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!

OK, so looking back over the last few weeks I realize I have been pretty lazy when it comes to maintaining my blog. I’ve got lots of ideas, and have even hand written partial articles while waiting for soccer games to start, but I haven’t finished any of the articles. Spring is a busy time for me, my kids’ sports are in high gear, school’s wrapping up, yard work is calling me, family gatherings, blah-blah-blah!

It’s easy to get side tracked and lazy with spring fever and not keep up with my blog. Where has my laziness gotten me? Nowhere! It has only removed me from my readers and kept me out of the loop. Choosing to be lazy in my blog maintenance only hurts me.

Being lazy is not the same as taking a break. Everyone deserves a break when working hard! If you need to take a break from your job search that’s fine. But the break needs to be planned and limited and when break-time is over you’ll have to pick up where you left off with your career plan if you want to be successful.

What do you lose by being lazy as a job seeker? You lose opportunity, income, confidence, a sense of accomplishment and the momentum and motivation to keep your search working for you.

Sometimes lazy doesn’t mean you are not doing anything, but that you keep doing unproductive things over and over. If your actions aren’t creating new opportunities then it is time to change what you are doing.

These rules apply to everything in life right? Whether it’s remodeling a room, searching for a new job, getting in shape, maintaining a blog, or any other goal you set. In order to achieve you have to put forth the right type of effort.

Boy, reading this article back I feel like I’ve written this just for me as a swift reminder to get motivated and keep moving towards my goal of sharing what I learn with job seekers to help you find the right jobs faster! Hopefully this article will get you re-motivated to take new action to reach your goals as well!

Shine on Job Seekers!!

5 Tips to Make the Most of Your Meandering Work History

Each individual is different of course, but those with a history of job hopping might find resistance by hiring managers looking for candidates that will remain loyal to their company as the economy works to recover.

I recently encountered such a client who was concerned with his resume and interview options because of the wide range of jobs he has had over the past 15 years.  We discussed strategies and decided that it would be best if we identified the skills and requirements of his current job search and focused the resume on those criteria.

Passionate about the career and direction he has chosen, he wanted to do what ever he could to make sure this issue was addressed in the best way possible.

Five quick tips I offered include:

1. Determine the crucial transferable skills, experience, and requirements of the current career focus. Investigate what education, certification, skills, experience and other requirements are expected when pursuing the chosen position. Research targeted companies to uncover the culture, values and expectations of the company for further use in your resume. Check out the job descriptions on a few job boards to get the full understanding of what will be expected in that role.
2. Build your resume with the new career focus in mind. Determine which transferable skills and experiences to mine from each past position. Showcase these skills in the resume by knowing what the reader is looking for and boldly providing examples of the sought skills.
3. Show commonalities between jobs to increase the look of a strategically planned background. If you are seeking a position in an industry you have worked in before, make sure to show the total number of years in the industry to give your experience more credibility. Also, highlight the repeat use of transferable skills in your past positions such as customer service, IT, leadership, training, or management.
4. Prepare a few answers ahead of time for interview questions pertaining to your work history. First and foremost, always be honest. Be sure to communicate to the interviewer that the strength of the skills and achievements you developed has led you to your ability to succeed at the targeted position. Convey your passion, interest and excitement for a chance to work with their company or in the particular position.
5. Use those past positions to regain contacts, make new connections and build your network. A varied history can actually have an advantage over someone who has been in the same industry for 20+ years with like minded professionals. Use the diversity of your background to expand your networks and opportunities into areas that might have normally seemed too remote.

For my client and other job hoppers to succeed, use your vast experience to address the needs and expectations of the targeted position or company by building your resume to showcase your value toward those needs. What can you offer that will help them or fill a need? Promote that value and you will get noticed regardless of your job hopping past.

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.

This week was the kick off of the 9^th season of American Idol.  Every year I say I am not going to watch it, but somehow the show finds its way on to the screen of my television. I tell myself, just the first night… to get a feel for what this season may hold.

I admit that I watched the whole show and towards the end, when there were only a few contestants left, a man entered the room for his very long awaited audition and let the panel see his aggravation for having to wait all day. He had apparently been there for many long hours nervously waiting and was tired and a bit cranky.

Well, he was given a chance to sing but the discussion afterwards quickly grew heated as Kara unleashed her anger on this man. She let him know that he had ruined his chance because of his attitude and character, and would not be going any further in the competition.

Whether I agreed with Kara’s outburst or not, and whether the young man had a good voice doesn’t really matter because the people he needed to impress in order to proceed, were not impressed. He lost his chance with the simple act of complaining.

How many times have you complained or whined to someone about your current situation or didn’t take the extra step to be nice to someone? Do you ever wonder if any of those recipients might have been missed opportunities? What if you were at a networking event complaining unknowingly to someone who knew of an opening in his department that would suit you. He could easily and understandably decide to not share the information with you because he would not want be the one to bring a whiner or downer into his office?

You don’t know where your next opportunity will come from and this should be a good reminder to be nice to others, on a regular basis (or at least until you find a new job). Watching American Idol I heard Simon and the others comment repeatedly when they thought someone “seemed like a genuinely nice person” or “have a really good vibe about them”.

Being nice in your job search and your career does matter. People might not remember your name, or what you were selling but they will remember if they liked you or not. Give it a try!

Lots of exciting things took place for me and ResumeWonders in 2009. I didn’t realize just how much had been achieved until I started this blog post. It was a wrap up of the year in preparation of 2010 goals and provided a surprising dose of pride when I realize all that I have achieved. Here is how my year looked.

• The business and my clientele grew for the 6^th consecutive year even with such a volatile economy.

• Earned 3-nominations for the 2009 TORI (Toast of Resume Industry) awards and won a 2^nd Place Award in the Career Change category.

• I spoke at several networking and workshop events providing job seekers with information, tricks, and tips on resume development, and job search strategies including social media venues.

• Was interviewed several times for different media programs developed by Channel 2 and Murray Feldman.

• With a little anticipation I assisted in training and leading in a 12 week, Dan Miller, 48 Days to Work You Love, career program. I assisted my friend Chad, a financial coach at PennyCoach.com and it turned out to be very rewarding for me as well as the job seekers.

• Attended the CDI Career Summit conference in October held in Orlando.

• Grew my local client base and hopefully helped many job seekers by participating in several local career fairs. Here I spoke with hundreds of job seekers educating them in job search strategies, reviewing their resumes and many times just listening to their fears at career fairs sponsored by Fox 2 Detroit.

• Was part of a collective resume writing group interviewed by The Recruiting Animal (@animal) on his blogtalkradio.com/animal internet radio program.

• Attended several webinars, teleseminars seminars and workshops to improve my business tactics, and my writing, speaking, selling skills.

• Moved my blog to www.resumewonders.com/blog which is a Word Press blog and have worked hard although not always successfully, to post new articles on it a couple of times a week.

• I’ve also made some great contacts, partnerships, and new friends during the year on Twitter and LinkedIn – both are invaluable to me and should be to you too.

Looking back over the year I realize I’ve accomplished a great deal in my professional life and my business. It gets me excited to think of the possibilities for 2010. Some of the achievements were planned goals but many were opportunities I was ready to take advantage of.

Many might be wondering, how you could write a list of accomplishments when you’ve lost your job. Well, have you volunteered elsewhere, donated time, gotten closer with kids, spouse or relatives? Have you taken up a hobby or a new health program? Have you networked and grown your contact list? Have you mastered Monster, Twitter, and LinkedIn?

Are you getting up every day and making an effort to find a paying job that will enhance your career, life and self-worth? Have you gone back to school? Did you fix the fence or read a few helpful networking books? Have you updated your resume, researched companies and sent out contact letters? All of these are achievements to be proud of yourself and written on your list of 2009 achievements.

Writing down your achievements will help to direct your new goals for 2010. What still needs to be done? What can you improve upon? What do you want to happen in your professional or personal life. Tomorrow’s goals start with today’s thoughts. So get thinking!

Although the economy remains weak as we round out the year, I believe it will start to start making a comeback during the end of the first quarter of 2010. You don’t want to miss the big wave when it arrives so make sure you are prepared and ready with your resume arsenal, a targeted job search strategy, and the determination and motivation to make it happen. Whether planned or unexpected if you prepare now,  you will be ready to take advantage of the wave of opportunity when it hits.

Shine On Job seekers!

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!

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!

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!