Posted by brenda on Monday, September 26th, 2011 , Posted in BLOG, Brendas Blog, Career Transition Help, Confidence Boosters, Job Search Tips , 1 Comment »
About 2 weeks ago, I had a client that was laid off from her job of over 4 years, with ZERO warning. Because of her high ranking position and above average salary, she was told that her job search would probably last 6-8 months. I knew better and immediately got into gear to speed her results.
-Within 2 days she had 3 interviews in her field!!!!! WOW!
-Within 1 week she had 2 – Second interviews!!!!! EVEN BETTER!!
-Within 2 weeks she had 1 – Third interview!!!!!! TERRIFIC!!!
You get the point, it’s not about someone telling you to expect the worst (or you accepting their answer for that matter), but it’s about you knowing what’s possible! This is not a sales pitch, but ROYAL Resume Services clients have been getting great paying job offers within 2-3 months on average, yes even now! So what’s the difference between them and the folks taking nearly a year to replace their positions?
1. A Great Career Portfolio – That contains all the goodies (content rich resume, cover letter, etc…) that HR managers and recruiters are looking for.
2. A Strategy – That is specific to your situation.
3. High Expectations – That can only come from the Lord!
This is not going to be a very long blog, but it helps you understand that with the right mindset and the best tools, you too can set yourself apart from the crowd. One other point I want to make is that when this individual was downsized (and many of us know the sting of that) she did not have her resume updated nor was it powerful enough to survive this economy. So although I do want you to follow her example of having a smart job search strategy, please do one thing differently – Don’t wait until you need it, to get your resume updated! If you need help, give me call!
QUOTE OF THE DAY:And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? ~ Luke 12:42
If you like what you read and want to receive more words of practical career search information, encouragement, or resources, then follow me on Twitter @royalresume, or LIKE ME on Facebook!
Posted by brenda on Monday, September 19th, 2011 , Posted in BLOG, Brendas Blog, Interviewing, Job Search Tips , 9 Comments »
Recently I read an article on the Wall Street Journal titled
Tales from the Job Market Trenches, by Francesca Donner and in it she told of the heavy burdens faced by job seekers today, she offered various depressing perspectives of the unemployed in America. What she didn’t provide were solutions! Outlining how important it is to get back to basics, I vowed to remind, or inform, all of my readers some of the basic job search etiquette principles…so here we go:
Last week, we discussed attire, job fair observations, and telephone etiquette, this week we will change gears to discuss resume distribution, follow up call frequency, and being prepared before attending a job fair or an interview…
RESUME DISTRIBUTION: As I have mentioned in some past blogs, use the job boards, google search the engines pertinent to your industry to post your resume online making it easier for employers to find you.(i.e. Dice for IT positions, the Ladders for $100k+ executive positions, etc…). Second, use your network, use your network, did I mention use your network! When people know what you’re looking for, and they have some folks in mind to forward your resume around to, then make sure they have a .pdf copy of your resume for easy distribution. Some graphic artists and other creative types may even consider a video resume where they can showcase their work visually. Post details from your resume in your LinkedIn profile, and if you don’t have a LinkedIn profile, then create one FOR FREE today! You may also need to create an ASCII text version of your document for some online application centers. Contact me if you don’t know what an ASCII text version is.
FOLLOW UP CALL FREQUENCY: Once you’ve officially applied for a position, how frequently should you check in to see if you were selected for an interview or a position?
This is such a delicate question, but a common rule of thumb from career professionals is wait about 1 week after applying and after interviewing to inquire about a decision to hire or to confirm receipt of your materials. Thereafter you should probably wait 2 weeks or heed what the hiring managers advise for you. For example, if they say, we will be making our decision in 2 weeks, then you be sure to follow up in 2 weeks NOT 1. The purpose of your call is to regenerate interest in you as a candidate, so you must remind them of who you are and if you have the opportunity to leave a message throw in some tidbits of why they will want to call you back. Most importantly, smile when you talk so your optimism will show up in your voice.
PREPAREDNESS FOR YOUR INTERVIEW OR JOB FAIR: Always do your research! You can research corporations on their website and by conducting google searches. You want to specifically look for the product or service performance that you would be impacting. See how their stocks have performed, what are recently media mentions saying about the company? What is the makeup of the board of directors, who is the CEO? Most companies will not publish their own weaknesses (areas for you to swoop in and be their hero), so it’s up to you to be the detective and discover them for yourself.
At job fairs, the same principles apply, however you first must find out what companies are going to be represented. Select the booths that you will plan to visit, and apply for any available openings directly on their website. Anyone who has attended a job fair recently knows that companies will direct you to apply online anyway, so be proactive! Otherwise, take multiple copies of various versions of your resume, this way you can strike up conversation with unexpected attendees as well. When you have your turn to talk to the recruiter, be ready with the specific position title you would like and why you think you’re qualified. This is not the time to explain how you’ve been out of work for 2 years and how rough this economy is. They have hundreds of applicants waiting to see them and you don’t want to stand out as the whiner. Make yourself positively memorable, moreover have your notebook and pen handy just in case you’re selected for an on-the-spot interview.
QUOTE OF THE DAY: 1″Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, 4but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. 5As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept…13 Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour. ~ Matthew 25:1-13?
For the next blog, I will be telling some success stories and unique things that special clients have done to truly accelerate their job search. With the help of their ROYAL Resume, they also got busy with some of my smart job search strategies. Also be sure to leave your comments if there are specific other areas that would like to hear more about. Thank you in advance for paying attention to these simple yet important tips, after all they are for your benefit!
Posted by brenda on Thursday, September 15th, 2011 , Posted in BLOG, Brendas Blog, Interviewing, Job Search Tips , 3 Comments »
Recently I read an article on the Wall Street Journal titled
Tales from the Job Market Trenches, by Francesca Donner and in it she told of the heavy burdens faced by job seekers today, she offered various depressing perspectives of the unemployed in America. What she didn’t provide were solutions! Outlining how important it is to get back to basics, I vowed to remind, or inform, all of my readers some of the basic job search etiquette principles…so here we go:
ATTIRE: Whether you are attending a job fair or a formal interview, I must stress how important it is that you look the part. You cannot show up wearing sweats, jeans, or other unprofessional clothing. This says to potential employers that since your appearance doesn’t matter to you, you may not care how you appear in their place of business. On the contrary, if you did well in your wardrobe choice, please be careful not to overdo it with your accessories. Here are some appropriate photos for attire.
Also I have attended several career fashion workshops lately and the experts have this to say about various professions. Let’s say you are a truck driver, then there is no need for you to show up in a 3-piece suit, a polo shirt and khakis would work for this career choice. Same for a child care worker, a nice dress our pant suit would be fine, no need for a business suit on your interview. The goal is to have your clothes match your profession and always show up looking your best, not overdone. Make sure skirts are knee-length, blouses cover all cleavage, and slacks are not binding. Lastly, try on your outfit before the day you’ll need it to ensure that it fits!
OTHER OBSERVANCES: Refrain from chewing gum, bringing your children, or talking on your cell phone while waiting to be seen by an employer.
PHONES: If your cell phone is the primary contact number on your resume, do your best NOT to answer if you’re in a noisy place, it may be better for employers to leave a message versus you asking them to repeat everything because you’re right next to a screaming baby at the mall. Additionally, check your voicemail greeting and make sure it’s professional. Remove any music and profane language from your outgoing greeting, this can put a bad taste in the mouth of employers and they may not call you back.
Be sure to visit next week to get more information in the areas of resume distribution, follow up call frequency, and being prepared before attending a job fair or an interview. Also be sure to leave your comments if there are specific other areas that would like to hear more about. Thank you in advance for paying attention to these simple yet important tips, after all they are for your benefit!
QUOTES OF THE DAY: “Excuses are the tools with which persons with no purpose in view build for themselves great monuments of nothing.” ~Steven Grayhm??
“Hold yourself responsible for a higher standard than anyone else expects of you. Never excuse yourself.” ~Henry Ward Beecher
Posted by brenda on Monday, September 12th, 2011 , Posted in BLOG, Brendas Blog, Career Transition Help, Confidence Boosters, Job Search Tips, Networking, Working with Recruiters , 2 Comments »
Lately, many of my clients at ROYAL Resume Services have been wondering if the only way to conduct a job search is to post their new fabulous resume on the mainstream job searching sites (i.e. Careerbuilder, Monster, Dice, etc…) The answer is and always will be…NO!
While I have published a mini job-search guide that is specifically for my clients to accelerate their job search, I will share a few tasty morsels with you here.
WORKING WITH RECRUITERS - This approach is a no-brainer. Consider this, recruiters (typically) get paid for finding you a job. Employers pay recruiters to do the leg work so they don’t have to. With this in mind, recruiters will only place their emphasis on placing the best, cream-of-the-crop candidates with positions. You also need to realize that recruiters have a reputation to protect, so if they continue to send “junk” to employers, the employers will no longer trust them with the delicate task of locating the most promising candidate pool.
ATTEND NETWORKING EVENTS - I discussed this last week, mentioning that you have to play the game and attending networking events exposes you to so many different people that have so many different connections. The people you meet at networking events may not be your ultimate customers but they may know 20 others that are. Check out my blog from September 2, 2011, for more information on how to win at these events.
TRACK YOUR ACTIVITIES / APPLICATIONS – Can you remember the job ID#, posting ID, or contact person/number for every position that you’ve applied for? Definitely not, if you don’t write it all down. Keep a single notebook dedicated to your job search so you can record all pertinent details of each job submission (title, company, contact, reference ID, application date, etc…). This way, you can easily follow up at specific time intervals to monitor the progress of your applications.
OF COURSE, USE JOB BOARDS – These are still proven ways of identifying and being considered for available positions. Plus you can customize your search and even set up job-search agents that notify you automatically when a job matching your requirements becomes available. Drawbacks are: not all positions are posted using job boards (since these cost money to employers). Many employers are deferring to low or no-cost job advertising solutions including Craigslist.com
QUOTE OF THE DAY: The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty. ~Proverbs 21:5
If you like what you read and want to receive more words of practical career search information, encouragement, or resources, then follow me on Twitter @royalresume, or LIKE ME on Facebook!
Posted by brenda on Thursday, September 8th, 2011 , Posted in BLOG, Brendas Blog, Confidence Boosters , 8 Comments »
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved.” ~ Helen Keller
Every move you make throughout your life will serve to build character in you. If you will take the time to notice, every time you emerge from a trial (that you once thought was too heavy) you come through with more wisdom, strength, and you are better and more aligned with God’s plan for you. So please don’t discount the trial or “mountains” in your life because they do ultimately help us to appreciate the joy!
After I had already started writing this blog, I found out that someone I love dearly, had just been laid off from their job. While I admittedly went straight to feelings of anger (which I later repented), this person held on to a more positive outlook of bigger and better opportunities. Well, people, that’s the whole point! No one wants to have their home foreclosed on, no one wants to lose a loved one, certainly no one wants to be diagnosed with a terminal illness, and no one wants to lose their job or face a lay off. All these things make us feel so helpless and unable to provide for our families, but the silver lining is that we all know eventually things will normalize and get back to the way they should be. Going through the “storm” is only temporary and it really can be an exciting adventure, and when you KNOW that God is on your side, you must believe that you are going through it for a reason. That’s what faith is…You see the storm raging, but inside you KNOW that there will be a rainbow on the other side.
So as I have said before, and will probably say again… Don’t give up, even if things look like they can’t get any worse, remember that God has it all under His control and there’s nothing too big for Him. God Bless you through your trials…”we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” ~Romans 5:3-4
Posted by brenda on Friday, September 2nd, 2011 , Posted in BLOG, Brendas Blog, Career Transition Help, Job Search Tips, Networking , 8 Comments »
Recently, I’ve had several job seekers ask me advice on how the concept of networking can work for them during their job search. Not only that, but they also wanted to know the mechanics of how to be successful at a face-to-face job / social networking event. I am presenting some strategies with you here to help you overcome any nervousness or outright fear that may have been keeping you from attending or seizing opportunities at networking events in your area. First some definitions:
NETWORKING – Interaction with other people to exchange information and develop contacts, esp. to further one’s career.
NETWORKING GOAL(s) – A specific reason that you have in mind to address while you network. If your goal is to get a job, then you may network to meet new people in your field and try to set up some time to do some informational interviewing so you’ll know more about your target companies and positions. If your goal is to win new business, then you may be networking to understand what potential customers are looking for in your industry or just to spark new relationships with these potential clients. The key is that initially you are not there to sell your product or yourself. You are there to build relationships.
1. EXHAUST YOUR PERSONAL NETWORK, I say before you even consider meeting strangers that could possibly help you achieve your career or business goals, make sure every family member, church member, group member, colleague, or other associates know what you’re up to.
2. YOU MUST DECIDE TO ATTEND, this means psyching yourself up and mentally telling yourself that you MUST go in order to be in the game. You’ve heard that you’ve got to be in it to win it, and since there is nothing new under the sun, the same is true for networking.
3. BE READY TO CLEARLY COMMUNICATE, meaning you need to know exactly what you want to accomplish. And you need to be able to express it quickly. Many times at networking events people will ask you, “So what do you do?” you must quickly combat this with your prepared spiel on what you do and what you’re hoping to accomplish (remember you’re not there to sell but to build relationships). This is where your 30 second commercial comes in to play.
4. EXCHANGE CONTACT INFORMATION, everyone you meet will probably have a business card ready to hand out to you–or at least they should! And so should you! Having a business card that describes quickly who you are and why they should care is a critical tool at a networking event. Don’t leave home without them. Try Vista Print for your first set of FREE business cards.
5. FOLLOW UP, I can’t tell you how many opportunities I may have missed out on simply because I never reached out to the people I met at networking events. However, since I have gotten into the practice of sending a follow up email, making a follow up phone call, following people on twitter, or sending a personal invitation on LinkedIn, I have started to really build new relationships and even some paid opportunities have resulted. So use all available follow up methods and make sure you follow up (within 48 hours). At some point in your relationship, you’ll feel the time is right to ask for something (job, interview, purchase, etc…), but do try to offer something in return (value, lunch, coffee, fill a need).
6. OTHER TIPS, remember people’s names, shake hands firmly, look everyone in the eye. You can cry, scream, or panic in your car, but while you’re at the event be confident and remember your reason for being there!
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “Nerves and butterflies are fine – they’re a physical sign that you’re mentally ready and eager. You have to get the butterflies to fly in formation, that’s the trick.” ~Steve Bull
Posted by brenda on Monday, August 29th, 2011 , Posted in BLOG, Brendas Blog, Confidence Boosters, Job Search Tips, Networking , 5 Comments »
Just in the last week, I have spoken with several different job seekers that say “but I don’t have a college degree, so I don’t think I’ll be able to get a job right now in this economy!” And to these comments, I’ve had this to say…
1. Don’t ever count yourself out just because you lack a college degree. In many respects college degrees are overrated. People feel some sort of right to superior positions just because they have a diploma. Now unfortunately some companies out there will only look at candidates with a minimum of an Associates Degree, but there are just as many that will consider you based on actual work experience, reputation, and knowledge.
2. My husband has only a High School Diploma and yet earns significantly more than me on an annual basis. That’s due in part to my chosen service pricing, but also due to the fact that he is working in the area that he was anointed to work in. He has always excelled quickly no matter what agency he worked for, he was living in his purpose and doing the work that he was called to do. Not to mention, that as of December 2009, 28 members of the United States Congress had no college degree.
3. There are other options besides a formal degree to prepare job seekers for stretch jobs. Stretch jobs are positions slightly outside of your comfort zone (i.e. going from a nurse to a nursing manager) but is not totally unrealistic (i.e. going from a manufacturing assembly worker to a rocket scientist overnight). These options include obtaining certificates to gain the most current knowledge in a particular industry, completing some internships, or informal volunteer work in your new area of interest.
4. If you have tried all of these strategies and you are still not seeing solid results, then go back to networking. Do you know that over 75% of all jobs are obtained by who you know? If an influential person said “give this person a shot and you won’t be sorry…” then guess what degree or no degree you have just landed yourself a great opportunity.
If God has called you to a particular career, even if you feel unqualified to perform it – He will give you all the resources you need (including training and mentors) to be successful in that role. If you have been settling for certain professions because you lacked a degree and this post has inspired you to go for it anyway then leave a comment to share with the world or give me a call to help you with your transition.
QUOTE OF THE DAY: But as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.” ~ 1Corinthians 2:9
Posted by brenda on Monday, August 22nd, 2011 , Posted in BLOG, Brendas Blog, Career Transition Help, Confidence Boosters, Job Search Tips, Networking, Working with Recruiters , 2 Comments »
Recently I was at a community career fair giving resume consultations and a common response that I received when asking individuals what kind of position they were looking for was, “I’ll do anything!”
What these seekers didn’t realize is that the potential employers want them to know exactly what they want before they apply or approach them at job fairs. Think about the impression you are leaving an employer if you tell them you don’t really know what you want to do, you appear indecisive and unprepared to have a career with them! Companies that can only afford to hire 1-2 people only want the best of the available candidates for their team and if you can’t even clearly communicate what position you are best suited for, then you will not find yourself in the running.
ON THE CONTRARY
Sometimes you do know exactly what you want and you have pursued it for so long that you are just starting to lose hope. I encourage you to keep pressing. Here are a few pertinent scriptures to help keep you stirred up while you are going through your time of transition:
Psalm 94:19
When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.
Deuteronomy 31:8
The Lord is the One who will go before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.
Don’t be so fickle, taking anything and everything that comes along. If you are meant for something more then by all means be something more. This means not settling for less than you’re worth, not even entertaining certain opportunities that do not align with your God-given career path, and not giving up at the first sign of trouble in your search.
QUOTE OF THE DAY: Since they are both great – I’ll give you two…
“We are most vulnerable to the piercing winds of doubt when we distance ourselves from the mission and fellowship to which Christ has called us.” ~ Joni Eareckson Tada
“No matter how heavy the burden, daily strength is given, so I expect we need not give ourselves any concern as to what the outcome will be. We must simply go forward.” ~Annie Armstrong.
Posted by brenda on Thursday, August 18th, 2011 , Posted in BLOG, Brendas Blog, Career Transition Help, Confidence Boosters, Job Search Tips, Networking , 1 Comment »
Even right now, I’m blogging away at Starbucks feeling exhausted and I can’t help but to wonder how many job seekers are just plain getting tired! It’s so easy to go through the motions of applying for jobs and submitting resumes, attending job fairs and meeting with recruiters that toward the end of the week you have just found yourself running out of steam. This short blog will lend you some ideas to reenergize and revive your job search.
1. You must step away from it for a while when you feel yourself getting antsy. Just be sure to define how much time this will be and actually get back to it when you said you would, so there is no guilt attached to it. You can use this time to take care of chores or other obligations besides your job search.
2. Seek some face time (on your knees) with God, His peace which transcends all understanding will miraculously come over you and you can just accept His free gift of rest.
3. Do something that you totally enjoy, exercise, hike, go to a ceramics or pottery class, play an instrument, watch your favorite TV show, dance to your favorite song, etc… The point is to do something that gets you hyped up again.
Try your best not to continue to dread the job search while you are enjoying your break, this will only taint the intended pleasure of your rest period. I have heard so many career experts say that job searching is a full time job and while I do agree that you should be very serious and diligent about your search this is also an opportunity to reflect on what you want and what God’s purpose is for your life. Meditation and reflection is not time wasted on the contrary it is time well spent to ensure you are not simply spinning your wheels but that you are truly living in your divine purpose and loving every minute of it.
QUOTE OF THE DAY: 9 Enjoy life with the wife (spouse) you love. Enjoy all the useless days of this useless life God has given you here on earth, because it is all you have. So enjoy the work you do here on earth.10 Whatever work you do, do your best, because you are going to the grave, where there is no working, no planning, no knowledge, and no wisdom. ~ Ecclesiastes 9:9-10
Posted by brenda on Monday, August 15th, 2011 , Posted in BLOG, Brendas Blog, Career Transition Help, Confidence Boosters, Interviewing, Job Search Tips, Networking , 4 Comments »
Does this sound familiar? With the federal government extending unemployment benefits, for many job seekers this was a way to continue to collect while continuing their minimal efforts to look for another job. For the rest of the unemployed population, this was a welcomed relief to help sustain household functions while they diligently sought out new opportunities. But the question remains, why is it taking so long to find employment for so many? I have a theory on this and some suggestions to help you accelerate your search…
Why So Long… (Theory)
Many of us simply don’t know what to say or somehow we feel embarrassed about being downsized that we don’t fully put ourselves out there. I’ve personally spoken with job seekers and I keep hearing that there aren’t any jobs out there. This simply isn’t true, the unsettling part is that many of the jobs that are available are somewhat undesirable. For example, if you were a Project Manager in your former career and that’s all you’re willing to do then you’re right it may take you 1-2 years to find some ideal setting, salary, boss, etc… However let’s say that you’re willing to work in a call center (not ideal for certain Project Managers) but it would allow you to understand a new industry or a different side of your familiar industry.
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