Shouldn’t Your Resume Be as Unique as You?

The resume – it’s one of the first things you take a look at when starting your job search.  There is a lot of advice out there on how to format – but it is all pretty “cookie cutter.”  And we all know it is about standing out and differentiating these days.  What better place to do that than with your resume?  That leaves the question of – how?

We are going to tackle that on my next Career Mastermind call…

Tuesday, September 22, 2009 – 12:00pmEST

TOPIC: Ilona Vanderwoude, MRW on Your Resume: Creating the Best Representation of You

Ilona Vanderwoude (1 of 28 Master Resume Writers in the world!) will be joining us to adjust your perspective on your resume.  It’s a more “holistic” approach that gets you thinking of this tool as a more integral part of who you are versus just a document.

On this webinar we will cover:

-      The foundation of the resume-  Your Personal Brand (and an exercise to help uncover your brand)

-      Tips on how to overcome the obstacles on your resume (unemployment, spotty job history, career movement, underemployment, etc.)

-      What’s the right layout for you?  Functional?  Traditional?  Networking?  All the resume “types” are covered

-      The “10 Second Screen” – this is how long your prospective employer looks at your resume.  We will put your resume to the test, tell you how it is being perceived and what you can do to fix it – LIVE on the call.

-      And, as always, you can ask questions of Ilona on the topics most important to you regarding your resume

This call is FREE for all Career Mastermind Group members. Not a member? Join now to access this webinar and take advantage of all the Program has to offer.

I look forward to seeing you there!

Building Your Success.

Kevin

PS – Even if you can’t make the call live, all Career Mastermind members receive a recording of the call, so we’ve got you covered. Take advantage now

A Very Unique Interview Indeed

I’ve spent over half my “career life” in the executive search business placing sales professionals.  In preparing candidates to interview I would always tell them, “The sales interview is one of the only interviews where you are constantly demonstrating your skill set and touting your wares.”  They can be challenging, frustrating and filled with obstacles.  But, one I heard about this week left me at a loss for words.

The job seeker in question went in for a third round of interviews for a position with a nationally renowned sales training organization.  As one of three candidates in contention for the opening, she was asked to do something rather standard: prepare a presentation for a group of people at the company.  So, she shows up on interview day prepared to do what it takes to get the job.  That was when the process to a turn – to a place I have never seen before.

When she arrived, the other two candidates were there too.  Not completely untypical, but a less than kosher when it comes to maintaining privacy in the job search (since she is currently employed).  Then comes the “what the?” moment.  She and the other two candidates are informed that they will be giving their presentations together – all in the same room, in front of one another, one after another.  If that isn’t enough, they are included on the panel of employees and able to ask questions of the other candidates – their competition.  Have you ever heard of such a thing?

While wrong on so many levels, my primary beef is that the privacy and confidentiality of each job seeker was compromised without their consent.   What do you think?

Do you have strange tales from the job search?  If so, please share them with us at ezine@careerattraction.com. (note – we will never reprint your story without your express consent).

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Interested in learning how to uncover the “hidden job market?”  You can listen to my 5 Secrets to the Perfect Job Search. 

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Kevin is the Founder of Build the Career You Deserve, a company devoted to empowering professionals with the vital tools and information necessary to find the job they want and build the successful career they deserve. Sign up for his free e-zine – Build the Career You Deserve – for insider tips on how to do just that!    

2008 – 2009 (c) Kevin Kermes Inc. – All Rights Reserved

Thursday, July 23rd – 3:00pmEST

   Reserve Your Spot by Going to https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/397959075

**not sure you can make it?  Go ahead and sign-up and a recording of the session will be sent to you** 

My call last month had 1497 registered and the lines maxed out at 1000, so I am holding one more on Thursday.  On this call I will share about the “hidden job market” and also cover:   

·         the biggest block that’s likely keeping you and your search in low-gear right now and wasting precious time (and how to bust out of your rut)

·         5 things recruiters have begged me not to share with you that can keep you from having your job search sabotaged without you even knowing it.

·         why your resume is not as critical a factor in getting the interviews (or the job) as you think

·         3 immediate ways you can make your job search lean-and-mean right now! (These are so simple and yet so effective.)

·         how you can start working a new plan immediately to find the job you want and cut your job search time in as much as half.                                                                                                                 

Reserve Your Spot by Going to https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/397959075

 **not sure you can make it?  Go ahead and sign-up and a recording of the session will be sent to you** 

We have some great information focused on getting your job search on track.  But, don’t take my word for it.  Here is what some previous listeners had to say about the webinar:

REGISTER FOR THE FREE WEBINAR NOW

https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/397959075

 “Kevin Kermes offers a straightforward and comprehensive approach to develop new networks and expand career or business horizons. I was impressed with his expertise and believe you will be too.”– Katherine Eago

“I recently listened to Kevin’s “Avoiding the 10 Biggest Job Search Mistakes” webinar and was most impressed. The content of the presentation and the insight he provided was very helpful. Because of Kevin’s professional background, he was able to provide me with a better understanding of how the recruitment business works from an insider’s perspective. In addition, I found the topic of job boards to be very informative. Overall, I think it is great information for the current job seeker or anyone who wants to be better prepared for their next job search.”– Brian Heckler

“I recently had the pleasure to attend Kevin’s webinar “Avoiding the 10 Biggest Job Search Mistakes.” I am usually a little suspicious of free webinars, but Kevin’s discussion provided a lot of valuable information for the job seeker and prompted me to purchase his additional materials which also look worthwhile. I am going to recommend to everyone in our WIND group (Boston networking group) that they should also attend Kevin’s webinars.”– Ted Powell

“I listened in on Kevin’s Webinar today on the “5 Secrets to the Perfect Job Search” and found it a very worthwhile use of my time. His insight into what to focus on to be most productive was very helpful. Some points were new and others a timely reinforcement. If you get the opportunity to tune in for one of Kevin’s webinars, I highly recommend you do so.” – Becky Vogt

REGISTER FOR THE FREE WEBINAR NOW

https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/397959075

**not sure you can make it?  Go ahead and sign-up and a recording of the session will be sent to you** 

“Last Thursday, I participated in Kevin Kermes webinar on how to avoid the 10 biggest job search mistakes. I am a busy communications consultant who enjoys my work, but given this economy and its impact on freelancers, would (not surprisingly) like to find full-time steady employment. I signed up for his webinar, even though I wasn’t sure it could offer much in the way of good information. After all, I’d never heard of Kevin–and how many different ways can you scour the job boards? Boy oh boy, was I busted! I learned, among other things, that not all job boards are created equal–or even worth the time it takes to sign up–and why I needed to shift the way I was searching for engaging and sustaining work. I was riveted to his presentation–just short enough to keep my attention and just long enough to be interesting. Like so many other smart, savvy, and well-intentioned people in today’s workforce, I’ve been looking in the wrong places and, as a result, missing out on some right opportunities. With Kevin’s insights, I have changed my approach. Thanks for the hour, Kevin. Really appreciate it! Good stuff!”– Jill Murray

“Kevin’s webinar on “Avoiding the 10 biggest Job Search Mistakes” was completely on the mark. He clearly communicated the most important job search tasks and mistakes to avoid in order for one to stand out from the crowd to potential employers. Get an “Exceptional Performance Review” even before you’re hired. Follow Kevin’s rules.”  – Carl Sutter

“I had the opportunity to listen to Kevin’s webinar the last week in January. The information he provided was insightful and timely. I was able to identify several areas where my search was lacking and feel more focused towards my goal.”– Susan Kneeshaw

REGISTER FOR THE FREE WEBINAR NOW

https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/397959075

**not sure you can make it?  Go ahead and sign-up and a recording of the session will be sent to you** 

____________________________________________________________________________

Kevin is the Founder of Build the Career You Deserve, a company devoted to empowering professionals with the vital tools and information necessary to find the job they want and build the successful career they deserve. Sign up for his free e-zine (read by over 21,000 professionals worldwide) – Build the Career You Deserve – for insider tips on how to do just that

·        It’s All About ROI –  If you have a track record of success and can quantify and qualify those accomplishments (saving money, making money, creating efficiencies), wayward companies who realize they are in bad shape will invest in your expertise and ability to deliver results.  

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WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, BLOG OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:  Kevin Kermes publishes the ‘Build the Career Your Deserve’ e-zine with over 21,000+ subscribers. If you are ready to empower yourself with the vital tools and information necessary to find the job you want and build the successful career you deserve, visit him now www.careerattraction.com 

Being flexible, creative and adaptable in today’s economy is the cornerstone to survival.  The job search is no different and, with unemployment rising, requires just as much vigilance.  One way you can keep your options open and make yourself even more marketable is by considering Consulting in addition to your quest for full-time employment.  Often perceived as an “either-or” scenario, Consulting offers you just as many benefits as it does your “would be” employer:

·         Track record of Fixing Problems?  Career-wise, people typically fall into one of two categories: those who thrive on problem solving and the prospect of a new challenge –or- someone who is exceptionally good at steering the ship once it is on course.  If the thought of fixing something that is broken appeals to you (versus has you thinking about reaching for the Tylenol), then Consulting might be an avenue to explore.

·         A More Flexible Interview – Quite often, what a company needs is someone to tackle a specific problem, not a new full-time employee.  Identifying this in the interview and being able to present yourself as the solution to their problem (at a lower cost), can ultimately create a job tailor made for you and your skill set.  No one can compete against that.

·         Dating Before Marriage – A consulting engagement can give you the opportunity to see if this company is a nice place to visit or a great place to live.  The only thing worse than a prolonged job search, is ending up in a position that results in you being unemployed again in 6-12 months.  Consulting lets you do more due diligence than you could ever accomplish in an interview.

·         “Consulting” on Your Resume – To many recruiters, seeing “consulting” as your current role without any clients/engagements is just a way to dress up being out of work.  But, with a list of key accomplishments at those engagements, you show that you are in demand, have more control over your search and are broadening your experience.  The latter is extremely important if you are looking to transition industries.

·         Change Agent – For companies looking to make some sort of change internally (and you should like this if you have a track record of fixing problems), consulting is a more preferred approach versus hiring a permanent employee.  It is much easier to come in as a consultant, effect the course correction and then hand it off to the internal leadership.

·         Money – Besides the obvious benefit of having income during your search, it also gives you breathing room to be more objective in selecting your next job. 

·         It’s Easier to Find a Job When You Already Have One – So much of what makes this true is that fact that when you are employed, you tend to be a bit more objective because you have a “bird in hand.”  Consulting (in addition to easing that financial strain, which helps here) can provide the self-assurance that comes along with being employed, which can get whittled away while unemployed.

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, BLOG OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:  Kevin Kermes publishes the ‘Build the Career Your Deserve’ e-zine with over 17,000+ subscribers. If you are ready to empower yourself with the vital tools and information necessary to find the job you want and build the successful career you deserve, visit him now www.careerattraction.com 

Where to Find True Stability

Make sure you are focused on what will truly create stability 

In a previous article, I talked about how to determine where you should focus industry-wise if looking to make a career shift. Right along with being asked, “What are some good areas to be in right now?” I am often asked about “stability” as it relates to an industry. Too many people confuse “growth” with “stability” in making career decisions. While there are some industry sectors that are more volatile than others, I firmly believe that your professional stability has much more to do with you than the company you work for or sector you work in.  

I spent years running a firm that placed software sales executives. It is an acquisition-driven industry where the smaller companies serve as incubators for new technology and either a) get gobbled up by larger publicly traded companies  b) go public  – becoming that larger company themselves or c) fail (and more fail than succeed). On the other hand, the large, publicly held companies are subject to Wall Street’s mood swings. A stock downgrade means lay-offs. This leaves those in software wondering how they can count on their company. In short, they cannot. But, they can depend upon themselves.

This advice hold true in any industry.  Stability resides within you. As you build your career through accomplishments – meeting and exceeding goals set for you, taking on greater responsibilities and challenges – you create stability in the only brand and product you can truly control: you. While choosing industries that are growing can create opportunities, they do not guarantee them. It is up to you to seize them and make them reality. Ultimately, your ability to do this will create a marketable solution that is resilient to an up or down economy: you.

I firmly believe it is actually easier to showcase a background in meeting and exceeding goals during a down economy rather than when things are good. Everyone can achieve success when the fruit is hanging low. It is a rare breed that can deliver results when the economy is less than ideal. And right now is when companies need that kind of leadership to make it through this storm. 

So, as you look to create a more stable situation for yourself and your family — and in your career – your focus needs to be inward not outward. Build your brand, solidify your track record and your reputation. This is something tangible that you can take with you anywhere and transcends any industry or economy.

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 Avoid the job boards, 

work around recruiters 

and find the job you want in half the time.

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WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, BLOG OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:  Kevin Kermes publishes the ‘Build the Career Your Deserve’ e-zine with over 17,000+ subscribers. If you are ready to empower yourself with the vital tools and information necessary to find the job you want and build the successful career you deserve, visit him now www.careerattraction.com 

2008-2009 © Kevin Kermes Inc. – All Rights Reserved

Winning Hearts and Minds - The closer you work with fellow volunteers, the better they will get to know you.  And, let’s face it, people help and hire those they like.  Give people the opportunity to get to know you – not your tails of unemployment.  Like we discussed last week, remember not to dwell on the fact you are looking for a job.  You want everyone to think of you in terms of the great addition you would be versus the person who is always talking about being unemployed.

Words and Deeds – The interview process is a two-way street.  You size up a future employer just as they do the same to you.  Both sides are trying to figure out if the other “walks the talk.”  By working side-by-side with someone in a volunteer capacity, you get to see if someone’s work ethic is in line with yours.  Moreover, make sure you are gravitating towards those that give 110%.  Good people always know good people.

Do What You Know – When volunteering, most people think in terms of what the Not for Profit does as a function: soup kitchens need help in the kitchen, Big Brothers/Big Sisters need adults to sponsor kids, etc.  But shift your mindset to what you do best.  If you are in accounting, volunteer your time to help with the books.  A sales professional would be a great fundraiser or trainer of other fundraisers.  You will not only be showcasing what you do, but your value-add to the organization will be even greater.  Not to mention, you increase the likelihood of interacting with Board Members – who might have a connection or two.

If you have been thinking of retreating from your volunteer commitments in order to focus more time on your search – Don’t.  Get more involved, make more connections and leverage your skills set in doing so.  It is a win-win for everyone involved.  Not only might you find a job in the process but you will do some great work to feel good about in the interim. 

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Read about YOUR ECONOMIC STIMULUS

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WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, BLOG OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:  Kevin Kermes publishes the ‘Build the Career Your Deserve’ e-zine with over 17,000+ subscribers. If you are ready to empower yourself with the vital tools and information necessary to find the job you want and build the successful career you deserve, visit him now www.careerattraction.com 

  2008 – 2009 (c) Kevin Kermes Inc. – All Rights Reserved 

When It’s Best NOT to Ask for a Job 

This past week, one of my clients was asking me for advice on how best to network at an upcoming tradeshow for a new job.  She is unemployed, but thought the event would be a prime opportunity to get in front of some people and get her name out there.  Rightly so!  She went on to say that while she knew she should go, the whole thing was making her uncomfortable.   “I don’t want to be walking around with a stack of resumes asking people if they are hiring.”  My advice: Don’t take your resume and don’t ask for a job.  Here is what I told her to do:

The Introduction – You aren’t going to be the only one working a tradeshow or networking event in hopes of finding a job.  So, how do you differentiate?  Don’t ask who is hiring.  In introducing yourself, you are going to say who you “were” with – stating you are not working and implying you are looking.  There is no need to go beyond that.  If you are at a tradeshow, chances are the person you are talking to is ecstatic that they still have a job.  So, shift the conversation to them.  What presentations or speakers are they going to hear?  What new products or solutions are they rolling out?  Talk about anything other than your job search.  If they are looking to hire, they will drive it to you.

The Give to Get – Do your homework BEFORE the event.  Who are the speakers and presenters?  What topics are they covering?  Research an article that is timely and pertinent to anyone who would be interested in those speakers.  When you are “introducing” yourself, bring up the article.   When you find out they didn’t read it or haven’t seen it, offer to email them a copy.  They will give you their information, you have just made a new contact and you have established yourself as someone in the “know.”  Again, don’t ask who is hiring. 

The Follow up – After the event, email those contact you have made with the link to the article you discussed.  This is when you can ask them to help you network.  If you are interested in their company specifically, ask to be introduced to a hiring manager how covers that area in which you want to work (not HR).  Otherwise, try asking them this: “Would you introduce me to the top 3 people you hold in the highest regard in your industry?”  These can be former/current peers or bosses.  Ideally, steer away from asking about who is hiring – it pigeon holes your networking and can keep you from the 2^nd or 3^rd degree of separation that will be your next job.

Differentiation is the key to standing out in what is becoming a very crowded job market.  You need to take advantage of every opportunity when you can showcase your subject matter expertise in your field.   Having conversations like these not only helps the person you are aiming to network with, but shows that you are on top of your game and the current events in your industry.  This is all part of creating demand in the brand you want them to buy: You.

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Want to learn more about Your Solution and uncovering the “hidden job market?”   Listen to a recording of my – “5 Secrets to the Perfect Job Search” webinar. 

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WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, BLOG OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:  Kevin Kermes publishes the ‘Build the Career Your Deserve’ e-zine with over 17,000+ subscribers. If you are ready to empower yourself with the vital tools and information necessary to find the job you want and build the successful career you deserve, visit him now www.careerattraction.com 

2008 – 2009 (c) Kevin Kermes Inc. – All Rights Reserved

Focus on the “Now”

“Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.”

The quote is from Buddha.   While I am not sure if he experienced the frustration that can come along with a job search, I think his advice is very fitting.  Clients constantly tell me how they feel like their search is taking too long, they are lacking focus since they are looking at so many different things or they simply do not think they are making process.  If you are experiencing any of this in your search, here is some advice to help you focus on the “now.”

The Push and The Pull – Every search has a Push and a Pull.  The Push is the reason you are leaving (or have left) your current (or past) job.  The Pull is what is attracting you to your new job.  Too often, by dwelling in the past you end up focusing on the Push.  This is a lot like talking about an “ex” on a first date.  A little bit can go a long way (in a bad way).  Focus on the moment, which is the company you are pursuing and why they are a good fit for you.

Work in Blocks – Most people are looking at multiple opportunities across a wide array of industries – particularly if you are looking to change fields.  It is typical to be left feeling a little scattered and without focus when jostling all these different positions in various stages of progress.  Try breaking down your time into blocks.  You can organize the time blocks by specific industry or by activity type (follow up calls, check-in emails, etc.).  This allows you to get into a groove and get the most out of a set of like tasks, versus constantly shifting gears.

The Interview – Simply put, your job at each phase of the interview is to get invited back for the next interview.  Do not worry about how many steps are in the process.  Do not worry about compensation.  Keep focused on stating your track record of accomplishments and the ROI the company will get by hiring you.  This will put you in a position to not only be invited back, but in doing so you can figure out if this is the right job for you.

Patience – It isn’t a virtue, it is a requirement.  The average job search is taking 2 weeks per 10K (i.e. – 20 weeks/5 months for 100K in salary).  Companies are taking their time to make the right hire which is resulting in a longer process than we have seen in years.  Have a system to follow up and keep in touch with your prospective employer(s). Demonstrating patience will only help raise your stock, since so your competition is likely not playing it as cool as you will be.

Sucking the Marrow – Be in the “now” for every call, email or meeting.  You need to be constantly expanding your network, so whenever you are in communication with someone get the most out of that conversation.  Who else do they know?  Who is hiring?  Get everything you can out of each interaction.  And, always remember “give to get.”

This process is a marathon, not a sprint – particularly in this economy.  Keep that perspective and focus on making forward progress every day.  That may be a positive conversation that leads to a new introduction can be just as valuable in the long run as an interview. 

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Frustrated by your job search?  Applying to jobs boards but never hearing back?  Learn the secrets to uncovering the “hidden” job market, standout from the crowd and cut your job search time in half.  

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WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, BLOG OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:  Kevin Kermes publishes the ‘Build the Career Your Deserve’ e-zine with over 17,000+ subscribers. If you are ready to empower yourself with the vital tools and information necessary to find the job you want and build the successful career you deserve, visit him now www.careerattraction.com 

2008 – 2009 (c) Kevin Kermes Inc. – All Rights Reserved

Don’t Throw the Baby Out with the Bathwater

How to turn rejection into opportunity in your job search

Have you heard this lately in your job search? “We have decided to move forward with another candidate…Our search has been put on hold…We think you are a great fit for our company, but just not the right one for this position….Let’s keep in touch.”  I know how frustrating the job search can be and these statements usually take the wind right out of you.  But, what if I could show you a few techniques to turn this into something positive – sometimes immediately! 

Every time you make a connection in your interview process you need to think about it in terms of building your network.  All too often, job seekers look at the process from a static, linear perspective: submit information, get the interview(s) and either get the job or not.  I will grant you that not getting the job is frustrating.  But how you handle losing the battle can result in you winning the war.

A huge part of the interview process is establishing rapport – winning hearts and minds.  Instead of seeing another door closing when you do not get the job, look at it as another door opening.  You have worked hard to make a new connection – professionally, sometimes even personally, bonding with the people in the company where you interviewed.  Shouldn’t you capitalize on it?  Here are some pointers on how to do so:

·         They know you are looking – ask for help networking.  If you have just impressed them enough to have multiple interviews, they should give you high marks.

·         Keep in touch.  Create a system to reach out to each and every person you talk to throughout your job search.  This is no different than a sales campaign.  And the person who isn’t buying today may be ready to purchase (hire) tomorrow.

·         Get to know the people you interview with.  This personal connection will get your calls, emails and requests answered quicker.

·         Pay it forward.  Find out what you can do for them.  Helping someone first is the quickest way to endear you to them.  They will seek you out to return the favor!

Not getting the offer – particularly after several rounds of interviews – is frustrating, no doubt.  But you have worked hard to make it that far.  In this economy, getting to the first round of interviews is tough enough.  So, when you do make a connection treat it like gold.  Managed well, this network can drive your job search for you.

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 Avoid the job boards, 

work around recruiters 

and find the job you want in half the time.

* * * * * * * * *

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, BLOG OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:  Kevin Kermes publishes the ‘Build the Career Your Deserve’ e-zine with over 17,000+ subscribers. If you are ready to empower yourself with the vital tools and information necessary to find the job you want and build the successful career you deserve, visit him now www.careerattraction.com 

2008-2009 © Kevin Kermes Inc. – All Rights Reserved