Career Attraction Weekly Wrap-up: August 21, 2010
I’ll keep it short and sweet here…it was a really bust week last week. And, we aren’t slowing down any time soon. September is almost here and, historically, that means an uptick in the hiring market. So, I want you to be ready…
OK…on to what happened last week:
How to Stand Out in the Job Search: Stop Chasing Jobs and Start Attracting Them – I hope you’ll join me and our host (Robert Shindell of ilostmyjob.com) on Thursday. We will be talking about how you can easily stand out in this market and start pulling the job to you that you want – and need. Plus, I have a huge announcement I’ll be making. You can check it out here.
Free Job Search Coaching- The Recap: This week, I held a day of free 1-on-1 coaching sessions. It’s the first time I’ve done this and there’s no doubt…I will be doing it again. What I’d like to share are anecdotes and trends I took away from talking to these 23 job seekers. My hope is that it might provide some perspective and help to what often feels like a pretty solitary journey: the job search. Read more here…
LinkedIn v.Facebook – 281 vs. 181 and counting. If you haven’t joined us on LinkedIn and Facebook, come on in…the water is fine. This week there was a great discussion started by Karel Goodwin on GateJumping (or “Gate-Crash,” as she likes to call it!) in the LinkedIn Group. Check it out! Have a question? Want to share some information? These are great places to “pay it forward.”
Here’s what’s happening in Career Attraction University…
1-on-1 Coaching: August 25th and 27th…there are private, 1-on-1 coaching slots available. Sign-up in the members section and I’ll look forward to talking with you!
This Month’s Webinar - On Wednesday, August 25th and 12:00pmEST we will have our SME Webinar for August. I’ll be talking about how to Outsource Your Job Search. This will include tips, techniques and resources you can start using immediately to streamline your search, focus on that tasks that need your attention(versus the busy work) and get back to work quicker.
Registration information will be sent out to members on Monday.
NEW VIDEOS – New training videos on posting to LinkedIn Groups quicker (and more easily) and creating surveys, autoreponders and opt-in boxes for your website with iContact plus our Q&A webinar from last Wednesday.
Have some specific training you’d like for your search? Email me at kevin@careerattraction.com and I’ll get working on it for you!
Not a member of Career Attraction University? For less than one dollar a day you can access all this information and more. Sign-up here and get started today!
Volunteer Your Way to a New Opportunity
Most of us have a charity or group where we volunteer our time and efforts. In the midst of a job search, particularly a stressful one, it would seem natural to dial back your involvement. But, this is one place where you shouldn’t retreat. The relationships you have established – even if new or underdeveloped – in the places you volunteer can be extremely powerful in your job search. Increasing your involvement can very well lead to a job offer in a place you never expected to find one.
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. Talk about the “hidden” job market.
It Doesn’t Always Have to Be a NFP – The key here is to get you out using and contributing your skill set. When you list yourself as a “consultant” or “freelance” on your resume, no one is going to ask what you were paid. The closest you will get is “what’s your bill rate?” The bottom line is that you can contribute your expertise wherever you like and you are only limited by those who won’t take you up on your offer. This is also a great way to develop some new skills and subject matter expertise that you might be lacking – volunteer to work on a project to get some OJT.
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.
Like what you read? Get blogs, videos and tools you can use delivered right to your inbox as I post them. No spam or junk – just content you can put to use and get results with! And make sure you check out my FREE STUFF to put to work in your job search today…
FREE WEBINAR (Recording) – 5 Secrets to Uncovering the Hidden Job Market
Free Webinar – 5 Secrets to Uncovering the Hidden Job Market
**enter your information to have a link to the webinar emailed to you**
On this webinar, 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.
**enter your information to have a link to the webinar emailed 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:
“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. 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” 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
**enter your information to have a link to the webinar emailed 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 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
**enter your information to have a link to the webinar emailed to you**
The Career Attraction Weekly Wrap-up – Friday, July 9, 2010
The end of yet another week is upon us. For you soccer (or, ahem, football) fans out there, the World Cup final is on Sunday – Spain and the Netherlands. I know one person who will be clad in orange pulling for Holland…our friend Ilona Vanderwoude!
Whether your plans include watching the match or something else all together, I hope you have a great weekend.
Now, here’s what happened this week at Career Attraction:
My “Stand Out” Job Search Training starts on Monday. If you haven’t seen what it’s all about, watch this short video (about 10 minutes). I built it around exactly what you told me you wanted. I’ll be walking you through how to build stronger networks that drive opportunities to you, more efficient social media systems that work for you and, of course, how to Stand Out from the crowd easily, naturally and authentically. Watch the short video here…
Stand Out by Ditching the Elevator Speech – As you know, I am not a fan of the “elevator speech.” I agree with the concept of getting your message across quickly, succinctly and powerfully. Where this concept loses me (as well as most people receiving it) is that it isn’t value packed for the listener. This is particularly important in your job search, since there are a lot of “speeches” being pitched to hiring managers and you must stand out here. In my opinion, taking a more solution based approach will do just that. Read more here…
Q&A: How do I grow and cultivate a real network? – Kevin, in one of your webinars, you mentioned two types of networks: real and “acquaintance” (or something like that). I would like to know how to cultivate a real network. I don’t really think that I am relationship challenged. It is just the nature of my personality to be calm, cool and collected, and in the background. People don’t really gravitate to me. So anyway, I have 53 LinkedIn connections that span most of my life. But they are mostly acquaintances and they aren’t really people that engage in an equal give and take with me. This isn’t a personal question. I’m more interested in the professional side. How to I create those professional relationships that can stand the test of time? Read my response here…
INTERVIEW: Networking from Scratch – I’ve been sharing this interview a lot lately with my coaching clients. It’s a conversation I had with a senior professional who found himself in a new city, with no network and unemployed. Michael had to build a trusted network from scratch – and quickly. In this interview, he explains exactly how he developed a strong network in short order that landed him an outstanding job…all without ever asking for a job! His advice – priceless. Get the interview here…
Next week in Career Attraction University:
- “Stand Out” Job Search Training start Monday
- Monthly Q&A Webinar – Thursday, July 15 at 12:00pmEST (Invitations will be emailed on Monday for Career Attraction University members). Remember to send your questions in by noon on Wednesday, July 14 to university@careerattraction.com)
- New “how to” Social Media Videos will be posted next week too!
Not a member of Career Attraction University? For less than one dollar a day you can access all this information and more. Sign-up here and get started today!
2008 – 2010 – Career Attraction – All Rights Reserved
INTERVIEW: Networking from Scratch
I’ve been sharing this interview a lot lately with my coaching clients. It’s a conversation I had with a senior professional who found himself in a new city, with no network and unemployed. Michael had to build a trusted network from scratch – and quickly. In this interview, he explains exactly how he developed a strong network in short order that landed him an outstanding job…all without ever asking for a job! His advice – priceless.
Enter your information below and I’ll email you the interview – it’s yours to keep!
Listen to the interview and please share your thoughts and networking advice for others below. I’d love to hear what you think!
2008 – 2010 (c) Career Attraction – All Rights Reserved
