Are You Taking Advantage of Every Opportunity in Your Job Search?

I have a wonderful client I have worked with on two occasions but we keep in touch with emails a few times a year to see how each other is doing. He is an accountant working in the banking industry and understandably came back to me 2 ½ years after he first hired me, to update his resume. We decided to target a broader scope than just the banking and finance industry since it was getting hit pretty hard economically and there were layoffs everywhere.

We updated his resume, highlighted his new achievements and focused on his accounting expertise instead, avoiding terms synonymous with the banking industry.

Three weeks after we had completed his resume he called to say his job search had been curtailed because his father, who commutes between Michigan and Arizona had fallen in Tucson and my client had been out west for the past 2 weeks getting his father settled into a nursing home while he recovered. On his way home to Michigan he sat on the plane with a man who was a district manager from Ohio for a short and long-term healthcare facility, that was in the process of opening 3 centers in Southeast Michigan.

By the end of the flight he had been interviewed and offered a position to set up the accounting functions for the Michigan expansion project. His new position would be starting in one month. Perfect timing, it would give his father time to heal and hopefully be able to be transferred to a recovery facility in Michigan; one to which he would now be working.

Networking and opportunities can show up anywhere and anytime. Make sure you are ready now and always by having a prepared resume, contact or networking cards with your contact information, and be willing to talk with others you meet during your day. Find out how you can be of help to them and how they might just be the contact you’ve been looking for.

Shine On!

5 Must-Have Tools for Your Job Search Arsenal

Resumes and Cover Letters - that are current, concise, and targeted to a specific position not a hodge-podge of experience from the past 10 or 20 years. Target 5-10 companies and customize each resume and cover letter you send out for your biggest bang. Find actual contact names and addresses for each cover letter and make sure the resume is in line with each company’s expectations.

Recommendations – Get permission from each referral on your list – every time you look for a job. Remind them of achievements you would like shared when they are called for a referral. If you have recommendation letters make copies and keep the originals at home so they do not get worn or damaged and can be used as a master copy. And don’t forget the Thank You letter!

Computer – Job seekers need to be able to be contacted and be able to contact others during their job search. You must know how to send and receive emails, open attachments, send attachments, search the web, and post your resume online. If you do not know how to do some of this – go to the library, take a class, get a book or ask someone for assistance. There are just no options here. If you are not comfortable on the computer start playing around on it. You won’t break it – make it your friend!

Networking Cards/Business Cards – While networking, attending social groups, associations or just going to the car wash or gas station you need to be prepared for any opportunity. Instead of using a business card from your previous employment, invest in a set of networking cards. Include your contact information such as your name, address, phone, and email address. You can also include a website address, blog address, or a LinkedIn profile or VisualCV URL. Some job seekers have even included a set up Career Highlights on the back of the card that showcase their unique strengths.

A Right Attitude! - The best resume in the world is not going to get you an awesome job or even the interview you deserve if your attitude is in need of a serious adjustment. Make sure you are grateful and positive, helpful and aggressive during your search. Don’t let yourself get too down, it will be noticed and could be a deciding factor – or deal breaker. Stay motivated by helping others, sharing knowledge and moving forward.

Once you’ve got everything in place, you are ready to aggressively pursue your ideal job with confidence. Use your tools to garner leads, contacts, new friends and interviews and enjoy the journey!

Shine On!!

Do You Know What You Are Worth?

When you go into an interview – do you know what you are worth? Even in these tougher economic times you still need to be prepared when you go into an interview by knowing what you are worth to the potential employer. Most job seekers (me included) are uncomfortable with the possibility of a confrontation but also the possibility of having an employer revoke an offer because of negotiations.

Here’s the thing; employers expect negotiations during salary talks.

They usually have a “range” to work with. It is your job to get into the upper end of their range by letting them know your worth. Ways you can prepare for the salary negotiations:

Hold off negotiations until the end of the interview if at all possible this lets you strut your stuff and really show the value you will bring and potential revenue increases or cost decreases the company will incur by hiring you.

Don’t forget to do your homework. Preparation is crucial for gaining the optimal offer. Know what you absolutely must have to live the lifestyle you want to live. Research the company as well as the industry to see what similar positions are earning. Have a range ready in your head and in your notes when you walk in the interview.

Negotiate! Unless it is an absolutely perfect offer go for a little negotiation even if it only increases annual earnings by $3,000 or $5,000. That is a vacation, a year of car payments or new appliances. So go for it!

During negotiations be respectful and genuine during the talks. Ask questions, sell your value and make them feel like they are getting a great deal by having you join their company at that price. Many times they are nervous too, take the comforting role and make them feel like they are doing the right thing as you negotiate to a higher and higher salary.

Is your glass ½ full or ½ empty?

Today has been pretty slow – but Monday is often a quiet phone and new-client day with Tuesday usually making up for it. If I were a ½ empty kind of gal, I would be pretty bummed because I haven’t had one person seal-a-deal today. Thankfully, I am blessed with a ½ full glass and I really try – and sometimes it does take effort, to find something good in every day and every circumstance.

Even though I haven’t had any new work come in so far today, I did receive a referral from another writer this morning and will hopefully get started working with the new client this week. I’ve tweeted on www.twitter.com with some awesome new friends. Heard from one woman who just won an iphone ipod from a contest online! Got an email earlier from a client that has an interview this afternoon. Chatted briefly with my girlfriend this morning and have an interesting and exciting project that will begin tonight with our first meeting.

Many things aren’t going great in my life, as there are always struggles and issues in all our lives. I know they are there and I must deal with them, but I choose not to dwell on them. I will continue to focus on the positive and good things in life. Is my head stuck in the clouds…I hope so! I work hard to keep my attitude grateful and positive and hope I radiate that when talking and working with others.

How do you see your glass? Try saying your “thankfuls”.

My family said “thankfuls” during dinner every night when my kids were growing up. We still say them but not as often (I think I’ll get us back into the habit!). We go around the table and each person has a chance to say 2 “thankfuls”. It was a great way to teach my kids the importance of being thankful for the good going on in their lives no matter what bad may be going on as well. It taught ways to stay positive and opened up the dinner to endless wonderful conversations.

If dinner doesn’t work, get a notebook and write down 5 “thankfuls” every night. It seems hard at first but it will quickly become hard to keep your gratitude limited to just 5.

PS. Shine on and feel free to share your “thankfuls” with me…I’d love to hear them!

Take Time to Enjoy Yourself

Being laid off or out of work is definitely very stressful. Those working hard to find work can spend 30, 40 or more hours a week networking, researching, making calls, interviewing and more. While that is necessary and energy well spent, don’t forget to take time to enjoy yourself. Even if you are still working but stressed over the future – your mind needs a break from the pressure. Take time to do something for yourself.

You don’t have to go take a trip or make any large purchases. You can do something you enjoy at home or go someplace that costs little or know money.

For example, this morning I picked up my mom at her house and headed to an auction not too far away, where we met up with one of my sisters. We walked through the room, previewing all the items in the auction, talked with others reviewing the items and finally sat down to listen to the bidding. They serve coffee and food throughout the day so we each got a coffee, and sat towards the back so we could chat and catch up.

We all bid on different things. None of really were looking for specific items and my mom was the big spender of the day at only about $20 for 2 different bids. I love the sound of the auctioneer talking fast as he moves through items with his helpers yelling "yep!" from around the room if they see someone raising their bidding card. The room can buzz when there are “bidding wars” or items of big interest come up for auction. It is always a fun and entertaining day – especially when I am in great company.

Find something you enjoy doing and make an effort to do it every so often. Maybe it is working on a puzzle, really doing your nails right - with 2 coats of paint and the top coat, waxing your car, watching an old favorite movie or enjoying an afternoon on the couch surrounded with your favorite magazines or a good book that you’ve rented from the library.

It isn’t about spending money; it is about giving your mind a break from pressure and worries in your life. They will be there tomorrow so it is OK to let them go for an afternoon to rejuvenate your spirit and attitude!!

Shine On!

P.S. What are you going to do for yourself this weekend?

Can You Pull Yourself Away From Yourself?

I received some help today from a colleague today regarding my blog and twitter (still a little new to all the gadgets available to both). During our conversation I was able to reciprocate and share a little wisdom of my own. Both of us gained valuable information and were able to help someone else. Usually I think the latter is more important.

In your job search – while things seem pretty tough and even feel out of control, it is helpful yourself to pull yourself away from yourself for a while.

Focusing on other peoples problems such as those looking for work or in some kind of need, is good for your soul.

It let’s you feel good about yourself by helping someone else and it takes away your problems, even if just temporarily. God says, help others and I’ll help you, cast your cares; sometimes easier said than done. Letting go of the problems doesn’t make them go away – it just gives you a little break from them, and that is a good thing!

How can you as a job seeker easily help others? If you hear of a job that might not fit you – pass it along to someone else. If you find a great site online that offers job seekers awesome resources, ideas, and hope – share it! I’ve heard Joyce Meyer say many times that we are meant to be channels not reservoirs. Share and pass along your knowledge, time and support with others looking for work and I promise someone will help you too.

Shine On Job Seekers!

P.S. See how many job seekers you can help today!

Don’t Stop Thinkin About Tomorrow…

Remember that song? Man I loved Fleetwood Mac and that song was like an anthem as I was graduating from high school back in the early 80’s and getting ready to embrace the real world…whatever that meant.

Fast forward a few years (OK, maybe a few decades) and I realize I am sharing this same message regularly with my clients. It is so important to stay forward-thinking and enjoy today but work for tomorrow. What do you need to do today to make sure you succeed in the future - even if right now you are doing fine?

Job seekers need to stay on the edge of their industry if they want to get and stay noticed when looking for a job. Join associations, committees, forums, networking groups and more to continue learning and growing in your field.

Some of the great catch phrases like, “if you don’t use it you’ll lose it” and “if you don’t move you’ll rust” are often associated with staying in shape but are also true for keeping your career in shape.

Especially If you have been laid off, now is a great time stay forward-thinking and keep your skills sharp with seminars, new training, or taking advantage of the educational incentives available to some through the government.

So, don’t stop thinking about tomorrow. Don’t stop, it’ll soon be here. It’ll be here better than before, yesterdays gone, yesterday’s gone………

Shine On -

Who is Your Resume Written For?

When writing your resume, remember the focus of the document should not be on you – it must be on the needs of the reader.

Imagine a TV commercial for a General Motors car or truck that only talked about the car company’s current financial issues and how bad they need you to buy a car. Or if GM discussed the huge success they encountered by breaking into the banking/finance industry years ago, as a reason t buy a car from them today.

One situation focused on the needs of the car company and the other focused on past random accomplishments that are not relevant to the focus a commercial that is trying to sell you a vehicle today.

Your resume should focus on a specific position with every word concentrating on the needs of the reader, the company, and the value you can bring (and why I veto “Objectives”). This is done by showcasing relevant achievements, including appropriate skills/skill sets, and using industry and position specific jargon. And most important it must let the reader see the unique value you only, can bring to the position and company.

Happy St. Pat’s Day!!!

What are Swans Doing On My Pond?

Every spring the ice on the pond starts to get shiny, thinner and eventually breaks open to reveal the cold clear water below. When the pond unthaws the foul in the area sense, smell, see (I'm not sure) the water and come to nest for the spring. We usually get the normal varieties of ducks and a few sets of geese.

Over the weekend we were greeted by the very loud honking of 2 swans. I've seen them in the area but never on our ponds before. If you've never seen swans close up ---they are huge.

The ducks in the pond look like rubber duckies in a tub next to these things.

They are beautiful to watch as they paddle softly and glide like skaters across the pond. The family all weekend keeps asking, "What are swans doing on our pond?" For some reason they've decided to take charge of our pond. It is a beautiful pond but can't hold more than 1 or 2 sets of swans, I would imagine.

The good thing is, no geese yet. I wouldn't come here either - although beautiful, the swans have charged at my dog and kids while we tried to get a closer look. My poor golden retriever hasn't gone back down to the pond since he was chased away.

This year Michigan had a really cold winter and many ponds and lakes stayed frozen all winter. When that happens the fish can suffocate and die, which I know has happened in the area this year. One smaller lake in particular that used to house swans has lost, probably most if not all of it’s' fish. Maybe that is why the swans have left and are possibly now setting up residency on our pond.

Job seekers should look to these swans as example in job searching and motivation.

When their comfortable home and life was interrupted they picked up and found something new. Even though it was new land, unfamiliar predators in the area and uncertainty of food they moved forward anyway.

They are becoming familiar with the pond and land, and Making Their Presence Known!

Making your presence known is the most important thing you can do as a job seeker. How? By networking, meeting new contacts, getting in touch with old ones, research industries, targeting companies and developing strategies that will get you noticed.

PS. In your job search today - BE A SWAN!!!

Finally have all tax information ready to be turned over to the account on Monday. What a good feeling. I'm glad I got it done this afternoon so I'll have tomorrow to enjoy a beautiful Sunday!

Enjoy Your Weekend!

Is Your Confidence Helping or Hurting Your Job Search?

We all struggle with confidence in one area or another. I still tend to be more reserved than I'd like to be in my business when dealing with potential clients. Is that confidence? Maybe...probably. When I am feeling a little less confident than I should, I remind myself of what I do, what I know, and that I've helped hundreds of clients.

I know I am an expert at what I do. I thrive on helping clients re-gain or improve their confidence by preparing for job search with effective documents, tools and new found knowledge. How do you do to remind yourself? What is the first impression others get when they meet you? What level of confidence do you portray?

Having confidence in your abilities and yourself really makes a difference during an interview or even when networking. I can hear it on the phone after just a few minutes when a potential clients is feeling like less then an expert. Remind yourself daily of the skills, experience and achievements you've accomplished in your professional life. Remember that you've got what it takes to do your job well - really well, even if the economy isn't letting you prove that right now.

Stay motivated and active in your job search daily to help keep you confident. Volunteer your skills, sign up for a class to gain new skills, or find others to mentor to while you continue in your search. Attitude and confidence are so important during a job search - if you don't have it, it won't be seen in networking groups or in interviews.

Shine On!

Email Addresses on Resumes

I've been going through a pile of resumes from potential clients, resumes I've answered questions on or critiqued, past clients etc. I am working to finally gather one main database of my contacts for my Spring Newsletter due out in a week or so. I've got several smaller contact lists but am in the processes of compiling one main list. If anyone is interested in getting on that list please email me at kris@resumewonders.com.

So, what I've noticed on several of the resumes is that there is no email address on the resume. In today's internet/web revolving business world, an email address is a must!

A good idea is to create a new address using GMail, yahoo, hotmail or some other free mail system and create on using your first and last name. For example I would be either KrisPlantrich@mail.com or KPlantrich@mail.com. It is professional, easy to identify who the email is from and gets your name in front of potential employers every time you use it. You can then use this email address for job seeking, career management business only.

You may be missing out on job opportunities by not including this vital form of communication on your resume. Add your email address today.

Shine on!