Movin' On Up

The Difference a Day Makes

Today’s my birthday. It’s not a milestone birthday like sweet 16, 21, or the hill surpassing 50. It’s just a regular, somewhere-in-the-middle birthday. In fact, it seems fairly insignificant as far as birthday’s go, but to tell the truth, I’m a little sad to see the additional candle on the cake.

I’m not worried about getting older. I’m old enough to know that aging is a natural part of life, and much preferred to the alternative, as the Curious Case of Benjamin Button so strongly convinced me. I just thought I would be a little further along when I got here. I thought I’d be a little more grown-up for this “somewhere-in-the-middle” grown-up age.

Have you ever gotten somewhere only to find your destination did not meet your expectations?  Maybe the endless opportunities you expected to greet you after college aren’t quite so infinite. Maybe you thought you’d have a different job, a different title, or an entirely different career. Maybe this year, instead of retiring off your 401(k), you’re faced with rebuilding it. Maybe you’ve discovered that being your own boss is more overwhelming than freeing.

Life is rarely everything we expect it to be. It’s unpredictable and changing. It has turns, twists, and forks in the most unexpected places. While we can’t foresee the outcome of our future, or even the outcome of tomorrow, we can take steps and choose paths that shape and change our lives.

Abraham Lincoln once said, “The best thing about the future is that it only comes one day at a time.” So, if today you’ve found yourself somewhere unexpected, or a little off course, take it in stride, and start changing your life one day at a time. Don’t wait for the beginning of a new year, or a milestone birthday, start today.

Start small. If you’re looking for a job, send out one more résumé today than you did yesterday, write one more thank-you note to a potential employer, or call one more contact for a possible job opportunity. If you’re rebuilding your savings or 401(k), begin by forgoing your daily Starbucks stop or canceling your cable. If you’re an overwhelmed entrepreneur, use temporary staffing to help lighten your workload, simplify a process, or take a well-deserved day to just clear your head. 

Today’s a new day. Every passing moment your present meets your future. So, make each day count, and it will make all the difference. You may not be able to predict your future, but you can certainly shape it.

Who’s Hiring, Who Isn’t, and How to Get the Job

While some industries continue to see sharp declines in job losses, other industries have remained strong during the recession, and some have even started to bounce back.

According to a recent report released by Beyond.com, Inc., a network of online communities for niche careers, healthcare and information technology are two industries that continue to add jobs at a steady pace. Their third quarter Career Trend Report for 2009 also indicated that sales, sales management, manufacturing, and production industries experienced slight increases in job gains in the third quarter of 2009, while professional services including accounting, finance, engineering, and architecture are experiencing declines in job loss.

For those looking for employment opportunities or looking to change careers, it’s important to market yourself, tailor your résumé to reflect the industry and the job you’re applying for, and research the company before the interview. There are several ways to make sure your résumé is top of mind when decision makers are sifting through piles of applicants.

1. Identify your transferable skills. It’s important that you look at your skills and evaluate how to translate them on your résumé to reflect the job you’re applying for.
2. Market your transferable skills in your job search. Once you have identified your transferable skills, tailor your résumé for each specific job.
3. Network in industry-specific arenas. A key element to finding a job is who you know. By integrating yourself with key players in the industry, you’ll increase your chances of landing an interview or even a job offer. 
4. Research a potential employer. You don’t want to miss out on the job because you didn’t know anything about the company. Research will also help you when you’re preparing a tailored résumé.

Knowing what industries are hiring is important when looking for a job or making a career change. Once you have an idea of what areas are expanding, tailoring your résumé and making the right decisions on how you prepare can influence the hiring manager’s decision on whether or not you get the job.

3 Risky Job Search Tactics

With the national unemployment rate reaching 9.8% in September, competition in the job market feels fiercer than high school cheerleading tryouts. With all that opposition, it’s important to stand out from the crowd. But, standing too far out can be risky business. So, before you resort to a showy song and dance routine (unless of course your next interview is on Broadway, in which case, break a leg) or any of these three job search tactics, make sure you weigh the risks so you don’t set yourself too far apart in your next interview and risk losing the job.

1. The unconventional résumé. Non-traditional résumés like website portfolios, podcasts and video résumés might be the wave of the future, but not every business or industry is suited for them. So, whatever résumé form you choose to submit, make sure it’s smart, relevant, and effective with your industry and audience when you interview. If you do use an unconventional résumé, consider pairing it with a traditional one for more conservative fields.

2. The statement wardrobe choice. First impressions are made within three to five seconds, so what you wear says a lot about who you are. A Lady Gaga-sense of style may win you rave reviews at fashion week, but professional dress is more appropriate for most interviews (unless you’re applying for a job as a stylist). While you should always be yourself, be a toned-down version of you in the interview, especially if you’re the type to rock fuchsia pumps or a yellow bow tie. Before your interview, learn about the company culture and atmosphere to determine how you should dress.

3. The overly confident boaster. Confidence allows potential employers to see your ability, enthusiasm, and drive. It’s important to present your past experiences and accomplishments with assurance. But, when you discuss your successes and achievements, be sure to give specific and quantifiable examples. And, back your examples with solid references who will do the talking for you. You run the risk of seeming pretentious and arrogant if you give only vague statements of your triumphs.

When you’re looking for a job, consider each risk carefully. Of course you need to stand out, but in the right way. Be brave by being you in a way that demonstrates your skills, attitude, and character. A sincere job applicant can be the diamond in the rough that employers are looking for.

The Mixed Signals Affecting Your Career

We live in a world of perpetual communication. On average, men use more than 13,000 words a day and women use nearly three times that amount. We also send and receive information through nonverbal messages such as our body language, posture, facial expressions, gestures, and eye contact. Appearance, style of speech, and voice inflection can further communicate information to others. We communicate at work, at home, in social settings, through social media sites like Twitter and Facebook, through e-mail, blogs, instant messaging, phones, and more, all at an ever quickening pace.

What’s Your Message Saying?

We have a million things to say, and a million ways to say it, but with all that communication, the signals we send can get mixed. Sending mixed signals is sometimes unavoidable and is almost always done subconsciously, but could your mixed signals be hurting your career? What you convey verbally and nonverbally, and how you convey it can affect the way employers and co-workers perceive you. If you’re waiting on a promotion, worrying that you’re striking out during a job interview, or feeling misunderstood at work, it could be that you’re sending the wrong messages.

Understanding Misunderstandings

Misinterpretation is inevitable. Maybe your co-workers interpret your tendency to be introverted as you being cold or standoffish instead of just shy. Perhaps your enthusiasm, excitement, and passion at work make others feel overwhelmed or intimated. A relaxed personality can be interpreted as a lack of drive or just laziness. In your career and in life, it’s imperative to be aware of what you’re communicating and how that communication is received. To know what you’re communicating, you have to see yourself as others see you.

Know Thy Communication Pitfalls

Thomas Fuller once said, “No man is the worst for knowing the worst of himself.” So, while it may be uncomfortable, even a little painful, to learn you have a habit of talking over people and it’s driving your co-workers insane, or that your focused eye contact frightens the administrative assistant until she avoids you like she would a basilisk, knowing you have a disconnect in communication is half the battle. Soliciting feedback from others can equip you with the information you need to communicate more effectively. So ask a co-worker, mentor, respected leader, friend, or even the employer who choose not to hire you to provide feedback on the messages you send, and use that information to adapt your communication styles so you can be more clearly understood.  You never know, what may seem like a small change could make all the difference. Maybe your next interview will be a home run, the next promotion a sure thing, or at the very least, maybe that administrative assistant won’t cower in fear from your death stare every time you enter the room.

 

Getting a Good Job Reference After You’ve Been Laid Off

No one wants to hear the dreaded words, “I’m sorry, but I’m going to have to let you go.” But, if you’ve been let go, these words don’t mean it’s the end of your career life. As difficult as it might be, you have to shake off the blues, get your résumé handy, and set out on a job search for a new start.

As you search for a new career, you’re going to need some references to help you out. How do you get good references after a layoff? Where do you look? Check out these categories to help you in your reference search.

1. Previous managers – If you were laid off for a non-performance related work issue, you can go back to your previous manager for a reference. If the only reason they let you go was because of cutbacks, they should be willing to recommend you and your work.
2. Former co-workers – Your co-workers work closely with you on a daily basis. They know what your work ethic, abilities, and attitude are like. Although they can’t provide you with an official recommendation on behalf of your previous company, they can provide you with a personal reference at their own will. Consider asking a former co-worker that you had a good relationship with.
3. Business Acquaintances – In your career, you have more than likely come in contact with others in your industry through professional meetings and networking functions. Look to  those individuals who know you and have a relationship with you.
4. Former customers – If you interacted with clients and customers in a previous job, you can ask them for a reference about your abilities and professionalism. They can recommend you on a specific project you did well for them and the positive impact you made on their business.
5. Former professor or instructor – If you haven’t been in the working world for very long, you can refer back to a former professor to aid in your career search. They can tell prospective employers about your academic abilities, work ethic, previous internships, etc.
6. Volunteer manager – Volunteering is a great way to build your résumé when you’re between jobs. Seek out those positions that relate to your skills and background, so you can showcase your abilities. The volunteer manager can recommend any good work that you do. Although you aren’t getting a salary for doing volunteer work, you are still doing valuable work.

If you’re currently seeking a new job, view this as an opportunity to have a fresh start and seek something you want to do and will enjoy. Take these six reference possibilities into consideration as you embark on your search. Just remember to get their permission before you list someone as a reference and always send a thank you note for offering their help.

How to Follow Up after an Interview with a Staffing Company

Staffing companies receive hundreds of applications and résumés each day from individuals looking for work. With so many job seekers vying for a staffing agency’s attention, it’s important you do what you can to assist staffing consultants in your job search. To increase your chances of landing a job, try these tips after interviewing with a staffing company to help you stay top of mind.

Call. First and foremost, staffing companies are there to help you find a job. Don’t be afraid to call after your interview to find out if there are any jobs available. Also, check with your staffing consultant to find out if they prefer a weekly or daily call for job inquiries.

Check. Depending on the staffing agency you choose, there may be certain guidelines to follow when inquiring about job openings. For example, some staffing companies may have a separate phone number for job opportunities, while others may post openings online. Check with your staffing consultant to ensure you know the process.

Update. If you have any changes to your personal information, résumé, job specifications, or qualifications, let your staffing consultant know so they can update your file. These changes could increase your chances of landing a job and help the staffing company market you to their clients.

Although finding you a job is their top priority, they can’t do it without your help. Stay in contact with your staffing agency by following these tips, and help the staffing company help land you the job you want.

3 Tips for Interviewing with a Staffing Company

When you interview with a prospective employer, you’re taught to put your best foot forward and present your best side. But what about when you go to a staffing company for help finding a job? Are you supposed to treat it like a real interview?

Interviewing with a staffing company is just like interviewing with any other potential employer. You must be prepared, professional, and informative.

Be Prepared. Before you go to an interview at a staffing agency, make sure your résumé and references are in order. If you’re looking for a job in a particular industry, make sure your résumé reflects that. Also, confirm that your contact information for your references, including phone numbers, job titles, and companies, are correct so your interviewer can quickly check references with your previous employers. You will make it easier for the staffing consultant to find you a job if you’re prepared for the interview with up-to-date and accurate information. 

Be Professional. Even though you aren’t interviewing to work at the staffing company, you still want to act and dress appropriately. Staffing consultants make their recommendations to hiring companies based on your résumé, demeanor, and experience. So, make sure to wear your best interview attire and act professional.

Be Informative. The one slight difference between interviewing with a staffing agency and interviewing with a potential employer is the kind of information you tell the interviewer. During an interview at a staffing agency, it is OK to talk about the kinds of jobs you are and are not interested in and what types of employers you might like to work for. You can speak a little more freely in a staffing interview, but remember, you still need to be professional. Too much information about your personal business, past employers, or mistakes in the past can be a bad thing and could even decrease your chances of finding a satisfying career.

Interviewing at a staffing company can be a great way to find a job, but you have to treat it like any other job opportunity. Being prepared, professional, and informative is essential in getting the most out of your staffing company interview experience. 

Have a question? Share it in the comments section.

Start Your Workday Right: 7 Silent Tips to Get You Focused

Whether you’re spending your time in an office, on a construction site, or hitting the pavement looking for work, how you start the day will set the tone for what you do, and how you handle situations that arise.

That’s why it’s important to take a few minutes at the start of each day to focus and prepare yourself for what’s ahead. So, use these seven tips to find focus in the silence of the morning, before the hubbub of work pulls your attention away.

1. Listen – Turn on your favorite song, or find another sound you find soothing. Before you begin talking and engaging with the world, listen to it.

2. Meditate – Before work, chances are your mind is running over all the tasks, meetings, and projects you need to tackle. It can be difficult to focus in the morning when your thoughts are all over the place. So, take a few moments, perhaps on your commute to the office, to pray, think, or meditate on the things to come. Clear your mind of all the distractions, worries, and expectations you have, and find a place of calm where you can settle for a few moments before you get into the activity of the day.

3. Stretch – Taking just a few minutes to stretch before you start to work is a great way to prepare your body for the day ahead. Whether you’re active or sitting at a desk, you need a chance to warm up your muscles and energize your mind. There are many quick and easy stretches you can do, so take just a few minutes and stretch.

4. Breathe – Simply closing your eyes, relaxing your neck, shoulders, and face, and taking a few deep breaths is a great way to clear your mind so you can focus.

5. Smile – It may sound silly, but research shows that simply smiling can enhance your mood. So smile every morning, and remind yourself of all the good things the day holds. Smiling in the morning will energize your face and help you feel happier and keep you smiling you throughout the day. If you need a little smile inspiration, check out the Happiness Project, a photo group that’s collecting pictures of a million unique smiles.

6. Play – Perhaps you have a child or pet you can spend a few moments of quality time with before you head to work. Or, find a brain teaser or puzzle you can work on before heading out the door. Get your mind engaged in a fun activity early in the morning, and wake up your brain. Don’t wait for your workday to finish before you find time to enjoy life. Awake your creativity by finding ways to play before you start the daily grind.

7. Plan – Set one goal for yourself daily. A goal you can reasonably accomplish. Choose the most important contribution you can make at this moment in time. Of course, you’ll probably accomplish more than that one thing, but set your focus early by knowing your top priority. This will help you cut through the clutter and noise of the workday and set you up for success. Because when you accomplish your day’s goal, you can celebrate and enjoy the satisfaction of that accomplishment.

Before you start work, be intentional about taking some time to find your focus. Spend a few minutes engaging your mind and your body so you can get the most out of the potential in each day. You’ll find yourself ready to take on the challenge of the day with energy, focus, and purpose.

Do you have a favorite part of your morning routine that helps you get ready for the workday? Share your ideas and tips in the comments section.

Top 10 Job Search Tips of All Time

A successful job search is definitely not easy. First, you have to find a job you’re interested in. Next, you have to apply and wait for an invitation to interview. After that, you have to prepare for the interview, and then you have to follow up. And, that’s just the basics – there are many more small steps along the way that make things complicated and sometimes overwhelming. So, we put together our top 10 job search tips of all time – to keep you from forgetting an important step along the way.

1. Broaden your job search

2. Build a network

3. Write a top-notch résumé

4. Submit a cover letter with your résumé, every time

5. Research your potential employer’s company

6. Practice answering common interview questions

7. Prepare to ask the interviewer questions

8. Be sure to dress for success

9. Bring the proper items to an interview

10. Follow up after an interview

Landing the job you want takes time and effort. Rarely does the perfect opportunity just fall in your lap. But, you can make your job search process simpler by following these top 10 tips of all time.

Tell us what you think – did we miss one? Share your job search tips in the comments section below. We’d love to hear from you.

Standing Out in the Interview: What Your Hobbies Could Say About You

In the résumé writing process, it’s common advice to include community service, awards, and volunteering to demonstrate that you’re a well-rounded candidate.

But, have you ever thought about how your hobbies could help you stand out as a candidate in the interview? How you spend your leisure time reflects your passions in life. And in today’s job market, it’s important to interject your personality into the job search process so you can stand apart. Here are some common hobbies and how you can use them to reflect your personality – and creativity – in your interview. 

Reading

If you’re an avid reader, whatever your preferred genre, this hobby can demonstrate a hunger for knowledge or adventure. If the opportunity arises within the interview, you can tap into the knowledge-reservoir you’ve gained from this hobby by using an illustration from a favorite novel to talk about an insight you’ve applied to work.

Example: “Here’s what Lord of the Flies taught me about dealing with human nature in corporate politics…”

Crafting

Crafting comes in many forms, and it’s a great hobby that directly illustrates creativity put to practice. Have you used a logic or thought-process from constructing a craft and applied it on the job? Maybe you’ve started a part-time business selling your wares? Talk about experiences you’ve had or things you’ve learned from your favorite craft project to demonstrate your creative or entrepreneurial spirit.

Example: “Whenever I sit down to create a new scrapbook page, I go through the same planning process, but I’ve learned how to follow my instincts, too. Here’s how I apply that concept to my work…”

Pop Culture

Do you love movies, television, or other pop culture? Maybe you’re an avid fan of a specific genre or form. This hobby can do more than just produce great water cooler conversations between you and your co-workers. It can also show your hip, in-the-know side. Try talking about observations you’ve made from pop culture you admire and how that can apply to your field or discipline.

Example: “I think director J.J. Abrams has a real knack for respecting the history of a show but at the same time finding creative ways to give life to old ideas. I aim to apply that same process to building a business strategy…”

Entertaining 

Do you love cooking, hosting parties, and celebrating special events? This hobby does more than just make you the life of the party, it can show an aptitude for strategy, a flair for creativity, and an excellence at executing a plan. Talk about a unique idea you had for a recent event and how that applies to the job.

Example: “I wanted to test a new recipe before the party to see if it would appeal to kids. So, I made a batch and shared it with children in the neighborhood. Just like when I’m planning a celebration with my friends, I like to incorporate feedback to make a better project at work…”

What are You Passionate About?

These are only a few examples of common hobbies and how you can talk about them in an interview. Whatever your hobbies, whether skydiving, horseback riding, or building computers, can you find ways that they apply to your job skills?

Spend some time jotting down all of your hobbies on a piece of paper, and before each interview, check your list to see if any of them apply to the type of work you’re interviewing for. Then, find appropriate times to talk about them during the interview. This trick can also build commonality between you and an interviewer if they share the same hobby. Make sure you don’t dwell too long on a hobby, and try to talk about it in terms of how it applies to the job you’re trying to land. And, choose the hobbies you want to talk about carefully to make sure you leave the right impression. Interviewing with a traditionalist may not be the appropriate time to talk about how your fight club taught you how to resolve conflict!

Have you ever talked about a hobby during an interview? Share your stories – and how your hobbies applied to your job search – in our comments section.