Actionable Items for Getting Back to Work: The Job Search Process

The job search process can be a mystery for people returning to work after a long absence from the work place or for those who have found themselves in the middle of a stalled search. The following is a quick outline of steps to help guide you if you are wondering where to begin or have gotten off track.

1.Determine which skills you prefer to use, are current, you are good at, and are marketable or competitive, based on current market conditions. (Get guidance for this if you are unsure).

- Set goals with clear objectives and time lines
- Get clear about your financial commitments and develop a budget

2.Expand your network to:
- Learn more information about skills (see #1)
- Learn more about an industry
- Develop leads to learn about companies’ needs and potential new opportunities

3.Create a "Master Resume” (Get help if you need it)
- Keep your resume and LinkedIn profile updated with new training or projects, and make sure they are relevant for what you are pursuing
- Tailor a resume from your "master" to fit each/ every position you pursue

4.Prepare for interviews:
- Research to learn all that you can about a company or position (see #2)
- Write out answers to frequently asked questions (in your field.)

Completing these steps will ensure you will be competing as strongly as you are able. Omitting any of them can inhibit your ability to effectively compete, no matter what you apply for. In addition to the actionable items to pursue, the following are some basic behaviors to employ or change to make sure you can compete in a tough market.

•Get up and be ready to work before 7:30 AM
•Work evenings or weekends as necessary
•Be flexible
•Exhibit a high level of urgency
•Be willing to face change
•Show your ability to overcome and solve problems
•Possess clear communication skills
•Maintain a positive attitude

The bad economy doesn’t have to paralyze you. Although there isn’t a magic pill that will make you instantly employed, the process isn’t rocket science. Creating a plan and managing your time and attitude are key elements to accomplishing more and succeeding in a competitive market. If you don’t try this recipe, then you won’t know, will you?

Posted by Sherri Edwards on March 01, 2011 in Career Issues, Goal Setting for Financial Success | Permalink

Job Hunting With The Journal

Job Hunting With The Journal Join Charlotte Business Journal for our free Job Hunting Seminar. You will learn about opportunities to network and develop alliances, and recognize opportunities to meet potential employers.

When: 2011-04-13, 10:00am - 11:30am
Location: 1100 S. Tryon St. Suite 100, Charlotte, NC 28203
Cost: free

To Register: Click here for more information or call Allen Clark at 704-973-1126 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 704-973-1126



Read more: Business Events Calendar - Charlotte Business Journal

PERSONAL BRANDING AND THE MARKETING OF ME, INC.

The total relationship people have with you gives them a certain perception of you. This perception is your brand. As the CEO of ME, Inc., your brand helps others decide if they want a relationship with you or not.



Here are some of the hallmarks of brands:

· You only get “credit” for what you do consistently.

· The reliability of your behavior establishes your brand.

· Brands are based on actions, not intentions.

· Inconsistency weakens brands and suspends belief.



Remember this important marketing principle: Benefits Always Trump Features. If a new car dealer tells you about 8 cylinder engines, state-of-the-art emission controls, moon roof, and racing stripes, she’s describing the car’s features. However, if she tells you things like, “It will easily save you over 50% on gasoline”, or “the front and rear sensors warn you if you are too close to another vehicle”, she’s describing the car’s benefits to you as the potential owner.



Since you are the CEO of ME, Inc., always try to emphasize how you can solve someone’s problem or save them money rather than going on and on about all the achievements you’ve racked up in your professional career. If people begin to associate you with consistently providing benefits that will become part of your BRAND— and you’ll be remembered for it!



Learn to differentiate yourself from your competitors. Always provide value. Bring something to the table they can’t. Find a niche that shows the world you are someone with unique skills and talents and that you know how to use them!



I'll see you on the radio this and every Sunday morning at 8am (EST) on Your Career Is Calling on 107.7 FM and online on www.1077TheBronc.com. This week our guest is Lloyd George discussing How to Leverage Outplacement Services.



Best wishes and own your career,



Rod Colón
Career Management Consultant, Executive Coach, Speaker, Author
Weekly Co-Host of Radio Show "YOUR CAREER IS CALLING".
732-367-5580

www.RodColon.com



Rod's 7-Step Job Search Video

Listen to “Your Career is Calling” Archives

View Rod Colon ABC-TV Interview Sharing Job Search Tips
Connect with Rod: Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | YouTube
Win the Race the Race for 21st Century Jobs

Subscribe to Rod's blog - Read Rod's latest article

Practice reciprocity without keeping score By Harvey Mackay

When we were growing up, most of us learned to live by the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Not "as they do unto you," but "as you would have them do unto you."

As working professionals, there is another manifestation of this rule, the Golden Rule for Networking. It should permeate all your networking efforts. But it goes against every naturally acquisitive, ambitious and self-serving impulse in each of us.

My Golden Rule of Networking is this: Reciprocity without keeping score. Simply stated, it means what can I do for you without expecting anything in return?

Webster's Dictionary says reciprocity is mutual action and mutual exchange. Mutually beneficial to both is the kind of reciprocity that most people are familiar with.

My definition of reciprocity is quite different. You must give without keeping score. No quid pro quo. It's the one fundamental concept that is the most misunderstood in business today. Few people truly understand this. You are either all in or all out.

To be as candid as I can be, there have been plenty of people over the years who said they were going to help me in some way, but they didn't. Maybe they couldn't. Maybe they just forgot. Maybe they never intended to. It doesn't matter. You cannot keep score, or you will lose for sure.

Let me tell you how it works: If we're smart, we surround ourselves with talented people -- the most talented we can find. They are our most powerful asset. That's why I think of this select group as our own personal brain bank. They include our family, friends, mentors, fellow workers and our industry contacts. You never know when you'll need to draw on the "accounts" you create with those oh-so-valuable resources.

With every contact within your brain bank -- every call and every visit -- preferably near the conclusion, sincerely ask the other person what you can do to be helpful to them. Ninety-five percent of the time, people will thank you for asking and tell you that there's really nothing they need. If, however, they do ask you for a favor, then your eyes should light up like the New Year's Ball in Times Square.

As you learn what is being asked for, note every detail with warmth and urgency. Fulfill the request to the best of your ability. As you do it, and after it's done, expect nothing, absolutely nothing, in return. Don't shop for gratitude in your phone calls or e-mails. Do the favor because you like and respect the other person and honestly want to help.

If you manage your career and live your life in this way, two magical things will happen:

1.Over time, people will find ways to do remarkable and unexpected things for you that make your life easier.

2.When you're hit by a storm in full fury, you are likely to find the most astonishing human network of support you could ever imagine.

There are countless ways business people can be helpful to each other:

•Help a colleague prepare for a major presentation. Act as their sounding board.

Help your friend by pointing out what needs to be clearer . . . what needs more emphasis . . . and what seems to drag.

•Be a source for heads-up information. Do it for other business leaders in your community or your industry -- perhaps not direct competitors, but almost everyone else.

•Never abuse confidences and or share inside information. You only have to do this once, and you'll be marked as a security risk for life. Worst of all: You'll never learn what others know about you and why they won't trust you.

•Don't export problems. Sometimes companies try to downsize high-maintenance losers and stick them on another company's payroll. Believe me, if you do that, you will be remembered and for the wrong reasons. When you terminate people who aren't performing, do them the favor of leveling with them and constructively help them readjust their career focus.

Over the years, my networking focus has shifted from the quantity of contacts I maintain to the quality of contacts. The quality of your life is determined by the quality of your relationships. The quality of your business is determined by the quality of your relationships.

Mackay's Moral: If you want to win at networking, don't keep score.

Make a Commitment to Reach Your Career Goals

Too often, people establish career goals the same way they make New Year’s resolutions. The problem with resolutions is that they fade away, are forgotten, and are only a distant memory by February. To actualize your desire for a change, exchange your resolution for a COMMITMENT to action.

Why a commitment and not just a wish?

Achievement of a goal doesn’t happen overnight. Job seekers are confronted with many issues beyond their control—economic conditions, competition, HR, and internal politics for a start. These issues can be very daunting and discouraging. The fact is you can’t reach your goal until you choose to face these challenges head on, with a plan of attack. Making the COMMITMENT to do so is within your control. Your goal becomes more than a “wish”.

Take charge - stay committed!

Don’t rely on your employer, market conditions, or your family obligations to dictate what happens to you (or doesn’t). Make a decision about what you need to do, commit to it, then adjust as events occur. Commitment to your goal and acting on it is more likely to produce the results you want than sitting idly as you wait for things to change.

Make a commitment to reach your goals by first being committed to the process, no matter what.

•Keep yourself in check for things you can control. Recognize that you can make a choice each and every time something comes up that presents itself as a challenge.
•Write out your goals. Make them specific and measurable.
•Proceed through your outline of specific actions that lead to your specific goals.


What kind of resolutions are you planning for the New Year that could more effectively be treated as a goal?

Sherri Edwards

Sherri@resourcemaximizer.com

www.resourcemaximizer.com

"Affordable Franchise and Business Ownership" Seminar

The Charlotte Business Journal Offers: April 6, 2011

"Affordable Franchise and Business Ownership" Seminar


Learn why so many corporate employees (and others) are choosing business ownership over the corporate world. Learn about the affordable and scalable franchised businesses they are buying and the resources available to help potential new business owners. Presentations on: -Making the transition to your own business through franchsing -How to finance your business -Legal considerations for starting your business -Several affordable, scalable, fast growing and highly ranked franchise companies. You will have the chance to speak with all the presenters and get your questions answered.

Sponsor: SBA; Charlotte SCORE; Bishop Dulaney & Joyner; FranNet Carolina; FranFund

When: 2011-04-06, 1:00PM - 4:00PM
Location: Raintree Country Club: 8600 Raintree Lane off Hwy 51 just West of the Arboretum.

Cost: Free with pre-registration: $10.00 at the door.

To Register: Click here or call for more informaiton: Andrea Kelly/Mike Hall at 704-522-9394
Read more: Business Events Calendar - Charlotte Business Journal

Job seekers meet about employers during LCC job fair

David Anderson
Staff Writer

An estimated 1,200 to 1,300 job seekers crowded into the Lenoir Community College gymnasium on Wednesday to meet with about 130 employers during the college’s annual job fair.

“Our employers were very pleased, and that’s the main thing we try to do. … I think that a lot of students got to see human resources people they would normally just be sending resumes to,” said Frances Gaskins, LCC’s director of cooperative education and job placement.

The college, and the N.C. JobLink Career Center based at LCC, sponsored the job fair.

Gaskins said 128 employers were signed up, and a few more came at the last minute.

One of the most popular employers who had signed up was Sanderson Farms.

The Mississippi poultry firm opened its Kinston processing plant earlier this year, and applicants were lined up outside the gym doors for a chance to land a job.

“I’ve been trying to get with them for a couple of months now, driving trucks,” the Rev. Donnie Dixon of Grifton said of Sanderson. “But I found this opportunity, so I decided to come on out and take it.”

Dixon is pastor for Giving and Adding a Hand Ministries of Goldsboro, an unpaid position.

“I don’t do it for the money,” he said of leading the Wayne County ministry.

Manny Moreno, second shift personnel supervisor at the plant, scheduled one person after another for job interviews next week. Sanderson is looking to fill hundreds of positions on its second shift.

He encouraged applicants who might screen their calls to pick up the phone when Sanderson calls, because with the high volume, they will not call back or leave messages.

“We were really happy to come here to Kinston and help the economy out,” Moreno said.

Spirit AeroSystems, Lenoir County’s other newest industrial anchor, also saw heavy traffic at its job fair table.

“Just the fact that it’s aerospace, is what attracts a lot of people,” said Betty Brock, human resources generalist with Spirit.

LCC student Mark Grant of Kinston, who said he was interested in high-technology work, “beelined it” to Spirit’s table when he arrived.

“It’s the newest, highest-tech thing out here,” he said of Spirit.

Jay Repass of Kinston, who was laid off last April after 17 years in the finance sector, also visited Spirit.

“My resume screams finance, but I feel I can do pretty much anything administratively,” he said. “I’m willing to be more open, and I’m hoping employers will be.”

A variety of entities catered to the hundreds of job seekers, including government agencies, law enforcement, the U.S. military, small and large businesses, retail outlets, restaurants, health care businesses and others.

Yvonne Deatherage, director, mentor and coach for The Pampered Chef’s Kinston affiliate, said many were interested in giving in-home cooking demonstrations to supplement their income.

“I think people are interested because people can leave (home) four to eight times, and they can earn anywhere from $500 to $1500 a month,” she said.

John McPhaul, franchise owner of the Chick-fil-A on U.S. 70 West, said he is looking to increase his workforce for the spring and summer, especially with community college students.

Student Michael Cox of Deep Run said he though Chick-fil-A would be good part-time work for him.

“It’s new, I figured they’ve probably got things going (well) for them. . . . And they’ve got good food,” he said of the restaurant.

Irene Layne, chiropractic assistant for the Goldsboro Spine Center, said job fairs are effective venues for employers and applicants to connect, that attending a job fair “shows initiative.”

“I’ve worked at the office for about a year-and-a-half, and they found me at a job fair,” she said.



David Anderson can be reached at 252-559-1077 or danderson@freedomenc.com.



BREAKOUT BOX:

For more information on finding a job locally, visit the JobLink Career Center at LCC; call 252-527-6223, ext. 104; or visit the Lenoir County ESC office, 2100 Presbyterian Lane, Kinston. You can reach the ESC office at 252-526-4435
.

Supercharge Your Sales

The Charlotte Business Journal Offers: April 5, 2011

8:00 a.m - 9:00 a.m

Join Allen Clark, Circulation Sales Executive of Charlotte Business Journal, as he guides you through the Charlotte region's premier source of business news and sales leads.

In addition to learning how to identify new customers, increase your bottom line and stay ahead of the competition, you'll learn how to obtain contact information on over 1,600 companies in the Charlotte region. He'll also share with you behind the scenes information on stories, daily email updates and upcoming Charlotte Business Journal events.

We even share ideas on how other businesses and professionals use the Charlotte Business Journal to get customers and increase their business! This seminar has great value for subscribers and non-subscribers alike.



Read more: Smart Reader Leads Generation Workshop - Charlotte Business Journal


Smart Reader Leads Generation Workshop
When: Tuesday, April 5, 2011 8:00am - 9:30am
Where: 1100 S. Tryon St., Suite 100, Charlotte, NC 28203
Suggested Dress: Business Casual


Read more: Smart Reader Leads Generation Workshop - Charlotte Business Journal

If you need assistance or would prefer to place your order over the phone,
please call 704-973-1126 8am-5pm Monday-Friday or email acclark@bizjournals.com

Career Insurance Makes Unemployment Insurance Look Like Child's Play

Carl E. Reid, Chief Operations Officer
Empowering Today's Professionals
Contact: Phyllis Shelton
iPower Global Solutions
Public Relations & Event Director
Tel: 201-222-5390  Email: PRevents@Success4U2.net

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Career Insurance Makes Unemployment Insurance Look Like Child's Play


The #1 fear at work isn't loss of a job.  The root cause of daily anxiety attacks at work is abrupt loss of all income associated with a job.  As they walk each person being laid off to the front door, managers put their arm around people telling them "you are a valued employee".  That's a frightening scenario still being played out today.  Implementing a career insurance plan, which includes developing alternate sources of income, is crucial to career management survival.

New York, NY February 20, 2011 8:00AM EST—Tune into to YOUR CAREER IS CALLING, broadcast on www.1077TheBronc.com from Rider University.   Chief Savvy Intrapreneur Carl E. Reid, CSI, presents “Alternate Sources of Income and Why You Need Them” 


YOUR CAREER IS CALLING radio show co-hosted by Rod Colon, author of Win the Race for 21st Century Jobs and Frank Kovacs, founder of TheBreakfastClubNJ.com will be discussing with guest speaker Carl E. Reid, CSI why the best time to develop part time supplemental income is Now

When I left my corporate job, some people in my family could not believe it – states
Carl E. Reid, Business Career Coach, Chief Savvy Intrapreneur at SAVVY INTRAPRENEUR and Chief Operations Officer at Empowering Today's Professionals.  “What about job security, they asked?”…well, what about it? Who says my corporate job would be there long term? If my “day job” were to disappear, what would happen? Not much, really. I would lose a source of income, but I have other sources of income to sustain me and my family”.

Mr. Reid further explains, "This is crucial to survival, as part of a career back up plan. It makes all the difference between making a living and LIVING LIFE".  "With current economic conditions students, recent grads, home makers and career professionals need creative strategies for developing alternate sources of income. This definitely provides career insurance, as a part of any career management backup plan. The result can pay continuous dividends, while providing peace of mind for families. This is way better than temporary unemployment insurance."

About SAVVY INTRPRENEUR
Combining proven professional career development techniques with success as an entrepreneur Carl E. Reid founded Savvy Intrapreneur, which teaches "career minded" professionals how to run themselves like a business. He has used his life experience and knowledge gained to assist others in achieving their own desired level of success. Carl E. Reid is active in professional organizations, networking groups and volunteers for non-profit entities.  Email: CarlReid@Success4U2.net Web: www.SAVVYINTRAPRENEUR.com  Tel: 646-207-2299

About Empowering Today’s Professionals
The mission of ETP is to encourage, train, support, mentor and advise fellow CEOs of ME, Incorporated in all aspects of defined responsibilities to their personal Board of Directors.  ETP's proven education programs and methodologies guide each member through "HOW" to specifically land a job and develop self empowering career management goals.   Email: Membership@ETPnetwork.com Tel: 732-367-5580 Chapter Preview: Win the Race for 21st Century Jobs at www.ETPnetwork.com

About TheBreakfastClubNJ.com
Where executives of all disciplines: IT, Finance & Accounting, Communications, Human Resources get together with a common focus to assist each other in pursuing new employment opportunities, tackling the challenges of their current positions, and providing a support network to each other. We have highly qualified and dedicated.   Email: fkovacs@comcast.net  Web: www.TheBreakfastClubNJ.com

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