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

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?

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

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...

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...

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...

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...

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?

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!?

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!

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!

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?"

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.

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...

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?

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?

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!!

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??

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??

"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"?

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...

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...

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...

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)...

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...

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?