Job Seeker's Resource

References - Don't job seek without them

2008-10-09T06:30:00.000-07:00

Q - Why are references so important?
A - References 'ground' the information that you provide on your resume and in your interviews. Once your prospective employer has had the opportunity to meet with you, they will definitely want to learn more about how you've performed in other positions, especially your current one.

Q - When should you set up your reference list?
A - Before you go on your first interview. If you are under serious consideration for the position, your potential employer will definitely ask for and check out your references.

Q - What actions should you take to line up your references?
A - 1. Contact each person who you want to have on your list.
2. Be sure that you know how to spell their name correctly and that you have
the correct contact information for them.
3. Ask permission to list them as your reference.
4. Be sure that you can count on them for a good reference.
5. Let them know what kind of position you're looking for. If this person thinks highly of you, they will want to pass your name along and share opportunities that they hear about.

Q - It's important to have good current references. What do you do if you don't have any?
A - Use what you have. One way to develop current references is by volunteering. Volunteering can teach you new professional skills, that will make you more competitive as a job candidate. Also - volunteer positions will help you meet new people to network with. Volunteer positions can, at times, lead to a permanent jobs.

Q - What if your most recent job ended on a sour note?
A - Do all that you can to mend broken relationships with your past employer. Make a frank appeal for a decent reference. Ask for a letter from your former boss that you can both agree on.

Q - What if you only have one bad reference?
A - If need be, admit that you did not get along with your former boss. Emphasize that although this relationship didn't work out well, that you did well in all of your other positions. Remember - accentuate your positives - put them at center stage.

Riding the job-seeking highs and lows

2008-07-21T07:13:00.000-07:00

Job seeking is challenging. You must show up and self motivate daily. The way that you manage your job search is crucial. Your professional future is on the line. This process is unpredictable. At times it's like an amusement park ride – filled with high and lows, twists and turns.

You may be strong out of the gate -- filled with optimism. Should you encounter disappointments, or if your job search takes longer than you had hoped, it can get challenging to keep yourself going. Here are some ways to stay energized and proactive:

Focus on the actions/not the results
As a job-seeker, there is much that is outside of your control. The economy may be soft. This isn't your fault, and there's not much that you can do about it. You may respond to a job posting where you seem to be a perfect fit, but receive no response. You may interview for an attractive position, but lose it to another candidate. These outcomes are frustrating and discouraging, and there is little you can do to change them.

It's more beneficial to focus on areas that you can control and on steps that you can take. There is much you can do every day to move your job search forward. These include - checking listings, making calls, and following up. By taking these actions consistently, you will improve your mood and build momentum.

To succeed -- plan!
Your job search must have a structure. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Know what actions you want to take - daily, weekly, and monthly. Write them down in a calendar and review them regularly. If you don't, it's all too easy to forget or have items fall between the cracks. Good leads are too precious to lose track of. When you prepare a list of tasks to be done, they are more likely to get accomplished. If you continue to follow through, you will see momentum building, and feel better about yourself.

Network
Most jobs are not listed in newspapers or online. They are filled through the "hidden job market". The only way to tap into this resource is by reaching out to all members of your network, especially those who are well connected. Touch base with the many people you know - professionally and personally. Let them know that you are job seeking and educate them about the kind of position you're looking for. Show them your resume and teach them about your skills and strengths. They may know of suitable openings, or be able to connect you with others who do. This is one of the best ways to find work -- don't overlook it.

Get support
Job seeking can be a lonely process. You've got to self-motivate, take actions and make lots of decisions, all on your own. The good news is that you don't have to do it all by yourself. Reach out and get support. Buddy up with a fellow job seeker. Network. Join a job-seekers support group. This will provide camaraderie, helpful tips, and hopefully some promising job leads as well.

Job seeking is unpredictable. By following these suggestions, you can stay focused and productive. You will move your job search forward, and start to see promising results.

Your network -- how well are you working it?

2008-07-14T06:53:00.000-07:00

Networking is about building and maintaining relationships -- a skill that you've been actively developing since day one on this planet.

Why is networking so essential for you as a job seeker? Most employers would prefer to not advertise. This is partly due to the economy and partly because they would rather hire someone who they know and trust, either directly or indirectly. Only 15% of all jobs get listed on the internet and in printed ads while 85% get filled through the human grapevine. As a job seeker, you want to be sure that you're in the employment pipeline, hearing about all available opportunities. If you want to access 100% of all possible positions, you must reach out to your network.

Who is in your network? Simply put, everyone you know who can be a resource for you. These include:
1. Past or present co-workers
2. Family members
3. Friends you’re in touch with regularly
4. Old friends
5. Members of your religious community
6. Peer volunteers
7. Neighbors
8. Your children’s friends’ parents
9. Business associates
10. Community leaders/elected officials
11. Professionals in your community who you deal with on an ongoing basis – your doctor, dentist, financial advisor, lawyer, etc.

How can you work your network? Start by contacting the folks on your list - by phone, mail, and email. Let them know what you're looking for. Teach them about your experience, skills and strengths. This will make it easier for them to refer you to others. If there are individuals who are well connected and who are likely to be able to pass your name along, take them to lunch or for a cup of coffee. A small investment can go a long way.

Networks must be worked. It is nice to think that, without too much effort on your part, your phone will ring and you'll be presented with the opportunity of a lifetime. Don't depend on it. Instead, get proactive. Put together a contact list and get busy. Your outreach will be energizing and fun, and it can also bring you the position you've been hopeing for.

Three key skills that interviewers look for

2008-07-07T06:25:00.000-07:00

To be seriously considered as a job candidate – employers are going to want to get a good sense of who you are and the value that you would bring to their company. This will come from your resume, cover letter, and interview.

Three key skills that interviewers look for include:
· Problem-solving skills – your ability to work through challenges
· People skills – your ability to work well with others
· Closure skills – your ability to work efficiently and get things done

It’s important that you are able to discuss your strengths and abilities in each of these areas.

Problem-solving skills –
Think about challenges that you’ve encountered on the job. What made them especially difficult? What inner resources did you use to solve them?
How did you think creatively/outside the box?
What actions did you take?
How did it work out?

People skills –
How do you shine in your relationships with your co-workers?
Are you flexible, agreeable, a good listener, articulate, a team player, trustworthy?

Closure skills –
How are you able to work efficiently and get things done?
Are you:
- well organized?
- able to think clearly under pressure?
- able to plan/track a job?
- able to follow through? prioritize? work independently?

By knowing your skills and being able to discuss them, you will show your potential employer what a valuable contribution you could make.

Remember, your prospective employer doesn’t know you. Be willing to teach them. Have stories to tell about ways in which your skills and strengths were of greatest benefit to your employers.

Present yourself for interview success

2008-06-30T06:10:00.000-07:00

On a job interview, how long does it take for a recruiters to size you up?
a. 10 seconds?
b. 10 minutes?
c. 30 minutes?

The correct answer is – 10 seconds! You haven’t even had the opportunity to utter a word, and your fate has already been sealed. This quick judgement is entirely based on how you present yourself. It isn’t fair – but this is the reality that you must face as you prepare yourself for each interview.

This reality is confirmed by the saying -- “You never get a second chance to make a first impression." Image is everything. Your resume and cover letter will get you to the interview. Once you’re there, how you present yourself will determine whether you get any farther.

Your goal is to favorably impress. You want your look to reflect the company culture and job that you hope to fill. Even if it is 'casual attire day,' always dress to impress.

Here are some tips to follow to make sure that you present well:

· Wear dark colors/avoid pastels

· No short sleeves

· Wear classic styles – nothing too trendy or extreme

· Dress in synch with the company’s dress code

· Shoes – dark, closed, shined

· Quality accessories

· Avoid – cheap watches; synthetics; short, tight, or revealing clothing; and excessive perfume

· If you smoke or are a heavy coffee drinker, have a mint before your meeting. No candy or gum during your interview.

Once you're contacted for an interview, you want to do everything possible to make a favorable impression. By taking the time to "dress for success" you will show your prospective employer that you are a solid candidate -- one who presents her/himself attractively and who should be given serious consideration.

Manage your job search effectively

2008-06-20T09:38:00.000-07:00

What actions do effective managers take? They -

- run things - make sure everything that must be done, gets done
- prioritize – decide what’s most important, what must be done first, second, etc,
- delegate - decide who does what
- break projects down into smaller tasks
- monitor projects to be sure they're done well
- track jobs to be sure that they're completed on time

As a job seeker, you must be your own manager and run your own job search –
This includes making decisions about:
- How you structure your precious time
- What leads you follow up on
- What actions you take
- When you take them
- Whether your actions are effective
- Whether you follow up or not

To manage your job search effectively, you must:
- Not let things fall between the cracks
- Stay on top of all of the details
- Write everything down in one place
- Write daily lists that you check off
- Keep everything in one place
- Keep your workspace organized
- Plan ahead

By managing your job search effectively, you’ll take smart actions, keep yourself on track, and know that you’re doing all that you can to ensure that you get the best results from your efforts.

Morale boosting for job seekers

2008-06-09T07:03:00.000-07:00

Your morale = your emotional or mental condition.

What is it about job seeking that makes it especially difficult to stay upbeat?

Job seeking can be a discouraging process. Consider this definition:
“getting a job is a series of failures that usually ends with success”
The good news is that there is often a happy ending, but the tough part is that, before the process is over, you have to take lots of bumps and rejections.

As job hunters, so much is NOT in your control, including:
- the kind of positions available
- the companies that have openings
- the state of the economy

Here are some suggestions to help you manage your moods and keep moving forward:

1. Don't isolate/get support/network
Jobs provide structure and socializing. Unemployment ends both, and this loss can be tough. Rather than isolating at home, make it a point to get out. Consider visiting your local career center and taking advantage of what they're got to offer. If they have a job club -- sign up and attend regularly. Utilize all of the services that they offer, including courses and trainings. See if there are counselors available to meet with you. All of these services are free, so why not make good use of them?

2. Structure your time/manage it well

3. Stay proactive

4. Give yourself breaks when needed, but don’t reward yourself by not doing

5. Avoid negativity – too much news, energy vampires.

6. Focus on what you can control. Avoid dwelling on the past.

7. Self-educate
A constructive way to utilize your time is to use it to self-educate. Attend free lectures, read, and/or learn new skills. A participant in the BerkshireWorks job club used her unemployment time to upgrade her skills. She took an advanced course in Excel. She also took a real estate course, sat for the state exam and then got her license. In addition to boosting her mood, these actions may lead to new professional options that weren't available when she first got laid off.

8. Consider volunteering

9. Exercise

10. Remember to have balance/fun/recreation

Expect that your morale will be occasionally be low. The good news is that, with time and effort, it will pass!

How to answer the most frequently asked job question

2008-06-04T11:32:00.000-07:00

The question that is most commonly asked on interviews is – Tell me about yourself?

The interviewer is not looking for personal information.

Instead – s/he is trying to get a sense of who you are and whether you would be a good fit for:
- the company
- the position

The interviewer wants to find out if you’ll meet their needs/wants.

How can you find out what their needs/wants are?

- From their listings (print and online)
- By researching their company and industry – on line, job fair, networking
- By asking your interviewer

What/how can you ask the interviewer? You can say something like - "I have a number of accomplishments that I’d like to tell you about, but I want to make good use of our time and address your needs. Could you please tell me more about the priorities of this position?"

Once they respond to your question, you can tell them how you’ve met these needs in past jobs.

Your response should be prepared in advance, not at the last minute. Include stories that support your claims.

Share about accomplishments within the last 10 years.

If you can, jot down a few key points that you’d like them to know and bring them along with you. Sometimes it's hard to remember them on the spot.

Let the recruiter know -
- What makes you an especially good fit?
- What is it about your background, skills, experience, education and personality that will make you an especially good fit for this position?

Remember --the recruiter has one primary concern -- to find the best fit for the job. You stand your best chance of landing the job if you can clearly discuss your strengths and demonstrate how you fit the company's needs and wants.

Evaluate – is that job right for you?

2008-05-31T10:01:00.000-07:00

Since you’re investing your precious time in your job search, it makes sense that you do so wisely. Throughout the process, you will be evaluating whether the positions that you’re applying for are a good fit.

Here are three important factors to consider –

1. The job itself:
- The tasks & responsibilities – do they appeal to you? Will they allow you to utilize your strengths?
- Are the working conditions acceptable?
- Is the supervisor someone who you will be able to work with?
- Will you fit in well with the staff?
- Will it require major lifestyle changes? If so – can you handle them?

2. Career implications
- Would this position fit your career plans?
- Are you interested in the company’s business or industry?
- Is the company headed in a direction that’s right for you?

3. Salary/Benefits/Perks
- Is the salary high enough to cover your expenses? (Can you accept a lower starting salary if they agree to an increase within an agreed upon period of time?)
- Is the compensation competitive?
- Is the health coverage adequate?
- Are there other perks that you would benefit from?

Your time is precious. Before you consider applying for a position, take time to ponder these questions. There’s no point in applying for a job if it isn’t in synch with your basic values, interests and requirements. You will hopefully find that this is a good opportunity – one that is well worth pursuing.

Questions to ask at job fairs

2008-05-20T05:51:00.000-07:00

It’s essential to ask questions at job fairs. It would be nice to think that recruiters are going to offer you all of the information that you need. Often they don’t. Don’t hesitate to ask – your curiosity reflects your sincere interest. Since applying for a position and going through the application/interview process will require your time and effort, you want to be sure that you’re investing your time wisely. To determine whether you’re making wise or poor use of your time, you’ll have to pose some necessary questions.

At a job fair – which are the most important questions to get answered? Here are some that you definitely want to pose:

· Do you have any openings?
· If so – what positions do you have available?
· Are they full-time or part-time?
· Are these jobs permanent or temporary?
· If the job is temporary – how long will it last?
· When will the job begin?
· What will the hours be?
· How to apply?
· When will you start interviewing?
· How would you like me to follow up?
· Can I please have your card?
· Is there anything else I should know?

Prepare a list of questions and bring them along to the job fair. Write down the answers, either as you talk to the recruiter or just afterward. Don’t depend on your memory. You’ll be meeting and greeting, and hearing lots of information. Write down what’s most important, and that way you’ll be sure to still retain it at the end of the day.

Are there any questions that you don’t want to ask at a job fair? You probably don’t want to pose “what’s in it for me” questions about benefits or vacation time. It's best to save these until after the company has decided that they want to consider you for a position. At that time, you'll be in a better position to negotiate for the perks that you want most, and more likely to get them.

Remember – your questions reflect your interest. Don’t hesitate to ask them!

Your attitude – keep it positive!

2008-05-18T08:23:00.000-07:00

“Your qualifications get you to the interview,
Your attitude, personality and communication skills will get you the job!”
Max Messemer, Founder and CEO, Robert Half Employment Agency

Your attitude reflects how you see the world. Whether you’re a pessimist who focuses on what isn’t going your way, or an optimist who sees your world as filled with possibilities, everyone around you will know it by through your body language, your facial expression, and by the way you communicate.

Why is attitude so important to your job search? Simply put – it shows. Interviewers will make immediate decisions about you based on how you present yourself.

Imagine that you had your own business and needed to do some hiring. You would seek out and interview applicants who seemed to be most qualified. How would you finally decide who to hire? You’d choose the individual whose background, education and skills were the best fit AND who had the best attitude. Since you and your staff would be working with this person every day, you would want her/him to be upbeat, enthusiastic, and courteous.

What you would look for in your prospective employee is just what recruiters are looking for in you. On each interview, remember to:
· Watch your body language
· Smile.
· Act relaxed. Avoid fidgeting or crossing your arms.
· Stand tall with good posture.
· Dress professionally
· Be aware of your behavior – express enthusiasm about the company and the position you’re applying for; act respectfully; keep personal problems out of the conversation and don’t criticize your former employers or anyone else!

These actions will show your interviewer that you care and that you will make a positive contribution to their firm. Your qualifications get you to the interview, but it's your attitude that lands you the job. Remember to keep it positive!

Cover letter – Musts

2008-05-04T07:24:00.000-07:00

Cover letters are musts when you apply for a job listing. They should -

A. Demonstrate specific ways that your expertise is a good match for the position
· Read the listing carefully, making special note of the company’s specific needs/requirements.
· Think about how your skills, experience, education, and personality match the company’s needs.
· Be sure to include this information in your letter.

B. Express your sincere desire to work for this employer
Check out the company’s website before you compose your letter. See what’s going on at this company. If there’s something that interests you, be sure to mention it in your letter. Has this company been in the news recently? Has a friend or family member mentioned something that impressed you? Does this company sponsor community events that you attend or support? If so – be sure to mention it.

Other musts:
· Your cover letter should be well written. If you aren’t confident about your writing skills, see if you can find someone to help you out. Once you develop some good language to use, you will hopefully be able to recycle it and won’t always need to ask for help.
· Never more than one page. Find a way to communicate your message without being too wordy.
· Typo-free – Be sure to use a spell checker. Also, read through your letter
carefully before sending it off. Spell checkers don’t catch all typos.
· Use easily-read, easily scanned 12-point fonts. Don’t use type styles that are
too ornate or difficult to read.
· Whenever possible, find out to whom you should address your letter. Avoid using - ‘to whom it may concern’, or Dear Sir.
· Include your contact info in case your letter gets separated from your resume.
· Paste your cover letter into the email (versus attachment)

Know your strengths

2008-03-28T15:03:00.000-07:00

“What are your greatest strengths?” is one of the top 10 questions commonly asked on job interviews. You want your response to be remarkable – something that will set you apart from other applicants.

When asked about their strengths, many interviewees (who haven’t prepared for this question) simply respond - “I’m a hard worker.” This is not a great answer. It doesn’t give the recruiter a good enough sense of who you are and of your value as a prospective team member.

A better strategy for fielding this question consists of two steps:

1. Identify your strengths and skills
Make a list of the strengths and skills that you would want an interviewer to know about you:

Professional skills – What about your professional experience, education, and/or training do you want to point out? Are there any special certifications that you want to mention?

Transferable skills – Which of your natural strengths make you shine on the job? Are you: well-organized, able to multitask, a strong communicator, able to stay cool in stressful situations, a good listener?

Personal skills – Be sure to share about your personal strengths. Are you caring, compassionate, friendly, a good team player, willing to help out?

Have something of interest to share about each strength or skill that you list. For example, if you are good under pressure – have a story to relate about a time when things were especially difficult. What did you do in this situation that really made a difference? How was your ability to stay cool especially helpful?

2. Prepare for each interview
Before each interview, review your list of strengths. Select a few that would be especially valued in the position you've applied for. Be sure to emphasize them when you meet with the recruiter.

To make a strong impression on interviews, it’s essential that you know your strengths and be ready to discuss them. Remember that your interviewers are not mind readers. They’ve probably never met you before. Don’t assume that your resume will tell him/her all about you. Be prepared to discuss your assets and you will clearly demonstrate how you stand apart from other candidates.

Hope power for job seekers

2008-03-18T06:32:00.000-07:00

Hope is the uplifting feeling that what you want most is going to happen. It’s a sense that something better is just around the corner, a positive expectation for your future.

As job seekers, you are filled with the hope that you will find a secure, fulfilling and well paying job, sooner rather than later. Your new position will offer good benefits and opportunities for growth. You look forward to having pleasant co-workers and a supportive work environment.

To stay motivated and keep your search moving forward, it’s essential that you stay hopeful. This will pull you forward. It will energize you to continue taking action steps and follow up. It isn’t always easy. The news is filled with stories of layoffs and rumors of recession. You hear about how tight the job market is, and so competitive. It’s easy to get discouraged.

Here are some practical ways to stay hopeful throughout your job search:

Plan ahead, stay proactive – Plan your search – days and weeks in advance. Write your plans down. Check your schedule daily.

Stick with positive people – There may be nay sayers in your life – folks who continually remind you of everything that isn’t going well and that has not worked out. They may not realize the effect that they’re having. Request that they be mindful of their comments -- that they uplift rather than drain you. If this doesn’t work, try to keep them at an arms length. You’re on a mission, and need all of the up energy you can get!

Limit your intake of bad news – Bad news sells, and there is lots of it out there. Limit your exposure -- don’t have the news channels on all day, and don’t watch it before you go to bed. Remember – you’re trying to stay hopeful. Read and/or watch programs that present inspiring stories to uplift and encourage you.

Get support -- Find sources of quality support to keep you moving along your path. Locate and attend a weekly job seekers support group (check out the job club at http://www.berkshireworks.org/.) Get out and network with other job seekers who are also trying to stay hopeful. Learn about what job seeking strategies are working for them.

Exercise – Your mind and body are one. By exercising your body, you’ll feel better -- emotionally and physically. You’ll look great. You’ll be able to channel some of that good energy into your job search.

For today, remember that -- to ensure a successful job search -- it is essential that you stay hopeful. By taking the simple steps suggested above, you can stay positive, motivated and continue to move forward along the path to professional fulfillment.

“We are only lost when we lose hope". – Kavita Sirjusingh

Why do you want to work for us?

2008-03-11T05:07:00.000-07:00

One of the main questions posed on interviews is -- why do you want to work for us? What are recruiters really looking for when they ask this? Who are they most concerned about – them or you? They’re clear about their requirements and are seeking the candidate who is the best match. It would be nice to think that they want to take the time to get to know you personally. In truth, they’re on a mission, looking for the best fit for their needs.

Armed with this information, how can you best prepare your response?
1. Research the company’s needs.
Spend time online. Find out what is going on in that company. Are they planning to expand their operations or have they recently downsized? Have they purchased cutting edge equipment that will make them competitive in new markets? Have they received special awards or recognition in the media? If you have any questions, write them down and bring them along on your interview. By making this effort, you will demonstrate your genuine interest. This is just what the recruiter will be looking for and you will make a favorable impression.

2. Find out all that you can about the position that you’re applying for.
Read the posting carefully. Look online to see if you can find any further information. If you know someone who works for that company, see what they can find out for you.

3. Figure out how you can be a good fit for this company’s needs.
Take time to clarify each of these questions:
a. What is it about the company that interests you?
b. What is it about the position that interests you?
c. What is it in your experience, training and education that make you a perfect fit for that job?
d. What do you bring to the job that is unique/helps you stand apart from other candidates?

To insure that you’re well prepared, write your answers down and review them daily. Your responses to questions c & d will be similar on most of your interviews. Get comfortable talking about your assets. Preparing and practicing in advance will be helpful. If there are special points that you want to mention but are concerned that you will forget, bring a ‘crib sheet’ along to jog your memory.

Planning always pay off. In preparation for your interviews, take the time to research the company’s needs, find out all that you can about the opening, and think ahead about what makes you a competitive candidate. You’ll feel more confident, present better, and increase the probability of a positive outcome.

Focus on what you can control

2008-03-09T08:31:00.000-07:00

Many aspects of your job search are not in your direct control. These include: when it starts (unless you quit), whether you get called for an interview, and the kinds of opportunities available in your area. There may be nothing that you can do to change these. Focusing on these areas will only bring upset and can in no way benefit your job search.

According to Richard Boles, author of What Color is Your Parachute, l/3 – l/2 of all job seekers abandon their search within two months. They just give up! They’re so frustrated with everything that they can’t control that they just stop trying. Because they aren’t being proactive, they are ultimately forced to settle for whatever comes their way. This is definitely not the best way to find a satisfying and well-paying position!

Rather than put your attention on everything that’s difficult and isn’t going your way, it is far better to focus instead on what you can control. One such area is how you manage the time that you devote to your job search. It is very precious, so you want to be sure that you use it well. Notice when you are at your best, your “genius time.” In planning your day, be sure that you use this time for job seeking activities that are most challenging. For example, writing cover letters requires concentration. You may want to save this task for when you’re at your best. Save mindless activities, like going to the post office, for when your energy is at low ebb.

Here's another area that you can control - if you find that you get distracted working at home, consider working at your local career center or library. Most have computers with Internet access, local newspapers, copiers, and other tools that your search requires.

You are in charge of your choices. By identifying areas where you can take control, and then following through, you’ll greatly improve the odds of getting favorable results. You’ll feel more confident, knowing that you’re showing up for yourself and doing all that you can to produce a favorable result.

Job seeking -- it's a journey

2008-03-07T09:33:00.000-08:00

Job seeking is a journey that starts on the day that you become ‘unemployed’. You must now self-motivate, learn how to show up for yourself (rather than for your boss), create your own routines, and blaze your own path forward.

This can be a stressful process. The future is uncertain. Money may be tight. If you’re fortunate enough to collect unemployment benefits, you may be painfully aware of the weeks passing by and worry about how you will pay the bills once your benefits end. You’ve got to manage all of the emotions that get stirred up. When you have a promising interview coming up, you may be filled with hopeful anticipation. If you receive a rejection letter (or no letter at all,) you may be angry or disappointed. Your job search may take much longer than you’d hoped for.

To ensure your success, it’s essential that you stay hopeful and proactive. Here are some strategies to help you stay upbeat as you move you along your path:

· Have a vision that inspires you
Imagine what your new position will be like. What responsibilities will you have? What aspects of your work will be the most satisfying and bring you the most praise? What will your co-workers be like? Revisit your vision regularly and allow it to inspire you. Your vision can help motivate you to take steps that will move you along your path, closer to the future you desire

· Get support
Job seeking can be lonely. There are many actions to take, most of which you must accomplish on your own. Be sure to find sources of quality support to keep you buoyed up and moving along. An ongoing job club, such as the one that we have at BerkshireWorks Career Center (www.BerkshireWorks.org), can be an excellent resource.

· Plan ahead
It's difficult to wake up to a 'work day' with no plans. To succeed as a job seeker, it's essential to look ahead. Have a calendar and write down all that you intend to accomplish. That way, when you get up in the morning, you will have a structure to follow. You’ll use your time more efficiently.

· Recreation/downtime
Add recreation to your schedule. Without breaks, you'll burn out. Balance is essential. Plan quality time with your friends and family.

· Exercise
Use exercise to boost your energy and relieve stress. You’ll also look trim, hold your head higher and present well on interviews.

Following these suggestions will help you stay positive and proactive. You’ll feel more optimistic and become a more attractive (and hence competitive) job candidate.

Self-selling for job seekers -- what sets you apart?

2008-02-25T04:58:00.000-08:00

Succeeding as a job seeker is much like marketing a product. Imagine that you just developed a wonderful new “widgit.’ What steps would you take to sell it? You’d want to clarify what makes it superior to similar items. Next you’d use this information to launch your marketing campaign. Once people know about your invention and understand the benefits, there’s a greater chance that they’ll want to buy it.

To land the job that you want, you must sell yourself to your prospective employer just as you would a ‘widgit’ to your potential customer. You will have to describe your experience, skills, and strengths. What results have you achieved on the job that make you stand out in the crowd of applicants? This information is precious. Once you have it, you can use it regularly in your cover letters and on interviews.

Here are five steps to help you develop language for selling yourself:

1. Set aside time to sit quietly and review your resume. Have index cards and a pen nearby.
2. For each position that you’ve held, evaluate – what did you achieve and how did it benefit your employer? What unique skills or talents did you use? Have some stories to share about how you were resourceful, overcame adversity, saved your company money or took actions that were noticed and praised.
3. Write down your ideas on the index cards – one card per job.
4. Review your cards regularly. You want this information to become so familiar that you can easily share it on interviews.
5. Practice interviewing with friends, colleagues, and/or your job counselor. Your goal is to be able to discuss yourself effortlessly.

Learning how to sell yourself takes time, but it will be well worth your investment. You will develop a better appreciation of your assets and strengths. You’ll grow more confident, and present better on interviews.

How to Prepare for a Job Fair

2008-02-22T06:33:00.000-08:00

How to Prepare for a Job Fair – 6 Tips to Ensure Your Success
By Millie Calesky, Business & Life Coach, Speaker & Trainer

Job Fairs are giant networking events. They provide job seekers with the unique opportunity to meet recruiters face-to-face and learn about real positions that need to be filled. Although the individuals representing each firm may not be the ultimate decision makers, they can open strategic doors. They’re available to answer questions and share news about the latest developments in their firms. Even if they don’t have an immediate opening that is a good match for you, they may know of a promising expansion on the horizon that will require creating new positions. One of these could be a perfect fit for your knowledge and skills.

Job fairs are also great places to meet other job seekers. You can share tips, resources and may learn about openings that will soon be available.

Job fairs can be overwhelming. There are so many people, so many companies, so much noise and commotion. Be proactive and plan ahead. Being well prepared will cut down on your stress. Taking small steps in advance can deliver big benefits.

Here are six strategies that can help you make the most of your job fair experience:

1. Find out which companies will be at the job fair and decide which you most want to connect with.

2. For each company that you want to visit – check their website and print out information to bring along with you. Is there something going on that is of special interest? Do you know anyone who works there who could put in a good word for you? Bring along a list of any questions you may have. This will favorably impress by showing that your interest is genuine.

3. Prepare a one-minute “commercial” that focuses on the unique benefits that you can offer. It’s much better to prepare this ahead of time than to have to scramble, not knowing what to say about yourself.

Think ahead – what do you want the recruiters to know about you that can be communicated in 60 seconds? You’ll want to tell them about your background, skills, what kind of position you’re looking for, and what attracts you to their company.

4. Bring along a calendar/date-book. Be prepared to schedule a follow-up appointment.

5. Pre-register if possible. That way you will have one less detail to handle when you arrive.

6. Plan ahead -- prepare a checklist of everything you will want to have on hand. That way you’ll be sure to bring everything you’ll need-
• Resume – be sure to have one for each company that you’ll be visiting plus a few extras.
• Case or folder to carry your resumes in – that way they’ll arrive clean and without creases.
• Full job history with all the dates of employment
• Special information – copies of certificates, special letters of reference, articles you’ve written, newspaper clippings, special awards or recognition
• Reference list – For the individuals on your reference list, be sure:
- That they know you’re using them as a reference.
- That they’re still willing to provide a reference.
- That you have the correct spelling of their name.
- That you have correct contact information.
- To let them know if there’s something that you’d like them to mention or emphasize.

Hopefully, your references will also be your allies. When you check in with them, be sure to let them know what kind of work you’re looking for. They may have heard about some promising opportunities or want to connect you with some of their colleagues.

By using these six strategies, you will be well prepared to face the challenges that attending a job fair can present. The steps you take in advance will provide an extra “shot” of confidence, and will help you have a more positive experience and outcome.