Weeds finally began peeking through my garden floor a few weeks ago. They usually come up just before the perennials and in Michigan it is a sign that things are finally unthawing and warm sunny days are not far away. Although weeds usually drive me crazy by the end of the summer, I am always excited to see any sign of life at the early entrance of spring.

Typical for Michigan, we have jumped from 40’s to 70’s in just a couple of weeks and the gardens, trees and weeds have exploded with life after a few warm days. I know if I don’t keep tight reigns on my gardens and the weeds in them, they will be cause of a lot of extra time and work because I let gardens slide and weeds creep in.

We have such a short growing season that everything seems to happen fast and I have learned that I become much less frustrated if I commit to spending a certain amount of time every week in my gardens, keeping an eye on the plants and the weeds. I am happier with the results when I spend frequent time in the garden nurturing the young plants and controlling older mature plants. It lets me enjoy the growth process and watch as blooms open and often close in just a few days. It helps me realize what is not working in my garden and what I am spending too much time on. It also gives me more control over the hardy weeds and lets me remove them by the root before they get too large so that I snap them and then they just end up coming back and causing more work.

Gardening always provides me with life lessons as I nurture the garden. As I work I notice the change that has occurred every few days and it reminds me of the importance of nurturing your job search just as you would your gardens. It is critical to stay active as you progress in your search, not repeatedly doing the same things but really taking notice of what is working and what is not. Weeding out the efforts that are not showing any signs of budding opportunity or those that side track you with positions that are not in line with your long term goals.

When I start a new garden I draw the type of garden I want, whether it will be a sun or shade garden, spring, summer, or fall blooms, and the style and design. I actually use a map and color in the plants where I will plant them and provide space that they’ll need in a few years and not just when they are first planted. I develop this plan so that I will know how I need to proceed as the garden develops and it keeps me on track, although these days I work with maintenance plans and try not to give in to the urge to start a new garden.

In my earlier years when I was still learning what worked in my soil, in Michigan, and what I enjoyed I would journal the progress of my gardens. I don’t need to do that much now but it was very helpful and taught me many different tricks and tips in dealing with particular plants, weeds, insects and the pesky rabbits and deer that also enjoy my gardens. I would pour through every book and magazine I could find to learn about techniques of gardening, went and saw other gardens and would talk with gardeners at length to share what I had learned and hear new ideas from them.

Just as in a garden it is important to keep track of your job search progress, seek new ways to expand and improve your search and network with others to see what works for them and share what is working for you. The more time you spend learning about the search and ways to succeed in it the faster you will be able to see the beauty and bounty of your search.

Good luck 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.

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.

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.

It isn’t enough just to go after getting an interview. If you want a job offer you have to prepare for and research each company you are offered an interview with. You have obviously done some work while having your resume developed or writing it yourself. The research and preparation is a great start for your interview but it won’t put you ahead of the masses. Below are 5 secrets you need to know if you want to really catch the decision maker’s attention at your next interview.

Know the company you intend to interview with – Take time to thoroughly learn about the company or companies you will be interviewing with. The research should include reading their company website, searching (Googling) the company on the internet, finding potential contacts from their company on LinkedIn, and reading what the media and their competition has to say as well. You will impress the interviewers if you are comfortable and confident talking with them about the company.

Know how you can help them – If you want to capture the attention of the interviewer, try finding out what the biggest problems the company or department are currently facing and find ways you can help.

Strategies to help the company may include a developing a business or project plan, locating contacts for needed resources or having the skills or experience needed to resolve a specific problem. Figure out your plan before the interview and then WoW them with your preparation. Even if they don’t use your plan, your determination and critical thinking is sure to impress them.

Know the culture of the company – While you are busy researching each company you are considering interviewing with, don’t forget to study their individual corporate culture. It is important, sometimes more than your related skill or experience, that you fit in with the culture, philosophy and values of the company. Your resume will let them know your skills, but the interview will secure your fit. Save you and the company time and resources by getting a feel for the company before you participate in an interview.

Know your answers to questions most likely asked – Make sure to spend time preparing for those typical and not so typical behavioral/situation questions that will be asked at the interview, because they will be asked. Keep the answers focused on the good of the company, tying your values in with theirs, while still being truthful.

It often helps to write out your answers on paper so you can be sure to include all the right information for each question. Then, practice saying your answers several times until they feel natural to say.

Know your resume! – Don’t forget to know your resume. Right now it sometimes takes a few months before you are offered an interview.  Most of the time the hiring manager will use your resume as an outline to follow for the interview. Whether you have written it yourself or had someone write it; reread your resume several times to refresh your memory. You do not want to be blind-sided by a quote from your resume that you don’t recall and can’t respond to. Know your resume!

Just as in any debate, meeting, presentation or interview, in order to be successful and sound polished you must prepare. The company you are interviewing with have spent a good deal of time identifying the skills, experience and type of person they want working with them. It is your responsibility to yourself and you next employer to do the same. The results will be a more effective and responsive interview and will help you stand out as one sharp candidate. So, give it a try, you’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain!

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.

You’ve heard, as most of us have, that you get out of something, what you put into something. I remember hearing that from my parents, teachers and now – I find myself using similar analogies with my own kids and often, with my clients.

We all know what the economy is like right now, and how high unemployment is, so why do job seekers still think that they can just post their resume on Monster or Career Builder and expect the phone to ring? It is not going to happen. The boards yield less than 7% of the jobs found and although I make it a point to repeat these facts to my clients several times while working together, I still get those who only post their resume and then complain because of no response.

If you want to play a sport well, grow a garden, build a tree house for your kids, have clean clothes, or cook something there are several steps and processes to go through before your efforts yield positive results.

Buying ingredients and putting them in your pantry will not produce a cake.

It is vital for job seekers to work hard and consistently if they want to find and obtain the right job and career for them. Start by getting on LinkedIn – that alone offers a world of networking possibilities. Join professional associations in your field, and research and seek out companies you feel would fit your strengths, passions and goals.

Contact old friends, new friends, coworkers, past employers, past coworkers, suppliers, vendors, ancillary department workers, volunteer associates, family, neighbors, church friends, sports/kids/school friends or join new networking groups to make new contacts. Talk with people, ask about them, help others if possible and let them know about your background and current goals. The more you communicate the quicker you’ll find a job!

If you need help, unsure of what to do next – ask! People like to help other people so ask. Ask your friends or someone you know who has recently gotten a new job. Ask a professional resume writer or career coach who can point you in the right direction and has an endless supply of resources.

The more effort you put in the quicker you will find a job. It will be hard, it might take a while, and you might face rejection more than once – it is part of the process. You can do this! Give your self the credit you deserve. You’ve got great skills, achievements and experiences to offer you just have to get your awesome value in front of the right people – through networking. Keep moving and working towards your goals.

Monday’s PMA

After a week of football openers, many of my thoughts relate to the games I’ve seen. Whether revisiting the OT win of the Steelers over Tennessee, the incredible upset of the MSU Spartans with the CMU Chippewa’s winning with just seconds to go, or the incredible comeback (and almost winning) of the Chicago Bears Sunday night after a dismal first half; determination and perseverance keep running through my mind.

In each game, both teams had true talent, experience and impressive records to back them. What makes them great teams is having a right attitude. It is an attitude of confidence and not just arrogance. The confidence and determination to over come and succeed.

Job seekers can learn a great deal from ball players. Work hard off season by preparing, training, researching other players and teams and studying past games to learn and grow. With the season once again in full swing now they must push are and stay motivated regardless of the last game or even last play.

Job seekers! Follow in their footsteps! When you experience rejection – learn from it, keep moving forward and stay motivated. Have you done your pre-season preparation work? How can you be confident in your search if you are not prepared? You are in the game to win and that means doing what it takes to get noticed and make plays that will win your game!

Shine On Job Seekers!

For anyone who has enjoys listening to the heart felt harmonies, guitar or piano inspirations of Diamond Rio, you’ll truly enjoy their new book, Beautiful Mess – The Story of Diamond Rio. I have to reveal here, that I am a huge fan of their music – they turned me on to country music in the early 90’s with Meet in the Middle. I remember after I finally heard the name of the band I ran out and got their first CD and most of their following CD’s as well.

So much of this book sent me back in time as it talked about their songs and it let me get a peek at the lives and loved ones that made their band so strong. I loved the individual biography sections for each member. It really gives readers a true understanding of who the men of Diamond Rio are and what made them such determined and talented individuals.

The wrap up brought the group back together as a whole and let us in on the tragedies and challenges they faced and how they got through and overcame them by staying together. The book shares the about the charities that are most precious to Diamond Rio and what they have done to make a difference for these organizations. Now with the group back together and stronger than ever, they are ready to move forward – and I can’t wait!

I applaud the band for staying true to their gifts and not falling prey to many of the vices that come with fame and fortune. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves country music, Diamond Rio, or biographies. I look forward to their future work, especially their potential in the Christian genre – something I’ve been waiting for and expecting.

Wednesday’s Q&A

Question: Can a smile really land you a job?

Answer: A smile is so incredibly powerful. It is proven to release chemicals that relax, it takes fewer muscles to make then a frown, and it can make or break a meeting.

Smiles are written about, sung about, drawn, worn as bumper stickers and t-shirts and are used in many quotes from the famous and not so famous including Phyllis Diller who said, “The curve of a smile sets everything straight”. It affects your appearance too, as George Eliot reminded us, “Wear a smile and have friends; wear a scowl and have wrinkles”.  Do you want laugh lines or frown lines?

My favorite quote is from an unknown author, it states, “The shortest distance between two people is a smile”.

If you want to break the ice when meeting people for the first time during an interview remember to smile … often. This doesn’t mean laugh and giggle in a nervous annoyance. It means to look at those you are talking with and give a genuine smile.

When asking for help in your job search, inviting contacts for coffee or lunch to get reacquainted, meeting new contacts, networking, talking with recruiters, administrative or HR support or the hiring manager the first and most natural response should be a smile.

Smiles are a nonverbal communication shared throughout the world. Your smile is more than displaying teeth or curving lips, it is a physical change in your attitude and approachability. When a smile is received it also causes a biological response by mimicking a return smile, so if you want to make others feel comfortable S-M-I-L-E !

A genuine smile and approachable appearance will be remembered as much as your stories, experience and skills you share during an interview. Will a smile land you a job, maybe not on its’, but it can certainly be the thing that interviewers remember and may be a deciding factor at some point.

The little things really do make the biggest differences – It can’t hurt and it will actually make you feel better – try it today!