November 03, 2008
 

 
Are you overwhelmed by all the Social Networking Sites?

 

What is all this buzz about social networking? How many sites do I need to join?

 

If you find yourself asking these questions, maybe it is time to “think before you act”.

I find that many of my clients are asking me these questions, especially those in the 35+ age range.

 
Well, let’s start with the basics. 

 
Social networking sites are very important in terms of building and maintaining your online identity and brand. And for me, participating in these networks is not an option. You need to participate if you want to be credible in the job market. Prospective employers and recruiters will Google you and check out your online presence before they even consider inviting you in for an interview. Participating in these social networks will help you enhance your brand and improve your Google rankings.

 
The other reason to participate is for you to increase your pipeline of networking contacts that you can then meet up with in the physical world.  Neither one of these (enhanced brand) or (increased pipeline) will happen overnight but if you start now, you’ll be in the game and can begin to reap the benefits sooner rather than later.

 

Personally, my preference is to have clients pick one social networking site, perhaps two and become an expert in how to get the most out of the sites-DO NOT DILUTE your efforts by joining every available social networking site. For business professionals, my preference is LinkedIn, which has over 20 million users. But joining the site is not enough. You need to be active and visible. So, don’t just throw up a quick profile and do nothing. Develop a wel- branded profile which articulates what differentiates you from everyone else in your field. Join groups, answers questions and be active. You will get out of it what you put in.

 

 

Career Coach Articles > Marketing Yourself

Use the following address when linking to this page: http://www.aspireforsuccess.com/weblog/94

October 31, 2008
 

 

 

Find yourself online and monitor your online identity

 

In my work with my clients, I am finding that many clients are relying exclusively on their resume to propel their job search. In today’s job market, especially given the increasing competition from recent layoffs, THIS IS NOT ENOUGH!!! You need to have a well thought out and articulated online identity. Recruiters and prospective employers research the Internet to dig up information on you prior to even considering you for a job.

 

If you're sending out numerous resumes and getting a poor response rate despite your fabulous accomplishments, then I suggest you (1) get a handle on your current online presence and then (2) work to enhance your online identity.

 

Step One: Find Yourself Online and Then Monitor Your Online Presence

Considering how important your online brand is, you should know what is being said about yourself. You don’t want to be caught off guard during your search.

 

Google makes it very easy for you to do this. Set up a Google Alert on your name, which allows you to monitor any new information about you that comes online. (Go to http://www.google.com/alerts to use this feature).

This alert acts as an automatic search agent for the criteria you provide, and allows you to receive quick updates by email of any new information that appears on you on the web which contains your name.

You can also just Google yourself to see what existing information is already out on the Internet. Here are some helpful tips on how to do this:

 

1. Put your name in quotes            "Randi Bussin" or Randi S. Bussin"
2. Take the quotes out and search again                Randi Bussin, Randi S. Bussin
3. Search all of your e-mail addresses and phone numbers
4. Search your name and company names. (past and present)
5. Type your name and your zip code. Your name and your home phone. Your name and your city

 

Career Coach Articles > Marketing Yourself

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October 27, 2008
 

 

 

Many of my clients have been asking me recently if there are any special tips for looking for a job in these turbulent economic times.

 
Here are some thoughts and tips that might be helpful to you in your job search:

 

1. Talk to individuals in your industry to get a better handle on how your profession is being affected by the current economic environment. Which firms are well positioned? Is there any specific work that needs to be accomplished in the short term?
2. When networking, be sensitive to the fact that many companies and industries are cautious about hiring. Don’t just focus on yourself, your fears, and needs. Ask the person you are meeting how their company is handling the current situation. Ascertain which skills and competencies are most in demand in light of the recent changes?
3.  Is the current economic environment creating any special employment opportunities? Are there any opportunities for part-time, temp or consulting work to get your foot in the door?
4. Smaller niche firms which have not been hit as hard recently are looking to meet and engage top talent. Don’t ignore second- or third-tier companies; just do your homework first and make sure their leadership team and financial backing are stable.
5. If you have not been happy in your field for some time, maybe now is the time to consider a full-blown career change—trying something that you are passionate about and have had on the back burner for some time.
6. Stick with growing industries—green tech/clean tech, health care, biotech, etc.
7. Get a good handle on your transferable skills, talents, and assets. Be able to succinctly articulate what makes you stand out form the crowd (known as your personal brand). There is just a lot more competition out there and your marketing message needs to be crisp and compelling.

 If you are interested in exploring a career change, consider joining our next group coaching for career transition. Aspire’s Career Transition Action Program will commence again in January. Please visit our website for more details:

 
http://www.aspireforsuccess.com/career-transition-group.php 

 

 

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Career Coach Articles > Marketing Yourself

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October 04, 2008
 

I read a great blog post on Career Hub about the importance of "putting yourself out there".

This sounds like a very obvious comment and suggestion to make to job seekers, but most job seekers do not understand it. I get many calls from job seekers who are struggling and not getting interviews, and who have been out of work for a long time. When I question them about how they are looking for a job, they proceed to tell me about all the surfing they are doing on job boards and how many online resume submissions they have made. This is what I call "passive job search" and the results are minimal, at best.

To find a job, you need to "put yourself out there", talk about the value you can bring to an organization, meet new people and "actively" look for work.

This is a great article to read on the topic. 

  http://www.careerhubblog.com/main/2008/10/you-have-to-put.html

 

 

Career Coach Articles > Marketing Yourself

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September 23, 2008
 

I have been getting alot of questions recently from clients in the Financial Services sector about whether they need to rethink a new industry in which to work.

My response is that if the economy has affected your industry and it looks like employment prospects might be dim, it is probably a good idea to target growth industries. Health care, high-tech, green and clean energy and life sciences are industries that still have a lot of steam in them.

However, before you leap into a new industry, you'll have to be prepared:

1. Follow your passion. Find an industry that interests you so that there will be a level of excitement and passion for the products/services.

2. Do your homework. Learn as much about the industry as you can through professional associations, training or even reading industry guides such as Vault and Wetfeet.

3. Identify your transferable skills. You need to identify your transferable skills and strengths and what your core differentiators are. What makes you stand out among the crowd of other potential candidates?

4. Develop your marketing package. Once you know what your unique promise of value is, then create a comprehensive marketing package highlighting your value, including a resume, leadership profile, LinkedIn profile and an elevator pitch.

 

 

Career Coach Articles > Marketing Yourself

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September 15, 2008
 

One of the resume writers, who works closely with Aspire! wrote a fabulous article on how to manage your online identity. I am including it below for those of you just learning about sites such as LinkedIn and Zoominfo.

 

5 KEY POINTS TO BUILD AND MANAGE YOUR ONLINE IDENTITY

 

Like it or not, technology is a core part of almost any professional’s world, whether it be a programmer or an insurance broker. The programmer leverages technology to create business solutions, while the broker might use it to identify new leads, investigate innovative marketing strategies online, or even to look for a new job.

 

Whether you are a techie or not, there are some critical things that you need to know and do when it comes to the internet. #1 - periodically Google your name and see what comes up. If anything remotely negative appears, you need to know that potential hiring authorities are going to be able to view that same information, so do whatever you possibly can to remove it from the internet or seek out ways to perform “damage control”.

 

Even if you don’t find anything harmful about yourself, and I hope you don’t --- #2 be sure to check what you have available to the public at large on any networking sites like Facebook,  MySpace or  LinkedIn, (the latter is geared more towards to professional networking).  Employers and recruiters trolling the net are apt to visit these sites to find out about candidates they might be interested in. So keep your profile clean and devoid of any possible controversial topics. It’s okay to have some personal information on sites like Facebook or MySpace, but just make sure it’s innocuous–if not, then use the site’s option to make that information available only to certain restricted groups.

 

#3 - If you aren’t on LinkedIn or Facebook, I’d strongly suggest that you consider setting up a profile on either or both or any of the other reputable networking sites like ZoomInfo or Ziggs. Not only is it easy to do, even for the technically-challenged, but it’s just plain cutting-edge. These sites enable you to connect with others that you might want to be in contact with or reconnect with, and allows you the opportunity to have access to resources, including possible job opportunities that you might not have ever previously considered.

 

#4 – Take the time to create a well-written and compelling profile about yourself. Having an online presence on a networking site should provide value to others and help you to build good relationships with the kinds of people that you want to reach out to, so it’s vital that you appear in a very positive and interesting manner.

 

#5 – Invest time periodically in building your network of contacts, and when you do so, be sure to advise people that if they don’t want to connect with you, they should ignore your invitation and not decline it. This is of paramount importance on LinkedIn because if you receive 5 declines to invitations, you are automatically removed from the site.

 

To sum it up, it’s easy to build and manage a strong online presence. Just follow the rules of good professional etiquette and be discriminating about the information you choose to share with the public at large because the internet is accessed by more than 600 million people every day.

 

Jill Grindle is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) who is the President of A Step Ahead Resume, a firm specializing in resume writing and career serrices for serious professionals in fields ranging from insurance to hospitality services to skilled trades. You can learn more about her at www.astepaheadresume.com

 

 

 

 

Career Coach Articles > Marketing Yourself

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September 09, 2008
 
 

Are you are back to looking for your next opportunity in the workplace? Do you have the branded career documents that you need for today’s online job search? If not, here are some quick tips for writing an Executive Resume by Meg Guiseppi, MRW, CPRW. For more tips on resume writing and career branding, visit Meg’s blog at: www.executiveresumebranding.com/blog.

 

A great interview-generating resume is all about differentiating you and your value from others competing for the same jobs. Here are some trends to consider when writing your Executive Resume.

 

1. Include personal or leadership branding.

 

Personal branding is the great differentiator and the best way today to position yourself above competing executive job seekers. To build a vibrant brand message, ask yourself questions such as:

 

·         What jazzes you about your work each and every day? What are you most passionate about getting to and accomplishing at work?

·         What talents, strengths, drivers, and attributes do people know you for and know they can always rely on you for?

·         What do the people around you have to say about you? How do they introduce you to someone new?

 

2. Format your executive resume for the reader.

 

Hiring decision makers at the executive level often review resumes on their Blackberries when they are on the go. Brief, concise, brand-focused statements of value surrounded by enough white space to make them stand out will have the greatest impact, whether your resume is reviewed on a screen or on paper.

 

3. Keep your executive resume to 2 pages.

 

Your mission in writing your resume is to generate enough interest in you to compel decision makers to want to meet you. Your resume is not a career history. It is a career marketing document that needs to say just enough about you to achieve your mission - getting you interviews.

 

4. Use the top of the first page to your best advantage.

 

The people tasked with reviewing many resumes for any given position usually don’t much time to spend on each one. In fact, they may only give your resume 10-15 SECONDS to grab their attention. You want to immediately capture the reader’s attention. Since the top of your resume is the first, and possibly the only, section that will be read, put your most important and compelling information here.

 

5. Highlight your key areas of expertise once.

 

Instead of taking up precious space repeating obvious lists of responsibilities under each position you’ve held, consolidate them in the form of relevant key word phrases in the top part of the first page. For best impact, position them in nicely formatted columns or a shaded graphic box, titled something like “Key Areas of Expertise”.

 

 

 

8 Copyright, 2008, Meg Guiseppi.

 

With over 18 years professional experience, Meg Guiseppi specializes in crafting personally branded resumes and other brand-driven career marketing documents for executives and top professionals worldwide. She also helps them navigate the daunting ins and outs of Executive Job Search 2.0. Meg is a Master Resume Writer, Certified Professional Resume Writer, and Certified VisualCV Creator. You can reach Meg at her blog: www.executiveresumebranding.com/blog.

 

Career Coach Articles > Marketing Yourself

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September 04, 2008
 

Eob Seeker Needs a Good Story

I read an interesting blog post yesterday on Career Hub that made me think that despite all the technology tools in today's job search, the "back to basics" approach is still very valid. Accomplisments stories or success stories are really the heart of your personal marketing campaign. You must have well thought out stories in CAR (challenge, action,  results) format in order to present your brand and value add to an organization. Here are some thoughts from my colleague Barb Safani on how to do this.

  The New York Times Shifting Careers blog recently featured a post about the art of storytelling and how mastering this skill can add value to your career. During a job search, several tools and strategies can be used to weave together a compelling story of your value to an employer. Resumes, interviews, and networking meetings should be rich with memorable information about you and the problems you have solved for organizations. Your story should be so good that the interviewer can't wait to repeat it to the next person in the hiring chain. Here are some tips for making that happen.

Create an exciting resume that the reader just can't put down. Don't just write about job tasks and don't just list statistics. Build a story around your accomplishments that succinctly communicates the impact you had on an initiative or an organization as a whole.

Tell your story with pictures. Try adding some charts or graphs to your resume to create a visual representation of your impact. For example, if you increased sales 500% over a 5 year period, create a bar graph to show the year over year growth.

Showcase samples of your work. Bring examples of the types of reports, business communications, or design work you do to the interview. Consider including links to websites, photographs, videos, or project prototypes to your portfolio when appropriate.

Answer interview questions using the Challenge-Action-Result story format. Employers are interested in learning about your past successes because they feel that past successes are a good indicator of future success. By describing the challenges you faced, the actions you took to address those challenges, and the corresponding results for the organization, you are more likely to create interest and excitement about your candidacy.

Ask questions that invite the interviewer to tell their story. In order to build a strong rapport with the hiring authority, you need to share information. Asking the interviewer to also share information helps deepen this relationship. Ask what issues the department is struggling with and what types of strategies they have tried in the past to address these issues. Asking questions shows your interest and concern for the company's problems and also positions you as the right person to address them.Career Coach Articles > Marketing Yourself

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August 27, 2008
 

Making Your Resume Come Alive with VisualCV

We watch flat-screen HD TVs, we communicate, capture photo images, do e-mail, and search the Internet through our iPhones, cell phones, and BlackBerrys, and we listen to our own personalized music collection on our iPods and MP3 players. So, why do we still use the same old, boring resume to snare that hot, new job that we want?

Well, high tech has arrived in the resume market, and one such service, VisualCV, offers to reinvent your resume, and, thus, your candidacy for any job. VisualCV takes your flat, nontechnical resume, and gives you a new 3D or HD-type profile.

VisualCV takes its name from the visual image it creates and from the traditional term curriculum vitae, a short account of one’s qualifications, and adds a visual concept to change the manner in which your resume is, as it says: “presented, accessed, and shared.” How do they do this? VisualCV creates a single, easily accessible Web page for you, using your resume, an audio and video interview, and a digital career portfolio.

Combining these facets, VisualCV’s personal Web page for you then features informational pop-ups, video, pictures, and personal information that you can use for job applications, professional and social marketing, career promotions, and business development.

VisualCV says it can do all these things in three easy steps. It will:

·        Create a new look for your resume by moving it to a live Internet document, through a venue such as Word or a PDF, that includes built-in company and university research.

·        Enrich your Web page with video, audio, charts, work samples, presentations, and any other pertinent documents.

·        Share your new Web page identity with prospective employers, your personal and professional networks, and VisualCV’s own database of companies.

The final result will allow potential employers to get a more personal and more complete picture of who you are, what you can do, and how you can make an impact on their company. You’ll be able to present yourself in a unique manner, in a method that is progressive and upbeat, not the same old boring resume. And, you can make multiple versions of your VisualCV identity, geared for different audiences.

 If you’re interested in more information about how to reinvent your resume through VisualCV, check out its Web site at www.visualcv.com or just Google search VisualCV and see how many sites offers tips to improve your resume presentation.

Career Coach Articles > Marketing Yourself

Use the following address when linking to this page: http://www.aspireforsuccess.com/weblog/77

August 13, 2008
 

Backing up your Linked In Data

 

I recently read a great article by Jason Alba (author of “I’m on LinkedIn- Now What”) about the importance of safeguarding your precious LinkedIn information and connections. Apparently, your account could be deleted from LinkedIn without your even knowing about it.

 

There are basically two VERY simple things you need to do to ensure that you capture and backup all of your LinkedIn information:

 

1. Export your connections
2. Export your profile

 

I did both of these and it only took me five minutes so do it now and be safe. To read more about how to do this visit:

 

http://www.jibberjobber.com/blog/2008/07/17/linkedin-maintenance-do-this-right-now-or-else/

 

 

Career Coach Articles > Marketing Yourself

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June 03, 2008
 

Don’t Give the Business to Business Cards

 

You’ve heard the criticisms about business cards: they’re old-fashioned, no one uses them anymore, they’re all alike, they get bent easily, and they’re a waste of time in this Linked-in, online world. Well, business cards can be a useful way of delivering your brand, at a low cost, and in a way that will keep you, your messaging, and your potential employability in the forefront.

 

Here are four ways to create an advantage for yourself through your business card:

 

1.      Keep It Simple: Too much information clutters a business card. Keep it clean—name, number, e-mail address works best. Use a title or career area if you can keep it tight.

2.      Don’t Be Cheap: Use a nice card stock that looks and feels professional, and even consider investing in a designed logo that’s clean and not garish.

3.      Think White Space: Keep your business card simple on the front, and clean on the back, leaving room for something to be written on it. Avoid using a dark color on the back.

4.      Don’t Be Showy: Loud fonts and graphics are a big mistake. They just take away from your messaging, and diminish the effectiveness of your name and contact information.

Whether you’re attending a job fair, or doing a lot of networking, business cards can still be effective. It’s most important that you present yourself in a professional manner in these instances, but presenting a business card that reflects your personal brand also can make a difference.

 

Career Coach Articles > Marketing Yourself

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April 04, 2008
 

Identifying Your Key Transferable Skills

If you’re interested in changing your career, the most important ingredients to have in your resume and cover letter are your transferable skills. Without emphasizing your transferable skills, your ability to switch careers and land that new job will be minimized.

First you need to identify your transferable skills before you can emphasize them. And, to do that, you need to define what a transferable skill is and which ones you possess. A transferable skill is a capability, talent, or experience that you possess that can be transferred or utilized in a different work environment. For instance, if you have managed personnel, this can easily be transferred to a new career/field. That’s because many of the responsibilities of a manager—such as managing a diverse group, mentoring new employees, or initiating new programs, seminars, and learning tools — are similar in different industries.

If you’ve been in your current job and/or profession for the last seven, ten, or 15 years, you don’t want a new employer to identify you for what you have been doing but rather for who you are and what you can become. So, sit down and write out what you do in a much broader sense.

Characteristics and qualities that you can feature as transferable skills are: being a quick learner, a successful collaborator, a productive employee, an efficiency expert, or your willingness to work on extra committees to improve efficiency or production. Any of these skills or activities can be transferred to a new workplace or profession, and focusing on them can show a new employer that you can make a difference in their company.

Also, focus on the job description for the position you are seeking, and adapt those terms and definitions in your resume and cover letter as your transferable skills. Communications skills, working well with others, accepting responsibility, and completing projects on time and under budget are often used in job descriptions. All of these can be featured as your transferable skills, showing how your qualities, characteristics, capabilities, and skills can easily transfer to a new position or career.

Career Coach Articles > Marketing Yourself

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March 28, 2008
 

Recession Ready Your Career?

 

Introduction

 

Yes, the economic news can be discouraging. However, there is some good news in all of this. The slower economy is an opportunity to beef up your networking and personal branding and development efforts so that when the economy turns around, you will be better positioned to take advantage of the opportunities that will be plentiful — because they will be!!!!!

 

 

The Good News and the Bad News

Recent reports of an economic downturn in the US provoked many professionals to wonder and worry about their job status. Will their company opt for lay-offs? Who will be among the pink slip recipients? How long until the downturn hits specific business sectors? What career opportunities are available during a recession?

 

The good news is that there are steps you can take to shore up your current job and ready yourself for a potential recession. In fact, the tips I’m offering are helpful steps to take at any point in your career, regardless of the state of the economy. Ultimately, none of us can predict the path the US economy might take, but we can take charge of our own career paths.

 

Stay Visible

It’s always helpful to keep yourself front and center at your current job. Think of this type of visibility as part of your personal marketing plan, which can include:

 

v     Stay positive in your attitude and actions — This means being proactive and suggesting “fixes” rather than simply complaining about issues or concerns at your organization. Be the person in a meeting who leads a problem-solving session and follow-up with members of the leadership team. Make yourself indispensable to the organization’s success.

 

v     Be visible to leadership and colleagues — By letting others know what you’re doing, you accomplish two goals: 1) You maintain ongoing, open communication about activities that matter to others; and 2) You highlight your accomplishments in a manner that promotes your value to the organization. Visibility can include your presence in meetings, well thought out e-mails, succinct presentations of your projects or role in projects, or frequent one-on-one sessions with your direct supervisor.

 

v     Keep your resume current — While this seems like a no brainer, don’t let it slide because there are other more “important” things going on. Having an updated resume gives you the freedom to apply for jobs that interest you, but it also gives you a concrete springboard for career discussions with friends, colleagues, and mentors.

 

Build and Extend Your Brand

As you work to create and maintain visibility within your current organization, be sure to connect with professionals outside of your company. Some external personal marketing activities are:

 

v     Networking — This includes in-person real-time conversations with colleagues, acquaintances, and other industry professionals that you could meet at networking events, trade shows, or industry specific conferences. You never know what might come from a sincere, relaxed conversation. Expand your networking capability by creating professional virtual connections on sites like LinkedIn, Ziggs, Ryze, or Plaxo.

 

v     Extend Your Brand Online — Think about your expertise and experience, and then share it online with colleagues through a blog, website, or social networking site such as LinkedIn. Similarly, search for websites related to your field and become a member and/or contributor to the content. Your goal is to become “digitally distinct,” making sure there is a great deal of content on the Web that expresses your personal brand.

 

Professional Development

 

v     Stay current in your skills — Attend professional conferences, seminars, and training sessions that will bolster and contemporize your skill sets. Be sure to network and exchange ideas at these events. Most importantly, follow up on leads you discovered. Sometimes an e-mail or phone call can prompt a discussion about possible opportunities that you might not have otherwise encountered.

 

v     Reconsider your career path — If you’re feeling like your current career is not a path you would like to continue following, evaluate your personality, skills, interests, and what matters to you most. Your experience may be transferable to another industry or profession. A career coach can help you assess the above factors that contribute to career success and support you in your career planning.

 

Whether you’re switching jobs within a company, leaving your current organization, or starting a new career, these steps will help you navigate your career and move you forward. Don’t let the “what if’s” prevent you from pursuing “what could be.”

 

 

Check out our related blog item on the industries that are weathering this recession:

 

http://www.aspireforsuccess.com/weblog.php?article=66

 

Career Coach Articles > Marketing Yourself

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March 26, 2008
 

 

 

What is this gap in your resume?

 

I recently read a few article on how to handle gaps in your resume (either being laid off or staying out of the workforce by choice), especially during interviews. Here is what I learned:

 

1. Keep your explanation brief and factual, without going into tons of details.  You don’t want to give too much information and then leave the interviewer with the idea that you might be unsuitable for the job.
2. Highlight the positives, and focus on your qualifications and interest in the job for which you are interviewing.
3. Come up with a 2-3 line sentence/spiel to respond to the question.
4. Put your emotions aside and keep the tone neutral.
5. If you were laid off because of a business decision to cut expenses, you can reframe that by saying the time gave you an opportunity to rethink your career goals.

 

 

Career Coach Articles > Marketing Yourself

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February 18, 2008
 
Five Tips for Getting the Most out of LinkedIn

 

I recently read Jason Alba's book "I'm on LinkedIn-Now What" and learned some great tips about how to get the most out of this website. Here are a few things I learned:

 

1. To get the most out of LinkedIn, optimize your Profile. This will ensure that you are found and will also help you communicate more effectively about yourself. Make sure that you include the names of your schools, companies and clubs as recruiters or other networking contacts may be looking for someone with your experience and/or affiliation. Be sure to spell out common abbreviations (CRM and Customer Relationship Management, for example).
2. Stick with the basic membership. This will more than suffice for the average user. Only recruiters and others trying to source leads really need to upgrade.
3. Make use of LinkedIn recommendations (on your Profile) as they boost your credibility and will reinforce your personal brand.
4. Avoid using the canned LinkedIn invitation when inviting people into your network. It only takes a few minutes to personalize the standard message and this customization will go a long way.
5. Connect with a few super-connectors. Knowing a few super-connectors will increase your visibility in the system-both your ability to see and to be seen. Take some time to get to know them and try to be more than just another contact to them.

 

 

Career Coach Articles > Marketing Yourself

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January 16, 2008
 
Career Coach Articles > Marketing Yourself

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December 14, 2007
 

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU--6 TIPS FOR DRESSING UP YOUR RESUME
Source: Susan Britton Whitcomb, Career Coach Academy

As the calendar year turns to a new page, many Americans are considering turning over a new leaf when it comes to their careers. The exodus of professionals in search of new employers has already begun, with three out of four job searching actively or passively, according to a U.S. Job Recovery and Retention study released by the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the Wall Street Journal's CareerJournal.com.

Those in search mode will need an impressive resume to pry open the doors to their dream job. Here are some tips to make that happen.

1. Decide How You Want To Be Perceived: This is your opportunity to write your future story. Uncover and communicate your unique brand. A personal brand is a unique promise of value that differentiates you from the hordes of other candidates with similar credentials and experience. Your brand will help focus your search in terms of the type of position and industry you are targeting. It should be tied to your professional purpose-the reason you work (beyond simply making a paycheck).

2. Think Green: Every employer has the all-important question: "Why hire you?" To answer that in your resume, drive home your value and ability to contribute to the profit picture of the company. Emphasize numbers-driven accomplishments! There are three accomplishment areas that easily translate to employer profit: increasing sales, saving money and solving problems (which typically points back to saving money or increasing sales).

3. Stop Thinking of Your Resume as a Biography and Start Thinking of It as a Marketing Document: Employers aren't interested in your first job as a paper deliverer or baby sitter or fast-food cashier. Every entry on your resume should be filtered for relevancy and the value you can contribute to the organization.

4. Stop Depending on Your Resume as the Silver Bullet: Far too many job seekers think their resume is the reason they're not moving ahead in their career. In some cases, that is true. But more often than not, job seekers make the mistake of substituting a killer resume for networking and face-to-face interactions with hiring managers and key decision makers. You should spend ten times as much time on networking as you do on applying to online job postings.

5. Use the Right Keywords: Pare down job descriptions and pack them with essential keywords. Sources that can be helpful in finding material for your job description and keywords include online postings, company job descriptions, Google.com search, Occupational Outlook Handbook, and resume books that have samples of resumes for your industry.

6. Venture Out into the World of Web-Based Career Marketing Documents: Yes, a paper resume will be nice to have at an interview, but employers today want you to either apply online with a digital resume or email an attachment. Beyond that, consider creating a portfolio resume or a blog as a way to communicate your experience and value to employers.

Take advantage of the new year to create a new you. Dust off your career dreams and dress up your resume!

Career Coach Articles > Marketing Yourself

Use the following address when linking to this page: http://www.aspireforsuccess.com/weblog/53

July 02, 2007
 

The famous proverb, "Physician, heal thyself," can be adapted very nicely to the workplace as in: "Employee, manage thyself."

The days are long gone when an employee could be assured that their company would guide them up the ladder to success via learning new job skills and promotions. Basically, you're on your own now.

And, since you can't depend on your company, you have to do it yourself. Here are five tips that will help you keep your career well-managed and moving in the right direction:

 

1. Develop a Game Plan. The first thing you need to do to manage your career is to develop a career plan. Decide where you want to be two, five, and 10 years from now. This includes which region you want to work in, which company, which position, and how to get there.

2. Document Yourself. If part of your plan is to advance with your present firm, then you should start documenting all of the extra projects, duties, committees, and responsibilities with which you were involved. Using this simple list will help you greatly at your annual review, and it also can be used in a job interview to show that you are an employee who is willing to go the extra mile.

3. Network, Network, Network. Whether your career plan has you switching jobs soon or staying at the same firm for the next 10 years, establishing a great network of contacts will be invaluable. Look to extend your network from friends and co-workers to other contacts inside and outside or your organization and profession. Your network can be essential in getting you a promotion or new job.

4. Keep Current. Taking new classes, courses, or seminars is a great way to update your skills and keep you current and relevant. It's important to try something new, something challenging, and something that will improve your marketability and make you look like a fresh new face-even if you aren't looking for a new job.

5. Be Passionate. All of the above are important things to do to help properly manage your career and reach your professional goals. But, none of these methods will work for you if you don't love your job and career. So, if you have doubts about your career direction, don't hesitate to seek out help. Your human resources department, a job fair, a career guidance seminar or class, and a career coach can help point you in the right direction. Then, the rest is up to you!
   

Career Coach Articles > Marketing Yourself

Use the following address when linking to this page: http://www.aspireforsuccess.com/weblog/45

May 14, 2007
 

In this high-tech age, it is very easy to apply for a number of jobs in one day through the Internet. Most companies advertise their open positions on their Web sites, using detailed job descriptions and easy-to-follow directions on how to apply for them.

This is where your e-mail cover letter can be used efficiently and effectively. Here are five rules to follow if you want your e-mail cover letter to be noticed:

1. Follow Format. Many companies have specific ways of seeking their job applicants electronically. You can cut and paste your cover letter and resume right onto their site, your can download them, or you can send them by e-mail. When given options, do what is most convenient for you, but also make sure you give them what they want.
2. Be Specific. Your e-mail cover letter is likely to get a quick look, at best, so be specific about your skills and abilities and how they best suit this job. Start with a personal introductory paragraph, then jump into your skills, attitude, experience.
3. Match Qualifications. Next, take their job description and use those or similar words in your cover letter to show how you can fit their needs for this position.
4. Call to Action. Since there is no human contact in this process, describe how you will follow up your cover letter. Calling in 7-10 days can be an effective way to make your cover letter become more personalized.
5. Check Your Work. Because it is so easy to download your cover letter from your desktop or attach it to an e-mail, make sure you review it closely. It's easy to send a cover letter that's addressed to the wrong company, for the wrong job, with the wrong qualifications. Keep a master cover letter on your desktop, then adapt that, and save each version with a different name. But, always, reread your cover letter before hitting the Send button.

Career Coach Articles > Marketing Yourself

Use the following address when linking to this page: http://www.aspireforsuccess.com/weblog/42

May 10, 2007
 

Your cover letter is the first chance you have to make a good impression on your future employer. A good cover letter can open up the door to the next step in your job-search process, while a bad cover letter can slam the door shut on your chances of ever even getting your resume seen.

 

Whether it’s the traditional typed, formal cover letter or a Word document that you are quickly downloading onto a company’s Web site, there are certain rules which you should follow:

 

1. Get personal. Don’t be afraid to be yourself, let your personality shine, and show your enthusiasm for this particular job and company. But don’t overdo it!
2. Differentiate Yourself. Specifically show how you can add value to this company through your skills, attitude, experience, and desire.
3. Address Company Needs. Here, you should match up the qualifications for this particular job with your skills, and, in a sentence or two, describe how you will fill their needs.
4. Be Concise. I probably should have mentioned this first, but you need to write tightly, address each of the three points (above) concisely, and get to the point quickly.
5. Don’t Linger. Keep your cover letter moving, cover the first three points in no more than three short paragraphs. You want the reader to be able to quickly see why you are a candidate worth contacting.
6. Be Gracious. Conclude your cover letter with a brief final paragraph in which you thank the reader for their time and interest, and express how you will follow up this cover letter and hope that they do so, too.

    

 

Career Coach Articles > Marketing Yourself

Use the following address when linking to this page: http://www.aspireforsuccess.com/weblog/41

March 20, 2007
 

More companies are looking at many additional facets of a prospective employee before making a hiring decision. At the top of this list is emotional intelligence, or the ability to function as an emotionally healthy employee.

While IQ certainly is still valued (companies do want to hire workers intelligent enough to make a difference), your EQ, or Emotional Quotient, might be the deciding factor in being hired or having your job application mired in quicksand.

How can you show a potential new employer that you have a high EQ? Well, you can make sure that you show emotional intelligence in your present job so it can be emphasized by your references and in your cover letter and interviews.

Here are 10 key points to show your prospective employer that you have emotional stability:

1. Communication. The most important factor in your emotional quotient. If you can communicate, you can fit in anywhere.
2. Consideration. Showing respect for your co-workers, supervisors, and in your collaborations with them is a great asset.
3. Adjustments. It's good to show flexibility and how you can adjust to new workplace, personnel, and project changes.
4. Listening. Your ability to listen well to others is an important quality to possess and to demonstrate to a potential new employer.
5. Enthusiasm. This attribute is one which you can easily display in an interview and can be easily conveyed by your references.
6. Trust. How your co-workers feel about you is extremely important. Trust can't be manufactured, you need to earn it.
7. Patience. This is an ideal quality for a prospective employer to see in you. Make sure to use it in your job process.
8. Helping. Showing how you have assisted co-workers by collaborating, leading, or supporting them in projects is valued highly.
9. Challenging. Show how you have challenged yourself to step up and make a difference in your current workplace.
10. Improvements. And, demonstrating how you have improved yourself personally, intellectually, and emotionally shows that you'd be a good hire.

 

So, basically, if you can show most or all of these attributes to a potential employer, you will have proven that you possess the emotional intelligence to work for them. If you can't show these qualities, get to work today on improving your EQ. It might make all the difference in your job search.

 

Career Coach Articles > Marketing Yourself

Use the following address when linking to this page: http://www.aspireforsuccess.com/weblog/38

February 18, 2007
 

When it comes to advancing your candidacy for a specific job, words are key-words in your resume, words in your cover letter, and words in your job interview.

With so many companies now using computer software to screen candidates' resumes and cover letters for key words, it is essential that you use them if you want to advance in your job hunt. Without using keywords, your candidacy is unlikely to advance, no matter how great a candidate you are.

When you review a job ad or description, pull out the keywords and use them in your resume and cover letter. If the ad says "problem solver," use it! If the ad says "manages client relationship," use that, too!

Your best bet is to carefully copy down and use the keywords in a job description, but here are 10 key words that can commonly be found in most job ads. You can't go wrong using these:

1. Interpersonal skills
2. Organizational skills
3. Management skills
4. Leadership
5. Communication
6. Planning
7. Initiative
8. Self-motivated
9. Team-building
10. Client-focused

Using keywords also will help you in your job interview. You will be familiar with the keywords and phrases they are interested in and will be able to recall them quickly and use them in your interview, and likely impress your interviewer.

Career Coach Articles > Marketing Yourself

Use the following address when linking to this page: http://www.aspireforsuccess.com/weblog/33

February 12, 2007
 
 

Many science fiction writers have speculated about a world of the future taken over by machines. In many regards, this already has occurred in the world of job hunting.

 

Instead of the human touch, your resume and cover letter will most often be touched first by a machine-a computer loaded with software that will screen your attributes and quickly place you in one of two piles: pursue further or reject candidate. The key to this process is keywords, and how to find them and how to use them.

 

Here are five tips that will help you advance your candidacy with the use of keywords and keep you away from the reject pile:

 

1. Keywords Are Key. You must be prepared to present yourself as a person they are searching for by using specific keywords that they already have given you in their ad and job description.
2. Pay Attention. Look carefully at the ad and job description for the position you desire. See what qualities are emphasized and what words the company uses to describe them. Then, use these words in your resume and cover letter.
3. First Things First. Most often, the keywords mentioned first in the ad and job description are the most important. These are the attributes they are seeking in a candidate. Use these keywords first.
4. Be Specific. Don't generalize. Rewrite your resume and cover letter to match each job description, using the keywords they are using. A generic resume that you send to dozens of employers won't cut it here.
5. Get Familiar. Do, however, look at other ads for positions in the same field, and incorporate what appears to be recurrent keywords in these descriptions.

 

If you use key words to adapt your resume and cover letter to each new job, you are much more likely to get past the first-step machines and get an interview with a real person.

 

 

Career Coach Articles > Marketing Yourself

Use the following address when linking to this page: http://www.aspireforsuccess.com/weblog/31

February 01, 2007
 

LinkedIn is the hottest new online network that can help you make a real connection. No, it's not a dating service. It might be even better. With 9 million already using LinkedIn, it's a way to make connections with countless former and new professional contacts.

The free service can help you upgrade your career, contact former colleagues and classmates, people search, and check out a potential new employer. You can quickly create a personal profile and make new connections in minutes.

Here are five ways you and your job search can benefit from using LinkedIn:

1. Expand Your World. The more information that you include in your profile, the more connections you'll make and the more you will increase the possibility of your profile being seen by someone looking for a job candidate just like you.

 

2. Connections That Work. You are more likely to be contacted by a potential manager or interviewer who doesn't know you, but feels more comfortable because they know your connections: your friends; co-workers; classmates.

 

3. New Opportunities. Using an advanced search will link you to others with similar educational and professional experience who can open up your eyes to potential positions at their companies and at other possible new workplaces.

 

4. Improve Interviews. Through LinkedIn, you can find out more about a prospective new employer and the person(s) who might interview you. This can provide you with more information and a better comfort level for your interview.

 

5. Promote Yourself. If you have your own Web site or a personal blog, you can link your profile to them and link them to search engines. This will help get you and your job search the ultimate amount of exposure.

 

 

Career Coach Articles > Marketing Yourself

Use the following address when linking to this page: http://www.aspireforsuccess.com/weblog/29

January 31, 2007
 

 

By Neil Shifman and Lyn Kaplan

Although the unemployment rate is down in many industries, this doesn't mean that job hunters should assume that landing the perfect job is going to be easy. Preparation for that all-important interview, regardless of the position or its level, is essential.

 

The purpose of an interview is to determine whether a candidate has what it takes to contribute to a company's bottom line and will fit in with the corporate culture. With this in mind, prospective employees should consider the following practices for a successful interview:

 

• Timing is everything (appearance counts, too). Every interviewee knows that tardiness is inappropriate, but being too early has its own consequences. If you show up more than 10 minutes before your interview time, you could disturb the interviewer or the office manager's schedules. The best thing to do is to leave your house early and spend some time at a local coffee shop if you arrive ahead of schedule. In addition, wear a nice suit. It's better to be overdressed than underdressed and it shows that you take this interview seriously.

 

• Knowledge is power. Be sure to thoroughly study the company's Web site and learn about its mission, its services and clientele and its core purpose. Piggyback off that information when explaining why you are ideal for the organization's mission and why you would be an asset to the team. Make specific reference to past work successes so that the interviewer can better understand your related experience. Anecdotes help paint a picture of your experience.

 

• Actions speak louder than words. Of course, what you say and how you say it are important, but don't forget that interviewers are extremely receptive to body language. Make a good impression with a firm handshake, continuous eye contact and a relaxed yet attentive posture. Use hand gestures, but don't overdue it.

 

• But do speak up. In many situations, the questions a job candidate asks can reveal more than what he or she answers. Prepare questions ahead of time and prove to the interviewer that as a job seeker, it is important to you that a company's attitude meshes with your own. If you do not ask any questions, the interviewer will think that you are uninterested or unmotivated.  

 

• Acknowledge everyone. It is very important for employers to know that the next hire will be aligned with their company's culture and goals and be a good fit with existing workers. As a result, you should make it a point to introduce yourself to those you come across and maintain a smile to make a lasting impression.

 

• Don't forget to say thanks. An employer has just taken valuable time to meet with you. Show that you appreciate the opportunity to meet with him or her by writing a thank-you note. In addition to exhibiting good manners, this is a smart way to show you understand the importance of following up and are indeed interested in the position.

 

Neil Shifman is the district manager and Lyn Kaplan is a sales consultant in the Boston offices of Administaff.  Administaff (NYSE:  ASF) is  the nation's leading professional employer organization (PEO), serving as a full-service human resources department that provides small and medium-sized businesses with administrative relief, big-company benefits, reduced liabilities and a systematic way to improve productivity.  The company operates 41 sales offices in 22 major markets.  For more information about Administaff, call 800-465-3800 or visit www.administaff.com. 

Career Coach Articles > Marketing Yourself

Use the following address when linking to this page: http://www.aspireforsuccess.com/weblog/28

January 24, 2007
 

 

It's not always easy to toot your own horn, but that's exactly what you should be doing when searching for a new job. Most resumes are full of job duties, responsibilities, your positions and companies, and educational experience.

 

What they are often lacking, however, is your accomplishments-the work that you have done that has made a difference. Describing these accomplishments isn't as easy as listing your duties and experience. Yet, recruiters look upon them as being far more important.

 

Your accomplishments are something that can set you apart from the other candidates. So, here are a few tips about how to create an accomplishment inventory:

 

• What's an Accomplishment? An accomplishment is not being a manager. It's managing a 25-person operation that has set a new standard for productivity. An accomplishment is not being accountable. It's producing a 15 percent increase in sales with a sales staff reduced by 10 percent.
• Start Now. Even if you're not actively looking for a job, start compiling your accomplishments (promotions, awards, letters of commendation, results of projects you managed or partnered) in a folder in your desk or a folder on your desktop.
• Documenting. Be specific about the nature of your role, the problems you confronted, the actions you took, and the results you effected. Include your awards, letters of commendation, and complimentary e-mails from your supervisors.
• Don't Exaggerate. There is no need to embellish here. Stick to the facts, be honest about your role and the results, and you'll be surprised at how quickly your inventory will expand.
• Use It Often. Review your accomplishments regularly, so it will become second nature to use them in your resume, in your cover letters, and in your interviews with recruiters. That way it will be easy for you to discus your accomplishments and show a prospective employer how you stand out from the pack.

Remember, it ain't braggin' if you can back it up!

 

Career Coach Articles > Marketing Yourself

Use the following address when linking to this page: http://www.aspireforsuccess.com/weblog/26

January 17, 2007
 
 

There are a variety of definitions for an elevator speech or pitch, but they all revolve around making a quick, 30- to 90-second speech about yourself that informs and intrigues a prospective employer. Basically, it's your opportunity to sell yourself or to make your best pitch.

 

Developing a good elevator speech can help you in job interviews, at job fairs, in networking, and in seeking promotions at your current firm. Here are 10 tips to make your elevator speech a quick ride to the top:

 

1. Prepare. Think out what you want to say about your abilities if you had the chance to pitch yourself for a new job.
2. Edit Thyself. Time your elevator speech, and then start editing it into a more concise and complete package.
3. Practice. Practice does make perfect, so try your speech out in front of the mirror and in front of friends.
4. Research Firms. Determine what your prospective company is seeking, and focus some of your speech in that direction.
5. Be Sincere. Don't say why you think you're the greatest, tell them why you would be a good addition to their firm.
6. Be Passionate. Talk from your heart, and explain why you have a passion for this work and/or company.
7. Show Warmth. Try not to come across as too smooth, too precise, or too calculating. Be warm, and smile.
8. Eye Contact. And, don't be shy. Keep your head up, maintain regular eye contact, and be positive.
9. Relax. It might seem impossible after reading all of this, but being able to relax during your elevator speech is essential. Be yourself.
10.  End Strong. Don't let your elevator speech trail off. Determine an ending that has you asking to make a follow-up call or requesting an interview.

Career Coach Articles > Marketing Yourself

Use the following address when linking to this page: http://www.aspireforsuccess.com/weblog/24

January 16, 2007
 

Women who leave the corporate world to either focus on other interests/hobbies or to raise a family may encounter roadblocks when they try to re-enter the workforce. Recent research done at Wharton’s Center for Leadership and Change Management suggests that women executives should prepare for their re-entry when leaving the workforce.

 

Wharton research suggests that women executives engage in some of the following strategies to ensure a smooth transition back into the workforce:

 

1. Stay up-to-date on your skills by keeping a hand in the workforce (project work or part-time work), while absent from full-time employment. Stay current by taking continuing education courses and keeping your professional licenses up-to-date.
2. Keep networking while you are off and keep your business contacts alive. This will ease the transition back to full-time employment.
3. Stay current and competitive with computer technology. Technology changes rapidly and new graduates are well versed in the latest’s IT tools, making competition more intense.
4. Don’t apologize or make excuses for why you have taken time off. Redirect the conversation to “here is what I have been doing to keep my skills up-to-date and here is how I can add value to your company”.
5. If during your time off, you have done volunteer work, or managed the family expenses, frame these experiences in business terms that resonate for hiring managers.
6. Think about re-entering the workforce in a smaller company or by being self-employed, which will allow for greater flexibility over the hours you work.
7. Research employers who are “women-friendly” and who have programs that embrace work life balance.

Career Coach Articles > Marketing Yourself

Use the following address when linking to this page: http://www.aspireforsuccess.com/weblog/23

November 20, 2006
 

When coaching clients on resume development, I often have to remind them of the purpose of the resume. The goal of writing a resume is to land an interview-nothing more, nothing less. It is NOT to find a job! While finding a job might be your goal, the purpose of sending your resume is to entice the recruiter/hiring manager to call you in for an interview. The resume is how you initiate the process.

Once you land an interview, you can use the interview itself to expand on details in your resume and professional background, as well as highlight how you can add value to the employer's organization. Here are a few tips for resume writing that might help you focus more clearly on why you are sending the resume and what its goal is:

• Read the employer's job description first-be familiar with the skills and competencies they desire.
• Only include data in your executive profile and professional experience sections that are relevant to what the employer is seeking.
• Do not make your resume an autobiographical sketch of your past life-if the employer wants more details on a point, they will ask you.

Career Coach Articles > Marketing Yourself

Use the following address when linking to this page: http://www.aspireforsuccess.com/weblog/8

November 16, 2006
 

Choosing References

One of the most overlooked facets of your job search can be your personal and professional references. Choosing the right references for you can almost be an after-thought. But, it shouldn’t be.

A good reference can make or break your candidacy for a new job. Here are a few ideas that will help make your references work for you:

• Get Started Early. Select references who know you well, both professionally and personally. Contact them early in the process, and make sure that they feel comfortable speaking in your behalf.
   
• Make Good Choices. Make sure that your references are well-spoken and can easily detail your best attributes. You want them to be able to explain why you would be a good match for the position.
• Prepare Your References. Send them your résumé and potential job descriptions, and tell them why you want this job and why you would be good at it.
• Keep Them Posted. Let your references know when they might be contacted. They will respond better if they are prepared to speak about you.
• Follow Up. Ask that your references let you know when they have been contacted, and immediately send them a thank-you note. They may have helped you more than you know, and it’s important to show your appreciation.

Career Coach Articles > Marketing Yourself

Use the following address when linking to this page: http://www.aspireforsuccess.com/weblog/6

November 09, 2006
 

Online Screening and Assessment

I read a very interesting article recently on the use of Web-based screening and assessment tools as part of the hiring process. I found this article fascinating and wanted to share the information with you.

Most medium- and large-sized organizations have adopted or will adopt an applicant tracking system; it should be noted that these systems do not evaluate candidates’ effectiveness for the roles for which they are applying.

Firms are increasingly using hiring tools as part of their standard hiring process. These tools could include personality questionnaires or qualifications screening. Sixty-two percent of the firms surveyed by Rocket-Hire’s annual usage survey said at least one online assessment tool was used to sort out candidates early in the hiring process.

Other online assessment tools also are becoming popular for more in-depth evaluation of a candidate later in the hiring process. In addition to the assessment mentioned above, other tools can include assessment to determine the “fit” within a company or a cognitive assessment which evaluates verbal and quantitative skills.

It also is worth noting that firms do perform background investigations and checks on criminal records, candidate’s backgrounds, skills, knowledge, and certificates.

For additional information, please visit:

http://www.ere.net/articles/db/DD629D5EE2C2401D9777B9D73810CAE9.asp

 

Career Coach Articles > Marketing Yourself

Use the following address when linking to this page: http://www.aspireforsuccess.com/weblog/5

November 06, 2006
 

Welcome to Aspirations! Blog

I have started this blog as a way to communicate with my readers on a more frequent basis. I will be making posts to the blog biweekly and will cover a variety of topics including employment trends, companies that are hiring, thoughts on how to market yourself, etc.

As I approach Saturday, which is the first day of the networking class I teach for part-time MBA students at Boston University’s School of Management, I have been reflecting on some notes the students have sent me. Many of the students have commented that they have trouble making “small talk.”

Here are a few tips on how to make “small talk.”

• Prepare for the conversation. When you plan to attend an event (industry-, college-related or otherwise), come up with three questions that you can ask the attendees to break the ice. Some examples are:
• Do you come to these events often?
• What do you think of the guest speaker? Have you heard he/she speak before?
• How do you know the host/hostess?
• Actively listen to your conversational partner. Ask open-ended questions to keep the conversation flowing and provide feedback as appropriate. Listen more than you talk. Maintain eye contact, do not glance around the room, and give visual clues that you are listening.
• Be introduced. If there is someone in particular you would like to meet, it is always easier to be introduced by someone. Ask a mutual friend to do the honors.

Once you’ve accomplished these three tips, you’ll be well on your way to making a big impression through “small talk.”

Career Coach Articles > Marketing Yourself

Use the following address when linking to this page: http://www.aspireforsuccess.com/weblog/4

T: 1 (617) 489-7738
rbussin@AspireForSuccess.com

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