Posted by brenda on Monday, February 20th, 2012 , Posted in BLOG, Brendas Blog, Career Transition Help, Interviewing, Job Search Tips, Networking, Tips for College Grads, Working with Recruiters , No Comments »
This may sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how many job seekers are simply not using these proven strategies to ensure they do not get stuck in a job transition for longer than necessary. Many un/underemployed persons think that it is sufficient to simply make job searching a
full-time job, but that’s simply not enough.
When employers are interviewing the long-term unemployed (or entry level workers) they want to know that you have been using your transition time wisely to get ready for your next opportunity. I have outlined some simple things you can do to make sure you have a great answer to that all-time favorite interview question, what have you been doing during your transition.
1. Make sure you’re doing some volunteering (make it regular) and don’t stop as soon as you get a job. Make sure your motives are pure, but pursue something that will allow you to keep your job skills fresh so your transition back to (or into) the workplace is seamless.
2. Participate in LinkedIn group discussions; this is a great opportunity to continually showcase your up-to-
date knowledge of your industry. Trust me employers and recruiters are looking on LinkedIn to find candidates, and they want to see what you’ve been talking about. So make sure they find some powerful ammunition when it comes to you!
3. Join up with some industry organizations or professional societies to get the latest happenings in your industry. If the membership fees are outside of your budget, consider attending a few meetings as a guest, this is usually FREE.
4. Keep working your network, send updates to the folks that you trust, to be looking out for opportunities on your behalf. Be careful not to bombard them with requests or turn into a stalker, but simply keep them updated once a week on your status. Using a casual social media site like Facebook is very appropriate for this.
QUOTE OF THE DAY: Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people), Making the very most of the time [buying up each opportunity], because the days are evil. Therefore do not be vague and thoughtless and foolish, but understanding and firmly grasping what the will of the Lord is.
Ephesians 5:15-17 Amplified Bible (AMP)
Brenda M. Cunningham is a Certified Professional Resume Writer and National Job Search Strategist. Brenda’s mission is to eradicate unemployment and underemployment and to help accelerate your job search. For more information on customized resume development, group workshops, and job search coaching visit www.royalresumeaz.com
Posted by brenda on Monday, February 13th, 2012 , Posted in BLOG, Brendas Blog, Career Transition Help, Job Search Tips, Resume Development, Tips for College Grads , No Comments »
Especially when you have been out of work for a long time, it is so tempting to just start applying to everything you that are remotely qualified for just to keep an income coming in.
When I hear that job seekers are applying for 100 jobs or more in a week, I know that they are not conducting a focused job search. They are simply submitting the same generic resume to every position that they come across. Here are 5 of the many reasons that you will not want to take this strategy in your own job search, but rather send a customized application package to each specific position posting within the industry or profession that you are pursuing.
1. Unfocused Resumes are extremely evident to hiring personnel.
2. If you are unclear about what YOU want, how can you be effective?
3. Desperation oozes from the job seeker that will take ANYTHING and they typically don’t get anything.
4. There are hundreds of job seekers
for every job, no one will take the time to figure out what you might want. So you must be clear.
5. It’s hard for employers to find you if your resume doesn’t have a target, just like people who google resume writers in Phoenix, find me, you want employers looking for your profession to find you.
Some must take something until their ideal position comes along, there is nothing wrong with this, just try to ensure that these temporary assignments align with your ultimate goal.
STAY THE COURSE…Don’t betray your vision or your purpose in the pursuit of just anything. God has called each of us to a specific purpose in life and it’s up to us to stay the course until our specific work is complete.
QUOTE OF THE DAY: If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would bethe smelling? 1Corinthians 12:17
Brenda M. Cunningham is a Certified Professional Resume Writer and National Job Search Strategist. Brenda’s mission is to eradicate unemployment and underemployment and to help accelerate your job search. For more information on customized resume development, group workshops, and job search coaching visit www.royalresumeaz.com
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Posted by brenda on Monday, February 6th, 2012 , Posted in BLOG, Brendas Blog, Career Transition Help, Interviewing, Job Search Tips, Working with Recruiters , No Comments »
One of the “accelerating your job search” strategies that I share with my clients is to work with recruiters in their industry. Recruiters have inside information when it comes to the positions that companies are hiring for. So I went directly to one of the valley’s premier recruiters for Accounting and Finance, Vaco Resources, and I interviewed their VP of Recruitment, Amy Cox. I worked with Amy ages ago during one of my career transitions and she was instrumental in getting me in front of hiring managers, so I value her expertise and mastery of her industry.
I’ve advocated working with recruiters on so many occasions, but here are some reasons why and some tips to make the best impression with a recruiter who can likely get you interviewed for several positions at the salary you want… Here we go!
1. What are the specific things you look for in a top candidate?
- Great communication skills
- Solid writing skills
- Responsiveness – gets back with me quickly on urgent matters.
- Professional presentation
- Someone who is technically literate and up to date in their field. Certifications, accreditations, etc.
- Education from a reputable university
2. Specific things you look for on a resume that would indicate a person is a quality candidate?
- A thorough description of current software skill sets
- Solid tenure in your roles (no job hopping)
- Concise yet thorough bullet points (not paragraphs) describing your duties
- Both your email address and phone number. You’d be surprised how many people omit one of those.
- Descriptions of size of company (in dollars) and the size of business unit(s) you’ve worked with
3. Do you even consider candidates with long-term unemployment? What helps them to stand out to your firm?
- Typically, companies engage recruiting firms to find candidates that they do not have access to on their own. In cases where someone may have been out of work for over a year, I recommend that they acknowledge that in the email they send in. I would typically try to work with those candidates on consulting assignments (temporary/contract) first, to get some current experience under their belt.
4. How do you suggest candidates discuss a long-term layoff during an interview with an employer?
- In a very straightforward manner. The company performed a __% layoff, and I was part of the 3rd round of layoffs. Since that time, I’ve been doing ___.
5. Do you use social media platforms to scan for potential candidates? If yes, which ones?
ABSOLUTELY. And, I also use social media to verify information about potential candidates. LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, you name it, I’ll use it.
6. What are your biggest pet peeves when it comes to job searchers approaching you?
- Walking in to my office with an expectation to meet on the spot WITHOUT an appointment.
- Constant phone calls and not leaving a message when they call.
- Not utilizing my preferred method of contact (email) since I can respond faster to a candidate that way.
7. What are your top 3-5 automatic dis-qualifiers for a candidate?
- Expecting a significant raise (more than 10%) for a new position.
- Poor writing/grammar skills.
- Poor in person presentation skills – sloppy appearance.
- Negative attitude and willingness to bash former employers.
8. Top 3 reasons that job searchers should work with a recruiter?
1. We can brag about your strengths for you, and make you the humble and intelligent one.
2. We have been working the Arizona market for years, and know who to talk to, which companies are hiring, and what the hiring managers are looking for that isn’t on the job description.
3. When you apply to a posting online, it typically goes in to an HR repository. When I send a resume to a hiring manager, it is one of a select few, that goes in their inbox with a follow up phone call from me to discuss your personality and why you’re a good fit.
QUOTE OF THE DAY: Knowing your audience is as important as showing up to the meeting. ~ Original quote Brenda M. Cunningham
Vaco Resources, www.vaco.com offers both contingent and retained searches. Their firm is very aggressive about staying in touch with their current clients as well as calling and meeting with prospective clients for additional opportunities. Often, former candidates call them with positions that they need assistance in filling. So occasionally they will have positions outside of Accounting and Finance. Amy can be contacted at acox@vaco.com.
Brenda M. Cunningham is a Certified Professional Resume Writer and National Job Search Strategist. Brenda’s mission is to eradicate unemployment and underemployment and to help accelerate your job search. For more information on customized resume development, group workshops, and job search coaching visit www.royalresumeaz.com
Posted by brenda on Monday, January 30th, 2012 , Posted in BLOG, Brendas Blog, Career Transition Help, Interviewing, Job Search Tips, Tips for College Grads , No Comments »
OK, so I’ve told you before that I would blog on some of the interesting interview responses that I’ve heard personally and those shared with me from hiring and recruiting professionals. But no way will I stop there, I will of course give you some suggested responses to those tough questions as well.
Many potential clients ask me to update their resume since they’re not getting any offers, but then I take one look and see that it’s genuinely a good document and they are simply not interviewing well… here are some common questions, typical responses, and suggested responses to assist you. Try using these strategies during your next interview and let me know if it made a difference.
QUESTION #1 – Tell me about yourself…
Shared Response - I’m a Sagittarius and I love my children, I’ve always wanted to be a nurse, but in the mean time I’m doing what I have to do to keep an income coming in.
Suggested Response - Here, employers don’t actually care about what you want (per se) but they want to know why you think you’re a good fit at their establishment. Try something like “I’m a very out-going person, a great team player, and I’ve prepared myself for this opportunity by finishing my degree in Business (or whatever). I have worked in this industry for over 10 years and I’m excited for the new challenges that I’m sure your company, as an industry leader, will provide.”
QUESTION #2 – Tell me about a time when you were stressed out and how did you handle it?
Shared Response - Well when I was a stay at home mom, my kids always stressed me out so I had to ask my husband to take them for a while so I could recuperate.
Suggested Response - “During a particular project (name the project), as the team lead I was responsible for meeting critical deadlines and aggressive budget goals so as you can imagine it was quite stressful – so I put together a game plan including a timeline, resource allocation charts, and meeting agendas to ensure overall readiness.”
QUESTION #3 – Tell me about your biggest weakness
Shared Response - Well I’ve never had the opportunity to learn Word Processing software like MS Word, so I would say that’s my biggest weakness.
Suggested Response - Here you should only talk about something that you’ve already taken steps to overcome, or you may have already broken through. Never mention a weakness that’s still a weakness. You could say something like “ I felt out of touch with the newer word processing applications like MS Word, so I actually took a class at the Community College and now I’m quite proficient.”
In summary, be clear, be specific, and always incorporate examples that show how you achieved or overcame in a particular area. Job interviews are not the place to discuss your domestic challenges, no matter what type of connection you feel like you’ve made with your interviewer(s). Study your resume and review your job history and accomplishments before any interview to be as prepared as you can be.
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “Remember not only to say the right thing in the right place, but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.” ~ Benjamin Franklin
Brenda M. Cunningham is a Certified Professional Resume Writer and National Job Search Strategist. Brenda’s mission is to eradicate unemployment and underemployment and to help accelerate your job search. For more information on customized resume development, group workshops, and job search coaching visit www.royalresumeaz.com
Posted by brenda on Tuesday, January 24th, 2012 , Posted in BLOG, Brendas Blog, Career Transition Help, Job Search Tips , 1 Comment »
As you can imagine I consult with tons of job seekers all of the time. One of the common things I hear from those that have been out of work for a significant amount of time is the struggle to keep income coming in. Some have managed to rely on unemployment income, some have allowed their homes to go into foreclosure, some have borrowed from their retirement accounts, and others have simply adjusted their lifestyle to compensate for their income status change.
I spoke with a representative at Edward Jones for some advice on what job transitioners could do to survive a moderate to lengthy transition and they had this to say, specifically with regard to borrowing from their 401(k):
Before you cash out your 401(k), make sure you understand what’s involved. Your former employer is required to withhold 20% of your account balance to prepay federal taxes. Also, all your 401(k) proceeds will be taxed as ordinary income. And if you’re under age 59½ when you liquidate your 401(k), you may also be subject to a 10 percent penalty. And worst of all, the money may not be available to you when you retire.
Obviously, if you have no other financial resources, you may have no choice but to tap into your 401(k) plan.
However, if you can find an alternative way to tide yourself over until you’re working again, you may be better off in the long run by not cashing in your plan.
If you decide against the “cash-out” option, what can you do with your 401(k)? Here are two possibilities:
- Keep the money in your former employer’s plan. If your former employer permits it, you may able to leave your money in your 401(k). You won’t have to pay any immediate taxes, and your money can continue to grow tax deferred. But you may no longer be able to add funds to your account.
- Roll your money over to an IRA. If you roll over your 401(k) assets to an IRA, you’ll avoid paying immediate taxes, and your money can continue to grow tax deferred. Furthermore, you can fund your IRA with many types of investments, as opposed to a 401(k), which may offer only a handful of choices. And when you can afford it, you can make additional contributions to your IRA. Also, when you retire, you may find that an IRA gives you more flexibility in making withdrawals than a 401(k).
In summary, saving while you have steady income is still the best policy, no matter how much you are able to save. However if you have already found yourself in a hard situation, 401K borrowing may be a tough yet necessary choice for you and your family. Just remember, that this will impact your retirement goals and should be used with caution. Continue to believe God for your provision and He will open the windows of heaven.
QUOTE OF THE DAY: The LORD will open to you His good treasure, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season, and to bless all the work of your hand. You shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow.
*Brenda M. Cunningham is not a financial advisor and the financial advice provided here was via the web articles of Edward Jones, if you need clarification, please contact Edward Jones https://www.edwardjones.com/en_US/financial_focus/articles or your personal financial consultant.
Brenda M. Cunningham is a Certified Professional Resume Writer and National Job Search Strategist. Brenda’s mission is to eradicate unemployment and underemployment and to help accelerate your job search. For more information on customized resume development, group workshops, and job search coaching visit www.royalresumeaz.com
Posted by brenda on Tuesday, January 17th, 2012 , Posted in BLOG, Brendas Blog, Confidence Boosters, Job Search Tips, Networking, Tips for College Grads , No Comments »
I’ll be brief, I promise… But having just celebrated another Martin Luther King Jr. Day, I was so inspired to share some positive outlooks when it comes to your job search. MLK taught peace, hope, and character and I have seen some job searches turn some people into very negative creatures. They are so distraught that they lash out, so frustrated that they panic, feel so helpless that they sell themselves out and move further away from their pre-ordained purpose in life.
This is a message of encouragement that may seem counterintuitive, but I assure that it is biblically based and will serve to help you on your journey.
Doing For Others
Helps you forget about your own challenges and self-perceived shortcomings while doing something that will inspire someone else to expect more and do more.
Tithing
Gives you hope that God will open up the windows of heaven and pour you out a blessing you don’t have room enough to receive (Malachi 3). Financial challenges between jobs are very real, but having enough faith that God will supply all of your needs is a MUST. He did it for me and He can/will do it for you!
Patience
Will keep you walking in the will of the Lord, and will also protect you from leaping too quickly into a situation that could likely cause you much higher levels of stress and frustration.
Gratefulness
Will keep you humble and content with what you have and not concerned about what you don’t. Count your blessings and magnify your solution NOT your problem.
Trust me, people notice and tend to keep negative acquaintances at a distance, so if you want to be someone that people want to help, then stay positive, keep your focus on what you’re called to do, continue helping those that need a hand, and only allow positive affirmations to be spoken from your mouth.
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “What is your focus today? Joy comes when it is Jesus first, others second…then you.” ~ Kay Arthur
Posted by brenda on Monday, January 9th, 2012 , Posted in BLOG, Brendas Blog, Career Transition Help, Confidence Boosters, Job Search Tips, Uncategorized , 1 Comment »
No this one isn’t for everyone, but later this month I will be giving a workshop and I was specifically asked to address the challenges and solutions for ex-offenders attempting to re-enter the workforce. So I hit the books, did some research and coupled with my own opinions here are some tips to help this group get back to where they want to be.
1. Have Realistic Expectations - For example, if you were a Finance Manager convicted of embezzling funds, it is unlikely that you will be given full control over a companies finances. Another example is, if you were convicted of selling drugs to minors, it is unlikely that you you will work as a childcare provider. This being said, anything is possible and if you work hard and keep your reputation untarnished, you can certainly get back to the things that you enjoy!
2. Be Smart About Your Resume - You don’t have to include every harsh detail on your resume. It is not necessary to say Prisoner, State Correctional Facility, 1999-2006, however, per Arnold Boldt in Resumes for the Rest of Us you could include a few different options:
a. Job Titles (since you most likely worked while incarcerated), State Correctional Facility, Dates, and list your skills and accomplishments as you would any other paid position on your resume.
b. He says you can also include your state as the employer “The State of Arizona” or the name of the facility if you’re more comfortable with that approach.
You will have opportunities on your job application and interviews to explain the details of your history but your resume is a tool to help get you in front of an audience that just might listen. However, stating all the details upfront could be detrimental to your search activities. ***MAKE SURE that you are always honest on any job application as lying on this legal document could result in worse trouble during a background check.
3. Communicate Clearly - Have a supplemental letter of explanation that is well crafted and provides evidence of how you have overcome your past and exhibits your outlook to the future.
4. Stay Encouraged – It is very easy to lose your confidence after a number of rejections, especially because you’ve already repaid your debt to society. But you can surround yourself with positive uplifting people, keep praying that God will create and/or reveal opportunities to you and that He will help you to identify golden connections in your network to get some interviews and offers lined up.
5. Research - Many states have “felon friendly” business programs. There are companies willing to and have a track-record of hiring those with a less than spotless criminal record. Seek out these companies in your internet searches and at the job assistance agencies that you work with.
In some occasions, getting that foot in the door can the beginning of something great. Refrain from viewing certain jobs as beneath you, because that may be the pathway to rising back to where you want to be. Keep your goals clear, communicate your willingness to do what it takes (without seeming too desperate), and consider every offer that comes along as you can always continue your search while employed.
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “…But one thing I do; Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize of the high calling in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14
Please leave your comments or questions and they will be reviewed and a response will be posted. Also, pass this along to anyone struggling in this area, maybe something in it will help them. Thank you and keep your head up!
Posted by brenda on Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012 , Posted in BLOG, Brendas Blog, Career Transition Help, Confidence Boosters, Job Search Tips, Tips for College Grads , No Comments »
If you’re anything like me, you may be just about sick of hearing the phrase “Happy New Year.” This like many other sayings have been so overused that they’ve lost their true meaning. Think about it, how many non-Christians say “God Bless You” when someone sneezes? Just like the bible says in James 2:16, I
f one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? Therefore, I will not tell you to have a Happy New Year without showing you how!
First Let’s Correct The Saying
Let’s say – Make It a Happy New Year, because that’s precisely what you have to do. Happiness won’t just fall out of the sky, you must resolve to be happy. Many job seekers are feeling so depressed right now from lack of employment results, but I assure there is light ahead in this tunnel. You just have to engage your game plan.
Nothing New Really
But it may be the first time you’re hearing it, so it’s worth repeating. You absolutely MUST have a game plan. Last week, I sat down by myself and then with my family to WRITE DOWN goals for the upcoming year. Not resolutions, not things I’m trying to psych myself up for, but real things that I actually plan to accomplish. Nothing far-fetched like ending world hunger, but the baby steps that will help me and my family achieve our little piece of the proverbial pie. Having your vision documented can be powerful, but what can be even more powerful is displaying your vision visually, on a vision board. (Love alliteration!)
Take Action
Posted by brenda on Monday, December 19th, 2011 , Posted in BLOG, Brendas Blog, Career Transition Help, Job Search Tips, Networking, Tips for College Grads , No Comments »
Part IV: Developing Daily Plans of Attack and a Job Search Strategy
So you know what you want to be and when you want to do it, but do you know how to get there? This will show you a simple yet effective approach to conducting the details of your job search…
Have a Plan
We talked before about knowing what you want to become. Having a focus to your job search can help keep you on a track. Imagine if a train became derailed, it would be catastrophic, but as long as it has a path, then it will likely reach its destination. The same is true for you, having a clear idea of where you want to be will help you stay on track. It is very tempting to apply for as many jobs as possible, but it’s not practical and may not get you anywhere. Job seekers don’t realize that a lack of focus will work against them because they seem undisciplined and unsure of what they want to employers. Once you have spelled out what it is that you’re after, you can narrow down the best online resources to help you get started. Job search engines are many times categorized by industries or professions. This will get you leads into the relevant job fairs, employer events, development courses, and of course open positions.
Work the Plan
So now that you have defined your goal and narrowed down what you want, you will need a visual reminder of what you plan to do on a daily or weekly basis. Write down the goal, the timeframe, how you plan to accomplish it, and what it looks like when you’re finished. Then execute your plan. Of course, keep it all in a single place (notebook, computer file, spreadsheet) whatever works for you.
Keep Yourself Accountable to the Plan
This one can be tricky, because it’s very easy to talk yourself out of doing difficult things (like attending networking events). However, you can instead join up with a professional organization that will keep you up to date within your industry, you will simultaneously be networking without attending a random “networking event.” If that doesn’t work for you, then at the very least select an accountability partner to keep you on track and share your written weekly/daily plans with them at the start of each new week/day. Make sure this is not a person that will allow you to slip on every task.
Win
Putting together all of these pieces can aid you in successfully not only getting a job, but getting the type of job you want at the salary that you need.
QUOTE OF THE DAY: Don’t be afraid to go after what you want, in pursuit of just something. ~ Original quote from Brenda M. Cunningham
This concludes the Day in the Life Series, join us in the new year for more great content and services. For your convenience, you could also like us on Facebook or sign up for the monthly e-newsletter (which also has very special deals every month). Either way, make sure you’re getting this great information while you are going through a job transition!
Posted by brenda on Monday, December 12th, 2011 , Posted in BLOG, Brendas Blog, Career Transition Help, Job Search Tips, Networking , 2 Comments »
Part III: Winning at Job Fairs and Job Seeker Events
One very potent stench I will warn you about next is called DESPERATION! Thanks for following along in this serious so far, and now brace yourselves for some really deep and insightful (ok, not so deep) schools of thought on how to win at job fairs and job seeker networking events.
Job Seeker Networking Events
Of course I have attended many of these as a resume reviewer or job search consultant, and I’ll tell you there is nothing worse than someone approaching me with their elevator speech, sweaty palms, and almost instant complaining that they have not gotten any interviews in almost a year. I’m sorry to be so blunt, but it is important that you know what I, and many others, truly despise at these events. No one wants to help the “chronic complainer” or the person with the canned response about what they want to do next professionally. For me personally, and this is my opinion, I prefer to talk with someone who is confident, can intelligently tell me what they are looking for, and why they are qualified to do that job.
I do recommend taking advantage of any resources that are available at the event including a free resume review, a second opinion never hurt anyone. Be aware, if there is an employer in the room (or multiple employers) that everyone will flock to them immediately. I recommend showing up early to talk to them or staying late so you can be the last impression of their day! While talking to them, say meaningful things like what you like about their company and why your skill set would be a perfect fit for them. But please don’t oversell yourself.
Job Fairs
I’ll make this plain and simple, since attending a job fair can be a daunting task all by itself. Review the employer list BEFORE going to the job fair. Apply for any interesting positions BEFORE you show up. 9 out of 10 employers at a job fair will suggest that you apply on their website anyway, so this is a great chance to say, I’ve already applied, I’m looking for more information on the company and what it’s like to work there. This way, you’re starting to build rapport with the company representatives. Please remember that some employers simply show up to promote awareness for their brand and some don’t even have open positions.
Attend industry specific job fairs, this way at least you’re standing in line for an hour for a job that you might actually want! There’s nothing worse than to finally get to the front of the line only to see that they are only looking for telemarketers to do some cold calling (and that’s not what you do). Imagine, that each employer talks to hundreds of job seekers during a job fair, make sure you have something unique to converse about that will make them want to remember you.
Finally, show up with a few different versions of your resume ready to hand out, as you may want to be considered for a few different types of positions. But NEVER hand multiple versions to the same company.
QUOTE OF THE DAY: You were born an original. Don’t die a copy. ~John Mason
Next time, Part IV – Developing Daily Plans of Attack in Your Search! So be sure to keep following ROYAL Resume Services. For your convenience, you could also like us on Facebook or sign up for the monthly e-newsletter (which also has very special deals every month). Either way, make sure you’re getting this great information while you are going through a job transition!
date knowledge of your industry. Trust me employers and recruiters are looking on LinkedIn to find candidates, and they want to see what you’ve been talking about. So make sure they find some powerful ammunition when it comes to you!
bmc [at] royalresumeaz.com 
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