now2planBlog

Who Are You? Make Sure 'They' Know.

Whether you like it or not, you are constantly making an impression on others.  Job seekers in particular must create a great first impression in this employer-driven market. Sometimes it is the little things that can sideline your chances with a company.  In today's online world, it is important that everything that represents you sells you as a professional and as one who would be a good hire.

Look at your current email identity, email signature, and what you have named your résumé attachment. When someone receives an email from you, what shows up in their In Box?   Your initials?  A "cute" moniker like JustJack or gobigblue?  Or only part of your name - John S?  Use your first and last name and configure your email settings so that your name shows up in a recipient's email In Box. 

Have you created an email signature block for your email job search correspondence?  (And you will want to treat all correspondence as if it is related to your job search.)  Here's a simple tip. Use your full name, telephone number and email address.  Send a test message to yourself to check out your identity and signature block.

What have you named your résumé?  You know, the document that you are attaching to your job search correspondence? Have you named it "resume.doc"? "latestresume.doc"?  Do you really expect the recipient to rename your document so that he or she can save and then retrieve it later?  Again, make use of your name.  Name your résumé this way: "Lastname, Firstname Resume.doc."

Take care of the little things in job search.  These little things may lead to something BIG!

FedEx Offices to Provide Free Resume Printing on March 10

FedEx/Kinkos is generously offering job seekers the opportunity to print 25 resumes on resume-quality paper at no charge on Tuesday, March 10.  Stop by any one of the 1,500 FedEx/Kinkos locations to take advantage of this great offer.

There are a few rules:

- The deal is available in every FedEx Office Print and Ship Center in the country.  To find the location nearest you, click on this link.

- Orders must be submitted in the center by March 10. You cannot submit online orders.

- Limit of 25 copies per customer. Copies are one-sided and will be printed on resume-quality paper.

- You can bring in a paper copy of your resume or a digital version.

Thank you FedEx/Kinkos!

Blog Your Way to a New Job

The folks at www.typepad.com want to help you in your job search.   Go to Type Pad for a free tutorial on how to create a professional blog and resume online.  

Are you in a field (photographer, graphic designer, writer) where it is important for you to have a portfolio?  Then begin to build your web-based portfolio at www.typepad.com. 

It's simple to use and there's even a free trial period.

Networking 101

"So what is networking, anyway?"

Networking is simply trading information.  A friend asks you about a restaurant in your neighborhood - "is the food good? expensive?"  

You ask your friend where they purchased their Christmas tree - "are the trees there fresh? does that lot support the Boy Scouts?"

Networking is the way to find positions that are not advertised; it's the way to make a career change; it has a 75% success rate.  It is also an active, you-in-control method to search for a job.

"I don't have a network."

Yes, you do!  You have relatives, friends, co-workers, neighbors, church friends, former classmates, and hopefully a dentist and a doctor.  There are your children's friends' parents who are affiliated with their neighbors, relatives, etc.  Still not convinced?  Then join LinkedIn, Facebook or if you are near Nashville, Tennessee, attend the Monday Night Career Transition Group Meeting at Brentwood United Methodist Church.

"Okay, I have a network - so what?"

Well, what do you want to know?  Are you in a job transition?  Are you looking for a contact inside a particular company?  Do you want to know about the trends and opportunities within your profession?  What about salary information?  What about feedback on your resume or your job search strategies?  Ask, listen to your contacts' answers and GIVE BACK.  (more on "Giving Back" on the next Blog installment)

In my work with people who have lost their jobs, I often hear, "I wish that I had kept up with my network."    There are legitimate excuses - working long hours, too much trouble, don't want to be a bother...

What these folks are saying is that the small investment in time and energy through ongoing networking makes it easier to call on your network during career transition or during some other need.  An energetic friend of mine, Beth, makes a point to attend and volunteer at a lot of social gatherings, church events, and community activities.  When she suddenly found herself in need of folks who could look in on her nursing home-bound mother while she was out of town, Beth simply asked 1 person in her network for help.  That 1 person spread the news and Beth's mother had daily visitors and special treats for each of the 7 days that Beth was out of town.  Beth's giving nature and ongoing networking with people led to these acts of generosity.

What can you do today to build and nurture your network?

Happy Thanksgiving! Holiday Job Search Tips

Thanksgiving is upon us and I'll bet you are thinking . . . 

'This is the start of a 6 week time period where my job search and networking activities can slack off. NO ONE hires during the holidays.'

Well, even if that is the case, the holiday period is no time to quit your job search activities.  Here are some tips:

1. Join family and friends at as many social events as you can.  Usually, folks are caught up in the spirit of the season and it is a great time to reconnect.

2. Attend your professional association's December meeting.  It will probably be a more relaxed gathering with more focus on meeting and greeting.

3. Stay in touch with your contacts.  'Miss seeing you!  I'll call you in January.'

4. Volunteer.  Giving of yourself can do wonders for your mental well being.

5. Turn off the news.  Don't need to elaborate on that one.

Cutting Edge Problem Solver with a Proven Track Record?

According to the November 2008 edition of Real Simple magazine, the professional networking site LinkedIn found that way too many résumés and profiles include the following phrases:

• ''Proven track record"
• ''Problem solver"
• ''Fast paced"
• ''Due Diligence"
• ''Cutting edge"
• ''Results-oriented"

And, interestingly enough, women overuse the phrase "attention to detail" while men use "disaster recovery" too much.

Want to stand out in the pile of resumes and online profiles?  Hire a professional résumé writer.

What if...?

Several weeks ago, you may have allowed yourself the luxury of thinking about finding a new position.  Can't stand my boss, want more meaningful work, a better commute, higher pay. 

Now, with 401k's turning into 201k's, you have abandoned such thoughts, haven't you?  You're hoping that you can survive this economic instability (okay... mess) with your job intact.  Maybe you're telling yourself, my job isn't so bad... what was even thinking?  Leave my job and my generous/kind boss?!?

What if you get fired?  What if tomorrow you are called into HR, walk in to a room with a group of somber looking co-workers who tell you, "This isn't your fault, it's a business decision.  We're going to have to let you go."

What if they cannot pay you a severance?

An old saying states, "Hope for the best; prepare for the worst."  So how do you prepare for the worst?

1. Update your resume.  Invest your time in thinking about your accomplishments, the projects in which you participated, and your unpaid work.  The best accomplishments are ones that you can quantify.
2. Think about who you will ask to serve on your list of references.
3. Is your contact management system up-to-date?  (What is a contact management system??)  It can be as simple as a basket full of business cards (I confess - this was my 'system.') or your email address book.
4. Have you stayed in touch with friends and colleagues?  Perhaps now is a good time to reconnect - coffee before work, lunch with friends.  You will be glad that you have made the time and effort IN CASE the 'What If" happens.

What if you are stuck and can't get moving to prepare for the worst?  A good career coach can partner with you on your journey.

Hiring a Professional Resume Writer

The Wall Street Journal's Career section is a great resource for career seekers. In last Tuesday's print edition, there was a helpful article written by Joann S Lublin. In her article, Finding a Master Resume Writer, Ms Lubin states, "in today's tight market, the right resume can land you the right interviews..." She correctly suggests that job seekers who need resume writing services do the following:

• Shop carefully and ask for writing samples.
• Ask for recommendations from satisfied customers.
• Know what you are paying for. Ask for a proposal in writing and find out when you will receive your initial draft.
• Make sure your resume accurately depicts your background and accomplishments. In most cases, your deceptions will be discovered.

The purpose of your resume is to get you an interview. It also serves you when you network and interview. Want to know how? Hire and ask a reputable resume writer.

Panicked Job Search!?

I’m out of work!  I need to find a new job NOW!  I’ve posted my resume on every on-line monster, builder, job link site with no response.  What am I doing wrong?

Many of us find ourselves in panic mode as we move through a job or career change.  Sometimes we choose to make a career change; other times change chooses us.

First of all, what’s panic done for you lately?  The reality is, you could get a new job now – all you need to do is to go the nearest retail center and fill out applications.

There are a number of things that you will want to accomplish before you launch your job search:

1. Decide on the focus and goal of your job search. Is it a particular job function, in a specific industry or with a targeted company?
2. Is your resume market-ready?  If it has been a while since you have updated your resume, you may not know what employers are looking for on a resume in 2008.
3. You will want a list of references.  Be sure to ask individuals who know you and your work – perhaps a former supervisor.
4. Is your cover letter ready to go?  Try and find a contact at your targeted company to write to rather than “To Whom It May Concern.”
5. Identify your contacts.  Make a list of your friends, colleagues and contacts for future and purposeful networking.
6. Finally, check out LinkedIn – the adult/professional version of Facebook. 

Have you completed all six steps? 

Executives Need a Plan B

You are an Executive and a realist. You know that it is in your best interest to have a Plan B when, not if, the time comes and you will look for your next opportunity. You've seen colleagues blind-sided and immobilized by change.

Time is lost and opportunities missed.

Most senior-level folks obtain positions by networking and seeking out opportunities to make a difference in the leadership of an organization. Some never have a need for a resume, bio or list of references. Their reputation and character are well-known. Do you know for certain that you won't need these important documents?

Wisdom dictates that you be prepared in advance so that you can start networking for opportunities right away. You will want the following in your "briefcase." These should be written professionally and updated regularly.

1. An Executive-level resume. This is more than a list of your positions and where you have worked. It is an active document that illustrates your value to your company. Your executive resume should have a distinctive look and feel.

2. An Executive Bio. Again, your Bio will have a unique look to it and written in a way that brings your contributions in focus.

3. Contact/Reference List. These are your sponsors and advocates.

4. A Positioning Statement. Who are you? What unique value will you contribute to your next organization?

You will save yourself countless hours and money if you are prepared in advance for your next move. An executive career coach can work with you to create your Plan B and achieve your professional goals.