My new client Sandy called me recently with a question about knowing whether her skills can be used for a position in a different field. She feels it would be a good move for her and loves the idea of the new position, but has no idea if the move is possible and if it will offer a similar (or higher) salary and benefits to what she currently is receiving.

Sandy’s question was, “How can I know that I can make the change successfully?” Unfortunately there are no guarantees with any career change or in life in general. But I told her that she can prepare through research, to eliminate as many roadblocks as possible; which will give her a clearer understanding if the move is right for her.

I suggested to Sandy that she start with research to see what was needed for her new targeted career choice in order to find out if she currently meets the requirements of the job. This will be her first hurdle. If Sandy meets the requirements, great! If she doesn’t, what will it take to get there and will she want to make the commitment to meet these requirements? All things she’ll have to answer before moving forward.

Next step is to research the position and see if the salary will meet her expectations and what benefits are usually offered. If the salary is within Sandy’s range, she can move forward and develop a targeted resume to focus on the desired position. With continued research she can begin making tactical connections within the industry to find out more about the industry, prospective companies and to build a network that will benefit her career goals.

LinkedIn and its’ related groups are a great first step, joining associations and local affiliations within the industry will help too. The more Sandy becomes part of the niche community the more she will be able to build relationships and zero in on companies that will provide the job she is looking for.

This process can and should begin before Sandy leaves her current job. The preparation may take only weeks or it could take months or longer. Learning all she can about the position, industry, and building a related network will greatly help to make a smooth transition when the time is right.

Seal Island – off the coast of South Africa, holds up to 60,000 seals and is a perfect place to research great white shark habits. Yes, “Shark Week” on the Discovery Channel just wrapped up, but not before I watched a few shark related programs and before getting Lady Gaga’s song, “Show me Your Teeth” stuck in my head forever!

What I repeatedly heard is that sharks are intentional in their hunt and they are successful 50% of the time. Depending on the type of shark and their environment their strategies differ. They use their senses, to determine what is in the water, where it is, if it is something they want, and the best strategy to deploy for a successful attack.

Listening to the scientists and biologists describe a sharks intentional approach, sounded like the steps for a successful job search. But not just a job search, a job hunt! Just like sharks, job seekers need to know their surroundings, what their target industry is all about and how they fit in. They also need to know themselves well enough to recognize their strengths and know how to use them to effectively to find the right job for them.

As sharks use their senses to become aware of potential prey, they determine the best way to strike. Aggressive and successful candidates use their networking and investigative skills, and their past experience to find new opportunities. They then decide on a strategy that will allow them to get in front of their target, so they too can show their strengths and out shark other candidates to land the job.

What makes sharks so threatening is their relentless determination, intention and drive to keep trying, even if they are only successful in 50% of their hunts. Job seekers that are successful in finding the right job quickly, are those that either hunt down their own opportunities or use their contacts and network to generate leads. They push ahead and don’t give up but continue to be proactive in their hunt. Those that procrastinate or simply post their resume and wait for the seals to come and swim in front of them, may have to wait a long time, and may miss out on the schools of seals that are swimming just off shore. Be a hunter, go after the job you want – show your teeth!

Shine On Job Seekers!

If you want to be noticed in your current job or in a new job you’ve recently landed – give more than is expected. If you are currently unemployed and looking for a new job – give more than is expected. If you’re happily employed but a colleague or friend asks you to keep your ears open for something that might fit what they are looking for – give more than is expected.

By giving more and doing more than is expected of you by your company, yourself, your colleagues or friends, you will build a notable work ethic that will be remembered long after your achievements or accomplishments. It will mean more to others that you went the extra step to do your job exceedingly well or to help another person. And at the end of the day that is what I’d want to be known or remembered for.

What can you do to give more than is expected of you?

If you want to get noticed for the job you are doing – do it better. Work harder and accomplish more, or if your job isn’t about accomplishing more than try to provide more. More and better service for your customers or more process improvements to reduce costs. Doing your job well will get you noticed, recognized and remembered.

If you’re unemployed and want to get noticed in your job search – redesign your job search so it is more productive. Pay attention to what works and what doesn’t work in your job search. Don’t keep doing the same thing over and over if it isn’t making a difference. Find out what works and do it often, very often! If online networking is finding you opportunities where local networking groups are not then stick with the online networking functions. Try using new techniques to find the right companies and jobs and then go after them.

If a passive approach isn’t working be more aggressive in your search. For example, don’t follow up once only to never hear from the company. Follow up 2, 3, or 4 times until you get their attention and get a response. The squeaky wheel will get oiled first.

If someone asks you to help in their job search – provide more than just a contact name. Make the connection and provide as much helpful information about the company, person and industry that you can. Both parties will appreciate the professional and helpful introduction, which will add to your own credibility. Supporting others in their search will also help to grow your own support system.

Giving more than is expected is hard work and can make your job search even more difficult but the rewards and successes will be worth the work.

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’ll be volunteering at tomorrow’s Job Fair sponsored by EmploymentGuide.com. Always look forward to meeting candidates, sharing information and answering career, resume and job search questions.  If you are planning to attend be sure to stop by and say Hi!

In 2008 and 2009 during the massive layoffs in the automotive industry (remember, I’m in Michigan), it seemed like every other call I received was a Chrysler engineer. During that time I worked with dozens of engineers, and it always amazed me that not one Chrysler engineer that called had the same job or same credentials.

The engineers that called were from different divisions, departments, lines, and processes. These job seekers worked in manufacturing, product design, project management, quality control and many other areas within the company. Every person that I spoke with had a different story to tell and something unique unto them to offer.

The challenge in working with each engineer was to discover what their unique strengths were and to illuminate the value those strengths provided. Were they innovative, a visionary, a leader, detail oriented, or a great communicator? My job was to help identify the true strengths and skills they had to offer and enjoyed. Doing this made each engineer unique and valuable.

The same holds true with all job seekers. You each have skills, strengths, and experiences that make you unique. Making employers aware of these skills by showcasing them in a focused resume and then networking to share your uniqueness is how you will find the right job for you. Make a list of what is unique about you, what makes you special and make sure it is incorporated in your resume and job search. You don’t have to be the best, you just need to know what you are the best at in order make you shine and irresistible. So get clear on what your special strengths are and make them known to the world!

Shine On Job Seekers!

When buying a new outfit it is first necessary to decide what you are looking before you can begin shopping. Is the outfit for a specific occasion, work, or casual wear? Other decisions include deciding on the price range and types of stores will be looking in. Will you be shopping at Wal-Mart, Old Navy or Macy’s? And what type of quality are you looking for? Every decision you make helps to narrow down your search and moves you closer to the ideal outfit for you.

Once you have an idea of where to begin your search you can start looking at the stores that you will most likely find outfits that meet your criteria. It is important to spend the time to narrow down your search either walking the malls or online. Eventually this will lead you to going into each store that fits your search and looking through the racks, talking with sales people and even trying on clothes. For me I often put things on hold at one store while still looking at other stores. If it is an important decision I often enlist a friend or sister to shop with me.

Eventually after narrowing down your search and finding a few possible choices you will check prices, sales, and warranty/return options to help make a qualified final decision.

Does this shopping excursion sound familiar to you?

If you do not like to shop for clothes, what have you gone through this process with, a pair of shoes, an antique, baseball card, computer, lawnmower, or even a house? We’ve all had to go through the purchasing process before, think back to the process you used. It wasn’t easy and may not have happened over night, but the same process can work for your job search and finding a job that is right for you.

Committing to researching employment possibilities will help you find a job that meets what you are looking for and will help you to be seen as the ideal fit for the employer. Not only will your skills and experience match but you’ll be passionate about the position because you will have worked through a process of determining what type of industry, position, location, pay range, environment preference and more to find the type of position that best suites you.

Researching specific companies that fit your criteria will lead to a successful job search. If you need help, enlist in the buddy system with a friend, family member or colleague that is also looking for work. You will keep each other motivated and on track with your goals. Remember it is a process and it will take time, but with research, commitment and motivation you will find your ideal job!

Shine on jobseekers!

I’m helping out at a Career Fair tomorrow and want to welcome anyone within driving distance of Southeast Michigan to join me at the event. I’ll be there providing resume reviews, answering questions and strategizing with job seekers – if you attend please stop by and say Hi! The information is below, hope to see you there.

EmploymentGuide.com in cooperation with AARP and WiserWorker.com are sponsoring and participating in this event. AARP is offering Branding Workshops and more than 50 employers are expected to participate. Bring lots of resumes, professional attire and be ready to smile!

Wednesday, August 25^th

9:00 am to 1:30 pm

Southfield Civic “Center” Pavilion

26000 Evergreen Rd.

Southfield, MI 48076

Hope to see you there!

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.

As I talk with many candidates, the biggest frustration I hear is that there is no response to resumes they send out. Although many have worked hard to develop a large contact list, targeted specific companies of interest and have a specific system or plan in place to send out resumes, I find most do not follow up on sent resumes.

When I ask the question, “Have you followed up with them?” I usually get the deer in the head light stare, as if the thought is a new concept.

Don’t expect the contacts, networking acquaintances, recruiters, HR department or hiring managers to contact you. It probably won’t happen. I spoke with someone last week that had applied for a particular position and was complaining she had once again, gotten no response,  so I suggested she give them a call. Later that day I received a call from the woman saying she did contact the company and found out that for the two positions available they had receive over 400 resumes. The company also said it would be several weeks before they began interviews.

Knowing what to expect and when decisions will be made helps job seekers with the frustration of the unknown. With only 2-3% of resumes being followed-up on, this job seeker would have missed an opportunity to stand out from the hundreds of candidates that blended in with the crowd and didn’t following up. In our conversation the woman admitted she usually didn’t follow up because she felt uncomfortable contacting the companies and so we discussed how to follow up and make an impact.

The easiest and fastest route is to call to the contact you sent the resume to. Usually a response time of five to six business days is acceptable if there isn’t a specific date deadline already given in the job description. If calling is not an option I would send an email note with your resume attached. Whether on the phone or sending an email try and include a few questions and express your genuine interest in the position such as:

• Conveying your interest in the position and company with a short reason on why you want to work for them, be authentic and real when speaking with them.
• Finding out what the next step is, when interviews will be taking place and when you should contact them again.
• Asking how many applicants have applied so far so you have an idea of the odds.
• Giving your name at least one time in the conversation to help them remember your name or at least make it familiar to them.
• Determining if there is anything additional they are looking for in the candidate. If they are responsive you may have a few minutes to sell yourself to them based on what the company is looking for – make sure to do your homework before calling.
• Thanking them again for their time.

The conversation should last no more than five or ten minutes, so you don’t take up their valuable time. It may feel awkward at first, but like anything it will get easier with practice. With people being so busy and the employment arena being so competitive, following up on sent resumes is a must.

Shine on jobseekers!