I recently participated in an energetic and informative discussion with several colleagues from the Resume Chicks during an interview on Blogtalk Radio’s Career Success Radio program (@CareerRadio) with Australian career experts Keith Keller and Annemarie Cross. It was a fast hour that centered on two main areas of Career Management.

The first point addressed in roundtable discussion was on recommended strategies to strengthen resumes. Consensus among the group was that the resume should be extremely focused on the career objective at hand. It can not be merely a laundry list of all of your past work history but rather strategically selected keywords, achievements and successes that bring home your value proposition.

Including achievements and accomplishments that are fact-based and as quantifiable as possible will draw attention to a resume and was the second critical-must for successful resume development. For those careers that don’t use revenue or cost metrics, data such as customer satisfaction rates, time management improvements and recognition or awards works well to demonstrate significant contribution.

Using a format that is attention-grabbing, easy to read, and professional rounded out the top three resume improvement strategies. Since most resumes are looked at for only 20-30 seconds, the resume must immediately jump out and be noticed if it is to do its job properly. Developing a format that showcases the candidate’s values, and highlights the keywords and requirements the reader is looking for will generate interest and get the candidate noticed.

We also addressed social media and it’s relevance on a job search. Again the consensus was that networking communities such as LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and others are growing in effectiveness in an aggressive job search. Profiles or bio’s on sites such as LinkedIn allow for a deeper exposure and is often the first look recruiters take at potential candidates for a position they are looking to fill.

Currently more than 80% of recruiters use LinkedIn for research and as a database. For job seekers to utilize their LinkedIn profile it must include a strong achievement-based look at their work history and a summary that reaches out to readers with keywords to offer unique value. Often overlooked in the creation of a strong profile is the providing of a professional photograph, recommendations for current and past positions held, and taking advantage of the many applications now available on LinkedIn. Effective apps include linking your blog, twitter feed, slideshare or podcasts to your profile for maximum exposure.

Candidates’ online profiles and their resume and other marketing tools should compliment each other and should be congruent but not identical in their content. On the Career Success Radio program it was agreed that using both in conjunction with an aggressive job search is the most effective way for a candidate to land the right job. Tune in for the full interview at Career Success Radio

Shine On Job Seekers!

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

Yesterday’s career fair through the local (Detroit) Fox affiliate which teamed up with Employment Guide and AARP, brought in a unique mix of professionals that have been laid off or let go and searching for something new. A common thread throughout the day was the desperate response of “I’ll take anything, I just need a job”, when asked what they were looking for.

After learning of their targeted area of search and asking about their strategies, it became clear that many job seekers are still not taking advantage of the tools and techniques that successfully assist in finding jobs faster. What I heard from many job seekers was that they had dabbled in networking but didn’t really feel comfortable talking with strangers or opening up to friends and family; they didn’t want to be a burden.

The second thing I heard repeatedly was that the candidates had heard of LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and other online networking platforms, and some had even joined the communities, but most were not utilizing them effectively in their job search.

I wanted to stand on the table I was working from and shout to the job seekers that they needed to indeed step out of their comfort zone and what they have done in past job searches, and embrace new technology and communication mediums if they wanted to find a job. If not, I’d see them back here at the next Career Fair!

But, before I made a spectacle of myself, I reminded myself that all people are created differently and while some thrive in the job search environment others need more of a helping hand. That is where I come in and why I participate in Career Fairs.

If you are one of the career fair attending job seekers that still feel awkward and nervous about trying new search techniques, remember you’re not alone. Many job seekers are uncomfortable just like you.

It is OK to feel unsure, uncomfortable and self-confident, but do something anyway! The more you step out and seek new avenues for employment, the easier it will become. You can not afford to quit plus, trying new techniques will keep you from getting bored, and it will increase your circle of contacts and opportunities tremendously!

Shine On Job Seekers!

Social networking is vital in today’s job search. If a job seeker is not yet aware of the benefits of social networking, they may never be aware of their missed opportunities.

The most utilized and effective networks today are LinkedIn and Facebook and now Twitter. They are invaluable for establishing relationships with targeted contacts. These networking sites are databases at your disposal for researching industries, locations, fields, and companies. Job seekers that are focused and aggressive in their search can and should utilize these sites regularly to gather information, make contacts, and establish their expertise or value.

More defined and targeted networking can be conducted within groups in LinkedIn, fan pages on Facebook or being established on a list of someone worth knowing professionally on Twitter. Once you get the hang of it you’ll discover the thrill of being asked to be someone’s friend, be followed or to be added to a professional network.

I see job seekers that are on track with their career goals, writing articles, commenting on industry related news and use social networking to build their brand. They are driven and getting noticed. But for many job seekers and professionals using networking sites, I see much more socialization than social networking. There are always new topics and conversations being discussed on the networks and if you’re not careful you can get easily distracted.

Because it is so intoxicating, job seekers feel they are progressing when really they are forgetting that “being busy does not equal being productive”. It is important to recognize the difference and stay focused, remembering that their end goal is to find a job, not socialize the days away.

If you have been on the networks all day or maybe for days and do not have scheduled phone, Skype or in person meetings than you are probably not as productive as you would like to think. To find success a job seeker needs to concentrate their networking on a targeted area and network for results.

Reminders taped to your computer or a detailed plan of your weekly job search strategies that allot a specific time for networking will help you stay on course. Work as hard on your job search as you did at your job for fastest results. Once you’ve found a new job you can socialize more on the networks – but for now keep your eye on the prize — a job.

Try Something New to Take the Insanity out of Your Job Search

I’ve gone to the same mall area shopping for Christmas presents three times in the last couple of weeks. Each time I have gone, I come home less and less satisfied with the amount of purchases I made. I just can’t seem to find what I am looking for at the stores available in that location. With just a week left until Christmas and with more than a few presents left to purchase, I decided to change my game plan.

What is the old Einstein saying; “insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results”. Well I decided to stir things up, not go insane and try and new shopping venue.

Wow! Was I excited to find new stores that had new ideas and gifts I had been looking for! I even went in to some of the same stores as the other location but they had a different variety of items to choose from and again was successful.

When the day of shopping was through, I had successfully crossed off every item on my list. I drove home thinking of how thankful I was to not have decided to give my usual stomping ground another try. Some times you’ve got to move away from routine to find the best deals.

Before you go insane in your job search, make sure to shake up your routine every once in a while. Take stock in the results of your efforts. If something isn’t working for you – try something new. Just because your friend was wildly successful on a specific LinkedIn group or networking event doesn’t mean you will immediately get the same results. Take hold of what Einstein said and try something else.

For example, if you are only working with job boards get involved in online groups in LinkedIn or one of the really great job search groups on Ning or Yahoo Groups. If you tend to visit more than network at networking groups try a new one, and develop a new elevator speech that accentuates your strengths and personal brand. Check out industry associations, newspapers, groups, or volunteer somewhere but try something new.

The most important thing to remember is to be creative and open to new ideas or suggestions, find what works for you and keep moving forward. Even with the Holiday season in full swing, now is still a good time to be setting up new year meetings and filling that pipeline with contacts and networking activities that target and work towards your goals. Keep your goals close and review them often to keep you focused and motivated. Save yourself the grief of driving yourself crazy by not trying new strategies, techniques, activities or groups to help you find the job you deserve.

I just returned from the Career Directors International (CDI) conference last night. What a great time seeing old colleagues and meeting new ones. A truly enjoyable and informative conference.

For some of the presenters, including Jason Alba, Barbara Safani, and Louise Kursmark, their underlying theme was the importance of using Web 2.0 business and social networks to increase visibility. My job seeker take away from these speakers was that being visible on these networks is vital in today’s economy and with today’s available technology. Job seekers can effectively use this job search strategy to develop their visibility for recruiters, hiring managers and decision makers.

Creating keyword and content rich profiles and becoming a proactive participant on networking sites such as Linkedin.com, Facebook.com and Twitter.com are a great way to start. However, being active on these networks is only effective if you use these sites as tools to build your brand and value proposition.

Keep communications professional to quickly increase your brand by including articles, opinions, and helpful site, book, blog and speaker links and recommendations. It is an effective way to strengthen your online presence and make your first impression positive and make you memorable for the right reasons.

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.

Wednesday’s Q & A

Question – Does social marketing help job seekers get noticed?

Answer – Absolutely! Social marketing is moving so fast that it is often tough to keep up with. New sites, blogs, videos and social networks are being introduced daily. “What to use”, “how much to use”, and “is it worth it since my job search will hopefully be short term”, are questions I am often asked.

Social marketing helps brand you as an expert in your field, position, and industry. It also gets you noticed. As others see you writing

and answering with relevant content and participating in helpful discussion on your industry, you will get noticed and will be seen as someone who knows their stuff. I’ve said it before (and heard it even more), it’s not who you know but who knows you!

What to use? I would first and foremost get on LinkedIn. It is just too good not to use! Establish your profile and then get out there! You can join groups or add your own, ask questions, answer questions, search out companies or contacts, search for jobs, add your resume and more, more, more!

Twitter and Facebook are other places to establish a professional presence and start meeting people. You can again join groups, search out company or contact information and learn from others on how to do it well. Also check out the Yahoo groups or Ning groups – they seem endless and available in every possible profession.

Sign up for local and online networking groups, join associations or set up a blog and become an expert in your field – and bring them to you! Social marketing and personal branding go hand in hand.

While you are building your online and in person identity, make sure you steer your reputation in the right direction. Join reputable groups and association and post information, comments, articles, tweets, and videos that promote the type of professional image you want for yourself. The choice is yours.

You don’t have to join every group out there but I’d join many and then spend some time weeding through them to find several that fit you well. Then, really make a contribution either online or in person. It is a commitment but well worth the outcome.

Not only is the time you spend in social marketing worth it during your job search but it is an excellent tool to maintain after you’ve found your job. It helps manage your professional brand and reputation and will be the perfect place to start looking for future opportunities a few years down your career path.

If you’ve found this post you are on your way!

Shine On!

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.

Wednesday’s Q&A

Question:  How can I find networking events in my area and what should I bring and expect.

Answer:  This question comes from a recent client who had always progressed into new positions by getting noticed and being asked to move up the ladder or to other organizations. Now, as many Americans are discovering, he needs a different strategy now.

My client was not comfortable with the idea of going someplace to “network” and wasn’t even sure where to begin. So we went through Google together and hit on 261,000 results with “Business Networking in Troy, MI”.

Going down the list there were local BNI, LBN and Chamber groups from Troy and surrounding communities. There were churches and colleges hosting activities and events too. We also found several independent networking groups including Oakland County networking groups and my favorite, Motor City Connect/MCC.

We then found smaller niche groups such a restaurant owner/manager group, a retail management group, a media group and a small business owner’s group. All this on the first 2 pages!!  With so many groups to choose from it wasn’t hard to get started. I suggested he try several and find 2 or 3 that he really liked and invest time in those groups.

The second part of the question involved knowing what to bring and expect at the meetings?

Attending networking groups can be scary the first couple of times but they shouldn’t be. Every meeting I’ve attended has been very friendly and helpful. Some places have weekly, monthly and annual fees, others are pay as you go and some are even free. All have their pros and cons, and most of the groups with fees allow visitors to attend for free.

When you go you should dress professionally, bring something to write on and with and bring your networking/contact cards. If you don’t have any yet – order some today! Include your personal contact information on the front; name, address, phone, email, web address, twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, or any other information you’d like on it. The backside can include a skill set or bullet points of your value or achievements.

Even more importantly bring your curiosity and friendliness or at least responsiveness. Think of it as a party where you go introduce yourself and get to know the other person or persons around you. Remember you are there to meet new people and contacts and help other people. So, ask questions, get to know the others, have fun, and see if there are ways you can help them. You’ve got many contacts available to you that might be able share to help someone there.

 Some groups are very ritualistic others are more lenient in their order of business. Most will provide time for you to talk exclusively to the group, only for a few seconds or minutes – no speeches. Usually and introduction, greeting, 30 second commercial or a question and you’re done!

Networking is amazing – the people who attend are motivated to make friends, contacts, and help others so you’ll find people going out of their way to try and help you. Expect results. A computer technician I spoke with last week said his business has gone up 800% in a year! Appreciate and Reciprocate!

Shine On!