Orlando Jobing Community Blogs

Most reasonable human beings would agree that jumping from a perfectly good ship without a pirate's sword in your back is a sure case of self-sabotage. So what would make an employee carelessly toss a career overboard at the workplace water cooler?

"You're kidding, right?" "I can't believe it!" "Whaaaaaaat!"...And the list goes on. These are typical responses to topics too hot for the workplace water cooler. So where is this so-called water cooler and what could possibly be wrong with getting the latest updates from the "411 operator" of the office; aka the Office Gossip?

The present day water cooler takes on many forms. Most water cooler conversations happen in places where employees feel casual and safe. Designated smoking areas, restrooms, elevators, e-mails, text messages and seemingly deserted corridors are the unassuming planks from which many a career has been tossed to the sharks. The more informal the environment, people tend to erroneously presume an increased sense of security. Countless professionals from preachers to politicians will remorsefully attest to the fact that the microphone is ALWAYS ON. Emails should be written with the knowledge that all electronic communications are just a point and click away from the front page of every media source in the world.  Be aware that as long as you are in the workplace, there are policies, procedures and laws that govern employee communication. Even if you work from home, be conscientious of the nature of your work-related e-mails and telephone conversations.

While being open to communication is essential to being perceived as a team player, many employees blur the boundaries between their personal and workplace appropriate conversations, often resulting in situations that create issues with morale, confidentiality and integrity. It is also important to understand that organizational leaders have a duty to act when issues that may constitute a violation of civil rights or that constitute a potentially hostile work environment are exposed in the workplace. So even though you are just casually "sharing" with your supervisor (who is also your personal friend) regarding another co-worker's reluctant affair with her manager, your supervisor may have a duty to act upon the information you casually shared. The result could be several careers overboard.

So what are the guidelines for positive and productive workplace communications? Here are five simple tips to keep you from going overboard at the water cooler.

• Establish personal ground rules for workplace communication that address issues which may not already be covered in your organizational code of conduct. Issues such as religion, personal finance, race and ethnicity, physical features such as hair, baldness, birthmarks and skin tone; gender based lifestyle and personal romantic relationships. Discussion of these and other sensitive issues may cause co-workers to feel uncomfortable and may be factors in contributing to a hostile work environment. Remember that everyone may not share your level of comfort on highly personal topics and no employer wants to defend against allegations of a hostile work environment.
• Understand that the workplace is never as casual as it might seem. Those who bring gossip to you about other co-workers usually maintain their low standard of confidentiality when your personal information is available for dissemination to the masses. Yes, simply put they gossip about you too! Still, it is important to be social and not to alienate co-workers. A great way to manage the gossip and remain engaged as a trusted team member is to simply change the subject to the job or task that should be the gossip's primary focus at the time. Some people simply respond to the gossip, "That's T.M.I." (too much information). Gossips usually get the message and ship off to more lucrative dumping grounds.
• Beware of over-sharing your personal matters with workplace confidants. In this time of economic uncertainty it can be tempting to divulge personal information that would usually be relegated to the confines of the family table. After all, we sometimes spend more waking hours with our co-workers than we do with our own family members. Information on topics such as bankruptcy, foreclosure, marital or extra-marital problems and sensitive health care issues can pose potential damage to a person's career. Be very careful of placing your career at risk by exposing the details of private matters in the workplace. Hot potatoes are hard to hold onto and in the end you will have to consider how you contributed to the story of your life being placed on Front Street.
• Respected professional reputations are built on trust. You must decide whether the  momentary adrenaline rush of broadcasting the latest tidbit of gossip throughout the workplace is truly worth being branded as the leak that is sinking the Titanic.
• Before you take the plunge at the water cooler, count up the cost and remember the Golden Rule.

When searching for a job, I bet you notice how recently the position was posted – you might even filter your results to only view the freshest jobs around.  Similarly, employers search through resume databases looking for candidates that have recently updated their information.  To an employer, having recently updated information means:

1.  You are actively looking for new employment – now.

2.  Your information:  address, phone number, salary rate, and employment history are current and accurate.

3.  You are ready to interview, and perhaps even start your new job on a reasonable timetable. 

Go ahead and brush the dust off your resume every two weeks.  Your information may not be changing that often – but there are always improvements to make.  If you need ideas on how to keep your resume fresh: use feedback and ideas from your friends and peers, use tips from online articles and books, or maybe even just reorganize your existing info.  Whatever you do - keep your resume fresh – and keep it on the top of the stack! 

With the proliferation of information and technology it has become your professional responsibility to stay informed.  Do you know how the economic stimulus plan affects H1 visas or COBRA coverage?  Which applicant tracking program do other recruiters really like? 

Previously we relied on our education, books and colleagues when there was a subject for which we needed more information.  Now, we can just type our question/subject into an online search engine and get everything we need.  But…don’t just wait until questions come up.  Find a couple blogs that you enjoy and are relevant to your specific field.  Check them out each morning while you sip your coffee.  I liken it to watching the nightly local news before you go to bed.  Sign up for notification emails and newsletters.  

A few of my favorites include www.recruitingblogs.com, www.cheezhead.com, and www.renegadehr.net.  Search on your own and find a few you like.  Enjoy!

If you're like most people, the thought of public speaking kicks up the heart rate and brings sweat to your palms.  A lot of people get nervous speaking to small groups or even just their manager.  The ability to communicate effectively and confidently is something that can be learned.  This ability is something that can set you apart in interviews as well as on the job.  You will motivate, persuade and lead more effectively.  Your self confidence will improve.  People will look up to you, trust you and follow your advice.

Toastmasters is an organization that has been around for a long time.  There are chapters in all major cities that hold meetings, events and even competitions.  Take a look at www.toastmasters.org to find a chapter near you.  We write a lot about networking and this is a great place for it.  My experience with Toastmasters has been wonderful.  The people are great and you'll learn a lot.  Check it out!

Blog submitted by Karen Austin, Certified Job and Career Transition Coach (JCTC)

Job Searching Tips - Your Job Search and Your Resume
Many job seekers have discovered that today, it really does take a little more (effort, patience, skill, time - you name it) to get a job.  Let's explore each step of a job search in the short job search questionnaire below and find the opportunities you have to try new job searching techniques.  You could end up finding the right job fit for you.

Job Searching - How are you looking for jobs?

    * a.  When I search for jobs, I use the same job search criteria each time.
    * b.  I don't get email job alerts- the jobs aren't what I would pick anyway.
    * c.  I don't belong to any professional associations because I am not currently working.

If you are using one of the approaches above -what are the opportunities for you to get better results from your job searching?

1.Make a habit of searching for jobs in a variety of ways.  There isn't one way to describe a job (or any limit to the creativity of job titles) so branch out with your job search so you can improve your chances of success.  Try different job categories, companies, and keywords and see what search results you get.  The trick here is to mix  your job searching method up frequently and stay on top of your industry or field-related jargon.  Sometimes to find the right job, you really have to dig.

2. Set up as many job search alert agents as you can.  That way, you get more relevant jobs delivered right to your inbox instead of going to them.  You can also use twitter or  RSS feeds to receive jobs and job search information.  Become efficient in your job search and let relevant content come to you.

3. Join a local or national professional association and get to know your peers.  If you can, find a mentor in your field - someone who has achieved the success you want and can help provide the guidance you need to make the right career moves (including meeting the right people and avoiding common pitfalls in the field).  Staying connected to your field and your peers is especially important when you are unemployed.  If you stay on everyone's radar, you are much more likely to get a job referral.  So stay active and stay top-of-mind while job searching.
 
Resume - How well are you marketing yourself with your resume in your job search?

    * a.  I think if an employer could just meet me, I know they'd hire me.
    * b.  If I am honest about my resume, I'd have to admit - I have a hard time selling my relevant skills and prior job experience in writing.
    * c.  Sometimes I think, “Maybe it isn't me, maybe it's my resume”.
    * d.  I think my resume is fine - but I am not getting any calls.

If any one of these statements rings true to you - it is an indication your resume may need some help.

With the large number of resume templates out there and all kinds of career advice on the web, there is a strong tendency for people to tackle their resume with a do-it-yourself approach. This approach is fine; however, if you are going to  write your resume yourself - be sure to have the same standards with the end result as you would if you hired professional resume writing services.  For example, if you decided to hang your front door instead of getting a carpenter - you would still want to keep the expectation that the door could open and close properly.  The same is true for your resume.  If you don't get the job search results you want with your resume - keep working on it or get more help.  Help can be a a professional resume writing service like we offer at Jobing Career Services, a community service provider, or even reaching out to friends and family for resume feedback.  Whatever resume help you think will benefit you in your job searching efforts, I urge you to go get it.  Don't be satisfied with a marketing tool that isn't working!


My next blog post will uncover opportunities for improvement in Interviewing and Networking...

Karen Austin is a Certified Job and Career Transition Coach (JCTC) and resume writer for Jobing Career Services.  For more information about Jobing Career Services or to get professional help writing a resume - email resumereview@jobing.com or visit our information page at www.jobing.com/careerservices
 

Many of the clients I work with have experienced the problems that many boomers experience as they seek re-employment.  Many boomers have attempted transitioning their skills and experiences into industries outside of their core experience and have learned a difficult lesson.  Transitioning skills into new industries is one of the most difficult methods of job searching. Your skill set may be transitional however; your specific job experience may be a limiting factor in your choices, especially within the published market.  As you build your résumé and search strategy, hopefully your résumé shows a large number of successes within your field and job industry, this is good, but what about transitioning into a new industry?  

Many displaced boomers are being told that career transition is the answer to their unemployment problems. And it can be, if they learn the dynamics of the current job market and how they should approach the career transition solution.  Let us look at a typical example of a displaced Marketing VP other positions of course can apply. 

Our VP has a 20-year career with an office technology company and has launched many successful campaigns bringing products to market. The question; can this VP of Marketing be successful in marketing medical software?  Our VP of Marketing has mastered the science and rules of marketing and has the skills to bring virtually any product or service to market.  The skill set is transferable but what about the experience?  As our VP of marketing will discover while looking for a job, especially on the Internet, they have the skills but not the experience so they hit a major barrier.  This is where frustration results, “I can do the job with my eyes closed but I don’t have the experience.”(Almost sounds like the recent grad)  Most résumés will not get past the computer, or résumé screener, especially with the Internet positions.

# Does our boomer really need the industry experience to be successful as a VP of Marketing in a software company?
# How do you get the necessary experience? 
# How does the transitioning boomer get around that barrier? 

The answer to question one is determined by the market (the hiring companies) especially on published positions.  If you read “medical software marketing experience required” in the posting and you do not have the specific experience do not even apply for the job.  In general, the transitioning baby boomer will have little success finding a job in the published market because they are competing against those with skills and industry experience.

Can our VP of Marketing get necessary industry experience and become competitive in this job market?   Probably not at the VP level, one option might be to take a lower level marketing position in that industry to gain that experience.  Of course that opens a completely new problem set; you are now overqualified and will run into the “you are too qualified for this position” rejections.

Will attending an industry related certification program give you industry experience?  No, experience is just that, experience.  Obtaining industry related certifications will add value to your résumé and show that you are interested in the industry but never be a substitute for industry experience.  This is the biggest problem with the baby boomer and the published market, trying to fit a square peg into a round hole, occasionally it might work but it is never a good fit.  As a baby boomer, you must develop a job search strategy that will get you in front of people who appreciate your skill set and accomplishments and that understand that industry experience, for the most part is overrated.

Tactics and strategies exist that can be employed by the transitioning boomer to make this process happen sooner rather than later.  The secret is lower your expectations of the published market if you are conducting a career transition search.  It takes a focused approach to be successful in your search.  The Internet and job boards will not be helpful to these individuals because they are competing with those who have current experience in that arena.  Getting in front of the right people and presenting yourself as the best solution for a problem a key decision maker is having is what networking is all about.  Future blogs will discuss why a baby boomer needs to have a very structured and executable networking strategy to be successful in using a career transition strategy.

What does it mean to “sell yourself”? It’s ensuring that your resume makes it to the top of the stack, or that your name is on the short list of preferred candidates. Sure it starts with a good cover letter. But does it really start there? It’s having confidence in yourself and your abilities in order to convince others that you are the perfect person for that incredible job that you really want.

In order to be the best, you have to know that you’re the best, and that means you have to do your homework. That’s right, education. There are many jobs out there but you may not have the right background. Well get it. You may be busy with a job that you don’t really want, but it pays the bills. Or you may be collecting unemployment for the time being, but that won’t last forever. Take a big tug on those bootstraps and earn the education that you need to better position yourself, professionally.

Going back to school… the idea is quite inspiring, really. But where will you find the time? You have it… you just need to carve it out of your schedule. The good news is that you live in the day-in-age of the Internet and what an awesome tool that is. Because of its widespread access, there are some really great online education options out there that offer you the opportunity to study wherever and whenever you want. The fact of the matter is, online education is booming right now and because of the competition, you have some excellent options.

So here’s the drill: finish your bachelors, get your masters, differentiate yourself with a specialized certificate in an up-and-coming field like Sustainability Leadership, Software Engineering and Networking, or go global with an international business doctorate. Do your homework. Research your options. You may be surprised at the educational opportunities that exist today within our pivotal global economy.

Sell yourself with confidence, knowing you have the right education. Research your educational opportunities at JobingEducation to learn more.

Amanda M Holt, CMP | Senior Director 
4747 N 22nd St, Phoenix, AZ 85016
toll free 866.396.1202
c. 602.628.5678 |  d. 602-200-6829 | f. 602.297.6829
www.Jobing.com

(This post is based on some of the principles included in my new book, Unlock the Hidden Job Market: 6 Steps to a Successful Job Search When Times Are Tough which I wrote with San Diego-based executive coach, Duncan Mathison. For a free sample chapter, visit the book's official site: www.unlockthehiddenjobmarket.com )

If you’ve been following my posts, you’ll know that I’ve been writing about networking a lot lately. Or at least it seems like it. Networking, networking, networking. Maybe it’s me but don’t you think that when you say it out loud enough, it begins to sound like earwax? Okay…it’s probably just me.

Networking doesn’t have much appeal, does it? It doesn’t sound nearly as much fun as going to your local Applebee’s with some friends for a beer and some wings. Now there’s a problem with even that Applebee’s scenario. Based on the emails I’ve been getting, a lot of you are feeling that you don’t have too many friends either. And the ones you do have are getting, like, really tired of hearing you talk about your struggles to land a job. And you’re getting really tired of talking about it too. In fact, you’d just wish they’d change the subject.

I don’t think my readers are social losers. (At least I hope not, but, then again, what are you doing reading this blog post when it’s such a pretty day outside?) When you’ve been out of work for any amount o time, it’s easy to feel that you have run aground in the contacts department – especially in recent years when we’ve all been so busy taking care of our jobs and our families. We’ve let outside friendships perhaps atrophy. Maybe all your friends were work-related. And now that you’re out of work, you’re also fresh out of buddies. Or you’ve moved to a new town where you really, really don’t know anyone.

Whatever the reason for your feelings of isolation, you know you have to mix it up a little bit, well, a lot. Get some fresh meat, I mean talent, into your tight circles of relationships. Get out of the house. So I thought I’d offer some tips in that direction.

Remember that one thing leads to another. The thing about circulating is that your first dip into big world probably won’t net you a job. It’s a cumulative kind of thing. So leave that desperate, graspy, over-eager feeling at home when you head out the door. Just be open to meeting who you meet. Maybe tonight you’re destined to actually help someone else. And you’ll come home feeling just a little better about yourself.

Look for opportunities where you can become a regular. And no, I don’t mean the Applebee’s bar. When your face starts becoming familiar, you will emerge from invisibility to someone who people will be glad to see. Maybe they’ll even shout out your name, like, “Norm!” (But don’t count on it.) If you try a business mixer or worship service or volunteer opportunity, and people completely ignore you, keep going. Week after week. Introduce yourself as often as you can. And just let the cumulative effects of time work their wonders.

Stay away from solitary pursuits, even if they’re out of the house. Going to a matinee movie doesn’t count as “getting out there.” Go to local economic development or chamber of commerce meetings, receptions, mixers. Your local bookstore probably offers booksignings, author lectures or special classes. A friend of mine who is a professional coach is part of a team who gives courses at Whole Foods! Go! The home improvement stores offer free courses. Go! The American Red Cross offers courses in first aid, cpr, etc. Go!

Make job-related networking events only a small percentage of your out-of-the-house activities. First of all, you’re so much more than unemployed. And you need to nurture those other parts of who you are. At the very least, this way you’ll lead with an opener that’s so much more interesting than, “Hi, gotta job?” But most importantly is that your self-definition has a chance to stay strong and defined beyond this immediate need of landing a gig. You will also stand a better chance of meeting people other than fellow job-seekers. You know…people who already have jobs? And who would be thrilled to help you get inside their companies or organizations.

Learn something. Go to local college courses – especially the ones at night, when employed people go to school. You don’t have to matriculate and take on the expense of a formal semester. Continuing ed courses can be inexpensive. The teachers are often professionals in the community (hint: employed people!). It’s probably best if you took a course that would help you be more qualified for the kind of job you’re looking for. But even taking a non-job related course will at least remind you that there’s more to life than your daily bread (although, it’s kind of hard to make that argument right now, I know).

Teach something. Surely you know something that will benefit others. How to read, for adult literacy programs, for instance. If you have a profession or skill that’s useful in the for-profit world, surely you can introduce at least the basics to young people. Convene a panel of other experts and put on a program! (You’ll be able to find a venue. A friend of mine hosted the annual meeting of his professional association – on the premises of the company that had just laid him off. Awkward.)

Volunteer. Those same skills you can teach you can donate. It will make you feel good about being who you are and what you can do. That boost in self-esteem will give you the added confidence that will send out the signal that you’re a valuable contributor to the world.

Call old friends – even if they haven’t heard from you in a long time. This is where Facebook comes in handy. The other day I heard from a dear friend for the first time in about 8 years. We’d been looking for each other off and on over recent years but, thanks to Facebook, she found me first! And we talked on the phone for a full three hours. A lot of it was catching up. But, she was also very candid about the fact that she needed some professional advice from me. Did I see this as a cheesy ulterior motive? Heck no! First off all, I owed her a gigantic favor from 10 years ago (I mean, huge). Secondly, I love her and I know she loves me. So whatever I have is hers. (Advice, I mean.)

Ask for introductions. Unless you’re a bitter whiner who needs to blow your nose and brush your teeth (and, uhm, a little roll-on?), the friends you have should be happy to give you introductions you need to move your job search forward. If they’re reluctant to help you, find out why. Wouldn’t you want to know the truth, especially if it was something you could fix? And, if they’re possessive with or protective of their contacts to the point where they’re keeping you from helping yourself, or making you feel judged, it’s best that you should know that now. You might have just discovered a brand new opening in your group of friends to fill.

They say that once you achieve a certain age, it gets harder and harder to make new friends. Everyone is set in their habits, patterns, commuting routine, relationships. Well, one of the upshots of these economic times is that everyone is thrown higgledy-piggledy into a big pile of confusion and some flavor of disconnectedness. Now is a fantastic time to build new circles of friends and business contacts.

And vow to take better care of them in the future. Like, don’t wait 8 years before picking up the phone.

 

In recent weeks I’ve been watching events unfold in Sedona  -- that whole James Arthur Ray thing and how people died in an ersatz sweat lodge.  I suppose for many people, a terrible event such as this (where people paid $9,000 for the privilege of dying a horrible death, surrounded in the gloom by their vomiting and fainting companions) is so exotic to most people that “that could never happen to me” is a thought that briefly passes through our minds.  And that would probably be true.

 

However, this whole clutch of motivation and self-help teachers has been bugging me over recent years. While a multitude of programs are offered every year that don't involve ambulances and homicide investigations, many of them are damaging in the way they take advantage of intelligent, open-minded individuals looking for a better way out of frustration and despair.  And the cumulative effect of little damages everywhere can also be very destructive indeed. And I’m worried that the general public might be even more at risk as the economy continues its stagger, stagger, crawl mode.  These are emotional frontiers we’re in, folks, and the woods are lousy with snake oil salesmen – people who promise to give you a breakthrough secret to life in a week or a weekend, for the price of a semester of college or a small car.

 I have had in my bookshelf for a couple of years now the book, SHAM, by Steven Salerno. And I’ve been really reluctant to read it. Primarily because I knew he would blow the lid off of the mechanics behind self-help gurus and their business models. And at the time I was also reading Martin Seligman (the very legitimate founder of the very legitimate positive psychology movement), and I was also dabbling in more than a little Jack Canfield, Tony Robbins, Marianne Williamson and even Joel Osteen. And, frankly, I liked the way their messages made me feel.  And while I certainly didn’t buy The Secret’s promises hook, link and sucker (I mean, sinker), having grown up in a family whose mantra was mainly, “ain’t it awful, ain’t it tragic,”  I knew there is definitely something to be said for willfully focusing on the positive side of things. If you have read my earlier postings, you’ll know that I believe that a positive attitude is more conducive to creative thinking and endurance during a time where everything seems to be hitting the fan.  At least it makes the ride a little more tolerable.

 But I also know a manipulative head-game when I see one. (At least I hope I do.) I certainly learned to recognize the signs when I’ve bought into one, much to my ever-lasting regret pretty quickly thereafter.  So, I thought I’d lay out a list of danger signs for you – with the hopes of helping you keep your money in your pocket.  (I get the fact that this could mean that I might miss out on a few sales of my own books – but at the end of this post I’m actually going to offer you my first book for free. I won’t even ask you for your email address as one of those cheesy quid pro quo gambits.)

 Avoid any course with titles containing such words as “breakthrough,” “success,” “transform,” “dream,” and whose tuition includes a comma.  Speaking from personal experience here.  These kinds of courses are mostly warmed over material drawn directly from the texts of books that you can purchase for $20 to $30.  There will be much playing of John Denver and hugging of total strangers  -- most who look like they either haven’t been hugged in decades or they’re really really really looking forward to hugging you. The break times are dedicated to urging you to sign up for the advanced course at twice the price (but today – and only today – slashed to the same amount you just paid for the basic course). My memories of those break times involve softly trance-inducing singing from the stage and a certain zombie-ness of the people moving to the back of the room where tables are conveniently set up, where staffers cheerfully accepted credit cards. Did I get anything of value from that basic week? Yes…my mastermind group is still intact after almost five years. We meet on the phone every other week and have become supportive friends. But have our circumstances changed significantly since we met that that “breakthrough” week?  Nope.  (As you can imagine, I’m usually the cranky one on our phone calls.)

 If you go to any course with a title that includes the words “spirit,” “warrior,” “vision quest,” make sure there is an EMT on call at all times before laying your money down. Most spiritual quests are flat-out scary. Who are these people to say they know the way, and will lead us there through a regimen of fasting, meditation and bodily deprivation? The way people refer to spirituality as Spirit, as if Spirit is their next door neighbor with handy cable piracy skills, is revolting. And the way white Americans romanticize the mysteries of Native American life and traditions is deeply hypocritical or willfully shallow. If they’re so enchanted by the Native American way, how about coming out to the Southwest, don't stop at the spas or casinos, and spend that week teaching Native American children to say no to crystal meth addiction and alcoholism? Share the inspiring benefits of your own education, skills and privilege, rather than trying to siphon off a few sips of mysticism from authentic traditions that you will never get anyway?

 If someone wants to teach you how to be rich (for whatever price), first find out how he got rich himself.  Look at the frequent fliers of this particular line of work, and you’ll find out that most of them got rich by sticking their hands into pockets of people just like you (and me). And they’re getting richer.  Did he ever grow a company, other than the staff of eager minions he has working for him now? Did he turn around a major corporation? Did he emerge from his own family of alcoholics and desperados to blaze his own trail by making something or contributing something useful to society (that is other than an ultra-expensive retreat)?  Is he an unimpeachable researcher who has the gift of translating esoteric, hard-to-understand information into immediately useful ideas that anyone can have for the price of a book?  That might be someone worth paying some attention to.

 When someone tells you that you’re nowhere without his secrets or gift, laugh and walk away. Need I say more? Okay, I will. I know of one so-called Buddhist guru (she’s American) who actually replaced the words “Higher Power” in the 12 Step Program with her own name.  That’s amazing. But what’s even more amazing is that hundreds of otherwise intelligent people said, “Duh, okay.”

 Just say no to any product marketed to you via email by someone you’ve never heard of but endorsed by someone you have. These people exchange mailing lists, knowing full well that purchasers of self-help products are the most likely to come back for more and more. The cynicism is mind-blowing.

 Avoid self-help books that were Number 1 on Amazon for, like, three hours one day.  Again, it’s the lists at work. These people know how to game the system and they use each others’ lists to snag that coveted spot, even for an instant. This way they can call themselves “bestselling authors.”  Big whup.

 Don’t give up your own dreams.  Life is full of true mysteries. My personal favorite one is the mystery of synchronicity. I’m a total sucker for those stories, and I have true, first-hand stories of my own that would curl your hair. But I wouldn’t bet the ranch on a synchronicity that I perceive to be an omen. (Even though, in my heart of hearts, I kind of hope it is.)

We all need fresh infusions of inspiration now and then. And  personal growth does involve keeping your mind open and venturing into uncomfortable zones now and then. But no breakthrough experience should necessitate group puking or even close bodily contact with strangers to the strains of “Sunshine On My Shoulders.”

 Keep your wallet in your pants. Or purse.

 (Now for the free offer:  I will give you a free copy of my very first book, Find Your Calling, Love Your Life. For absolutely nothing. Not even your email address.  Just go to www.unlockthehiddenjobmarket.com and click the green button that will lead you to free downloads. You can also have a free sample chapter of my new book, Unlock the Hidden Job Market.  Naturally, my coauthor and I would love it if you also purchased that book. But you know what? You don’t have to.)

 

 

 

As a recruiter in today’s marketplace there’s no doubt you see a lot of great candidates.  Some of them you just have their resume.  Some of them you interviewed.  At some point in the future, when unemployment shifts again, you’ll be wishing for the days when good applicants were easier to come by.  What are you doing to keep in touch with these people?

I recall years ago a software company in California that received recognition for a system they developed to keep in touch with great applicants.  Some candidates were narrowly edged out during interviews.  Some were people honing their skills and would develop into future talent.  Whatever the case, this company wanted the ability to stay in touch.

The organization designed a special page on their website which contained company information and the status of upcoming positions.  They told people what skills would be desired in the future.  A monthly newsletter went out via email.  By adding a little marketing twist, people became interested in the company and were hopeful a position would open up fitting their skill set.  People told their friends and colleagues about this cool company.  Those people got in on the action.

You know how things turned out.  The employment market tightened up.  Good people, especially skilled people, were becoming very tough to find.  The organization I mentioned was easily able to find the people they needed while other organizations struggled.  They were able to move quickly, make great hires and the business prospered! 

Martha Finney's new book, Unlock the Hidden Job Market:  6 Steps to a Successful Job Search When Times Are Tough, is available online and in bookstores everywhere. Follow her on www.twitter.com/hiddenjobmarket.

Last night I received an email from a reader who had this to say:

"What if I'm not shy? What if I'm just not good at the art of shameless self-promotion and have difficulty identifying my value proposition? Then what?"

Hmmmm. Hate networking as shameless self-promotion? AND you're having trouble identifying your value proposition?  If you had one of those two problems, I'd take you at face value. But put the two of them together, and I'm hearing code for "shy."  But, whatever, call it what you want.

I think you might have missed one of the core points of my earlier post on networking shyness.  To wit: Even though you're networking to find and land a good job, if you hate networking, don't make it about yourself. Make it about discovering how you can contribute your gifts, skills and energy out there in the big wide world.

You can set the tone of how your networking activities come off. Networking is not about shameless self-promotion (unless you're a shameless self-promoting kinda guy, which evidently you're not). If you want a real, authentic, interaction with a full calendar of people who you hope will ultimately lead you to your next job, have a real, authentic interaction. You're out there trying to figure out how and where you fit in. If anyone criticizes you for that, well, that's their problem. Move along to the next appointment on your calendar.

Moving to your next issue about not knowing what your value proposition is, that's not an issue to take lightly. It goes straight to one of the main pieces of your place in the world. And with the marketplace changing as rapidly as it is, it's practically impossible to keep up with how your place in the world changes in relation to the world itself.  I think three generations of working adults are going through a mid-life crisis at the same time, right now.

The good news here, for you especially, is that if you're struggling with "who am I" questions, you're going to come off authentically humble in networking meetings. So instead of worrying about "shamelessly" promoting a self when you don't even know who that self is (at least vis a vis your working life), approach your networking from the point of view of gathering data about how you might fit into the changed world now.

Use your early networking meetings to ask questions. And be sincerely interested in the answers. Then ask more questions. And be sincerely interested in those answers. (Remember, we're talking questions about work, not "how're the kids?")  Eventually you'll start seeing how you fit into the world as you're coming to understand it because of those questions. And your value proposition will make itself known to you.

It's about questioning, not crowing.

(There are a lot of books out there that help you discover what your value proposition is. If you'd like to read a collection of inspiring stories of people on that journey, email me and I'll send you a free copy of my book Find Your Calling, Love Your Life.)

Over the last few days I had the pleasure to attend the 2009 Western Region IPMA-HR Conference in Denver, Colorado.  Jobing.com was a sponsor of the event which attracted speakers from across the country.  While scanning the event program I noticed a trend.  Virtually all the education session summaries mentioned leadership at least once. 

Daryl Ann Moore of Blu Ice Consulting talked about developing a peer mentoring program designed to pass knowledge from Baby Boomer employees to Generation X and Y employees.  As Boomers leave the workforce it is critical that a smooth transition takes place.  Another consultant, Victoria Littlefield, also spoke regarding leadership development due to the large amount of retirees coming soon.  Her recommendation is for HR to develop and execute succession plans to ensure continued leadership through the upcoming retirements.  Karen Main, a leadership consultant, spoke about the importance of ongoing leadership development despite the current economic concerns many companies face.  Yet another speaker, Sam Lloyd of SuccessSystems, Inc., talked about the importance of leadership from HR to ensure employee productivity during layoffs or just the notion that layoffs are possible.

It just goes to show you that leadership takes on many faces.  Is your organization doing what it takes?  Are you doing what it takes?

Jobing.com has been proud to partner with Airman and Family Readiness Center, Transition Assistance Program Employment Workshop and Workforce Tampa to promote hiring and training dedicated veterans for new careers.  In honor of those who have served our country please take a few moments to review some of the advantages your organization will gain by hiring veterans.

1. Accelerated learning curves
Veterans have the proven ability to learn new skills and concepts. In addition, they can enter your workforce with identifiable and transferable skills, proven in real-world situations. This background can enhance your organization's productivity.

2. Leadership
The military trains people to lead by example as well as through direction, delegation, motivation, and inspiration. Veterans understand the practical ways to manage behaviors for results, even in the most trying circumstances. They also know the dynamics of leadership as part of both hierarchical and peer structures.

3. Teamwork
Veterans understand how genuine teamwork grows out of a responsibility to one's colleagues. Military duties involve a blend of individual and group productivity. They also necessitate a perception of how groups of all sizes relate to each other and an overarching objective.

4. Diversity and inclusion in action
Veterans have learned to work side by side with individuals regardless of diverse race, gender, geographic origin, ethnic background, religion, and economic status as well as mental, physical, and attitudinal capabilities. They have the sensitivity to cooperate with many different types of individuals.

5. Efficient performance under pressure
Veterans understand the rigors of tight schedules and limited resources. They have developed the capacity to know how to accomplish priorities on time, in spite of tremendous stress. They know the critical importance of staying with a task until it is done right.

6. Respect for prochiring and training dedicated veterans for new careersedures
Veterans have gained a unique perspective on the value of accountability. They can grasp their place within an organizational framework, becoming responsible for subordinates' actions to higher supervisory levels. They know how policies and procedures enable an organization to exist.

7. Technology and globalization
Because of their experiences in the service, veterans are usually aware of international and technical trends pertinent to business and industry. They can bring the kind of global outlook and technological savvy that all enterprises of any size need to succeed.

8. Integrity
Veterans know what it means to do "an honest day's work." Prospective employers can take advantage of a track record of integrity, often including security clearances. This integrity translates into qualities of sincerity and trustworthiness.

9. Conscious of health and safety standards
Thanks to extensive training, veterans are aware of health and safety protocols both for themselves and the welfare of others. Individually, they represent a drug-free workforce that is cognizant of maintaining personal health and fitness. On a company level, their awareness and conscientiousness translate into protection of employees, property, and materials.

10. Triumph over adversity
In addition to dealing positively with the typical issues of personal maturity, veterans have frequently triumphed over great adversity. They likely have proven their mettle in mission critical situations demanding endurance, stamina, and flexibility. They may have overcome personal disabilities through strength and determination.

Tampa Bay Workforce Alliance will host a Veterans Resource Career Fair on Monday, November 9, 2009.  This event will offer local veterans an opportunity to meet with employers, training institutions and community organizations offering resources for veterans.  There will also be several seminars to assist veterans in accessing their benefits and navigating the federal hiring system.

Find out if your organization is eligible for tax credits under the Federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit and monetary incentives to offset the cost of hiring and training dedicated veterans for new careers through the Brave Veteran Initiative.  Veterans Representatives will be on hand at the event to provide more information on these tax credits and incentives.  Please call or email Bobby for more information on how to participate!  We'll see you on November 9th. 

Bobby J. Wise
Local Veteran Employment Representative II
Tampa Bay Workforce Alliance
2001 E. Cherry Street
Plant City, FL 33563
Telephone: 813-930-7619
Fax: 813-757-9012
wiseb@workforcetampa.com

Contributed by Doug Mayes – Jobing.com Community Relations

Here's how it too often goes down:
Recruiter:  So what type of work are you looking for?
Candidate:  I just need a job.  I can do anything, and I'll take anything.
Recruiter:  Oh, ok, well let me get back to you on that one.  (Recruiter looks for the EXIT sign and splits).

Oops, guess that didn't go so well.  Let's go to the play-by-play and figure out how this potential career match went off the rails.

1.  The recruiter was testing your knowledge of the company and your response didn't address your knowledge of what they do.  Research the company prior to meeting with the recruiter and you'll have a better answer to this question.  Visit their website, and look them up on Jobing.com.  A better response might sound like this.  "I know that your company is a leader in field X and since I have ten years experience and a passion for that field.  I would like to learn more about your opportunities in that area."

2.  Your response didn't address what you bring to the table for the company.  We all need a job in part because we all need to pay our rent.  The recruiter understands that too.  However, the recruiter's main responsibility is to get the right people on the team and grow the company.  Their main responsibility is not to provide a livelihood for you.  Sorry, these are the facts.  To learn more about what the company is looking for, ask questions.  What skillsets are they looking for?  Do your skills match their needs?  How can someone like you help the company meet its needs?  What type of person succeeds in their company? 

3.  Desperation isn't an attractive characteristic in a date or a candidate.  By admitting that you're willing to take anything, you give the recruiter no reason to believe that you won't take off when something better comes along.  Easy come, easy go.  

NAAAHR was the first jewel in our diversity partnership mosaic. Jobing.com is now a national sponsor with fifteen NAAAHR chapters through out the United States.

Jobing was honored to assist in bringing the Business Leadership Network to Central Florida in 2006. We continue to support the chapter and its mission of employer to employer education on the hiring of candidates with disabilities.  We were excited to welcome three chapters of the National Association of Black Accountants; Tampa, Orlando and Jacksonville earlier this year.

Diversity is a way of life at Jobing.com; it is one of the ways we bring quality candidates to our employers. All jobs on Jobing.com cross-post to our network of local associations, chambers, schools, and diversity organizations.

Our growing Central Florida “Diversity Network” currently includes local chapters of the following:

Airmen and Family Readiness Center, MacDill AFB
Deltona Lodge
National Alliance of African American Chamber of Commerce
National Association of African Americans in Human Resources
National Association of Black Accountants
National Black MBA Association
National Society of Hispanic MBAs
Network of Indian Professionals
Transition Assistance Program Employment Workshop, MacDill AFB

We commit to continue building and nurturing relationships with diverse civic and professional partners that strengthen the communities in which we work and serve. At Jobing; Diversity is a way of life.