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.

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year is next week.  According to Jewish custom, it is a time of deep introspection and it is also the opportunity for taking time to think. While the secular new year focuses on goal setting and of course having fun, the Jewish new year is the a time of reflection and thought.  Reflecting, in the Jewish context, consists of looking back the past year and thinking about your past actions. For example, what went right last year? What went wrong? How could I make improvements? How can I improve my relationships? The answers are not necessarily black or white, but the thought process helps to put life in perspective and gives us the opportunity to improve.

While the Jewish people are reflecting, I thought it would be appropriate for you to reflect. is a wonderful opportunity to see where you are in your job search and where you should be going. Use the questions below to reflect and take stock in your current job search.

• If you have felt stuck and frustrated, what effort have you made to get out of your rut?
• Have you learned or expanded your knowledge of LinkedIn or Twitter as a job search tool?
• Have you made a systematic effort to nurture your network?
• Have you reached out to others for help.
• If you are still unhappy in your job, what efforts have you made to change your situation?
• Have you looked at your resume and really thought about the message you are sending to potential employers? Is your value proposition clearly articulated?
• Have you read a new book that might help you understand recent trends in job searches?
• What new steps have you taken over the summer to advance your job search?
• What could you do better?

While these questions may seem overwhelming, they are imperative in order to breakthrough as a prime candidate for potential employers.  After all, if you continue to do the same things without taking a deep serious look at your actions, you are missing the opportunity to improve.  According to Jewish custom, it is not necessary to be perfect or live a mistake free life. On the contrary, Judaism expects mistakes and imperfections. In these moments of imperfections though, it asks that you take stock and seek to improve.  With this in mind, take stock  and reflect on your job search and seek to improve and expand your efforts.

To all my Jewish clients, colleagues and friends, I wish you a happy and a healthy new year!

Ready to breath in, and take a Hard look at your job search. Go Do it!

Need some help?  then join me on Sept 22 & Oct 6 for a POWERFUL and laswer-focused workshop that will get you a little uncomfortable in the beginning but so excited by the end, you won’t no where to start first.. of course, I’ll tell you that.

Want to get back to work? Great! because this workshop is ONLY  for job seekers who are truly motivated to do what it takes to land a job before we have another NEW Year to think about.

Written with help from Rebecca Sigman

As an advocate of Positive Psychology and building optimism, I went straight to the website to read more about “Fishful Thinking”. Pepperidge Farm’s marketing ploy worked. Intrigued, I read “how to teach your children optimism and resilience.” The title of a simple yet pointed outline to teach children the skills necessary to cope in an unpredictable world.

Hold on. What about all the adults that were never taught these skills? Leave it to Goldfish to sum up what a bookstore needs an entire self help section to accomplish. My immediate thought was how relevant and critical every one of these was for a successful job search. In fact, most people today I see have been mired in job search paralysis for longer than they want to admit. Being stuck leads to a cycle of negative thinking, hopelessness, and often times depression-like feelings.  But Goldfish provides five easy steps to managing the challenging experience of being out of work.

1. Think Positive

“Optimism is the skill of focusing on the positive – without denying the negative – and channeling one’s energy toward what is controllable. Optimistic people expect good things to happen in their lives and work toward creating positive change. “

It is hard to maintain an optimistic outlook 365 days of the year while being unemployed for the majority of them. We are only human, but making optimism your default setting is key.  For example, lets take two 50+ job seekers from my practice. The first claims that her situation is hopeless, due to her age.  The second, a woman over 60, took a new position admitting that it “was very daunting, but I go to work every day and literally tell myself “I can do this” and I am still there. I love learning and I am not afraid of it.” Learning new things keeps us young. Maybe it can help provide us with a sense of optimism too.

2. Resilience

“Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks, learn from failure, be motivated by challenges and believe in your own abilities to deal with the stress and difficulties in life.”

Lou, a former job search group member would not take his job loss sitting down. Literally. Without wasting a minute, Lou was walked the streets of Manhattan and visited every company he targeted, in search of work. The library became his second home where he conducted his job search. He read biographies of successful people who overcame adversity and he established his own mantras to keep focused on his goals. Lou’s resilience helped him bounce back after a devastating job loss and he landed a new job in record time at the height of the economic collapse in 2009.

3. Set and Reach Goals

“Hope isn’t just passively wishing and waiting for something to happen. Hope leads to the drive to set and pursue goals, take risks and initiate action.”

Research shows that high-hope people are excited about the future and also set goals. Furthermore, people who write down their goals are more successful than those who don’t. In your job search, hope is futile without action.  After all doesn’t the saying go “A dream remains a dream unless it is written down with a plan and a deadline”.  Jobseekers are wishful thinkers to believe a passive online job search will lead to success. Job boards are no longer the primary job search tool. Without a strategic plan of action including specific goals and activities, your ideal job will remain elusive. For example, my client Jose was interested in using LinkedIn, since he knew this was the most optimal use of his time. Learning how to use LinkedIn more effectively paid off for Jose, as recruiters and colleagues started to reach out to him more often.

4. Self-knowledge

“Knowing your strengths and weaknesses helps you focus on what you are good at, and ignore what you are not. This leads to a greater sense of self-confidence or self-efficacy- the belief in one’s self.”

If you know what you excel at, then you will feel empowered to go after it.  In my career coaching I strongly recommend job seekers take the time to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses through various assessments and self-exploration exercises before jumping into the job search process. As I like to say, “you can’t stand out, if you don’t know what you stand for”. Never before has it been more difficult for a job seeker to stand out in the crowd. An intimate knowledge of yourself will give you the confidence you need to stand and be heard out in today’s marketplace.

5. Emotional Intelligence

“Emotional awareness is the ability to identify and express what you are feeling and to have empathy for what others are feeling.”

These skills are essential to successful networking and career management in the long term. Networking is the foundation of a successful job search, and yet it still is the most challenging aspect of the job search.  Developing emotional intelligence is critical to building strong relationships and helps you become a better communicator. Once you are more comfortable with your “people skills”, you will start to network with greater ease and confidence, hopefully leading to your next job.

Sometimes the literature on the job hunt is overwhelming. Thank you Goldfish for elucidating on these fundamental principles of success.  Your advice is more than just for kids. It’s for all of us.

Instructions: Take your left leg and cross the left thigh over the right. 2. Hook the left foot around the right calf. 3. Bring the arms out in front. 4. Cross the right arm over the left and bring the palms to touch. 5. Lift the elbows while keeping the shoulders sliding down the back. 6. Hold 5-10 breaths. 7.  Repeat on the other side.

This is called the Eagle Pose in Yoga. Why do I describe the instructions to you? Because I stood in yoga class last week, and tried this pose, and tried again. My foot kept going back to the floor when I wanted it to stay up. My arms came down as I struggled to keep my foot up.  And then the instructor said something so profound that I thought everyone struggling with career transitions and job searches ought to hear it too.

“Hold the pose, even though your body will naturally want to go back to the most relaxed state possible.  But if you hold the pose, this will become easier to do.”

There I stood precariously balanced on one foot, playing a one-person game of Twister, and desperately wanting to put my other foot on the floor.  What benefit would I have to keep it up in the air?

Like me in yoga class (but with infinite more grace), when it comes to their careers, a majority of my clients are consistently going back to their most relaxed state.  They’re searching for jobs on the Internet when it might be more advantageous to network; or, unconsciously choosing the same kind of boss and end up repeating troubled relationships from the past; or, taking jobs that don’t intellectually challenge them.

Just as the Eagle Pose requires concentrated physical efforts to attempt, career transition, finding new patterns and ways of doing things also require concentrated mental efforts.  No doubt it is very hard work; initially, our bodies (and minds) will resist it, but the benefits of holding the pose are tremendous.  You’ll find the more you hold the pose, the easier it becomes.  In yoga, as in life, if you commit to practice, determination, and, an occasional pain, it can bring you one step closer to our occupational goals.

Yoga has nine major obstacles that are widely recognized. In order to make the most of yoga, you need to be aware of the obstacles that will attempt to disrupt your journey. We have a lot to learn from this practice if we apply these to our career journey – we can have much more satisfying work lives!

Yoga Obstacle 1 – Vyadhi: Mental or physical illness
Yoga Obstacle 2 – Styana: An advanced state of apathy

Yoga Obstacle 3 – Sanshaya: Concerns doubting the benefits of practicing yoga at all

Yoga Obstacle 4 – Pramada: When lack of persistence and will tries to take hold
Yoga Obstacle 5 – Alasya: A lazy and inert state of mind and body
Yoga Obstacle 6 – Avirati: Letting go of materialism
Yoga Obstacle 7 – Bhrantidarshan: Misunderstanding your path: be clear and realistic about goals
Yoga Obstacle 8 – Alabdha-bhumikatva: Being victims of our own discouragement
Yoga Obstacle 9 – Anawasthitatwa: Not being able to hold higher level of consciousness which results in your disappointment

It is possible to surpass these obstacles in  your life and  career. It’s important to focus on one issue at at time and not allow any obstacle to grow in power. When clients feel discouraged about not being able to find the job they want, I encourage them to go from saying, “Will I get what I want?” to, “When will I get what I want?” Commitment to the goal, holding the difficult pose and working through the obstacles and discomfort are key. Whether its a yoga pose or a career move, we all need someone to tell us that “you absolutely can do this totally impossible thing most human beings can’t do, you just don’t think you can.”  It is the power of the mind that will help us commit to a goal, believe in it, and ultimately, achieve it.

Job searching is serious business, right? Absolutely, and that’s why I want to share with you how Twitter has actually made it easier for job seekers believe it or not! Your next job might be 200 Tweets away  – it was for Brandon Savage, who literally did find his job via Twitter. Now, I know the majority of you out there are skeptics, and that’s why this is such an exciting post to write. This week marks the arrival of The Twitter Job Search Guide, written by three very talented colleagues, Chandlee Bryan, Deb Dib and Susan Whitcomb. I happen to be one of the contributors to the book too, which is also very exciting so in honor of it’s publication I wanted to dive in and debunk the 5 myths I see that are preventing you from using Twitter in your Job Search?

For the uninitiated, Twitter, is quite perplexing, in fact I think it might be one the most misunderstood tools on the web. Granted, its name does not suggest anything serious, and I am sure this might be where many get stuck. Whenever I read an article mentioning its relevance, or ask a non-user what they know about it, there is almost always reference to its more casual and inane usage- Yes, we don’t care what you ate for breakfast, unless it was with Nelson Mandela.

After talking with a lot of people about their Twitter hang-ups I realized there are five myths clouding peoples impressions and precluding their exploration of this highly compelling tool. If the number of passionate professionals using it is any indication, then Twitter is much more than just frivolous banter. Hopefully I can help you understand why, and get you onboard.

1. Twitter is an inane and frivolous activity and a waste of time.

Okay, getting serious now Twitter is not just fun and games. In fact, if you use it with intention and purpose- to secure or share specific and current information- you just might find it can be a very effective way to connect and network with new people in your field, or career of interest.  For the millions of people who have been drawn in by its real-time, cutting edge, social networking technology, Twitter can be job search or business networking on steroids, expanding your networking abilities and business outreach capacity beyond what you ever imagined.

Who would have though that “Tweeting” would have played a key role in alleviating political crises in Madagascar or Iran.  While there certainly may be some childlike, whimsical activity going on, there is also a whole lot of serious information being exchanged too, only it is in digital form, and it’s infectious, in a good way.

Twitter, along with other social networking tools is revolutionizing how people job search, network and share information. Within a five-minute time span, I watched over HUNDREDS of jobs be posted live on Twitter. If used strategically, and pay attention to the time, Twitter can be an incredible time saver. Time is of the essence when you are in job search, and the fact that you can receive targeted and current job openings, in real-time, to your phone or computer, instead of wasting time on a job board is invaluable.

2. Twitter is only for social media savvy people

Of all the social networking sites, believe it or not, Twitter is the least demanding in terms of “figuring it out”. Of course, like any new tool, it takes some getting used to, but after observing how it works, it is quite literally plug and play. And, anyway, are you saying that you have given up learning new things?  In today’s ever-changing world, there really isn’t room for that type of thinking, unless you are ready to retire from life!  Everyone has to start somewhere, and in fact the new job search paradigm obliges everyone to learn a new approach to promoting him or herself in the marketplace. The social media is integral to this process, and as one of my “boomer” clients accurately corrected me the other day when I said this technology is about the future, he corrected me: “No, it’s the present!”

3. You’re too old for Twitter. If you are too old to learn something new, expand your network, or meet new and interesting people, then, yes, Twitter is not for you. But if you don’t let your age impede your professional development, then Twitter is absolutely a tool for everyone. Just like my client I mentioned above, he is putting himself out there and absorbing as much as possible and he is finding it exhilarating. Something I say to every job seeker who uses age as an excuse, “It’s mind over matter, if you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter”. Ironically, I have younger clients ask me, “Isn’t Twitter for older folks” while the older ones suggest the opposite. Either way, if you want to be first to hear about the ideal job, Twitter might be where you find it. Can you afford to not be there?

4. What on earth has Twitter got to do with me Job Search or Business?

Everything actually! In many ways, it’s the brand new job board. Recruiters love it, so who’s arguing? Plug in any keyword into the twitter search mechanism and you might be quite surprised see what comes up in relation to your interest. In a recent Wall Street Journal article, Sarah Needleman agrees that  “A new job is  “Just a tweet away” mentioning that “many big companies, including Microsoft Corp., Verizon Communications Inc.,    and Viacom Inc.’s MTV Networks, now list job openings on Twitter “

For me, the final proof that Twitter is now considered legitimate by the business Community is Linkedin’s partnership with the blue bird. As the defacto number one online networking tool for professionals, this is quite a bold move.

Then again, you just need to take a look at the numbers on Tweetmyjobs.com, the  world’s largest Twitter Job Board: In 30 days: 350,553 job tweets, in just one hour: 3,723.

5. I won’t be able to protect my privacy

In the new world of Social Media, privacy is probably an oxymoron, but then again, there was identity theft long before Twitter and other social networking sites were invented.  The point is that while participating on Twitter is an “anything goes” roof party, or if you wish, London’s (in)famous “Speakers Corner” the fact that all powerful Google can find almost anything, people will be “listening” to what you say,   so  tweet wisely. That being said, Twitter, like all the sites, you can establish your Privacy Settings so that your profile and tweets  are protected from random spam, followers, and anybody you don’t want to associate with. You have a choice of how public you want your twitter profile to be, if at all.  Certainly set these up if you prefer, but maintain a highly professional presence, no matter what. Social media is viral, by nature, and you never know what will make it out into the Google sphere of influence!

Ultimately, everything that you do online today is trackable, however the benefits of participating in the conversation so that you can ultimately expand your professional networking capabilities and connect with people you may not have other, far outweigh the negatives, of a little spam, or not being found online at all.

The Twitter Job Search Guide promises to be great… You can buy it here. But if you need a little hand holding in order to get on, and make the most of it. Give me a shout, or sign up for my next Twitter for Job Search Webinar on April 13^th

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.

Michael visited my office week after week convinced that there was more that we could do with his resume before he embarked on his next job search. Not willing to address the factors that led to his multiple job firings in a few short years, the resume was the only thing he wanted to focus on.

After more than 15 years in an unfulfilling career, it took Sandra over eight months to build up the enthusiasm to look for a new one after she was laid off. Her unemployment is slowly running out, but Sandra is so paralyzed. She really doesn’t know what to do next, and she doesn’t know where to start when it comes to making a decision for herself.
What do these  people have in common?
A 10-foot high mental roadblock that is standing between them and their next job, their next career, even their next business. Many of us have been here at some point in our lives. For others, it is a permanent roadblock, a pattern of behavior that is preventing them from moving forward in their lives. Either way, such situations call on us to harness all our psychological resources to literally “psyche ourselves up,” and mobilizing your energy like that is not easy.
So what’s really keeping you stuck in your job search or career?

If you have been stuck in your job search for longer than you want to admit, there may be a lot more in your way than just the economy. The current job market may have fewer openings then in past years, but are you letting certain fears, inadequacies or confusion reign supreme?

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been immersed in the festivities and competition of the Olympic games. As I watch, I can’t help but wonder: What keeps these athletes so focused, driven and on top of their game? I’m well aware that behind all the profiles in courage and inspirational family and friends, many athletes also use sports psychologists. Sports Psychology, or the study of a person’s behavior in sports, seeks to understand psychological and mental factors that affect performance in sports, and then apply those to enhance individual and team performance. Sports psychology helps athletes increase performance by managing emotions and minimizing the psychological effects of injury and poor performance. Some of the most important skills taught are goal setting, relaxation, visualization, self-talk, awareness and control, concentration, confidence”  Can you use these same concepts in your job search as well?

Whether you are at the beginning, middle or end of this marathon, hike, or hockey game called your career or your job search, the question remains, “Is your head in the game?” The human psyche is a fragile place and losing a job, and in the case of today, losing a career, falls under the category of great life stressors. But, like the ice skater who falls flat in practice just before the competition begins, or after the first big jump, it’s how we manage this tremendous adversity that is the precursor for everything that is to come in your career. Your success depends on your ability to build your confidence back up, after it has been crushed, and to find the ability to gain control of the endless chatter in your head.
As the first post written by myself and colleague Ilana Levitt on the impact of psychological barriers on the ability to manage your job search and career, I would like to challenge you to think in a different way? Start your job search by watching TV! Are there any lessons in the Olympics that you might take away from the athletes? Do you learn anything from stories of how they have responded to setbacks? Are there any lessons in resilience and actions you can borrow?

For Dan, Sandra and Michael mentioned above, it is really important for them to reflect on what is the real obstacle that is keeping them stuck. What is the meaning behind the patterns in their life, both personally and professionally? It does take courage to look at these lifelong behaviors because we get so used to them.

There are some practical steps they can both take. For Sandra, she needs to pick a new sport (or career field), a new direction that builds on her past skills and expertise—and which has a short learning curve. Michael’s approach may be altogether different—a 360 review with past colleagues which may help him move forward in incorporating new feedback and different ideas. With a little counseling to explore each experience, he may be able to make adjustments that go beyond the resume, and, in turn, sustain a longer tenure at his next employer.For Dan, it is really important that he start working through these feelings of loss, before he can effectively move on in his search.

What new training regimes or adjustments will work best for you?

Monday: Online: Linkedin Research. Target key people in Professional groups/Answers section: Reach out with a targeted question(s), or request for an informational interview. Do Keyword searches to find people who could share relevant information with you, and that would help you build a solid network on LinkedIn. Email first, then ask for a telephone conversation. Emphasis is on making a connection in person, or on the phone. The linkedin connection can wait.

Set up 2-3 in-person meetings for the week. These are opportunities to get to know someone better, as well as get to know a targeted employer, or letting them know you better.  Share valuable information with your network: Know of someone who could help someone else. Share it.

Tuesday: Go Local: Speed networking at Ferguson Library, Volunteer, Join a group via Meetup, local community center- learn new or participate in sport , learn a new group oriented game. Find a Knitting group,  a language group. Share a valuable piece of information with all members of the group. Always mention your name before asking a question or contributing to the discussion.   

Recruiter Connect: Reach out to recruiters you know just to say hello. Ask how they are doing? Maybe you have connections for other jobs that they are looking to fill.

Wednesday: Practice Knowledge-powered networking: Determine your passion/ area of expertise: Gather information, write your own article. Post it on Linkedin, your Facebook profile. Can you make it into a PowerPoint presentation? Who can you present it to. – Call up Continuing Ed Programs as well as professional association groups you are a member of to discuss ideas.

Go where the party is: Register for one professional networking/event a week. Alumni Groups/ Professional Association E.g Whine & dine, MENG (Marketing Professionals) / Conference/ Talks related to your interests. Search Linkedin event calendar, Idealist Event calendars. Set up a Google alert based on Keywords “Non-profit”, Event, CT

Thursday: Online: Share & comment on one or more articles pertaining to your area of interest/ expertise. Share on Linkedin, Facebook, Twitter.

Friday: Take a class for professional & personal development – Continuing Ed. Programs – Broaden your skill set and meet new people with similar interests and at a reasonable price

Volunteer: Preferably in a setting where you are using your skill sets or developing new ones, and you have the opportunity to get to know more people. Don’t know where to find the most appropriate volunteer activity for you, check out this comprehensive list

Saturday: Relax & network:  Find a team sport/ group activity you would enjoy participating in like dancing, Movies, Languages/ Books/ Dogs- Once again, not sure where to look, www.Meetup.com

Sunday: Start a conversation: At the gym, at a kids birthday, at the park, at the library, at Starbucks.  Practice Curiosity as a job search technique- Ask questions. Create your own informational interview. You might be pleasantly surprised by what you learn.
Exhausted? I bet.. If this is too rigorous for you then start slowly- choose a few activities you can get started with. With a little bit of practice, You are going to start feeling really good.Let me know how they go. Happy Networking! And once again, here is to a GREAT 2010!

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.

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.  Ultimately, that’s what really counts.

More  Gifts of Networking coming this week!

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

The top ¼ of your resume 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. 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.

3: OUT: One Dimensional   IN: Multi-Dimensional

Your resume can now be a dynamic branded online message conveying who you are on many different levels.  The social networks such as Linkedin, VisualCV, or Facebook, not only allow you to outline your experience, but are also able to highlight your portfolio of work- and I don’t mean just for artists. If you are proud of a PowerPoint, articles your have written, or a blog, it should be up on LinkedIn at the very least. The quality of your posted recommendations and, in some fields, the extent of your visible network, go far in aiding you become a more viable and visible candidate.

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

If you still just have your traditional contact info, and that means the old fashioned means of communicating such as telephone, mailing address etc., think again. By not including your Linkedin/ Website/ Blog URL or Twitter handle, you are missing out on the opportunity to share that whole other dimension about you we talked about in #5.

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”. Yet, if articulated well, such information can and should be strategically blended into the resume to not only 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 helping 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 moment when they came into fashion. If you want someone to actually read your resume, spend time carefully constructing accomplishment-based, bulleted statements under each job title. The 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 21^st 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 unambiguous 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 a resume that meets the high expectations of today’s job market is no simple feat. Have questions about your resume, please comment below, or send me a copy for a Free Resume Review. While there are some steadfast rules regarding resumes, it is important to take artistic license to make you stand out where necessary. Most job seekers struggle with how to make the most of this, so lets talk about what your resume needs to really stand out. Just like I don’t try and cut my own hair, let a professional provide you with some real, constructive feedback, and don’t let your resume get caught out by the Resume police! Email me Donna@careerfolk.com

In the words of Zig Ziglar, American writer, “Stop staring at the steps and start stepping up the stairs.”  Call or email Donna (at) careerfolk.com

If you read my previous post on updating your resume, you’ll see that you can get a lot more out of the process than you realize.

Learning to Ride

September is a month of transitions. Whether it’s starting something new, or returning to an established routine, starting afresh is generally the theme. For those in career transition, it might be the month where you commit to buckling down to your search or career change (again?).  Granted, there are always lots of distractions during the summer and it can be hard to stay 100% focused on the goal at hand!   Of course,  that’s often a good thing and a welcome break.  But Labor Day has come & gone—and now it’s time to get re-focused.  For those of you who’ve been on the hunt for a while, the challenges to “getting back on the bike” so to speak, abound. In my work with clients, the three most common obstacles that jump out at me are lack of momentum, confidence and having a strategic plan.   While thinking about this the other day, it brought to mind my experience of watching my five-year-old daughter learn to ride a bike this summer. And then there is my story too.

My enthusiastic five-year-old is excited about learning to ride when there are no obstacles in the way, but when the path gets a little bumpy, she’s easily discouraged.  We encourage her to stay focused and keep on peddling, the bumps in the road will soon “disappear”, or at least she won’t feel them as much.

On the flip side, I didn’t learn how to ride a bike until I was 29 years old. (Yes, believe it or not, but there are a few of us on this planet who, as kids, did not have this privilege!  And luckily, there are actually teachers who specialize in helping adults ride bikes.)  Living in New York City at the time, my inability to ride a bike got the better of me, and my determination overtook whatever fear I had developed.

You probably get where I’m going with this—job seeking is a lot like learning to ride a bike.  When the job hunt gets tough, it’s easy to get discouraged and frustrated by the daunting challenge. So where do you find the motivation and support to “pick yourself up, brush off, and move forward?” — You heard it as a child, maybe, but how about now?  What’s helping you move your job search forward despite the numerous obstacles that might stand in your way?

Here are five ways that I liken my own “learning to ride a bike” experience to the job search:

I. Announcing that I was finally going to learn to ride a bike: Accountability

I let a group of friends know that I was going to learn how to ride a bike, that summer, no matter what. After that, the secret was out, and I couldn’t let myself down.  Do you have a group that you are accountable to in your job search? I see how easy it is for job seekers and career changers to lose momentum when going it alone, and that means not even reaching out to your community for support.  I have run many job search support groups over the years because I see the value, not only in the emotional support, but also for helping people stay accountable to someone other than themselves. – More about that further on.

2. I found a professional teacher: Seek help from an expert

Having never learned how to ride a bike, I knew I would need an expert to help me. I didn’t want to put my friends through the grueling process.  I found a professional who specifically taught adults how to ride bikes.  Yes, you truly can find anything you need in NYC.  He was also a great teacher, had a group of about 10 of us riding in one weekend. Of course, you say, it’s easy, but not for a group of adults who have never ridden a bike in their lives. Having an expert share current advice and techniques is invaluable. These days making the financial investment can be daunting, but having a prolonged unemployment could be worse.

3. Found the motivation to learn to ride a bike before I was 30 years old.  Set a specific goal(s)

Having a birthday milestone and a specific task to accomplish before that date is as specific as it gets. With the job search, watching ones bank balance diminish might be motivation enough, but not for everyone.  The type of goals job seekers should be considering include – Making X number of networking phone calls a week, Attending X number of networking events per week, Making X number of new connections on linkedin.com.

4. Put aside my fear and trepidation with a greater goal in mind.  Focus on building confidence.

While I had never ridden a bike before, I knew I could do it, and just had to get over the chatter in my head.  The same goes for the job search. Unfortunately, the problem with so many job seekers I meet is that the greatest obstacles often lie in their head. It’s easy to build up in ones mind all the reason’s why someone will not hire you. In fact, to put your fears and doubts in perspective, read Bonnie Lowes list of  50 Reasons You Didn’t Get the Job . I hope this will inspire a laugh at your imperfect self, and move on.

5. Joined a bicycle riding group lesson: Don’t go it alone

When I signed up to learn to ride a bike, I wasn’t alone. As I mentioned before, there were about 10 of us, and it really helped to know I wasn’t the only adult out there that had never learned to ride. It was also great to have the camaraderie and support as we made our maiden voyage around Central Park.

Research has shown that job seekers or anyone going through a big transition fare better with the encouragement and insight of a small group designed to help members move forward toward the end goal.  Job Search support groups abound. You can find them most easily on one of my favorite websites: www.meetup.com

If you don’t find one near you, start it yourself and find the support you need. I look forward to starting a new telephone job search group at the end of this month. Let me know if you are interested.

6. Learn the right way. Understand the techniques that work (especially if they have changed).

Now you must be thinking, “but it’s easy to learn to ride?”.  Well, not really, particularly for a group of ol’ folks like myself with all types of bad habits and inhibitions… And, anyway, would you say the same for the job search?   Learning the exact technique, and what do in various scenarios from our teacher was essential and by the end of the weekend we ALL rode the entire Central Park loop!   This is one of the most important tips to take into consideration today, because if you are following old-fashioned job search techniques, waiting for opportunities to appear online, you are out of touch with how to find work in this new economy. Make sure you learn how to actively use social networking tools to expand your job search, and build your online reputation.

Taken step-by-step, neither learning to ride a bike nor finding the right job seems as daunting, does it?  And eventually, both are accomplished!

Need some support getting “back on the bike” or maybe some or guidance on how to do it right so you can start to see some results, drop me a line at Donna@careerfolk.com.  Maybe you know someone that could use a shot of inspiration. Please share this story.  Maybe you have a story of how you achieved your own personal goal, I would love to hear it too. Thanks for reading.