Author Archive

This is a guest post / note from my wonderful friend and colleague Chandlee Bryan. She is working with an exciting new online Career Network, Startwire.  As a career coach, I am a huge proponent of using social networks such as Startwire, Linkedin and Twitter to manage your career. They can all do wonders for your job search, if you USE them actively .  Startwire is a Social Network Tool that is designed specifically to help you with your search. What are you waiting for?  I encourage you to sign up for yourself and see how you can benefit. For everyone who is afraid to go full force on Linkedin, out of a desire for privacy,  Startwire is your answer to helping you get out there and be more active, while having the support of your small, chosen group of cheerleaders and advisers. It is getting some great reviews. What have you got to lose? {To be clear, there is no financial incentive for me to help publicize this- I am doing so because I believe its a very innovative tool that could be of great support in your search.

A very valuable feature of Startwire: You can invite your Career Coach! Yes, to be a part of your “private posse” if you wish, and they will be able to give you direct feedback on your job search activity.  Join up, and invite me in. I would be happy to help. In the meantime, Let me welcome Chandlee!

“Finally a few sunny days. Isn’t it great to have some time without snow falling?

As I watched the Superbowl this past weekend, I couldn’t help think about the power of the huddle…

No matter how strong your support networks are, job search is hard, lonely and psychologically challenging. The MeetUp group is one way to make the job search feel less lonely, but as you all know–we meet sporadically enough that if this were your only source of support for your job search–you may feel like you are working without a net.

So I am pleased to announce that StartWire, a new job site is now in open beta and ready for you to sign up.

Through StartWire you can:

• create a private network of trusted friends and mentors who “have your back.” Update the system and it will update your network.

• get free advice on your career questions from a “live person” (I’m one of the people who answers questions on the site.)

• share your resume in “one click” (This is only if you want to share it.)

Unlike many other social networks, StartWire is private. Only what you choose to share will be shared…and it will never appear in a Google search result.

Your Success,

Chandlee (Chandlee at startdatelabls.com )

P.S. Sign up for StartWire by midnight on Monday, Feb. 7, indicate your interests (job title, location and funding) and you’ll receive customized advice on the keywords to use to find relevant work for your job search. (StartWire’s co-founders are recruiting industry insiders who spent years training Fortune 500 recruiters on how to find candidates. Now they want to help you.)

In late 2009 I wrote an article on new resume trends. I never realized it would be so popular.  Confusion over how to promote your expertise in this dry job market continues to mystify most. While everyone still needs a resume, what that resume looks like has changed dramatically, hence the Extreme Makeover Edition. Much of what I said a few years ago remains true (read below), however some fundamentals of the job search process have changed. What constitutes a RESUME is what has changed. Tell me what you think! Is the paper resume as important as it was two, three, five years ago?

Fashion is not the only thing that suffers from the ebs and flows of economics. There are resume trends too, and the resume has a whole new look.  In this recession, the rules & tools of the job search have changed and that includes the resume.  For many job seekers thrust into the hunt after a long time of steady employment, these trends are not obvious. And, there is always that familiar refrain, “…but I was told to do it this way.”  Confusion reigns and simple ignorance is evident (no offense, it’s hard to keep up with all the changes).  This is apparent from the hundreds of “old-school” cookie-cutter resumes I continue to see.  While the traditional format may have worked in the pre-recession economy, don’t expect too much traction with it today. That is, unless you have a unique skill set that is well highlighted through out the document and is the EXACT match for what the hiring manager, your resume alone is most likely not going to bring you the attention you want.

When I get calls from job seekers wanting help with their resume, the first thing I ask them is about their “Online Resume”. What does Google say about you? That is where your credibility lies. Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying the resume is dead, there is still a strong desire for it, but the fact is that they have slipped a few ranks in importance.  In addition, how they should look is also different. So, if you think its time for a new resume, I think it’s time to call it an “Extreme Makeover.”  Lets see what’s in and out of vogue for marketing your expertise going forward.

1. OUT: Objective IN: Clear and compelling Positioning Statement / Value Proposition/ Job Title

The top ¼ of your resume (on LinkedIn, your professional headline) is the most prime resume real estate. I see too many resumes squander the opportunity to catch the attention of the person perusing/ skimming/ eyeballing your document or LinkedIn profile. Telling a recruiter “what you want” by way of the ubiquitous Objective does nothing for your cause and the statement became obsolete at least one recession ago.  A recruiter or HR professional is going to spend approx 5-10 seconds scanning your resume for all the right keywords. Not only do they need to be up front and center, but so does your immediate value proposition.  How will the recruiter be compelled to place your resume over all others onto the “call” pile? It doesn’t matter what you name this top section, what does matter is that it includes ideal job titles you identify with and your value proposition. Going for the old cliched statements don’t work any more either. This Positioning Statement has to be unique to you, and convey exactly why you are so well suited for the position.

2. OUT: One style fits all IN: A style that’s appropriate to you, your career history, your industry

The days of the traditional and boilerplate chronological resume are no longer. This format does not lend itself to presenting your most valuable skills or experiences in the most convincing or strategic way.  Today, I mix and match various formats and sections to highlight each individual’s attributes, accomplishments and experiences that are relevant to the position they are seeking. While there are many pre-determined sections of a resume, every job seeker does not fit into the same mold, neither should the resume. Even at the C-suite level, candidates do not need to include everything they have ever done. Follow the “Blackberry model”, and make sure you document is clear, concise and catchy. Your essential info must be brief and compelling and readily accessible on a smart phone!

3: OUT: One Dimensional   IN: Multi-Dimensional

Today, the web is your resume!   If you want to be easily found, a recruiter should be able to Google your name and find your story.  With social media tools, you can create a dynamic and branded online message conveying who you are.   Social networks such as Linkedin, VisualCV, or Facebook, not only allow you to outline your experience, but also easily highlight other dimensions of who you are: What you read, how you write, what type of questions you ask, and your level of engagement in online professional communities. If you are proud of a PowerPoint you created, articles your have written, or a blog, it should be up on LinkedIn at the very least. The quality of your recommendations and, in some fields, the extent of your network, go far in aiding you to become a more viable, visible and credible potential candidate. One recruiter calls it the “Social Media Recruitment Test”. Do you pass it?

4. OUT: Traditional personal contact info only   IN: Linkedin/ VisualCV/Website/ Blog URL/ Twitter handle, etc.

If you only have your traditional contact info, i.e.  the good ol’e telephone, mailing address etc. and email, you may want to add more.  Including your LinkedIn/ Website/ Blog URL or Twitter handle, gives the person reviewing your resume the opportunity to get a broader picture of your expertise and brand.

5. OUT: Only paid work is legitimate experience    IN: All experience (including unpaid, volunteer, and internships) that is relevant can convey value.

I’m constantly amazed by the interesting things people do and yet they don’t consider including it on their resume because it doesn’t fall within their traditional notion of “work experience”. What about the time since you lost your job? Is there a gaping void? One of the most important questions your next employer has is “What have you been doing since you lost your job? I am afraid, the worst thing you can say is “job searching”. Hopefully, you have been active in a range of activities that have been time well spent, and if articulated well, such information can and should be strategically blended into the resume.  Not only to demonstrate a job seekers depth of capability but also to highlight their unique experiences.

6. OUT: Black font only     IN: Careful use of color

The use of color on a resume was once only the purview of artists and designers. But the need to help your resume stand out trumps that idea. A subtle use of color to help your document catch someone’s attention (and brand you as someone who is willing to take a risk) can be very compelling.

7. OUT: List of responsibilities    IN: Accomplishment-based statements

No recruiter is going to get excited about reading a job description regurgitated back to them on a resume. Accomplishment-based resumes are the foundation of your Value Proposition and help set you apart from your competition. Creating a value-packed resume requires an assessment of how you made a difference in any/all experiences you deem relevant, and the outcomes accomplished, hence the name.

8. OUT: Paragraphs    IN: Bullets

Bulleted statements have been around for a long time, but it seems that some may have missed the memo. If you want someone to actually read your resume, spend time carefully constructing accomplishment-based, bulleted statements under each job title. Round, black bullets serve a critical function in leading the eye to each sentence. They make a resume easier and quicker to read.

9. OUT: “References available by request.”    IN: Personal testimonies

Definitely obsolete in the 21st century resume. It’s a given today that you will provide references if asked. Space on your resume is at a premium, so you want to make every word count. Instead, give the recruiter a chance to have direct access to your personal testimonials, (recommendations) on LinkedIn (and you should have a minimum of three) by including your LinkedIn URL in your contact section. In addition, there is no reason why you cannot add a short quote or two from a previous superior or colleague who sings your praises. No doubt, formatting, length and placement is key.

10. Out: One general resume    IN: Multiple resumes to target different roles.

With the unequivocal demand for resumes to be highly focused and a direct match to the job requirements, there is little room for ambiguity surrounding your skills, experience or career goals. Since most professionals have a range of transferable skills that can be reconfigured for a host of different positions, creating individualized resumes, each with a clear and distinct focus is essential to be considered for a position today.

Creating the right documents that will get you noticed in today’s job market is no simple feat.    While there are some steadfast rules regarding resumes, it is important to follow these important new rules, so that you can get noticed, because no matter how good you are, if your resume is not making it through the ATS (Applicant Tracking System), and you don’t think of Web 2.0 as your new resume, don’t expect a phone call any time soon.

Do you have the right resume and online branding strategy to get you noticed? Contact Careerfolk for some constructive feedback, and don’t let your resume get caught out by the Resume police! Email me Donna (at) careerfolk.com

If you read my previous post on updating your resume, you’ll see that you can gain a lot more insight out of the process than you realize. Let me help you would like to bring your resume  into the 21st century!

Thanksgiving has come and gone and I didn’t have a chance to thank everyone who has become a part of Careerfolk this past year. I want to say a special thank you to all my clients who have trusted me enough to share their personal stories, struggles and dreams.  I am truly blessed to be doing what I love, especially when it means making a difference in other peoples lives. While the economy is inching forward and showing signs of improvement, millions of Americans struggle with rebuilding their careers, or reinventing themselves entirely.

I would like to say THANK YOU by throwing a Coaching Special Offer into the CyberMonday craziness.  Instead of buying a gift that might end up in a closet, consider a gift that will last a lifetime. Whether for you, or someone you love, this investment will pay for itself. Many people do not realize the profound benefits career counseling and coaching can provide.  Career coaching is a gift to offers SELF-CONFIDENCE, CLARITY, HOPE, MEANING or PURPOSE.  Priceless! Absolutely! But there is a small investment to make it happen: Instead of $185 for my Power Hour session, it is available for  $160 this week (through December 3^rd) and must be scheduled before January 31, 2011. In addition mention this Ad and get 10% of any package through December 31^st. Claim your Power Hour Now or email donna @ careerfolk.com if you have any questions.

What is a Power Hour

In this session, we will laser-in on your specific question that relate to your job search or career transition? This coaching session could be helpful if you need help

• Analyzing your online identity or get you set up on LinkedIn, Twitter or Visual CV
• Reviewing your resume
• Not winning in the interview? -Identifying how you can improve your interview skills.
• Making a decision about future educational endeavors
• Stuck with where to network, next, lets jumpstart your networking action plan with the social media power tools.
• Where are you stuck?  Bring your challenge  and let me help you move forward.

Create A Mindset of Giving This Season – How to turn your Networking into a gift

It is indeed the season and stress abounds. While in the past, you wouldn’t have given it a second thought, many people find themselves managing a very tight budget, as one or even two household incomes have disappeared or shrunk. Going forward for the next month, I want to propose a different mindset of giving.  Last year many of my readers were intrigued that you could make a gift out of networking.  Networking remains one of the most important strategies for landing your next job, I want to remind everyone that they can create their own unique gift that could prove priceless to the right recipient.  Networking is about building relationships, meaningful conversation, asking questions and listening so why not use this December to practice the Gift of Networking.

Seems obvious, right, but one of the biggest mistakes people make is going in with the wrong mindset. Too many people still approach networking with a “what can I get out of this?” attitude.  Of course, having a clear set of goals of what you want to gain from your networking efforts is very important, but that should not be the only motive. A common assumption is thinking that you don’t have anything to give back, espeically if you are not working. This is not true at all and in fact if you go into any setting where you have the opportunity to connect with people, focusing on how you might be able to help someone else is what can really propel your networking efforts forward.

A mindset of giving is the foundation of truly successful networking. Developing your reputation as someone who is interested, helpful, and trustworthy will lead the way for others to willingly and generously want to help you in times of need. If this was not your understanding of networking, what better time to start?

Gratitude Project

Feeling very grateful for everything that I am blessed with, I was inspired to start my own Gratitude project.   We spend only one day saying thanks every November, yet there are in fact so many things to be grateful for, so the first part of my Gratitude project is to devote the next 30 days highlighting some of the phenomenal tools and strategies out in the universe that job seekers can be thankful for making their job search or career changes easier. I also want to remind job seekers that giving doesn’t have to cost anything. Just giving of yourself is of great value. Giving of yourself during the holiday season could also be the remedy you need to uplift your spirits, or lead to an opportunity that could expand your job prospects. How can you give of yourself this holiday season?

The second part of my  Gratitude Project involves a truly inspiring organization Charity: Water that is a powerful reminder of how lucky we are. I am going to donate 10% for every new full package booking I receive from now until December 31^st. I would also encourage you to visit their website,www.charitywater.org if you want to see what is truly possible.

What are you thankful for in your job search? Please share your thoughts about what you are most grateful for while you seek your next career or job opportunity? I look forward to reading your comments, you never know what someone can learn from you.

Most days we go through our lives at a rapid pace. Rare is the moment that we have the opportunity to sit down and think about the day ahead or the day that passed.  Our job search becomes part of the rhythm of the day. Just as we rush to make certain appointments, we e-mail resumes and cover letters on auto pilot. While this approach to life and your job search is understandable, sometimes it is important to stop the daily grind and take a moment to think. When was the last time you evaluated your job search efforts. Are you satisfied with your job search efforts and feel like you are doing everything you could be doing to be successful. Read the rest of this entry »

Goldfish Crackers are a standard in most homes with children. My two children have always loved them.  Yesterday as I was putting away groceries, the word Optimism caught my eye on a big box of whole grain baked Goldfish with the important note: “Optimism is a skill children can learn and leads to greater happiness and resilience.”

As an advocate of Positive Psychology and building optimism, I went straight to the website to read more about “Fishful Thinking”. Pepperidge Farm’s Read the rest of this entry »

As a trained counselor and therapist, it doesn’t take me long to detect that a job seeking client is stuck for reasons other than a challenging economy. Let me introduce the experiences of three people I have met over the last few years:

It took quite a bit of encouragement to get Dan into my office to talk about his job search, despite his reaching out to me with initial enthusiasm. His ambivalence soon became evident. Agreeing to one session, Dan and I met and his fears and anxieties  filled the room. In the midst of  a very successful career, he had lost his job while at the top of his game. The rug was pulled out from under him and he was not prepared to deal with the  sense of anger and betrayal that he felt. The negative chatter in his head had paralyzed him and his frustration was palpable. Starting the job search made him feel very vulnerable. Dan was going to have to process the meaning of his job loss before he could move on. Read the rest of this entry »

The job market is opening up, and the big question is: Are you really ready for it? Whether you are just getting started or been at it for a year are you as prepared as you think to be successful now? For those who have been at it a while, you have most likely submitted dozens, if not hundreds of resumes to job descriptions that you thought were ideal, only to hear nothing back. Hopefully you have become a little more savvy with what is expected of you in this challenging economy.

By now, recruiters should be able to find you online other than on Monster or Career builder.
By now your resume should have graduated into the 21st century. Has it? Your resume is no longer a one-dimensional document. You need to be marketing yourself in 3D, and by that I mean using the Internet to launch and promote your professional persona.  Do you know where to start, or how you can optimize your efforts?  From what I can tell from the hundreds of job seekers I come into contact with on a weekly basis, the answer is usually no.  I don’t blame you.  All the new things you have to do to find a job today can be overwhelming.  But don’t give up.

In fact, most job seekers are operating at about 25% capacity. The Department of Labor’s research claims job seekers are at it for approximately 18 Minutes a day. So, if you have used the job market as an excuse for not landing yet, (and yes, that was a very valid reason for a good chunk of last year, but can you still use it?)

Is it You or the Job Market? Not sure?

Take the JOB SEARCH SAVVY TEST:

Lets see how you score? This is not very scientific, just a simple count, Yes=1 No=0

Instructions: Answer with your gut & Answer truthfully, you aren’t kidding anyone but yourself.

Do you have a plan?

1. Do you know what your goals are and have a road map to get there? Y N

2. Do you have a list of companies that you would like to work for. Y N

3. Are you using Linkedin to reach out to key people in your industry? Y N

4. Are your skills, accomplishments, experience, and goals, clearly and well articulated? Y N

How does your resume fare?

5. Your resume is designed in such a way that it pops? Y/ N

6. Does it shout out your value proposition? Y / N

7. Is it clear, easy and compelling to read? – If someone scans your resume in 15 seconds, what will it tell them? Y/ N

8. Does your resume demonstrate what you can do and how you can make a difference? Y/ N

9. Your resume is jam-packed with carefully selected keywords that highlight your skills and expertise? Y / N

10. Has your resume got recruiters or hiring manager calling? Y/ N

What does Google Say about you?

11. When you google your name, professional information about you is the first item that pops to the top, and your profile tells a broader,
more interesting story. Y/ N

12. No negative or distracting information pops up when your name is goggled. Y /N

13. You have a 100% complete, compelling and comprehensive profile on Linkedin Y/ N

14. You use Linkedin daily in a proactive way to reach out to strategic connections to expand your network and target specific companies Y/ N

15. You understand all the hidden tools and applications that Linkedin
has to offer to help you expand your job search and network Y / N

16. You participate in Linkedin Discussions as well as comment on other peoples blogs on a regular basis. Y/N

17. You know that Twitter can be a good place to be for your job search and networking Y/ N

18. You are using multiple social networking sites to connect with people that can help you in your job search. Y/ N

19. You have a growing network and are working on expanding it with the right peope. Y/ N

Is your “Net working”?

20. You are comfortable networking, and feel that you are already networking in all the right places. Y/ N

21. You are a member of at least one professional association, and at least one general networking group. Y/ N

22. You have let everyone in your entire circle of friends and family know that you are looking for work, and they all know what you
would like to be doing Y/ N

23. You have a list of companies you would like to work at, and you are working to make connections with those companies. Y /N

Your Recruiter & You

24. Your relationship with recruiters is as good as with your stylist/barber/doctor? Y/ N

25. You know how to find a recruiter that would be a good match for you. Y / N

26. You understand the role of the recruiter and how you can best help them. Y/ N

Are you are Interview Ready

27. You have a strong and compelling reason why company x should hire you at the tip of your tongue. Y / N

28. You can whip out your strengths in a nano-second with some truly interesting stories that will knock socks off. Y/ N

29. You understand how to go into an interview in consultant mode and turn it into a conversation. Y/N

30. You feel quite confident in how you interview? Y/ N

Okay! Now Count them up, Yes=1 No=0. What did you score out of 30? What do the results tell you?

25-30 Not bad, You’re pretty confident about your job search skills and have a good sense of what you have to do. Bump it up a notch
and you should be on your way.

20-25 Slight room for improvement. Identify what area you need the most help with, and get some feedback from a professional.
You want to figure out how to improve what is not working and give more
attention to learning these new job search skills.

15-20 You could be doing better. With a little guidance, research, support, you could be galloping on your way to your next gig.
What are you waiting for? Get some help on how to figure out what you
don’t know. It just takes a little more effort, and before you know it
you might be busy with finding a job.

0-15 You’re stuck, confused and no doubt quite frustrated! What are you going to do about it? Stew? Not worth it. Maybe you Need a
kick in the pants.. a wake up call, a refresh! read below.. or Email me
now @ Donna@careerfolk.com, send me a copy of your resume to take a
look at, and a link to your Linkedin profile while you are at it,
assuming you have started one. Lets see how we can help you get your
Job Search groove on.

In this flooded job market, you can’t afford to jeopardize your job search by failing in any of the areas discussed above. You need to get
it right every step of the way.

In order to help new (and tired) job seekers hit refresh this year, I have joined forces with 4 top career management professionals, to create a 5 Step Seminar that is designed to give you the most up-to-date information on the Job Search Trends. Each member of this great team is an expert in their own area and we are all determined to help you learn what it takes to succeed in this challenging job market. I hope you will join us.

Phew, 2010 is here, and its  time to call for an END to Job Searching. Yes, that is what I said.  An interesting statistic was brought to my attention this week by my blogger friend, GL Hoffman: The average unemployed person spends 18 minutes a day hunting for a job. Gleaned from the current issue of Harper’s Index, this Labor Department research  fact came via Toby Dayton of  diggings, another interesting blog to check out.

Sacré bleu, how can this be, you must be thinking! Has all my work been in vain? …I thought at first. This is no doubt a shocking number to see, particularly for all of the job seekers who know they have put in hundreds of hours towards their search, but to no avail.

My hunch is that a good number of job seekers give up in frustration. I certainly see a lot of discouraged people that have by the time they come and see me. Trying to make sense of this crazy statistic, GL wonders whether it might be laziness or ignorance and yes, that does sound harsh, considering that we are facing the worst job market since the depression. My take on why this number might be so low: Confusion, Paralysis, People are adrift in the job market void? The techniques and strategies for finding that elusive position have changed, and the work of finding a job has never been more demanding or more sophisticated. The job hunt process of 2009 and now 2010 looks nothing like the job search of 2001 or any other time before this.

So here is my recommendation for the New Year: STOP JOB SEARCHING. And before you protest, let me tell you why, and what you need to be doing instead.

The job search of this last decade was made ‘easy’ by the “job boards” that brought opportunities straight to us via email. It doesn’t get any easier than that, and in fact, I personally benefited from this having learned of my last 2 positions when they landed in my mailbox. So what happened?   Dare I say that we got a little complacent?  Have the job boards turned job seekers into passive participants in their search for gainful employment?

Fast forward-> 2010. The job market is improving, but there is still not enough to go around. Not much happening on the job boards, and yet that is where most people still hang out “searching” for that next gig.  No wonder people give up so quickly. They don’t hear anything back, and feel the whole job search is futile. So what’s the deal?

2010 Realities: Along with telephone landlines, the fax, and dial-up Internet connections, could job boards, at least the big “monster” boards becoming obsolete?

5 Strategies for Finding a Job in 2010

1. In 2010 finding a job is about Research, it’s not just a search. Job seekers need to, first and foremost, think of themselves as detectives because finding a job today is akin to a murder mystery and you need to solve it. You have to research the different roles that could benefit from your skills and the companies that would value your expertise. You need to research where do working professionals in your field or desired career convene and you need to find out when is their next meeting. You need to research what are the industries that are hiring, and the names of companies in your targeted geographic location. You need to research who are the thought leaders in your (desired) field, and reach out and talk with them (and I’ll talk more about that in the networking)

You need to think of yourself as Scientist, dissecting your field and the people and you will find the clues to guide your way. Without these, you won’t know what you are searching for, and you may be wandering in a desert, waiting for those elusive jobs to appear, for a long time.

2. Finding a job is about assessment and a level of self-exploration that you may not be used to. Lets call this research on yourself. With the fierce competition, you have no choice but to help others see your value, because nobody is going to take the time to look for it. This involves a process of self-assessment and evaluation. Ideally, this is something you would do with a career coach, who as an objective observer and trained professional, who can help you articulate your strengths and value in the most compelling way.  This is exactly where so many job seekers get stuck because this is not easy.  Every client I coach answers a long list of questions and self-exploration questions, that challenges them to dig deep into identifying what is the most important part of who they are, what they do, and what they love.  The goal of this process takes us to the next tenet of the 2010 Job Search.

3. Finding a job today is about self- branding 20 years ago, Tom Peters,  was bold enough to suggest that branding wasn’t just for corporations or products, but was an imperative for the individual to survive in the marketplace. He could not have been more accurate, and today, more than ever, if the job seeker does not heed this advice, they will remain lost in the ocean swell of job seekers. Defining and refining who you are so others clearly understand what you can offer, and how you differ from the next person with the same skill set, is what you need to be working on. As Peters wisely advocates:

“Regardless of age, regardless of position, regardless of the business we happen to be in, all of us need to understand the importance of branding. We are CEOs of our own companies: Me Inc. To be in business today, our most important job is to be head marketer for the brand called You. It’s that simple — and that hard. And that inescapable.”

By clearly identifying your talent and your passion, it’s that much easier to get others on board with you.  But what are you supposed to do once you have this brand?  You shamelessly promote it.

4. Finding a job today is about Marketing – Once again Peters couldn’t have said it better, and this applies to every one: “…our most important job is to be head marketer for the brand called You.” Along with establishing your personal brand, marketing oneself is a central tenet of the new job search paradigm. Now, understandably if this is your first time looking for a job in 5, 10, or 20 years, you may not know where to begin, but that doesn’t mean you cannot learn. In fact, marketing oneself has never been easier or more accessible with the growth of Web 2.0 and the social networking sites. Linkedin, Twitter and Facebook, if used strategically, all enable you get your message out to your target audience. Not only can you market yourself via this medium but they allow you to put your networking on steroids, if you will, and that takes us to the last and most important element of what it takes to finding a job today.

5. Today, finding a job is about Networking. Okay, I know you have heard this a gazillion times (almost, right?) and that is because, ultimately networking done right has always been the most successful route to finding your next opportunity.  The problem is that the process of networking is far more complex than meets the eye and with the advent of social networking sites like Linkedin, Twitter and Facebook, networking takes on a whole new dimension.  If done right, and you integrate networking activity into your daily life, if it is consistent, and strategic and it is about building relationships, your networking will work. I have to admit however, that I am constantly amazed how limited most job seekers networking efforts are, which is why I started a monthly speed networking program at my local library. I called it the Art of Networking although networking is really both an art and a science; and if you don’t practice it,  find your rhythm and a mode that is comfortable and manageable for you it will not work. Once again, because so many job seekers, either don’t do it, or don’t do it properly, or enough, they lose faith in the process and give up… and land up with a statistic next to their name.

So, the 2010 challenge is on: Whether you are a job seeker, career changer, or hard working individual looking for a better gig, the goal is to limit yourself to one hour a day, if that, on a job board, and work on getting your head around these five strategies.  As you can see, they are not about “searching” and will take more than 18 minutes a day, but you can do it and it might be a lot easier than you imagine.  Call me to find out how I can help you embrace this new job search paradigm.

3. The Gift of a Positive Attitude: You may be in a difficult place with your job search, and understandably so– an ongoing job search, being stuck in a job you hate, or chronic underemployment are all very demoralizing, but an optimistic outlook (ok, not that easy to find at times, but dig up whatever you can), can be beneficial on a number of levels.

Positivity is infectious and the more positive energy you exude, the more others will be inclined to want to talk with you and help you. Taking along your positive attitude might also help someone else who isn’t feeling so good. And if you need a little pick me up, see how other people do it at the Happiness Project or the Positivity Blog. Sometimes, it’s just getting out of the house and being around others that can help you forget about your woes for the time being.

A holiday party, for instance, is a time to put aside those anxieties, relax and make the most of being around old friends, new friends, fellow job seekers and who knows who else, right? Make the decision to show up with the most positive and open mind because the chances of you leaving feeling even better is directly correlated to your positive approach.  Alternatively, take a friend or two to your next party, particularly if you know someone who does not get out enough right now and needs to do more networking, because, the more the merrier when spreading good cheer.

4 Don’t Overlook the Gifts Others Will Have For You. It is easy to go into a networking event or party, take a quick glance, and decide, “There is nobody worth networking with”. Of course, this not a very constructive attitude to go anywhere with, and in fact, since networking is about getting to know people, unless you have really made every effort to do that, that judgment call is inherently false. In fact, everyone has something of value to offer, and if it’s not immediately evident, your task is to engage until you figure out what that nugget of uniqueness is and with enough inquiry and curiosity, you might be pleasantly surprised by what you find out.

You may have holiday parties lined up with family and friend and believe that no networking is going to take place there. However, you might find yourself reconnecting with cousins, aunts, or friends of friends you only get to see around the holidays. Do they know you are on the market for a new opportunity? Do you know what type of work they all do, where they work, and how they got there? Maybe not, so be prepared to find out what they do, ask questions about their career trajectory, and any other good advice they can share with you. Never dismiss anyone and their potential to share something with you and vice versa. With an open mind, and a little curiosity, you might walk away with a lot more than you expected.

5. The Gift of Genuine Interest. Find out who is going to be at your various networking events by calling your friends, perusing the evite invitations, or Meetup.com RSVP’s, and then select 1 or 2 acquaintances (or more, per party) who you have always wanted to get to know better but haven’t had the chance. You’ve seen these people at networking events before and you know a little about them and want to know more because they do something you are interested in, worked a company you are exploring, or they are just interesting. If you know they will be at a party you are going to, do some research (No this is not snooping, just a little networking preparation). This way, you will be able to engage in some meaningful conversation, and be ready with some strategic questions that might help you learn more about a company you are interested in, or about their particular expertise. By having learnt a little about them, make your acquaintance feel special, and interested in what they do and have to offer, without asking too many questions. Most people loved to be asked advice, and are generally very willing to share their knowledge with interested parties. So, show your genuine interest, and you just might reap the rewards of a more fulfilling conversation.

6. The gift of a Linkedin Connection . Don’t underestimate how you might be able to help someone by inviting them into your network. A Linkedin invitation is ideally a mutually beneficial experience; assuming that both parties are equally invested in their professional networks and they both use Linkedin. So, go armed with your business card, and if you don’t have one, now is the time to invest in one. Vistaprint is relatively inexpensive, and easy to design online. This is one present you need to give yourself and the most important piece of information you can have on it is your Linkedin Profile URL. Before you leave, don’t forget give your card to every person you have talked to, and invite them to connect. You might be the link to helping someone else find a job, and that’s priceless, and not just for the lucky person. Being the essential connection in that process will pay long-term dividends back to you.

So, pay-it forward and put some good will out there this holiday season, everyone will be very grateful and you won’t be forgotten.  Ultimately, that’s what really counts.

‘Tis the season and you deserve a break, so I would like to suggest we take the work out of “network” this December. If you’re getting out there anyway and going to have some fun with friends, family, peers and colleagues here are 6 ways to turn your networking into the most valuable gift you can give this season. Since networking is about building relationships, meaningful conversation, asking questions and listening, use this December to practice the Gift of Networking.

A Mindset of Giving

Seems obvious, right, since this is the season, but one of the biggest mistakes people make when networking is going into it with the mindset of “what can I get out of this?” No doubt, having a clear set of goals and what you want to gain from your networking efforts is very important, but that is not what its all about. A common assumption is the thinking that you don’t have anything to give back, particularly if you are not working. This is not true at all and in fact if you go into any environment where you are going to have the opportunity to connect with people, focusing on how you might be able to help someone else is what can really propel your networking efforts forward.

A mindset of giving is the foundation of truly successful networking. Developing  your reputation as someone who is interested, helpful, and trustworthy will lead the way for others to willingly and generously want to help you in times of need. If this was not your understanding of networking before, what better time to start.

The Gift of Listening

In order to really engage with someone, the best thing you can do is listen. In fact, listening is the greatest gift you can give anybody because you are giving someone the chance to tell their story. I learned this weekend after a powerful experience with an organization called Narativ, that there is no story without a listener. However, we humans are easily distracted, and considering these stressful times, we tend to get caught up in our own thoughts, concerns and anxieties that prevent us from listening fully. It has also been found that, despite conventional wisdom, introverts do a better job at “networking” in the long term, because they tend not to talk as much and are therefore, better listeners.  So if you can work on putting those anxieties aside, stop talking for a while, and practice the art and skill of listening, you might be amazed at what you will hear.

So, pay-it-forward (where you can) and put some good will out there this  December, everyone will be very grateful and you won’t be forgotten.  Two gifts for the price of $0.

To read part 2 of the Gift of Networking click here