I Love My Job!

A very practical April Fool's joke

2011-04-01T09:00:00.001-07:00

This morning I'm inspired by a very funny guy, comedian Jim Florentine. http://www.jimflorentine.com/. He had the brilliant idea to mess with telemarketers who call him and release the audio clips as humor. And they are hysterical. Go to AUDIO-CLIPS Terrorizing Telemarketers on his website to sample some of his bits. In Vol 1, try Out Cold or Eye Sight Gone if you want to keep it rated G - Dump or Vacuum if you prefer adult humor.

Now the serious message. Messing with telemarketers yourself is a great way to practice some very important - and almost universal - business skills.

In interviews, like other important business conversations, it's essential that you apply two skills at once:
1. Think on your feet while going with - and keeping up with - the flow of the conversation.
2. Stay on message and deliver, without clutter, what you have prioritized as your key content for this audience.

Back to Jim Florentine's Terrorizing Telemarketers: listen to Bitch in Vol. 2. It's a great example of how easy it is to get the upper hand in a conversation using these two skills. Use this power only for good.

I'm on the "Do Not Call" list but still get a few calls. You probably do too. Next time you do, don't see it as a nuisance. See it as an opportunity to do some on the spot interview prep.

Get ready - currently working or not, if over the last year you have applied to any postings or mentioned to a friend that you would be open to a job move. Hiring has begun to ramp back up - and your phone could ring at any moment.

Why we need real downtime

2011-03-17T11:20:00.000-07:00

Facinating article in Newsweek:

Brain Freeze - How the deluge of information paralyzes our ability to make good decisions

by Sharon Begley

http://www.newsweek.com/2011/02/27/i-can-t-think.html

Have you found yourself faced with too much information to think?

Staying Coachable

2011-02-13T13:47:00.000-08:00

I still think Michelle Kwan would have had gold instead of bronze and silver in 2002 if she hadn't fired her coach a few months before and decide to "go it alone."

"If you are irritated by every rub, how will your mirror be polished?" - Rumi

The quote and the next passage are from "The Wisdom of the Enneagram" by Don Richard Riso and Russ Hudson. From the chapter on Cultivating Awareness comes this story:

WAKING UP
Awareness can not only change your life, it can save your life. Several years ago a major bridge on an interstate highway collapsed during the night of a heavy storm. Several sections in the middle of the bridge fell into the river, leaving unsuspecting motorists exposed to a life-threatening situation in the driving rain and confusion of the storm.

One alert driver saw what had happened and was able to bring his car to a stop only a few feet from the edge before he would have plunged to certain death in the river some forty feet below. He risked his life by running toward the oncoming traffic, frantically attempting to alert other drivers of the danger.

Almost immediately a carload of five young men came along. They saw the man's frantic attempts to stop them but apparently thought he was only trying to get help with his own stalled car. Laughing, they made a crude gesture at him and pushed the accelerator to the floor. A few seconds later they plunged off the edge of the bridge into the water below and were all killed.

From our perspective, it could be said that their personality killed them. Contemptuousness, hostility, bravado, unwillingness to listen, a lack of compassion, or showing off - any one of a number of related impulses - could have been the cause of the driver's decision not to stop. Some habit, some feature of his personality, had the upper hand at a critical moment, with tragic results.

It is a major breakthrough when we fully appreciate the extent to which we entrust our lives to the mechanisms of our personalities and what peril we are in when we do so. Many times it is as if a three-year-old were making many crucial life decisions for us. Once we understand the nature of our personality's mechanisms, we begin to have a choice about identifying with them or not. If we are not aware of them, clearly no choice is possible.

Stay organized, keep progressing

2011-01-24T12:45:00.001-08:00

To keep moving forward in your job search, it's worth the reminder now and then to stay on top of some basics:
1. Plan and organize each week and every day in it, blocking out time you are committing to yourself that you will work on your job search.
2. Build a To Do list of your top priorities to accomplish each day.
3. Work your top priorities first and feel the sense of accomplishment you get from crossing them off your list.
4. Move undone priorities to the top of your next day's To Do list.
5. Block out the time allotted to those priorities first.
6. Set goals for how many top priority actions you will accomplish (eg. will apply to 2 postings and add 1 connection in LinkedIn) during the time you allocate for your job search each day.
7. Reward yourself for achieving those goals.
8. Keep good records of everything you send out. I recommend a tracking/tickle sheet as well as copies of your actual cover letter attached to each posting.

12 Reasons the Holidays area a GREAT time to land a new job

2010-12-08T08:33:00.000-08:00

12 Reasons to be of good cheer if you are looking for a new job:

1. This year more than any other, there is NO stigma to being out of work. Period. If you are between jobs, hold your head high and tell others what you are looking for. They would love to help you.

2. Most people consider the holidays the worst time of the year to find a new job. This completely false myth cuts down on your competition, as other job candidates back off on their job search until January. Staying on course can help you jump out ahead of everyone else.

3. Yes the economy is picking back up slowly, but it IS picking back up. The client who started her new job this week is proof, as is the very, very high number of promising opportunities other clients are being considered for.

4. There is ALWAYS first quarter hiring. Managers are planning for 2011, including staffing needs.

5. It's a perfect season for job creation: get in front of the person who should be over the job you'd do, and show them how you can save them money, make them money or solve a problem. Help them build you into their Q1 2011 plan. (Note: offering to work on contract even sweetens the deal by reducing the risk to put you on the payroll)

6. The holidays offer a natural reason to reach out and reconnect with lost friends and business acquaintances. It is also the season to touch your network again and offer them good wishes.

7. There are always fantastic, single day or short-term opportunities to volunteer during the holidays. You'll feel good helping those less fortunate, have something positive to talk about at holiday social events, and just might meet someone who can help you land that job you want.

8. Catching up with others gives you a perfect, natural occasion to plant the seed of what you are looking for. When someone asks what you've been up to, be upbeat, clear and concise about what you offer/are looking to do. Let them know what you’d appreciate them keeping an ear out for.

9. The holidays offer a high concentration of social events and opportunities to network. More than any other year, there is no stigma to being out of work, so get out there and chat with people. Don’t shy away from events and occasions to network!

10. At holiday events you have easier access to talk to literally anyone you'd care to meet, including higher level managers.

11. It can be easier to get informational interviews when work slows a bit and only a percentage of staff is left in the office. Managers are also more likely to answer their own phones and emails.

12. People are generally feeling more good will toward others. If you've been stalling about asking a networking contact for an introduction, the holidays are a great time to ask for that favor.

Bonus - 13. Many companies have a "use it or lose it" policy regarding open positions rolling over into the New Year. I've seen hiring decisions move at lightning speed when the right person was found and the deadline to get them on the books was approaching fast.

I have two clients who've been hired for positions that start in January. In previous years I've helped a client iron out the particulars of an offer that included a company-preferred start date of December 30. I've had a client receive his written offer by courier on Christmas Eve, and another that was invited to the company Christmas party as his first introduction to his new staff.

Stay optimistic and of good cheer! The 2010 holiday season holds a lot of promise for those job candidates with initiative and a positive, consistent approach to their job search.

Interview 101

2010-10-28T06:19:00.000-07:00

It's an exciting week at our office. Nearly all of our current clients have interviews... some with numerous companies; some what we like to call "high value." (for a position they want very, very much).

I'm thrilled for all of them and of course have been pushing for full preparation so that each client can do their very best to shine in their interview(s).

Fact: the more you prepare the better you are likely to do in an interview.

Preparation can absolutely tip the scales between you or someone else getting the job offer in the current, highly competitive job market.

Over the next week I am going to talk about some steps I consider essential to effective interview preparation.

The first is one I believe to be a blinding flash of the obvious. Still I am constantly surprised by the number of otherwise smart people who overlook this simple step and just "hope for the best."

You CAN have far more control in any interview than just hoping for the best, and you SHOULD if you are playing this game to win.

Step 1: Thoroughly analyze the job posting you will be interviewed for. Read every word, line for line. Simple yet effective... yet I've had unemployed people tell me "that sounds like too much work," to which I want to scream, "well then you don't really want a job then do you - because your competition is happy to do it!"

I am constantly astounded that well-intentioned job seekers skip or purposely avoid this step! A job description is full of clues as to what the hiring organization needs and values most - just waiting for you if you take the time to really study it.

Job seekers do themselves a huge disservice by only reading the qualifications instead of all the rich detail about what the person who gets this job will DO. By only focusing on the qualifications, at best you'll be ready in your interview to talk about how you meet the minimum.

Fact: present yourself either as the minimum acceptable these days, or so grossly overqualified that of course they should offer this position to you - and your competition will eat you alive.

I've also heard clients say that "it's hard to prepare for interviews because they could ask you anything." Sorry for my bluntness, but I think that is either being lazy or self-defeatist. It is surprisingly easy to predict most of the questions you will be asked in your interview by dissecting the job description. They are telling you what they need! Analyze it thoroughly and you can, in my estimation, predict 80% of what you are most likely to be asked.

It is ridiculous not to prepare ahead of time for the 80% that is predictable because you can't predict the other 20%. As in other areas of life, the 80/20 rule wins again. Prepare for the 80% and you let the other 20% affect your performance far less, as it should.

Five must-do's if you are being let go

2010-09-15T16:10:00.000-07:00

While you still have access to your work email account:

1. If you are using your work email address for your LinkedIn account, modify your account settings to add a personal email address. Then make your personal address primary.

If you do not you will need to re-create a new account from scratch - LinkedIn does NOT have functionality to give you access to an inactive email or merge two accounts. I know of one person who had to ask almost 100 people to connect to him again, and ask all 25 people who had written him recommendations to re-write them for his new account.

To prevent this issue unless you own your company ALWAYS use a personal rather than work email address for your LinkedIn account.

Not in LinkedIn? Join!

2. Gather up the contact information from your work email for co-workers and other people you want to stay in touch with and copy it, email it to yourself or drop it onto a personal zip drive.

3. Complying with any company restrictions, send a very polite email from your work email account to people you’d like to stay connected with who only have your work email and phone number. Consider vendors, clients, and business partners as well as co-workers.

Pleasantly tell them that you are leaving the company but that you’d like to stay in touch with them. Let them know that they can now reach you at your personal email address and cell number. Ask if they will connect to you in LinkedIn, and politely ask if they would keep an ear to the ground for opportunities for you.

4. Go through your work email and find (if you haven't already put them in their own Victory File) thank you emails, kudos, congrats, and all other nice things anyone has said about you. Make copies, email to your personal email, or drop onto your personal zip drive.

5. Gather up any samples of your work that you are authorized to take with you.

The next two steps don't require your email, but also should be done as soon as possible.

6. Make sure you have a copy of your latest job description, and take an hour or two to write down all the specifics you can remember about your most recent position(s): what you were accountable for, your deliverables, projects you worked on and specific accomplishments. The longer you wait the fuzzier the specifics will be. Write down numbers – they are “eye candy” in your resume and help prove your value to potential next employers.

7. Objectively, realistically and thoroughly assess your financial situation.

NOTE: If you have been proactively managing your career, all along you have been asking interesting people you come into contact with to connect with you in Linkedin, and you have been updating your Victory File with kudos, representative samples of your work and notes on the specifics of projects and accomplishments as you complete them. If you have been filling this folder all along, just grab it and go.

If you have not been keeping a Victory File, create it now. Doing so is a good reminder to adopt these steps as weekly habits for the life of your career.

5 reasons to be hopeful about the job outlook

2010-09-13T08:42:00.000-07:00

These are all anecdotal evidence of good things to come that I am personally seeing. They serve as a reminder that as grim as things sound, you can always find good news as well as bad news if that is what you are looking for.

Some things I am seeing:

Many more HR job postings and a very high percentage of them focused on Talent Acquisition.
A friend who helps companies secure business loans recently helped four companies in one week buy their buildings so that they can expand and hire.
A friend who does pre-employment background checks has seen a steady and significant rise in his work orders over the last four weeks.
A client got a call from a position he had applied to in February, back off hold and now being filled.
I'm getting a significant increase in calls from currently employed clients who feel that the economy will now support them making a job move to something better than the job they have now. I call it "The Steven Slater Effect."

Attitude is Everything

2010-08-27T09:20:00.000-07:00

It's so easy to slip into focusing on how we wish things were different than they are. What we don't have instead of what we do have.

Nick Vujicic is one amazing man who is fully utilizing and sharing his strengths with the world instead of focusing on what he doesn't have.

His message of hope to the rest of us is simple but powerful: "Be thankful, dream big, never give up."

As well as hearing the rest of his inspiring story, Nick can be booked to speak to schools and businesses through attitudeisaltitude.com.

Thanks to Alex @Travelguytravel.com.

Make every interview count

2010-08-21T20:06:00.000-07:00

How?

Whether a phone screen or in-person, as soon as your interview is over spend some time recapping the whole conversation. If you are home grab a pad and pen. If you are leaving their location stop at a near by coffee shop for a bit.

Write down every question you were asked, and each of your answers. Think about if you would answer any question differently given the chance to do it over again. If you would, write down your "better" answer.

Also write down any questions you wish you would have thought to ask during the interview.

Doing a thorough recap absolutely helps you will write a better thank you note. But more than that, after a few times you will spot trends that will make it even easier for you to predict what you will be asked in future interviews. This builds your confidence and helps you give better answers each time.

"When you are not practicing, remember someone somewhere is practicing, and when you meet him, he will win." –Ed Macauley

No feedback after an interview? Here's one reason why

2010-08-13T10:49:00.000-07:00

A chronic frustration of job candidates is that they never hear back from companies they apply to, or even worse, interview with. One client suggested convening a panel of career and HR professionals to explore why.

Without a full panel I can shed some light. Once again I apologize for my bluntness, but in part you aren't getting feedback because no good deed goes unpunished.

A hiring manager I know recently interviewed seven candidates for a senior level position, selected one and extended an offer that was accepted.

He then wrote a short, polite and encouraging, customized email to the other six candidates. He thanked each for their time and patience during the search; he shared that an offer had been extended and accepted by a candidate with very deep category experience in the area listed in the job posting. He thanked each candidate again for their interest, and shared that as the company continues to grow he could see their background being a good fit for parallel positions that would be needed in the future. He wished each candidate well in their job search and asked that they stay in touch.

He wrote just the type of email that clients tell me they wish they would get after an interview, providing they are not the one selected.

Five candidates took this graciously and in the spirit in which it was sent. The sixth sent back a bitter and quite snarky missive blasting the hiring manager and the company - complaining that although a finalist (um, that's for the hiring manager to decide...) they didn't get a chance to meet everyone, they felt that the requirements of the job had changed during the process, etc., etc...

Result: five people will now be considered for future job needs instead of six. And the hiring manager will think long and hard before going to the trouble of sending an email to each candidate they interview in future searches.

That one in seven candidate's behavior is at least partially responsible for the fact that from now on all candidates are far less likely to get any feedback after interviewing with this company.

Be brief, be brilliant, be gone

2010-08-08T21:29:00.000-07:00

Being a coach means sometimes saying what's hard to hear. This is one of those times.

If you can't prioritize and get to the point in your communications, you're probably not getting hired.

A more leisurely pace can set in during unemployment. A different, slower rhythm to your days. And you might miss the social banter of being around others. But letting these influences seduce you into falling into a casual, unfocused communication style can kill your chances with potential employers and networking contacts.

The same economic situation that caused your unemployment also affected everyone still working. While your pace has slowed down, theirs has sped way up. Survivors at all companies are hanging on by working harder to get more done - with less resources against fierce competition and the continued threat of going under.

Want a job? Start wearing your watch again. Say what you need to say efficiently. Be respectful of other people's time. There, I said it.

If you can't communicate succinctly and concisely with those currently working, you don't give the impression that you can adapt to the pace demanded in business today. You may have the technical goods, but with lots of talent on the street you also need to show that you "fit in."

When your own pace has slowed it's all the more important that you appreciate that others' hasn't. Monitor time to meet their needs rather than expecting them to adapt to yours. If you've adopted a more casual approach to meeting times, know that being 10 minutes late to coffee doesn't mean that the other person can give you 10 on the tail end. More likely you've irritated your contact and shortened your time with them.

Also your conversations with others are probably taking much longer than you are registering. An interaction I had with a potential client who has been out of work for a while illustrates this. We talked twice. The first conversation lasted 28 minutes (since I charge by the hour for some of my services, I have a habit of checking the 'call duration' monitor on my phone.) The next day, 20 minutes into our call I referenced that yesterday's call had also lasted over 20 minutes. The other person was genuinely surprised and said "it only felt like about 5 minutes."

I'm sure the 28 minutes did only feel like 5 to them. To get back in the game, though, job candidates need to pick up the pace - and a watch - and be aware of how much time is really passing instead of going on their slowed down "feel."

Should you send a thank you even if you didn't get the job?

2010-08-05T06:59:00.001-07:00

I was asked this question recently, and my answer is ABSOLUTELY.

Anyone who gave you time out of their busy work day deserves to be acknowledged with a simple, "thanks for doing that for me."
It's critical in this super crowded candidate pool that you set yourself apart.
Since almost no other candidates will do this, having the good manners to drop a quick note of thanks not only sets you apart, it gives your interviewers a tangible reason to think about you again.
Most companies hire for more than one position, and setting yourself apart from the rest of the interviewees with a nice thank you leaves your name and good impression top of mind when they identify future needs.
In this very referral-based hiring climate, it's not only important who you know today, but who you can get to know, and who you can get to remember you.
A thank you softens a one-time transaction of 'best for this job right now or not?' into the possibility that you could develop a business relationship with the people you meet in the interview process.
All kinds of things can go sideways with the person they extend the offer to, and if they do, you could get the job, having been gracious and staying on their radar screen.
If the new hire doesn't work or the company's needs change, you can be remembered as "that great candidate that got away."
Gratitude is an attitude that always generates good karma, even though the "pay back" might not be from the same source you expressed it to.

Just be extra careful to proof your thank you to remove any hint of snark or bitterness. It needs to be positive, polite and genuine.

Happy 49th Birthday to President Obama

2010-08-04T11:42:00.000-07:00

According to the fun book and website "Colorstology, What Your Birthday Color Says About You," by Michele Bernhardt, Barack Obama's August 4th birthday makes his personal color Sunflower (pantone 16-1054). He's described as Productive, Diligent and Courageous.

The description: "You are not afraid to fight for what you want. You have ability and strength and know how to persevere in the face of adversity. You are a generous and loving person and quietly lend a hand to a great many people."

"Your personal color helps ease your tenacious spirit. Wearing, meditating, and surrounding yourself with Sunflower inspires calm as you continue to learn, explore, and attain the many goals you have on your horizon."

Today's Quote of the Day via email seems fitting: "You need to overcome the tug of people against you as you reach for high goals." - George Patton, General

Another way a job search is like baseball

2010-07-02T07:40:00.000-07:00

"We can learn from past failures and mistakes, be we shouldn't get stuck there. We can keep future goals in mind, but we shouldn't get stuck there, either. The only way to reach our potential is to focus on what we must do now - this moment, this day - to perform effectively and win." - Joe Torre

Both are more like a marathon than a sprint - with a 162 game season, baseball is a great analogy for the numbers game that IS the current job search. No team is ever going to win every game, but they need to play them all.

You may only care about crossing home plate, but you only get to touch home if you touch first, second and third base first.

A winning job search strategy: learn from your mistakes so that you don't repeat them, keep your eye on your ultimate goal, but touch them all - play to win every game every day.

Fire me your resume!

2010-07-01T07:54:00.001-07:00

Got a call from a client traveling out of the state on business. He had an unexpected encounter with a potential new employer, and needed me to send him his latest resume, which I am always happy to do.

But it reminded me of a simple tip:

Send your latest resume to your mobile device. That way you always have it available to send on to someone else immediately, should the opportunity arise.

Imagine having that chance elevator encounter or coffee with someone that ends with them saying, "Fire me your resume when you get the chance."

Imagine how on top of things you will look when you say, "It's right here on my phone, done."

I know of at least two clients who missed out on opportunities recently because it took them longer to reply with their resume than was expected.

Whether you are unemployed and looking for the right job, or in a job keeping an eye out for your next one, don't let this be you!

"Opportunities are never lost; someone will take the one you miss." ~Author Unknown

Debunking some resume rumors

2010-05-09T20:10:00.001-07:00

It's a good thing I love my job, because I've gotten to do so much of it lately. Haven't found the time to blog in a few weeks.

I will pick up with my opinions on the "resume rumors" I last left you with.

Rumors: 1 & 2: Even at the most senior levels, a resume needs to be one page. No resume should go beyond two pages.

I think these two statements can be very damaging. At senior levels and with complex work it is just impossible to represent your body of work on one page.

Rumors 1 & 2 come first because they exemplify how resume advice to one person in one situation is then shared with another and soon you have the daisy chain of "I heard that..." I referenced in my previous blog, with people hearing second hand advice as a "rule" that they assume is applicable to their situation as well.

At a recent presentation I gave on resumes a participant said, "I heard of a recruiter who throws any resume that is more than one page in the trash." OK, but what type of jobs is this recruiter trying to fill? A one page rule would make some sense (if it's even true) for entry level work, but is an absurd concept to assume also applies to more complex job requirements, further along in one's career, or to more than one alleged recruiter. Job postings that are a full page or more of description can't be served with a one page resume. Also, many recruiters other than this one will tell you that the one page rule is carryover-from-the-50s bunk. This is not your parent's hiring environment.

I believe in very few resume universals - that apply to all resumes in all situations. (completely free of typos being one of them). What I do believe is that your resume should be built to best tell your story - your potential through the sum of your body of work to date - and the way to best accomplish that goal is as unique as each person's story.

So how long should a resume be? Long enough to represent you fully and fairly, and no longer. Maybe this silly "one page" rumor is ancient carryover from a simpler time. Or maybe it got started because if your resume is going to be dreadful to read then yes, keep it as short as possible. My experience has been that when the content is well-written, formatted for readability and relevant to the reader, every page of a multi-page resume will get read.

Rumor: 3. Even at the most senior levels, you must write your resume yourself.

This is just silly - unless you also believe that everyone must also cut their own hair and tailor their own clothing to be "authentic." Your resume should absolutely speak with your voice, so this is probably where the confusion comes from. A very good resume writer can do this, but a lot can't. So I think the rumor that you must do it yourself assumes you won't find someone good at what they do - showing without overstatement or understatement how good you are at what you do.

Of course I could file my own tax returns, but I know that because he does a lot of them and stays up on all the latest laws, I am going to do better financially by spending the money to hire a good CPA to do it for me instead. The onus is on me to give him the facts he needs, but from there he is the one who makes it happen. As much as I believe in "do it yourself" autonomy, there are just some things that you're far likely to get a better quality product when you hire a professional who does them all the time. Like cutting your hair and tailoring your clothes. Refinishing your hardwood floors...

Rumors 4 & 5: Resumes should be all paragraphs. Resumes should be all bullets.

Resumes should not be ALL of anything; monotone formatting is as hard to read as constantly changing, inconsistent formatting. The formatting should allow the content to take center stage, and help the reader's eyes move over the page to take in the content without distraction.

Rumors 6 & 7: Resumes should have a clear objective. Resumes shouldn't have an objective.

Not a fan of objectives. That said, I am much less of a fan of one-size fits all answers. A resume is a very personal document and answers should be situational instead of universal. Although I generally don't think objectives are the best way to accomplish the goal they are intended to accomplish, there are times when they are the best way to get where you want to go.

Rumors 8 & 9: Resumes should always be in Times New Roman font. Resumes should only use sans serif fonts.

Again, I don't believe there is a best practice that applies to all resumes in all situations. So that your text doesn't turn into wingdings, you should avoid fonts that are not common on any computer where your resume might be opened. Beyond that fonts should be chosen with the person and situation in mind.

Rumors 10 & 11: You shouldn't use any "feminine" words like collaboration or facilitation. You should only include content you did 100% by yourself.

I used the word silly already, so I will say that I think this is ridiculous. As much as results are important, so is teamwork and getting along with other people.

Rumor 12. You should never include your LinkedIn profile.

Again, think about what you're trying to accomplish and you'll see another way to do it instead of assuming it can't be done. If you include your LinkedIn profile, avoid the chance that the hyperlink can land your resume in the recipient's spam folder by not including it as a URL.

Resume rumors

2010-04-19T06:36:00.001-07:00

In the last week I've had people tell me that they've heard these "facts":

1. Even at the most senior levels, a resume needs to be one page.
2. No resume should go beyond two pages.
3. Even at the most senior levels, you must write your resume yourself.
4. Resumes should be all paragraphs.
5. Resumes should be all bullets.
6. Resumes should have a clear objective.
7. Resumes shouldn't have an objective.
8. Resumes should always be in Times New Roman font.
9. Resumes should only use sans serif fonts.
10. You shouldn't use any "feminine" words like collaboration or facilitation.
11. You should only include content you did 100% by yourself.
12. You should never include your LinkedIn profile.

What other resume "facts" have you heard? Where are you getting your information?

A workspace of one's own

2010-04-13T16:41:00.000-07:00

If you are conducting a job search, you need a desk or some other flat surface where you can leave your things organized and come back to them for just 10 minutes at a time, anytime.

I know it sounds simple, but people overlook this fact and then wonder why they aren't more productive. Having a place that stays functional allows "just a few minutes at a time" to be usable time.

If you're using a multi-purpose surface as your workspace, like a dining table or kitchen counter (or as one client confessed, her laptop perched on her bed), then before you can do a 10 minute task you need to set up your workspace. Then break it down afterwards, then set it up again...

Without realizing it you've allowed every simple task to take twice as long as it should - and can lose your motivation to do them.

Or you can enjoy the feeling of accomplishment in simply getting a simple task done and move on.

Even if you're a "laptop nomad" and keep everything you can in google docs, you will end up with a little physical paper that has to go somewhere. Keeping a "home base" can make working on your laptop anywhere you want that much more efficient.

It's hard to be productive when you need to scramble for a scrap of paper and pen after each phone call just to jot down a quick note. And then find it again when you need it.

Claim a surface (if just a folding card table) and make it off-limits to other family members. Honoring your workspace is something they can do to help your job search.

"How quickly the world owes us something we only knew about 10 minutes ago"

2010-04-05T13:47:00.000-07:00

It's said that gratitude is one of the greatest secrets to happiness.

According to the website gratitude.com, (a totally feel-good site that calls itself the happiest place on the internet) people who express gratitude daily are 25% happier than those who don't.

Even in tough economic times, we all have so very much to be grateful for.

We were talking about how much daily gratitude adds to our lives in this week's Monday Group Progress Coaching session. Complaining about a dead spot for cell phone coverage reminded me to be grateful for cellphones at all.

Every so often I like to remind myself to marvel at, and be grateful for things that we didn't used to have. It seems these days we're all pretty quick to feel entitled to something that wasn't available just a short while ago.

This brilliant and funny video clip, "Everythings Amazing & Nobodys Happy" by Louis C K on the Conan show is much more eloquent in describing this thought. And lest we assume that we are entitled to download anything that anyone puts up on the internet, free and clear, this video has embed rights limited, so you'll just have to click on the link below to see this very funny, very serious reminder to be grateful for everything.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8r1CZTLk-Gk

Resume Humor

2010-04-02T16:00:00.000-07:00

The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing

2010-03-24T20:47:00.000-07:00

This saying is really code for "staying on message."

It came to mind twice yesterday while I was working with clients. The first time was while I was helping a client prep for an interview, and the main point in her answer got lost in a whole lot of information that was not as important.

She needs to keep her main point the main point.

Later I was coaching a client who was worried about how to explain the time since her last job ended a year and a half ago. As we'd discussed, she said that after 14 straight years she decided to take the opportunity for a little break and had traveled overseas. Since returning she had taken some professional development classes while looking for a great job, not just a job.

Stopping there and holding her ground with confidence would have been her best shot at not getting any further questions on the subject. But she kept talking... and filling in more and more airspace with explanations degenerated into sounding defensive. And there is just nothing like sounding defensive to invite follow on questions on the same subject that probe deeper.

She also needs to keep her main point her main point.

In both instances and many others in a job search, it can help you keep your main point your main point to write out your answer ahead of time, and review what you have written. Keep what is necessary and ditch any clutter likely to get in the way of your listener remembering your main point.

Spring training for your job search

2010-03-22T06:48:00.000-07:00

The Seattle Mariners at Spring Training; warming up and in a practice game against the Chicago White Sox

Even though the official start of major league baseball season is weeks away, those hoping to make any team have been practicing for almost a month.

"What we hope to do with ease, we must first do with diligence." - Samuel Johnson

Playing professional baseball or getting a great job, you should practice and work out the kinks in your technique before the games count. Interview preparation and rehearsal can serve the same function for you as spring training does for major league ball players.

I cringe when I hear of job seekers "winging it" for their first interview or two, saying they'll see how it goes and where they might need some polish. Those first few interviews can be unnecessarily missed opportunities that few can afford in an extremely tight job market.

The Mariners don't "see how it goes" and tweak after the first few games; they practice for a month of spring training first, while the games don't count, so that they are ready on Opening Day to win the very first game that does count.

You should do the same.

By the way, baseball has become more competitive too. Players used to come to camp to get in shape for the season; now they are expected to come to spring training in shape and ready to work on the nuances of the game.

What you can't see in the first picture is the radar guns going up; sitting in front of me were about a dozen scouts for other baseball teams. They were all taking notes and measuring pitching speed in these games that "don't count." Pitchers who want either respect from opposing teams' batters or to command a great price in a trade need to work out all their kinks in simulated games and warm up pitches, so they have their "A stuff" even for these "practice" games.

If you are currently looking for a job, you should take a lesson from the standard major league playbook - and practice reputation/brand management, networking and interviewing before you are in the situation where it matters if you perform your best.

"When you're not practicing, remember that someone somewhere is practicing, and when you meet him he will win." - Ed Macauley

Taking a vacation day – from your job search

2010-03-17T07:41:00.000-07:00

These days more than ever, finding your next job is a marathon, not a sprint.

If you have been working hard at your job search for a while, you may need a well-deserved day off. Just like anything else that you pursue with rigor, plugging away relentlessly can cause you to burn out and reach a point of diminishing returns.

If you are frustrated comparing your results to your effort, look closely – are you pressing? If your approach is, "harder, faster, louder" instead of "what are other ways of seeing this situation," then you are pressing. And burning out is likely to be right around the corner if you keep pressing and pressing.

If this sounds familiar, consider taking a step back with a personal day to recharge and regroup. The most rigorous workout regimen involves taking one day off per week to let your muscles relax. The day off is as important to muscle health as the six days on.

Congratulations to yet another client who started a great new job this week. His story illustrates this concept completely.

After a few months of job searching and a few close calls but no job, he was definitely at the point of burning out - questioning himself, questioning his employability, looking at the escape route of going back to school to change careers entirely, but to what... sliding down the confidence scale.

It's a slippery slope of self-defeat: going into a job interview lacking in confidence doesn’t exactly instill confidence in your potential employer that you can do the job. Friends find it harder to be around you, much less refer you, so you feel more isolated… at which point it's easy to fall into the trap of pressing even harder in an attempt to “solve the problem” quickly, which can actually make it even worse.

What is needed instead is to take a step back and approach the “process” of getting a job with fresh perspective and fresh energy. Working ten hours per day with a "harder, faster, louder" mentality instead of a more creative eight hours when you are already on the brink of burnout is not going to get you over the finish line any sooner.

Remember what they tell us in every airplane safety drill: put your own oxygen mask on first, or you can't be of help to anyone else.

A day off can remind you who you are overall in your life, and help you put this one period of unemployment back into the context of the sum of your career. It is a blip in your body of work, it should not eclipse your last 10-20 years as a working professional. You should not let it define who you are.

Quick, name an actor who didn't make one bad movie in their career.

So back to my client who was clearly pressing and burned out. I strongly advised him to give his job search a rest for a day or so. He did – in fact he took a little road trip over an extended weekend. He saw some great scenery and cleared his head. He posted pictures from his trip on Facebook, and his friends rallied to play a fun game of guessing where he was each day.

It definitely refreshed and revitalized him – like a much deserved break between innings for a baseball pitcher going for a complete game. In his own words he felt: “Reinvigorated, re-energized, motivated, grateful, ready to go!”

And if you’re guessing he got the next job he interviewed for, you are right.

If you are also guessing that three weeks earlier – when he was burned out and pressing – his new employer “wouldn’t have even talked to him,” he also knows that's true.

The Vendor - Client Relationship

2010-03-03T13:12:00.000-08:00

March is Optimism Month

2010-03-02T06:41:00.000-08:00

Thought I would kick off a month of optimism with a reminder as to why it is pragmatic in a job search.

It's long been recognized by psychologists that we notice and pay more attention to information that reaffirms our pre-decided beliefs, and tend to miss or ignore information that is discordant with what we expect.

"We see things not as they are, but as we are." - H.M. Tomlinson

The lesson in this is that you will find more opportunity if you expect to, and that means working to stay optimistic and keep an open mind about what is out there: positions, companies, industries and people.

An early decision not to apply for a position or talk to someone from your past or with a certain company can limit your opportunities based on an assumption that doesn't prove to be true.

I love the fact that a client is receiving an offer for a job she applied for "on a whim." Although she would love to work with the organization, she knew a lot of other people would too, and didn't think her experience in one technical aspect of the job would make her one of the strongest candidates.

It turns out they "got" her experience just fine, and her personality, values and work style being a fit with the organization proved to be much more important to them in selecting the best person to join their team.

Trust me on this: enough people will filter you out in this process. Don't filter yourself out even more ahead of time by making negative assumptions.

It is extremely difficult from a job posting or discussed job need for anyone to predict what the hiring authority's real priorities are among the stated requirements, and of those who can do the job, what type of person they will connect with and want to work with the most. This is why I tell clients (within reason): "When in doubt, mail it out."

I'm reminded of an old parable I saw again in John Kabat-Zinn's aptly named book, "Wherever You Go, There You Are":

A farmer on the outskirts of town is approached by a wanderer who asks him what the people are like in this town.

The farmer asks the wanderer, "How did you find the people in the last town you visited?" to which the wanderer replies, "They were kind, easy going and generous."

The farmer then says, "I believe you will find them the same in this town." The wanderer thanks him and proceeds down the road.

An hour later another wanderer approaches and also asks the farmer what the people are like in this town.

He asks the same question, "How did you find the people in the last town you visited?" to which the wanderer replies, "They were mean, small-minded and greedy."

The farmer replies, "I believe you will find them the same in this town."

Salute to the Olympics: 10 ways interviewing is like competitive figure skating

2010-02-25T21:49:00.001-08:00

In honor of the Ladies Free Skating long program being broadcast (in pieces) from Vancouver tonight, I've done a bit of revision and am reposting a list I wrote last year.

Why I love figure skating: it is so mental, and to be world-class requires an amazing amount of hard work, dedication, determination, coaching and practice, practice, practice.

In my opinion, just like interviewing.

With the stage set, 10 ways interviewing is like a figure skating competition:

1. You are judged by other people, but only really competing against yourself.

2. Both take rigorous practice before and between every performance.

3. Being in shape and building your stamina gives you a distinct advantage.

4. No one wins based on what they did in their previous competitions – although reputation is important, winning THIS contest rests on THIS performance.

5. The right outfit and appearance reinforces rather than distracts the audience from you and your message.

6. There are standard elements that you must fulfill. However, you can’t win on technical accuracy alone. You also need a certain amount of “artistry” to be awarded the presentation points. In an interview, this means being likable and bonding with your interviewers.

7. Perfection is rare; the maneuvers are so demanding that mistakes happen. The best course of action if you make a mistake is to pick yourself up quickly, finish your performance as flawlessly as possible, and practice to not make the same mistake again.

8. Points are deducted for errors, and some of the most damaging errors come on the “easy” elements through a simple lapse in concentration.

9. A HUGE component of success is believing in yourself. Some skaters who miss a jump early in their routine let it get in their head and then they miss the rest of their jumps. Winners shake off a mistake, then add extra elements into the rest of their program to make up the points they lost.

10. Giving your best unfortunately doesn’t ensure a win. You can give the performance of your life and still lose to someone who gives a superior performance. In an interview this can mean the job goes to another candidate who does a better job of showing how they are the most perfect fit for the job in question.

More thoughts on flexibility and reinvention

2010-02-21T17:16:00.000-08:00

Thought this recent Wall Street Journal article by Phil Izzo (Feb. 11, 2010) was interesting in light of my last blog post, It's a whole new game

Economists Expect Shifting Workforce
About a quarter of the 8.4 million jobs eliminated since the recession began won't be coming back and will ultimately need to be replaced by other types of work in growing industries, according to economists in the latest Wall Street Journal forecasting survey.

While the job market is constantly shifting as some sectors fade and others expand, this recession threw that process into overdrive.... As growth returns, so will job creation — just with a different emphasis in the mix of jobs being created...

As was this story by Mitch Albom in today's Parade Magazine:

'Dreams Do Come True!'
How an unemployed Michigan autoworker became the nation's bowling champ

According to Tom Smallwood, the newly crowned PBA champ: "If I was still working at GM, there is no way I'd even have attemped this. Getting laid off was one of the worst things that ever happened to me. But it led to the best result."

(My favorite quote from the article, which I hear a lot from clients as well.)

Albom sums up:

There is a lesson here. This new decade may be the one in which Americans learn to reinvent themselves. If so, Tom Smallwood has set an inspiring example.

It's a whole new game

2010-02-09T07:25:00.001-08:00

I read a piece of very timely advice on Twitter the other day, and of course I retweeted it to share with others. The idea: don't think in terms of A Job. Think in terms of Multiple Revenue Streams. I see this as just one way that the game called "employment" has shifted, and will continue to shift.

The economic outlook as it relates to hiring is showing positive signs, but all indications still point to a long, slow, gradual "recovery" leading to an "end state" (I hesitate to even say that) more likely to reflect a new definition of normal than the old. So those who leave themselves open to new definitions of employment and income generation will be far better off than those holding out for things to return to the way they used to be.

I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news here, but I must. It's NOT going to be the same as it was. Not everyone will be able to "plug back in" this time at the same or higher salary than they left for just doing the same type of work as before. Some jobs will be bigger and require more hours than what you left, and many will have morphed to being packaged differently. Just one example is Project Management and Technical Troubleshooting together, rather than as two separate jobs.

Much has shifted and the nimble among us, willing and able to shift with the times, will do the best in 2010.

Whether that's thinking in terms of generating multiple income streams, or brushing up some now needed skill to add to your arsenal, or taking an imperfect job for the time being - it's a time to be more flexible and creative than ever in how you define your occupation and how you generate your income.

Waiting for things to "return to normal" is unrealistic, and a setup for disappointment. Denial is a way to stay stuck in the process rather than commit to moving forward.

Sounds grim, but not all bad news by any means! It's a time full of opportunity for people who come to grips with the fact that the state of "normal employment" has already shifted, and who correspondingly shift their strategies with the times.

Folks, we're playing a whole new game. The rules have changed. I have to say it's an exciting time to be a career coach - and work with the folks smart enough to seek help understanding and navigating this entirely new landscape.

2010 job search metrics

2010-02-03T20:25:00.000-08:00

Very excited to say congratulations to the latest client to take a new job. She did so many things right, that I am equally excited that she was willing to let me share her story to help others.

One of the first things she did after leaving her job was to assess her financial situation, so that she would know exactly where she was rather than feel panicky.

Out of work for a total of 4 months, in addition to networking she applied to 75 job postings similar to her previous employment. That's an average of one per day, Monday-Friday.

She customized each of her cover letters to the posting.

As soon as she started applying to postings, she also started preparing for interviews. She wrote out answers to typical questions, and together we improved them.

Of her 75 applications, she was invited to 8 phone screen first interviews, a healthy 10% positive response rate. She thoroughly prepped for each phone screen. Her "move forward" rate increased the more phone screens she did.

Of her 8 phone screens, she was invited to interview with 5 companies in person. A phenomenal 62.5%!

She completely prepared for each in-person interview, from practicing her key messages to planning relevant questions to ask, to picking stylish yet comfortable clothing and breaking in her shoes.

After each interview we reviewed her performance to improve the next time.

Of those 5 she was invited back multiple times from one organization and received a job offer. 20% offers to interviews is a very good result.

After being asked for references she called each person on her list to tell them to expect the call.

Project Management styles

2010-01-30T13:34:00.000-08:00

Was thinking the other day about the Project Manager role, and how much the expectations vary from company to company, and the way the job is executed varies from person to person.

I believe that to find the best fit, it's important for a project manager to reflect on their natural style and strengths in executing the job, describe that style clearly in their resume, and compare available project management opportunities to their preferences and style.

Some project managers are all about the relationships, others the schedule, others issue resolution; still others go very deep into the technical content of the project.

See if you recognize some of the project management personality styles I've known:

The Consultant - focuses on what each person/department needs; asks lots of questions

The Technologist - goes deep and offers content advice as well as process facilitation

The Traffic Cop - very focused on critical path; you go, then you go, then you...

The Glue - the one person holding everything and everyone together; likes to be the one person everyone has to call for information

The Numbers Wonk - this data-driven PM tracks everyone and everything - no report is too soon or too frivolous

The Steward - sees themselves as the project's guardian angel watching the project as if it is flowing down a river; oversees, and only intervenes to pluck it free if it gets snagged on a rock

The Snitch - all about blame, this PM thinks that the way to solve any issue is to run to your boss or your boss's boss

What's your PM style? Have you met these project managers or others?

Have you read job postings that are clearly looking for a certain style of PM more than others? Example: if a job posting is all about executive level reporting, do they first and foremost want a snitch?

Supporting your spouse through unemployment

2010-01-20T06:15:00.000-08:00

The first thing to remember if your spouse has lost their job: on the stress scale, their situation ranks right up there with the death of a loved one.

It can be devastating. Your spouse is feeling not just the loss of income, but the loss of a major piece of their identity and self worth through being able to contribute responsibly to your family. Now is the time to remember the "for better or worse" in your marriage vows and help your spouse through a "worse" phase.

To attract a good job your spouse needs to both conduct an effective job search and keep a positive, confident attitude. Your job is to support him/her on the latter, and clear room in his/her life so that they can do the former.

Here are some ways:

1. Consistently convey the message, "I believe in you, and I want you to be happy." Librally and repeatedly remind your spouse that you have confidence in them.

2. Show no fear. If you are feeling panic, don't show it. It's time for you to be strong for your spouse. Reassure him/her that you know this will work out and that your family will be OK.

3. You do not need to convey a sense of urgency to your spouse. Trust me, they are feeling it. What they need from you is breathing room to do their work. One important way you can help create this is by doing what you can to ease the financial pressure your spouse is feeling, including:

4. Cut back in small, less noticeable ways without even talking about them. Coffee at home instead of your morning double-tall latte. Passing up that new sweater you want but don't need. Eating at home more and going out to dinner less. Rent movies from RedBox (for just $1) rather than seeing every new feature on the big screen.

5. Do not talk about major purchases you'd like to make. Saying how much you want a big screen TV, new sofa or major vacation right now is not a motivator - it will only make your spouse feel bad.

6. The same is true for home improvements; yes, your spouse appears to be "cheap labor" right now to build that deck you've always wanted. Think ahead - how cheap is a new deck really, if you both panic a month from now because of your cost expenditures AND a full month of your spouse's job search time gone?

7. Remember that your spouse's main job right now is to get a job, and that takes them spending prime time Monday through Friday. Be mindful of their time spent on smaller "Honey Do's" as well as major tasks. If you fill up their whole day with car maintenance, dry cleaning and chauffeuring children, know that those job search hours, and possibly a job posting right in their sweet-spot, are gone.

8. Help your spouse carve out a place to conduct his/her job search within your home. It is very important that they have their own quiet space that functions as a home office. They need to replicate the office they lost; a computer, phone and desk space that can stay organized and available for a quick ten-minute task. Their space needs to be away from noisy children and in a location that can stay set up. A dining room or kitchen table that can only be used between meals will not work.

9. Notice, appreciate and thank your spouse for household tasks they do, like emptying the dishwasher, doing laundry and fixing you dinner. They are contributing what they can to keeping the family going. When acknowledging these contributions, do not joke about getting used to having a "house-husband" or "real wife." It's not funny, it stings.

10. Be a resource and sounding board for their job search, but don't try to run it. If asked, proofread cover letters, give your input on ideas and strategies, and make introductions where you can. Avoid saying "You should..." about anything right now. They need to feel in control of their process! And follow their agenda, not yours.

11. If you are harboring any resentment toward your spouse's former employer for letting them go, GET OVER IT. Your spouse needs to get over it to move on. If you stay stuck in the past, they will stay stuck in the past.

12. Check yourself before complaining about anything at all related to your own job! You had a lousy commute today? Keep it to yourself. It stings, because your spouse would love to have a job to complain about right now. And, thinking you are unhappy in your position can add to the pressure they are already feeling to get any job they can as soon as possible - so that you can make a change. It is time for you to at least pretend to be the stable party in the relationship when so much is uncertain for your spouse.

Pressure and stress can easily turn to desperation and confusion for the most competent among us, all but squashing their chances of being an attractive, viable candidate for a great job.

A last note: Know that your spouse will have up days and down days. Celebrate their up days with them, and support and encourage them even more through their darker days by repeating # 1. Consistently convey the message, "I believe in you, and I want you to be happy." and # 2. Show no fear. Reassure your spouse that you have confidence in them, you'll all be fine and get through this, and that it will all work out.

We're all in this together

2010-01-14T09:25:00.000-08:00

No matter how little we have, we always have enough to help those who have even less. Here are two organizations that can immediately make your donation count for those in need in the devastated country of Haiti.

If you can spare just $10, on your cellphone text the word "Haiti" to 90999 and the whole $10 will go to the Red Cross for Haiti relief efforts.

.

There are many great ways to help. These are just my donation choices individually and on behalf of my company.

Improv this...not that!

2010-01-11T15:25:00.001-08:00

Ran into a great article this morning: No Joke: Learning improv can help in any field in MarketWatch. A lively conversation followed on Twitter and our Facebook page about how taking an improv class can improve your ability to think on your feet in an interview.

It made me think me of one of my absolute favorite, but little known, Interview Prep books: The INTERVIEW REHEARSAL BOOK: 7 Steps to Job-Winning Interviews Using Acting Skills You Never Knew You Had by Deb Gottesman and Buzz Mauro.

Think about it. Who goes on more interviews (auditions) than actors? Who needs to be able to put on their game face and give their all each time, but also be resilient enough to hear they were just not quite right for a part - without hearing it as personal rejection?

There is a lot that interviewees can learn from Gottesman and Mauro, both acting coaches. Love this book.

So what's the secret to being spontaneous in your interviews? Ironically, rigorous preparation and rehearsal.

Only when you know yourself well - including your strengths and preferences - and have thoroughly researched the company and position are you ready to field any questions you are asked with spontaneity and grace.

No one in their right mind would "improv" their wedding vows. If you want your interviews to go as well as possible, give them the same consideration. Your competition is.

"When you are not practicing, remember - somewhere, someone is practicing - and when you meet him, he will win." - Bill Bradley

"Stay positive!" - but how?

2010-01-09T13:44:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for work, I'm sure you heard it a zillion times:

Stay positive!

Have you heard it so much that you're ready to smack the next person who says it to you?

Oh great, now on top of everything else I'm doing to try to land a job I'm supposed to stay positive too? Before you blow your top, remember that they meant well; hard to remember when it comes across as an additional burden without any suggestions for how to DO it.

As job searches take longer these days, it is even more important to take a two pronged approach:

Work on your job search
Work on yourself, including your attitude

Five quick ways to stay positive:
1. Exercise regularly
2. Volunteer
3. Practice daily gratitude (people who do are 25% happier than those who don't)
4. Read positive and inspirational authors
5. Work directly on your optimism on a daily basis

It takes deliberate focus and dedication to stay positive during the longer periods of unemployment being experienced right now.

There's many tools out there to help. One of my all-time favorites is the book "Learned Optimism" by Martin Seligman. I can't recommend it strongly enough to job changers, because even the most confident and positive among us can be shaken by job change, not to mention the extended periods of unemployment common in the current economy.

"Learned Optimism" as a title itself is a hopeful reminder that we can learn to influence - and raise our own level of optimism.

Or go high-tech with Happier.com, the awesome site and online community including Dr. Seliman.

We all want to work with someone who is positive and uplifting to be around. Positivity and optimism are "secret weapons" in your job-finding arsenal. Applying the self-directed exercises in Learned Optimism can help you recognize and consciously change your perspective from negative to positive often enough to form new, more optimistic habits.

Ironic, but being more optimistic can bring you better luck. Partly because we see what we expect to see; a lot of luck is staying neutral long enough to recognize and seize an opportunity rather than judging the same scenario as an unworkable problem.

10 minutes every job seeker should spend!

2010-01-06T14:51:00.000-08:00

Were you job hunting at any time during 2009? (anyone reading this who was not?)

Take @JonTheHRGuy's quick survey about your experience to help companies improve the job seeker experience.

I KNOW you have opinions. I've heard you all vent about cumbersome application sites, lack of information, and especially lack of follow through to tell you if your resume was received, if you are still being considered, or if the position has been filled.

How would you like to be treated?

This is your chance to give some feedback (and politely vent) directly to someone who coaches HR on practices like considering their brand and attracting talent by treating job seekers with respect.

Give Jon 10. You'll feel so much better.

20 Phone Screen Interview Tips

2009-12-16T14:42:00.000-08:00

I can tell that hiring is perking up. One sure sign is how many more of my clients are getting interviews, and the volume that they are getting.

Most start with a phone screen, so here's some tips:

Prepare ahead of time:

Read again, line for line: the posting, your resume and your cover letter.
Highlight key points on all three.
Research the company, position and people.
Think about the most likely questions you'll get asked.
Write out your answers. Scour your answers for unnecessary verbiage and any potential red flags. Cut them out.
Think of the top 3-5 most compelling reasons you are a good fit for this position. Write them down as key messages you want to get across as you get the chance.
Think of and write down a few smart questions to ask if you get the chance.
Be prepared to answer the salary question. Highly likely for a phone screen.
Take time to visualize the call going successfully.

Taking the call:

Don't take an unscheduled ambush interview. If the call starts with, "I just have a few quick questions" say politely that it's not the best time and offer at least two other times that would work better (when you can be prepared!).
Manage distractions – like pets and children in the house that could make noise, etc.
Shower, shave and wear business attire and shoes. You'll feel better.
Stand up for the call. Your voice will project with more confidence.
Have your notes, highlighted resume, cover letter and job posting taped to the wall at eye-height. Looking down weakens your voice.
Be mindful of time; you were probably given an estimate - try to stick to it.
Toward the end of the call summarize why you are a great candidate.
Ask "What are the next steps in the process?"
If you are told you will definitely be passed forward, ask what the screener can tell you about the manager you will talk with next.

After the phone screen:

Send the screener a Thank You note or email. Even if they are HR - no one else will and it will set you apart and above your competition.
Stay in touch as directed - not more frequently than your screener suggested, but don't rely entirely on them to follow up with you.

Common courtesy apparently isn't

2009-12-14T20:30:00.000-08:00

I was having a conversation today with a new client about one of the painful realities of the current job market: never hearing back after you apply for a position. Clients consistently report frustration from not getting simple confirmations that their resume was received... or any more communications through the rest of the selection process.

It eats away at the most confident and savvy of job seekers. It seems to be especially painful at more senior levels, where the prominence of their positions have afforded folks a certain amount of respect in their business dealings.

At all job levels, if feels disrespectful not to hear anything back from the companies you apply to work with. Job candidates report that they are only looking for the same courtesy that they would extend to others. Apparently, common courtesy is not very common right now.

Why don't hiring companies follow up? I could write a whole blog on the reasons and no one would feel any better. The fact remains: many people won't get back to you in a job search. So "they should" is wasted energy.

The second fact is that not hearing back can cause the most talented and confident among us to doubt their abilities and strengths as a candidate. Listen to that "they should" voice in your head, and you will start to doubt yourself at a time when you most need your confidence.

Don't take it personally. Easy to say, hard to do. Instead, parallel process: while you are working on your job search, also work on your self-confidence. Sleep enough, exercise, stay well groomed and dressed, and purposely work on your self-esteem with daily positive messages and affirmations. A twitter friend, @leadership coach (Joan Gustafson) wrote a great blog post that has these same tips and more: Self-confidence can be learned.

Dipping into adjoining swim lanes, not new pools

2009-12-01T08:19:00.000-08:00

A follow up to my blog post, The Problem With Changing Swim Lanes, posted November 23, 2009:

I hope this post wasn't taken as advice to pursue ONLY what you consider to be your "center of a bullseye" perfect fit positions - that's as defeating of a job search strategy as "Carpet Bombing" - firing at / applying to anything that moves.

Broadening out ring by ring from your bullseye to jobs that at their core use your already proven transferable skills is how to generate more opportunities than you can find by only focusing on the tight center of your perfect fit.

Upping your volume of opportunities by broadening out from your center and dipping into ADJOINING swim lanes is the way to overcome the very real fear associated with securing your next paycheck.

My comments about people who inappropriately apply for Exec Admin positions were geared toward those that I've seen apply who have never done that job and/or are NOT fast typists or good on other commonly used office computer programs (direct quote: "If they hire me I'm sure I could learn Excel, PowerPoint, and scheduling in Outlook...") who may be organized at home but have never scheduled for and organized someone else. But they somehow think their "excellent customer service skills" will make all those other pesky elements of the daily job duties as described in the posting go away.

This is delusional and self-defeating thinking.

Especially in the current economy:

a. If you DO have the majority of the transferable skills required in a specific position, by all means increase your quantity of opportunities you are considered for by applying.

b. If you do not have the requisite skills outlined in the posting, (unless the hiring manager is a dear friend) it is very likely that you are wasting your time and would be a stronger candidate for a different position that DOES use more of your transferable skills. (in my example, perhaps a customer service rep or call center position?)

If you are panicking, you would be well advised to pause for a moment and reflect on what your transferable skills are. Then go back to applying generously, but out from the center of your bullseye and into adjoining swim lanes to yours, not entirely different pools.

12 reasons this holiday season is a GREAT time to land your new job

2009-11-29T11:10:00.001-08:00

1. Most people consider the holidays the worst time of the year to find a new job. This completely false myth cuts down on your competition, as other job candidates back off on their job search until January. Staying on course can help you jump out ahead of everyone else.

2. Hiring is starting to perk back up. Buzz with my career coach buddies from around the country is that they share my experience of prepping more clients for interviews, because in November many of us saw a significant uptick of our clients getting interviews.

3. Economists predict first quarter hiring. Smart managers are planning for 2010, including staffing needs. It's a perfect season for job creation: get in front of the person who should be over the job you'd do, and show them how you can save them money, make them money or solve a problem. Help them build you into their Q1 2010 plan. (Note: offering to work on contract even sweetens the deal by reducing the risk to put you on the payroll)

4. The holidays offer a natural reason to reach out and reconnect with lost friends and business acquaintances.

5. It is also the season to touch your network again and offer them good wishes.

6. There are always fantastic, single day or short-term opportunities to volunteer during the holidays. You'll feel good helping those less fortunate, have something positive to talk about at holiday social events, and just might meet someone who can help you land that job you want.

(Note: 4 and 5 replenish your reserves of social capital by reaching out to people just to wish them well, without requesting anything of them. 6 replenishes your coffers by giving back. )

7. Catching up with others gives you a perfect, natural occasion to plant the seed of what you are looking for. When someone asks what you've been up to, be upbeat, clear and concise about what you offer/are looking to do. Let them know what you’d appreciate them keeping an ear out for.

8. The holidays offer a high concentration of social events and opportunities to network. More than any other year, there is no stigma to being out of work, so get out there and chat with people. Don’t shy away from events and occasions to network!

9. At holiday events you have easier access to talk to literally anyone you'd care to meet, including higher level managers.

10. It can be easier to get informational interviews when work slows a bit and only a percentage of staff is left in the office. Managers are also more likely to answer their own phones and emails.

11. People are generally feeling more good will toward others. If you've been stalling about asking a networking contact for an introduction, the holidays are a great time to ask for that favor.

12. Many companies have a "use it or lose it" policy regarding open positions rolling over into the New Year. I've seen hiring decisions move at lightning speed when the right person was found and the deadline to get them on the books was approaching fast.

In previous years I've helped a client iron out the particulars of an offer that included a company-preferred start date of December 30. I've had a client receive his written offer by courier on Christmas Eve, and another that was invited to the company Christmas party as his first introduction to his new staff.

Be of good cheer! The 2009 holiday season holds a lot of promise for those job candidates with initiative and a positive, consistent approach to their job search.

Everyday gratitude: its not just for Thanksgiving anymore

2009-11-25T13:48:00.000-08:00

Let's start with a nifty exercise I wrote about on August 3, 2009, to kick off a "Week of Happiness."

Write down five things you are grateful for. Without thinking much at all, these pop out for me:

1. I am grateful for my loving and supportive family.
2. I am grateful that I get to do meaningful work.
3. I am grateful for being in good health.
4. I am grateful for good friends.
5. I am grateful for opportunities to help others.

Probably about what you were expecting. Its easy to come up with a nice little list once a year to honor Thanksgiving Day. But let's go beyond Thanksgiving to being grateful as a way of life.

Many experts swear by DAILY gratitude as a prescription for happiness. A nice exercise circulated on Facebook over the last few weeks: people committed to using their status every day to share one thing they are grateful for. Those that did this exercise reported that the first few days were easy, but after that it got increasingly difficult for most to think of new things without repeating themselves.

Defining at least one thing per day that you are grateful for is an awesome practice to increase your overall happiness - and your health!

Go ahead and start the process this Thanksgiving with everyone else. But do one better - adopt gratitude as a daily habit. I have a friend who years ago was diagnosed with something and told he only had a short time to live. Having long outlived his doctors' diagnosis, he is a model and inspiration of being grateful every single day. And sharing his gratitude with others.

The Chain of Gratitude
(first published Wednesday, July 23, 2008)

The other day I thanked my sister for a note she gave me decades ago. She was surprised and delighted that I remembered it and took the time to tell her how much it meant to me. It brought back a lot of fond memories for her. It made her day.

Yesterday, out of the blue, I received a phone call from a client who just wanted to say, "Thank you!" for how much I've influenced her attitude, behavior and career over the years. She was getting dressed and realized how much she was looking forward to the day ahead, and it hit her just how very much I had helped her get where she is now. She called just to express her gratitude. It made my day.

"Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it." - William Arthur Ward

I intend to keep the chain going, and make someone else's day today. We're all presented with more than enough opportunities each day to be grateful. We don't always remember to, or risk expressing it.

A client shared this technique recently: she carries a journal, and repeatedly throughout the day stops to write down everything she is grateful for. What a great practice, especially for anyone going through a trying time like a job search!

Like my 20 minutes of positive reading and reflection each morning, reminding yourself throughout the day of how much you have to be grateful for will help thoughts of gratitude edge out negative thoughts, and bring more to you to be grateful for. We are what we practice.

Have a grateful day, and share your gratitude - you will make someone else's day!

The problem with changing swim lanes

2009-11-23T09:04:00.000-08:00

I use the term "changing swim lanes" in a job search to indicate moving away from jobs that utilize your unique experience and skills in some way to apply for "I could do that" jobs - ones you have never done before.

I have known a person here or there who has gotten a job in a new swim lane through a very solid networking contact. But applying to postings this way is a self-defeating strategy. Trust me on this - you haven't felt rejection till you've been rejected for a position that in the back of your mind you "know" you are too good for.

Executive Administrator jobs are quite popular for swim lane jumpers. I have seen applicants who "think they are overqualified so they must be a shoe-in" for these jobs. Some with very impressive bodies of experience in another swim lane: from project and program managers to senior Sales Account Executives to seasoned HR professionals. You name it, everyone in every swim lane seems to think they can do an AE job at the highest levels, and get hired for it.

Sure, they can interact at top levels of the organization and provide customer service. But they are totally discounting the work itself as a profession in its own right, and some very critical requirements of the job description, including: multi-tasking to manage another's schedule and travel; word processing at a fast rate and cranking out Excel spreadsheets and PowerPoint presentations like nobody's business...

What they also fail to realize is that they are upping their competition exponentially to include every other lane-jumper from every single walk of life, as well as EA pros who have spent as much time in this profession as they have in their own.

Then when they don't get a call to interview for the job they are devastated. I have to ask, seriously, would you have hired you vs. someone who has held this exact position successfully at a different company?

A friend and business acquaintance who is a senior manager for a very large company is looking for an Executive Administrator. Reviewing the posting on their website I noticed that his job requirements are fairly standard, but include five years as an Executive Administrator reporting to a senior executive.

Believing that there are a lot of quality candidates out there, the hiring manager doesn't want to train a new hire on the particulars of the job, including running the trap line for him as a "C" level manager and the special nuances of scheduling and travel that come with supporting him in doing his massive job in a very large organization. Nor should he need to train at his level... there should be plenty of skilled Executive Administrative professionals who have been promoted over the length of their careers to support higher and higher level managers.

He wants to hire a candidate who has done the job before; someone who has proven success at the same level in a similar sized organization to his own.

You'd think there would be a lot of quality candidates in this job market, but the problem is that his job is also a particularly attractive one to prospective lane-jumpers. He shared with me that the first 150 applicants were ALL people who "wanted to" do the job, but NONE that had done the job before.

He's not interviewing any of the hopeful lane jumpers, because he doesn't have to. There are quality, experienced Executive Administrative professionals out there, and he can wait for one of them.

Good news on the job front?

2009-11-15T20:33:00.000-08:00

I love good news. And according to AP writer Mercedes M. Cardona, "The job market is beginning to show a pulse." Chatter is up on Twitter among my career coach peers across the country that we are prepping more clients for interviews these days. The trend may not be moving the needle very far yet, but insiders can feel it.

Could we really have finally bottomed out and are now turning the corner?

Ms. Cardona quotes some statistics that go beyond gut feelings in her article "Return to routine" in the Seattle Times Sunday NW Jobs section:

According to recruiters Challenger, Gray and Christmas, the number of layoffs announced by major U.S. corporations dropped by 21% in August, below July levels and 14% below a year ago.

She also references a recent Robert Half International / CareerBuilder survey as showing that managers are planning to hire a combination of workers during the next 12 months. Of those surveyed:

53% of employers plan to hire full-time employees
40% plan to hire contract, temporary or project workers
39% plan to add part-time employees.

Additionally, 61% said their companies were willing to negotiate higher pay for qualified candidates, and 40% said they plan to give raises after the economy improves to retain top performers.

People may be starting to plug back in. But the fact is, things have changed on both sides of the table.

Employees will return to a different environment, as every organization has done its share of hunkering down and making tough choices to ride out this economic downturn. The "survivors" who are currently working have very full plates, and the jobs that are being offered now tend come with more responsibilities, as other positions have been cut.

There has been a sea change in the returning employees as well. As much as they are anxious to get back to work, a lot of my unemployed clients have talked about not wanting to re-enter the workforce defining their relationship to their job the way it was when they exited.

A common theme among those who want a change is wanting either (or both) more meaning to their work or work-life balance, even if that means not matching their last salary.

So, the jobs are coming back. But they are bigger now, offered to people who want more balance in their lives. Should be interesting!

Thank You, Veterans and Military Families

2009-11-10T14:54:00.000-08:00

Lt. (jg) Jean L. Porter, my mother

In honor of Veterans Day, November 11, 2009, a break from my usual subjects:

My grandfather was an Army Colonel who landed at Normandy and led troops across Europe during World War II. My Aunt Mary Lou was a very rare and pioneering female Army officer. My Uncle is a West Point graduated retired Lieutenant Colonel.

My cousins lost their father when we were all just kids. A military pilot, his plane went down with the rest of his squadron during a training mission.

Both Navy, my parents met playing bridge in an Officer's Lounge on base. My mom did coding and decoding, and my dad was a sweep-you-off-your-feet Navy pilot and flight instructor. A definite Top Gun Maverick of his time.

My mother had to get a special permission form signed by her chain of command to be out of uniform and in a wedding dress on their big day. The pictures show her beauty matched by my dad's dashing presence in his Navy dress whites. Her father missed her wedding and the chance to walk her down the aisle. Grandpa was somewhere in France he couldn't name, leading troops on their march toward Austria.

When asked why she went in the Navy instead of following the family tradition of service in the Army, my mother always said it was because she looked better in blue than green.

Only after she passed away, at age 82, did we discover papers indicating that she was too young to be accepted into the Army, but not the Navy. World War II was raging and she wanted to do her part, so she enlisted in the branch that would take her.

I'm terribly proud of my brother for carrying on the family tradition of military service, as a Green Beret HALO (high-altitude, low-opening) paratrooper.

I did not serve in the military. But I want to take the opportunity of Veteran's Day to share just a bit of our family's story. So many families have given more and sacrificed more than ours. We owe every single one of them a debt of gratitude.

Thank you, Veterans and military families everywhere - for your immeasurable service and sacrifice.

An interview fable

2009-11-07T22:53:00.000-08:00

This is actually a true story, but makes a great fable on the subject of interviewing.

A while back I worked with a client who had been let go from a family-run cemetery when it was purchased by a major national chain. His unique strengths included a combination of ethics, integrity and compassion that enabled him to establish rapport easily, and help people make difficult decisions at a very vulnerable time in their lives. He worked hard and landed a job he loved: selling powered wheelchairs and van conversions for an ethical, family-run company.

About a year into his new job my client called me to ask if I knew anyone "just like him." Business was good and his boss needed to hire another sales person.

I was excited to tell him that I did! I had just finished writing a resume for a client who had the same unique set of strengths, albeit cultivated through an entirely different path. For years she had delicately helped clients through all the financial arrangements of home foreclosure. She also volunteered providing spiritual counseling to hospice patients. She was a bit older, which we all thought would be an asset for the position selling mobility devices. She even lived near their store.

I helped her write a great cover letter, which she sent with her resume directly to my client, who hand-carried it to his boss, who was excited to receive such a hearty recommendation, and would definitely be calling her for an interview.

Two weeks passed, and she hadn't heard from the company. I called my client, and it turns out that shortly after he had handed his boss my other client's resume, another job applicant had dropped his resume off in person. He arrived in a wheelchair, as he was missing one leg. My client's boss decided that using a wheelchair himself, the other candidate would easily establish rapport with customers - and hired him on the spot.

The moral of the story: it's not always about you; sometimes you won't get the job, even when you did so well you wouldn't change a thing. You can be absolutely PERFECT for a position and company, and even see "buying signs" in an interview. But you can't predict who will come in right after you. The hiring manager might perceive the next candidate as an even more perfect fit for the job.

No one gets offered every job they interview for, or even gets to interview for every job they apply for. Actors quickly learn that to survive they can't give up every time they go to an audition and don't get the part.

It's not fair, but acknowledging that it isn't can help you not take it personally when even though you've given it your best shot a job goes to someone else. It's not always possible to compete against a one-legged candidate.

Information + Determination + Dedication = Transformation

2009-11-01T10:38:00.001-08:00

This morning two of Heather Frey's tweets caught my eye:

@SmashFit: If there was a powder or capsule to lose weight or get fit, wouldn't we ALL be lean and healthy?

@SmashFit: There's no pill, but there is a secret formula: Information+Determination+Dedication=Transformation

I replied that the same "secret formula" is what is needed to successful land a great job. She agreed, and added that the same formula leads to success in LIFE.

Information + Determination + Dedication = Transformation.

Great reminder of what is needed from each of us to reach our goals: information on strategies and techniques - HOW to achieve your goals, then the determination and dedication to make them happen. That is how you get transformational results.

Reaching your goals, whether they be related to weight loss, getting in shape or getting a great job, takes tenacity and hard work. The parallel between conditioning and the job search is solid in my view.
Deciding that it's time to lose weight, we tend to forget that those extra 20 pounds didn't show up overnight, so it is unrealistic to be able to take them off overnight. Both weight loss and a job search require staying true to your goal and applying determination on a daily basis as you move closer and closer to your goal.

"You will find the key to success under the alarm clock." - Benjamin Franklin

If someone told you either was going to be easy, they lied. Yes, as Law of Attraction aficionados will tell you, you have to keep your focus on what you DO want rather than what you DON'T want. Race car drivers are taught to focus on the track, NOT the wall.

What's often misunderstood about the Secret is the next step - that focus is not enough. Focus then guides your actions as you dig in and make your goal your reality.

"The big secret in life is that there is no big secret. Whatever your goal, you can get there if you're willing to work." - Oprah Winfrey

"Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent." - Calvin Coolidge

"... anybody who wants anything need only do the work." - Swami Chetanananda

Thanks, Heather, for a fabulous formula that explains "doing the work": Information + Determination + Dedication = Transformation.

How I'm using Twitter Lists

2009-10-30T12:00:00.000-07:00

If you don't tweet, you probably want to skip this post. For those who do: I've been asked by a few twitter connections how I am using the new Twitter Lists function and how I built my lists. So I thought it might interest others.

Twitter first rolled out the List function out a week or so ago in Beta to some random users. I was lucky to be one of the first people to get it, and saw value, so I started building lists. According to LIFEHACKER, the bugs that slowed the system terribly at first have now been worked out, so Twitter is rolling out the functionality for all other Twitter users. If you don't have it, you should any day.

What a Twitter List is: Any category of your choosing, applied to the people you are following and their tweets. Lists are directly on the Twitter website, not an interface, and become part of your profile.

Why: Lists allow you to group people you follow by category so that you can follow them closer.

You can select to make any list you create "Private" for your eyes only, or "Public," viewable (and followable) by anyone who views your profile.

Benefits: when you start following many people on Twitter, tweets roll through your stream so rapidly that you just can't see everything you'd like. So just like Tweetdeck, Twitter Lists allows you to group people you follow into categories that you would like to view separately or follow closer than others.

For me its advantage over Tweetdeck is that it is right in Twitter, where other people can see and follow lists I've created if they would like, and where I can find and follow other people's public lists, finding other great folks I'd like to follow directly.

How to create a list: When you have the List feature a large white box appears above your stream that reads: New! Lists..... Select the button titled "Create a New List" and type in the List Title of your choosing.

You can also create a new list by starting with any person you want to be on it, and instead of selecting to add them to one of your existing lists, select "New List," then type in your "List Name."

How to add tweeple to your list: a. search by name, b. go to each person's profile that you want to add, or b. watch your stream and select the people you want to add to each list as you see a tweet from them.

(I do not know of a way to move groups of tweeple on and off of a list. As the Twitter world goes, over the weekend someone will probably develop the capability as a separate app.) For now I believe you need to build lists one person at a time.

How I did it: I couldn't see setting aside time to go through all of my followers to build my lists, so I took a shortcut by spending just a little time compiling a few seed people that fit each of my categories. Now I fill out my lists gradually, adding individuals to the appropriate list as I see a fresh tweet from them in my stream.

FYI: once you put someone on a list, their tweets still appear in your main stream AND on your list stream.

How you build or decide to follow lists is obviously a very personal choice, just like how you chose to use Twitter in the first place. What worked for me is to take a very simple approach and use Lists the same way I am using Twitter.

How I decided on my lists: I thought about who I enjoy following and why. And what I could give back to the Twitter community. I built some for me, and some to give back.

Currently my Lists are:
Careerists
Recruiters and HR people
Inspiring / Quotes / Personal Development
Just For Fun
News
Seattle
Leadership / Business people
Job Postings
Available Talent

I made some groupings that other people might not, but I grouped by why I would access these folks' tweets, and didn't want to have too many lists.

One example: I follow people I just find inspiring, who tweet positive quotes like I do, and who share content related to personal development. I grouped these three together because I would access anyone within the broad category for a quick dose of inspiration.

I access my combined "Recruiters and HR" list for a quick look at what's new on the hiring side, and my general "Careerists" list for what is being said by everyone who supports job seekers with coaching, strategy, counsel, personal branding, positioning or resumes. I'm aware that this last category has very defined subgroups within it, but I access them all for the same reason so at least for the time being I grouped them together.

I created Lists of "Job Postings" and "Available Talent" just to give back to the generous Twitter community. The first, so job seekers could save time accessing job boards and company postings that I am following anyway, the second, to give a bit more visibility to job seekers beyond their followers to mine. (So give them a look, Recruiters and HR...)

As more people use them, I am sure lots of great uses will be found. One I've read about is to run contests and such by developing and then deleting ad-hoc lists. I know that like Twitter itself, there are no rules, and their use will evolve over time.

For now they are a fabulous way for me to organize and see more of information I love but which can be overwhelming. I am using my lists to distribute the fire hose of content and connection that is Twitter into a few smaller, more manageable faucets.

p.s If you are on one of my lists and feel that I mis-listed you, please DM or @ to let me know! Likewise, if you want on one of my lists and I haven't put you there yet, please let me know. Happy organizing!

Do you know what day of the week it is?

2009-10-28T09:07:00.000-07:00

Hump day should still feel like hump day even when you're unemployed. More than ever, when you don't have a set routine of work to go to, you need to structure your week to create one for yourself.

I've had unemployed clients tell me that every day of the week feels the same to them, and I instantly recognize that they are not managing their job search. When you are looking for work, that is your job. If you want the quickest success possible, you should work on your job search for up to the same hours as you worked on your last job - 8 to 10 hours per day, not 24/7.

I advocate the Covey approach of taking 30 minutes on Sunday evening to define your goals for the week and build a To-Do list of actions you will take to achieve them. Then front load your work week with your job search actions.

If you hit the ground running on Monday morning doing your work, when Wednesday comes around you should feel a sense of accomplishment and know what needs further attention so that you can get it done this week.

By Friday, just like those with a regular 9-5 (if those hours exist for anyone anymore...) you should be looking forward to your weekend along with every other working person.

Weekends are as important to recharge your batteries and relax with family and friends as they were when you were employed full time - maybe even more important. Employing two methods in your job search during the week will help you relax and enjoy your weekends: time management - efficiency - and doing those activities most likely to payoff for you - effectiveness.

When you know you've done your part it's easier to give yourself a break and have a little more patience for others' timing. (And maybe just do the customary checking and answering of a few emails most of us do during the weekend.)

Avoid the over-estimation trap! When you're not scheduling your time and job search actions it is just too easy to overestimate your expenditure, then be disappointed with your results.

I recall a client who was disappointed to have few prospects two months after leaving his last position. The reason became clear when we examined what he had done: the most he had spent on his job search on any day in those two months was an hour and a half. And he had taken two multiple-week vacations. In two months he'd dedicated less time to his employment goals than I've seen other clients spend in a week!

No matter how amazing your credentials, hoping your perfect job will just fall in your lap, or is among only three or four contacts and/or applications is setting yourself up for a BIG disappointment.

Even more than ever right now finding a great job is a numbers game. You have to continually feed your pipeline with opportunities. You can dramatically increase your options through the energy and time you put in making more contacts and applying to more positions. And if you've done your work during the week, when it rolls around, enjoy a well-deserved weekend off.

An open letter to The Recruited

2009-10-22T18:15:00.001-07:00

"Success is a lousy teacher. It seduces smart people into thinking they can't lose."
- Bill Gates

One of the groups hit hardest during this recession is high performing professionals who have a history of being recruited from one job to the next. Let's call them "The Recruited."

Recruiters have done these folks a huge disservice over the years. They have made them dependant on services that the vast majority of companies are just not paying for anymore.

The Recruited don't know what they don't know: how to get a job for themselves. And in this recession they are not being "rescued" by someone else's efforts as they have been in the past.

Open letter to The Recruited:

You have that deer-in-the-headlights look when we meet; sometimes full of self-pity, sometimes resentment or even anger because no one is swooping in to fix your unemployment problem for you this time.

You try to "network" me (poor grammar for effect) and ask if I know any recruiters I can introduce you to. You eagerly write down their names and miss the point when I explain how I can help you even more by teaching you how to land a great job on your own.

You don't stay in touch after we meet - you don't see the value in it. People can either help YOU or not at this moment. Period.

You move on to "network" the next person on your list, hoping they will be the one to solve your problem for you.

Your network is weak at best because you've never seen the value of keeping it up, and you don't know how to approach people in it without them feeling used by you.

Your resume doesn't represent you to your maximum potential, because you don't realize that it needs to. In the past a recruiter has always been there to represent you to potential employers regardless of what your resume said.

You don't know how to write a compelling resume yourself. And you sure don't know how to write a cover letter that will get your resume read, since you've never really needed them before with recruiters pitching you.

Your elevator pitch consists purely of where you've been. Many of you don't even know what you want next. You hope that I, like the recruiters who have made money off of you in the past, will just tell you where you are the most marketable.

You look at me like I am from the moon when I ask you what your preferences are as well as your strengths. And when I tell you I believe that you are the most marketable where they overlap.

You tell me there are no jobs out there in your category or at your level. You believe that because you have no idea how to find opportunities and companies.

You easily feel defeated because you have no concept of how many companies and people you need to contact, since you have never been the one to find and create opportunities for yourself before. In the past you've just picked up the phone after someone else has done that work and said, "Sure, XYZ company sounds OK, go ahead and submit me."

You look at me like I am talking Swahili when I tell you that I can show you how to target companies you are interested in and create positions for yourself there.

You look at me like I'm a a little green martian when I tell you that how you conduct your job search is the best evidence a potential employer has to gage what a great asset you can be to them on the job.

Here's my harsh but heartfelt advice to you: BUCK UP AND TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR CAREER. Admit that you've been coddled and don't know how to do this on your own.

You've been given a fish so many times that you don't know how to catch your own fish.

You've been given a fish so many times that you also don't see why you should have to pay someone to teach you to fish - you think that somehow lessons and coaching in how to fish should be as free to you as the fish you've been given all these years.

You don't realize that the best investment you can ever make in yourself is to pay an expert to help you develop your own resources and knowledge in this process.

You don't realize that you don't need to be dependent on recruiters to define what you will do and where you will do it. You don't realize that with some guidance, you can do that for yourself.

You've never been the one to pay before (your new employer has) so you are suspicious. Yes, there is plenty of "free" advice out there, but you've been so removed from it in the past that you don't have the patience to wade through it all. And you have no idea how to determine which advice is good and which is not. You can waste a ton of time trying to compare and sort free advice into "useful" and "not."

And every day that you are not collecting that six-figure salary you are losing more and more money and long-term earning potential.

The best thing you can do, Mr/Ms Recruited, is to recognize that the business environment has shifted and that you need to shift your behavior with it. It's time to dig into your well-lined pocket and pay for some expert coaching on how to land your next job.

When you do, you'll also learn how to secure the one after that, and the one after that - steering your career toward what you enjoy and are most successful doing, not just what is available. It's time to take over the reins and manage your own career.

12 ways to re-vitalize a stalled job search

2009-10-20T13:19:00.000-07:00

In the current economy job candidates can expect their job search to take longer. According to Sarah Needleman in yesterday’s Wall Street Journal, the Department of Labor reported that it is currently taking unemployed workers an average of 27.2 weeks to find a job, up from 19.1 in September of 2008 and 16.7 in September of 2007. There is more room in a longer job search to feel like you've hit the wall.

In her article, “Giving a Stalled Job Search a Jump-Start,” Needleman gives excellent tips for revitalizing a job search that is not going anywhere or netting results. She covers some familiar strategies that I advocate for ALL job candidates, whether re-vitalizing a stalled search or to get a new one off the ground and headed in the right direction.

I’ve summarized my takeaways from her article and added my own comments:

1. Apply to positions where you have some base of experience.

2. Avoid the “I could do that” trap.

Trust me on this, you’ll get beat up far worse than you imagine applying to anything and everything, especially if you think you are overqualified. When you “jump swim lanes” from your area of expertise thinking that you are a shoe-in for that administrative position, you’ve not just increased your competition to all Administrative Pros, but to all the other people jumping out of every other swim lane into to this one with you. I'm reminded of a Tacoma Meter-Reader job posting that had 1,400 applicants from literally every profession.

3. Tailor each cover letter to the company’s specific needs and your base of experience.

Generic cover letters get trash-canned right now. And don’t make the mistake of not including a cover letter at all because they didn’t specifically ask for one. You need to stand out from the crowd, and a targeted cover letter is a great way to do so.

4. Apply rigor and tenacity.

That’s what it takes right now. "A river cuts through rock not because of its power, but because of its persistence." - Jim Watkins

5. Make sure your materials and communications are 100% error free.

One typo can do you in. I pointed out a few typos and inconsistencies in a new client's resume recently to which he replied,"Well I don't want to work for a company that cares about a few typos in my resume!" Sorry Mr. Senior Marketing Manager, but the brutal truth is that right now you just don't have the luxury of that attitude. When employers are looking for any reason to reduce the huge stack of qualified applicants to a manageable few, they will assume that your typos mean that you will be sloppy with their marketing messaging. And they will go on to an equally qualified, typo-free candidate.

6. Don’t rely solely on job boards and posted positions.

Even where there are needs, fewer jobs are being posted because employers get overwhelmed when they do. (see #2)

7. Networking, networking, networking has to be one of your main strategies.

It can give you the earliest warning when a company has a hiring need and is essential to help you create job opportunities.

8. Fill a hole in your skill set.

If you keep seeing an area of knowledge you don’t have in the job postings you like, do something about it. Do self-study, take a class or offer barter to someone knowledgeable in the area. Offer your first attempts pro-bono to an organization in need to get some experience in the new area.

9. Be open to freelance work.

Great way to stay current, earn a bit and make connections/references.

10. Bone up on and follow industry trends and news.

What you learn will keep your knowledge relevant while you are out of work, tell you first who might be hiring, and provide useful networking entrees to them.

11. Push your boundaries.

Define your ideals, then broaden the scope a bit. To generate enough opportunities I tell my clients, “Be willing to drive further for an interview than you are willing to drive to work each day.” Once you are there you may find that the opportunity is so good that you change your mind on the drive being worth it. Or you meet someone you could carpool with.

12. Reset your salary expectations.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but when salaries have all come down with supply and demand, you can kill your chances of working at all by clinging to an old-economy expectation of matching your previous salary.

As one job seeker said to me recently, “I’ve given up on making $100K again, the jobs in my field just don't pay that anymore. I’ve been out so long that now I’d be happy with $50K. Half of something is far more than 100% of nothing.”

Sarah Needleman's full WSJ article: “Giving a Stalled Job Search a Jump-Start”

10 ways an interview is like a figure skating competition

2009-10-18T13:44:00.000-07:00

I am a closet competitive figure skating fan. Watching the ISU competition from France this morning, I was reminded why I love this sport so much. So much of it is mental, and to be world-class requires an amazing amount of hard work, dedication, determination, coaching and practice, practice, practice. In my opinion, just like interviewing.

I thought of 10 ways interviewing is like a figure skating competition:

1. You are judged by other people, but only really competing against yourself.

2. Both take rigorous practice before and between every performance.

3. Being in shape and building your stamina gives you a distinct advantage.

4. No one wins based on what they did last year – although reputation is important, winning THIS contest rests on THIS performance.

5. The right outfit and appearance reinforces rather than distracts the audience from you and your message.

6. There are standard elements that you must fulfill. However, you can’t win just on technical accuracy. You also need a certain amount of “artistry” or presentation points. In an interview, this means being likable and bonding with your interviewers.

7. No one is perfect; everyone makes mistakes. The trick is to pick yourself up quickly, finish your performance as flawlessly as possible, and practice to not make the same mistake again.

8. A huge component of success is belief in yourself. Some skaters who miss a jump early in their routine let it get in their head and then they miss all the rest. Winners shake it off and add extra elements to make up the difference in the points deducted.

9. Points are deducted for errors. Some of the most damaging errors come on the “easy” elements through a simple lapse in concentration.

10. Giving your best unfortunately doesn’t ensure a win. You can give the performance of your life and still lose to someone who gives a superior performance, which in an interview can be illustrating that they are a more perfect fit for the job in question.

Make your interviews a "no bashing" zone

2009-10-16T12:59:00.000-07:00

Most people know that it is very bad form in an interview to bash a former employer. As a reminder, just a few of the top reasons why:

1. Someone harboring resentments - or carrying any baggage about their past - is not as attractive of a job candidate as someone who is fully future focused and "mission ready."

2. There are two sides to every story, and it hurts your credibility to tell one side when you and the interviewer are just getting to know each other.

3. It makes you look indiscreet; the obvious question that can go through an interviewer's mind is, "If it doesn't work out here, what will s(he) tell the next person about me?"

If you have not fully resolved and left behind your last position or manager, try this approach: write about the situation and your feelings regarding it. Write letters to your former boss, co-workers, or anyone else - including yourself - that you are feeling resentment or any unresolved feelings toward. Let it all out and onto paper. Gather the letters, find a safe place like your fireplace or outdoor BBQ, and burn them. You WILL feel better getting it out and letting it all go.

Also remember that it can reflect negatively on you to appear to bash another company or individual that you've encountered during your job search and interview process.

It's easy during a period of unemployment to rack up hurt feelings and "funny" stories recalling various interviewer gaffs.

The very nature of the process where you are working to bond with a new interviewer can lend itself to these stories sneaking out. As funny as they may sound to you, for all of the reasons above your previous interview anecdotes are not appropriate to share in future interviews!

As innocent as it may sound to you to tell someone that another company "didn't even have the decency to follow up with you after your interview," statements like this can hurt your candidacy for the new position.

If anything you say about anyone else - former employers and other interviewers alike - could possibly be categorized by someone else who doesn't know you as coming from a perspective of either "innocent victim" or "righteous indignation," nix it immediately.

An interviewer only has this one sample of you to determine who you are and what your priorities are. They don't know you well enough to realize that you don't really see yourself as a victim, so that negative impression is their most likely take-away.

Make volunteering part of your job search

2009-10-15T09:24:00.001-07:00

I always tell clients that while they are unemployed one thing they should plan into their schedule is to volunteer. The payoff is enormous on many levels.

A colleague, Harry Urschel, wrote a great blog post listing 10 things the unemployed get out of volunteering, and sharing an actual story illustrating the rewards for his client-volunteer.

It's too good not to share.

Give Before You Get - how doing good aids your job search.

Over 55 or under, some truths about a successful job search

2009-10-14T11:09:00.000-07:00

According to a recent Reuters article, a study conducted by the MetLife Mature Market Institute shows that record numbers of workers over 55 now plan to work until age 69. Dept of Labor projections are quoted as indicating that the 55+ population will account for an astounding nearly 93% net increase in the U.S. Civilian Labor Force between 2006-2016.

Those are significant numbers, and older workers need special help succeeding in the current economy. This article has much that they would be advised to take to heart. However not to discount the plight of older workers cracking the employment nut, I saw much in this article that I found true and useful for younger job seekers as well.

The article lists "The Significant Seven" most common mistakes older Americans make when they are looking for a job as evidenced by various types of faulty thinking.

I meet lots of younger folks who fall into the same flawed thinking. I recommend whatever your age you question if you are making any of these fatal assumptions: (I've added my notes after each of the seven)

1. "I"ll just do what I did before."

(reality: ALL work evolves rapidly, especially in a time of radical cost-cutting.)

2. "My experience speaks for itself."

(reality: NO ONE's experience speaks for itself right now. Even your "letter-sweater" experience needs a more readable resume and positioning in a field glutted with extraordinary talent.)

3. "I don't have time for this touchy-feely stuff about what work means to me."

(reality: in a market where readily available talent far outstrips demand, passion for the work itself and/or the product will be the decider between you and the other qualified candidates.)

4. "I know! I'll just be a consultant."

(reality: it just takes clients. Have you kept a vital network of potential clients to call on, and do you know what unique value proposition you are offering them? Hmm, same steps needed to conduct a job search, but over and over again...)

5. "Of course I'm good with computers."

(reality: use of technology in business and hiring has evolved extremely rapidly. Almost anyone who has been holding down a full time job rather than following this evolution is out-of-date. "Good with computers" no longer just means processing data in Word and Excel; it increasingly means engaging in conversation about the implications of data via LinkedIn, Facebook, blogs, Twitter...)

6. "I'll just use a recruiter for some career coaching."

(reality: recruiters don't do career coaching, they sell you what they have clients buying. And they do not have clients buying right now. The recruiting industry has shed jobs widely and is rapidly evolving too.)

7. "I've always been successful, so why should things be different now?"

(reality: we are in a different economic condition and have experienced rapid and widespread job losses as well as increased competition. Thinking it SHOULD be different than it is, is not as helpful as acknowledging how things ARE.)

OK, enough of the bad news. I really try to focus on the positive in my blog.

There were five tips for 55+ job seekers that I agree with wholeheartedly, and also feel are quite relevant at any age. Again I have listed them with my thoughts after each:

1. Acknowledge the Realities of the Job Market.

(reality: you are defenseless against something you deny exists. I see job seekers of all ages use flawed strategies and beat themselves up because of denying that things are the way they are right now.)

2. Reframe Your Experience to Demonstrate Future Value.

(reality: no one gets to rest on their laurels right now. Every hiring manager wants to know what you will do for him or her now and in the future.)

3. Nuture Your Network.

(reality: now more than ever, essential to get hired at any age. Amen, amen, amen.)

4. DOS is Dead - Update Your Computer Skills.

(reality: even if you left a high-tech job six months ago, this applies to you! Tick-tock, tick-tock, technological evolution marches along.)

5. Do the Math - then Manage Your Ambivalence.

(reality: job seekers at all ages who haven't worked out how they really feel about working and about specific opportunities run the risk of sabotaging themselves. Slow down and think things through. I guarantee it will make your process go faster, not slower.)

To read the full article: Buddy Can You Spare a Job? MetLife Mature Market Institute Study Examines the Aging Boomer Workforce and Provides Steps for Older Job-Seekers.

Some thoughts on finding your calling

2009-10-12T16:50:00.000-07:00

Not everyone knows what they want to do right away. Some people have done what they thought they wanted to do, only to find it unfulfilling. Some folks have found their work fulfilling for a while or even many years, but then realize that their interest in it has run it's course and it is time for something new.

I meet a fair number of people who feel that everyone else must have gotten clear direction about what their "calling" is except them.

If you are among them, know that many people don't have a clear calling; it's not just you. Also, most "callings" whisper and hint to get your attention rather than beat you over the head with a 2x4. You can miss the subtle signs steering you in the right direction if all you are watching for is a bolt of lightening.

To recognize your "calling:"

1. Be patient and OK with not knowing exactly what you want yet. It will come easier to you without the pressure of your timetable.

2. Quit comparing yourself. To others who appear to know what they want; to family members, and even to your own expectations. Question assumptions about the value of certain types of work.

3. Treat yourself like a research project and take copious notes about what you notice.

4. Get to know yourself. Taking assessments (DiSC is great for this) can help you understand yourself, your tendencies, strengths and likes.

5. Pay attention to your interest and energy level. Notice when you procrastinate certain tasks, are distracted while doing them, and when you lose track of time performing other tasks.

6. Be open to feedback in the form of praise and complaints about your strengths and preferences. Take out the judgement and hear all feedback as information.

7. Be available and open to trying many new things. If the goal is learning, there is no such thing as making a mistake - even if what you learned is that you weren't good at or didn't enjoy something.

8. Pay attention to what you like and don't like. Take notes.

9. Dissect your experiences to learn from them: reflect on what exactly made a positive experience positive for you. Separate the elements of your experience to reflect on your specific reaction to them. Did you enjoy the type of people you interfaced with, your role or the actual functions you performed, or the environment you were in? In the same way don't throw out neutral or positive elements in a negative experience: think "well at least I liked..."

10. Pay attention to processes as well as content. If you grow bored with any new challenge after conquering it, notice the likes and dislikes in your process: it is possible that no one content will be able to satisfy you as much as a certain level of variety and challenge.

Paying attention to your subtle likes and dislikes is like sailing and shifting your sails ever so slightly as you learn to read the winds. In no time you may just find yourself doing "what you are called to do."

The power of a Belief System

2009-10-06T12:52:00.000-07:00

"To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe." - Anatole France

What you believe is what you will experience. People who tire of positive messages and quotes don't really get this fact: in a job search or in sports, you can't exceed your beliefs. A solid belief system not only enables improbable to impossible performance - it is absolutely necessary for it to occur.

The Mariner's 2009 season is over without any playoff games. As a fan I am completely pleased with the the team's performance this year. As the saying goes, they hit it out of the ballpark.

Casual fans don't realize what an amazing feat this team accomplished this year. Knowing the enormity of what they did, it warmed my heart to stay at Safeco Field long after the game Sunday, watching the guys do something I have never seen before. They stayed on the field to hug each and every one of their teammates. FSN baseball analyst and former pitcher Bill Krueger said that in his years in the sport he had never seen anything like it either.

What did the Mariners accomplish? In 2008 they had over 100 losses. They ended the 2009 with a record of 85 wins, 77 losses. If you're new to baseball stats, that's eight games over .500 (winning as many games as you lose).

Here's the stunning part: they are only the 13th team in MLB history to follow a hundred-loss season with an over .500 season. It just doesn't happen!

How did they do it? Don Wakamatsu, as a first year manager (and my total coach-crush), instilled in the guys a winning belief system. He worked with them to respect themselves, their teammates, and their opponents. And to believe that they could win.

"To succeed, we must first believe that we can." - Michael Korda

Wak caught a lot of grief from the media about his frequent mentions of the importance of a belief system. As I said in a previous blog, there's no shortage of free advice from the peanut gallery. And there is a reason it's free and Wak is managing. The proof is in how this team came together and what they achieved.

If you want to win the game of getting a great job, take your first lesson from Wak's playbook. Don't discount positive messages and beliefs in their ability to clear the way to get you there.

Look at what you are telling yourself, and if it is not positive work on making it so. Visualize and believe in a successful outcome.

"The thing always happens that you really believe in; and the belief in a thing makes it happen." - Frank Lloyd Wright

The best motivational video!

2009-09-29T13:27:00.000-07:00

More ways baseball is like a job search

2009-09-28T16:03:00.000-07:00

More thoughts on the job search = baseball analogy:

1. What gets measured gets done. Measuring performance improves performance. There are a zillion statistics kept on every aspect of the game of baseball and each ballplayer's individual performance.

Why? Because they inform decisions that improve performance: if a player bats much higher against righties than lefties, the decision will be made for him to sit out against opposing left-handed pitchers. Improve results in your job search by measuring the specifics of your job search.

2. You can have an absolute stinker of a few days, like all the Seattle sports teams did this weekend - and still need to go back out the next week and start a new campaign.

3. It can help you get out of a slump by radically shaking things up. Break your game down to the very basics, then build it back up from there.

4. Streaks are made to be broken. Ichiro's long-standing streak of never going longer than two games without a hit was broken this weekend, starting with him doing #9 (from Friday's list) and getting tossed from Saturday's game.

5. A broken streak won't keep any player out of a game; they'll shrug it off and start another streak of one in the next game.

6. Part of coaching is taking the heat for your players. When Ichiro argued the strike call with the ump, Wak immediately ran out and got between them. Coaches know their job is to deliver the tough message that will get them thrown out instead of their players. Still, if the team isn't performing, the coach will be scapegoated.

7. Anyone can go from "Hero to Goat" or from "Goat to Hero" with one play.

8. Showing what you can do trumps saying what you can do every time.

How a job search is like baseball

2009-09-24T08:32:00.000-07:00

Even Ken Griffey Jr. takes batting practice and goes through spring training.

I love baseball. I love helping people succeed in their job search. I can't believe it took me a year and a half of blogging to write this post.

24 ways a job search is like baseball:

1. There is a high failure rate; it’s impossible for anyone to bat 1.000. A .300 batting average - failing twice as often as you succeed - is Hall of Fame level performance.

2. You can't win from the bench; you need to step up to the plate.

3. It’s a game of inches. Winning involves doing all the little things right.

4. You need to be confident and humble at the same time. Showing up an Ump will get you more called strikes. Showing up the other team can have you hearing "chin music."

5. Natural talent will only take you so far. Those with a solid work ethic will vastly surpass those with talent alone.

6. Spring training before the season starts is essential to work out the kinks before the games count.

7. Not every hit will be a home run. Your job is often to just get on base. Many times it’s only possible to hit a single (get through the phone screen.)

8. You need to touch them all; you can only get to second base (first interview) from first base. You can only get to third base (second interview) from second. The only way to score is to make it all the way around the base path to home plate without getting picked off.

9. Sometimes you’ll disagree with the ump’s call, but right or wrong, it stands. Arguing a call will only get you thrown out of the game and labeled a poor sport.

10. Play your own position. We each have different strengths. Not everyone is a catcher; not everyone can pitch. You’re the most marketable at the position you play the best.

11. Everyone commits errors. Learn from them so that you don’t make the same error in the same situation again.

12. You can’t steal second base with your foot on first. You need to assume some risk.

13. The game goes until there is a winner. There is no set time limit like other sports. Some games are over in two hours, some go much, much longer than that. You can't know ahead of time.

14. There’s always plenty of free advice coming from the peanut gallery. There's a reason it's free.

15. You can see the whole game the most clearly with your back to the crowd. Remember it’s the catcher who calls the pitches.

16. You will get thrown curve balls, fast balls, change ups and splitters. Batters take batting practice before every game so that they are ready for whatever is thrown their way.

17. A winning pitcher has thoroughly scouted the other team so he knows what to throw to each hitter.

18. Decisions of who to add to the team are not made for sentimental reasons. They are made to fill perceived gaps in making the team more competitive.

19. You can be cut at any time in favor of someone playing your position better than you.

20. There’s more to the game than your individual statistics. No matter how good a player you are, you need to also build up the team around you – be a team player, a “good clubhouse guy.”

21. A win is a win – in the next day’s box score, a 1-0 win counts the same as a 14-2 win.

22. Anyone can have a disastrous day. You can’t afford to dwell on it and create a slump. Ballplayers shake it off then give their all the next day in “a whole new ballgame.”

23. A good coach can make all the difference between winning and losing. No one serious about winning would attempt to coach themselves. As well as overall strategy, coaching maximizes individual skills - batters improve their average working with a batting coach, pitchers with a pitching coach…

24. A "suicide squeeze" is not named that by accident. If you force an employer to say "yes or no" before they are ready, 9 out of 10 times their answer will be "no."

I know I've only cracked the surface with the first 24. What can you add to the list? Comments and suggestions MOST welcome!

Playing "Whack a Mole" with your job search

2009-09-22T12:08:00.000-07:00

Today I'm adding some new content to an article I originally posted on June 9, 2009 under the title, "Making Your Job Search Count." From the feedback on my original post it helped a lot of people, so I'm adding to and re-releasing it.

I recently went to the Puyallup Fair, and had success at my favorite carnival game. The game is played by placing a rubber frog onto a "launching pad" of sorts, and whacking the trigger with a mallet, which launches the frog into the air. Prizes are won by landing your frogs on the target. I hit the target with two of my three frogs, so I walked away with a fairly large stuffed animal - yep, a frog.

That mallet got me thinking how some people treat their job search like a game of "Whack a Mole." They chase this way and that, hoping that this next site for job postings will be THE ONE, the next place they post their resume will be THE ONE, the next networking meeting will be THE ONE, the next recruiter they meet will be THE ONE that holds the holy grail for them...

They come to feel exhausted, and totally out of control. One new client confessed that he has 53 versions of his resume. Exhausting! Not to mention, who are you when there are so many versions of yourself?

They are not seeing their job search as a process and controlling what they can. So they keep "Whacking at Moles," hoping to hit THE ONE.

In my experience only stuffed animals are won by playing "Whack a Mole." A winning job search is not so random; it is a process with four high level steps: Plan - Define - Let People Know - Assess & Decide.

Defining what you are looking for makes having 53 versions of your resume unnecessary. You are who you are, and if you think through what you want to contribute there is no reason to try to be everything to everyone.

And especially right now, hiring managers are smarter than that: if you are talking yourself into, and modifying yourself to appear to fit a position, I can guarantee that at least one of the other people who applied fits it more naturally. I maintain that you are the most marketable where your strengths match your preferences. Stick to that place to get better results.

Consider the Define phase of your job search complete with the creation of your "Define Deliverables": (you can even print this as a checklist)
__ Employment goals defined (I use a "6x6" model)
__ Resume complete
__ LinkedIn profile complete
__ Basic cover letter complete (ready to customize each time)
__ Elevator pitch complete
__ Soundbite lite (6 word definition) complete
__ Business cards printed
__ LinkedIn connections made through existing address book
__ References asked to serve, updated on your goals
__ LinkedIn recommendations given (trust me, you will receive them back)
__ Other actions that build your online credibility and brand complete

Counting and measuring is a way to control what you can in your job search. It can keep you sane and motivated when you feel that you're not making progress, by showing that you really are getting somewhere - even before you win the ultimate prize.

After creating the Deliverables that Define You, set goals and track your progress toward them. This is another place where people who know better fail to apply the same tools to their job search that they apply on the job everyday. A client who is a Project Manager recently confessed that he had fallen out of the habit of even keeping a "To Do" list. Augghh, he knows better, but is playing "Whack a Mole" instead.

A job search is a numbers game. If you want to win, put in the numbers and keep track of your actions to reward yourself and stay motivated until you see your end goal realized.

Measure actions toward your goal. What CAN BE CONTROLLED, and SHOULD BE MEASURED:

__ Hours spent productively on your job search. After setting goals for hours per per day or week, monitor and reward yourself. Want traction? If you are not currently working, spend 30 productive hours per week.

__ Outreach per day/week. Want traction? Set a goal of 5 per day of any of these:
__ Applications to postings
__ New connections in LinkedIn
__ Resumes sent to a contact
__ Meetings for coffee, lunch, drinks, a walk...
__ Requesting informationals
__ Associations joined, meetings attended
__ Volunteer activities conducted

__ Opportunities in play. Want traction? Set a goal of at least 25 open at any given time. These include:
__ Outstanding applications
__ Networking seeds planted
__ Referrals from contacts

__ Your conversion rate. if not within current market expectations, your conversion rate on any of the below helps pinpoint issues to work on.
__ Hearing anything vs. nothing after applying to a posting
__ Resumes submitted to phone screens
__ Phone screens to interviews
__ Coffees to introductions to a new contact
__ Informational requests to meetings
__ Interviews to next interviews - first to second, second to third, etc.
__ Interviews to requests for references
__ References called / background checks to offers

Is playing "Whack a Mole" with your job search leaving you feeling scattered and drained? Walk away from the arcade. Change the game, get a better result.

p.s. via YouTube, no kittens were harmed in the making of the "Whack A Kitty" video.

Happiness: It's All in Your Head

2009-09-16T21:35:00.000-07:00

It's time to share another of my favorite books about growing your own happiness quotient. I love this book so much, I think it's going to take a few posts to highlight why.

Yes there are good signs that the economy is perking up, but for job candidates staying positive and keeping your motivation up are two essential keys to success that are SO very hard to accomplish while you are in it.

A minor setback can feel like a total kick in the gut unless you're paying close attention and monitoring your attitudes so that they don't interfere with the actions you want to take.

From Chapter 1, "It's All in Your Head"

"The keys to a fulfilled, joyous life are all in your head because they are attitudes, not actions. They're ways you need to think, not steps you need to take.

True happiness comes not from material, or external, factors, but from psychological, or internal factors. Happiness is a mental, not a physical state.

The good news is that this means that each and every one of us has the potential to be happy. The bad news is that your happiness is your own responsibility.

Part of our problem today, one reason we so readily look for happiness through materialism, is that we confuse pleasure with happiness. The former is a sensual feeling, the latter is spiritual.

A new attitude may not be able to change the world, but it can change your world. And that's nothing to sneeze at. The world is changed one person at a time."

See, that's plenty to chew on for one day.

10 job search tips for right now

2009-09-15T10:01:00.000-07:00

1. All work is honorable.

2. If you've slacked a bit because of summer or the economy, develop this mantra: "The summer is over, the recession is over - I'm ready to get back to work."

3. Busy people get more done. And, non value-added activities expand to fill time. Therefore:

Build a list and plan each day to get done what you need and want to. Remember how busy you were when you were working? Be busy - and industrious - again, and get more done.

4. Honor commitments you make to yourself via your daily list and otherwise.

A great example is that many people want to get in better shape by adopting an exercise routine. Working out is extremely beneficial to your job search! Let's face it, you need something you can control. When you control this you'll feel better about yourself physically, mentally and emotionally - making you more confident and available to potential employers.

5. Do the hardest thing on your list first each day. After you've crossed it off, the rest is gravy.

6. Savor compliments and build on successes. Just had a great phone call? Pat yourself on the back (briefly) and make another call. Right now.

7. Watch for a tendency to over analyze, over design, over produce, second guess or tweak-tweak-tweak (your resume, each cover letter, your portfolio, website, or LinkedIn profile....)

Bust yourself in an age-old stalling tactic and DARE TO BE AVERAGE instead! Your average probably outshines others' best.

8. Numbers, numbers, numbers. "When in doubt, mail it out."

9. Avoid black or white, yes or no, and all or nothing thinking. About industries, companies, type or level of job, people... Don't hear "no" when it's not being said, and don't tell yourself "no" too quickly. Open yourself up to far more possibility by applying expansive, "what if" thinking.

An example: Networking isn't about "This person can help me today or not." It's about multiple touch points to build real relationships with people who may or may not be able to help you in the future. Guess what - any networking contact could just as easily turn out to be someone who needs your help instead of being able to help you. Don't network for an ROI. It doesn't work. Network to be a good person and help others, and good will come back to you.

10. How you conduct your job search and yourself in it, is the best evidence to any employer of how you will be on the job.

Care about others, take initiative and work hard on your job search, and they will believe it when you say you'll contribute to their team, take initiative and work hard on the job.

Make it all about you - what you need, want, or heaven forbid, "deserve" - and you will raise legitimate concerns with potential employers that you would do the same on their nickel. No employer can afford that right now.

Emotional Intelligence - the ultimate transferrable skill

2009-09-12T16:31:00.000-07:00

Was forwarded an interesting article from the Boston Globe: 'Emotional Intelligence' a new hiring criterion.

The label is new, but not the concept: we all know that we'd rather work with people who are pleasant to be around for the eight or more hours per day we spend in the workplace. The factors usually described as Emotional Intelligence (EQ) give us some great specific hints as to why that is true.

From Erica Noonan's article:

"EQ comprises a collection of so-called "soft" skills, including self-awareness, an understanding of how your mood and behavior affect others; impulse control, including how you manage stress on the job; initiative, whether or not you can be counted on to report to work on time, manage your own time, and meet expectations; and the ability to lead and motivate others. But empathy - the ability to understand and acknowledge another's point of view - is the big enchilada."

(Surprisingly, "Optimism" which seems to always included was not on this list.)

I can't tell you the number of clients who have listed "leadership" as one of their top skills without pairing it with empathy, self-awareness or impulse control. In my opinion without these other elements "leadership" and "initiative" will only get you so far, until the perception of them turns to "manipulative" or "tyrant."

Back to the article: "Some good news for older job candidates: older workers tend to have more emotional intelligence, usually through hard-won experience." Hmmm, more than the entitlement generation, they tend to know that it's not all about them.

I couldn't agree more with the point made that the emphasis on EQ isn't about a "kinder, gentler workplace." On the contrary, as Noonan points out, when globazation and technology drive a growing business emphasis on communication, cooperation and teamwork, EQ is about being successful at any job - helping your company gain the competitive edge. Study after study shows that those - in almost every field - with more EQ outperform those who score lower.

If you're currently looking for work, I can't recommend this strongly enough: as well as doing your research on companies and maybe brushing up on your technical or social media skills, do some work to increase your EQ. A great place to start is with Daniel Goleman's seminal work on the subject. Happy reading!

Job Search 101

2009-09-10T09:21:00.000-07:00

If you see a notice or posting of a job you might be interested in, read the entire thing. If it is a notice with a link attached for more information, click on the link and read the additional information.

This is one of those basics I just can't believe people don't do, but some don't. Not to be snarky, but unemployed people - seriously, you don't have time to read the whole posting before responding?!?

I am excited by recent signs that the job market is picking back up. Even though there is much talk about a "jobless recovery," since I know a lot of people I am being forwarded more OPEN JOBS by contacts, asking if I can help get the word out that they are looking for candidates.

I am happy to take a moment to spread the word about a great job to people who are looking for work! But again at the risk of being snarky since do I know a lot of people, if I don't do this efficiently it could take up all of my time without being compensated by either side, and a girl's got a mortgage to pay.

The most efficient way for me is to share job information is to post it as a status update on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook. With a few I've posted recently I've been appalled at the number of people who misunderstood; they either contacted me as if it was my opening, or pinged me back asking how to apply - when if they had clicked on the link I attached it says "Apply Here."

They obviously didn't read my "140 characters or less" message carefully enough to understand who was hiring the position and how to contact them.

Please folks - slow down before you fire off an email and READ THE WHOLE MESSAGE. I'll keep doing this unpaid public service for you, if you will try just a little harder to help me help you.

Are you living the good life?

2009-09-07T11:00:00.000-07:00

I thought Labor Day was the perfect time to share this wonderful 3 minute video by Mark Albion promoting his book, "More Than Money."

Many thanks to Helen for sending this my way.

More thoughts on when you know its time to leave your job

2009-09-03T15:51:00.001-07:00

it has felt a little odd to be talking about the warning signs that you should leaver your job when so many great people would be happy to just have a job right now.

It's caused me to want to space out my conversation over this week, with content specifically for the unemployed interspersed with more for the "painfully employed."

Not to discount the need to remove yourself from a no-win situation, a job that ruins your Sunday nights because you dread the Monday morning that follows, one in which you are having nightmares, physical symptoms, feeling worse and worse about yourself, or one that feels you leaving that life is passing you by without you contributing or enjoying it enough.

We each steer by our compass and know when the time comes to set a new course. The trick is to start your course correction early and gently, before you are at the point where it is too painful and you are too emotional or beat down to extricate yourself in a positive way.

Especially in the current economy I'd encourage you to heed the early warning signs to make a change, but stay stealth while you build the foundation of an exit strategy. That includes updating your resume and online profiles, building out your connections and building a list of target companies.

And sadly, don't trust ANYONE at your employment with the fact that you want to leave. I have seen more clients than you would believe burned by doing so.

Soul-sucking employment frequently involves being underemployed: not able to use your talents, not being listened to or respected, not being able to do a quality job, disparity among co-workers, accountability unequal to authority.... the list goes on.

But, before you whine on Facebook about your long hours or the fact that someone else got the plum project or trip you were angling for, please be sensitive to your former co-workers who will read your post. Many would gladly work those long hours right now.

BTW, In my years in this field I have never seen so much TOP TALENT on the street. In one regard this recession hit like a game of musical chairs; if you are lucky to have stayed in a seat when the music stopped, remember that you could have just as easily been the "odd man out."

Back to some of the warning signs:

For one reader it is not having a voice in a very bureaucratic environment, when even with less experience her ideas were welcome and considered at her last job.

A client a few years ago shared that he had to get out because, "I'll wear a tie to work everyday and be a professional, and I'll punch a time clock so that every single minute is accounted for - but not on the same job. It should be one or the other."

TR wrote in: "Unfortunately I have discovered that it was time to leave several times in my career and didn't do anything until it got very very bad. I call it infernal optimism - I always believe that it will get better until the situation is making me ill. This job is at the "infernal optimism" point even though I should have learned after all these years. I have a mantra that the commute is easy, the pay is good, the health benefits are good and I like the people I directly work with but that mantra is not good enough. The satisfaction of being able to do a good job is not there and is unlikely to ever be."

A friend became very ill, and only realized after being away from her job for some time and going back that it was definitely a huge contributing factor.

More early warning signs of trouble brewing that you should listen to:

Your boss apologizes for hiring you, and says, "You're too good for this place."

When your supervisor asks you to status all of your current projects, some of them not due for months, but he needs that status RIGHT NOW.

Your boss asks if your resume is up to date, because, he tells you, "Between you and me, I'm starting to look around outside of the company."

The accounting and/or HR people are having extra, closed door meetings and looking worried. Or your paycheck bounces.

Your boss asks you, "Do you really think you're a good fit for this type of work?"

You realize you've successfully taught the receptionist how to do your whole job in addition to her own.

They announce there will be floor by floor group meetings tomorrow, all at the same time, when you've never all gotten together floor by floor before.

When the owner takes home wall hangings that have been up for years, because they are "personal, not company property."

You see a shortage of packing boxes on your floor, and then since you're paying attention, you notice that your co-workers have fewer and fewer personal effects in their personal space.

A sobering story: one client saw the handwriting on the wall and asked if he was going to be laid off or let go. He was told no, but in fact was let go the next day.

Thank you Warren and Tom for the reminder: the best day to start planning for your next job is the day you start the one before.

Avoid this job - my new favorite blog!

2009-09-03T15:27:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for employment or just want to feel better about the job you have, you MUST check out Avoid This Job.

Feeling desperate for a job? Checking out some of these doosies will help you realize that maybe you're not that desperate - you always still have choice.

A river cuts through rock, not because of its power...

2009-09-02T09:00:00.000-07:00

"A river cuts through rock, not because of its power,
but because of its persistence." - Jim Watkins

Before we return to "how you know it's time to leave a job," a quick note of encouragement for my currently non-working job candidate clients. I couldn't agree more that having deposited your children in school, September is a great time to re-vitalize your job search with renewed vigor, energy and determination.

Was chatting with a client yesterday who changed jobs a year and a half ago, before the economy tanked. Being a numbers guy, he kept track of his process:

He applied for 157 positions.
He got 10 interviews.
He received 4 offers, 2 of which were contract/temporary.

This was before 2009 when according to one survey over 40% of companies have laid off staff and 70% have instituted a hiring freeze... which one could speculate has put current job seekers in competition with 60% more candidates for 30% of the jobs that used to be available.

Achieving success today is not impossible. (Congrats to the client who just accepted a great position and is starting next week!)

It takes fortitude and numbers. BIG numbers. The current situation would suggest 3-4 times the numbers my client used in early 2008. Today that same candidate would likely have to:

Apply to 471 - 628 positions.
To get 10 - 20 interviews.
To get 2 offers, 1 most likely contract/temporary.

Keep at it, your persistence will pay off! Work to stay positive and not take it personally that your search is taking longer with more applications and networking connections. EVERYONE's is. Be the river that keeps flowing over more and more rocks - and you will succeed!

Briefly, another positive economic indicator

2009-09-01T07:18:00.000-07:00

I'll return to our series about "when you know it's time to leave your job" tomorrow. But for today, I couldn't resist sharing some positive, thought and joke-provoking news.

Yesterday's Washington Post included the article: Blue Chip, White Cotton: What Underwear Says About the Economy.

I love a good news story... and it is SO important for job candidates to keep their spirits up by noticing signs that the economy is coming around.

The MUI, or Men's Underwear Index (I am not making this up!) is fairly simple: "Underwear sales for men are typically stable because the product is a universal necessity. During tough economic times, however, sales dip as men try to space out their purchases."

Insert your own joke here.

Let me just say I love everyday economics. (Still waiting for a follow up to the awesome book Freakonomics.) I did not know that men's underwear is an almost $5 billion dollar business, or that men buy an average of 3.4 pairs of underwear per year.

2009 is the first year since the MUI has been tracked that sales have declined rather than risen. However, the good news is that sales have shown a rebound over the past two months. Like other consumer products, while high end ($30+ per pair) sales are still sluggish, sales of less expensive (under $10 per pair) and multi-packs have perked up recently, showing up to double-digit growth.

If you must, insert your own joke here.

But seriously. I routinely advise clients who are about to interview to splurge for a good haircut - whether they think they need it or not.

If you are one of the many who have cut back on replacements and are sending out your "B" team, buy yourself a new pair of skivvies for interview day. It might just be the little secret that puts a bounce back in your step and confidence back in your demeanor.

It's time to leave your job when...

2009-08-31T06:54:00.001-07:00

First a huge thank you for everyone who wrote in sharing their experiences of when they realized it was time to put the wheels in motion for an exit. There were a lot of sobering warning signs; it will take a few days to cover your input.

One collegue aptly summed up the topic with, "When you feel like you are dying inside." There are themes to the reasons for this feeling.

Since many more people leave bosses than leave companies, the first group has to be about bad bosses.

An eloquent first-hand account of how one bad boss can take down a healthy organization:

"I tend to avoid the obvious at times...like the little whisper in my head saying, 'Get out now!' I, like many others, have reported to invidivuals who were likely advanced to a level beyond their capability (the Peter Principle comes to mind) - and just stuck it out. For me, other team members that I admired and felt were stellar, weighed into my decision to stay. So, the erosion began. Instead of being excited about being at work, and inspite of doing great work myself with the stellar ones, releasing great products, I brought a ton of anxiety and frustration home with me everyday. No matter how or where the conversation started, it would end with a tirade on the ineptness around the office. When the astonishment of witnessing turned-to-the-wall blank stares, mis- or no communication whatsoever, lack of substance and lack of respect began to keep me awake at night, I knew things were out of control. It was (beyond) time to go. In the two years of one person's tenure (they eventually were asked to leave), the company had gone from having a sense of growth and balance internally, to lopsided, uninspiring and even laughable. The silver lining in this is that I learned a ton about myself...what I can do, what I will do and what I want to do and for whom. I made the decision to be my own boss in 2000 and as hard as that is at times, I'm in control." - JM

12 More:

1. You hate your boss.

2. You don't respect your boss.

3. You don't trust your boss.

4. Your boss had you take the fall for him/her.

5. Your boss put pressure on you to do something illegal or unethical.

6. You realize your boss has no political clout whatsoever and is riding it out to retirement. The longer you stay the more you will also be marginalized.

7. You have nightmares about your boss about every other night... and stomach pains when thinking about work.

8. You realize your boss hasn't talked to you in three months. And you work in a two person office.

9. The new boss doesn't make any effort to get to know you... then you see your job posted on craigslist.

10. The new boss pops in to ask you a quick question, and "accidentally" leaves the company guidelines for terminating an employee behind when he leaves.

11. You find out there is a betting pool on how long you will stay working for your new boss: You know you're in trouble when...

12. Your boss decides to retire suddenly, insisting there be no party. He does a walk-through to say goodbye to everyone individually. When he gets to you, you wish him well. He gives you a little hug and says, "I'm really sorry for everything." You have no idea what he's talking about - but realize you soon will.

When did you know it was time to leave your job?

2009-08-28T08:46:00.000-07:00

Yesterday's blog Epiphanies Happen struck a cord with a lot of people. They passed it on to others, (thank you so much!) and contacted me directly to say how much it resonated with them.

It seems that almost all of us have had that feeling, (and some are having it now) that this is it, I have to leave. I mentioned just a few of them yesterday. I think that hearing about the last straw that caused others to realize it was definitely time to leave their job can inspire those still looking for their sign.

Some stories entertain as they educate. I've written about a client who learned after six months on the job that there was a betting pool on how long she would last working for her manager. People always seem to enjoy my earthquake story. The client who walked out of the meeting and kept walking is somewhat of a folk hero to people who still work for the company she left.

I want to collect and publish your stories. When did you know it was time to leave your job? What were the signs? If that time is now, what signs tell you so?

Send them to me as comments to this post, or better yet as an email and I'll filter your information to protect your anonymity.

I'll collect your stories all weekend, and publish them as a blog post Monday. Your story could be the one that inspires someone else to follow their dream! I can't wait to hear it and share it.

Epiphanies happen

2009-08-26T20:26:00.001-07:00

And when they do, they come as a clear sign: I am done with this job or this company (or most often, this boss) and now it is a matter of time to put together an effective exit strategy.

Starting a process of disengaging by exploring other positions and/or your strengths and preferences can actually help you recognize an unacceptable situation and stop putting up with it. There is a knowing that you deserve better that comes from starting your "what if" ball rolling.

Not everyone has as clear a sign as my experience talking to God during an earthquake. Nor does everyone have the courage and resources to walk out of a meeting being conducted inappropriately and just keep walking, as one recent client did.

Some clients engage with me when they feel underutilized in their work or disrespected. They vent, but it can be hard to take action when the comfort and security of even a job that no longer suits you is surrounding you like a warm blanket.

This may sound odd or even callous, but be grateful for the straw that breaks the camel's back, so to speak. Whatever pushes you to not just tolerate feeling bad at work, and lights the fire for you to say, "No more!" is truly a blessing, albeit wrapped in worker’s clothes.

Use it to give you the inspiration, initiative and courage to take the actions needed to move on to something better for you.

On gratitude

2009-08-24T08:37:00.000-07:00

"Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but also the parent of all the others." – Cicero

Being grateful for the low times as well as the high times is an art and a virtue. The way I learned this as a child was, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” And of course builds your character. I take this to mean being grateful for whatever happens, especially when I don’t see the gift in it right away.

Everything, whether we judge it good or bad at the time, is an opportunity and a gift. Some gifts are more apparent, others will only reveal why they were just right for us at a later time.“Good” news, “bad” news – in labeling we limit possibilities. Gratitude is a skill that we can improve with practice.

"The longer we dwell on our misfortunes, the greater is their power to harm us." - Voltaire

- first posted April 30, 2008

How he did it

2009-08-20T09:24:00.000-07:00

A very senior and expensive client inked a fabulous new employment agreement last week. Proof that even as the recession lifts ever so slowly, there are great jobs out there for those willing to do the work to get them.

My client's story is a classic one of job creation; a path not for the lazy or faint of heart, but one that almost ensures a job you will love, since it is suited perfectly to you.

We celebrated his success and wished him well in this week's Monday morning Group Progress Coaching Session. As is tradition, he shared highlights (and lowlights) of his job search process and lessons learned with the group.

I am grateful to be able to share them with you.

1. The first thing we did together was clarify his employment goals. From that I updated and positioned his resume.

2. Early on he sought out and contacted recruiters. They turned out to be a waste of time and distraction of false hope; none proved fruitful.

In one case a recruiter told him he wasn't going to put him forward for a certain job with a local company because he hadn't worked in that exact industry. He was subsequently introduced to the same company by a personal contact, and they turned out to be very interested in him, and came close to a deal.

3. He was diligent about finding postings, and on average probably applied to 6-8 per week. He researched all well and customized cover letters.

4. He both talked to and expanded his network. He told them what he was looking to do and asked them to keep an eye out for opportunities.

5. He was a regular member of our Monday morning Group Progress Coaching Sessions, and said that they were much more vital to his success than he had expected.

Being someone with steady employment who rarely took vacations, they gave him "work" to go to starting every Monday. Not just a place to go, he admitted that the support and coaching was invaluable as this was the first time his confidence had ever really been shaken.

FYI - this recession has been one for the books - hitting job candidates who have always made easy transitions before especially hard.

6. He said the work we did over a series of four Mondays to refine each candidates' positioning, elevator pitch and sound bite was invaluable both in helping him clarify his unique value proposition, and for him to practice, polish and perfect expressing it to others.

7. He focused on industries related to his previous ones as well as his most recent one.

8. He said that "Make it easy for them to hire you." was a key piece of advice I had given him, and served as a guide for many of his actions.

9. His opportunity came through talking with an old friend who now works for a different company, but he executed to make it happen.

a. He researched the company thoroughly, and had exploratory conversations with his inside contact regarding what they might be missing with their current business strategies. He analyzed where he would grow the business if it were his, and did the numbers to project the potential.

b. He studied to gain confidence that he thoroughly understood their technology - related to his previous employer enough that his background applies, but beyond his non-compete agreement.

c. Completely ready with his research, he was introduced and proposed to the senior executives how he could help their business grow and expand. He pointed out what in his CV was relevant to their needs, and thoroughly described his capabilities and connections.

10. He showed how he could make them more money than he would cost them, and helped them create a position for him to do just that.

Some key lessons learned:

1. Beware of "False Positives" - slacking off because you think you have a job nailed. It's not over until you get your first paycheck, so always be adding more options.

2. Invest time in both avenues - applying to postings and developing opportunities. (he no longer sees recruiters as a value-added resource)

3. Make it easy for them to hire you. Don't see it as free consulting work, see it as doing the heavy lifting that clears the way for them to do what you can't - start the paychecks coming. Assume more of the risk yourself in this economy when companies are more risk averse.

4. Make it happen yourself - jobs aren't being handed out right now.

5. It is very hard to go through this process alone. Instruction from me as an outplacement coach and support in the group sessions proved invaluable.

6. He vowed to never let his contacts get so out of date again. He will use LinkedIn to both keep them current and continually expanding. So if you meet him, expect an invitation to connect.

Go anyway - you just never know

2009-08-18T13:16:00.000-07:00

Just got a call from a client and the perfect opportunity to say, "I told you so," if I were to say such things.

She had an interview yesterday that she had been dreading. Since her contact at the Unemployment Office had forwarded the opportunity to her, she had dutifully applied and hoped not to get the call to interview. But of course she did.

She was dreading a possible interview - and a possible offer - because the job was described on paper as less than what she is capable of doing, and more of what, after years of experience in her field, she hoped she was beyond by now.

It is a cause focused organization, and a cause she feels good about. So coached to keep an open mind, she went anyway.

When she got there she found out that the organization had recently lost some more senior staff, and the interviewer was VERY interested in her higher level skills. They have a particular set of problems that she has deep expertise and enjoyment addressing. The meeting went famously and she very much "clicked" personally with her interviewer. She went from literally asking "How do I dodge an offer I won't want" to "Gosh I really hope I get this offer!"

It just goes to show - and we can all use a reminder - that you can't tell a book by it's cover or an opportunity by it's job posting. When in doubt, mail it out AND take the meeting. You could be pleasantly surprised by what you find once you get there.

The harsh truth about getting hired: lessons from the Shark Tank

2009-08-16T20:54:00.000-07:00

If you haven't seen ABC's new TV reality show Shark Tank yet, entrepreneurs go before a panel of investors looking for funding for their businesses.

The parallel is glaring to me: between what savvy and successful business people will invest their own money in, and the decision to hire at any level.

Hiring you or not is to decide whether or not to "invest in you" by offering you a job. Make no mistake, a hiring decision is always made for the same reason as a purely financial investment: because the investor believes you will return more profit to them than you will cost them.

Kevin O'Leary, a pragmatic and outspoken Shark describes his money as soldiers whose job is to go out, take prisoners and bring them back. If they do not return or bring more money back with them, he will quickly discontinue the mission and send his money elsewhere where it will.

Otherwise savvy job candidates can fall in the trap of forgetting the fundamental business truth that hiring is an investment, and focus instead on why they "deserve a job" or "need a job." As O'Leary would say, "Money doesn't care."

Let these 10 ways that the hiring decision is the same as a decision to invest serve as reminders for your job search:

1. Confidence sells. Arrogance doesn't.

2. Your pitch has to immediately say WIIFM - What's In It For Me.

3. Enthusiasm is infectious. But not by itself - only when combined with hard work and preparation.

4. People won't assume all the risk. They expect you to assume some as well if you would receive reward.

5. People won't work with unlikable people regardless of how much they bring to the table.

6. People can personally like you very much, but won't "invest in you" unless they can see how doing so will make THEM money.

7. People want what other people want. You have their interest if you have other opportunities or interested investors, or have done the legwork of building orders or relationships.

8. People want to control their investment. They trust themselves more than they trust new people. (see #4)

9. We can all use outside perspective. The more we are emotionally invested in something, the more we can overlook important information about it.

10. All advice is not good advice - family and friends can harm with false encouragement and telling you what you want to hear, not what you need to hear. (see #9)

A few words about contract recruiters

2009-08-13T06:31:00.000-07:00

Many job applicants aren't aware that the first call you get "from the company" you applied to may not be from a full time company employee.

As companies use fewer external recruiters but have sporadic and project-based recruiting needs, it has become much more common to bring HR staff in on contract rather than as direct, full time staff.

Your screening call may come from one of these temporary HR employees. Below are a few tips to help you do your best when working with them.

1. You might be able to tell by an external e-mail company address - what we sometimes call an a- or ext- extension in their name before @company.com.

2. They are not always motivated to share your information with anyone else at the company. Sorry, but it is the way it is. Sometimes they are paid to fill their own assigned positions, period. Your hope that they share your credentials with other HR staff so that you are considered for other positions within the company can be completely misguided. If you want to be considered for other positions, you need to apply to them as well.

3. Don't wait by the phone - you need to initiate follow up calls. (true with both contract and direct HR staff). Try to contact someone else in HR if your contact disappears. Unfortunately a contract employee might leave the company suddenly - without having shared your information with anyone else.

4. Temporary employees might not have the established credibility within the company to promote you to the hiring manager if you don't match the job requirements perfectly on paper. Give them all the additional details they need to "sell" the hiring authority on meeting you.

5. When you do meet the hiring authority and other direct employees, politely try to get their contact information in case you need it to follow up.

6. Make a friend and try to connect to the contract recruiter via LinkedIn. The good news in them not being a direct or long term employee of this company is that the next company they go to, or the one after that - might also need your skills and talent. If you are in their network, you might be one of the first phone calls they make on behalf of their new company.

Waiting for lemonade

2009-08-12T13:09:00.000-07:00

I can't wait for this movie!

In my years in this field I've seen a recurring theme: loss of a job is a blessing in disquise to those who can see it that way.

I only hope that this movie lives up to its trailer, because if it does it might help more people see that anytime you are changing - whether you asked for it or not - is an excellent time to make a change for the better.

"Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it." - Charles Swindoll

Hoops to jump through as a job applicant

2009-08-11T15:33:00.000-07:00

Many companies have added steps to the application process, including lists of essay questions. And then there is the old standard: the long, drawn out and cumbersome online application process that takes forever and asks you for the same information in a number of different ways.

Clients have complained about the hassle of these steps, and rightly so. It is time-consuming activity. But there is defnitely a payoff.

The fact is, with talented applicants plentiful these days, some organizations are putting steps in place to pare down the number of applicants to a more manageable lot.

The next time you encounter additional steps in the application process, think about it this way: many of your competitors will bow out. Casual and lazy applicants will not put forth the effort.

If you are willing to take the additional steps, like answer those essay questions - you are likely to find yourself in a much shortened list of candidates where it is much easier to stand out.

Jump through the hoops when others won't, and you've already proven yourself to be someone with initiative, who can follow directions, and is truly enthusiastic about the position and the company.

More often than not one of the essay questions will be "why do you want to work with us?" Everyone wants to feel special and hire enthusiasm, not someone who is applying because your posting didn't even require a cover letter.

Remember, "how you do anything is how you do everything." Distinquish yourself as a hard worker with your application to illustrate who will show up when you get the job.

Happiness is a Practice with a capital P

2009-08-10T07:48:00.000-07:00

Richard Wiseman's one week experiment on the Science of Happiness is over now, and participants are being asked to answer a quick survey.

My supporting one-week blog focus on Increasing Your Happiness is also behind us. Do you personally feel any happier for having experienced one or the other or both?

Maybe temporarily, but my guess is not as much as you'd hoped.

The fact is, being happy isn't something that can be "practiced" for one week and achieve a significant, meaningful shift that will last.

It is with practicing being happy as a lifelong discipline, or Practice with a capital P, that true lasting change occurs.

I am reminded of the FANTASTIC book by George Leonard, Mastery, and can't recommend it highly enough. Leonard illustrates beautifully how impatient we have become as a society - wanting quick fixes for everything from dating to career success, rather than appreciating and adopting the discipline and Practice it takes to master anything from Aikido to a career to being happy.

Happiness is a Practice as Yoga, Meditation, the martial arts, medicine and law are all Practices. All are impossible to completely "master." It is the consistent practice and improvement of the first three that provides the reason for doing them.

It is equally impossible to master medicine and law (or any career, as much as we hate to admit it...) because they are continually changing and evolving, with more to master at each turn. The same is true of ourselves. That is why mastery of anything, and especially of ourselves is not a destination but a lifelong journey.

A week of adopting new habits is an excellent start. But it is only a start and requires diligent, ongoing care and feeding to grow into a solid, lifelong Practice.

I didn't read The Contented Little Pussy Cat once when I was five and "learn the lesson." I have kept the book with me, and I have read it repeatedly over the years as a reminder to live in the moment - a lifelong goal and Practice, that like any Practice, has been much easier for me at some times than others.

It's motivating to see some early results when starting a diet. But if the extra 30 lbs. developed over a year and a half, it's unrealistic to expect them to be gone over a week's time. We've all heard that the best dieting advice is not to "diet," it's to make gradual, lasting lifestyle changes to eat healthier and get more exercise.

It's too much to expect yourself to permanently change your happiness level over a night or a week. To focus on something for that short of time and expect long-lasting results can be a convenient way to create another excuse to beat yourself up and be unhappy.

Don't just go on a one-week happiness "diet" and expect to change habits of thought and self-talk that were years in the making.

Keep your props, your journaling, your exercises and your reminders near you and refer to them daily - indefinitely. Use some of the awesome online tools and sites that support ongoing change toward being happier - daily.

If you truly want to be more happy, remember how great the gains you made last week felt, and establish happiness as an ongoing discipline and Practice.

Zen from my childhood

2009-08-06T07:13:00.000-07:00

Today is Day 4 of Increase Your Happiness week, and my tip comes from a children's book that was my favorite as a child. "The Contented Little Pussy Cat," by Francis Ruth Keller, is the only book I've kept since I was five. Originally published in 1949, it is now out of print.

Abner was a lovable little pussy cat. Partly, because his fur was so soft, and so silky, and so pettable. And partly because his little nose was as pink as salmon or the inside of a curling sea shell. But mostly, because he was always happy and good-natured.

Abner was never cross or sulky. All day long he played in the sun, darting across the lawn, dashing up the clothesline pole, or chasing his tail round and round. Until, at last, he would curl up into a furry ball, to take a cat nap.

Mrs. Brown Sparrow often watched Abner from the leafy branches of the apple tree. Mr. Black Crow, teetering on a telephone pole, liked to look at the happy little cat too. And Mr. White Bunny peeked through the fence, between the leaves of the mulberry bush, his whiskers twitching in excitement as Abner chased after his very own tail, and rolled over and over when he caught it.

And so it was that Mrs. Brown Sparrow and Mr. Black Crow and Mrs. White Bunny hurried home to tell their families and friends (who told their families and their friends) about this carefree little cat, who was happy and gay and contented all the time.

One day, quite a group of furry and feathery creatures was gathered around Mr. Great Owl’s Oak House, talking about this and that, as little creatures do. After discussing next winter’s weather, Mrs. Gray Squirrel’s beautiful fur coat and Mr. White Bunny’s brand new family, Mr. Black Crow cawed: “I saw The Contented Little Pussy Cat today. I wonder how that kitten can be so happy all the time.”

“I’m sure I don’t know,” twittered Mrs. Gray Squirrel, “but I would like to be as happy as that, without a care or a worry.” “So would I,” said Mr. White Bunny, twitching his whiskers at a great rate. “Who wouldn’t?” chirped Mrs. Brown Sparrow, fluttering to a lower branch.

After a discussion the group decided to ask Abner.

Mr. Black Crow spoke for the group: “For some time, now, little cat, we have admired your cheerful disposition and wondered why you are so contented.”

Abner was dumbfounded. He didn’t know why he was contented. He had just never thought about it. Contentment was as natural to him as - well, as drinking cream or chasing his tail round and round. But with these distinguished guests, he just had to give a good answer. So he thought and he thought.

"Well, let’s see,” meowed Abner. “I always try to be neat and clean. No one can be happy unless he looks his very best.” The other animals agreed, but noted that they were still not contented all the time, so there must be more to it than that.

Abner thought and he thought again, then meowed: “I always try to be kind and loving to my friends and neighbors. That, I’m sure, makes me happy.”

Again the other animals said they also do their best, but were still not always happy. So they pressed Abner for the real, true reason for his contentment. This time he thought and thought and thought.

Finally the little cat meowed, “I really think I am always happy because I never feel sorry about what happened yesterday nor do I worry about what might happen tomorrow.”

No one said a word for a minute, then all the others started speaking at once. “Why, I think he might be right,” cawed Mr. Black Crow. “Now I’ve been unhappy all day because I lost my finest feather yesterday.”

"And I haven’t been happy today, either.” Said Mr. White Bunny, “because I’m afraid it may rain tomorrow and I’ll get my fur all spotted.”

Now it was Abner’s turn to ask questions. He looked at Mr. Black Crow. “Did being unhappy put that beautiful feather back in your tail?” “No,” said Mr. Black Crow, sadly, shaking his head from side to side.

Abner turned to Mr. White Bunny. “And will worrying today keep the rain away tomorrow?” “No,” sighed Mr. White Bunny. “It never has.” Abner smiled, “You see,” he meowed.

“But dear me,” said Mrs. Brown Sparrow, “there are so many, many things to trouble a body! How can we ever stop worrying about them?” And they all looked at Abner again.

"Why, no good thing was ever learned without practicing,” meowed the little cat with inspiration. (he just remembered how long it had taken him to learn how to catch his own tail.)

"He’s right,” chirped Mrs. Brown Sparrow excitedly. “Remember how long I had to practice before I could fly even the shortest hops?”

"Well, let’s start now to practice being happy, so we won’t lose any time,” said Mr. White Bunny. All the other creatures thanked Abner and scampered and fluttered away.

Abner gave a great BIG sigh. Then he yawned and stretched, and stretched and yawned. Then, last of all, he curled up into a yellow furry ball for a good long cat nap, feeling like the wisest little cat in all the whole wide world. And perhaps he really was.

Day 3 of Happiness Week: remind yourself constantly to choose to be happy

2009-08-04T21:52:00.001-07:00

"People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing - that's why we recommend it daily." - Zig Zigler

"Choice, not chance, determines human destiny." - Robert W. Ellis

"Success is the sum of small efforts - repeated day in and day out." - Robert Collier

Today's main tip is simple: make the choice to be happy - REPEATEDLY! Expecting to focus on your attitude once and change it for good is like expecting to bathe once and never need to again. Whew. Most people tend toward negative thoughts first, so get in the habit of reminding yourself to choose positive thoughts throughout your day.

I start my day with a positive thought regimen that includes reading the daily positive quotes I get via email from Positive Press and Brian Tracy. Reminding myself first thing that I intend to have a positive day sets the tone for the rest of that day.

For a quick pick me up, bookmark and watch this video OFTEN:

In your week of happiness journal, add these to your other daily exercises:

1. Write about a negative event or situation for you. Think about what possible good can come out of it. Write about the possible good. Then practice being grateful for the situation instead of resentful. If you are resenting a person, forgive them. You don't even have to tell them, just do it.

2. Perform and then document a random act of kindness. The one requirement is that you can't look for recognition or reward. No one can know that you did it but you and your journal.

3. Big one, are you ready? Look at yourself in a mirror. Write down three things about yourself that you like.

Remember That Happiness Is A Way Of Travel Not A Destination."
- Roy M. Goodman

Be Happy Week , Day 2 - Don't worry, be happy

2009-08-04T07:25:00.000-07:00

The iconic Bobby McFerrin song reminds us: "Don't Worry, Be Happy"

Bobby McFerrin - Don't Worry Be Happy
Uploaded by jpdc11. - Watch more music videos, in HD!

I can't watch this 3 minute video with McFerrin, Robin Williams and Bill Irwin clowning around without humming along with a smile on my face. It is an awesome way to take a "happiness break" in your day, reminding yourself to fit in happiness every day.

So my happiness tips for today are:

Take a break now and then to stop worrying and be happy. Sometimes this is easier said than done, but I'm going to share a simple and highly effective technique to do just that.

Self-applied cognitive behavioral therapy is a thousand-dollar word for a very simple process that anyone can learn. It simply means to pay attention to your thoughts, notice when you are thinking thoughts you don't want to think, and replace those thoughts with ones you prefer.

Notice that you're worrying, and "Don't Worry, Be Happy."

Sometimes the negative thoughts need to be processed before you can make them go away. As the old game illustrates, trying NOT to think about pink elephants without replacing them with something you do want to think about has limited success. So one effective trick to get rid of negative thoughts is to give them space, but contain them.

If you find yourself worrying, running what-if, the sky is falling scenarios, feeling self-pity or ruminating in any negative thought, first notice it.

1. Get your kitchen timer and set it to 10 minutes.

2. Wallow in the negativity to your heart's content, but when the timer goes off, tell yourself you are done for the day and don't get another turn until tomorrow.

3. If you catch yourself slipping into those thoughts again later in the day, remind yourself they will get their space tomorrow, but the rest of today you are going to think happy and productive thoughts.

My next tip is another daily exercise to take a "Happy" break. Take a few minutes an look through this most awesome website ever: "1000 Awesome Things" It is such a great reminder to slow down and notice the little things that are awesome that we tend to overlook when we worry or focus on negativity.

Go back to your week-long happiness journal. Write down five things that you think are awesome. Here are mine for today:

1. Ice cream krinkle in a root beer float.

2. My cat Sammy selecting my lap to sleep on while I watch TV.

3. Coming back from the gym after an early morning workout - knowing it's done for the day.

4. The unique quiet and smell found when you're the first one out in the morning after an overnight snowfall.

5. Dancing when no one is around. (watch Bobby McFerrin, Robin Williams and Bill Irwin again!)

Happy "Week of Happiness"

2009-08-03T11:53:00.000-07:00

Richard Wiseman, a London-based psychologist, author and magician (don't you LOVE that combination!) has declared this "The Week of Happiness."

I am a huge believer that we can each effect our own happiness level positively through self-applied cognitive behavioral therapy. And I totally agree with Wiseman that happiness is contagious. So if we each do our part to be happy this week, we can have a world-wide ripple effect.

On his site "The Science of Happiness," Wiseman is running a week-long experiment where we can each do our part to "cheer up the world." From Monday Aug. 3 through Friday Aug. 7, he will be sending out short exercises that help us each move right on the happiness scale. You can join the fun anytime during the week.

Especially in this tough economy, job candidates need to take extra steps to stay upbeat, positive, and motivated. We all want to work with people who are pleasant to be around, so exuding a happy attitude can be the make-or-break between you and the other candidate getting the job offer.

In solidarity with this week-long large scale happiness project, I'm spending the week sharing some of my favorite happiness-inducing techniques and links to some awesome happiness-inducing websites, in addition to Richard Wiseman's, that I suggest you bookmark for yourself.

Today's tips:

1. Start a one-week happiness journal.

2. Each day, write down five things you are grateful for.

3. Each day, write down three things that you are proud of having accomplished or achieved in your life.

4. Each day, think of one person you are glad is in your life. Tell them, and tell them why.

Take a ride at Career Carnival!

2009-07-29T07:23:00.000-07:00

I was recently invited to participate in a fun and highly useful little tradition among Careerists called Career Carnival. I was honored to be asked; each event is hosted by one career blogger and includes articles by a number of other experts from a range of different perspectives.

The brainchild of Ben Eubanks (twitter @beuebanks), this edition of Carnival's hosting duties went to Jacqui Barrett-Poindexter (@ValueIntoWords), a master resume writer who eloquently introduces each expert and article.

There is something for everyone here - great articles from different perspectives ranging from HR to recruiters to resume writers to career coaches who focus on entry level to those supporting C-level executives.

It's also a great way to sample other bloggers and maybe select an additional blog or two to bookmark. If you are on twitter, this is a great list of 18 careerists you should be following.

So without further ado, Step Right Up: your Career Carnival Ride Awaits!

http://careertrend.wordpress.com/2009/07/24/123/

Going through change? Read this book!

2009-07-24T07:13:00.000-07:00

The subtitle says it all: AdaptAbility is a guide to "surviving change you didn't ask for." The fact is, life is full of change we didn't ask for. If you've been laid off, made it through a downsizing but your company feels differently now, took a big financial hit like most people, are faced with divorce, loss of a loved one... the list goes on of perfect scenarios to read this book.

I'll share that I've had a little writer-crush on M. J. Ryan ever since reading her fantastic book, This Year I Will... (which I wrote about on March 31st: http://biturl.cc/uN) She writes about what we all go through in a compelling and approachable way. And among other things, as a sort of Quote Geek myself, I admire her ability to match powerful quotations that stick with you with the subjects she is writing about in each chapter. Rather than paling in comparison from This Year I Will..., this book has definitely sparked my interest in reading more of her work.

AdaptAbility is uplifting, pragmatic and entertaining at the same time. M.J. has a knack for using her own experiences as examples in a way that doesn't sound contrived or feel voyeuristic - they serve as useful illustrations of the commonality of many situations we find ourselves in, and as inspiration that real people can better their circumstances by using some practical techniques.

On M.J. Ryan's website http://www.mj-ryan.com/ you can sign up to receive emailed Change Survival Tips and read an excerpt from Adaptability - a hugely valuable list of 20 Quick Tips for Surviving Chang You Didn't Ask For http://biturl.cc/1s. She also writes a great blog about change, which you can find in my list of "blogs I enjoy."

I've taken up enough of your time. Go order the book.

p.s. sorry for the clumsy links. Experiencing issues trying to create blogger links this morning.

Just laid off? Five things you must do TODAY!

2009-07-22T22:22:00.000-07:00

While you still have access to your work email account:

1. If you are using your work email address for your LinkedIn account, modify your account settings to add a personal email address. Then make your personal address primary.

If you do not you will need to re-create a new account from scratch - LinkedIn does NOT have functionality to give you access to an inactive email or merge two accounts. I know of one person who had to ask almost 100 people to connect to him again, and ask all 25 people who had written him recommendations to re-write them for his new account.

Note: to prevent this issue unless you solely own your company ALWAYS use a personal rather than work email address for your LinkedIn account.

Not in LinkedIn? Join!

2. Gather up the contact information from your work email for co-workers and other people you want to stay in touch with and copy it, email it to yourself or drop it onto a personal zip drive.

3. Complying with any company restrictions, send a very polite email from your work email account to people you’d like to stay connected with who only have your work email and phone number. Consider vendors, clients, and business partners as well as co-workers.

Pleasantly tell them that you are leaving the company but that you’d like to stay in touch with them. Let them know that they can now reach you at your personal email address and cell phone number. Ask if they will connect to you in LinkedIn, and politely ask if they would keep an ear to the ground for opportunities for you.

4. Go through your work email Inbox and find (if you haven't already put them in their own Victory File) thank you emails, kudos, congrats, and all other nice things anyone has said about you. Make copies, email to your personal email, or drop onto your personal zip drive.

5. Gather up any samples of your work that you are authorized to take with you.

The next two steps don't require your email, but are also critical to do as soon as possible.

6. Make sure you have a copy of your latest job description, and take an hour or two to write down all the specifics you can remember about your most recent position(s): what you were accountable for, your deliverables, projects you worked on and specific accomplishments. The longer you wait the fuzzier the specifics will be. Look for numbers – they are “eye candy” in your resume and help prove your value to potential next employers.

7. Objectively, realistically and thoroughly assess your financial situation.

NOTE: If you are proactively managing your career, all along you have been asking interesting people you come into contact with to connect with you and updating your Victory File with kudos, representative samples of your work and notes on the specifics about projects and accomplishments as you complete them. If you have been filling this folder all along, just grab it and go.

If you have not been keeping a Victory File, creating one the first time you are laid off serves as a solid reminder to adopt these steps as weekly habits for the life of your career.

NOTE 2: At the first hint of possible layoffs in your organization you should take actions 1, 2, 4 & 5. If others get laid off and you are spared and you haven't yet taken these steps, do them NOW. You will thank me later.

You will find the key to success under the alarm clock. - Benjamin Franklin

2009-07-21T07:11:00.001-07:00

I like Emerald Downs' advertising slogan this year. Usually I barely notice horse racing, but when I hear the jingle, "ain't nothing going to break my stride" it sticks with me as a reminder of what is needed from each of us to reach our goals: dogged persistence.

Reaching your goals takes tenacity and hard work. Whoever told you it was going to be easy lied. Yes, as Law of Attraction aficionados will tell you, you have to keep your focus on what you DO want rather than what you DON'T want.

Race car drivers are taught to focus on the track, NOT the wall.

What's often misunderstood about the Secret is the next step - that focus is not enough. Focus then guides your actions as you dig in and make your goal your reality.

I couldn't love this quote by Oprah Winfrey any more: "The big secret in life is that there is no big secret. Whatever your goal, you can get there if you're willing to work."

Here's another one that speaks loudly to me: "Actually, I'm an overnight success. But it took twenty years." - Monty Hall

People see an "overnight success" in sports, music, and business - and don't realize that the odds are overwhelming that this person worked long and hard and sacrificed other goals for years to create their success. Athletes who trained rigorously for years for the chance to try out for the team; musicians who slept in their cars and waited tables while perfecting their craft... company founders who invested their life savings and scraped by for years building their company before they could draw a salary...

We forget that sacrifice is almost always a part of the equation for success.

I keep a clipping quoting Ivana Chubbuck - Brad Pitt, Halle Berry and Charlize Theron's acting coach. According to Ivana: "The students who have made it all had an incredible work ethic and tremendous tenacity of spirit. Brad worked three jobs and lived with five people to afford classes."

Many people have talent. Talent doesn't entitle you to succeed. Brad didn't wait to "manifest" his big break, or try to get Ms. Chubbuck to discount her rates for him "because he was special." He worked hard and sacrificed to afford her coaching so that he could make the most of his talent.

"Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent." - Calvin Coolidge

"... anybody who wants anything need only do the work." - Swami Chetanananda

You and I are each the only ones who can decide for ourselves not to let anything break our stride.

It is what it is

2009-07-19T15:50:00.000-07:00

Stuff happens. Doing our very best we can’t always prevent it. As the saying goes, it’s not what happens to you, it’s what you do next. You may not have had a choice in whatever happened, but it did. Acceptance is the first step to having a sense of control back.

It’s wasted energy to dwell on the past that cannot be changed. Hope is important to focus on the future - then go make it happen.

We need to take a lesson from our GPS devices when we turn “off plan” - and immediately re-calculate the best path to our intended destination from where we currently are, not where we used to be.

Quit judging and grudging - it only hurts you, not them

2009-07-19T15:42:00.000-07:00

From Nov 2008, a conversation on this topic led me to repost:

"Resentment is like taking poison and waiting for the other person to die." - Malachy McCourt

Letting go of resentment can be the one step back that is often necessary to be available to take two steps forward.

You are the most attractive hire when you are facing and moving forward, available and ready to fully engage with your next employer.

Sometimes laid off employees resent that they didn't quit before they were terminated. Sometimes they focus their resentment on "how it went down," as if there is a perfect way to be let go that would have left no resentment.

It's easier to focus on a person than the situation itself. I've listened to stories from clients who resented that their boss or co-workers didn't "have the nerve" to face them directly, or write them a recommendation when asked.

I've heard of resentment that someone in the organization wouldn't make eye contact in the hall, pronounced their name wrong, or used clumsy words when delivering the message. Focusing on someone else's shortcomings helps deflect feelings about the situation itself. No one is perfect; we all have our own weaknesses.

The way someone handled the situation may have everything to do with them and nothing at all to do with you. When we stay in resentment of someone else's behavior, that we can't change, we give them ongoing power over us.

"Resentment or grudges do no harm to the person against whom you hold these feelings but every day and every night of your life, they are eating at you."- Norman Vincent Peale

It's gone and done, and hanging onto resentment is your own private way of dragging a negative situation with you into your present and your future.

"It is useless to resent anything in this world."- Eleanor Roosevelt

Inexcuseable!

2009-07-15T20:30:00.000-07:00

Someone new started following me on Twitter the other day, and as I do periodically, I reviewed their profile to see if I wanted to follow them back. I couldn't believe what I saw.

At first I thought @ CareerExcuse was a joke. Their last two tweets:

"Need a good Job Reference and can't get one? We will act as your past employer and have operators standing by to give you great references."

"Create Your Own Career History! You..Get to Pick Your Start and End Date! You..Get to Choose your Salary!"

I went to their website and was absolutely horrified at what I saw. They are serious. I don't know when I have seen something as irresponsible and wrong.

The company founder describes how he started CareerExcuse after a relative flubbed up a reference call on which she was supposed to blatantly lie for him, and, boo hoo, he didn't get the job. As if everyone does this all the time...

The whole site seems to take the attitude that it is completely OK to fabricate former employers and positions on your resume and employment applications, then pay someone (hopefully CareerExcuse and their partner site, CareerCheat) to be complicit in your lies.

Who, according to a long, poorly written page of disclaimers, are not liable in any way shape or form for your lie if you are caught.

To help you nail down that elusive job at the salary you want CareerExcuse will also sell you fake Pay Stubs, fake Letters of Recommendation, fake Letters of Appreciation and fake Certificates of Achievement.

Get the job (by lying!) but don't get any vacation days in the first year? For an additional fee they would love to help you out with fake Doctor's notes and yes, fake Funeral Notices so you can take a "bereavement vacation."

They also offer fake Landlord verifications, fake college degrees and fake college transcripts. (which they attempt to CYA by inserting the word "novelty.")

There is a whole page giving step by step instructions for faking your own college transcript, including use of white out and which schools are easiest to fake. (Watch out, University of Phoenix...) And these useful nuggets of advice: "pick a subject related to the work that you want" and "to avoid raising a red flag, remember to leave time (in your fake employment listings), because degrees don't happen overnight."

From CareerExcuse.com's FAQs:

"Q: Is misinformation on a resume illegal?
A: No, Since a resume is not a legal document, it is not illegal to misrepresent on a resume."

Wrong question and wrong answer. In every company I know lying on your resume is IMMEDIATE grounds for dismissal.

It is immaterial whether it is technically "illegal" to misrepresent yourself on a resume. It's morally and ethically wrong to lie. Period. Shame on you, CareerExcuse, for trying to profit from suggesting to people that it is OK.

Here's the next question and answer (verbatim, grammatical errors and all):

"Q: Can I get caught and fired?
We can't guarantee that you won't and not liable if you do. If you get the job in the first place..we did our part. It's up to you to act responsible after you get the job."

Think you're not getting the job because you worked for four companies in five years? (an example from their site.) There are operators standing by to tell your potential employer you held one fictitious job at a fictitious salary at a fictitious company for those whole five years, and had perfect attendance.

Let's look at this predatory business model: encourage people to lie on their resumes, which will get them dismissed without references... help them fake references to get the next job, which they are likely to get fired from for lying...

Did I say this disgusts me yet?

Oh what a crooked web we weave....creating and maintaining a lie always takes more effort - and costs you much more in the long run - than simply telling the truth.