true in life as well as in business; the little stops along the road that make the journey so interesting and worth taking.

In case you haven’t heard, September is National Update Your Resume Month and I wanted to give a quick reminder to anyone who still hasn’t updated their resume. Competition is tougher than ever because unemployment rates remains very high.

Recruiters and hiring managers are getting bogged down with the number of incoming resumes they are receiving. In order for you to stand out, you need to have an updated resume that is rich in relevant keywords and provides the reader with a really focused picture of your skills, achievements and the value you offer their company.

If you are not sure if you are in need of a resume, see if you fit any of the categories below.

If the resume you’re using was typed on an electric typewriter … you might be in need of a resume update.

If you’re still using your college graduation resume 13 years and 3 jobs later … you might be in need of a resume update.

If you have an Objective Statement or “References Upon Request” on your resume … you might be in need of a resume update.

If you’re tired of getting no response from your current resume … you might be in need of a resume update.

And finally

If the list of bullets on your resume reads more like a to-do list than marketable achievements and past experience … you might be in need of a resume update.

I started this morning with a moment of silence and a prayer for the victims, their families and all those who lost someone or something that day. I listen to the TV and radio, and read papers and the internet and see so many people reflecting on that day. Most seem to be asking, “Where were you?”  Three words that take you back so quickly to the attack and tragedy of September 11, 2001.

My story and feelings are probably similar to most, shock – disbelief – fear. Although I didn’t know any of the victims, my heart broke watching the TV and listening the accounts from that day. For me, I lost my security that day. The sense of security that I had taken for granted my whole life.

Those events changed how the most of the world viewed the United States and I am sure it shook their security as well. But God can use all things for good and I think 9/11 gave many – gave me, a new appreciation for freedom and for my country. I no longer take for granted that I am safe because I live in the United States, but I do appreciate that today, right now, my family is able to live free and praise God – in our home and in our lives. I no longer take that for granted and I make sure to remember those freedoms every day.