I just read Nick Corcodilos’ new article entitled, “Rude Employers: Yahoo Fires CEO Carol Bartz, phones it in”, from his “Ask the Headhunter” blog. The article quickly reminds us that rude and disingenuous companies will be remembered for their poor treatment of employees. It also sends a strong message to job seekers considering working for such a company. Because of the internet, Yahoo’s classless actions will not be soon forgotten.

This rude behavior will remembered, and is something for job seekers especially, to keep in mind while searching for their ideal job. When you find a company you think you’d like to work for, take time to notice how they treat you, and how employees treat each other. If you see smiles, hear laughter, and are treated warmly while interviewing with them, this may be a good sign.

When researching companies, try to talk with employees or past employees. This way you can get a better feel for the culture and climate of the company before you say yes to an interview. Does the company’s management strive to maintain courteous and effective teams and does the company treat its’ management well? Your research will hopefully alert you to companies that may not be so nice to work for.

This is also a good time to take note of how you treat those you interact with during your job search. The longer a job search takes, the less patient candidates can become, so keep you manners in check. You don’t want to be remembered for your poor manners or worse, miss out on opportunities because of your attitude or actions.

Manners that used to be second nature are sadly becoming unimportant to some people and companies. You are going to be at work and with your coworkers for at least 40 hours each week, that’s 1/3 of your life. So make sure you take the time to find a place to work that is pleasant and treats you well.

With a new season of The Apprentice beginning, we will once again be hearing and joking about the now house-hold phrase, “You’re Fired”. But for those in the real world that have to pick up the pieces and carry on after being fired, the phrase is far from common. Just like a personal breakup, professional relationships can end on good and bad terms. As the employee, the outcome will stay with you and affect your career, so it is important to handle any professional breakup, regardless of who initiated it, with professionalism.

It is understandable that emotions come into the breakup equation, but if you were fired from your job it is critical to assess how this will impact your career and then immediately begin implementing damage control to salvage what you can of the relationship and your reputation.

Clients often ask me about the best way to proceed after being fired. My suggestions usually depend on the situation but dusting off the old and preparing for the new is usually my best advice.

You can begin by seeing if you can get a positive reference from someone above you at the place you were let go. If you are not able to generate an effective letter or contact name it might be worth a small investment to contact a reference checking company such as www.alllisontaylor.com which will inquire about your services at your previous employers to see what they’re recommendation will be. It can save you in sleepless nights and the uncertainty of not knowing what they will be saying about you.

As you prepare for your job search make sure your online presence has a consistent message and relates directly to your resume and your current goals. Take time to make the necessary changes to your online and offline materials to ensure a strong branded message. Develop a motivated plan for your search  including  narrowing down the industries, companies, and location you will focus your search on and ramping up your networking.

Assume you will have to discuss the reason you were let go from your previous job. Spend some time either writing or talking with someone to get out your feelings, fears, frustrations and even anger regarding your departure. Once you’ve got it all out you can organize an honest yet positive response that isn’t dripping in spite or excuses. You want an answer that does not bog down the interviewer with details or emotions, but does leave them seeing the positive nuggets that came from the breakup which you learned about yourself. Share with them that what you learned about yourself will be valuable to your next employer.

As you look for your next job make sure the position and the company are the right fit for you. Do your due diligence to confirm that the company, culture and employees align with your personality and goals. Use your networking savvy to find contacts that can provide rave reviews and hand deliver you to your next opportunity.

I spoke with a senior manager in HR earlier this week and listened to another account of a candidate that talked himself out of a job. Why would a candidate talk themselves out of job? Well, I’m sure they didn’t do it on purpose and they may not have even been aware of their own self-inflicted sabotage. Many job seekers ruin their opportunities for landing terrific jobs simply by talking too much during the interview.

People that talk too much during an interview usually fall into 1 of 3 categories; naturally talkative, nervous talkers and those that think more is always better.

For those that are naturally talkative, they probably know they talk a lot. They were the kids that got notes sent home for talking in class (yep, that was me) and can be found in line at the grocery store talking with perfect strangers. You know who you are and know you can talk easily with most people, sometimes too easily.

The nervous talkers just start talking and get out of control providing way too much information and hoping they’ll eventually say something of value. Nervous talkers tend to talk just to hear something and so as not to hear the silence that is normal in an interview. Both you and the interviewer need time to digest what has been said and use it to formulate a new question or response. Silence is fine, but for those that get nervous, silent can be your worst enemy. Being aware is half the battle.

Finally there are those that just think more is always better. Their answers are 10 minutes long with most of the information given being irrelevant or even damaging. They think if they tell everything, good and bad, then they’ll have a better chance of hitting the mark and being remembered. Wrong! You’ll be remembered, but not for what you had hoped.

There are many reasons why excessive talking can be so damaging. Regardless of why you talk, if you are rambling on without getting to the point it can say a lot about you. The interviewer will have to work hard to follow your tale and hopefully understand why it took so long to get to the point. They may wonder if this is an indication as to what your job performance will be like. Or if your talking reflects your communication skills and how you might interact with team members or staff in a supervisory role.

The worst part of talking too much during an interview is the extra information (potential ammunition) you give to employers. It is important to be honest and answer questions you are asked but your answers should remain focused at all times. For example, if they ask you a question on office politics don’t give an answer by indulging in past office gossip or talking poorly of coworkers or your boss. Answer the question and stay on topic.

The best way to keep control over what you might say in an interview is by preparing before the interview ever takes place. Write out answers to 20 or 30 of the most common types of interview questions. Use specific, concise examples in answering the questions but don’t let the answers be more than a couple of minutes long. If you have a few touchy spots in your past, make sure you work on how you’ll honestly, but positively, answer those questions. Practice your answers so that you’ll easily remember the answer when asked in an interview and therefore you won’t need to think out loud or let your nerves get the best of you.

I know I’ve written often about the importance of preparation but it really is critical to all parts of your job search, most importantly your interview success. Learn about the company, prepare answers to many types of interview questions and make sure to really listen to the questions asked. Then take a minute to collect your thoughts so you can give a focused and detailed answer that shows your expertise and preparedness. Being prepared helps you to stay in control, and talk yourself into a job by providing confident, concise answers for sure success during an interview!

I got a call from a client last week. We worked together three years ago to develop a targeted, content rich resume that was appealing to employers looking for Project Management candidates in the Industrial Construction industry. He was successful in landing several interviews and accepted a job just seven weeks after we finished working together. It was nice catching up and hearing of his successes and challenges since we last spoke.

We eventually came to the reason for his call. He was concerned with the security of the job he is currently holding. The recession is taking a toll on his company and since he has only been with them three years he was unsure he could hold on to his job if they did a second round of layoffs. He called to see if we could update his resume so he would be prepared should something happen.

During our conversation we talked about what he could do now, at his current position, to improve his odds of staying with the company which he truly enjoys working for. We discussed many ways to stay competitive or even ahead of his coworkers and hopefully promote enough value to keep his job.

Here are some of the suggestions I offered him.

Realize as an employee, that career management is an ongoing endeavor. An employee must continually work to manage his career and stay competitive if he wants to outlast his coworkers (competitors). This includes communicating, researching, and learning about his industry, economy, position, competition, community needs and anything else that will help him remain current and even looking to the future in his position. Over the years it is easy to get busy or complacent but staying curious will help to keep you motivated and meeting new people.

Staying active in your industry and meeting new people will help to grow your network and maintain your existing contacts throughout your career. It is a great way to keep your contacts aware of you as well as your strengths, skills, and value. Keeping your ear to the ground helps you stay on the cutting edge in your industry.

Additional things to do to stay motivated, excited and curious and let others see your value are to ask questions, take classes, and get certified. Keep your strengths high and your expertise fresh with ongoing professional development. It will also pay off to work harder than others in your office, department or company. This might mean putting in more hours, taking the undesirable projects, and providing suggestions and improvements that will get you noticed. Working hard and letting your results speak for you, will get you noticed and hopefully keep you employed.

Career management should not be lost sight of, but should be ongoing throughout your career. Staying on top of your industry, working hard and staying motivated will definitely improve your odds of keeping your job. But unfortunately in some cases even this may not be enough. Then, is your hard work all for not? Absolutely not. Instead, it will improve your resume and success stories, and give your employers a great deal of content to include in your referral. So strive to be the best you can be, it will be worth it!

Shine On Job Seekers!

Moving your Job Search out of Neutral and into High Gear

With love for my clients and true compassion for the job seekers out of work I am writing this post. I understand your pride has been hurt because you thought you were better than a lay off or being let go, some feel they have done all they can by posting their resume on a few major job boards and then expecting the phone to ring, and others in denial, decide to use this time as an extended vacation and do nothing. So, my question for theses scenario’s and the countless others is:

How’s That Working For You?

Is your phone ringing off the hook? Are people tracking you down and begging you to come and work for them? Is doing nothing landing incredible opportunities in your lap? Didn’t think so.

I am hoping this will be a gentle shaking or a  splash of cold water to wake you up to the reality that if you want to find a job you have got to be much more aggressive even desperate in your search.

Your search is about you getting a job, how you came to where you are today should not keep you from pushing forward in your search. Excuses, however valid they may feel, are only holding you back. They do not reveal your authentic self and your marketable value.

Disclaimer: Your job search won’t be easy, so expect rejection, uncertainty, and a little fear during the process but work to remain focused on the goal – finding a job. Realize also that it might take a while, but it will take much, much longer if you continue on your current course.

Think of the top 5 reasons why you need a job and what will happen to these reasons if you do not soon find a job. Write that them down and keep them in your wallet, purse, next to your bed, taped to your computer or to the dashboard in your vehicle. Make it a constant reminder of why you must stay passionate about your search.

How do you take your search out of neutral and into high gear? What ever you used to think about the job search – forget it!

Make the search proactive instead of reactive.

Research companies and find several (start with 10-20) that really feel like the type of company you would like to work for. Dig deep and find out about each company’s culture, goals, future plans, current projects and any recent changes, failures or issues that you can help with.

Continue researching these companies to find specific individuals you feel would be beneficial to meet. Use your contacts, networking groups (on and off line) and LinkedIn to find ways to connect with these targeted contacts. Prepare before you make contact with solutions and skills that you can provide to assist each contact and their company to improve, increase or expand their future.

You are doing the research, you are making the calls, you are choosing the companies and you are in control.

See the difference?

So job seekers, try something new if what you have been doing is not working. Not only is this process effective but presents you as a leader, expert in your field, go-getter, someone who knows how to find solutions and get the job done, and Someone Worth Hiring.

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!

Looking for a new job can feel like looking for a needle in a haystack. Many job seekers search through the job boards like CareerBuilder, Monster and Indeed and find nothing that stands out. It may feel like there are no jobs that fit what you have to offer. Fortunately there are jobs available that are right for you; you’re probably just looking in the wrong places.

I’m sure most of you have heard the term hidden job market? There are articles, books, and TV programs devoted to this topic. I’ve found talking to clients that many job seekers are intimidated by the term and so together let’s enter the hidden job market zone and find out what it’s all about.

What and where is the hidden job market?

The hidden job market refers to those jobs that aren’t being publicized through job boards or even the career pages of the company. These jobs take up an estimated 75% of the jobs currently available and I would assume the number is a little higher in this economy.

Why are the jobs hidden?

Jobs are hidden for many reasons. The most common is that new jobs aren’t in the company or department budget. The long process of getting approval to hire new candidates can put the search on the back burner. Some companies wait to hire new employees when new projects are about to begin or before new product is launched. Others have recruiters searching quietly for potential employees. Finally, many companies attempt to hire from within first before moving outside the company to find new talent.

How do candidates find these jobs?

It is important to keep in mind that companies and recruiters are always looking for potential talent. Whether they are in need or not it would be unwise for a company to not keep “feelers” out in the market for new candidates. If they aren’t actively looking then you need to go to them to get noticed. Finding out who needs you, your talents, skills, and experience will take research. You will need to research the industry but more importantly the individual companies you feel have the right stuff.

This is where knowing your strengths and your personal brand is really important. Once you know your most sellable strengths then you need to go out and market them. This starts with research but it also includes networking and the age old “cold calling”. By participating in social networking groups online and in your community you can search out contacts for the companies you have targeted.

Developing relationships with these contacts will feel awkward to most job seekers. This is normal but overcoming it means leaving your comfort zone and making new acquaintances. Keep in mind that even if they can’t help you, you’ve met a new colleague or friend. It is still a win-win situation.

If you can’t find contacts then cold-calling is your next step. These days you can start by sending a letter of intent followed by a resume and cover letter. With computers being a normal part of business, email is acceptable. You can do the same thing through the U.S. mail. If you are really ambitious you can visit the company in person. This is a risky situation and should be handled with caution and professionalism but can be quite effective too.

Hidden jobs are there for you to find and conquer – it just takes determination and a little guts. Your alternative usually isn’t an option if mortgages and insurance bills are coming due. Let that motivate you! Be bold, prepare and go after the jobs that really are your perfect fit.

Once again Fox 2 Detroit is sponsoring a career fair to help those in the southeast Michigan area connect with companies currently looking for new candidates.

Putting America Back to Work Job Fair

Wednesday, August 19^th

Burton Manor

27777 Schoolcraft Rd.

Livonia, MI

9:00 am – 1:30 pm

I will be there answering questions and reviewing resumes so please make sure to stop in and say Hi!

The link below is from the host of the career fair EmploymentGuide.com. and it offers a list of the current companies attending the career fair. http://www.employmentguide.com/jobfairdetails.html?JobfairID=3115

Remember to come early, dress for success, and bring plenty of resumes to pass out. Also, do your research so you can focus on those companies that offer you the most opportunity.

Hope to see you there!!

Being in a job that is right for you with the right fit, does increase job security. How?  To begin, you are doing what you love and therefore doing it better than someone who isn’t the right fit. Your ideas will be more creative and come more often because it is something you are passionate about. These ideas will lead to increase work performance and will get you noticed by management.

This doesn’t mean with the economy how it is, your job won’t still be eliminated.  But it does mean you might be able to hold on to your job longer, in a company that is reducing its workforce. I spoke with a client yesterday that said she doesn’t know why she is still working, because so many of her peers have been let go. Maybe management has noticed her productivity, client relations or commitment to the company and is trying to keep her. Being the right fit for her, is helping her keep her job.

For those that have been down sized this is a real reason to research and target companies you feel are the right type of company with the right environment, mission, objectives and goals. Taking “any” job that comes along might keep you there temporarily but won’t be a good career choice for your future. Look for the right job -  not just any job in your job search, for a fit that will really works for both you and the company.

Shine on and stay motivated job seekers!

Friday’s Free for All

Staying focused and finding ways to stop procrastinating can be difficult when you’ve got activities, decisions, or things to do that you really don’t want to do. I know… I fight it often.

I love learning new things, information finding new resources and new technology to help with my work and my clients. Sometimes I am hearing about or discovering so many thngs that I just want to read all day and not actually work. Although it is tough – if I want to continue to run a successful business, I need to maintain focus and work during my work day.

For job seekers, the thought of networking at different events, finding new contacts or getting reacquainted with

old contacts feels like going to the dentist. That’s ok – treat it like the dentist! Even though it might be a little uncomfortable, the people are nice and they help to fix your problems!

One trick for me, is at the end of the day I spend a few minutes and make a list for the following morning. Actually, I usually keep the list handy throughout the day and if something needs to be done that I can’t get to today, I write it on my list so I don’t forget. If you write a list of the contacts you want to make, businesses you want to research, meetings you want to attend then you won’t have to think too hard. Your daily goal then is to check off your list as your day progresses.

Things do come up and items won’t get check off – those then go on tomorrow’s list. The point is that you keep moving forward. Finding a job is not only about what you know and who you know but is also about who knows you. If you don’t make yourself known – the job search process can go on forever.

So, get focused! Write your list, and work at checking off everything every day – that is how goals are accomplished, one checkmark at a time!