Tips from Your Career Management Authority

Reminder...We've Moved

2009-04-08T10:31:00.002-04:00

Just another reminder .... this ResumeWonders blog has moved (Again and for the Last Time!) to

http://resumewonders.com/blog

Please follow!

New Graduate Best Job Search Secrets

2009-04-08T10:30:00.000-04:00

Soon-to-be new graduates are once again revving up their job searches by now, either looking for internships or entry level jobs in the “real” world. It is hard for all job seekers right now but new graduates especially may find the process overwhelming. So, I’ve included a few great secrets that job seekers learn after several trips through the job search process from which new graduates could really benefit.

Secret #1 - Just like when trying to start up an exercise routine or any new skill – it takes time and accountability. Find someone also looking for work and help each other through the good, bad, and ugly that you’ll undoubtedly see during your search. Two job seekers equal, two sets of ears and eyes, and twice the amount of research, networking, contact development and basic ground covered.

Jobs won’t come looking for you – you need to be aggressive and motivated in your career search. Secret #2… jobs are found through contacts, not job boards. Network-Network-Network! Get involved in groups, social networks – live and via the internet, volunteer programs, and associations in your area and in your industry. Get the word out, make contacts and get in through the back door to avoid the gate keepers!

The final secret, Secret #3 revealed today is to be nice. It sounds simple but easily overlooked, especially by new graduates that are full of ideas of what they should act like – remember to be grateful. Make friends with the competition and try and help others. Aggressive is fine, but people will respond to the humble or grateful much quicker than to those that are pushy and rude.

Send thank you notes to those helping you, make a name for yourself as someone others would want to work with and for, and would want to refer to others. It will stay with you and help you throughout your entire career.

Shine On New Job Seekers!

Wake Up Call for Sleeping Job Seekers

2009-04-07T15:23:00.001-04:00

Just came from Twitter, doing a quick check in before I start work on a new healthcare resume. It is a good way to de-stress the mind and …clear the pallet before starting on a new project, plus it’s fun.

I read a quote a follower of mine had put up as a tweet, it read, “The gent who wakes up and finds himself a success hasn’t been asleep” – Wilson Mizner. This quote really hit home after coaching a client this morning on job search strategies. The strategies are easy it is the searching that takes motivation and commitment.

Those who I hear saying, it isn’t fair my niece/friend/coworker/etc got a job doing what I am looking for and I’ve been looking longer – I deserve the job. My thought and (sometimes) answer is – No You Don’t! You’ve been sleeping while others have been working hard to make contacts, get noticed, and find hidden and not-so-hidden jobs.

Or, maybe they are settling for something that isn’t a perfect fit or not at the salary they had hoped for but it is a good job and it is a job. In today’s economy, sometimes people can’t hold out for the ideal job. I still tell my clients to search for what they really want, not for what they can get. But, I’ve seen the repeated struggles of job seekers looking for work and I completely understand the urgency of finding a good job even if it isn’t the idea job, at least for now.

So – this might sound like a kick in the pants but…if you don’t want to keep complaining about what others have – quit sleeping and try walking a mile in their job search shoes. You might learn a few things and even find a job!

OK – I hope I’m not being too harsh…this is written with love ♥♥

I've Moved -

2009-04-05T23:21:00.003-04:00

Hi Everyone - I've moved my blog to a new home - it can be found at the following link.

http://www.ResumeWonders.com/blog

Please stop by and check out the new look and the same great career tips.

Thanks for following me!

Have a blessed day - Shine On!

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

2009-03-31T14:22:00.000-04:00

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

2009-03-26T23:12:00.003-04:00

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?

2009-03-25T10:47:00.002-04:00

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?

2009-03-23T15:45:00.001-04:00

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

2009-03-21T16:20:00.002-04:00

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?

2009-03-19T16:29:00.000-04:00

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…

2009-03-18T15:34:00.003-04:00

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?

2009-03-17T12:27:00.000-04:00

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?

2009-03-16T09:07:00.003-04:00

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!!!

2009-03-14T16:24:00.003-04:00

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?

2009-03-13T14:47:00.003-04:00

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

2009-03-12T09:14:00.002-04:00

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!

I Finally Get Twitter

2009-02-21T13:51:00.001-05:00

I am finally understanding the obsession many have developed over www.Twitter.com. I joined a while ago and have even posted a few tweets but only had a few followers and a few I was following. Little by little I am beginning to understand the unique appeal it offers for the followers and followed. Those quick little blurbs are concise and to the point – even if there is no point. It is a great way to share knowledge, ask for help, and get to know others.

It is not only socially fun but it is a great way to get your name out to others. You can search (at the bottom of your twitter home page) to find others that are of interest to you. Then, you can start following those you want to notice you. Usually people follow those that follow them, so there is a good chance your target audience will start paying attention to what you have to say.

For a job seeker you can put the word out, search for help, contacts, companies and more. Right now, I am still learning and will share more once I am completely comfortable with all the benefits and uses of Twitter.

Try twittering today or sending me a quick hello. www.twitter.com/krisplantrich

Shine On fellow twitterers,

Kris

Maintain a Career File for Quick Reference.

2009-01-31T08:32:00.001-05:00

Unfortunately, the majority of my clients don’t have a career file that has vital career information. With the economic climate changing daily, it is more important than ever to be prepared. When clients come to me, it often can takes days or even weeks to locate all the necessary information needed to develop a great resume and cover letter. Reducing the time you waste looking for and becoming prepared is a smart defense and might give you the jump on a great career opportunity.

What should you include in your career file?

Ø Career Portfolio: Keep a file containing your most recent resume, cover letter, contacts and reference sheet, and related addendums.
Ø Training: Training or assessments that you have completed through your company should be saved. Also, training you have sought outside of work or formal education you’ve completed before and during your career should be saved here too. Keep copies of transcripts, certificates of completion or graduation diplomas, again, all in a file.
Ø Annual Reviews: Every time you go through the review process at work, make and save copies of all documents and keep them in a file.
Ø Special Recognition: Anything you have received as an employee in terms of awards, achievements, promotion, bonuses or other forms of recognition for work or service should be kept in a file.
Ø Work Completed: This may be the most important item to keep track of. When you’ve completed a special assignment, made a big sale, expanded the market, launched a new product, finished editing an important piece of work, worked with a top visiting specialty physician or some specific achievement you were part of; jot it down and drop it in a file.

Make sure to include the job title at the time, date, important event or challenge you took on, what happened, who was involved, how long did it take, and the results. Gather as much quantitative facts as you need, such as budget amount, revenue dollars generated, amount of costs saved or percentage of gain or expansion. The more details the better.

This will help with details in your future resume development, interview preparation and even salary negotiations. Sometimes when you leave a company, records are sealed and you can’t get to important figures. Even though an event seems unforgettable at the time, a few years down the road details get fuzzy and it is much easier to have an accurate record of those special moments already on file.

Whether you have a file for each job, files for different information or yearly folders is up to you. The important thing is that your information is all together in one spot for easy retrieval. Start it today!!

Save Your Job By Being a Know-It-All

2009-01-26T13:49:00.000-05:00

Learning and continuing to improve what you do is how you can stay ahead of the game. Just when I think I’ve got it all figured out some new job board, career tool, or networking source such at twitter comes along and I am off and running. My goal is to know it all. So, when a client calls with questions I feel confident in helping them and I will be able to understand what they are looking for. By me being a know-it-all, I can help them find ways to use this new knowledge to improve their career search. Now, I really don’t expect to know it all but I am going to try. And, if I don’t know it when my client calls, I will learn about it when we end the call.

Trying to keep your job, especially in today’s economy is definitely a challenge. Sometimes know matter what you know or how good you are, your job is still eliminated and the only thing you can do is move forward. If you currently have a job and are worried about your future, trying improving your skills and stepping up your work performance and get noticed.

What ever your job is you can always find ways to improve your performance. Read industry magazines, learn new procedures, new ways to expand business or find ways to cut costs. By knowing more and working to get noticed you are also improving your skills and achievements – which you can take with you where ever you go! This not only improves your performance but it improves your marketability. So, get noticed by being a know-it-all, it just might save your job!

Shine on!

Job Search Effort = Job Search Results

2009-01-06T07:48:00.000-05:00

I received another call from a potential client that is looking to update her resume. More importantly, she is looking for advice on her future and easy ways to make it happen. I can’t stress this enough, the more effort you put into your job search, the faster you’ll find the results you are looking for.

The women thought that developing a resume was really all that was involved. I believe she said, “I’ll just give it to a couple of recruiters and let them do all the work”. Those days are long gone! Remember, recruiters get paid by the employer not the job seeker. Coincidently, I received a Outplacement Report not long after getting off the phone with her from the AIRS News that said Korn/Ferry International, the Executive search firm, will be laying off 400 recruiters (15% of Global workforce)in the near future due to less client activity.

What this means is there will be fewer recruiters and more job seekers and still they work for the employers. My point being, recruiters will not be doing your search for you. If you want to find the right job – faster, you need to do the search and do it well. Posting to a few job boards won’t probably lead to success either. Not to say that recruiters and job boards aren’t helpful, they just shouldn’t be your only avenues.

An aggressive and results-driven job search involves you the job seeker working daily to find new companies, new contacts, new opportunities and new available positions. Be creative, be curious, and stay motivated to find the job that is right for you. The more you put in to your job search the more you will get out of it and the faster you can leave the situation you are in.

Shine On and Happy New Year!!!

What are Some of the Goals You Achieved in 2008?

2008-12-29T18:48:00.000-05:00

I am looking through the goal list I made last December, and am pleasantly surprised to see the number of goals I achieved. Some were little goals that were more like tasks I needed to complete while others were six month processes; like completing my career coaching certification. I’ve been coaching for several years but always wanted to go through the process of becoming certified to make sure I wasn’t missing any key points to offer my clients. It was a thrill and relief to complete the course.

The class was a refresher for many areas but I did learn effective techniques to improve client communication. It enabled me to uncover client facts and achievements quicker and improved my ability to dig deeper using key questions and improved listening skills. So, in 2008 I put it on my goal list, in February, started in March and went through into July before I had completed everything and was certified!! It felt great to have earned the certification and to have completed such a large undertaking.

Now, once again I am going through my business and personal life and writing down anything I can think of that I want to do, even if it seems very impractical or impossible. I usually do this for the better part of December. Once I develop a good list, I take some time and go through each item. Here I determine what I want to accomplish, when I want to accomplish it and how I should go about accomplishing the goal. Detail is key in taking action on an idea.

So, what are some of your achievements you are most proud of? Whether professionally or in your personal life – if you have achieved goals in 2008 you want to share…let us know about them.

Happy Goal Setting!

Christmas Is Almost Here – What Are You Asking For?

2008-12-23T09:19:00.000-05:00

I have a feeling many will be asking or wishing for a new job to be wrapped up neatly under their tree this year. As lovely as that sounds what you should really be asking for are running shoes, to help you move quicker in your job search. I read a quote last week that said, “If you take action you will succeed”. It really struck a cord with me. I see all kinds of job seekers looking for different levels of support in their search. The ones that are successful soonest are those that have their hi-tops on and are ready to get in the game.

Pursuing your job search is often uncomfortable, and can be very tiring and even scary. Many aren’t sure how or where to get started, how to build momentum or how to move forward in an aggressive job search. Rest assured, most job seekers feel the same way you do but are moving forward anyway. Along the way they are making mistakes, but they are also learning from their mistakes and making worthwhile contacts, searches and networking steps that can be very useful. Sometimes the bumps and bruises you get along the way are what you learn the most from.

So be curious, ask questions, do your research and get in the game! The more you search for ways to job search the more opportunities you’ll have!

Wishing you and your families a Blessed Christmas!

Holiday Job Search Strategies: Step on the Brakes or Gas?

2008-12-07T13:51:00.000-05:00

Now that the holiday season is officially here, a common question keeps coming up with my clients; “should I take a brake from my job search since it is so close to the holidays and end of the year?” My answer is always, “No – just the opposite, now is when you need to step on the gas!” Since so many job seekers are getting busy with the holidays coming, decorating, making travel plans, visiting, attending or have parties and lots and lots of shopping; now is when you should take advantage of the season and press on in your job search.

A few reasons why you should kick up your search a notch include as mentioned, the crowds will be less, and will get noticed faster. There will be less resumes to filter through, less interviews to conduct, and less choices, making for happier employers going through the hiring process.

Also, some companies add new employees or even new positions at the end of the year when they still have money in the budget. Especially with times so tight right now, if they squeeze in new employees now, they won’t have to add those expenses to next year’s budget and will help them look very efficient and thrifty.

Finally, if the first of the year is a cut-off or start-up date for a hiring process, it is important to be the face, name, or resume they see when looking for new hires. Those in the middle usually fall through the cracks and must work harder to stay noticed. You’ll stand out much more at the front or end of the line.

So, keep pounding the pavement and the keyboard this Christmas season and use the Spirit of the Season to win a new job!

Curled up With a Good Salary Negotiations Book

2008-11-30T19:10:00.000-05:00

With the snow coming down in buckets I am curled up on the couch watching the Chicago Bears take on the Minnesota Vikings and reading the newest edition of Jack Chapman’s, Negotiating Your Salary: How to Make $1000 a Minute book. It is loaded with tips, information, facts, and stories of salary negotiations played out the right and wrong way.

The book takes you through the premise, facts and samples for the best way to approach salary negotiations. It is an informative book to review while as you pursue your next job. The number one tip or Rule as Mr. Chapman refers to it, is to wait to discuss your salary requirements until after an offer has been made or at least until the interview is done and you have had time to dazzle the employer with your value and potential.

The longer you wait the more leverage you’ll gain and the better rapport you can build. The four additional rules that follow play into the waiting game. The rules remind job seekers to let the interviewer start the negotiations, and to use silence to gain leverage and give yourself time to review your own range before the negotiations continue.

Researching the industry, company, location and other relevant factors is essential in determining the fair market value of the job. Establishing your bottom line and determining which benefits are “must haves” and which can be used as bargaining chips ahead of the interview, are the final rules and can be used to increase your starting salary.

If you are concerned about your negotiation techniques, and most of us are, I highly recommend the 6th edition of this enlightening book. It is packed with tips for various interview situations, recommendations for handling the different parts of a salary negotiation, finalizing the offer, and even negotiating raises and promotions. If you want to improve your starting salary or next raise check out this book.

Resume Development: Wow Employers With an Attention-Grabbing First Page

2008-11-04T14:04:00.000-05:00

At a recent career industry conference many recruiters, hiring managers and resume writers spoke on a variety of topics. Whether critiquing, developing, or reviewing resumes, most agreed the first page must have all the bells, whistles and relevant information. It is crucial to capture the attention of the reader with the first page in order to be considered as a candidate and be asked back for an interview.

Make sure your qualifications summary or profile is full of the most relevant information being sought for the position. It should include key words used in the job description and strong evidence of your success and potential. A title for the position which you are seeking needs to be at the top followed by your contact information. A description that provides length of experience, highlights of expertise and/or specific industry-related proficiencies should follow the contact information.

Education should be after this if you have recently graduated from college. If you have completed a graduate program, reference to your Masters Degree can be included in this area too. After all this information then you can start with the Professional Experience area.

I’ve had clients tell me they have left crucial information off on purpose so they would have something to “wow” employers with at the interview. The “wow” needs to be easy to read and at the beginning of the resume! This is the introduction area and first impressions matter here more than anywhere. So put your best foot forward and lead with your best points.

Shine On!

Job Search Strategies - Make Sure You Fit the Job and the Job Fits You

2008-10-27T09:06:00.000-04:00

Whether just starting your career or looking into a career change, the obvious and extensively talked about points to consider are the fit of your education, skills, and experience to the needs of the company. But what about your needs? The most obvious is your financial needs, after that however, do you know what you want out of your job? What hours, travel, culture, and office or position environment are you looking for?

Taking things even further, have you thought about whether or not this job will contribute to your overall short and long term career goals. Does it fulfill your dreams? Will this job improve your life? Many would say such a job doesn’t exist. There are jobs that can fulfill these emotional needs beyond the typical qualifications, which should be looked into during your job search. The quality of the 8+ hours you spend 5 – 7 days a week at your job does matter. It is what makes the difference between having a good job to a great career.

As you go through the job search, make sure you consider the fulfillment, enjoyment and goal contributions a potential job has to offer as well as its’ financial security. Do your research so you don’t have to settle for a job. A career that will lead you to your goals is worth seeking and is out there to be sought. Good luck – job seeker!

Job Search Must Have: LinkedIn

2008-10-21T07:18:00.001-04:00

Hi – it’s been a while since I’ve posted here. It has been a busy October! I just returned from a Career Directors International conference in Seattle. What an experience – I met with professional writers and career coaches from across the country. Many I’ve become acquainted with over the years through the internet and phone lines but never in person, so it was a real treat to finally meet.

Just when you think you know something, you go to a conference and are overwhelmed with new information. So, I will be sharing with you what I have learned over the next few posts.

The conference offered recruiters from Microsoft, Google, Starbucks, the retail industry and Silicon Valley. We had a paneled discussion of questions and answers. What was made crystal clear across the panel of recruiters, was that all went to LinkedIn as their first stop in locating talent.

I’ve always suggested this to clients but was really struck by the direct connection made between recruiters and LinkedIn. So, if you haven’t signed up for LinkedIn yet – do so today! Start slow, just register and develop a profile. Once you become familiar with LinkedIn, take advantage of the many ways to utilize it; research companies, find referral connections and join groups to advance your job search and get you noticed by recruiters.

Shine On!

Career Fair this Friday - Join Me There

2008-10-08T14:51:00.000-04:00

This Friday, October 10, 2008, I will be participating in the career fair hosted by Joe Knollenberg. It is being held at the Farmington Hills campus of OCC. If you are looking for a job or thinking about looking for a job, come out and see what is available in the Detroit area. Recruiters from more than 40 organizations will be on hand to seek, answer questions, and interview potential candidates.

Location
Oakland Community College, Orchard Ridge Campus
27055 Orchard Lake Rd.
Farmington Hills, MI 48334 – Bldg. H

When:
October 10, 2008
1 – 6 pm

For a full list of participating companies please refer to http://www.knollenberg.house.gov/careerfair/

Check out this page for a full list of exhibitors for the fair, plus I’ll be there offereing free resume critique, answering questions, providing information and tips, and help job seekers with any career management concerns.

Dress professional, bring lots of resumes and don’t forget to stop by and say hi!

Hope to see you there!
Shine On

Resume Development - Keep It Focused and Specific

2008-09-28T22:51:00.000-04:00

Having the opportunity to change careers, move forward where you are, or stay in the same position but maybe a different industry, is cause for a new resume to be made. Many times the unknown future makes job seekers want to create one resume to meet all positions. While it may make it easier for you it will also likely dilute the resume.

Resumes, when most effective, are positioned to focus on one particular position. It may fit several different companies, but the industry, division, position are very similar. This makes the skill set, achievements, and experiences all relate to specific requirements for the job. When you use one resume to apply to several different jobs, you must make sure the resume still reflects specific needs for each job. Often this can’t be done while still maintaining a focused objective.

Take the time and possibly extra money and create two or three resumes, one specific to each position. Making each resume specific will draw more attention, be more concise and get you noticed faster.

Shine On!

LinkedIn - Benefits to Job Seekers

2008-09-25T09:43:00.000-04:00

I continue to hear positive comments and results on using LinkedIn. If you are a job seeker and don’t have a profile already on LinkedIn, I would consider doing so soon. It is a very easy process of going to the website, http://www.LinkedIn.com and signing up. Once completed you can complete your profile, answer questions, invite others to connect with you and search the vast content for potential contacts.

The bio you include on your profile is very important and should include many keywords about your skills, experience and education. Include social, volunteer and professional information. If unsure of how to write one feel free to visit mine at http://www.LinkedIn.com/in/krisplantrich. I continue to make changes and add credentials and information to help potential clients (or in your case recruiters, hr personnel or hiring managers) find me.

An immediate benefit of LinkedIn is the ability for people to find you. Key words including professions, industries, experience, skills, expertise, education, location, alumni, volunteer affiliations, church affiliations etc are ways for others to find you. More and more recruiters are turning to LinkedIn to begin searching for potential candidates. They tend to prefer those that are currently employed so it isn’t necessary to say you are interested in work.

Related benefits include your ability to seek out contacts in the same way, according to what you are looking for. It is a great way to meet people as a job seeker. You can also increase your exposure through offering invitations to connect to others. This will place you on the profile of each person you connect with.

Answering or asking questions can increase your visibility because all members of LinkedIn can see them. Just reading the questions is a great source of information, a great feature worth having. There is even a place to include your resume if you are able to without concern of a current employer seeing it.

There are also groups you can join through LinkedIn related to just about every industry and geographic location. Find a few that are of interest, join, and post a new member greeting note of some kind to get your information out there. It won’t take long for others to find you.

It is free and being used extensively by recruiters. If you aren’t LinkedIn you should be. If you aren’t sure how to get started, email me and I will send you an invitation. Or if you want to practice sending invitations, I am always available to practice on.

Shine On!!

Looking For A Job - What Do Employers Really Want In a New Hire?

2008-09-22T21:53:00.000-04:00

When looking for a new job, are you keeping in mind what employers are looking for? It is important to find a job that fits the criteria you have developed in order for a career to provide you with enjoyment, fulfillment, a challenge, and of course meeting your monetary needs. Although these may be your needs, it is imperative that you meet the criteria that employers are looking for.

According to the book “The First 90 Days” by Michael Watkins, employers don’t expect perfection in your early days with the company; they expect motivation and progress. They want to see your enthusiasm, your drive and initiative, and eventually your value.

It is important to keep this in mind as well, when interviewing for a position. Employers are looking for achievers, those who are willing to stretch and take a risk to make things happen. You can demonstrate this in an interview by arriving prepared with specific examples of achievement, knowing the history of the company and position, asking well thought-out questions and by appearing motivated and excited about the position.

Shine On Job Seekers!

Layoffs: Out-of-Luck or Opportunity

2008-09-11T22:05:00.000-04:00

There is always something good that can be found in everything that happens, even in tragic or near tragic events. Sometime the immediacy of a situation can blind you from opportunities or other ways to view situations. Layoffs in particular, can be devastating to some.

Instead of watching the wave of layoffs get ever closer without taking cover, find ways to prepare. Build a nest egg, pay down credit cards, go back to school, or get certified to improve your standings. When the layoffs do hit the shore, think of it as an opportunity to venture into areas you’ve only dreamed of. What would it take to make the dreams a reality? Maybe not as much as you think, do some research and check into it.

If you already have what you need to succeed elsewhere, have your resume and other documents updated and begin your job search to get ahead of the crowd. The point is act. Take action and be accountable for your career. You don’t have to settle for things happening to you…make things happen!

Shine On!

It's “International Update Your Resume Month”!

2008-09-10T10:05:00.000-04:00

As a way of promoting good career management health, International Update Your Resume Month was enacted by Career Directors International; a global professional association providing education, connection, and innovation for those in the career industry. It was developed to remind employees at every level that preparation is key to being able to act fast and stay ahead of the competition. Being prepared showcases your organizational skills, commitment to your career progression and is probably fair to say, a reflection of your strong work ethics.

If you haven’t updated your resume in the past year or two and feel there may be a change, either voluntarily or involuntarily in your future, it might be a good time to do some updating. Take control of your career by being prepared!

Shine On!