Monday Mission April 30, 2012

Happy Monday – hope you are off to a productive week!  I have included a lot of links to information for you today, so I highlighted my “message” with this gray background… 

You should continue to give your resume thought and review – remember, it is YOURS and should represent you and your skills as well as aid you in being considered for an interview.  Consider what picture or logo we can add to make you stand out a bit more and give the reader a sense of who you are…. Even if you choose not to add one to your resume literally, this is a good way to visualize the value you have and that you can offer an employer. 

Most of you are looking for a job because you need to make a career change due to circumstances beyond your control.  Hone your reason for looking for work statement to the point that you are VERY comfortable sharing this with anyone, especially an employer.  You should present this as if you are in control or, at least, not highlight the negative feelings you may have because of this need to change careers. 

I also wanted to remind you of the resources available online, although you should limit your time online.  Spending an hour a day on reading job search/career articles and/or improving your computer skills is enough.  Usually the morning is a good time for this as it can help you get into the job search mindset and provide some sense of connectivity to a greater community:

The Weekly Works Newsletter can be accessed through a tab on www.injuredworkerhelpdesk.com .  OR, you can go directly to the paper and subscribe by clicking the blue button half way down and to the right of your computer screen to have the paper emailed to you directly http://paper.li/MarySevinsky/1326552280#  Here are some of the articles included in today’s edition:

Your Key to Job Search Success! by FeistySideFifty

huffingtonpost.com - In today's job market, employers know what they want and can afford to be picky. This doesn't necessarily mean they will overlook a seasoned applicant in favor of a younger job-seeker. But it does ...

Relationships: Career ADD Affliction #3 by WATRL

careerealism.com - 18 Interview Questions You Must Be Prepared to Answer · Download » your copy now!Are you in a job or career where you find others around you are annoyed with you? Are your relationships at work suf...

5 LinkedIn Job Search Tips You Haven’t Heard Yet by RetailRecruiter

linkedinadvice.com - Insightful ways to improve your profile and grow your LinkedIn job search network. As LinkedIn is the biggest professional social network in the world and is a proven tool for building business, ch...

Why You Might Want to Consider a Call Centre Job by WATRL

cornonthejob.com - Guest Post from Mark Watson.  Mark Watson offers career advice at Jobs Today, the leading recruitment brand in many of the towns and cities across the UK, covering over 300 locations from as far no...

Fireproof: How to Avoid Getting Burned by a Job Loss « Certified Resume Writers by ResumeChicks

certifiedprofessionalresumewriters.com - The only thing an employee fears more than getting laid off is getting fired. Executing a strategic career management plan is the best insurance available to protect you from being involuntarily te...

Are You Conducting a Job Search Like it was the mid-90s? by Barry_at_IMPACT

impacthiringsolutions.com - Robyn Greenspan published a recent article on Huffington Post about what has changed over the 6 plus years for executive job search. A lot has changed. Brad and I find that most executives are STIL...

The Members Only Section has many resources to help you with dealing with your need for a career change and/or getting your life back http://injuredworkerhelpdesk.ning.com/page/resources-1.  It is free to join and gives you access to information and support not otherwise available.  The resources currently available are listed below.  Please let me know if you would like me to add any others!

Links online:

Careerbuilder

Indeed

Job Service

Staffing Agencies in Your Area

Additional Job Search Sites

Additional Job Search Information

Labor Market Information

Learn (Almost) Anything Online

Word Assignments to Practice What You Learn

Excel Assignments to Practice What You Learn

Quit Smoking

Get Healthy

Weight Loss - Calorie Count.com

Weight Loss - Healthy Eating and Dieting Center

Download:

Career Assessment Form

How to Complete an Application

Blank Application - Complete to use as a reference

Cover letter Worksheet

Cover Letter Guide

Reference Letter Worksheet

Reference Letter Guide

Networking Exercise

Job Search Schedule

Job Search Calendar Pages

Interview Practice Questions

Ongoing Job Search Guide

Daily Contact Log

Job Search and Training Links

Job Application Tracker

Lastly, if you are a Facebook fan or use it regularly – you might enjoy reading articles and accessing information via this site https://www.facebook.com/InjuredWorkerHelpDesk.  Be sure to click like when you visit!

Have a great week!

Monday Mission April 16, 2012

Give some thought to your resume – how can we make it stronger?  If we were to add a picture or logo, what would it be?  It is a competitive labor market out there and we want to make sure we are presenting you in the best possible light!  Many people use a head shot of themselves, while others use something that they identify with - what would you use? 

We will plan on finalizing the reference letters and cover letters (if you haven’t already done so) and practice interviewing using the phone interview, management, or human service questions:

Phone interview questions

Manager Interview Questions 

Interview questions for human services (think human services when the question uses social worker)

If you use Facebook, connect by following this link (be sure to click the LIKE button!):  https://www.facebook.com/InjuredWorkerHelpDesk

Twitter posts can be found here:  www.twitter.com/marysevinsky

A list of job fairs from Maryland Job Service:  http://www.dllr.state.md.us/employment/jobfairs.shtml

The next one I can attend (and would expect all Greater Baltimore and Anne Arundel clients to attend) is:

Coast to Coast- Baltimore Career Fair Thursday, April 26, 2012 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM Four Points by Sheraton BWI Airport 7032 Elm Road Baltimore, MD 21240 The Diversity Job Fair of Baltimore Thursday, April 26, 2012 10:00 AM-1:00 PM Embassy Suites Baltimore - at BWI Airport 1300 Concourse Drive Linthicum, MD 21090 Plan to attend and meet face-to-face with several of the Baltimore area’s finest employers.  All of the companies at our job fairs have open positions they are seeking to fill. Employers at our events typically recruit for entry level and experienced professionals in the following categories: Sales, Customer Service, Retail, Administration, Management, IT, Accounting, Finance, Government, Security, Law Enforcement, Military   Officers, Collectors, HR, New Students, Operations, Call Center, Insurance Brokers, Clerks, Financial Analysts, Insurance, Recruiting Coordinators, Telemarketing, Cashiers, Associates, Brokers, Banking, Series 63, Series 7, Series 6  Requirements Pre-Register for this event online at: www.catalystcareergroup.com Tips for Success: ·         Pre-register—Some Companies view the resumes before the event and may invite you to come and meet them.  (We recommend that you pre-register but it is not required to attend.) ·         Dress Professionally—First impressions go a long way. ·         Bring 15-25 Resumes. ·         Arrive any time between 10AM and 1PM-- Plan to spend 45 minutes to 1 hour at the event. ·         Bring a friend—All job seekers are welcome. ·         Prepare a brief but effective “brag" to let the people you meet with get to know you. ·         Keep an open mind—meet with as many of the companies as you can, you may be pleasantly surprised at what you find. Remember, the best way to be considered for a position is to meet the hiring managers in person. Plan to attend this event! Questions?  Email:  [Click Here to Email Your Resumé] Phone:  815.308.5426

Arundel County job seekers:  Your Job Service is very active and offers many free workshops and training opportunities in addition to job search assistance and job leads:  http://aawdc.org/html/workshops_01.html

The next DC fair: 

May 7, 2012 (Mon) TBD

THE WASHINGTON POST MEGA CAREER FAIR Dulles Expo & Convention Center 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center Chantilly, VA Call Brad McCoy at             877-842-3976       ext. 13 Open

Hello? Is it me you're looking for?

Yes, this is sales.  Sell yourself.   Get hired. 

Looking for work when you don't have a job can be incredibly lonely and unrewarding.  Many employers don't send acknowledgement notices via mail, email, fax or phone like they did in the good ole days.

Applicants often spend seemingly fruitless hours sitting at home, undressed (unwashed? unshaven?) in front of computers scanning myriad job announcements and completing tedious online applications.  For variety, a resume might be emailed to be considered for a job opening.

Most job seekers are left to wonder if they are even being considered for any of the jobs applied to. Many employers wonder where are the good applicants are.

So where's the disconnect?    Read more

Other articles that may be of interest:

Injured Worker Help Desk: Job Search Tip of the Day Follow up

Aug 03, 2012

Others feel a fear of failure and worry they will not be able to conduct themselves well in a follow up situation. Wonder if they “flub up?” That will surely ruin any chance they might have had to be interviewed and potentially ...

http://www.injuredworkerhelpdesk.com/

Injured Worker Help Desk: Job Search Tip of the Day Stay Positive

4 hours ago

Many job seekers get caught up in focusing on their hardships and difficulties and can eventually just adopt an persona of negativity that puts off those around them. .... Click to sign in and follow with your favorite account.

http://www.injuredworkerhelpdesk.com/

Injured Worker Help Desk: Job search tip of the day: Create a job ...

Aug 22, 2012

A schedule can help make sure you are varying your job search methods and sources as well as following up and networking. ... Thursday: follow up calls with any outstanding employers, work force technology job search ...

http://www.injuredworkerhelpdesk.com/

Injured Worker Help Desk: A new way to job search - click on the ...

Jul 19, 2012

Injured Worker Help Desk: How to Follow Up On a Job Application: How to Follow Up On a Job Application - http://pulse.me/s/5cHhu. Posted by Life-Works at 3:56 PM · Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook .

http://www.injuredworkerhelpdesk.com/

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Mary is a Masters-prepared Career Counselor with over 18 years experience in career transition, personal branding, career assessment and counseling. Specializing in non-traditional specialized careers and career-transitioning, she has the ability to synthesize and focus your unique skills and abilities to obtain interviews for the positions you want with the employers you want to notice you. Follow her on Twitter at @MarySevinsky


Photo via NowPublic.com

Monday Mission April 9, 2012

We still need to review cover letters and make sure we have a good, final version. But I would like to ask you to start working on a letter of reference.  Writing a letter of reference for yourself is a:

Good way to prepare for interviewing

Way to prepare your references when you use them

Guide for your references to follow in preparing a letter of reference for you

Follow the same general format as the cover letter guide provided a couple of weeks ago.

The first paragraph should introduce the letter writer – think of your top reference and write this with him or her in mind.  For example:  I am a general manager for a chain of food stores and have known Mr. Smith for 15 years.  In fact, I offered him his first job and was disappointed when he had to leave the position to relocate.

The second paragraph should indicate some of the knowledge, skills, or abilities that you possess as well as any achievements or qualities.  For example:  When working as a cashier, Ms. Baker exhibited excellent customer service as well attention to detail.  She was promoted to supervisor very quickly as she was one few employees whose drawer was never short.

In the third paragraph a strong recommendation should be made.  Be as specific as possible.  For example:  I would strongly recommend Susan for any position that requires interaction with customers, accounting, organization, or attention to detail.  The Customer Service Supervisor position she is seeking sounds like a perfect match for her!

Finally, the fourth paragraph can re-state, in a briefer version any of the above that you want to emphasize as well as a willingness to be contacted for more information (if appropriate).  For example:  Again, I am happy to recommend George for the Manager position with your company.  His supervision skills will be an asset to you, I am sure.  Please let me know if I can provide any additional information regarding his skills and abilities.

Close the letter similar to that in the cover letter guide provided (sincerely, regards, etc.)


For a guide, worksheet and other resources, click on Members Only register for free! 

A list of job fairs from Maryland Job Service:  http://www.dllr.state.md.us/employment/jobfairs.shtml

Next Baltimore Job Fair is:   

April 16, 2012 (Mon) 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

CONGRESSMAN ELIJAH CUMMINGS' 2012 ANNUAL JOB FAIR Fifth Regiment Armory 29 Division Street Baltimore, MD Open

The next one I can attend (and would expect all Greater Baltimore and Anne Arundel clients to attend) is:

Thursday, April 26, 2012 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM View Other Baltimore Dates

This job fair will be held at: Four Points by Sheraton BWI Airport 7032 Elm Road Baltimore, MD 21240 Get Directions

Anne Arundel County job seekers:  Your Job Service is very active and offers many free workshops and training opportunities in addition to job search assistance and job leads:  http://aawdc.org/html/workshops_01.html

The next DC fair: 

May 7, 2012 (Mon) TBD

THE WASHINGTON POST MEGA CAREER FAIR Dulles Expo & Convention Center 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center Chantilly, VA Call Brad McCoy at             877-842-3976       ext. 13 Open

#1 Mistake Injured Workers Make [Video]

Jobless during Easter or Passover?

By Mary Sherwood Sevinsky

How do you cope with unemployment a during Easter or Passover? Like any loss, a job loss results in grief.  The negative emotions can be especially magnified at holiday time when Delaware familes join together and expect happy times.  Well meaning friends and relatives often increase the sense of frustration and anger that can come with a sustained job search.

In this article, job seekers can find practical suggestions for how to ease progress through typical stages of coping with job loss. While not everyone will progress neatly through each stage, most of the jobless will be able to identify with these stages and take solace in the normality of these emotions. Understanding that

Continue reading on Examiner.com Jobless during Easter or Passover? - Wilmington Career Transition | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/career-transition-in-wilmington/jobless-during-easter-or-passover#ixzz1rHxrL0ZM

Jobless During Holidays: PART II (Practical Suggestions for Coping

10 Key Steps to a Successful Job Search: Click here » to get your copy today!

By CAREEREALISM-Approved Expert, Mary Sevinsky

How do you cope with unemployment a during the holidays? Like any loss, a job loss results in grief. In Part I outlined some basic stages you may pass through in dealing with job loss. You can read that article in full by clicking here. In this sequel, you will find practical suggestions for how to ease your progress through these stages.

Read more

Mary is a Masters-prepared Career Counselor with over 18 years experience in resume writing, personal branding, career assessment and counseling. Specializing in non-traditional specialized careers and career-transitioning, she has the ability to synthesize and focus your unique skills and abilities to obtain interviews for the positions you want with the employers you want to notice you. Follow her on Twitter at @MarySevinsky.

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