Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Monday Mission May 29, 2012


Five fingers of job search – 5 ways to get a job

Recently when explaining to a client that it was important to vary his approach to finding and applying to jobs, I stumbled upon the Five Fingers of Job Search. In general, you are going to have the best results by spreading out your “hand” and tapping into more jobs. Certainly other ways to get a job, but if you follow these recommendations, you are bound to be successful.
To find the most jobs, you will want your fingers to spread over the following job search resources
1.      Online postings – you can find hundreds of jobs online, but so can everyone else! Most employers are requiring this, so you will have to comply in order to be considered. Follow up is especially crucial when submitting your applications online. Just because you have applied, doesn’t mean it was received!  Some popular job search sites are:       


2.     Community agencies – your local job service or Career One Stop office, libraries, and many other municipal or public agencies may offer not only job search assistance, but computer and other training.

3.     Staffing agencies – these used to be thought of as temporary agencies, but increasingly are placing folks in permanent positions. They can be an invaluable source of jobs. Try to develop a relationship with a specific recruiter at each agency in your area and follow up with them regularly.

4.     Newspapers (actual printed ones) – many of my clients find jobs they eventually receive offers from via small, pennysaver type local papers. Don’t disregard these as a source for potential job leads.

5.     Employers – Many employers advertise only on their internal job boards and/or websites. Identify employers in your area for whom you would like to work and check their career pages regularly.

Likewise, when applying for jobs you want to vary your approach to increase your chances of obtaining an interview and job offer:

1.     In person – occasionally, you may luck into a direct contact or interview with the hiring manager when you present in person with a resume or to complete an application. This is an excellent way to stand out from the other applicants who are sitting at home applying for jobs online.

2.      Snail mail – a postcard with a brief note and, if pertinent, a link to your profile or resume or with your email address can make all the difference. The employer doesn’t even have to open an envelope!

3.     Email – many employers provide email addresses for their staff or follow specific conventions that can allow you to “guess” an email address. For example, fistname.lastname@company.com is a common email convention.

4.     Online – Again, applying on line is a necessity these days, but so is follow up. Complete the online application, but you may want to follow up with another application method to insure your resume is received.

5.     Database – www.careerbuilder.com and www.monster.com as well as other job search websites often provide the ability to post your resume online for employers to find. This is not a bad idea, but be aware that scammers can also see your resume and seek you out to sell their services to you. 

You can also use the ways to get a job concept to vary your approach to follow up as employers have different styles and preferences just like everyone else. When following up try each of the following:

1.     In person – many times someone not accessible by phone is very accessible in person. It is also harder to ignore or delay someone standing right in front of you versus a nameless person on the phone. A face with a name will go a long way toward making you stand out to an employer in general.

2.     Snail mail – This method is often forgotten in today’s electronic communication wave. But, employers still get mail and they will be more likely to get your resume if sent vial the post office with a quick follow up note. Or, the postcard mentioned above!

3.     Email – if an employer is someone who likes email, you can often obtain information about the hiring process or time line or to request an interview. I always like the reasoning behind offering:  I am going to be in your area tomorrow and just thought I would see if it was possible to schedule a little time with you….

4.     Phone – pick up the good ole phone and call!  Have a phone script ready to outline what you will say to the employer and have a clear goal in mind for the call.

5.     Fax – also kind of old fashion, but can be very effective. Most companies do not hesitate to publish their fax numbers. If you need to do a google search use the following in the search field:  companyname city state fax   
If you are looking for work and looking for better ways to get a job, you will be more successful applying the above principles.  In fact, you should notice results immediately.

Monday, May 21, 2012

Monday Mission May 21, 2012

There is really no way to talk about the hidden job market too much – it is the ONE place where a job seeker can be considered for a job without competition from other job seekers.  When you think about this FACT compared to the hours you spend applying for jobs to compete against hundreds of other job seekers, it makes sense to spend some time cold calling employers. 


You should have a list of large employers, targeted employers and/or nearby employers to contact regularly to see if they are hiring.  Often you will find they are not.  Sometimes they will tell you to check back in a specified period of time.  Occasionally, you will find that someone quit unexpectedly and the employer is left to fill a gap in his/her workforce that you are eager to fill!

This article by Beverly Harvey does a good job of explaining why jobs in the Hidden Job Market exist and underlines the fact that most job openings, are not advertised at all.

 Read:  Understanding the Hidden Job Market


harveycareers.com - Often referred to as the “hidden job market” this segment of unadvertised positions has been recently increasing. A few of the reasons why jobs may not be posted and thus, classified as “hidden” in... by Beverly Harvey

One of the most common reasons that job seekers don’t find out about the vast majority of jobs that are available is due to fear.  Fear of irritating an employer.  Fear of asking for help.  Fear of using the phone.  If you can name it, there seems to be someone out there who fears it.   You might have multiple fears associated with cold calling yourself.
 
Sometimes it helps just to know that you are not alone in your fears.  Other times, you might need to bolster yourself up to overcome them.  In the end, you just need to do it.  The more you do, the easier it gets (truly!)
 
This article gives you some good insights to overcoming your fears.
 

How to Overcome Your Fear of Job Search Cold Calling
It Takes Confidence to Contact a Great Job Lead Out of the Blue, but it Can Be Learned
Read More:  http://voices.yahoo.com/how-overcome-fear-job-search-cold-calling-218104.html  by David Bellm

 Most often, injured workers' self-confidence in general ahs taken a beating over time and it becomes almost a habit to be fearful of the future.  You can use your fear to build your self-confidence and come out on top.  This article does a pretty good job of convincing us we can actually use our fears to build (or rebuild) self-confidence.


How to Use Your Fear to Build Your Self-Confidence
Fear is a great confidence and success killer. “A Message to Garcia,” written by Elbert Hubbard, is one of the best essays on personal responsibility ever written. Hubbard has some great things to say about facing your fears.
“The greatest mistake you can make is continually fearing that you will make one.”




Friday, May 18, 2012

Who will pluck the chickens?

By Mary Sherwood Sevinsky

Like many folks, I listen to talk radio to keep abreast of 
local news and issues.  Not long ago, a listener called
to weigh in on a favorite local issue:  Illegal immigration. 
This is not how most callers refer to the issue –
usually it is the Aliens (Martians perhaps?) or the 
Illegals that are referenced.  I am pretty sure by the 
emphasis used on either word that they are capitalized, 
bolded, italicized, and underlined in the minds of the 
people calling.

But, I digress!  One caller debating the relative merits,
even the necessity, of those in our country who are 
working (not necessarily legally able to do so) emphatically asked, “Who will pluck the chickens?!” A valid, frequently asked question here on The Delmarva….

Related to this issue are the 99 percenters.  I have been tempted just to send 
them a note and tell them “Get a job!”  It’s not that easy, I know. However, it is easier 
to obtain a job, pay off your debts and put food on the table if you are not camping 
illegally on public property for weeks on end. 

I don’t write about political issues, nor do I even comment or reply to any.  This article 
is not about political issues or concerns, but about Jobs.  Jobs people are or 
are not willing to do here, there, or anywhere.

Before getting to the topic at hand let me also note that a family member mentioned a friend 
was not able to get a job as a teacher.  I thought anyone could get a job as a teacher 
once they obtained their degree?  No, she said,her friend has been looking and looking and 
cannot find a job!  Where has she been looking? A very small town in Pennsylvania and MUST 
have very specific hours and days off…. Ah, is that all?

As a vocational consultant, I deal with these concerns from clients almost daily:
1.    Desire to work or no real desire to work
2.    Factors favoring ability to obtain work and those hindering ability to obtain work

Everyone has their limits and individual circumstances, to be sure.  I wouldn’t presume to discount them.  BUT, there are jobs out there.  If not an ideal position or one in the best location, there jobs available in other fields or locales.… Someone has to pluck the chickens after all!

If you do need to work then you may, considering the current labor market, need to reflect on how you think about employment.  If you do need to work, you may:

1.    Not be able to work in your chosen field or industry right now. 
2.    Have to consider relocating.
3.  Take a lower paying job ($10.00 per hour is better than $0.00)
4.  Have to hold more than one job.
5.    Not like any of the above.


Working has other benefits, tangible and not so tangible, including:


  • Current employment and valid reason for looking for work (more money, position in your field, etc.).
  • Increased self-esteem and confidence.
  • Control over your income versus waiting for an insurance payment to come (or to end).
  • Expanding your network, knowledge, skills, experience
  • Providing the opportunity to think about an plan your future career path


As far as I know of not liking your job options or even your job never killed anyone. We have all been there and done that, lived through it and moved on to a better opportunity.  We can all do it again if we need to. After all… we all gotta eat!

Read more articles:

Jun 01, 2012
All businesses begin with a specific idea in mind, and although some stick to exactly what they started with, it's much more common to find that a business has grown and evolved over time to keep up with changes in supply, demand, and even resource availability. Simply put, smart businesses tend to follow the money, and sometimes that means growing into a business the founders hadn't ever imagined. These 15 famous companies did just that, all changing in ...
May 09, 2012
As with any career change (see my previous article: Dare to dream of change in your career) make sure youhave the resources to follow through on your plan, once you develop one. Will you need to work in a different field for ...
Apr 09, 2012
Follow her on Twitter at @MarySevinsky. Photo via NowPublic.com. Follow Me on Pinterest. Posted by Life-Works at 8:35 AM · Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook. Labels: communication, follow up, injured ...
Apr 02, 2012
... want to notice you. Follow her on Twitter at @MarySevinsky. 0 inShare ... Follow by Email. Sign up for Services. The Rising Power of Visual Content ... Injured Worker Help Desk: How to Follow Up On a Jo... Injured Worker ...
Email Mary

Monday, May 14, 2012

Monday Mission May 14, 2012


Today’s articles in The Weekly Works were so timely and pertinent that I decided to make them the focus of today’s Monday Mission!  You can subscribe to the Newsletter by visiting the site:  http://paper.li/MarySevinsky/1326552280  and clicking on subscribe to the right.

Hannah does a great job focusing the reader on staying focused and moving forward in general.  This week’s message offers tips on how to make changes to make keeping your momentum a little easier!

careersherpa.net - by Hannah Morgan on May 14, 2012 Here we are again at the start of another week! Will you drag yourself into work at a job you despise (or dislike immensely)  or maybe you are waking up dreading an...


We can never be reminded too much about how important cover letters and resumes are.  Cover letters can also be used to make your application stand out!
 
social-hire.com - When you are looking for a new job, the cover letter plays a key role in your job application. The information you include and the way you talk about yourself will provide the recruiter with the fi...

I guess I could say the same about interviewing – never too much information or practice.  Asking questions of the interviewer, however is often an over looked opportunity to stand out.

campus.sg.jobsdb.com - We rarely get second chances in life. As a result, only too many job interviewees had left the interview room only to realise that they had again forgotten to ask for clarification from the job int...


These days the competition is so fierce, you really do have to work hard and thing VERY long term when looking for a job.  Find a way to get the job should be your mantra – the trick is to figure out HOW. 

workawesome.com - With so much competition in the job market, how do you think outside the box and have a solid plan in place on how to get noticed? If you didn’t realize yet, it’s going to take a bit of innovation ...

The longer you are unemployed, the harder it is to get a job.  It is often hard to sort out the reasons why you are not getting interviews or offers.  It may be your resume, what is on it, what isn’t on it.  The bottom line is that it is easier to find a job when you have a job.  If you don’t have one, volunteer or think about changing your criteria.  If you have been unemployed a long time, any job on your current resume may look better than no job.  In this video, JT reviews the importance of resume and cover letter – in short how “you” present to the employers on paper.

careerealism.com - Is your unemployment story overpowering your career story? Recently, CareerHMO Founder, J.T. O’Donnell wrote an article on three cover letter myths for AOL Jobs, which inspired this episode of “Car...

Also - some online training (free!) May 17, 2012:

'Skills to Pay the Bills' Twitter Chat to be Held May 17
A Twitter chat on ODEP's 'Skills to Pay the Bills: Mastering Soft Skills for Workplace Success', a dynamic and engaging curriculum focused on teaching youth, including youth with disabilities, the 'Soft Skills' they'll need to learn, practice, and master to succeed in a 21st century economy, will be held on May 17.  Assistant Secretary Martinez will be on Twitter answering questions about the curriculum and how all youth, including those with disabilities, can secure good jobs and thrive in our workforce.
Take Care and Talk to you soon! 




Friday, May 11, 2012

Vacation Vocations... How to live and work in a resort area



By 
CAREEREALISM-Approved Expert, Mary Sherwood Sevinsky, MS, CDMS, CCM
Who hasn’t gone on vacation to mourn leaving and say, “I wish I could live here…let’s not go back!” Well, as my husband would say that is unemployment, not vacation. A valid point, I think.
That having been said if you do have a regular vacation site and do have a sincere desire to relocate to that area, it is possible.
How? Keep in mind that resort areas have a very specialized economy. There are limited job opportunities for many traditional career paths, other than hospitality and amusement. There are, however, very definite niches and opportunities for self-employment.
The trick, of course is to identify a way to move to the beach, or maybe you prefer the mountains or lake such and such?
Next time you visit, take a hard look at the culture, the needs of the existing businesses, residents that live there. Where might you fit in? How can you fill a niche? Would it be through employment or self-employment?
Perhaps you can modify your current position to telecommute, at least part time. Consider proposing to work from home two days a week and the office three days. Try just one if that doesn’t work. Use the local time to further investigate your opportunities or explore gradually increasing your telecommuting days to a full time level.
change in a position with your current employer might be possible. I returned to field work from a mid-level management, which allows me to work from home full time, wherever that may be!
Be creative.
If you are serious about moving to a resort area it will likely involve a change of pace. Think long and hard about whether you are ready for this change before making any commitments to a plan. Usually this pace is more palatable than a regular, hum drum, workaday life. But, don’t take this change lightly.
As with any career change (see my previous article: Dare to dream of change in your career) make sure youhave the resources to follow through on your plan, once you develop one. Will you need to work in a different field for a time to use as a stepping stone? Will you have to work two jobs because the cost of living is higher? Consider these in your planning.
Plan carefully and make sure your friends and loved ones are supportive of your plan (or be prepared to make a change in those relationships). Make a reasonable timeline – what will you accomplish by when. It is fine to adjust it as you go, but it is imperative to have one to work from.
When planning goals it is most often easiest to start with the long term goal and then back up to identify each step you need to take to reach it, followed by when you could hope to accomplish each step.
You may be able to make a smooth, gradual transition to your new life in a resort area or you may be able to arrange an all at once jump into your resort town. Either way, enjoy it!


Read More Articles:

Jan 23, 2012
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 ...
Feb 01, 2012
Determine your current skills and abilities; Plan a modified or new career path; Identify and obtain the skills you need to get a job; Learn how to look for work after an injury; Resume a happy, healthy, rewarding lifestyle...
Mar 04, 2012
Knowledge, skills, and abilities are like savings accounts. We should all be scrimping and saving for the day WHEN (not IF) every tidbit about our industry, computers, technology, information in general that has been ...
Jan 10, 2012
Determine current skills and abilities; Plan a modified or new career path; Identify and obtain the skills needed to get a job; Learn how to look for work after an injury; Resume a happy, healthy, rewarding lifestyle. Posted by ...

Monday, May 7, 2012

Monday Mission May 7, 2012


If you have been job searching for a while and are not getting interviews or haven’t in the last few weeks then it might be due to lack of follow up.  This is a crucial step in the job search process and one only you can do to ensure you get interviewed and offered a job!  Double check your cover letter and resume to make sure the contact information is accurate first of all.  If it is, give each a review to see if there is anything that stands out to you that may be impacting how employers view you – remember employers typically only take a few seconds (6 – 15) to decide who to screen out and who to look at more closely.

If your letter and resume look good, it is likely that you are not doing enough follow up!  You should use the job logs provided to organize yourself so that you are calling on each employer applied to the previous week.   You may also have a small batch from prior 2 or 3 weeks that you will want to try to follow up with.   If you keep your jobs chronologically and write notes for yourself where provided it will make the task easier. 

No need to write book, a simple lm 4/12 in the notes area will remind you that you left a message on 4/12.  If you tell an employer or are asked to follow up at a future time, it is a good idea to write a new entry on your current weeks job log so that you do not keep track of it.  For the job leads I give you, you can write on the leads themselves or transfer to a job log, whichever is easier!

Let’s make sure to review your follow up efforts – review how you are keeping track of your efforts on your own and my job leads to make sure you are approaching this task in a way that will allow you to be successful!   

Here is an article just posted on the www.injuredworkerhelpdesk.com site that may help further!

Why you are not getting interviews

Job Search for the Rest of Us!: Don’t Forget to Find These When Starting a New Job...

Job Search for the Rest of Us!: Don’t Forget to Find These When Starting a New Job...: Don’t Forget to Find These When Starting a New Job! MARCH 7, 2012  BY  MARY SEVINSKY   LEAVE A COMMENT   10 Key Steps to a Successful...

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Why you are not getting interviews

Thousands of job seekers man their computers hour after hour applying for the same jobs everyone else is also applying for.  Applying for jobs online is fine.  Often it is required - many employers will not accept resumes or applications any other way.

You have spent time and money honing your resume to perfection.  You have developed and personalized countless cover letters.  You are diligent in the time you devote to your focused and planful job search.  So why isn't your phone ringing off the hook?  Three reasons:

Follow up. Follow up.  Follow up.

Why is follow up crucial to a job search that hopes to end in a job offer?  

  1. It is important to ensure that your resume or application was received and by the right person.  Just because the computer based application system says doesn't mean it has been received.  More importantly it doesn't mean that it has been received by the right person.  Why leave this to chance?  A simple call can result in even more than verifying your resumes receipt. 
  2. Following up on your application will make you stand out from the other applicants.  The prospective employer will have no doubt you want the job and that you are organized and proactive.  These are messages that all job seekers want to send to be considered for an interview. 
  3. When you follow up, it gives you the opportunity to find out who is handling the hiring and what the hiring process is.  If you are able to talk to someone you can even ask for an interview.  Even if you don't get that far, you can often get enough information to research the interviewer or plan your next follow up.
Many job seekers are uncomfortable with this part of the job search process and just plain won't do it.  One thing is certain:  If you don't follow up you probably won't be interviewed, let alone hired.  It is that simple.  This is a step that cannot be skipped if you hope to find employment and get off the job search hamster wheel. 

Some of the most common reasons job seekers give for not following up are:
  • The ad specifically states, :NO PHONE CALLS."  The ad doesn't say "No emails," "No in person visits," "No snail mail," or "No faxes."  Figure out a way to reach any person at the company to make sure they have a face and/or a voice to go with your resume or application. 
  • Job seekers don't want to "annoy" the employer or seem "pushy."  You shouldn't be rude when you are following up and you won't annoy the employer or seem pushy.  Acknowledge that the employer (whomever you reach there) is surely very busy, but you do want to be sure that your resume was received.  Could they double check?
  • Some searchers are uncomfortable using the telephone - fake it or follow up in another way.  A post card can sometimes be ideal.  There is nothing for the employer to open, your short note with a link to your resume is all you need to include to ensure it is received.
  • Many site not wanting to be stalk or harass the employer.  Don't call every hour or every day.  Leave a message if necessary then follow up with a different method or wait a couple of days to call again.  Persistence usually pays off. 
The goal to any type of follow up is to verify you are being considered, get as much information as possible, make yourself stand out and get an interview.  If nothing else, you will get a great deal of satisfaction out of knowing you are doing everything you can to get a job.    

Read more articles:


Feb 01, 2012
A functional résumé is more modern in approach and emphasizes skills over work history. The Skills or Qualifications sections are often split into several subsections. This can make it easier for employers to scan your ...
Apr 09, 2012
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 ...
May 14, 2012
A Twitter chat on ODEP's 'Skills to Pay the Bills: Mastering Soft Skills for Workplace Success', a dynamic and engaging curriculum focused on teaching youth, including youth with disabilities, the 'Soft Skills' they'll need to ...
Mar 05, 2012
or "What are your skills?" Wear knee high stockings with a skirt, even a long one – the split is above the stocking line and clearly visible from behind, in case you wondered. Tell a recruiter/potential employer that you don't want ...
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