Dear Job Coach:
2009. What a year! I’m hanging on to a low wage job, but I’ve been looking for work in my field for 6 months now. Any hope for 2010?
Holding my breath
Dear Holding,
We all know that the economic recovery has not been robust, but there are signs that things are beginning to ease a little. Buck up.
In the US there are the “green shoots” of the stock market beginning to recover and foreclosures beginning to slow down. Things are improving in Canada as well. In today’s Vancouver Sun, journalist Derek Sankey notes: “Economists have widely predicted the labor market is expected to grow most in the second half of 2010 … Don’t expect the out-of-control hiring blitz seen during the peak boom years of 2005-2007, … but job seekers should prepare to launch a competitive search.”
So how can you be ready when the market is ready for you?
• Look for opportunities to grow in your current job. Think of any job, even one that’s not in your field, as an opportunity to develop skills. If you see your job as marking time, it will show. If you’re not engaged, look for a way to be engaged.
When I was a student, I worked as an aide in a hospital – a job that paid very little and was not in my field. The work was hard physically, but not particularly challenging. I noticed that the children on the pediatric wards had no activities to keep them entertained on the weekends. I volunteered to put together games and crafts that would keep the kids occupied. I learned a lot about teaching, about organization, and about working with children -- which showed up in my resume when I applied for my first job.
• Line up your references. You never know when a great opportunity is going to turn up. Scrambling for references at the last minute puts pressure on the people you ask. They may not have time to write you the letter that shows you in the best light.
• Update your resume. If it hasn’t been updated in three months, take a fresh look. I suspect you’ve done something or learned something in the last three months that will make you more appealing to an employer. Maybe you’ve finished a project that had some impact on your organization. Maybe customer service calls are down as a result of what you’ve done. Maybe you’ve learned a new piece of software. Maybe you’ve taken on new duties as a result of downsizing.
Things really are starting to get better. Be sure you’re ready to take advantage when they do.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Information Interview Etiquette
Dear Coach:
My uncle has arranged an information interview with a friend in a company I’d love to work for. I’m not sure how to approach this. I’d really like to work for this firm, but I don’t know how to parlay this interview into a job. Help!
Beholden to Uncle Vinnie
Dear Beholden:
Job search books often suggest informational interviews as an excellent way to gather information and let a company know you’d like to work for them. When I owned my own company, I got up many, many calls a month requesting information interviews. In fact, at one point, I was getting so many calls that I decided to hold a workshop on my industry once a semester at a local university so that I could meet the demand. I simply didn’t have the time to respond to every request.
The requests I always responded to, though, were referrals from a friend or client. Your uncle has given you a terrific opportunity to talk to someone who is probably pretty busy but is happy to do your uncle a favor. So here are some ground rules on information interviews that might help:
Honor the time. When you set up the interview, set a time limit. Say, for example, “I’m wondering if we could meet and talk for 30 minutes about your company and your industry. I know that you’re probably very busy, and I’ll make myself available at your convenience.” Then, arrive on time. Keep track of the time that you’ve spent together. Once you’ve reached 30 minutes, even if you’re engaged in conversation that’s going very well, acknowledge the time. “I promised I’d ask you for only 30 minutes of your time and we’ve reached that point.” If your interviewee is really engaged, he’ll give you more time. At any rate he’ll appreciate that you’ve stuck to your request and respected his time.
Come prepared. Don’t waste time asking questions that you can find out on the company’s website or annual report. Do an online search to see if the company’s been in the news. Ask your uncle what he knows about his friend’s work. Knowing something about the industry and company shows that you are serious about your career.
Make a list and check it twice. Before you arrive, make a list of questions you’d like to ask. Of course during the interview, your conversation may generate other things you want to discuss, but having a list an reviewing it right before your interview will prevent awkward pauses. Here’s some sample questions I’ve been asked:
My uncle has arranged an information interview with a friend in a company I’d love to work for. I’m not sure how to approach this. I’d really like to work for this firm, but I don’t know how to parlay this interview into a job. Help!
Beholden to Uncle Vinnie
Dear Beholden:
Job search books often suggest informational interviews as an excellent way to gather information and let a company know you’d like to work for them. When I owned my own company, I got up many, many calls a month requesting information interviews. In fact, at one point, I was getting so many calls that I decided to hold a workshop on my industry once a semester at a local university so that I could meet the demand. I simply didn’t have the time to respond to every request.
The requests I always responded to, though, were referrals from a friend or client. Your uncle has given you a terrific opportunity to talk to someone who is probably pretty busy but is happy to do your uncle a favor. So here are some ground rules on information interviews that might help:
Honor the time. When you set up the interview, set a time limit. Say, for example, “I’m wondering if we could meet and talk for 30 minutes about your company and your industry. I know that you’re probably very busy, and I’ll make myself available at your convenience.” Then, arrive on time. Keep track of the time that you’ve spent together. Once you’ve reached 30 minutes, even if you’re engaged in conversation that’s going very well, acknowledge the time. “I promised I’d ask you for only 30 minutes of your time and we’ve reached that point.” If your interviewee is really engaged, he’ll give you more time. At any rate he’ll appreciate that you’ve stuck to your request and respected his time.
Come prepared. Don’t waste time asking questions that you can find out on the company’s website or annual report. Do an online search to see if the company’s been in the news. Ask your uncle what he knows about his friend’s work. Knowing something about the industry and company shows that you are serious about your career.
Make a list and check it twice. Before you arrive, make a list of questions you’d like to ask. Of course during the interview, your conversation may generate other things you want to discuss, but having a list an reviewing it right before your interview will prevent awkward pauses. Here’s some sample questions I’ve been asked:
- What combination of education, skills and experience would you like to see in a candidate for a job with your firm?
- What do you like most about your job? What are the challenges?
- Is there a chance to grow in your company? Is there a career path for employees?
- Is your field growing? What are the trends you see in your field over the next few years?
- What kind of salaries to people earn in your field when they are starting out? What is the earning potential?
Listen to your Mom. She was right about thank you notes. A few days after your interview send a handwritten note of appreciation, not an email. Your uncle’s friend made a special effort for you that’s important to acknowledge in a personal way. When you are ready to apply for a job in the future, you’ll have left a favorable impression.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Common resume and cover letter mistakes
Dear Coach:
I’m an Arts major who has been sending out dozens of resumes with NO responses. I’ve posted on every job site I can find. Any ideas of what I’m doing wrong?
Blood, Sweat and Tears
Dear BST:
You haven’t given me enough information to fine tune my answer, but I’ll pass on some common mistakes I’ve seen in the resumes and cover letters that have crossed my desk.
You’re writing a generic cover letter and resume. How do you react to spam? I’m guessing not well. Believe me an employer can tell when they’ve been “spammed” by a resume and cover letter that’s going out to a hundred employers. I know this seems like more work but you’re looking for your 1st professional job. Take the time to tailor a cover letter that looks like you’re serious about my company or organization.
Do the research. I can tell when someone knows something about my industry and why they want to be in it. It shows on their resume. They joined professional organizations that show me they were serious. They figured out what skills were going to be attractive to employers like me, like industry-specific software. Even before I interview them, I can see that their learning curve for my company is going to be short.
Your resume doesn’t tell me anything about what you’ve accomplished. Many resumes I’ve seen read like a history timeline. “2004, hostess at Whitespot. 2005, summer internship at St. Michael’s Hospital.” I need to know what these experiences gave you beyond a paycheck that would be helpful to my company. If you started out as a waitress, then moved to managing a shift, tell me. It lets me see that your employer recognized management skills. If your internship project resulted in a change in the way work was done at the hospital, tell me. It lets me see that your work had an impact that was acknowledged by others.
There’s stuff on the web about you that would singe your mother’s eyebrows. Information about you on the web has become part of the application process. Many, many recruiters that find your resume interesting enough to invite you in for an interview will google you before making their decision. Google yourself. If there’s stuff there you wouldn’t want an employer to see, you need to address it. And please consider what you post on MySpace or Facebook. It could follow you for a very long time.
I’m an Arts major who has been sending out dozens of resumes with NO responses. I’ve posted on every job site I can find. Any ideas of what I’m doing wrong?
Blood, Sweat and Tears
Dear BST:
You haven’t given me enough information to fine tune my answer, but I’ll pass on some common mistakes I’ve seen in the resumes and cover letters that have crossed my desk.
You’re writing a generic cover letter and resume. How do you react to spam? I’m guessing not well. Believe me an employer can tell when they’ve been “spammed” by a resume and cover letter that’s going out to a hundred employers. I know this seems like more work but you’re looking for your 1st professional job. Take the time to tailor a cover letter that looks like you’re serious about my company or organization.
Do the research. I can tell when someone knows something about my industry and why they want to be in it. It shows on their resume. They joined professional organizations that show me they were serious. They figured out what skills were going to be attractive to employers like me, like industry-specific software. Even before I interview them, I can see that their learning curve for my company is going to be short.
Your resume doesn’t tell me anything about what you’ve accomplished. Many resumes I’ve seen read like a history timeline. “2004, hostess at Whitespot. 2005, summer internship at St. Michael’s Hospital.” I need to know what these experiences gave you beyond a paycheck that would be helpful to my company. If you started out as a waitress, then moved to managing a shift, tell me. It lets me see that your employer recognized management skills. If your internship project resulted in a change in the way work was done at the hospital, tell me. It lets me see that your work had an impact that was acknowledged by others.
There’s stuff on the web about you that would singe your mother’s eyebrows. Information about you on the web has become part of the application process. Many, many recruiters that find your resume interesting enough to invite you in for an interview will google you before making their decision. Google yourself. If there’s stuff there you wouldn’t want an employer to see, you need to address it. And please consider what you post on MySpace or Facebook. It could follow you for a very long time.
Do you have what it takes? Focus and flexibility.
Dear Coach:
Every time I talk to someone about my job search, they emphasize something different. Half of them say “You have to be clear on exactly what kind of job you want. Be as specific as possible about the industry, location and work environment you want.” The other half say, “Stay flexible – you’re going to have 10 different careers over the course of your life so why focus? Apply for anything you’re remotely interested in.”
-- Huh?
Dear Huh:
You may not want to hear this, but the opinions you are getting are both right. Welcome to the 21st Century.
There’s a reason your generation is called the Millenniums. You and the Gen Y’s just ahead of you are the first generations that have used a computer all your lives. You’re the first generation that totally gets what technology brings to the table in terms of efficiency. You are the generation that will help us make a transition to a new kind of workplace where workers have flexible hours to complete well-defined projects. Other generations have dealt with outsourcing and downsizing reluctantly. But people from your generation seem to me the first to embrace these changes.
So what does this have to do with focus and flexibility?
Recognize that the workplace is still in transition. While there are still plenty of companies that have regular work hours and that employ people long term, those same companies are looking for ways to work more efficiently. They may be outsourcing some work off shore. They may use project teams to get work done, and then move team members to a new project with a new team when their project is completed. The team members may not even be their full time employees.
In your first job search out of school, try to find a job with an organization that has opportunities for you to use your skills and talents. Try for sure to check that the companies you choose are in growth industries. Focus on making as good a match as you can. But realize too, that your life long career success may depend on your adaptability, even if you have a nine-to-five job.
Every time I talk to someone about my job search, they emphasize something different. Half of them say “You have to be clear on exactly what kind of job you want. Be as specific as possible about the industry, location and work environment you want.” The other half say, “Stay flexible – you’re going to have 10 different careers over the course of your life so why focus? Apply for anything you’re remotely interested in.”
-- Huh?
Dear Huh:
You may not want to hear this, but the opinions you are getting are both right. Welcome to the 21st Century.
There’s a reason your generation is called the Millenniums. You and the Gen Y’s just ahead of you are the first generations that have used a computer all your lives. You’re the first generation that totally gets what technology brings to the table in terms of efficiency. You are the generation that will help us make a transition to a new kind of workplace where workers have flexible hours to complete well-defined projects. Other generations have dealt with outsourcing and downsizing reluctantly. But people from your generation seem to me the first to embrace these changes.
So what does this have to do with focus and flexibility?
Recognize that the workplace is still in transition. While there are still plenty of companies that have regular work hours and that employ people long term, those same companies are looking for ways to work more efficiently. They may be outsourcing some work off shore. They may use project teams to get work done, and then move team members to a new project with a new team when their project is completed. The team members may not even be their full time employees.
In your first job search out of school, try to find a job with an organization that has opportunities for you to use your skills and talents. Try for sure to check that the companies you choose are in growth industries. Focus on making as good a match as you can. But realize too, that your life long career success may depend on your adaptability, even if you have a nine-to-five job.
A crisis of confidence.
Dear Coach:
I’m graduating in April and I’m getting scared. I’m afraid I don’t have what it takes to go out and get a good job. Everybody says having a job is easy now, but I still have my doubts. How can I raise my confidence?
Quaking
Dear Quaking:
Nearly all of us have an inner voice that whispers to us “You don’t have what it takes” from time to time. In fact it’s so common, coaches regularly have to work with our clients to silence that voice so that they have the confidence to move forward. One exercise that some of my clients find helpful is called the Mentor’s Table.
Here’s how it’s done.
Sit in a comfortable chair and take a minute to clear your mind. Now, imagine a place that is quiet, isolated and safe and which has special meaning for you. Maybe a stretch of beach, a cabin in the woods, a ski chalet. Call up the image as specifically as you can. What season is it? What do hear, see, and feel? What emotions do you feel? Really set the scene for your ideal place.
Now, to your imagined place, invite three people you truly admire -- living or dead, famous or just personally important to you. They should be people you would love to have a conversation with or who you know intimately and who love you. When I did this exercise I chose Buddha, an elderly neighbor and my best friend. Assume that the people you invite have your best interest at heart and want you to succeed.
Now, in turn, imagine each what each one would tell you that would help you see that you have the skills, talents and character to succeed in your job search. Again, try to see them and hear them speaking directly to you in your imagination.
If you are like most of my clients, you will be touched by how others see your strengths and talents. If you are like most people, giving yourself a break from your inner critic can help you gain a new perspective on yourself.
I’m graduating in April and I’m getting scared. I’m afraid I don’t have what it takes to go out and get a good job. Everybody says having a job is easy now, but I still have my doubts. How can I raise my confidence?
Quaking
Dear Quaking:
Nearly all of us have an inner voice that whispers to us “You don’t have what it takes” from time to time. In fact it’s so common, coaches regularly have to work with our clients to silence that voice so that they have the confidence to move forward. One exercise that some of my clients find helpful is called the Mentor’s Table.
Here’s how it’s done.
Sit in a comfortable chair and take a minute to clear your mind. Now, imagine a place that is quiet, isolated and safe and which has special meaning for you. Maybe a stretch of beach, a cabin in the woods, a ski chalet. Call up the image as specifically as you can. What season is it? What do hear, see, and feel? What emotions do you feel? Really set the scene for your ideal place.
Now, to your imagined place, invite three people you truly admire -- living or dead, famous or just personally important to you. They should be people you would love to have a conversation with or who you know intimately and who love you. When I did this exercise I chose Buddha, an elderly neighbor and my best friend. Assume that the people you invite have your best interest at heart and want you to succeed.
Now, in turn, imagine each what each one would tell you that would help you see that you have the skills, talents and character to succeed in your job search. Again, try to see them and hear them speaking directly to you in your imagination.
If you are like most of my clients, you will be touched by how others see your strengths and talents. If you are like most people, giving yourself a break from your inner critic can help you gain a new perspective on yourself.
Facebook, My Space legacies you may not want
Dear readers:
I haven't had a question about the Facebbook and My Space but I've decided to write a column on it anyway. I recently had an alarming conversation with the head of human resources for a large tech company.
Here's what she said. “As soon as we're seriously considering a candidate, I look them up on the internet, especially on the social networking sites like Facebook and My Space. You would not believe what people have up on their sites. It's really the best way I know of to find out what people are really like.”
When I told her I'd be writing a column on this, she looked alarmed. “Please don't. It's a tool we all use and we don't want our applicants to know it!”
An article in the Globe in Mail last year quoted a British survey that found that 80% of the respondents from personnel departments regularly googled their applicants' names before hiring them. Of course, this practice may not be as common in Canada, or for smaller firms, but you need to be aware that what you put up on these sites could be there for a long time. Maybe forever. The wild keg party video, the revealing dress photos, your description of getting wasted may be fun to share with your friends, but a lot less appealing to employers.
If you must share this kind of information, limit access to your site. But, remember, even if you shut down your site, some of your stories may be so legendary that they've been passed around by others and are still out there.
Very few of us could stand the scrutiny of the things we did in our youth. But for your generation, new technology records the events which someday may cause you to wince.
Please consider what you put up on the internet. You may be creating a legacy you don't really want.
Concerned Coach
I haven't had a question about the Facebbook and My Space but I've decided to write a column on it anyway. I recently had an alarming conversation with the head of human resources for a large tech company.
Here's what she said. “As soon as we're seriously considering a candidate, I look them up on the internet, especially on the social networking sites like Facebook and My Space. You would not believe what people have up on their sites. It's really the best way I know of to find out what people are really like.”
When I told her I'd be writing a column on this, she looked alarmed. “Please don't. It's a tool we all use and we don't want our applicants to know it!”
An article in the Globe in Mail last year quoted a British survey that found that 80% of the respondents from personnel departments regularly googled their applicants' names before hiring them. Of course, this practice may not be as common in Canada, or for smaller firms, but you need to be aware that what you put up on these sites could be there for a long time. Maybe forever. The wild keg party video, the revealing dress photos, your description of getting wasted may be fun to share with your friends, but a lot less appealing to employers.
If you must share this kind of information, limit access to your site. But, remember, even if you shut down your site, some of your stories may be so legendary that they've been passed around by others and are still out there.
Very few of us could stand the scrutiny of the things we did in our youth. But for your generation, new technology records the events which someday may cause you to wince.
Please consider what you put up on the internet. You may be creating a legacy you don't really want.
Concerned Coach
Space and time for job searching.
Dear Coach:
I know I should eke out some time for finding a job after graduation. But, frankly, with school and other obligations I feel buried. Any tips?
Buried Alive
Dear Buried:
Of the people I coach I’d say 100% feel overwhelmed at one time or another. In most cases it’s a question of creating space in your life for what you want to occur. Then, assigning a time when you’re committed to making your goal happen.
So what does it mean to create space? Take a good hard look at the where you work. Is the surface of your desk as buried in papers as you feel? Do you even know the color of the rug in your room because there is so much piled on it? Have you given up working on your desk and moved your studying or other work to the dining room table or, worse, to your bed?
Time to back away from the clutter that’s making you feel buried alive.
The first step toward feeling less overwhelmed is to create a clean slate – a dedicated space – where you can work. Put the notes and information for a given course in a file folder or notebook. Put all your bills in another folder. Honestly, you don’t have to be obsessive, just group like things together in a way that makes sense to you. Lest you get overwhelmed by the prospect, start small. Every day file one course’s information or tackle just one thing you’d like to track and put it in the same stack or file.
Nearly every client I’ve had finds this process of clearing the decks invigorating and one that helps them to move away from stuck in overwhelm.
Next, using the same principle of starting small, figure out an amount of time you would happily devote to starting your job search. Keep it small to let you develop your “honoring time” muscle. Could you devote an hour a week to looking at websites related to your career? Or researching companies you really want to work for? Or looking at job ads to see what companies are looking for? Now commit to that one hour more specifically. “For one hour on Sunday afternoon, I’ll commit myself to doing something related to job search.”
If you’re like many of my clients, I think you’ll find honoring the space you need to do what you want and committing specific time toward achieving your goal makes you want to do more. At the very least, you’ll have a clean desk.
I know I should eke out some time for finding a job after graduation. But, frankly, with school and other obligations I feel buried. Any tips?
Buried Alive
Dear Buried:
Of the people I coach I’d say 100% feel overwhelmed at one time or another. In most cases it’s a question of creating space in your life for what you want to occur. Then, assigning a time when you’re committed to making your goal happen.
So what does it mean to create space? Take a good hard look at the where you work. Is the surface of your desk as buried in papers as you feel? Do you even know the color of the rug in your room because there is so much piled on it? Have you given up working on your desk and moved your studying or other work to the dining room table or, worse, to your bed?
Time to back away from the clutter that’s making you feel buried alive.
The first step toward feeling less overwhelmed is to create a clean slate – a dedicated space – where you can work. Put the notes and information for a given course in a file folder or notebook. Put all your bills in another folder. Honestly, you don’t have to be obsessive, just group like things together in a way that makes sense to you. Lest you get overwhelmed by the prospect, start small. Every day file one course’s information or tackle just one thing you’d like to track and put it in the same stack or file.
Nearly every client I’ve had finds this process of clearing the decks invigorating and one that helps them to move away from stuck in overwhelm.
Next, using the same principle of starting small, figure out an amount of time you would happily devote to starting your job search. Keep it small to let you develop your “honoring time” muscle. Could you devote an hour a week to looking at websites related to your career? Or researching companies you really want to work for? Or looking at job ads to see what companies are looking for? Now commit to that one hour more specifically. “For one hour on Sunday afternoon, I’ll commit myself to doing something related to job search.”
If you’re like many of my clients, I think you’ll find honoring the space you need to do what you want and committing specific time toward achieving your goal makes you want to do more. At the very least, you’ll have a clean desk.
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