Emotional Mindset for Job Seekers

Emotional Mindset for Job Seekers

I'm finding more and more that one of the biggest hurdles for job seekers involved in a prolonged search is finding new ways to stay motivated, optimistic and positive. No news there, right?

There is an interesting article in this Sunday's New York Times where the reporter checked in with job hunters he had interviewed a year ago. Many are still searching. The difference in their emotional mindset was glaring. Job hunters need to stay motivated, and as we know, this is easier said than done!

The glaring difference a year made was the emotional mindset of the interviewees. This is an area we don't address as much as we do the mechanics of the search  process.

In the year that past since last interviewed, these folks still have their skills, their education and their professionalism. And, they probably know even more about the ins and outs of the process. What has changed? The emotional mindset. The positivity, optimism and motivation we all need in our various pursuits.

Find ways to isolate the things in life that motivate and move you. Make sure you spend time on those. Schedule them in to your day. You deserve it.

What are some of the ways you keep going?

Be good to yourself.

Mark New

Emotional Mindset for Job Seekers

I'm finding more and more that one of the biggest hurdles for job seekers involved in a prolonged search is finding new ways to stay motivated, optimistic and positive. No news there, right?

There is an interesting article in this Sunday's New York Times where the reporter checked in with job hunters he had interviewed a year ago. Many are still searching. The difference in their emotional mindset was glaring. Job hunters need to stay motivated, and as we know, this is easier said than done!

The glaring difference a year made was the emotional mindset of the interviewees. This is an area we don't address as much as we do the mechanics of the search  process.

In the year that past since last interviewed, these folks still have their skills, their education and their professionalism. And, they probably know even more about the ins and outs of the process. What has changed? The emotional mindset. The positivity, optimism and motivation we all need in our various pursuits.

Find ways to isolate the things in life that motivate and move you. Make sure you spend time on those. Schedule them in to your day. You deserve it.

What are some of the ways you keep going?

Be good to yourself.

Mark New

Career Plan "B"

I would highly recommend that while job seekers are looking for positions in their field, consider also spending part of each day preparing for a new career in the event a position in their present profession or industry is not readily attainable.

It may seem like a "long haul" to study or prepare for a "Plan B" career, but incremental steps taken each day will begin to add up and you will have the added sense that you are in control of at least part of your career journey. If the jobs are in, for example, Health Care or Education, consider moving in that direction.  Here is a recent article from the New York Times Sunday Business section which illustrates my point:

A Midstream Switch to Teaching


ALMOST three years ago, I started teaching seventh-grade English. Before that, I was an account manager in public relations in the Boston area.

Peter Wilson, 38, who previously worked in public relations, now teaches English in a middle school.

When people switch from business to teaching, they usually talk about the huge pay cut, then say how rewarding they find their new career. I agree. But it’s not as cut-and-dried as that, at least in my case. There are parts of my old job that I miss, and, as with any job, teaching isn’t all roses.

I was laid off from my previous job, so it’s not as if I had an epiphany and left because I had a burning desire to teach. But I had been in that job for 10 years and no longer found it fulfilling. Losing it forced me to examine what I wanted to do next.

I did some consulting and started job-hunting. But I wanted to talk to someone about my future, and the person who knows me best after my wife, Allyson, is my brother Ray. I called him to help me do some soul-searching.

Everyone who’s laid off should find someone they trust and sit down and talk. You can’t think things through by yourself, especially when you have a family. You have too much going on mentally. You need someone who cares enough to listen, but is not in the thick of it the way you are.

Over lunch with Ray, I brought up the idea of teaching. It was a possibility I had thought about occasionally, but had dismissed as financially unfeasible. I had a 2-year-old and planned to have another child in the near future. Ray told me to hold on, that we should discuss it. And with his help, in two hours I had a plan.

My wife and I sold our home and moved in with my mother so I could go to school and get certification. I found a program at Simmons College for a Master of Arts in teaching that I could complete in about a year. My wife works at the college.

I had been laid off at the end of January 2006, and by late spring that year I was enrolled in the program. I started student-teaching the next January at Masconomet Regional Middle School in Topsfield, Mass. I took two state teaching exams — a general one and one for prospective English teachers. An English teacher was retiring that June, and I was hired to take her place in September.

I love teaching, but I was surprised at the amount of planning it takes to keep lessons fresh. I also didn’t realize that you’re performing in the classroom, giving 45-minute presentations, almost all day. Then you do it again, day after day.

Keeping 12- and 13-year-old kids engaged is challenging. When a lesson works and you connect with them, it’s great, but when it doesn’t, it’s frustrating. Also, at the ages I teach, there can be different maturity levels within each class.

But to have a student return the next year and tell you how much you taught him is unbelievably gratifying. People entering teaching should expect to be fulfilled in ways they haven’t been before.
I make about half my former salary, and I don’t know exactly how my wife and I are managing. We left my mother’s after a year and bought a new house on the opposite side of Boston from where we were. We had done well on the sale of our house and saved money while at my mother’s, so we bought a bigger, house that’s more family-friendly. I sold my car and bought a smaller one to save gasoline. We don’t go out to eat much, and we buy generic brands.

You reach a certain age when money is not the primary driver of your life, especially when you have a child or two. Still, you have to decide what you can live with. If you enjoy what you’re doing, it helps compensate for a lower salary. I also lead an after-school activity: a discussion group about the television series “Lost.” I wanted the students who signed up to see how much deeper the show is than it might first appear to them. I like to think that it’s helping them with critical-thinking skills.

I miss the daily interaction with adults at my old job. I had dreaded business meetings that were held for no reason that I could see, but when meetings to pitch our agency to potential clients went well, that was a different story. When I told vice presidents or C.E.O.’s my ideas and they said they loved them, I felt great. But those moments were not a regular occurrence. It’s just the nature of the job.

I INTEND to work at this school the rest of my life if they’ll have me. I occasionally think about going into school administration because of my background, but I’m still trying to figure out what it means to be a good teacher. A management job may come later.

One of my former students, an eighth grader who wanted to attend a private high school, stopped by one day and told me he had just finished the application essay. He had to write about someone who inspired him, and he wrote about me. That will keep me going for the next three years.

Are Layoffs Really Good for Organizations?

I wanted to be certain that our readers have the cover story in this week's Newsweek magazine. The topic is the title above, but what I appreciated about the article is the wealth of quality data and surveys to support the notion that layoffs are a terrible strategy for organizations, with potentially devastating results both long and short term. We'd like to hear from you after you read it.  Click here: http://www.newsweek.com/id/233131

Our best to you in your job search endeavors. Let us know if we can help!

Mark

Social Media: Job Seekers Friend, Foe or Fantasy?

Good afternoon. For those of us who are trying to figure out if social media sites like Twitter and Facebook can really help those looking for work, let me say this. The jury is still out, but it is certainly worth a try as long as you don't spend too much time or energy using it as a major part of your job search strategy. Having said that, when looking for the right position, you can leave no stone unturned. So, utilize these sites as one more tool in your arsenal. And, if you are going to use the social media sites for this purpose, make sure you sound, look and prepare as professionally as you would a more traditional job search tool. By the way, another watchout. There is recent data in the "datasphere" of a poll taken of 100 recruiters indicated they had disqualified candidates based on other, more dated items the applicants had put social media sites that these recruiters went searching for and found..... The social media footprint is long, wide and deep!

So, tread carefully.

Here is a link so Verizon can have the last word for today: http://smallbusiness.aol.com/mobile/article/_a/how-to-find-an-employee-through-twitter





Keep Careering! Let's here from you!



Mark

Run Your Own Race

In a job search as in every day life, many of us (notice I included myself!) spend too much time thinking about other people's situation being better than our own. I would venture to say for most of us, we often compare ourselves to those we perceive as more fortunate than those less fortunate.

I heard a great metaphor for this tendency and how to deal with it from Tim Allen, who raced cars for 9 years. He said that in all areas of life, he tells himself to "Run His Own Race." As he explained it, in life as in racing cars, don't look at who is behind you, as you will not be looking forward. And, don't pay too much attention to who is in front of you, as it distracts from what you need to be doing. The concentration needs to be on yourself, and what you are doing!

In other words, "Run Your Own Race."

All the Best and "Always Be Careering",

Mark

We're Mad as Hell and We're Not Going to Take it Anymore!

I'm generally not political or an activist, but the unemployment and underemployment crisis in our country is receiving short shrift in both Washington and the media. We as citizens need to make some noise and let the politicians know how critical this issue is to us. And, the closer we get to the 2010 elections, the more they'll listen.

Let's take a snapshot of where we are right now:

Unemployment: 10.2%

Underemployment: 17.5%

Jobs eliminated since 12/07: 7.3 million

Unemployed over 6 months: 35.76%

Additional jobs needed to absorb new workers: 27.6 %

Unemployment ages 16-19: 27.6%

Average jobs available per job seeker: 1 in 6

Jobs created/saved by US Stimulus Package: 640,329 (Target is 2.5-3.0 million created)

President Obama recently said we need "swift and bold action" to address this issue. We need Washington and the media to prioritze and accentuate what is really important to our country--regardless of party lines or petty in-fighting on less worthy issues.

Let the politicians know that unless they start addressing this crisis and propose bold action, during the next election their jobs will be elininated!

To find out the website and contact information of your representative in Congress, go to:

http://www.house.gov/house/MemberWWW.shtml

Write to your representative, and often. And, let's send a consistent message by ending each e-mail or letter with: "A job for me soon, or no job for you soon."

Best,

Mark

Constant Contact

In our current job market, it is estimated that candidates find up to 80% of job interviews through networking from list of contacts. No big surprise there, because anyone who has ventured out to look for work has been advised to network, network, and then...network.

The discouraging thing I hear from clients is that many feel they have "tapped out" their list of contacts. Well, that's probably not the case. A social network search of past employers, schools or other affiliations on LinkedIn, Classmates.com, etc. will jar your memory and bring to mind names of people you have not thought about in years! And, the longer you are around (I'm speaking about oldies but goodies like me right now!), the greater chance you have let some contacts fall between the cracks. I can barely remember what I ate for breakfast, so how am I supposed to remember some guy that sat in the cubicle next to me humming show tunes 15 years ago who is now an executive (still humming, I bet)

In reverse, if a name of a former colleague, alum or gym rat partner pops into your head and you can't locate him or her....Google or Bing! Not just his/her name but add any reference or subject you connect with him. I found a guy who lived across from me in my freshman college dorm who loved baseball...I found him working in the HQ of Sports Authority! I'm not kidding! It works.... Please...Keep at it...And, as always, A.B.C.: Always Be Careering!

Cutting Through the Clutter

One of the most consistent themes I find among job candidates is the inability to focus primarily on the most pressing issues of the day. Job hunting is difficult, and at times it takes an emotional toll. As a result, we often find ways, often subconsiously, to avoid performing the tasks most important to our search. And, the external world around us helps us fall into this trap. It is easy to become distracted by 24/7 cable news, surfing the web, doing errands, and other activities that are just not as important while you are engaged in a job search. We have suggestions for you: (1) Ask yourself: "What is the best use of my time right now?"; (2) Is this activity going to help my job search in any way?" Also, if at times it all seems too overwhelming, set 2-3 job search goals for yourself each day. This will organize your effort into smaller managable tasks, give you a feeling of accomplishment each day, and keep you focused on what is most important.
Let us hear from you and how you are doing in your search. We care. Mark

The Man of Many Voices

I was saddened today to learn of the passing of entertainer Danny Gans at the age of 52. Not many people outside of the residents and visitors to Las Vegas knew of him, but he was known as “The Man of Many Voices.” By all accounts, in addition to his great talent, he was a devoted family man, devoutly religious and dedicated to helping others less fortunate.

Gans’s drive for success and attainment of his goals is a good example for all who continue to work towards success in their chosen field, even when life’s challenges seem insurmountable. And in his life, he was literally and figuratively thrown the proverbial “curve ball.”

Recreating Himself
A gifted baseball player in the Kansas City minor leagues, his sports career came to an abrupt end after an injury left him unable to play. After a period of feeling lost and unsure of his future direction, with encouragement, guidance and faith he decided to develop his other talents, namely a strong singing voice and a keen ear which gave him the ability to recreate the voice, mannerisms and performing style of other entertainers. Once Gans studied a performer, he could masterfully replicate that person’s singing or speaking voice, gestures, gait, etc. In some cases it would appear as if he channeled them as much as impersonated them.

Gans took his act on the road and performed around the country, mostly at corporate functions, over 200 times per year. He maintained a grueling schedule for several years in to pursuit of his dream of success in this second career, to provide for his family, and continue to develop his talent and performing abilities.

In 1996, Gans accepted a job as the permanent in-house entertainer at a small hotel in Las Vegas, leaving his lucrative corporate performing career behind, in order to spend more time with his family. He established roots in the community with his church, schools and charities. After four years, hotel mogul Steve Wynn was so impressed by Gans that he built Gans his own theatre at the Mirage hotel, where his reputation and audience continued to grow. Earlier this year, Wynn built him a second, more elaborate theatre in Wynn’s new Encore hotel.

The marquee for the Danny Gans Theatre at the Encore is the largest marquee in the world. Gans won the coveted Entertainer of the Year award eleven out of the last thirteen years. His career was at the point where he filled the 1,500 seat theatre each night he performed there. His contract with Wynn is believed to have been for 200 million for 10 years. Even with his great success, he was a family man, several local charities depended on him for his ability to raise funds, and he was a fixture at his local church and in the community. He had attained his goals through talent, values, hard work, determination, sacrifice, and a vision for his future...

Then, sadly, at the young age of 52, he inexplicably fell ill and died, leaving a loving family, a community and a professional organization stunned, overcome with grief and overwhelmed by the loss.

Lessons from a Great Career
I saw Danny Gans perform on three occasions. The first time was early in his career (and mine) as the entertainer at a Johnson & Johnson National Sales Meeting. He was unknown at the time and it was a tough crowd, but he handily won over the audience. Five years later, I was in Las Vegas for a business seminar and saw the giant marquee on The Strip with this name and likeness. I was surprised that someone could advance so quickly in such a competitive field. I saw his performance that night and was again wowed by his talent. (He gave a much more polished performance than I recalled from five years earlier in a hotel conference room.) The next time I was in Las Vegas, I took my family to see him perform and they, too, were dazzled. He even brought his father up to the stage to sing! I will always remember that evening.

Although I am saddened to learn of his passing, we can take away and be reminded of a few simple but powerful life lessons from Gans’s story: Find your passion, pursue your dream, live each day to the fullest, cherish those you love and give back to those in need. That is what any person's life should be about.

Mark

There But for You Go I

The current “official” unemployment rate hovers around 8.5%, not counting those who are underemployed or have given up on their job search. So, roughly 91% of the workforce is employed in some fashion.

This post is directly aimed at the 91% of you. In many ways you are in a very powerful position whether you realize it or not. You can choose to lend support to those looking for work, or you decide not to afford an individual the opportunity to connect with you. You may be saying to yourself: “How can I help? I am not in a position to hire anyone” or “I’m trying to hold on to my own job. What can I do?” Well, as it turns out, there is plenty you can do.

If someone tries to network with you, be receptive. Don’t make that job seeker call or write to you several times before you reply. It is difficult enough for most people to ask for help. Their confidence has most likely already been shaken by the loss of a job. Meet the person for a cup of coffee. Don’t just mildly listen to the person, but really hear and understand what he is trying to ask or convey. Offer some guidance, support and hope. If you commit to circulating a resume, do so and give a date when he should check back with you. Think about whom else you may know that this person could network with.

If you hear of a neighbor or casual friend who has experienced a job loss, reach out to that person. It may sound like a potential intrusion, but trust me, as someone who has been in this position, it is often greatly appreciated. Even if you can’t help him professionally, invite him over for a visit or include him in the Saturday morning softball game. This gesture will most likely boost the person’s spirits immeasurably.

I know we are all busy and many of us barely have time to add anything to our daily agenda. Think again. Given the challenging economy and employment landscape these days, at any moment the tables could be turned and you could be asking this individual for assistance. I am a firm believer in “what goes around, comes around.” I have experienced this many times in my life. You probably have as well.

So, to the 91% of you. We’re all in this thing together and I can guarantee you that a kind gesture and helping hand will be repaid or reciprocated some day in some way. The lyric of the song “There But for You Go I”, by Alan Jay Lerner expresses these sentiments very well. We should all take it to heart.

I saw a man with his head bowed low.
His heart had no place to go.
I looked and I thought to myself with a sigh:
There but for you go I.
I saw a man walking by the sea,
Alone with the tide was he.
I looked and I thought as I watched him go by:
There but for you go I.

Keep Careering Today and Everyday.

Mark

Your Best Investment Strategy

There has never been a better investment strategy than investing in you. As we are acutely aware today, our finances go up and down, the value of our home rises and falls, and the Dow Jones has recently moved like a jet propelled elevator. There is only one on-going investment you can make that will pay long term dividends for you and your loved ones. That investment is in you.

We are all trying to cut back expenses these days out of necessity, desire and/or fear. In addition, many are trying to save money and cut credit card use for the first time in many years. As a result, almost every industry has seen a downturn. Home and auto purchases, travel, clothing, dining out, home furnishings and others expenses are being cut back by consumers and those industries are suffering as a result of diminished consumption.

But some areas seem to be doing modestly well when compared to others. One is Education. Why? People are seeking additional training, new careers or brushing up on their skills at record levels. The community colleges and trade schools are busy, public colleges have no shortage of applicants, and many private colleges and universities report a better than expected number of applicants, although securing loans is a challenge given the current tight credit markets.

If you are unemployed, concerned about finances or living on a strict budget, try to find offerings in your community to learn new skills or enhance your current skill set. Join the local Toastmasters club to enhance your public speaking and presentation skills. Go to networking or civic group meetings in your community. Avail yourself of the resources at your town or county library. Check out a consignment shop to update your interview wardrobe. Use the community park to exercise and get fresh air and enjoy the scenery to relax you. You get the idea.

For those of you who are working or for those not working but not in financial straits, commit to dedicating time, energy and resources to enhance your skills. This can be stronger skills in your current field, new skills for a new career, a computer skills upgrade or developing your so-called “soft skills” such as public speaking, presentation skills or interviewing. And, be certain to mention these activities to prospective employers. They love candidates who are motivated to find ways to grow and development both professionally or personally.

As I said, finances and wealth will go up and down, often for reasons outside of your control. There is an ebb and flow throughout most of our adult lives. But one investment is certainly within your power and will pay the greatest dividends and the best return on the investment. And that investment is in Yourself.

Always Be Careering.

Mark

The Job Fair Fairy

I’m struck by the reports I have seen on the news about the volume of the unemployed workers attending job fairs. As a career recruiter, with the exception of college job fairs for new grads, my experience with job fairs has been mixed at best. And, that was during better economic times with a less severe unemployment picture.

To get a job through a job fair these days, you literally need a job fairy or perhaps an angel looking out for you such as the one assigned to Jimmy Stewart in “It’s a Wonderful Life.” The volume of candidates is too great, the process too rushed and the likelihood of making a lasting impression on the overwhelmed recruiters too unlikely. This is especially true if you may not be a traditional fit for a particular job (a “square-peg-in-a-round-hole” scenario).

I think the best positive outcome in attending a job fair is you will feel as if you have taken a tangible, positive step in your job search, made contact with companies that have alluded you, and met other people in the same boat with whom to commiserate. But actually landing a job? You may want to take the company brochures you pick up at the fair, put it under your pillow before going to bed, and hope the Job Fair Fairy leaves an offer letter for you when you awake.

I hate to sound so cynical, but I have your best interest at heart. Go to the job fairs if it makes you feel productive, but level set your expectations. Trust me, I am only interested in your well-being.

A better use of your time? Take the list of companies planning to attend the job fair, go to LinkedIn or other social media sites and start networking.

Keep on Careering Today and Everyday!

Mark

The Lagging Indicator

I am taking a break today from my usual – or at least sometimes – cheerful self to air a perspective on the current economic crisis. These views are based on what I read, see and hear each day from the three-ring-circus otherwise known as the media, the politicians and the economists.

As I tune in to the daily array of infotainment provided by the aforementioned circus performers trying to fit into the clown car that has become the media, I am struck by the descending order of issues given airtime on any given day. Namely, the rising unemployment rate, number of lost jobs and projected recovery date for this critical component of our economy to improve seem to get short shrift. “Oh, that’s a lagging indicator…Let’s fix Wall Street and Main Street.” Fix what without jobs? Huh?

Top of the List
So, what items are discussed before turning to the lack of work available outside of the big tent? Well, generally, the first item is propping up the banks by infusing billions of dollars in a TARP (isn’t a big tent also called a tarp?), TALF, and some other acronyms I can’t remember as I’m reaching for the Tylenol (actually a generic brand as I no longer afford the name brands). Money is doled out with few strings attached and the big banks are already reaping the profits from our grandkids’ money. The theory is that banks need to be inflated like a tent to open the credit markets, which are still shut tighter than my Aunt Millie’s piggy bank.

Next up, the real estate market. First it was the residential and now commercial properties as well. Foreclosures in the millions, people put out on the streets, and until very recently, no rest for the weary home buyers or commercial landlords.

Some proposed solutions: lower interest rates, tax cuts, supplements for first time home buyers, stimulus packages and encouragement to save more money to help prop up the banks and other financial institutions even further.

The common wisdom seems to be if we do all of these things, the economy should start coming back out of the recession sometime in the second half of this year. And where is job creation and unemployment reduction in all of this you ask? Well, that’s a “lagging indicator” so we won’t see an improvement until the end of 2010. That’s 20 months from now!

A few questions from my feeble mind…How are we to buy homes, assume debt, save money and stir the economy by buying consumer “stuff” if we are bleeding jobs at the rate of 650,000 per month? How are we to get to a “reasonable” rate of unemployment, say 4-6 percent, when the Stimulus Plan only calls for the creation of 2.5 to 3 million new jobs over the next 2 years? And, when many of these jobs will be contracting or temporary jobs?

I wish I had answers to these questions, I really do, as I am very worried about a so-called “jobless recovery.” I’d look into it for us, but I have to ask you all for your opinions as I haven’t the time. I’m off to join the circus today. Maybe they’ll let me sweep up after the elephants. I mean, that’s kind of what we’re doing metaphorically anyway.

Please let us know what you think. Mark

Great Impressions

We all know about the importance of a positive initial encounter. A first impression is a lasting impression. It’s critically important you think about how to make a positive first contact before a job interview. You may not think you can do much to insure a great first impression, and that is partially true, but some variables are within your control.

As a career recruiter, I have interviewed thousands of candidates. Unfortunately, unlike other encounters, there are no job interview “do-overs.” You may be able to recover from a shaky first impression with someone you wish to date, a potential customer, or a new friend. But an interview is so dependent on rapport, fit and chemistry that a deadly first impression is — well, deadly. After all, employees generally spend as much time together during their waking hours as they do with their families during the week. And, in this tight job market, employers are extraordinarily cautious about making a job offer to a candidate.

Making Great Impressions
So, in Part I of “Great Impressions,” I’m going to give you a “laundry list” of hints, tips and “watch-outs.” Some may seem obvious, but trust me I’ve seen applicants even in the upper ranks of management make avoidable mistakes. And, although some of this may seem a bit much to remember in the moment, in these difficult times you can leave nothing to chance. So, here goes:

• Even if you are told when scheduling the interview that it is a “business casual” environment, it is not so for the interviewee. Dress up—you can never really over-dress, but you can easily under-dress for the occasion. Be certain your hair, make-up and grooming are impeccable. In most situations it is best to dress conservatively, particularly as you don’t want your outfit or jewelry to be distracting. Your choices are a reflection on you.

• Get to the interview 20 minutes early. Mapquest the directions or get them off the company website. Allow plenty of time for potential traffic or late mass transit. If you are wearing a jacket, hang it up while you are driving so it is wrinkle-free when you arrive at your destination.

• Have a comb or brush and breath mints available for last minute grooming in your car. After you announce yourself to the receptionist, ask to use the lavatory and check your appearance one last time to be certain you are well “put together.” Ask the receptionist if there is a coat closet so you do not have to carry around an overcoat. Travel light inside of the building. A leather portfolio with extra copies of your resume and two pens is best, but an attache case and/or presentation portfolio works, too.

• Since you are early and will no doubt spend time in the lobby, pay particular attention to the environment: employee interaction, employee body language, style and condition of facility, etc. You don’t need to be a super sleuth, but you’d be surprised about the clues you can pick up.

• If you are waiting for an extended period of time, stay calm. Take a few deep breaths. Often the longer you wait, the more anxious you may become. Don’t start reading the magazines or newspaper in the lobby. It will distract you from focusing and will be awkward when you have to stand up when the interviewer finally approaches. Better to go over your notes, resume and pithy questions. A mentor once told me to stand vs. sit for five minutes before your interview as you will seem more energetic and in control. I don’t know if I agree, but I pass it along for consideration.

• When the interviewer appears, smile, offer a firm handshake, make good eye contact, and follow her lead in walking to the interview room. Walk side-by-side, not in front nor in back of the interviewer. Seem to hang on to every word the interviewer says—never have you heard such “pearls of wisdom.” Compliment the person on the facility (unless it is a total dump!) or some other nicety as long as it seems sincere and befitting of someone with a great positive outlook. Accept an offer of water, but not coffee or tea. Spillage is a catastrophe (I’ve experienced this) and if nervous, your heart could start racing from caffeine.

• When you get into the interview room, ask the interviewer where she would like you to sit – you’re the visitor. Once seated, sit up straight, legs together or crossed but not apart, unbutton your jacket, slightly pull the bottom back part of your jacket down for maximum fit and wait for the interviewer to take the lead.

• Be aware of your overall tone as much as you can—voice modulation, body language, expression, enthusiasm.

Now, you’ve done a great deal of what you can to take control of making a good first impression. In Part II of “Great Impressions” we’ll focus on how to best conclude the interview to help create a positive lasting impression.

You may feel such tips are a bit much to pay attention to on top of answering the questions and “being authentic,” but believe me when I tell you, many times it is very difficult to recover if things don’t start off well. There are many variables outside of your control, but some things are very much up to you.

Best of luck… And, Careering Today and Everyday

Mark N. New

Going Up: The Elevator Speech

Over the years, I've probably heard more “elevators” than Mr. Otis. Here are my thoughts on elevator speeches from the perspective of a career recruiter and coach. Of course, you are free to agree or disagree and do as you see fit.

For those of you who may not be familiar with the term, an “elevator speech” is a short, rehearsed, personal “commercial” a job seeker develops for use during a brief encounter with a prospective contact. The term comes from the hypothetical scenario of having 45-60 seconds with someone in an elevator. In such a situation, what would you say to best present what you can do to bring value to an organization?

Going Up
Here are three considerations when developing or revising your elevator speech:

• Don’t be vague: Some outplacement firms suggest your elevator speech be fairly general and subjective highlighting general skills rather than honing in on functional expertise. This leaves something to be desired. For example, I strike up a conversation with a person in an elevator who learns I am a recruiter. He is looking for a job. I ask him what he is looking for and what he does. He says something to the effect: "I am a project manager who is a strategic business partner with several years of experience in leadership roles who brings organization, creativity and innovative ideas to teams I lead to complete major projects on time, within budget…." As a recruiter I immediately have 3-4 questions, but not enough time to ask them before the elevator door opens: What is your field of expertise (and perhaps industry affiliations)? Marketing, Engineering, R&D, Finance, etc; Pharma, Manufacturing, Financial Services? It all sounds good, but says who? Have you received this feedback, or is mostly your own perception? And what are you looking for? Without some hint of an answer to these questions incorporated into your elevator speech, the opportunity may be wasted if you do not have the luxury of more time with the contact. If you are looking for a position in a specific functional area or industry, include it in your elevator speech.

• Prepare a follow-up: In the event you are afforded more time than an elevator ride provides, try to anticipate follow-up questions the person may have for you after you deliver your elevator speech. Then, develop concise answers to those questions, write them down, rehearse on a tape recorder, and fine-tune them. There is nothing worse than someone who delivers a polished elevator speech and then, when asked follow up questions, flounders to form responses not nearly as crisp as the speech.

• Display confidence: Be certain you can deliver your elevator speech with confidence and conviction. You may have been coached on what to say, but only you know if you can pull it off. Most of us do not like to “toot our own horn,” but to a certain extent the job search process requires it. Just be certain you feel good about it, and then stretch a little out of your comfort zone. You don’t want to come across as one wearing a great suit with a bad fit.

Finally, there is a lot of great advice and resources available and I encourage you to seek the best counsel possible. In the end, you will have to decide what works best for you. Set a stretch goal for yourself in the event some of what you deem a “good fit” is limited by your comfort zone. Now, get prepared to take that elevator ride up to the executive suite! It can be a bumpy ride but will be exhilarating once you get there…

Let us know what you think. And, Keep Careering Today and Everyday.

Mark

P.S. If you do not have a business card, you should. You can have them printed for free at www.vistaprint.com. I suggest you use the front of the card for your contact information and on the back add three bullets capturing the highlights of your elevator speech. Distribute them liberally and collect them from others.

Ageism in the Workplace

Does your age impact your ability to land a job? I’ve read several articles on the topic. Journalists report that “ageism” is a major influence in getting a job. As a career recruiter who has run my own recruiting firm and national staffing functions for corporations, I implore you not to get too hung up on age. There are advantages and disadvantages for both early, mid and late career. But don’t let age deter you from applying for a job.

Contemporary wisdom says that younger workers are favored by employers because they are more technology literate, technology adaptable, energetic and computer savvy than their older counterparts. Or that older workers are favored by employers because they have more work experience, a stronger work ethic, a better network of contacts and more references. Should you be aware of these potential preconceptions? Yes and no. Should you be dissuaded from pursuing an opening due to potential prejudices? NO and absolutely NO!

You can’t let any of this hold you back from going after what you want. Even if you ultimately aren’t selected for the job, don’t assume it has anything to do with age. Most of the time, it does not. Don’t use age as an excuse to shy away from applying for a job or in seeking insight as to why you were not selected. Yes, there are some industries that are more youth-focused than others, but not as many as you may think. Most of the time, job offers and rejections are not due to age.

Myth Busters
Here’s an example to help debunk the myth: Did you know studies show that younger workers take more sick days than older workers? Why? Younger workers are balancing work with an active social life which often includes “sowing their oats” at night or “playing hookey” to hit the beach on a nice day. Older workers generally take fewer sick days because they have gotten a lot of these activities out of their systems long ago, their lives are generally more focused around their jobs and they may have more present and future financial commitments on their minds with fewer years left in the workforce.

Whatever your age, you need to project an image of vitality, energy, focus and enthusiasm. These characteristics are not age specific. There are 25-year-olds that project these traits, and there are 25-year-olds that don't. And, there are 55-year-olds that carry themselves as youthful and relevant and 55-year-olds that don't. Be honest with yourself about how you come across. Ask for feedback from those closest to you. Reflect on what you can do to enhance qualities attractive to employers. Just one cautionary note: make subtle enhancements that make sense for your age and are not an obvious attempt to do so. If you aren’t your authentic self, people will see through that pretty quickly, too.

The bottom line: Focus on what is within your control, and that is, presenting the best you.

Keep Careering Today and Everyday.

Mark

Toxic Assets

In reading about the twists and turns in the current economy, not a paragraph seems to go by when I don’t read the phrase “toxic assets.” For example, the financial system is spiraling downward due to “toxic assets”; the Fed needs to remove the “toxic assets” from the balance sheets of giant banks and financial institutions and the Treasury needs to establish a “bad bank” to house all of the “toxic assets,” etc. etc.

The term “toxic assets” strikes me as an oxymoron, like “jumbo shrimp,” “old news” or “definite maybe.” How can an “asset” be “toxic” and something “toxic” is an “asset”? It is a puzzling term. Eventually it occurred to me that the term actually has real value. And, in keeping with our subject of Careering Today, let me offer this example of why it works.

Obviously, being engaged in a job search can be an anxious and stress inducing experience. You need to do everything possible to keep up your spirits and remain as positive and upbeat as possible. Successful job searches depend on it. One critical technique in remaining positive is by surrounding yourself with people, places and possessions that are upbeat and enhance your mood.

Stay Non-Toxic
Most of us have friends, family, and activities in our lives that bring us joy and satisfaction. We all know some are more joyous than others. It is important to surround yourself as much as possible with those who lift your spirits and limit interaction with those who drain your energy. You don’t always have the luxury of choice in the matter. Be aware of your reaction to people, places and things and be selective where you can. We need a variety of people and activities in our lives, but at times we need to differentiate between which lift us up and which bring us down. Guess which are the “toxic assets”?

Further, you most likely own a collection music CD’s, an iPod, DVDs, books, a television or other sources of entertainment. Try to read the positive books, not the weepers. Listen to upbeat music, not dirges. Watch comedies, not tragic stories. Having these possessions may be considered a portion of your “assets,” but surrounding yourself with any “downers” right now is — you got it — a toxic asset.

As you go through this — or any — stressful period in your life, surround yourself with mood inducers which serve as a “tonic,” not a “toxic.” Those are your true assets.

Hope this gives you some things to consider. Let’s hear from you. What do you do to stay positive and keep lift your spirits? We’d like to know.

Keep Careering Today and Everyday!
Mark

Networking Today: Connecting Six Degrees

The most critical technique in finding a job is to reach out to your network of family, friends and contacts. And networking has never been so easy what with all the advancements in technology such as cell phones, texting, e-mail, instant messaging and the advent of social media and social networking. However, nothing can replace the effectiveness of personal, one-on-one “live” networking as a means to get –- and stay -– on people’s radar screens. If not “live” in person, then certainly “live” by phone. (Voice mail does not count as “live”).

Now, I am not suggesting job seekers suspend all other activities in favor of live networking. However, I do recommend devoting a significant amount of time each day to reaching out to speak with people and make new, valuable connections. As you develop your daily or weekly schedule, balance the time you spend searching on the computer with reaching out to talk to people directly.

Many people spend too much time surfing for jobs on the computer. And, some of the spent trolling for jobs via the Internet is often due to avoiding more difficult tasks such as “live” networking. People can fool themselves into thinking they are utilizing their time most effectively by being on-line, but thousands or in some case millions are looking at the same postings and sites you are. However, no one else has your network.

Reaching Out
I know generally we do not like asking for favors, help, or communicate what we are afraid to be perceived to be a position of weakness, desperation or shame. We all want to feel we are in a position to help others, not need help from others. Most of us have an independent streak and sense of self-reliance. Please believe when I tell you: Those perceptions are ill-founded. The people you speak with have been in your shoes, will be in your shoes or worry they will soon be in your shoes soon!

One positive consequence of this difficult job market (if there is one) is that it has significantly diminished the stigma people may still feel is attached to being out of work. With unemployment inching it’s way towards 10%, millions more who have either stopped looking or are underemployed, and those still employed waiting for the “other shoe to drop,” people are generally more empathetic and helpful and less judgmental than ever. Don’t give up on the power of networking.

So, I want you to log off, power down the computer, pick up the phone and make the calls you have been meaning to make. Meet people for coffee if they are within reach. If they are busy when you call, set up a phone meeting. If even it they can’t help you, you’ll feel a lot better. And, when you place those networking seeds, you never know when or where they may grow.

Let us know what you think. Share your tips and experiences. We know you’re out there!

Keep Careering Today!

Mark

The Seven Ways Job Hunters Get Interviews

The are times when conducting research for a post or an article when I say to myself, “this guy says it as well as anyone, even better than me!” This is indeed one of those times.

I wanted to write a short, thumbnail version of the most important ways in which job searchers get interviews. There are books, courses, coaches and articles out there, and it can become a little overwhelming, so I wanted to boil it all down to a few key approaches.

Well, here are pearls of wisdom from Orville Pierson, a globally recognized leader in the field of outplacement services and author of The Unwritten Rules of the Highly Effective Job Search. In addition to his writing and speaking, Orville works for one of the most recognized career services firms, Lee Hecht Harrision. He summarizes the topic of landing an interview very well. Read on:


“When job hunters get interviews, it’s pretty much always because they engaged in one of seven job search activities. Unfortunately, these activities are not always well-understood. Even some of the popular job hunting books define them incorrectly and confuse them with each other.

It doesn’t matter which ones you use. It only matters that you’re getting interviews. To use any of them well, you need to understand how they work and how to best use them.

Here are the seven, in approximate order of effectiveness. The first three are the ones that prove successful for the vast majority of job hunters.

1. Networking. This is certainly the most misunderstood job hunting technique. It’s also the one that is most likely to work for most job hunters. That’s not something I made up. There have been scientific studies on it.

At Lee Hecht Harrison, where I work, we provide job search assistance services for as many as 100,000 unemployed people a year. Most start out by saying that they don’t have a large enough network. Or that’s networking is too difficult, or somehow problematic. Or that they don’t know anyone important.

Then they learn how to do it and find jobs.

2. Headhunters and Staffing Firms. Executive search firms (retained search) are how many job hunters with salaries over $100,000 find employment. For those at lower salaries, it’s more likely to be staffing firms (contingency search).

3. Internet Postings and Newspaper Ads. Many job hunters find jobs this way. The surest way to find out if you’re one of them is to try it. If you’re not getting interviews - or if there aren’t enough listings in your field – you’ll need to try another of the seven techniques.

Personally I don’t think you should wait the 30 to 60 days it might take to know for sure if this method is working -- especially if you’re unemployed. Why not get started with other activities right away? The same is true of headhunters.

4. Cold Calling. The definition of cold calling is telephoning total strangers without being introduced to them. These are people who never heard of you and who have not posted any job openings. Some job hunting books confuse this with networking, but in networking you are talking only to people you know or to those you’ve been introduced to by people you know.

While cold calling is effective for a small percentage of job hunters, most have difficulty with the high rejection rate that goes with this kind of telemarketing activity.

5. Direct Mail. This is sending letters and resumes to total strangers who have not posted any job openings. When you are on the receiving end of this kind of communication, you call it “spam” or “junk mail.” It works for a small percentage of job hunters, but – like cold calling -- it requires very large numbers of contacts.

6. Applications. If you’re thinking of government employment, applications are an essential part of the process. Some lower-paying private sector jobs are filled this way, but at the middle and higher income levels, it’s much more likely that you’ll complete an application after they decide to hire you – if at all.

7. Walking In. Presenting yourself in person at the place of employment is a good technique for some hourly jobs and a few entry-level salaried jobs. But it’s very time-consuming. The higher your earnings, the less likely this is to be appropriate – or effective.

Before you jump into a job search, I hope you'll take the time to understand these seven approaches and ascertain which are most appropriate for your particular search. Then use them in the context of a planned job search and you'll be on your way to success.”

Thanks, Orville. And to you, my colleagues engaged in a job search….The very best of success and remember to Keep Careering Today and Everyday.

Mark