Many jobseekers dread this time of year. Holiday parties with family and friends all awkwardly wondering if you’ve found a job yet, and if you haven’t–you really just don’t want to talk about it.
I totally get that.
But you’ve got to find a way to put a positive spin on it. The job market’s tough–no one is contending that. There’s more opportunities now than in prior months, but that also means there’s far more applicants. No one is going to doubt that you’ve been putting in your time on your job search, or walking away from you believing that you’re a loser.
However, here’s a few tips you can use to solicit help and get them as excited about your future as you are.
1. Talk about what you do in terms of “I’m the person who…”. My #1 complaint with jobseekers is that when they introduce themselves, they do it in the framework of how they view themselves–what makes sense to them, rather than what will resonate with their listener.
Example: “I’m a business analyst, I worked at Pitney Bowes for 20 years, and now I’m looking for work.”
Problem: Your listener may have absolutely no idea what a business analyst does. Do you think they’re going to ask you something that you made seem so obvious? They’ll just nod their head, wish you the best, and move on.
Solution: When you introduce yourself, or the kind of position you’re looking for–frame it as the answer to “I’m the person who”…put a picture in people’s minds of what you do, what problems you solve. Give them something memorable, and make it easy for them to ask you more questions to get to know you.
I always give the example of introducing myself as a career coach when I started this business…and seeing it go WHOOSH over people’s heads. They didn’t get it. When I changed my intro to resume writing, job interview coaching and job search coaching–I saw the PING of recognition. People knew what those things were–they GOT IT! And conversations would go from there. Which brings me to my second point…
2. Look like you want the job you’re looking for. Too many times jobseekers (and I’ve seen small businessowners do this as well introduce themselves in a flat, monotone, unexcited tone of voice. Why would I help you get a job, or become a client if it doesn’t sound like you want to be doing that?
Put some energy into your introduction, make your eyes light up, show that you really LOVE what you do, bring out your passion! Be excited–this isn’t high school where you’re labeled a “geek” for showing a genuine interest in something. I guarantee people will love you even more for it!
How I’ve seen this work: Recent college grads who attend my networking groups are ALWAYS cleaning up on job leads. WHY? Because they have that wide-eyed, I’ll try anything approach.
Another way: I was reviewing a client’s resume and we were talking about ways to position him in the market. I said “for example, some people describe themselves as the ones who can make order out of complete chaos and will take the projects no one else will touch.”
His eyes LIT UP! He said–THAT’S ME! I LOVE doing that, that’s just the kind of job I’m looking for because I’ve done it in all my other jobs. THAT’S what people need to see to make you memorable, that’s what also needs to be on your resume to position yourself differently from other candidates.
3. Read your audience: Again, be in tune to the person you’re talking to and you’ll pick up subtle body language cues. Are their eyes wandering around the room, are they shifting from foot to foot, are their eyes even glazing over? Change your introduction, think of a “war story” about your old job, ask them questions about themselves. Do something to change the conversation and have them remember you as interesting and witty, rather than human-wallpaper.
4. Be clear about what you’re looking for: If you’re trying to get a lead into a specific company because you’ve always wanted to work there, use that to jumpstart your conversation, and you may be able to introduce the other company names on your list as well. You want to give people a clear understanding of what you do–but also be open to any suggestion they give you.
5. Accept every suggestion: It’s an improv comedy rule, but it works in real life too. People will make stupid suggestions about your job search. It will happen–but they mean well. You need to accept whatever idea people give you with a genuine smile and keep the conversation going. I’ve seen it many times where people’s first suggestion is pretty useless, but their second suggestion is pure gold! Do NOT feel the need to painfully correct them if you don’t like their first idea, accept it, move on. And be ready for their 2nd or 3rd–and recognize that they’re just trying to help.
People want to help you–try these suggestions to make it easy for them to do just that.
Now–let’s go get some jobs!!!
What are some of the things you are doing to stand out from the crowd? We all know that as technology continues to evolve and there are more and improved ways to communicate, getting your résumé noticed by hiring managers, recruiters and members of the HR community can be difficult. There are systems like Taleo and anonymous postings; and it can be next to impossible to get the name of someone. I say next to because nothing is impossible! It just depends on how much time and effort you want to expend. Regardless, in the world of career search, you want to stick out like a sore thumb – but only in the most professional and positive way, of course. This brings me to my point (finally). What are some things you can do to make sure you grab the reader’s attention aside from the obvious results dominated statements.
Consider the following:
Your résumé through rose colored glasses: Depending on the industry you are working in and the position you hold, adding some color in a tasteful way can make your résumé shine. If you work in marketing, PR, or another related or similar field, adding this dash of flair can illustrate a bit of creativity on your part and will allow you to stand out from the other candidates in the pile. You might consider changing the color of the major headings to a deep maroon or something dark grey. Don’t go too crazy; you simply want to spice up the résumé a bit while keeping a professional and tactful appeal. Here’s a little sample to show you what I mean:
Picture This: Have you considered adding a picture to your résumé? I am not talking about a picture of you. I am talking about a stock photo of some sort. A nice visual can set a very appealing tone for the résumé and make you stand out from the crowd. As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words – especially where your résumé is concerned, a well placed image can be priceless. See this sample here:
Certainly, discretion is the better part of the job search – before you take any of these onto the playing field you need to make sure you -
- Consider the industry and the job – a big ole picture won’t fly if you are applying to be a bond trader on Wall Street.
- Don’t go overboard – seven colors and 14 pieces of clip art is probably too much even if you are looking for a job in media.
- Have some independent eyes take a look – in fact I would be willing to take a quick look for you, loyal readers – send it our way and we will happy to let you know what we at ResumesDoneWrite think.
Comments and feedback are requested and desired; and you are welcome and encouraged to submit questions to thecareerdoctor.
Debra Wheatman, CPRW, CPCC is the founder and Chief Career Strategist of ResumesDoneWrite, a premier career services provider focused on developing highly personalized career roadmaps for senior leaders and executives across all verticals and industries.
Debra can be reached at -
DWheatman@ResumesDoneWrite.com
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I had a very interesting experience not that long ago. After receiving an unsolicited email from a networking group, I did some research and decided to attend an upcoming meeting. It was pretty close by, about a 37-minute drive from my house provided I didn’t get lost and wind up in Michigan. Any of you who know me realize that this is a distinct possibility since I have virtually no internal compass and can barely find my way out of a circle. Well, to avoid the anxiety of getting lost, my husband went and purchased a GPS for me. Not convinced that it would work, I still insisted on printed directions. What do I care if the military uses GPS technology to shoot a rocket through the eye of a needle? They have no idea the level of my direction incompetence. About 37 minutes later, I arrived without incident! I love that GPS! Here’s what I learned:
The moderator, Ted, has given over 6,000 public speaking engagements. So, it’s safe to say that he is well spoken and engages his audience. He did not have business cards and indicated early on that we were not there to give those out. I figured out why shortly thereafter. Ted’s position was this: Don’t go to meetings to network and try to gain business by delivering a lame sales or elevator pitch. Interact with people; find out what they NEED. Engage people to talk about themselves; and then, figure out how YOU can HELP THEM.
Indeed I understood even better when Ted began randomly selecting people from the group to stand and speak for about 10 minutes. They were not to speak about what they did or what they wanted you to get from them – but rather, they were to present information about how they could help the Group, and those people (not present) who others in the group might know. This was an interesting tactic because each person that spoke had a business; they had something to sell. However, each presentation was not a sales pitch but useful information about how a member of the group could benefit from the speaker’s help. Is this a sales pitch? Absolutely.
After listening to all of this, Ted moved on and selected me to give a speech. Undaunted, I stood in front of the crowd and presented my fear of never arriving to the place; getting hopelessly lost; and sobbing in my car waiting for help despite my GPS. This didn’t happen, of course. Even if I was lost, I am not sure I would be found sobbing. I segued into explaining that I use a sort of GPS when working with others; something that I call the CPS (Career Positioning System) to help people learn about their competencies, professional and personal aspirations, and dreams, in some cases to realize short- and medium-term goals. At no time did I mention my company’s name or ‘pitch’ to the group that I am definitely looking for business. My presentation was about how I could help and the things I do to provide that help.
So the takeaway is this: it’s the spin you put on things. All of the presentations were delivered because the people attending the event were looking for business. However, their delivery was how they could help others – genuinely help, which in the current economy is not only desired but also necessary. In helping others, you help yourself and that sharing can and will present benefits in your professional and personal life.
Comments and feedback are requested and desired; and you are welcome and encouraged to submit questions to thecareerdoctor.
Debra Wheatman, CPRW, CPCC is the founder and Chief Career Strategist of ResumesDoneWrite, a premier career services provider focused on developing highly personalized career roadmaps for senior leaders and executives across all verticals and industries.
Debra can be reached at -
DWheatman@ResumesDoneWrite.com
ResumesDoneWrite.Blogspot.com
WWW.ResumesDoneWrite.com
Connect to me on LinkedIn
Follow me on Twitter
Whenever we start to get desperate, we job seekers often dig ourselves ever deeper into the trench of despond. Then the phone unexpectedly rings and a friendly, chipper voice on the other end lures us with the promise of employment. We perk right up, momentarily drop our defenses and put on our best corporate voice.
Warning: You may have just fallen prey to the bottom-feeder, the recruiter straight out of central casting (or is that hell?), a master at playing on our false hopes. Is it worth your time to just play along?
Do you believe in miracles?
Telltale signs you might as well hang up right now
- When they’re vague about where they found your résumé
- Talk too fast
- Have no interest in meeting with you in person, but can’t wait to submit your résumé, pronto, to a client in need of a warm body
- Play coy about revealing the client’s name
- Tell you they’re on retainer, that the listing is unadvertised and exclusive to them. Later, of course, you discover the posting on Monster
- Start picking your brains to determine if you might have already been scooped by another recruiter or have ever applied on your own
- Feign polite interest when you try to talk up your value and unique skill set
- First order of business: Finding out what you’re looking for by way salary
- Second order of business: Asking if you’re willing to settle for less? — say by about $20K to $30K, maybe even more
- Assure you up and down that there’s no room for negotiation
- Demand to know if you’re still interested
- Make you feel chastened, cheapened and even more desperate to give in
- Ask you to tailor your résumé to fit the job description, even when that means stretching the truth
- Keep sending you emails to hurry it up; the deadline is imminent
- Follow up with an urgent email the next day, or two or three, asking you to supply a cover letter or complete a lengthy questionnaire
- Call you yet again about something else they forgot to mention, like the need to add five references, including full contact information for each
All that effort and in return only silence. You never hear from them again. Don’t fall into this trap. There are far better ways to use your energies, which I’ll be discussing in my upcoming blogs.
— Judy Margolis
Jeff just did two excellent posts on resume movement, that is, when your resume, prior to this recession, makes it seems as if you switch companies with a change of the wind. He notes:
They want to make sure if they invest in you that you are going to stay with them and not split for the next passing ship.
How do you convince them you’re going to stick around? For that matter, how do you know you’re going to stick around?
That “any job” thing is characteristic of what I call a Job Chameleon, and it’s not impressive. Even in mild form, it leads to being the bridesmaid and never the bride. If you’ve had a few interviews but no offers, the problem is with your interviewing skills and here’s a prime piece of that.
You may think you know what you want, but most seem not to, at least not on the level of detail to serve you or your employer long term. You need to be looking for the company that’s looking for you. That’s “the company” not “a company.”
Who has given thought to the profile of the company in which they work best? Let’s start with size. What’s small? 20 people? 2,000 people? A branch of a world wide organization? What’s huge? National? Regional? Depends on what you’re comparing it to.
What about growth? Do you get bored easily and need mental growth and daily challenges? Or are you comfortable with routine, but you want to move up the ladder in a solid, steadily growing company? Or is it maybe that you like a combo and most important to you perhaps is new challenges and growing up the ladder in title?
Lots of job seekers look for a “people oriented” company. Most companies consider themselves people oriented. Most people consider themselves “people oriented”!
In companies, there’s likely to be a significant difference of opinion on what “people oriented” means, depending on who you ask: senior management, staff, customers, or other businesses with whom they interact; depending on whether they like their job; depending on what kind of day they’re having…..or depending on if they have to put on a face to interview you.
Some look for the “right opportunity.” How is that defined? That could be anything relative to whatever company you are interviewing with – usually clarified by something you didn’t like. But it needs to be defined by the positive – not the negative. Too far to commute? Not “the right opportunity.” Base salary too low? Not “the right opportunity.” Too much travel? Not “the right opportunity.”
- What about company culture?
- The location relative to commute time?
- The chemistry between you and the others – individually and collectively?
- What motivates you?
- Under what management style to work best?
When you’ve examined ALL your previous jobs and identified – in depth – these points (at a minimum) you ask sensible questions that provide you with specific information. You stop jumping automatically through every hoop. You, as an interviewee, get respect.
You’re able to say to the company with whom you’re interviewing, “Yes, I’ve had a lot of jobs, that’s why I’ve given so much thought to my next one.” You’re able to communicate through dialogue, and Q & A what kind of company you want; what kind of company will benefit from employing you.
You’re less likely to end up in a place where 3 months later, you hate what you’re doing and have to stick it out. More than that, the company knows that when they fit that profile, you’ll be sticking around.
Judi Perkin, the How To Career Coach, is the founder of Find the Perfect Job. Previously she was a recruiter for 22 years, and has seen over 500,000 resumes and partnered with hundreds of hiring authorities. She now teaches seekers HOW TO find their perfect job by understanding the techniques and the psychology of the process.
Judi@FindthePerfectJob.com
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