I teach social media for job hunters several times a month and meet lots of great people. When I talk about twitter, I often hear, “Twitter’s stupid.” If you don’t need a job and think twitter is stupid you can stop reading right now.
If you have an open mind, you might be very surprised at the number and types of jobs available on twitter. I was talking to a recruiter recently and she said that when she gets a new professional position, the FIRST place she posts it is twitter. Why? Because it’s easy, it’s free and she knows that only people who ‘get’ social media will be looking there. Only people with updated skills know to look on twitter.
Remember, you don’t have to have twitter followers or follow anyone to search the powerful real time network. Go to twitter, find the search box and input any of the following:
For those who haven’t quite come to grips with the fact that work is changing (forever), perhaps this blog post will change your point of view.
Virtual Vocations has 2239 open positions posted. This list consists of jobs that companies are hiring where employees will work from home:
VP Engineering
HL7 Integration/Interface Engineers
Software Engineers
Contract Administrators
Instructional Designers
Virtual Assistants
Swimwear and Toy Designers
Seamstresses
There are other openings for positions that are traditionally done remotely like technical recruiters, writers/bloggers/editors, animators/graphic designers, bookkeepers and translators.
As organizations look to be more nimble and respond to changing customer requirements quickly, virtual teams are needed to come together to meet these new and demanding schedules. How companies find, recruit, provide remote work tools for and pay the talent they need is going to be a big challenge. And for those of us who have the specialized skills that are needed, we will need to make ourselves known to these employers.
Flexibility, outstanding communication, updated skills and the ability to adapt are critical to being successful in the evolving world of work. And the best news is; we’re more likely to be able to attend our kids ball games, concerts and parent teacher conferences.
It’s really funny that I continue to write this blog about job hunting because I am no longer looking for a job, I have my own company. I think it’ s funny because I am not an expert; just someone who’s been through it and who learned a lot.
I like to write and so a blog was a natural fit for me. But there’s writing and then there’s writing well. This isn’t about spelling or even grammar per se. Practicing writing; not emails, not twitter, not just your resume, but writing to clearly communicate is important for job seekers.
I am always surprised when people tell me they don’t customize their resume for each job. How else is the hiring manager going to envision you in the job if you don’t tell them, specifically, how your qualifications match the job requirements.
Here’s an example of a way to customize a cover letter (called a t-style) that highlights the job requirements and how your skills match those needs. I suggest you practice writing whenever you can. Ask for feedback. When you go back to work, you’ll be glad you kept your writing skills sharp.
Your Specifications: “A strong background in organizations going through transformations…”
My Background: Jones Intercable, Fresh Express, and iLogistix were going through major transformations; 1.) Jones Intercable from a regional operator to sixth largest cable company, 2.) Fresh Express from a food service company to a major packaged goods company that successfully competed with industry giants to maintain top market share, and 3.) iLogistix from national service organization to a global organization. In all these cases, I teamed with other senior executives to deal with a high level of change successfully build organizations to go to the next level. Your Specifications “…a strong knowledge of labor relations.” My Background: Have dealt with a number of unions and successfully negotiated contracts including…
I’ve already had three careers. I was a foreign language teacher, then I was an information consultant and now I work in marketing. These changes were my choice and a natural progression of my interests.
For many of us, the way we have worked in the past has changed. Most of us will no longer work for one employer for a lifetime; we’ll need to act as freelancers who ‘market’ their skills to organizations who pay to get work done.
For employers, the economics of this might make sense but how can they be sure that their ad hoc work team has the right skills? How do they compensate them?
For workers, how will we keep our skills up to date? How will we get benefits? How will employers find us? What skills will we need to negotiate our new contracts? These are just a few of the questions that we and the next generation of workers will need to face.
Technology is enabling new ways of working together. Google Wave, cloud computing, Google docs and Basecamp are just a few examples of current tools that are changing the way we work.
Sure there still will be plenty of ‘regular’ jobs, but it’s worthwhile for all of us to think about what we will need to do to rise to this challenge. Entrepreneurs have a golden opportunity to create the tools for the coming freelance boom.
For those of us who have heard these words, just reading them in can make us wince.
The new George Clooney movie, Up in the Air, is about being let go. I recommend it to anyone who’s in transition. (Grab a friend and head to a matinee; you’ll be glad you did.) Up in the Air is just like hell in the hallway. You may not choose it, but once you’re there, you have choices to make. Action is necessary, patience is key.
When I was young, I was fired from a job. Here’s the story. For one of my first jobs, I worked part time selling shoes. The store manager kept telling me to ask every customer if they wanted a purse, stockings and other ’stuff’ in addition to the shoes. The few times I tried it, the customer snorted at me. I didn’t like pushing items that people didn’t ask for. I knew I wasn’t cut out for that kind of selling and so did my boss. He gently “let me go” 2 weeks before Christmas.
Later in my career, when I was laid off from Eastman Kodak after 17 years; I was fortunate. I was offered several alternative positions but ultimately I took a package and left the company to start my own business.
Do you feel stuck or are you energized? Are you using your time wisely or are you worrying your days away? What are you teaching your children by your actions?
There are so many free interesting educational opportunities. Here is just one: free video courses from Columbia, Yale, UCLA, Michigan and MIT.
Whether it’s continuing your education, upgrading your skills, finding a mentor, starting a business or deciding to change professions; you do not have to be afraid to hear those words. My favorite saying works at any time of the year: change is good, timing is everything, patience is the key.
When we lose our jobs, most of us go into ‘deer in the headlights’ mode. Even if we know it’s coming, we still freak out. For those of us who are actively managing the change; the emotional transition, while difficult, doesn’t slow us down.
For those who choose, and yes I use the word choose, to ignore the realities of the economy and our ability to earn a living; you will get no sympathy from me. Each of us is responsible for our own careers. Whatever has happened in the past, no matter how long you’ve worked for your current employer; you still need to face the facts. Employment security is a thing of the past.
After I was laid off, I made a decision to actively network with 5 to 10 people a week. When I would meet with a new contact, many of whom were employed, I would tell them how much I enjoyed looking for a new job. Their mouths would drop open. They simply could not understand how someone could enjoy what they considered to be an “ego-deflating”, “unnerving” and “unrewarding” process. I completely disagree that finding a new way to use my skills, learn new things and make a positive contribution to our society (oh yeah, and pay the bills) is unrewarding. It’s cool. So I suggest that people, no matter how unsettled you are, to get up and take action. If you’re not sure what to do, ask someone. Here’s some great advice from Chris Brogan on ‘getting on with it.’
I always believe (because it’s in my best interest to) that whatever I do next will be better than I could imagine. This isn’t just a Pollyanna attitude; it’s a way of living life. There’s a saying, “Fake it ‘til you make it.” Wise advice.
I don’t have to be certain of what the next phase of my life will be. I only have to believe that, whatever it is; it will be good. And it starts today. I don’t have one minute to waste on negative energy. What will it take for you to truly believe that job hunting is cool?
I’m always surprised when I ask a person who’s been working professionally for 15+ years if they have a bio and they say, “No, I’ve never needed one” or “I’m not sure what I’d use it for.”
Stable employment can breed complacency.
If there is a silver lining to our current unemployment situation it is that many people now know they need to continually network proactively. An essential tool for networking is a bio. Whether you are providing background information about yourself for a committee position at your church or a board at a non profit; a bio makes it easy for people to get a good glimpse into who you are and what your experience has been.
A bio is different from a resume in that it is a narrative. The goal is tell a story about yourself that helps the reader understand where you’ve worked, what interests you and what is special about you. It only needs to be 4-5 well written paragraphs.
When someone asks to meet me for networking and they send me a resume, I assume they want to ask me for a job. But when they send me a bio, I learn interesting information about the person and I can build a conversation around things I read. I have more information about how I might be able to help.
I happen to be a published author (poetry and non-fiction.) My publications are not related to my work experience but I can highlight this work in my bio. It helps me to let people know my various skills and interests in a short, readable format. I can also highlight the foreign languages I speak or the charities I’m involved in. These help me be human and memorable.
Make sure you have several trusted people read your bio. Writing a concise and compelling story is not easy. Everyone has a story. Be sure yours is less blah, blah and more hmm, that’s interesting.
A few years ago, standard advice for a job seeker would have included: get a degree or spiff up your resume. I found a report that is a compilation of suggestions from various individuals about the NEW job search and how to really take a new approach to landing in this hyper-competitive job market.
Their suggestions range from, “Be the CEO of YOU, Inc.” to “See Yourself in 3 Dimensions”. I particularly liked, “Get very, very clear on the type of work you truly want,” describing that this market will not tolerate the, “I can do anything you need” attitude. For each job there are many individuals with the specific skills to that job. It’s an employers market.
Being the CEO of you suggests these strategies:
1. Develop a mission/vision statement. Understand who you are/where you’re going.
2. Develop a plan. Include having the right relationships (vendors, customers, etc.).
3. Developing a strategic board of directors.
4. Ensuring your product is up to date, up to par, get training, learn, and grow.
I would add the standard “network”, with the caveat to use as many of the social media tools as possible. Use of these tools demonstrates an ability to adapt and pay attention to trends. If visibility = opportunity, then the more visible you are, the more likely you are to get noticed for positions. Keep the funnel open
There is something here for everyone. I would add involve your family in a positive way. You are showing them how to cope in difficult circumstances. Also, have fun. Do something everyday that you might not be able to do if you were working. http://www.bestcareerstrategies.com/
Fun and Interesting Inexpensive/Free Things To Do in Rochester
Visit the Rochester Public Library Downtown. If you have small children and you haven’t yet taken them to the children’s room, you are in for a treat. Not only is the room delightful but they have a chance to explore the ‘secret doorway’. For events go to: http://rochester.kidsoutandabout.com/
The Business section has an abundance of information to help learn about potential employers. The librarians are patient and helpful. How about Rochester history? Job hunting help? http://www3.libraryweb.org/home2.aspx
Confidence – most of us have it in varying degrees. What qualities make you appear self-assured and confident? The adjectives vary, but “resourceful” and “accomplished” come to mind. How you present yourself matters: your posture, clothes and the way you speak. Here are some things to think about:
1. See yourself as the answer to an employer’s prayers. Not cocky, but believe in yourself.
2. Figure out how to communicate trustworthiness. Anyone hiring is taking a chance and they want to hire well. Give them every reason to think you will make them look good.
3. Speak positively. No waffling or being negative, about anything.
4. Ask for the job. Tell the hiring manager the job interests you and you’d like to contribute to the continuing success of the organization. Decide before you go in you’ll keep an open mind no matter what the employer presents. Mid-interview negativity shows.
5. Find a creative way to get introduced. Send an employer a coffee cup with a $5 swipe card and a little note:”I’d like to get together and talk with you over coffee. I’ll be calling soon.”
6. Consider using a ‘Visual Resume’ http://www.visualcv.com or other creative ways to demonstrate your credentials and skills.
7. Shake hands firmly. Smile. RochesterWorks.org will video you in a mock interview. I did this and even though I was conscious of trying not to say ‘um,’ I still said it several times. There’s nothing like actually seeing yourself to highlight your strengths and weaknesses.
Check out these online resources:
Day-of-interview tips: http://www.mefeedia.com/entry/craving-confidence-confident-interview-skills-part-03/16758481
Laugh out loud examples of what not to do. http://www.howtonailaninterview.com/
Enjoying Your Life – Free or Inexpensive FUN Things to Do
The Lilac Festival starts May 8th. See all the free events (events with a charge say “ticketed”) http://www.lilacfestival.com/09eventinfo.html
I teach social media for job hunters several times a month and meet lots of great people. When I talk about twitter, I often hear, “Twitter’s stupid.” If you don’t need a job and think twitter is stupid you can stop reading right now.
Life Transitions, job search | Deborah | 
March 10, 2010 6:34 am | 
Comments (2) 
When we lose our jobs, most of us go into ‘deer in the headlights’ mode. Even if we know it’s coming, we still freak out. For those of us who are actively managing the change; the emotional transition, while difficult, doesn’t slow us down.
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