The Employmentalist

Top Story on Yahoo! (SEP 22, 2009)

2009-09-22T10:26:00.000-07:00

LONDON (Reuters) – In a pinstripe suit, silk tie and polished shoes, David Rowe has all the trappings of a successful London city worker, except for one stark difference -- he is wearing a sandwich board that says "JOB WANTED."

As he walked down Fleet Street, home to legal firms and investment banks, the 24-year-old history graduate showed the human face behind the "lay-offs" and "recession" headlines.

"The first 20 paces are the hardest, you feel very conspicuous, but you just steel yourself to get on with it," he said, starting a slow trudge toward the Law Courts before turning toward St Paul's Cathedral.

Read the whole story here...

Image and Story Courtesy of Reuters

"But I can't think of any results..."

2009-07-09T05:46:00.000-07:00

You don't have an excuse anymore! CareerCorps has created a simple Microsoft Excel 'Results Tracker' available for FREE download. Now, you'll finally be able to track your results at work, and when it comes time to update your resume, you'll be adequately prepared :)

The Results Tracker can be downloaded here:
http://www.careercorps.com/Results_Tracker.xls

Do good, get a job.

2009-07-08T07:31:00.000-07:00

If you're unemployed and executing your job hunt plan during normal business hours (9-5 Monday thru Friday), that leaves you with plenty of time in the evening and on weekends to volunteer for a charity and attend charity events. The volunteer aspect is important because it allows your soft and hard skills and abilities to shine through. Thus, you'll get to know some pretty incredible and like-minded people. Most importantly, they'll likely have their guard down in that environment, so you'll be able to develop authentic relationships, where you otherwise might not be able to. People like people who do good and are like-minded. When the common question of "What do you do for a living?" pops up (as it inevitably does), you'll have your opportunity to pitch your value proposition and determine if there are any hiring opportunities on the horizon.

Are you being kind with your time, volunteering your skills and abilities for common good, and attending charitable events?

Should I get an MBA?

2009-07-07T05:37:00.000-07:00

Should I go back to school and get an MBA?

If I had a nickel for every time I heard this question, I could probably raise enough capital to acquire Monster and CareerBuilder. To this question, I say, "Check your motives."

* Is there a specific MBA program you're interested in and is it aligned with a burgeoning market? Do you have interest in creating your own program (Sustainability in Transportation & Logistics, Marketing via Social Media, etc.)?

* Do you plan to look for synergies with other like-minded students and consider entrepreneurial opportunities and impactful real world projects?

* Do you plan on joining and leading student organizations and associations?

* Do you plan on getting to know your professors outside of the classroom, picking their brains, and leveraging their networks?

* Do you plan on being involved with the alumni network upon graduation?

If you answered "yes" to each of the aforementioned questions, then my answer is unfailingly, "YES! Go back to school and get an MBA." However, if you're going back to school because you can't find a job and your motive is simply to "get that piece of paper" and a "bump in salary", CHECK YOUR MOTIVES.

Cooking a steak and NOT eating it...

2009-07-06T14:55:00.000-07:00

Imagine driving to the supermarket, scouring the different cuts of meat, selecting and paying for a $15.99 cut of meat, driving home, marinating the meat, and then cooking it...only to throw it away in the garbage without ever taking a bite. Where am I going with this?

I advise all of my clients to develop a job hunt plan. Not all of them do it. Those that do, are excited at first, but then the excitement wears off when they realize how difficult it is to execute that plan. Sadly, this is where most fall off the wagon and revert to their more comfortable ways. Sales isn't for everyone. But this isn't about Sales. This is about SURVIVAL. You have a mortgage/rent to pay. You have a family to support. You enjoy leisure activities and recreation - and it costs money. Not selling yourself, is not an option. MAKE THE SALE! Pick up that phone and contact the hiring manager. Walk-in unannounced.

Whatever you do, don't get caught up in negativity and complaining. Your life is a direct reflection of the conversations going on inside of your head. Replace, "I won't ever get hired," with, "I am the best damn (insert title here) in this town and I will get hired this month!" Say it over and over and over. Then, move a muscle and EXECUTE that plan.

Barack Obama's Visual CV...

2009-06-30T14:13:00.000-07:00

This was neat. Enjoy (and benchmark)!!

http://www.visualcv.com/barackobama

Bicep Curls vs. Cheese Curls

2009-06-29T07:28:00.000-07:00

If you supplement your workout with poor eating habits, it is counterproductive. Why on earth would I spend 30 minutes in the gym working out my biceps and then go home and eat a 10oz bag of Cheese Curls? It just doesn't make sense.

The same goes for job hunting. If you supplement your agressive job hunt strategy with a boring black-and-white resume - and that's it - it is counterproductive. You've worked your a** off to set appointments with hiring managers this week - why in the world would you want to convey a sub-par representation of yourself as a first impression??

It's time to develop a first-rate pitch package for yourself. Google "sample press kit" (or some derivative thereof) and view the results. This should give you a good baseline to start from. Don't be afraid to be different. Take some professional photos of yourself (put up an ad for a "test for print" photographer on Craigslist; they're FREE). Write an interesting article about something in your industry, print it out, and include it. It doesn't matter if you are "published". You've got to think outside of the box here. Print a list of your 3 favorite business books, highlighting your 5 favorite quotes from each book. If you volunteer, create a "Volunteer Addendum" with pictures and a synopsis of your volunteer work. The possibilities for your pitch package are endless. Get creative, and start mass-producing your package NOW!

Is your personal brand desirable or detestable?

2009-06-26T08:53:00.000-07:00

According to Jay Conrad Levinson and David E. Perry, co-authors of Guerrilla Marketing for Job Hunters, "The New VALUE Table™ represents the base elements of your personal brand." These are the tenets, as they relate to the Employer's Value Requirement and Your Quality That Counts:

Employer Value Requirement: Create new intellectual wealth for my company; add to my intellectual assets

Your Quality: A consuming desire to make something new; to cut a new path rather than take a road

Employer Value Requirement: High-energy enthusiasm for the job, regardless of the hours worked
Your Quality: Work is a game - an integral, vibrant part of his or her life

Employer Value Requirement: Not only is money not the most important issue - it's beside the point
Your Quality: Internal pride to leave a "legacy signature" on their work, rather than strive for a paycheck

Employer Value Requirement: Enduring performance

Your Quality: An ability to stay and finish the race, because not finishing is inconceivable emotionally

Employer Value Requirement: "Think around corners" to solve problems creatively
Your Quality: Having an inner voice saying, "There's always a way."

Employer Value Requirement: Bring up-to-date professionalism into every fray

Your Quality: Contain a desire to grow professionally - to become the best person he or she can be; invest in themselves

Employer Value Requirement: Ever-increasing contribution
Your Quality: The key to inner pleasure is recognized as making an individual contribution

Employer Value Requirement: Identify and develop values for your company
Your Quality: Instinctive grasp and exploitation of today's real value; the intangible capital of brand image, staff talent, and customer relationships

Employer Value Requirement: Challenge the status quo
Your Quality: Willingness and courage to speak the truth when you see a conflict

Enjoy :) Happy Friday!

Being passive and unstructured will set you back.

2009-06-25T05:34:00.000-07:00

If you've been unemployed for a while now and haven't managed to secure any job interviews, it is likely because you're being too passive and unstructured in your job search approach. Consider the following definition (Dictionary.com):

cam•paign (noun) - a systematic course of aggressive activities for some specific purpose

Two words jump out of this definition: "systematic" and "aggressive". Take a good, hard look at your current job search campaign and find the holes. Some people will have more holes than others. If your campaign is riddled with holes, start filling them. Develop a plan. Do a resumé makeover. Devise and internalize a 30-second sound bite and value proposition that you feel comfortable giving over the phone. Pick up the phone and dial. Track your progress. And remember, the more tools you use and the more aggressive you are, the more contacts you'll make and the higher your probability of success.

Create forward momentum today. It's never too late.

YOU Inc.

2009-06-24T07:22:00.000-07:00

You are no longer a person in this economy. You are a product, competing for shelf space. It's time to think in terms of features, benefits and value.

What are your features? What are your benefits? What is the value you deliver? If you are an IT Project Manager, your features would be the unique knowledge you have about specific technologies (award-winning Agile software development). By leveraging that knowledge, your employer will be able to realize benefits (i.e. competitive advantage in the industry). Finally, the value you deliver would be your direct or indirect contribution to the bottom line (delivering completed projects ahead of schedule and under budget).

Now, take this thought process and think in terms of a targeted marketing campaign, utilizing creative advertising and publicity to get the word out about you. This is what companies do to sell their products. This is what you need to do to sell yourself. Otherwise, you'll sit on the shelf and collect dust.

Your 'interests' are boring.

2009-06-23T05:38:00.000-07:00

There is no absolute authority when it comes to resumé writing. Especially, when it comes to the controversial 'Interests' section of the resumé. I used to think the 'Interests' section was unnecessary filler ("fluff"), as do many professional resumé writers. Then, I spoke with a job hunter who had been offered an interview when the hiring manager read the 'Interests' section of his resumé, and said, "I see you're a big Steven King fan. So am I!" Evidently, this section of your resumé could be the best rapport-building tool available! Which leads me to my main point: If you're going to include an 'Interests' section in your resumé, be specific and authentic, so that the person reading it can relate to you at a deeper lever, if they share a similar interest.

For example, instead of writing...

"Travel, reading, and spending time with my family."

try...

"Backpacking in mountainous regions of South America and documenting rare wildlife on my travel blog."

"Reading Robert Ludlum novels in my hammock and choreographing complex fight scenes in my head."

"Making s'mores with my two sons and watching them get chocolate all over their face."

Statements, such as the aforementioned, are authentic and can create a heightened bond with the reader of your resumé, which could be exactly what you need to get in the door for an interview.

John Moses has the right idea!

2009-06-22T06:54:00.000-07:00

Looking for examples of good personal branding? Look no further. Here is a stellar example of what you should do if you are currently seeking employment. This subtle micro-site is clean, impressive, and really gives me an idea of what John Moses is all about. John has differentiated himself from the pack by bringing to life the persona behind his paper resume.

Visit John's micro-site.

Why you should care about job fairs...

2009-06-19T05:43:00.000-07:00

Job Hunter A: Today, I submitted my resume for 4 job openings I found on Monster.com. I didn't hear back from any of them. I also followed up with my uncle's friend, Tom, who said there might be an opening at his company in the next 3 months (they've been on a hiring freeze lately). If I can muster-up the energy, I may get suited-up and drive into town to drop off a resume or two.

Job Hunter B: Today, I met face-to-face with 30+ hiring personnel in the Healthcare, Insurance, and Information Technology industries. I was able to deliver a compelling value proposition to each person I met, as well as hand-off my personal branding portfolio, containing my resume, work samples, achievement addendum, letters of recommendation, and awards I've won. I also collected business cards from each person I came into contact with. I plan on adding them to my growing database of hiring contacts, and following-up with personalized emails to each. I was even able to set up 1 interview on the spot! Additionally, there were 3 other interactions I felt really good about, which could lead to interviews and eventual employment.

Which job hunter would you rather be?

Visit JobExpo.com for upcoming job fairs in your area.

When did we move to Seattle?

2009-06-18T14:09:00.001-07:00

In lieu of the recent rainy weather in New York City, I decided to write a blog post in honor of a friend of mine in Corporate Sales (B2B). This friend LOVES to go out and solicit new business when it is pouring outside. Why? He has a competitive advantage. Here's his rationale:

1) When it rains, a person's natural inclination is to stay inside and keep dry. "Today is a good day to take care of administrative paperwork." Have you heard this before? In all likelihood, his competitors are following suit.

2) His clients are more likely to be accessible for a meeting, as they are less likely to be taking long lunches, leaving early, sitting outside with coffee and co-workers, etc.

3) Most importantly, when visiting clients on rainy days he regularly hears, "I can't believe you came out on a day like this!" Talk about exemplifying persistence.

So, what does that mean for YOU? Use inclement weather to your advantage in your job search. While other job hunters are keeping dry indoors and pecking away at their computer keyboards, get out there a solicit for a new job. Chances are good you'll get time in front of a hiring manager. If you encounter issues getting in to see your hiring contact, and you need to get past a "gatekeeper", you could always use the following line: "I came all the way out here in the pouring rain to see Mr. Jackson. I'm soaking wet. Can I please meet with him for 5 minutes?" Regardless, at the end of it all, you'll be remembered as persistent. Furthermore, in your follow-ups, you can say, "I was the guy/gal who came out in the pouring rain to see you last week." Play it up. Another little trick-of-the-trade.

The Biking Billboard Queen!

2009-06-17T12:38:00.000-07:00

Not getting any bites on Monster, CareerBuilder, or HotJobs? Try following in the footsteps of Peggy Greco, the Biking Billboard Queen! According to CNN Money:

"Peggy Greco, 53, is an out-of-work private duty registered nurse in Hobe Sound, Florida. To broaden her network, and get some fresh air, she printed a t-shirt with her Web site and contact information and began wearing it on bike rides in her area.

Even though she hasn't gotten a job offer yet, Greco says she has gotten a few calls so far - and lost about 5 pounds."

(Photo & story courtesy of Peggy Greco and CNN Money)

Your 'Objective' probably stinks.

2009-06-16T05:38:00.000-07:00

In all likelihood, you've written a poor cookie-cutter 'Objective' statement at the top of your resume. I'm not trying to be harsh, I'm just being a realist. Consider the following before-and-after examples:

Before: "Experienced Business Analyst looking to utilize my skills and abilities to enhance company operations, while being challenged in a dynamic environment and afforded the opportunity for advancement."

After: "The self-proclaimed "World's Best Business Analyst" is the perfect fit for the Sr. Business Analyst position at Corps Systems. On average, I deliver completed information systems 12 days ahead of schedule, $8,250 under budget, and earn a 98.2% end user satisfaction rating. I'm eager to parlay these results to Corps Systems."

Does your 'Objective' look like my 'Before' example (above)? If so, humor me (and every prospective HR person who'll read it), and change it NOW. If you have trouble identifying success metrics from your own experience, you'd better start paying closer attention to your results going forward. The most important take-away here is that you understand that the employer doesn't care about what you want in a job - especially in this economy! They want to know what you can bring to the table that will benefit them.

Lean on Uncle Sam in these tough times...

2009-06-15T13:47:00.000-07:00

Here's a money-saving excerpt from an article published on Monster.com:

"If you pay for job counseling or to have an agency match you with an employment opportunity, this expense is generally [tax] deductible. Of course, if you are reimbursed by an employer or anyone else, you cannot deduct these fees."

The above-mentioned money-saving tip can be validated in IRS Publication 529. Read the whole Monster.com article here. In a nutshell, don't hesitate to enlist the assistance of a professional to help you find employment - it's likely their services are tax-deductible.

Save your receipts and save money at tax time.

Your resume is a failure if you don't do this...

2009-06-12T05:49:00.000-07:00

I'm astounded by the fact that 100% of the resumes I receive (pre-revamp) contain long bulleted lists of job responsibilities, and maybe one bullet allotted to an achievement or result. Consider the following before-and-after bullet point examples:

Before: "Tasked with signing new business by reaching out for referrals, hosting info seminars, and cold calling"

After: "Signed a team-high $170,000 in new business in Q1 2009, which resulted in 5% year-over-year growth, despite a lagging economy and fierce competition"

EVERY BULLET should stress an achievement/result, with additional information to put things in context. Is your resume filled with achievements and results?

How Do I Start Networking?

2009-06-11T11:26:00.000-07:00

Here's an awesome 1:15 YouTube video clip of the guy who inspired me to get out there and network, Keith Ferrazzi. While you're at it, check out some of his other videos on YouTube. He is THE networking guru. In fact, his book Never Eat Alone is a business classic. I encourage you to pick up a copy and indulge.

Are you networking and building your contact database at an optimal level?

HOT jobs with surprisingly HIGH salaries!

2009-06-10T06:58:00.000-07:00

This was a great article on the Yahoo! homepage yesterday, entitled "Jobs That Are Red Hot Right Now: Some Professions See High Demand, Possible Shortages"...

http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/career-articles-jobs_that_are_red_hot_right_now-894

Among the jobs listed are:

Actuary ($84,000/yr)

Nurse Practicioner ($74,000/yr)

Physician Assistant ($62,000/yr)

Financial Planner ($61,000/yr)

Cardiac Sonographer ($56,000/yr)

Have you considered a lucrative career transition into an in-demand profession or industry experiencing worker shortages?

The Shareholder Advantage...

2009-06-09T05:18:00.000-07:00

If there is a particular company that you've targeted for employment, and you've done all you can to learn about the company, it may be time for you to step your game up. If you don't already have a Scottrade account, set one up, and buy a couple shares of stock in the company. You'll officially be a 'Shareholder' in the company, and can involve yourself at a much deeper level than an outsider looking in.

For example, many companies have quarterly Investor Conferences (simply check the 'Investor Relations' section of the company's Web site for upcoming dates). Attending the Investor Conference is a great way to make Executive-level contacts (CEO, CFO, etc.) and learn about the financial status and strategic direction of the company. Further, they'll usually staff people in the Investor Relations department, whose job it is to keep investors happy and provide any and all information to Shareholders. This is your goldmine for contact information and working your way inside the company.

Give it a shot. You'll be surprised how easy it is to get in through the back door.

Have you become a Shareholder in a company and conducted reconnaissance work?

Inspiration going into the weekend...

2009-06-05T05:11:00.000-07:00

This excerpt is from 'Working Girl' by Julie Z. Rosenberg, and exemplifies the same out-of-the-box thinking I promulgate. Enjoy!

When looking for my first job out of college, I followed the advice of a mentor who told me that advertising was a good place for smart English majors to start their career. I immediately decided to look for a job on Madison Avenue. This was in 1993. The job market was wretched that year, though I realized that plum jobs at top agencies were always hard to come by, I knew I'd have to be creative to get an advertising job without experience or connections.

I didn't go to the classifieds, rather, I started reading the advertising column in the business section of The New York Times. One day while perusing the industry notes, I noticed something beautiful. A job opportunity waiting to happen.

"John Follis is leaving Follis/DeVito/Verdi over 'philosophical differences' and is opening up his own shop."

Perfect. I figured that the renegade executive needed to staff up his new agency - pronto! I immediately called 411 (this was before information was readily accessible on the Internet) but his number was not yet listed. I was only able to get the former agency's name and so, by default, I wound up faxing my resume to the remaining DeVito/Verdi. Upon receiving my resume, the president called immediately. We set up an interview for the next day. I was hired within the week.

Wow. Follow Julie's lead.

You don't hire me, I hire you!

2009-06-04T10:54:00.000-07:00

I've been waiting for a long time to see something like this: SusanHiresABoss.com. I can already hear the conservative-minded community hemming and hawing about this. You know, the supporters of the traditional business hierarchies, which are falling apart faster than the glaciers in Alaska. "You can't do that!" or "It'll never work!" The joke is on YOU. You can do it and it will work.

Yet another example of a job seeker thinking AND acting outside of the box. It will work. I can say that with the utmost confidence. Go get 'em Susan!

http://www.SusanHiresABoss.com

Green-Collar Job...

2009-06-04T06:10:00.000-07:00

I always welcome ideas that have a low barrier to entry, are realistic, make for a decent living, and offer the autonomy each and every one of us desires (Who wants a boss breathing down their neck all the time?). I stumbled upon 'Be A Green Irene' the other day, and it knocked my socks off. I hope it does the same for you.

Here's the Web site: http://beagreenirene.com/

Here's the opportunity: "Our Eco-Consultants are independent business women and men who work from their own home or office and are distributors of our Eco-consulting services and an array of green products. Green Irene is a Direct Sales company that gives you an opportunity to make a part-time or full-time professional income doing something you can be proud of doing. We have designed Green Irene to give you freedom and flexibility so you do not have to buy inventory, meet any minimum sales quotes or recruit others to sell."

Have you considered a career shift to the rapidly-growing "green" industry?

Emily needs a job (.com)...

2009-06-02T10:56:00.000-07:00

In the same vain as TwitterShouldHireMe, Emily Benner has created her own blog, EmilyNeedsAJob. The only recommendation that I have for Emily is that she update her blog regularly with job search successes, failures, and feedback on what worked and what didn't work. Go Emily!

To view Emily's site, visit http://emilyneedsajob.blogspot.com/.

Are you thinking outside of the box like Emily?

Are you using Google in your job search? You should be...

2009-06-01T13:52:00.000-07:00

Below is a blog post dated November 2007 that's more relevant than ever before. Mining information effectively on Google could very well result in your rapid employment. Learn the little nuances of Google's search power and implement them in your job search ASAP.

http://www.onedayonejob.com/blog/how-to-use-google-to-find-a-job/

Are you using Google in your job search? (You should be!!!)

What does a filet mignon have to do with your job search?

2009-05-29T07:01:00.000-07:00

There are a plethora of mouth-watering steakhouses to choose from in New York City. The purists say, "You can't beat Peter Luger." Some say, "Uncle Jack's, for sure." Others say, "Sparks is the best." Whatever your preference, there's a steakhouse that caters to the particulars of the carnivore in each of us.

I recently stumbled upon a YouTube video, produced by Dylan Prime (steakhouse) in Tribeca (see above). In this short 1:16 video (which 1,463 people have viewed at present), they show the preparation of their flagship menu item, "The Carpetbagger". "The Carpetbagger" is a filet mignon stuffed with blue oysters and dressed with a brown sugar Guinness sauce (my mouth is watering as I type this). Needless to say, within seconds of viewing this video, I had made a reservation at Dylan, and let's just say, "The Carpetbagger" lived up to its hype (and beyond).

Do you have a "Carpetbagger" on your resume? What is your hook?

150 = 24 = 3

2009-05-28T14:02:00.000-07:00

Have you ever heard the expression, "It's a numbers game?" Statistics show that if you make 150 targeted phone calls, you'll reach and converse with 24 people, which should convert to at least 3 interviews. As traditional job search strategies/tactics continue to lose their luster, there's never been a better time to execute a "direct contact" strategy.

Start thinking like a salesperson or perish. You've got to get aggressive with your Internet research and target your prey. Once you've mined and organized the information, it's time to prepare scripts. Keep them "human" - avoid "robotic" sounding scripts at all costs. Practice in front of the mirror and internalize your scripts. Then, pick up the phone and start dialing. The first couple of calls will be tough, but once you've made it a habit, it'll be a piece of cake. Track your progress. You will be ASTOUNDED by the positive results.

Most importantly, stick with it.

Have you picked up the phone lately to sell yourself to a prospective employer?

My cubicle is basically a peanut-free zone...

2009-05-27T13:21:00.000-07:00

A little levity after a long Memorial Day Weekend. Just don't do this in an interview; I beg of you.

It smells like someone charted in here...

2009-05-26T06:51:00.000-07:00

With the advent of VisualCV and JobFox, one was left to wonder, "What's next?" The folks at Zapoint have an answer to that question, and it's in the form of a LifeChart™ (sounds like something you'd expect your physician to whip out at a routine physical exam). In their own words, "It is a revolutionary technology that converts conventional resume information into an objective, easily comparable and graphical format." I'm assuming this format would work nicely with small, cutting-edge start-ups, who are typically "early adopters" of new technology. However, if you're applying for jobs in a larger, more beareaucratic system (Government, Fortune 500, etc.), this will probably be overkill. That's just my take on it. If you have some extra time on your hands, it can't hurt to set up another digital existence. Yet another relevant thing for employers to find when they Google you.

Visit Zapoint at http://www.zapoint.com.

Have you created a Zapoint LifeChart yet, to make your skills and achievements easily measurable for employers?

This was too cool not to share...

2009-05-21T06:34:00.000-07:00

Wolfram Alpha
Computational Knowledge Engine

Imagine the possibilities as this technology matures? I typed in "unemployment" and received some interesting data. This tool has a long way to go, but as Stephen Wolfram himself states, "[Wolfram Alpha is] a very ambitious and long-term project, which is in many ways, just getting started."

Stay tuned to this technology, as it works closely with Wikipedia and Google. I can't wait...

Using Linked In to its potential...

2009-05-19T05:03:00.000-07:00

I know, I know. Everyone tells you to "use Linked In to network and find a job." However, nobody tells you how. If you're like most people, you've got a laundry list of 'Contacts' from college, past jobs, and professional associations. That's a start. Now what?

Now, it's time to really harness the power of Linked In:

1) Update the 'Tell your network what you are doing:' text box DAILY. You could say things like a) "Follow me on twitter at http://www.twitter.com/employmentalist"; b) "CONTEST: First person in my network to provide me with a job lead that results in employment wins $250!"; c) "Searching for a Business Analyst position in New York City"; and so on and so forth.

2) Spend time in the Q&A section of the site. Ask intelligent questions. When people respond, personally message them to thank them for their response, discuss what you liked about their response, and ask them to connect. You've now added a new contact to your network. Also, answer questions and establish 'Expertise' by providing the proverbial 'Best Answer'. This ties back to establishing yourself as a subject matter expert (SME).

3) Join Groups and actively encourage discussion by posting and responding often. Build ties within the Group and add contacts.

4) If there are certain people who you feel might be able to help you in your job search, reach out to them with a private message.

How else have you successfully used Linked In?

How can you play the game, if you don't know the rules?

2009-05-18T12:05:00.000-07:00

Cynthia Shapiro has done the job hunting world a great service in writing the book What Does Somebody Have to Do to Get a Job Around Here?: 44 Insider Secrets That Will Get You Hired. I particularly enjoyed the pieces on salary negotiation and hidden agendas of hiring personnel. If you think you understand the hiring game...think again. You can tell she's been around and seen it all.

Here's a quick description:

"If you are looking for a job you need every advantage you can get. What Does Somebody Have to Do to Get a Job Around Here? puts a former Human Resources executive turned employee advocate in your corner. Cynthia Shapiro reveals the best-kept job secrets that employers don’t want you to know including:

*Secret #8: A computer is deciding your job prospects.
*Secret #12: Professional references are useless.
*Secret #18: There is a “type” that always gets the offer.
*Secret #21: The Thank-You note is too late.
*Secret #28: Always negotiate.
* …and thirty-nine more!

Once you know the secrets you can create a winning resume, ace the interview, and land the job of your dreams."

Have you picked up a copy of her book, internalized it, and applied her direction in your job search?

Pick up a copy here on Amazon.com

Does your resume POP!?

2009-05-14T05:16:00.000-07:00

Considering the fact that your resume is a marketing piece, representative of YOU, I can't imagine why anyone would still cling to a boring black-and-white document. Now is the time to get creative and let your personality shine through on paper.

NotYourAverageResume.com offers colorful outside-of-the-box options for job seekers. If you're not a Microsoft Word formatting whiz, no worries - they've got it covered for you. Their templates are fully-editable, so you can make changes as necessary.

Have you updated the look-and-feel of your resume lately?

Resume + Bottle O' Bubbly = Success!

2009-05-12T06:33:00.000-07:00

Have champagne and career documents replaced the famed champagne and chocolate-covered-strawberries? You decide...

Therese Tetzel, 52, sent her resume, cover letter and a bottle of champagne to the CEO of Quaker State in Dallas, along with a hand written note asking him to read her resume while sipping some bubbly. "Two days later, I got a call from the chief human resources officer asking me to come in and interview," she said. Tetzel was hired as a marketing manager for the company shortly after. While unconventional, "I didn't think it was a risk at all," Tetzel said, "I knew it would get me some type of a response and that's all I was looking for."
(Read the whole story from CNN.com here)

When was the last time you TOOK ACTION on a creative idea you had?

Can't find a job? Organize a job fair!

2009-05-11T08:10:00.000-07:00

There is a saying in real estate: "Don't work the buyer, work the property." In other words, better to spend your time selling one property (multiple buyers will pass through at open houses), than spend your time with 10 different buyers, showing hundreds listings and running around like a chicken with your head cut off. That's working smart.

The same can be applied in the job hunting situation. Rather than spend your time sending resumes to hundreds of employers, organize a job fair and bring the employers to you. Not to mention, you'll make one hell of an impression when they find out that you took the initiative to organize a job fair to find employment. Heck, it's another accomplishment to add to your resume!

Here's an inspiring story from CNN.com to get your Monday morning off to a productive start.

Have you tried to organize a job fair in your area?

"All this for a pen?"

2009-05-08T06:15:00.000-07:00

Remember this the next time you're in a job interview for a Sales position, and the interviewer leans across the table, smirks, and says, "Sell me this pen." Pow!

Click here to see it

Can $150 buy you employment? YES.

2009-05-07T06:07:00.000-07:00

Jacob Share, 33, started an email chain by sending his resume and job search objective to his family and friends. He asked them to send it on to others and offered a monetary prize in the amount of $150 to the person who led him to a job as a Web Development Manager.

"The process went quickly after I sent my initial mailing to almost everyone I knew," he said. "It only took one friend's forward beyond that initial mailing to get a referral that lead to the ultimate job offer."

A perfect example of the power of networking within your "sphere of influence". Are you leveraging your network?

(Story from CNN Money)

TwitterShouldHireMe.com...

2009-05-06T07:30:00.000-07:00

I don't advise my clients to think and act outside-of-the-box because I'm a loon. I tell them to do it BECAUSE IT WORKS. Case in point, have a look at TwitterShouldHireMe.com.

Have you leveraged viral media in your job search?

Does your community know who you are?

2009-05-05T06:58:00.000-07:00

How involved are you in your community? My father sat on the City Board of Art in the city where I grew up. He and a committee would propose various art projects for the purpose of city beautification. It required minimal involvement, but paid handsome dividends, as he was able to expand his network and referrals poured in, not to mention, he was able to tout this experience on his CV. Help your community, and your community will help you in return.

Have you sought out volunteer opportunities to get involved in your community?

Are YOU competent?

2009-05-04T05:59:00.000-07:00

I should re-phrase: Are you deemed competent by potential employers? Here's what I feel are "The Big 5" most marketable competencies in the current economy:

Competency #1: Salesmanship ability, in particular, ability to grow existing business, open new business and cultivate relationships. In a poor economic climate, there's nothing like the guy/gal who can CONSISTENTLY 'create revenue out of thin air.' These people are invaluable and directly impact a company's bottom line.

Competency #2: Ability to identify areas for cost cuts and execute a plan to realize the cost savings immediately. If you're not generating revenue for the company, might as well help them save money! Yet another critical contribution to the company's bottom line.

Competency #3: Knowledge of and experience with 'green' or sustainable projects. Sustainability is a HOT topic in business at the moment because of the social benefits it affords the company. A little positive publicity surrounding 'green' initiatives never hurt!

Competency #4: A well-rounded background and skill set for wearing many hats within an organization. As companies down-size, remaining employees often take on additional roles/responsibilities. In other words, a jack-of-all-trades, but master of none.

Competency #5: Technological savvy and propensity for learning new technical skills, regardless of title/role. There's nothing like the ability to leverage software to enhance time management, efficiency and effectiveness across the board. Remember the old addage, "Work smarter, not harder."

101 Homes and Over $42 Million Sold!!

2009-05-01T11:21:00.000-07:00

Ahh, the power of thinking (and acting) outside-of-the-box. While everyone else focuses on the doom and gloom of the real estate market, one man is busy selling 101 homes, resulting in over $42 million sold. John Wieland has been going cross-country in an RV spreading the gospel to the tune of "Get Housing Moving!"

It's working. He's even been camping out in vacant homes along the way. How cool. Media attention? You bet. This is one guy to benchmark against, no matter what your endeavor in life.

http://www.GetHousingMoving.com

I'm graduating in May...how the !@#% do I find a job??

2009-04-30T06:45:00.000-07:00

Don't fret. Here are some recommendations:

1) Develop SPECIALIZATION in your chosen field. That could mean seeking additional degrees, continuing education coursework, and/or certifications. Then, build that specialization into your Self-Brand to make yourself more marketable to potential employers.

2) Create a PROJECT out of thin air and solve a problem for someone (pro bono). Do your research about a potential employer by reading all you can about them (company Web site, Hoovers, Vault, Glassdoor, etc.). Identify a problem and think outside-of-the-box, as to how they might solve that problem. For example, if a company is losing market share to a major competitor, develop a 'Regain Market Share' plan with innovative ideas. This will get you a) professional experience on your Resume and b) possibly, a new job.

3) It's OK to move-in with Mom and Dad again. In fact, I'd venture to say, that's becoming more of the norm these days, as inflation firms its grip on our economy and salaries don't adjust enough to cover cost of living. While living at home, chase your dream. Always wanted to open a doughnut franchise? Work at Dunkin' Doughnuts and LEARN THE BUSINESS. Work on your business plan every day when you get home from work. Once you've read some books on Entreprenuership, you're comfortable with the business plan and you've saved some money, START YOUR BUSINESS.

4) On the other end of the spectrum...VOLUNTEER. Join the Peace Corps or Habitat For Humanity (or similar). You'll gain valuable 'real world' experience that everyone will respect, while giving the economy a chance to recover. Who knows, maybe you'll even get a job through your new volunteer network?

5) Network, network, network, network, and network. Join groups, create groups, talk to everyone everywhere - don't miss an opportunity. STAY CLOSELY CONNECTED TO YOUR UNIVERSITY'S ALUMNI PROGRAM!!

People are actually getting hired in this economy??

2009-04-29T06:38:00.000-07:00

"O.K., you just got laid off. Once you get over the shock, here's some good news: Millions of people were hired last month!"

CNNMoney.com / FORTUNE micro-site (click link)

Eternal optimism is contagious. Spread it instead of the swine flu :)

What the hell is "Personal Branding"?

2009-04-27T13:52:00.000-07:00

The answer to this question is easily arrived at by looking at examples of strong personal brands:

Dr. Robert Ray (Dr. 90210)
Seth Godin
Keith Ferrazzi
Larry Winget

Benchmark against these strong personal brands to build your own brand. Become known. The more people you know, and the more people who know you, the better off you are. Please feel free to add to this list of strong personal brands in the 'Comments' section below.

Are you developing your personal brand?

hr@company.com...

2009-04-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

When applying for jobs on Monster, CareerBuilder, or Hotjobs, I advise my clients to focus on job listings that provide the applicant with a real person's email address to submit their resume to, as opposed to a generic email address (john.smith@company.com vs. hr@company.com). I can't help but think that emails sent to a generic address end up lost in cyberspace for all eternity. Furthermore, once you've applied for a particular position, if you have a real person's email address, you can follow-up a week later (or send relevant links you find in the news, befriend them on Linked In, etc.).

Are you applying for jobs on major job boards that provide you with a real person's email address?

A business lunch...

2009-04-22T10:40:00.000-07:00

In corporate sales, it's often said, "Deals are won on the golf course." Why? The formal setting of a corporate boardroom encourages people to fall into roles. "You're the pushy salesperson, I'm the hesitant customer." However, on the golf course, people often shed those roles, making it markedly easier to build the relationship and win the sale. Indeed, "People buy from people they like."

So, I encourage you to shift your paradigm in your job search. Instead of playing the role of "job seeker", play the role of "value-add asset". Invite your Human Resources or Hiring Manager contact for an all-expense-paid business lunch. Tell them you want to share some innovative ideas with the company and learn more about the business. It can be expected that 9 out of 10 times you'll hear, "No." However, the one time you hear, "Yes", it will likely lead to gainful employment.

I suppose this is a twist on the old addage, "You have to spend money (take people to lunch), to make money (earn a paycheck)." This new economy is certainly changing things.

Have you invited anyone in Human Resources or a Hiring Manager out for a business lunch and brainstorming session?

Evidence LEADERSHIP on paper...

2009-04-21T07:17:00.000-07:00

1) "Championed the Sustainability Committee at XYZ company, which resulted in a 50% reduction in office waste, 30% reduction in energy, and a significant reduction in the company's overall carbon footprint."

2) "Led a team of 5 to design, develop and implement a new process, which resulted in 50% time savings."

3) "Winner of the Excellence in Leadership Award"

4) "Motivated a team of 5 to make cold-calls for two weeks, which resulted in 25 new prospects, and 3 new customers, and $60K in new revenue."

5) "Recruited 5 new volunteers, provided direction and action plans, and raised social awareness of Global Warming."

LEADERSHIP comes in many forms...just like water (solid, liquid and gas).

How to nail an interview (.com)...

2009-04-20T08:47:00.000-07:00

Hopefully, this video will afford you a good gut laugh this Monday morning.

To view additional videos and interview tips, see howtonailaninterview.com.

The phone is your friend...

2009-04-07T05:28:00.000-07:00

Here's a little trick.

1) Find a company you'd like to work for
2) Go to their Web site
3) Call the main phone number listed on the 'Contact' page
4) When the operator answers, say, "Hi, this is (Your Name) from (make up a Company Name). I have some PDF collaterals for best practices and cutting costs in Human Resources. Who can I send them to?"
5) Make sure you get a legitimate person's email address (HR personnel).

I know what you're thinking: "But I don't have any best practices or cost-cutting PDFs for Human Resources. I don't want to lie." Move away from that psychology. It will only hinder your progress. Do WHATEVER it takes.

Have you obtained legitimate email addresses for Human Resources personnel?

Breaking Records...

2009-04-06T07:55:00.000-07:00

There was a marketing-savvy broker I used to work with at Prudential Douglas Elliman in New York City. One of his marketing campaigns involved purchasing old vinyl records, smashing them to pieces, and placing them in cellophane envelopes with a note that read, "Michael is breaking records!" Did it catch peoples' attention? You bet it did.

If you're currently looking for work, you're in the "attention-getting business." If you complete projects in record time, deliver record ROI, achieve record revenue as a salesperson, or break any other records for that matter, try this approach as part of your personal branding package. It will turn heads, garner attention, and get your foot in the door.

Have you broken any records?

(picture courtesy of pantsinacan.com)

If you don't ask, you don't get...

2009-04-05T06:53:00.000-07:00

Take a look at the following two questions, each of which are being asked by the same unemployed person to a close friend:

1) "Is your company hiring?"

2) "When you get into work on Monday, can you take a look on your company's Intranet and see if there are any openings? If you find some, would you mind copying and pasting them into an email for me? I'd like to apply by Wednesday, if possible."

Which do you think is more effective?

The Art of War...

2009-04-03T06:23:00.000-07:00

"The general who wins a battle makes many calculations in his temple ere the battle is fought." (Sun Tzu)

What are your "calculations"? Do you know what you're up against? Do you know where you're headed and what your end goal is? Do you have a plan to get there and achieve your goal(s)? Are you utilizing the tools at your disposal at an optimal level? You MUST answer these questions before attacking the job market.

I can tell you what you're up against: According to the Associated Press, the jobless rate bolted to 8.5% in March 2009, with the economy losing 663,000 jobs. Many economists predict the unemployment rate will hit 10% at the end of this year, and The Fed says unemployment will remain elevated into 2011. In fact, the job market may not recover to a state of normalcy - meaning a 5% unemployment rate - until 2013.

That's what you're up against. You know what to expect. Now, begin planning your attack and execute flawlessly. Don't give up. You CAN be employed NOW, so long as you think outside-of-the-box, which is exactly what this blog promulgates.

A rather "healthy" sector in a dour job market...

2009-04-02T05:48:00.000-07:00

With an aging Baby Boomer generation and a strong demand for care, the Healthcare sector is adding thousands of jobs each month, despite the labor market turmoil. If you are looking for "greener pastures" but are unsure of where to turn, let this blog post be your roadmap.

I know what you're thinking: "It's too late to go back to school to become a doctor!" Consider the plethora of (well-paying and flexible) alternatives: healthcare administration, nursing, pharmaceuticals, biotech, medical equipment, consulting, healthcare technology and software, health insurance...just google "healthcare jobs" and you'll see, the list goes on and on. Additionally, President Obama has made healthcare a key plank of his administration, and as such, the sector will be infused with plenty of government cash for years to come.

Have you considered furthering your education and obtaining employment within the Healthcare sector?

Guerrilla Job Hunt Plan...

2009-04-01T05:48:00.000-07:00

Would you start your own business without a business plan? If you answered "yes", consider this statistic: 80% of small businesses without a business plan will fail in their first 5 years. Now, I'll ask again, would you start your own business without a business plan?

Case in point, planning is essential. It amazes me, how lackadaisical people are with their job search.

"I'll send out a resume today, maybe two tomorrow. I've seen some good job listings on Monster."

That's it?? If this sounds familiar, it's time for you to make some serious changes in your so-called "strategy". It's time to get militant and create your guerrilla job hunt plan. Keep in mind, the more aggressive you are with your plan, the better the probability you'll have interviews set up in the coming days/weeks. What goes in a guerrilla job hunt plan?

1) A weekly resume distribution quota. Say, 5 *tailored* resumes every day, Mon-Fri. That would be 25 resumes per week, and 100 resumes per month.

2) Make a spreadsheet of 10-15 companies you'd be happy working for in your industry. Create columns in the spreadsheet for Company Name, Company Address, Contact(s), Telephone Numbers, and Emails. Then, go knocking on doors with your personal brand kit.

3) Make a list of upcoming career fairs in your area this month. Then, attend.

4) Update your Facebook and/or LinkedIn profile to make it clear to your network that you're on the market, and what you're looking for in a job. Be particular.

5) Attend 2 networking events this month.

...and so on, and so forth. Remember to track your progress as you execute your plan. Seeing your progress on paper compels you to continue on your path to gainful employment, and rise above the doom and gloom that the mass media outlets portray.

Have you created and executed your guerilla job hunt plan?

Where have all the jobs gone?

2009-03-31T06:11:00.000-07:00

In an article written by Ayesha Khanna (Forbes.com), Ayesha professes that "networking or resume buffing...tweeting on Twitter or taking a tutorial on how to connect with people...will only get you so far." I must agree. It may seem like a futile effort if you're using all of the aforementioned tools, to no avail. Please keep in mind, that the economy is ever-changing. Some jobs that are lost, are gone forever. Technology and globalization are rapidly changing the landscape of our economy, and I encourage the unemployed to go where the jobs are. Which begs the question...where are the jobs?

Read the article in-full here to find out where all the jobs have gone and are going.

Are you adapting to the ever-changing economy and shifting your job search/skill set accordingly?

FREE 8-Hour Work Day...

2009-03-30T10:22:00.000-07:00

Call me crazy, but you've got to do whatever it takes in this day and age to pull yourself from the dregs of unemployment. I'll never forget what happened when Chipotle was opening a new location in College Park, Maryland, and ran a promotion giving away FREE burritos from open-to-close. There was a line out the door the entire day, and salivating burrito-lovers "sneezed" (courtesy of Seth Godin) the restaurant to all of their friends. Did they get repeat customers from this promotion? You'd better believe it. They proved just how delicious their burritos were by giving them away for FREE, and the business came back ten-fold (probably much, much more!).

What can we learn from this? If you truly are exceptional at what you do, offer prospective employers the opportunity to "test your services" free-of-charge for an entire 8-hour workday. Then, go in and blow them out of the water. Do more than just "work." Look for segments of the business where they could streamline processes, cut costs, or even grow revenue (i.e. missed opportunities). Make it clear ahead of time, that if you prove yourself as an asset to the company, they'll give you an offer in writing within 72 hours. This approach probably isn't feasible for your larger, more bureaucratic organizations, but for smaller, dynamic companies/start-ups, it's a real opportunity for you to prove yourself as a value-add employee, and get out of the unemployment line.

Have you tried offering your services free-of-charge yet?

Trade Publications...

2009-03-29T08:34:00.000-07:00

It is of the utmost importance that you keep a pulse on your industry at all times, as "knowledge is power." The best way to do this is to read trade publications. In addition to the Wall Street Journal, many Investment Bankers read titles such as American Banker, The Bond Buyer and Financial Planning. In New York City, real estate professionals read The Real Deal. Chief Information Officers read CIO Magazine. Doctors read The New England Journal of Medicine, and so on and so forth.

By keeping a pulse on your industry, you'll be ahead of the curve as opportunity emerges in niche areas. Furthermore, you'll be able to speak intelligently about the minutiae of your craft; very impressive (and attractive) to potential employers. Find a trade publication, subscribe to it, and start reading and internalizing!

Are you reading at least one (1) trade publication from your industry?

Keywords / "Buzz" words...

2009-03-27T06:33:00.000-07:00

Writing a resume is formulaic. Key to the formula, is having the job description for the position you're applying for in front of you, while you tailor your resume to meet the job requirements. I encourage and advise you to pull many or all of the keywords listed in the job description, and craftily insert them in your resume. This ensures two things: 1) the database (a.k.a. "gatekeeper") will likely recognize your resume as a strong fit for the position, by using optical character recognition (OCR) to count how many keywords were present, therefore, landing it in the hands of a human, and 2) upon human review, they'll find comfort in the fact that you use the same language they do (a very good thing). Have you ever read something that just struck a chord with you? It's the same feeling. It's the feeling of, "Finally! Someone who would be a perfect fit. Let's get them on the phone."

Job hunting is a game of probabilities. It's time to sway the odds in your favor.

Are you customizing every resume you send out with keywords from the job description?

Paradigm Shift: Horizontal Career Path...

2009-03-26T07:13:00.000-07:00

Society has ingrained in our brain the need to climb the vertical career ladder. In fact, simply reference the term, "move your way up in the world," and you'll know what I'm talking about. I propose a paradigm shift, which focuses not on the heirarchy of an organization (peers, subordinates, and superiors), rather it focuses on being the best damn employee WHERE YOU ARE...period. Forget titles, salary ranges, and the like. Become a jack-of-all-trades. Someone who wears many hats. All this starts with your own desire to learn more. Use the Internet. Take a lunch break at Barnes & Noble and read. Knowledge acquisition, and application of that new knowledge, will make you a star in the workplace.

The funny thing is, the less you focus on climbing the corporate ladder, the quicker you'll be escorted up the ladder. Seriously. And remember, climbing the ladder typically means more accountability, more stress, and less time for family. I wouldn't trade the aforementioned for a $15K salary hike. It's simply not worth it. Focus on mastery of the PRESENT, and your success will take its course. I promise.

Have you taken advantage of the present moment?

Professional Networking Group...

2009-03-25T07:04:00.000-07:00

There are many professional networking groups out there. For example, BNI and LeTip. Simply Google "Networking Groups" and you'll find a plethora of options. The nice thing about these professional networking groups is that it is often mandatory to provide leads for others in the group, as they'll do the same for you. This forces you to be proactive in seeking opportunity for others, and in turn, opportunity should land on your plate. That's the idea, anyway. Regardless, it requires you to interface with people on a regular basis, which is markedly better than sitting at your computer, pecking away at the keys.

In a tough economy, you must leave no stone unturned. Start looking for a Chapter in your local area and attend an introductory meeting.

Have you joined a professional networking group yet and exchanged leads?

Be a Subject Matter Expert (SME)...

2009-03-24T05:41:00.000-07:00

Depending on your field, you'll want to pick a hot niche and establish yourself as a Subject Matter Expert, herein referred to as "SME". How does one become an SME? In my opinion, it is a 4-step process: 1) identify a hot niche in your field, 2) begin acquiring knowledge from various sources (books, Internet, conferences, etc.), 3) develop mastery in the subject after X hours of personal study, and 4) publish your thoughts on the subject in the form of a FREE blog (such as Blogger) for the world to read. Public speaking engagements, editorial contributions and publishing deals to follow (someday)!

So, what is a "hot niche"? Well, if you're in the field of IT, perhaps you'll choose UML, PHP, or OpenSource. If you're in Marketing, perhaps you'll choose Social Networking or Viral Campaigns. Sustainability ("greening your business") appears to be a hot niche almost anywhere these days. Catch my drift? The point is, if you establish yourself as an SME in your field, you're more likely to stand out from the pack. In some cases, you might even find that it was the deciding factor in you receiving a job offer over another candidate.

Have you established yourself as an SME in your field?

PowerPoint Resume...

2009-03-23T08:16:00.000-07:00

Anthony's PowerPoint Resume

View more presentations from Career Corps.

For all those visual people out there, here's a career "document" that will make you happy. I know I hate sifting through piles of black-and-white resumes, which all start to look the same after I've been reviewing the stack for 10 minutes. This is a refreshing take on a traditional process. The Microsoft PowerPoint presentation resume.

Before embarking on this path, I STRONGLY recommend you learn a thing or two about the fundamentals of a good presentation. Just like the video resume, if done improperly, this format could hurt you more than it could help you. Here are two of the best books on the market for learning the fundamentals of a good presentation: 1) Presentation Zen by Garr Reynolds, and 2) Slideology by Nancy Duarte.

Have you created and prospected with a Microsoft PowerPoint resume yet?

Plastic makes perfect...

2009-03-22T08:30:00.000-07:00

Jobs come and go, as do the business cards you carried while working for a particular company. However, as part of your own personal brand identity kit, it is recommended you create personal business cards. These personal business cards can always be carried on your person, affording you the opportunity to hand them out at any time, to any contact. In an ideal world, you'd have a Web site or Web resume, to which the business card would drive traffic. This way, your new contacts can learn more about you. A tastefully crafted plastic business card will always do the trick, capturing attention at every turn, and compelling your new contact to learn more about you.

For the best plastic business cards in the industry, check out PlasticPrinters.com. Print your custom set ASAP and start networking like never before.

Have you created a set of distinguished plastic business cards for distribution to your network and potential employers?

Make yourself indispensable...

2009-03-21T11:20:00.000-07:00

There is a sickness that pervades our troubled economy. That sickness is "hope." People sit idly by, wondering if they'll make it through the next round of staff cuts, putting hope before action - a ballsy move. It amazes me how many people report to work each day, do the same routine tasks and projects at a leisurely pace, and then do it all over again the next day - rarely, if ever, making an impact. Not to mention, it's a rather monotonous and dreary existence. They fail to seize opportunities to stand out, and heaven forbid, make themselves indispensable to their employer.

It's time to change that mentality. It's time for YOU to take a proactive role in your work. Pick a niche and tackle it, full speed ahead. Have you ever thought to yourself, "If we just did XYZ, the company could save so much money."? There you have it: you're now the office cost-cutting guru. Have fun with it and give yourself a moniker: "Buzzsaw Pete: Cutting through office costs." Management will love you. Think of all the opportunities to save money across the organization and document them. Present your findings to management and propose forming a monthly committee to brainstorm savings opportunities and implement those plans. It could be something as simple as saving $.02 cents per BIC pen by purchasing from a different vendor. Trust me, every little bit counts and it adds up over time. Imagine if after one year of serving as the Champion on the Cost Cutting Committee, you were able to save the company $30,000? Do you think your employer would see you as a value-add employee? Yup.

Have you made yourself indispensable to your organization yet?

999 Business Ideas...

2009-03-20T06:06:00.000-07:00

When all else fails, it may be time to consider the alternatives. Have you had one lousy interview after another? Have you had no interviews at all? Are you less than impressed with the people you're meeting? Are employers moving further and further away from your salary target? Do you find companies are taking advantage of their employees in these tough times by making them work harder, longer, and under more pressure? Is your biological clock telling you, "It's time."?

It very well may be time to try your hand at your own business. No ideas? Not to worry, check out this Web site, where 9 MBA students each came up with 111 ideas, for a total of 999 ideas, open to the public. You never know when something will spark your creative juices and spur you into action!!

Have you put together a business plan to start your own business?

The Patron Saint of Stray Careers...

2009-03-19T06:01:00.000-07:00

Staying motivated and mining for nuggets of insight while traversing your job search path, are important to sustaining that all-pervasive and contagious positive attitude that employers tend to eat-up. Dale Dauten, the self-proclaimed, "Patron Saint of Stray Careers," offers a FREE audio/e-book on his Web site (narrated by Dale); a perfect addition to your iPod motivational audio collection. Download it, listen to it, internalize it, and take action to better your career path.

Are you doing everything you can to stay positive in these turbulent times?

FabJob...

2009-03-18T05:31:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, losing a job you hate is a mixed blessing. "It's only once you've lost everything, that you're free to do anything." Always wanted to start a Bed & Breakfast Inn? Want to try your hand at becoming a Consultant? Professional Golfer? Now, you can.

FabJob's in-depth career guides draw out the blueprint for breaking into your dream career. They make it easier than ever, providing you with actionable information at your fingertips. Furthermore, the guides are available for instant download.

Have you downloaded a FabJob career guide yet?

Alumni Network...

2009-03-17T06:02:00.000-07:00

Every school has an alumni network. Plug yourself in. Go to your school's Web site and read through the alumni section(s). Find out when the next gathering is. Attend the gathering, and bring your portfolio with you, which should contain extra copies of your resume - just in case. Establish some meaningful connections with alumni, past and present. Learn as much as you can about each person you meet with and collect business cards at every turn. Send each individual a personalized email after the event. 'Friend' them on Facebook and/or Linked IN.

Also, Facebook and Linked IN have some great alumni network tools, often allowing displaced alumni to meetup in disparate cities. There is no excuse not to be leveraging your alumni network.

Have you leveraged your alumni network yet?

JobFox...

2009-03-16T07:08:00.000-07:00

According to their Web site, it's "the fastest growing job site in America." What sets JobFox apart from traditional job sites? For starters, they have a 1) unique job-matching process and 2) employer introduction service (direct access to the people doing the hiring). According to JobFox, their users are "3x more likely to get an interview"! A pretty staggering statistic, which warrants you giving it a shot. See JobFox.com for more information and to set up a profile.

Have you set up a JobFox profile and leveraged the technology yet?

Video Resume...

2009-03-15T19:54:00.000-07:00

Worried that HR won't get a chance to meet the "person behind the paper"? Worry not! Now, you can let your personality shine through. Remember: dress sharp, speak with conviction, and plan out what you're going to say and how you're going to say it. Posting a sub-par video resume will actually hurt you more than it will help you. Smile, you're on candid camera!

Have you created a video resume yet?

Sales Genie...

2009-03-14T11:31:00.000-07:00

So, you haven't been able to establish any contacts at the companies you'd be interested in working for? No problem. Use the same technique Sales Professionals use to drum-up new business: Sales Genie. Identify your contacts (in HR, IT, VPs, etc.), make a list, and start contacting via email. Send them a helpful link - or a couple helpful links, for that matter. Think outside-of-the-box as to how you can help their company increase revenue, cut costs or "go green", and share it with your new contacts. Be persistent (like a Salesperson), and you'll eventually get a sale (a.k.a. job). Remember, it's a numbers game!

Have you tried using Sales Genie yet?

Tweets on Twitter...

2009-03-13T08:38:00.000-07:00

Twitter is an awesome tool for keeping your network apprised of your job search. "Job Fishing" may be a more appropriate term these days than "Job Hunting". Think about it; you're casting multiple baited hooks into the water to increase your chances of a bite. Twitter is one of your baited hooks.

Take a look at this article on Mashable (by Sara Evans), regarding how to best use Twitter in your job search - it's excellent.

Are you "tweeting" and updating your network regularly?

Pizza Box Resume...

2009-03-12T16:00:00.000-07:00

When times are hard on the Boulevard, it's time to step your game up. How about getting a gig delivering pizzas to corporate parks and plastering your resume to the top of the pizza boxes? Once again, the goal here is creativity and initiative. Laugh if you want to, as this may sound like a silly measure, but I'm willing to guarantee that the person who takes this seriously will find gainful employment much quicker than those sitting at their computer screens submitting resumes into cyberspace.

Have you delivered some pizza box resumes?

Crowdspring...

2009-03-11T06:11:00.000-07:00

I suppose the overarching message in this economy is "stand out." If you're still handing out the same boring black-and-white chronological resume month-after-month, with no results, it's time for a refresh. Consider a career document that will get you noticed - designed by a professional. Crowdspring is a site where you post your project (in this case, a resume design), specify your budget, and let multiple "creatives" submit designs. It's a piece of cake. Have a look at the Web site at http://www.crowdspring.com.

Have you used a Graphic Designer to create an eye-popping resume?

Helpful Link...

2009-03-10T05:44:00.001-07:00

Now is a better time than ever to keep in touch with contacts at different companies and show (not tell) your value-add. Whether it's a Hiring Manager who's told you to follow-up continuously, or a Human Resources person who's told you the company is in a hiring freeze, a helpful link will always be well-received. There is a big difference between sending an email saying, "I know you were in a hiring freeze, has anything changed since we last spoke?" and "I know companies are trying to cut costs wherever they can in the current economy, so I've attached a link I thought you'd find helpful." See the difference?

Have you sent a helpful link to your contacts recently?

FREE Resume Printing at FedEx/Kinko's...

2009-03-09T09:33:00.000-07:00

Here it is, from FedEx Kinko's press release: "This offer is good for 25 black-and-white resume copies per customer and is only valid for orders placed and picked up in-store. Customers may place orders by submitting their resume in printed format or as a digital file, and the copies will be printed single-sided on resume quality paper." This is a one-day promo on Tuesday, March 10, 2009. Don't miss it!

Have you printed and distributed 25 FREE copies of your resume?

Elance...

2009-03-09T07:15:00.000-07:00

Let's face it. It will take time to find a job in this economy. Instead of watching your savings dwindle and worrying about the future, take action and try your hand at freelance work in addition to your full-time job search. Who knows, if you're really talented, perhaps you can make a full-time income at it?!

To view and apply for freelance jobs, visit Elance. Also, check out this 4-minute YouTube video from FOX Business.

Have you considered trying freelance work, while looking for a full-time job?

Meetup...

2009-03-08T06:51:00.000-07:00

When looking for a job, nothing beats getting out there in front of people and meeting new faces. This tool gives you the ability to do just that. Imagine you're a Business Analyst and you're out of work. Why not start a Business Analyst Meetup Group, host it at a local bar during happy hour, and share best practices with other Business Analysts? As you develop relationships with group members, you can ever-so-tactfully inform them you're looking for work and inquire about opportunities at their current company.

To find and join, or to start your own Meetup Group, visit Meetup.com.

Have you started your own Meetup Group?

Monster Tour...

2009-03-07T12:33:00.000-08:00

Monster has officially launched a year-long nationwide career fair tour. The tour is aptly named the Keep America Working Tour. They're planning 140 stops across America in 2009. To read the official press release from Monster, click here.

To see tour dates in your area, see the official Monster website.

Have you attended a Monster career fair in your local area?

Visual CV...

2009-03-06T07:50:00.000-08:00

This is the latest in resume-creation technology, and if I had to bet the farm, I'd venture to say that it will eventually render the traditional Microsoft Word resume obselete. The nice thing about this tool is that it really allows your personality to shine through - and you don't have to be a technical wizard to create one. It is very user-friendly. This new resume format promotes the display of visuals, from a professional headshot, to awards received, to graphical representations of results achieved, and so on and so forth.

Time spent creating a Visual CV, is time well-invested, in my opinion. To create your own Visual CV, go to http://www.visualcv.com.

Have you created and distributed a stunning Visual CV yet?

Testimonials...

2009-03-05T09:13:00.000-08:00

A written testimonial is an affirmation from another party of your skills and abilities. This much, we can agree upon. There is a debate as to whether or not to include a testimonial front-and-center on your resume. I liken it to choosing a book at your local Barnes & Noble bookseller. I'm guilty of it, and I'm sure many of you are as well - reading and believing testimonials on the back of the book or on the inside flap. Do those testimonials sway your decision to buy the book? Perhaps. Regardless, every publisher does it. So, I say, "do it too." Don't be afraid to defy convention, especially in this economy.

Have you included a glowing testimonial about yourself on your resume?

Cardboard Standee Resume...

2009-03-04T05:33:00.000-08:00

Catching the hiring decision-makers' eye is the name of the game. This method is sure to do that. Imagine seeing one of these among a pile of boring black-and-white chronological resumes. Admit it, you'd look closer. Mission accomplished.

Put an ad up on Craigslist for a graphic designer and set your own (low) budget for this project. In all likelihood, the graphic designer will be able to recommend a good printer who can print 100+ copies of your new knock-your-socks-off cardboard standee resume. Think outside-of-the-box, folks. And yes, in this new economy, you may have to spend money to get noticed. Look at it as an investment in yourself.

Have you created a cardboard standee resume yet?

Photo: Adam Miller

Street Canvassing...

2009-03-03T12:11:00.000-08:00

Back in December 2008, The New York Post ran an article titled, Better Sign of Times. In it, they profiled an MIT grad who strolled the streets of Midtown Manhattan wearing a sign to advertise his availability. Additionally, he collected business cards from interested Execs, and followed-up at day's end. Incredibly, it worked. He was hired rather rapidly using this approach.

Have you canvassed your local area to advertise your availability?

Photo Credit: Victoria Will