Apr
17
2012
At this time I’m no longer seeing new clients.
I’m sorry for any inconvenience…
Oct
3
2010
Last week I was watching individuals going into a local job fair and was surprised to see how some showed up (Son, in the Motley Crue shirt, were you serious?). Generally, most of the men did okay, but some of women should put a tad more effort forth before complaining about the lack of response. I guarantee you that “Buffy” or “Muffy,” you know, the twelve year olds that you’re competing against are going to be dressed to kill. You need to have “the look” that will show that you’re a serious competitor and ready to get to work.
Having a contemporary look doesn’t mean “over the top” fashion, so keep this in mind. Dressing like a clown doesn’t help your cause, either (think “Mimi” syndrome). It also doesn’t mean that you need a small fortune to pull it off. There are some wonderful online outlets, as well as incredible consignment shops out there where you can purchase designer clothing for a fraction of retail. I’ve found eBay is wonderful for this and have purchased many designer fashions from sellers there.
Also keep a professional looking hair style and soft make up (talking to the ladies here, guy liner isn’t recommended for anyone other than a rock star). It’s not as difficult as it might feel to pull a great professional look together, just takes a little planning.
A few simple tips that go a long way:
1) Go with the classics… A classic suit can easily be accessorized with a scarf or excellent and simple jewelry.
2) Quality and style lasts, where high fashion is fleeting.
3) The right cut and a little color can completely change your look to exceptional.
4) It’s better to purchase a couple quality outfits that last than several disposable ones.
5) Wear shoes without scuffs and obvious wear.
6) Keep your makeup natural looking and understated.
Following these simple guidelines will help you present the best possible image at job fairs and interviews. It will also work wonders for your confidence!
“Fashions fade, style is eternal.” Yves Saint Laurent
Sep
12
2010
As with most areas in life, we want fast, easy solutions when it comes to our job search and far too often get frustrated when it just doesn’t work out that way. Some want to believe that having the perfect resume is the solution and I’m here to tell you that your resume is only a part of the puzzle to finding a job in this economy.
The Resume:
I find that most of the time client resumes aren’t worded horribly and generally just need to be tweaked and reformatted to be more reader/scanner friendly. Making it more eye-catching, when it actually reaches human hands… BUT even with the most beautiful resume with all the magic keywords, you have to understand that depending on the field you’re in, you could still be looking at an uphill battle.
Personal Marketing:
Personal marketing can assist, so dust off that suit and hand-deliver those resumes where you can; it makes an impression and shows you to be a serious job searcher. It may feel awkward at first, but gets easier the more you do it. This is especially effective in medical/administrative/paralegal fields because they are general smaller offices and you could actually get in the door before the ad hits the job boards/papers.
The Reality:
Sadly, there are some fields that are simply either too far gone or a long way from recovering. Take home-building, it’s going to be a very long time before we honestly see a noticeable improvement and I don’t know that we’ll ever see it completely recover to the level it was (and that may well be a good thing). When there are situations like this, change is necessary, as difficult as it may be. Consider taking evening classes in an area that is showing growth or if possible look at going back to school for a whole new profession.
Time:
Imagine putting full-time hours into a job search… The results would be remarkable, but what’s the likelihood that is what can be done? The important factor is that you put in as many hours as possible. It takes research, numerous submissions, networking, practicing for interviews, and aggressive personal marketing to make noticeable progress and that, my friend, takes time.
Attitude:
There’s also the issue of attitude… I know that when you’ve been out of work for a while and not having luck finding work, it’s hard to be upbeat, but I’m also seeing clients that are their own worst enemy with a victim mentality that you sense the instant you talk to them. You MUST get past this to have any hope of finding a job! It doesn’t help anything and could very well be holding you back.
Networking:
You need to also get out there and network, meet people, make friends and market yourself. You can’t do this sitting at home. If you want to make things happen you need to get out there and MAKE THEM HAPPEN! Sitting around waiting by the phone isn’t going to find you a job. It truly is “who you know” sometimes that makes the difference.
Image:
This next area is not always a popular one to hear about, but it matters… What is the image that you’re presenting? Do you present a professional image and one that any company should want to have onboard? When you interview wear quality suits, keep a current and polished hair style (quirky doesn’t help in this area, think before you have them cut), and take care of your health and body. First impressions are so important and every detail needs to be considered. So now isn’t a good time to sit around feeling sorry for yourself, eating pint after pint of ice cream.
These are all pieces of the puzzle to having a successful job search and when they come together, it can make the difference between being out of work a few weeks or a few months. Consider the whole picture and not just a facet or two… It truly makes a difference.
All the so-called “secrets of success” will not work unless you do. ~Author Unknown
Sep
9
2010
The subject of lying on ones resume came up recently and felt that I needed to post on this issue. There are many that believe that “embellishing” their resume is acceptable, but I beg to differ. In many, if not most cases it is seen through and when it isn’t can come back to haunt you. I’ve heard of cases where the detail “embellished” didn’t even apply to the job, but when the truth came out the individual was fired for falsifying information (years after the fact). Oh yes, that is the title for it and can be grounds for dismissal.
Is your career worth the risk? In most cases, no. If you build a solid foundation of knowledge, develop a networking base, and have proper personal marketing skills you can get the job. It may not happen overnight, but it is far wiser to go at it honestly and be able to sleep at night, instead of taking such a serious career risk. Realize that personal marketing/job hunting takes ambition and a strong willingness to go the extra mile. It’s a job within itself, put in the hours and get the job done, but do it honestly.
“A half truth is a whole lie.” ~Yiddish Proverb
Sep
1
2010
Every day we hear about the dismal job market and about individuals that are doing “everything” they can to find a job, without success, but is that always the case??? The term “everything” means different things to different people, but VERY often it is not everything possible (not even close). The movie “Christmas Vacation” always comes to mind with Cousin Eddie making his outrageous comment “I’m holding out for a management position.” It sounded so funny, but it’s amazing at how many individuals live that life daily.
The first sad truth that people need to learn is that there are actually fields that are dying and no matter how much an individual can hope the job market for those fields are going to improve, it’s not likely to happen. The ability to adapt and change is what will be the saving grace, not doing the same thing repeatedly and beating your head against the wall. A new direction must be taken, whether you like it or not. Sitting around complaining doesn’t fly.
One also needs to realize that simply posting your resume on one of the job boards isn’t going to do the job; I’m constantly telling this to clients and wish some would actually listen. I strongly suggest making an organized list of companies that you’re interested in working for, research each company to know who they are and what they are wanting, and apply directly to them. This is the kind of effort that gets better results.
Another fact that individuals seem to have a problem with the genuine amount of hours it takes to get the job done… Searching for a job is a FULL TIME JOB and to spend a couple hours a night isn’t going to get the results you want to see. If you aren’t working, think of your job search as your JOB and put in no less than 20 hours of work a week. That doesn’t count time “thinking” about how you “should” be looking or how unfair life it (that’s a given). Research companies, websites, job boards, and get out and be involved with your search. Make the calls and let people know you’re looking.
If you haven’t stepped into the world of Social Media, get yourself in gear! I always say it and can’t stress this enough… You NEED Social Media! There are jobs constantly being posted and people that are equally looking for qualified applicants; this is not the time to sit on your thumbs in this department. Just remember that what you say can make or break your career goals. Think before you post your thoughts.
These are just a few areas that can be deciding factors in the ease and length of your job search, but I think the greatest fact is that an individual has to be adaptable and WILLING to go the distance. Don’t become one of those people whining about the poor job market while sitting there watching television. If you need to go a new direction or go back to school, find a way to make it happen… Get serious and get creative to find that job!
“The road to success is dotted with many tempting parking places.” ~Author Unknown
Photo courtesy of http://www.freeimageslive.co.uk/
Aug
21
2010
Was thinking of the funny , often overused, and negative words I see in resumes. Some are overused if they are used even once, but let’s quickly go over them to save yourself a headache or two.
Liaison:
Unless your job title is Liaison, how often do you use the word in real life? Now, I let this one slide, as long as it isn’t overused. Remember to ask yourself if you use it in real life conversations. The word “communicated” can generally be used and you’ll seem a lot less like a “stuffed shirt.”
Expedite:
Now I know that depending on the position, it can be used more frequently, but it’s certainly not used nearly as much in conversation as it is in resumes. “I expedited taking the kids to school, so they wouldn’t be late.” How often does that phrase come up in conversation?
Interface:
This is easily one of the funniest words I ever see on a resume. It is not used in conversation by ANYONE that isn’t still living in a basement and clearly never going to look for work. We “communicate” with one another, not interface that is unless you are Mr. Roboto or some robotic bad guy on Dr. Who.
Fire/Terminate:
A resume is supposed to leave a positive impression and these are a couple of the most negative words ever used in resumes. When you’re a manager or person of authority, we all know that sadly this is part of your job. It’s kind of a common sense thing, so let’s not announce it in your resume. If you’re highlighting this “skill” you are not showing yourself in a very positive light.
I’m not saying that using these words are necessarily wrong (except for interface and you had better not let me catch you using that one), but just think before using them. Use words that you would actually use in a conversation and try not to overuse any words. Just a little piece of advice that will help you paint yourself in a more positive light.
“Proofread carefully to see if you any words out.” ~Author Unknown
Aug
1
2010
In dealing with so many different types of clients I’ve come to see a pattern emerging in our modern times… Anti-social job hunters. You know who you are… You live on your computer and have believed the hype that you can find a job by simply posting your resume on one of the job sites. You’re just certain that there’s something wrong with your resume because you aren’t getting the response that you feel you should, but that may very well not be the case.
These days, you have to get serious with a job search and that means you need to get “out” and search. I mean getting dressed (sorry, that means getting out of your jammies), doing the research, and heading out into the world to meet and network with REAL people.
Breathe… Pull yourself out of the fetal position and believe it or not, you CAN do it.
When the big job sites started out; it was a great thing to simply be able to post your resume and see results, but now it’s caused many job searchers to get lazy. They post their resumes and believe that their job is done, when that’s far from the truth. Many of the best jobs still go to those that make the effort and market themselves the strongest and you can’t possibly do that when only posting your resume.
Companies need to be researched and you need to network with (once again) REAL people. The old adage that says how it’s who you know is right on target. You need to know people and people need to know and trust you before you’ll get a job. You can’t just go to a couple of networking events and believe that you’ve done enough. It takes a long time to develop trust, so thinking that networking only when you need a job isn’t going to do anything for your goals. People can see this behavior a mile away and will know that they’re being used.
Friends are more than willing to help and support friends that are looking for a job, but first you have to become that “friend.”
Get up, get involved with networking groups and associations before you start believing that they should or will help you find a job. Be involved and give back. It’s a lot easier to want to help someone you know helps others.
Another great concept that has been lost in the cyber age is going out and personally marketing to businesses with your resume. Granted there are some jobs that this technique is more effective with than others, but it is well worth mentioning. You may get a funny look and feel awkward at first, but it gets easier the more you do it and you WILL be remembered for making this effort. It’s also not unheard of to be interviewed on the spot, so always be prepared.
To achieve any of this, you need to leave the house.
Come on… You can do it.
Kick off the fuzzy bunny slippers, dust off that suit, get involved, and even take out some resumes.
Getting OUT can make all the difference in your job search!
Get on with it!
Jul
30
2010
When it is said that attitude can make or break a situation, it’s never truer than with an older worker/job hunter. I’ve seen too many that have proved this over and over again. It all goes back to whether you look at yourself confidently or as a victim.
Allow me to offer up a couple examples…
Here is Al (names changed to protect their privacy), an active 65 year old that had retired, but like so many he needed to get back into the game because of financial reasons. Frustrated, yes, but never being down for long; he went out and quickly sought work. He thought ahead and had a plan… Al went to businesses that target seniors as clients and actually came across a job where he transports even older seniors to their various medical appointments. Giving him an added income, but creating incredible rewards as well.
What’s actually amusing about Al is that when he called the Senior Center about the position, they actually told him that he needed to be over 50 years of age… By talking to him, they couldn’t tell. He laughed and said “I’ve been over 50 for quite some time.” Another amusing fact is that his attitude is so contagious; the “older” ladies adore him! He often gets kisses on the cheek and is continuously requested.
Now let me introduce you to Harriet… Another 65 year old that dresses chic and again seems younger than she is… BUT has a chip on her shoulder about the size of Mt. Rushmore. After going on a few job interviews where she wasn’t hired, but someone younger and in her opinion less experienced was; she’s now assuming that she’ll NEVER get a job because of age descrimination. Instead of researching a different approach, she’s brooding and doing the same thing, over and over. In the long run, she’s creating a self-fulfilling prophecy.
There’s no doubt that age discrimination is out there, but how you look at and react to it makes a huge difference. As with any job search, you need to do a great deal of research and know what direction would work best for you as an individual. You need to make sure that you can stand on an equal level with your competition. That may mean that you need to pick up some new skills and market yourself stronger. Like it or not, you sometimes need to make changes in your approach. Sitting around grumbling doesn’t help anyone!
A few tips that can help:
Market what you have to offer this company and be sure to include areas such as sound computer skills and abilities that can advance you and the company in the future.
Show an awareness of today’s market; strong computer skills, an understanding of social media, and skills you have to advance the company, just to name a few.
Be willing to go back to school.
Understand that today’s job market is not what it was ten years ago and everyone needs to adjust or be left behind. Sometimes to succeed you need to advance your education.
Don’t just learn simple things about the company, do some serious research and take notes on specifically how you can meet their needs.
Know the background on this company and what you can do to advance it. The more the better and take notes showing specific advantages you offer.
Walk in to the interviews prepared, not prepared for battle and with a nasty attitude.
At this stage there’s no hiding your age, deal with that and get over it. Be confident in your own skin and let that shine. There will be companies and individuals that will jump on the age factor, but don’t let this ruffle your feathers; show them what you have to offer. Accept the fact that there will be companies that won’t even give you the chance and understand that when that attitude is there, you wouldn’t have been happy working there. In the years to come, companies like this will only be hurting themselves. The 50+ age group is seriously growing and those companies that don’t adjust to this fact are going to be left in the dust.
Preparation is the key to everything; from your abilities and attitude to your attire and stature, everything is taken into consideration. As the old saying goes, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” Make your first impression a powerful one, where age seems to be forgotten.
Jul
18
2010
Does the thought of that dreaded question, “Do you have any questions?” make your palms sweat and stomach churn? 
If so, you’re not alone. That’s the point that brings panic to many, but a little preparation can make it easier on you.
A few good questions to ask…
How many work in this department and who does this position report to?
Getting a feel for your peers and knowing who you’ll be reporting directly to is important to the decision making process. If possible ask to be introduced.
Where did the former employee go on to?
This is often a scary question, but a very legitimate one. Be fully aware and watchful of the response, what is not said can say so much.
How much travel is expected with the position?
Often this is listed in the job description, but if it isn’t be prepared to ask.
Is there opportunity for growth and advancement?
It’s a legitimate question to ask when you want to find a place to grow. There are, simply put, jobs that don’t advance and you need to be know this in advance. Some people are fine with jobs like this, others want to move up.
Would you like a list of references?
This is an excellent time to offer these.
Do you have any further questions to ask me?
This shows you being very open and honest.
When will you be making a decision?
Without being pushy this gives you an idea when you should hear from them.
Now allow me to go over a few questions you should AVOID LIKE THE PLAGUE during your interview…
How much does the position pay?
As unfair as it may sound, don’t ask, even if they are asking it of you. In their eyes it can make you come off greedy and that will get you eliminated quickly. There’s a clear double standard here, but one we have to deal with.
What does your company do???
This should be a no brainer, but there are those that don’t bother to do an ounce of homework and end up looking like an idiot. Let’s not go there.
Any questions about breaks or vacations.
Let’s not look lazy and these questions do just that. Don’t do it!
These are only a few of the right and wrong sort of questions to ask during an interview, but they will give you an idea of a direction to take if you want to get hired. The point is that it is a common sense issue in most cases, but sometimes we all need reminded.
“To speak and to speak well are two things. A fool may talk, but a wise man speaks.” ~Ben Jonson
Jul
16
2010
Hello everyone!
The site is going through some changes that I’m confident that will make it much more helpful and easier to navigate. Please be patient, as there are many changes still coming.
Feel free to contact me with any of your career, resume, and/or site questions…