04-23-2009, 01:01 PM
Tips from a career salon expert on managing the job hunt
April 23, 10:31 AM · Add a Comment
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While scrambling for a job, in the hectic chaos of that search often we forget to look in our own backyard for resources. There, one can find not only a contact or two, but perhaps some inspiration in the work life challenges that come along with the job search.
In a recent conversation with career transition expert Bob Simmons, CEO of Career Transitions Associates, he shared a story of a boomer who after many attempts sending her resume into the black hole of the typical job search, attended a career support club or salon. The results were not immediate, but instead organic.
One relationship lead to another, and another. Within weeks, word of her skills virally spread throughout this support network to an appropriate employer who was magically searching for someone with her profile. Since she was heading back to work due to her 401-K being demolished in the market tumble, her disposition wasn’t exactly peachy. Being able to vent weekly at her Job Guide Club, she received guidance and along with kind words of support.
Bob Simmons runs the Job Guide Club in Plainview, Long Island. It’s now up to 31 members who meet every other week and support one another during the highs and lows of the job search. I asked him a few questions about the job hunting process in general.
JUDY: What are the greatest vehicles to network in the current climate-in order of importance?
BOB: Face to face networking followed by phone networking followed by social networking on the web followed by e-mail networking.
JUDY: What happens at a job salon or club?
BOB: The clubs I have been running for a number of years provide the following advantages:
Gain complete proficiency with “Tell Me About Yourself,” exercises. Can you tell a person why you will be a good employee if hired?
Discussion of job search concerns and issues ranging from “I lost my job last last week” to advise on negotiating a new salary offer.
Discussion around difficult subject matters: ”How do you handle two DWI convictions and some jail time over the past five years when you are looking for a new job?”
Support from present club members along with a network support list of over 1500 names, the majority of whom, have landed jobs.
Networking Socials: Periodic social networking parties which bring together a number of other job clubs to mingle and further network.
Recently we established a CTA Job Club Member Yahoo Group which now has over 75 members and is growing. This promotes further job search and network communication between club members.
JUDY: How important is it to dive into the social media landscape to network for a job?
BOB: Very important. The more eyes and ears of people who know I am looking for
a job, the better the chance for success. This is a concept I repeat over and over again.
JUDY: What are the three most important things you should be able to communicate to a prospective employer within minutes?
BOB: Career focus, followed by your applicable business strengths and examples - along with your education if appropriate.
JUDY: What are the best exercises for the brain and morale that one can engage in while job hunting?
Stay in today, meaning don’t project the future and possible negative ramifications. ie: “What will happen if I don’t have a job six months from now?”
Create a daily “To Do” List to keep your job search focused and ongoing.
Surround yourself with positive, uplifting people. Avoid those who live life with a moan and groan attitude.
Pay attention to the little events in your job search, such as a recruiter calling you to discuss your resume which may lead to no further activity, or someone willing to walk your resume into a company - both of which may require follow-up.
Changing jobs or looking for a new one does not have to be a lonely journey. Building a community around your search through networking can bare fruit in career and support in your work life transition. Career coach & resume writer Bob Simmons can be reached at 516-501-0717.
Write Judy at info[at]judymartinspeaks.com. Visit her blog at WorkLifeNation.com.
April 23, 10:31 AM · Add a Comment
ShareThis Feed
While scrambling for a job, in the hectic chaos of that search often we forget to look in our own backyard for resources. There, one can find not only a contact or two, but perhaps some inspiration in the work life challenges that come along with the job search.
In a recent conversation with career transition expert Bob Simmons, CEO of Career Transitions Associates, he shared a story of a boomer who after many attempts sending her resume into the black hole of the typical job search, attended a career support club or salon. The results were not immediate, but instead organic.
One relationship lead to another, and another. Within weeks, word of her skills virally spread throughout this support network to an appropriate employer who was magically searching for someone with her profile. Since she was heading back to work due to her 401-K being demolished in the market tumble, her disposition wasn’t exactly peachy. Being able to vent weekly at her Job Guide Club, she received guidance and along with kind words of support.
Bob Simmons runs the Job Guide Club in Plainview, Long Island. It’s now up to 31 members who meet every other week and support one another during the highs and lows of the job search. I asked him a few questions about the job hunting process in general.
JUDY: What are the greatest vehicles to network in the current climate-in order of importance?
BOB: Face to face networking followed by phone networking followed by social networking on the web followed by e-mail networking.
JUDY: What happens at a job salon or club?
BOB: The clubs I have been running for a number of years provide the following advantages:
Gain complete proficiency with “Tell Me About Yourself,” exercises. Can you tell a person why you will be a good employee if hired?
Discussion of job search concerns and issues ranging from “I lost my job last last week” to advise on negotiating a new salary offer.
Discussion around difficult subject matters: ”How do you handle two DWI convictions and some jail time over the past five years when you are looking for a new job?”
Support from present club members along with a network support list of over 1500 names, the majority of whom, have landed jobs.
Networking Socials: Periodic social networking parties which bring together a number of other job clubs to mingle and further network.
Recently we established a CTA Job Club Member Yahoo Group which now has over 75 members and is growing. This promotes further job search and network communication between club members.
JUDY: How important is it to dive into the social media landscape to network for a job?
BOB: Very important. The more eyes and ears of people who know I am looking for
a job, the better the chance for success. This is a concept I repeat over and over again.
JUDY: What are the three most important things you should be able to communicate to a prospective employer within minutes?
BOB: Career focus, followed by your applicable business strengths and examples - along with your education if appropriate.
JUDY: What are the best exercises for the brain and morale that one can engage in while job hunting?
Stay in today, meaning don’t project the future and possible negative ramifications. ie: “What will happen if I don’t have a job six months from now?”
Create a daily “To Do” List to keep your job search focused and ongoing.
Surround yourself with positive, uplifting people. Avoid those who live life with a moan and groan attitude.
Pay attention to the little events in your job search, such as a recruiter calling you to discuss your resume which may lead to no further activity, or someone willing to walk your resume into a company - both of which may require follow-up.
Changing jobs or looking for a new one does not have to be a lonely journey. Building a community around your search through networking can bare fruit in career and support in your work life transition. Career coach & resume writer Bob Simmons can be reached at 516-501-0717.
Write Judy at info[at]judymartinspeaks.com. Visit her blog at WorkLifeNation.com.