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!

Job seekers looking for information, experts and direction, will definitely find it at this week’s blog review. I am excited to share with you CareerRocketeer.com, a new site that offers top-quality career search, career development and personal branding information.

Many of you have already heard of it due to its rapid growth and escalating reputation. I first became aware of the CareerRocketeer LinkedIn group last fall and was immediately impressed with the membership, discussions and information being shared. Its following grew quickly and soon the LinkedIn group beckoned for a site of its’ own. This past May, the CareerRocketeer blog was launched as a broader platform for the LinkedIn group.

CareerRocketeer.com is the idea of Chris Perry, an MBA graduate from the Mason School of Business at the College of William and Mary and a career search and personal branding expert. Both the LinkedIn group and the CareerRocketeer blog have seen tremendous growth with more than 3,000 members in the LinkedIn group and more than 15,000 unique monthly visitors to the CareerRocketeer site.

The blog has several unique features it offers job seekers. First, it has daily expert contributors from a variety of career areas including resume writing, networking, social media, career coaching and personal branding. These guest experts including Harry Urschel (@eExecutive) and Anne Marie Cross (@annemarie), contribute weekly to the blog offering fresh articles, information and advice to job seekers. Along with the team of contributors, the blog also has many guest contributors offering insight through articles on many different career related topics.

The Profession Confession section of the blog reveals an inside look at career industry professions.  I was honored earlier this summer to be the first to contribute to this interesting page. Experts from different fields within the career industry answer a set of questions about their industry, their personal branding efforts dedicated to building their expertise, and a little personal insight into each expert.

With the enormous success of this blog, many new features are in the works. Two I can share are The Global Directory of Career Websites which will be very extensive and free to job seekers, allowing you to search for professionals by industry and service area. The other awesome feature is the Fair Frog which will calendar upcoming career fairs nationally.

I highly recommend CareerRocketeer for job seekers on the move that want to keep informed and learn from the experts. Whether you’re working, laid off, changing careers or just getting started, this site should be your first stop and with such current content, should be visited often.

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.

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

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

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

Shine on and stay motivated job seekers!

Saturday Evening RePost

Written by Kris Plantrich for and Reposted from Fox2 Detroit.

After recently reviewing the resume of a potential client I noticed again, common mistakes that lead to an ineffective resume. In order for your resume to do its’ job – which is to obtain interviews for you – your resume must be attention-grabbing and powerful. What makes a resume really jump out at the reader…is focus.

Each resume you send out should be targeted to match the type of position you are looking for or even the actual company that you are intending to send it to. It may seem unrealistic or impossible to target your resume for each position but it is a sure way to get noticed in today’s struggling economy.

5 Tips to Keep Your Resume Focused include:

Use actual jobs to focus your resume – Job descriptions are an invaluable source of information when developing your resume. Find several job descriptions that fit your goals and qualifications to keep you on track when developing the different parts of your resume. If unsure of what to add or leave off refer back to your job descriptions for guidance.

Include training and associations that are relevant – Some careers have taken job seekers through many different types of training. If you have an extensive list, keep it relevant by using training and associations that are relevant to the current position you have set your sights on.

Focus your experience and achievements on your new job target – I spoke with a recruiter earlier today that informed me he is receiving over 400 unsolicited resumes a week. There is no way he can review this many resumes. The ones that will catch his eye are ones that highlight experiences sought for a specific job and don’t just ramble on about every job responsibility or task ever experienced

The same is true for the achievements you choose to use in your resume. The achievements used need to be specific, offer qualitative information, and demonstrate your usefulness or potential value to a company. Dig deep in your research and find out which of your achievements will be most valuable to your target company.

Point readers of your resume in the right direction with a focused header – With the above example of the recruiter receiving 400 resumes weekly, it is very difficult for him to separate the resume out. An easy way to give immediate definition and recognition to your focus is by using a header such as, Quality Engineer, Director of Operations, or Senior Marketing Manager. The reader will need to look no further than the title to know that you are seeking a particular position.

Develop a laser-focused Qualifications Summary. This is the most important part of your resume. It is the first and often only section read by recruiters and hiring managers. If your Summary area doesn’t catch the reader’s attention, nothing will.

Again, refer back to the description of the job you are targeting and make sure to include the skills, experience and expertise being asked for. Use examples of your experience to showcase the requirements the company is looking for.

When deciding on the focus for your resume make sure to point each paragraph, sentence and even word toward your target.  Having a focal point makes it easy to see what should stay and what should be removed as you develop your resume. The more targeted the resume – the more powerful and effective. So stay focused and get noticed!

With excitement and anticipation last night I watched Sunday Night Football. The pre-season game gave the new players a chance to show what they’ve got and their contribution potential, in short… their value.

It wasn’t an unforgettable game but it was just fun to watch. Usually at half time I switch loads of laundry, check emails, or click to other channels. I am glad I kept the game on and was able to catch the tribute to John Madden and his years as an energetic and passionate announcer.

After halftime, I was even more excited to see the newly retired and new addition to the announcing team, Tony Dungy of the Indianapolis Colts. I am just thrilled he will join Al Michaels and John Madden’s replacement Cris Collinsworth, as part of the Sunday Night Football Announcing Staff. I look forward to hearing his wisdom and viewpoint every week.

Conversation flowed from his retirement to future plans and eventually landed on his relationship with Michael Vick. With the completion of his 2 year sentence at Leavenworth, Vick is working through the process of making a comeback into professional football. Dungy has agreed to mentor Michael Vick during his reemergence into the sport of football. I believe Dungy is there for emotional and spiritual support for Michael Vick the man as much as the football player.

Vick will have to prove his physical and mental strengths all over again to the coaches, players and football fans. To a new team he also has to prove he is a good fit.

The same holds true for the job seekers. Knowing you have the skills and experience is important but your “fit”, character, and reliability is even more critical to landing a new job. Watch other job seekers, watch Michael Vick, and see how vital your personality and character are to a decision maker trying to find the “right” person for the job.

Before you start applying to and interviewing with new companies know your strengths, what type of position is right for you, and what value you offer to potential companies. Research companies until you can honestly say, “This is the company for me” and then Go For It!

After recently reviewing the resume of a potential client I noticed again, common mistakes that lead to an ineffective resume. In order for your resume to do its’ job – which is to obtain interviews for you – your resume must be attention-grabbing and powerful. What makes a resume really jump out at the reader…is focus.

Each resume you send out should be targeted to match the type of position you are looking for or even the actual company that you are intending to send it to. It may seem unrealistic or impossible to target your resume for each position but it is a sure way to get noticed in today’s struggling economy.

5 Tips to Keep Your Resume Focused include:

Use actual jobs to focus your resume – Job descriptions are an invaluable source of information when developing your resume. Find several job descriptions that fit your goals and qualifications to keep you on track when developing the different parts of your resume. If unsure of what to add or leave off refer back to your job descriptions for guidance.

Include training and associations that are relevant – Some careers have taken job seekers through many different types of training. If you have an extensive list, keep it relevant by using training and associations that are relevant to the current position you have set your sights on.

Focus your experience and achievements on your new job target – I spoke with a recruiter earlier today that informed me he is receiving over 400 unsolicited resumes a week. There is no way he can review this many resumes. The ones that will catch his eye are ones that highlight experiences sought for a specific job and don’t just ramble on about every job responsibility or task ever experienced.

The same is true for the achievements you choose to use in your resume. The achievements used need to be specific, offer qualitative information, and demonstrate your usefulness or potential value to a company. Dig deep in your research and find out which of your achievements will be most valuable to your target company.

Point readers of your resume in the right direction with a focused header – With the above example of the recruiter receiving 400 resumes weekly, it is very difficult for him to separate the resume out. An easy way to give immediate definition and recognition to your focus is by using a header such as, Quality Engineer, Director of Operations, or Senior Marketing Manager. The reader will need to look no further than the title to know that you are seeking a particular position.

Develop a laser-focused Qualifications Summary. This is the most important part of your resume. It is the first and often only section read by recruiters and hiring managers. If your Summary area doesn’t catch the reader’s attention, nothing will.

Again, refer back to the description of the job you are targeting and make sure to include the skills, experience and expertise being asked for. Use examples of your experience to showcase the requirements the company is looking for.

When deciding on the focus for your resume make sure to point each paragraph, sentence and even word toward your target.  Having a focal point makes it easy to see what should stay and what should be removed as you develop your resume. The more targeted the resume – the more powerful and effective. So stay focused and get noticed!

Friday’s Free for All

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thursday’s Review

I am excited to share with you a site I have been researching and have found to be a comprehensive and worthwhile source for executive job seekers. Many of you have probably heard of it already, but I found during my research, just how much more they offer.

The company is NETSHARE! Established in 1991, NETSHARE  has developed into a premiere resource site for executive and C-level job seekers and recruiters. This site offers outstanding services, assistance, and interaction opportunities, and should be on the short list of resources for all executive job seekers.

The CEO of NETSHARE, Kathy Simmons, has been with NETSHARE  since 1992. With her guidance the business has transitioned seamlessly into a primarily internet based business for easy member access.

I spoke with the Director of Member Services, Sabrina Campagno, who was so generous with her time and kindly gave me a thorough tour of NETSHARE. One of the biggest and also unique advantages for employers utilizing NETSHARE is that there are no fees charged for posting job openings.

However, jobs offered must have a $100,000 base minimum and total commission positions are not accepted. Employers realize responding candidates are qualified and motivated.  Executive recruiters and their represented companies must be in good standing to use NETSHARE to find top candidates. One of the many conveniences is that they are able to view posted resumes and communicate directly with qualified candidates.

Most of the information on the site along with the information I was given by Sabrina Campagno, related to the candidates. Members understand that the positions available are of high quality and many are offered exclusively with NETSHARE. They also appreciate the option to post their resumes confidentially. Along with resume posting and recruiter contact, NETSHARE offers many additional benefits for its members.

One feature I know I would like is that NETSHARE will match your resume and qualifications with available jobs that “fit” what you are looking for, and will send those job descriptions daily though email, which you can respond to directly.

There are also forums for candidates to interact with other members, monthly newsletters, and conference calls with the CEO (for semi-annual and annual members) offering job search assistance. Also available are weekly Ask the Coach calls that are invaluable for the job seeking candidates, focusing on all aspects of the job search, interview preparation, salary negotiations and all things career related. NETSHARE offers incredible teleseminars for the public with discounts available to members.

Finally, NETSHARE helps job seekers find there way in their job search by offering awesome resources and referrals for resume writing, target mail campaigns and executive coaching. Resources and referrals are executive level with extensive experience and expertise in their particular services.

If you are a motivated executive  preparing to or already involved in a job search and are interested in receiving top quality service and support, I highly recommend visiting NETSHARE and finding out how they can help you. The rates are very reasonable and well worth the quality and amount of service, support and expertise shared with executive job seekers.

Shine On C-Level Job Seekers!

Monday’s PMA

When I’ve worked hard at something – really knowing I’ve given my all but still things didn’t work out for me, I might be disappointed with the outcome but not with myself. There is a big difference! Knowing that I’ve put 100% into doing the best I could makes good outcomes feel great and bad outcomes feel…a little less bad.

When moving through your job search you will feel the same way. The more effort you put in, the more results you’ll have – good or bad. But knowing you’ve really tried and not just went through the motions and then complained to everyone that you “just can’t find work” will boost your confidence because you’ll be continually striving to achieve your best.

This is key because people notice a confident job seeker! Your go-getter attitude will get noticed by new contacts, recruiters, interviewers, and hiring managers you meet.

When you put all your energy into what you are doing you discover many things about yourself. You will discover what you are capable of; your strengths, weaknesses, personal preferences, ways you handle accomplishments and achievements, how you communicate with strangers at different professional levels and more. The more you learn about yourself, the more comfortable you will be with yourself and again will be reflected in true confidence.

Employers look for and hire employees that are confident in their abilities and sure of what they can accomplish. If you’ve never pushed yourself to work at 100+% capacities you might not really know… and it will show.

There is no down side. You will get to know yourself really well, build character, work harder at your job search and this will get you noticed, all of which will help you to find the right job faster.

Try this Week to Give 100% and Shine On!!