Holiday Job Searching

Posted by admin at 9:02 pm

Just because we’re on the brink of a long weekend doesn’t mean job search activity has to suffer.

Use the holiday to do a little networking. Most likely your social calendar is filling up but that doesn’t mean your professional prospects have to go on hold for the next three days. Time to find your inner social butterfly.

Overall activity by job seekers will more than likely be lower over the next three days,  so the level of competition will most surely follow. Use this to your advantage and make sure that you maintain or even ramp up your own activity.

If you really do hit a dead end, it’s the perfect excuse to check a few pesky items off your list. Take care of a few domestic duties you can never seem to tackle because of the job search.  Try out a little organizing around the house – Sometimes nothing clears the mind like physical order.

Whatever the case, if you can balance work and fun over the next three days you should hit the ground running next week.

Socialize Your Way to a New Job

Posted by admin at 9:00 pm

Are you using social media to find a job yet? Jobvite, a maker of recruiting and staffing software, released results from it’s 3rd social recruiting survey and found that social networks will actually lead recruiting channels in terms of investment as the economy recovers. Linkedin, Facebook & Twitter lead the pack with some additional presence on YouTube and Myspace.

What does this mean for the job seeker?

1. Maintain your social profiles with potential employers in mind. Maybe swap the sweet profile pic of you at happy hour for something a little more benign. And Please Note – photos aren’t the only potentially sensitive information. Carefully consider the text disclosed in your profile as well.

2. Linkedin came in at number 1 in social recruiting. If you haven’t set up a Linkedin profile it’s time to get in the game. Get recommendations from colleagues past and current and start making connections. When you’re profile is complete you’ll then be in a position to search for any connection you may have at your target company.

3. It’s cheaper to recruit through social channels so traditional channels of advertising job openings may suffer. Some companies will maintain and publish opportunities on social sites first, so make sure you didn’t miss a job tweet, facebook post, or linkedin discussion with your golden opportunity.

How’s Your Handshake?

Posted by admin at 10:35 pm

The Handshake – A simple gesture that can often serve as a window into one’s personality, confidence level and (gasp) grip on life itself. Do a quick web search for “handshake” or “art of the handshake” and there is page after page of links delving into the psychology of a handshake, the meaning of a handshake…even how-to videos! Somewhere in the middle of all the advice there seems to be a consensus.

1. Present your hand making eye contact

2. Maintain a conservative distance (arm bent 90 degrees)

3. Keep a firm but comfortable grip with the whole hand

4. Shake between 1-3 seconds with a clean break

In the professional world the handshake takes on many forms. A gesture of introduction or reunion. Relationship repair and maintenance…At the best of times it seals the deal or marks a new beginning. Whatever the case, it’s an extension of you. How’s your handshake?

Ramp up your job search with a break?

Posted by admin at 9:27 pm

Let’s face it, looking for a job in a down economy can be extremely stressful. With mounting bills and unemployment slowly recovering, it’s difficult to stay positive and motivated. That’s why it’s just as important to manage the inner emotional struggle as it is to manage the daily tasks in your job search. Of course create an aggressive job search plan first (see our survival kit), but also ensure you’ve  incorporated plenty of healthy activity to help keep the peace internally.

1. Exercise is easily at the top of the list. It can be cheap and benefits to the brain and your emotional well-being are instant.

2. Take a course/continue your education. It’s hard to quantify success in your JOB SEARCH when you haven’t landed a JOB. This makes maintaining a positive self image a priority and a challenge. Solution: take a course or engage in self-study related to your targeted career. You’ll build on your value as a candidate.

3. Change your venue. Are the walls at home starting to close around you? Hit the bricks and find some neutral ground like a coffee shop, library, or even a park. Transit time in itself is a break and change of scenery can spark your search.

4. Pick up a hobby unrelated to your job search. Whatever your pleasure as long as it’s pleasurable. The goal is distraction, inspiration or passion. After all engagement and stability are general traits that put potential employers at ease during an interview.

Keeping the peace internally is not only critical in maintaining a rigorous job search but will undoubtedly show through when you finally land the interview.

Job Openings Highest in 16 Months

Posted by admin at 10:54 pm

Source: Christopher S. Rugaber, 2010, article Job openings rise to highest levels in 16 months

Though job openings remain far below pre-recession levels, the Department of Labor is now reporting a 16 month high dating back to December of 2008.
Leading the charge are openings in professional and business services, leisure and hospitality and education and health services.

Openings aside, the most intriguing figure is the amount of people who quit their jobs  in April. 2 million. At nearly a 15% increase from March, some economists believe this to be an indication of  newfound confidence in the market.

Employment Rising?

Posted by admin at 5:28 pm

Though it’s a small percentage (1 point) the Monster Employment Index climbed to show year-over-year growth rate at 14% in May.

Check out the report

Hot Leads?

Posted by admin at 5:03 pm

Source: Geoffrey James, 2010, article Find Hot Sales Leads in 6 Easy Steps

Check out this article from BNET on finding and prioritizing leads!

Control Your Presentation

Posted by admin at 10:57 pm

Source: Chris Lytle, 2010, article Control the Focus and Control the Meeting

In a recent Sales HQ article Chris Lytle describes a scenario in which a savvy salesperson turns his 11th hour attempt to quickly purchase “cheap” pants into a value-added upsell.

Magic? The author chalks it up to the salesperson maintaining control and focus of the customer’s schedule, needs and overcoming objections. The author ultimately purchased a $120 pair of pants rather than the $40 pair. Much of what positioned the salesperson for success seems to be an empathetic approach to a sale.

By asking for the customer’s schedule he knew time was of the essence and ultimately the dominant buying motive. Although the customer presented price ($40) first, his decision really pivoted on time. This being said the salesperson never stopped adding value when price was an issue. Don’t like the $120 price tag? A better more resilient product will save you money over time. Ever wear braces? The buttons are built in etc…

All said and done the salesperson, through an intrinsic understanding of his industry, knew that the customer couldn’t get what he wanted in time and tactfully made sure the customer was aware of this.

Why Haven't You Been Hired Yet?

Posted by admin at 4:23 pm

Source: Karen Burns, 2010, article
7 Little-Known Reasons You’re Not Getting Hired

In a recent article Hot Jobs cites that conscientious job seekers may avoid some of the more obvious pitfalls, e.g., resume typos, cell phone gaffes and arriving late to the interview; but there are some less than obvious hurtles that just may stand between you and employment.

Some of these examples include: unreasonable expectations, relying on a single search strategy (such as online only), and also putting your job search on hold when you’re waiting for a potential offer.

This last example can be a killer for many job seekers. You’ve worked hard, landed a few interviews and you just KNOW the offer is coming. While the risks that come with inactivity are obvious, it’s still tempting and just plain human nature to slow down short of the finish line. Don’t get caught with the 1-2 punch that is lost momentum and being passed over for another candidate. There is just too much competition in the marketplace right now not to play the odds in your favor.

You got the Job! Now What?

Posted by admin at 12:06 am

So all of your hard work just paid off. Months of endless searching, resume edits and interviewing and you landed the new job! Now what? Are you on course to meet the goals and expectations of your new employer? Have you created goals of your own?

And maybe most importantly, which “you” is showing up for training? Is it the you who remembers what it was like before the offer…or maybe it’s the comfortable and content you, still basking in the glow of post-offer validation. Enjoy it…But maybe not too much at first.

According to research from the Employment Policy Foundation, 1/4 of new hires won’t make it in their first year. Some reasons why include lack of role clarity, failure by management to clearly define goals, and poor information flow. Most organizations hire in reaction to a need. The greater the need, the faster the organization is looking for YOU to “hit the ground running”. In an environment that favors nature over nurture, it may very well be up to you to make sure you understand your role, understand your goals and just how you can attain them. Actively engaging in your training and networking professionally with co-workers is often the best way to negotiate through the uncertain first few months.

How's Your Interview Going?

Posted by admin at 4:33 pm

How do you really know if the interview is going well? You’ve put your resume through 1001 proofs, your interview suit is cleaned and pressed, you’ve even done a little research on the company…But how do you tell if things are going well?

You meet the team = Good sign
Interview time is precious and if you meet the other members of the team your interviewer thinks you’re worth it.

You’re doing most of the talking = Not so good sign
It’s very important that you are engaging during your interview but if you are doing more than 50% of the talking, you may be scrambling. When answering questions don’t spend 60 seconds on something that can be answered in 10 and if you have prepared achievement statements, stick to the script.

Verbal and nonverbal cues = depends
Is your interviewer smiling? Nodding? Taking notes? Sounds like the interviewer is engaged.
Is your interviewer disconnected and watching the clock? Answering the phone in the middle of the interview?

The interviewer “projects” you into the role = good sign
Is the interviewer saying things like, “you will be doing this…” or “your responsibilities will include”? These are usually good signs. Doesn’t mean you have the job, but your interviewer at least feels comfortable with the visual. This being said, some of the better poker players will avoid projecting.

But wait!
Even before the interview starts there are opportunities to distinguish yourself (for better or worse). As soon as you hit company property you could cross paths with a someone involved in the hiring process. Don’t ace the first interview to find out the person you cut off in the parking lot or the administrative assistant you snubbed in the lobby is a decision maker in the hiring process.

Your interviewer is scheduling you for the next interview
The only thing better than getting the job is continuing with the process. Just remember, you have to ask for the business! Just like any sale you’ll never get to “Yes” unless you relay your excitement for the position and push (tactfully) for the next step.

Trouble Cold Calling?

Posted by admin at 10:54 pm

Check out the below article from BNET for some helpful hints on how to work and sell smarter.

Article Link

Interview Stage Fright?

Posted by admin at 11:26 pm

Source: Larry Buhl, 2010, article 9 Ways to Ensure You Don’t Get the Job

Hot Jobs recently listed 9 pet peeves hiring managers say are particularly annoying during an interview. Getting yourself on this list can ultimately be the tipping point between you and another evenly matched candidate.

In a job market where separation from the masses is your goal, make sure it’s a positive separation. Included in the list of pet peeves are: not sending thank you notes after an interview, failure to prepare for the interview, using a cell phone and excessive giddiness and even…crying. Verve is good. Hysterical laughter…bad. An ability to seriously focus and carefully consider a question…good. Tears and convulsions…Not so good.

If you get nervous before interviews the best thing you can do is prepare. Do your due diligence on the company, the position, even your interviewer if possible. Knowing you’ve done your homework before can often help with the nerves on interview day.

Avoidable Selling Mistakes

Posted by admin at 10:59 pm

Source: Geoffrey James, 2010, article Nine Easily Avoidable Selling Mistakes

A recent article in BNet lists 9 easily avoidable selling mistakes including:
1. Failing to Keep Your Pipeline Primed
2. Failing to research the prospect
3. Failing to qualify the lead
4. Failing to discover the buying process
5. Giving a generic (canned) sales pitch
6. Waiting too long to close
7. Failure to follow up
8. Forgetting to get a referral.

Pretty comprehensive list…anything missing here?

New Grad? Check out our survival kit

Posted by admin at 11:15 pm

Survival Kit Link

Does Goal Setting Work?

Posted by admin at 8:50 pm

Source: Hardy, 2010, article Goal Setting Doesn’t Work

In a recent Success Magazine article Darren Hardy discusses the pitfalls of goal setting – mainly, the activity of JUST setting goals. Goals without an action plan, without metrics or most importantly without an introspective glance at the root cause of poor performance. What may seem obvious to everyone else can often become an unconscious pattern of behavior for you and I. Yes…Hardy’s solution for changing behavior and expecting different results takes WORK and the only way to truly get started is total accountability for our actions as well as the results of those actions. Hardy offers a helpful tool called “The Wheel of Life” to aid in finding balance and gauging success.

Cold-Calling Secrets

Posted by admin at 9:18 pm

Source: Galper, 2010, weblog, 7 Cold Calling Secrets Even Sales Gurus Don’t Know

In a recent Sales HQ article, Ari Galper shares 7 sales secrets “even the gurus don’t know about”. His secrets focus on a more consultative, more empathetic sales approach that can help traverse the cold-calling “wall” or that initial first contact with a potential customer.

In his first rule, Galper, states that the initial cold-call is where a lot of salespeople get off track. Focused on a sale, appointment or otherwise quantifiable sales activity, the prospects needs come in second to the salespersons goal. This can often short circuit the process. Instead Galper suggests shifting mental focus to building conversation and a level of trust. An approach where you can identify and uncover potential problems your product and service can solve, can be an ideal way to begin the dialogue.

Unemployement Slowing? Monster Index suggests so.

Posted by admin at 6:14 pm

In a recent article the Wall Street Journal cites Monster.com’s Employment Index figures as suggesting employer’s are “emerging from a long hibernation”. The Employment Index rose by ten points in February, as employers resumed hiring activity after January’s seasonal lull.

Monster’s Employment Index, compiled of jobs posted on a number of jobs sites, rose in 15 of 20 of the sector’s measured by the index including: telecommunications, finance and scientific, and technical services. Leading the charge in terms of year-over-year growth were positions in sales with business and financial, transportation and production also reporting more offerings.

Interview Questions – What was your toughest?

Posted by admin at 4:26 pm

There’s definitely a script most companies work off of when interviewing new candidates…What are your strong points? Where do you need improvement? Describe a challenging professional moment and how you handled it…But every once in awhile there are those hiring managers that go above and beyond to dodge scripted answers and catch potential hires off balance. This is especially true with sales and marketing positions where candidates are expected to think quickly on their feet and go with their gut. Sometimes a willingness and ability to “riff” is as important as the content of the answer.

What was your toughest interview question?

Resumes – How important is format and content?

Posted by admin at 11:16 pm

In a recent article The Wall Street Journal details some contemporary guidelines and pitfalls for job seekers crafting the perfect resume. As an applicant marketing tool, the right resume can effectively present your strengths while the wrong resume can expose more vulnerable points in your job history.

Among some of the most important inclusions in the right resume are: appropriate keywords, a performance-based objective statement, quantifiable achievements, and a simple format.

Common pitfalls include: mass produced resumes that have not been tailored, typos, and jargon and/or cliches.

While it may take a little extra effort tailoring your resume for each position, it could really pay off in the end.

(source – “How to Beef Up Your Resume”; Andrea Coombes)