Welcome!

Hi Everyone!

In light of these challenging times, and all that's taking place out there in the world of job hunting, Crystal Clear Connextions would like to offer guidance to job seekers. In this blog, we'll share some plain common sense and practical advice based on real experiences. With more than 15 years of experience in Human Resources, Staff Development and Training, undoubtedly, there are many stories to share, but from these stories come lessons and tools to help those who were recently displaced, downsized, laid off, re-entering the job market, or just getting started. Even if you aren't unemployed but just have tales from the water cooler about workplace issues and need to vent your frustrations, get support, advice or resources...this is the place for you.

This blog is your resource to get, share and seek information. A place where you can get many different perspective on managing you career, improving your skills and creating better experiences for the workplace and beyond.

We hope to create a community where your network of employment leads, support and assistance gets wider by the day, because those who visit will be willing to share their experience and knowledge. But more importantly, we hope this Job Ready, Job Savvy Community becomes a place where you won't feel so alone as you go through a period of transition.

So, read on for tips to be Job Ready and Job Savvy, as well as some insights on how to Connect, Influence, Create and Achieve your career goals. Enjoy your Job Ready, Job Savvy Blogging experience.

Job Ready
To be Job Ready means to be prepared to tackle the job search with a level of confidence that comes from knowing that you have have the ability to demonstrate your skills and knowledge in a way that shows potential employers your value. This is not arrogance, so be careful to temper any tendency to be a cocky know-it-all. Take a very realistic and practical approach to the job search and be mindful of what messages you send by your actions, words and body language.

1. Go to the Job Interview Alone. WTH! Who goes to a job interview with an entourage, you ask? Well believe it or not, I have seen it all. A job applicant who came to the interview with her mommy...very sad but oddly enough I thought mommy was a better catch. Then there's the applicant who showed up with her child and volunteered no explanation as to why the child was accompanying her (on a school day). The best was the person who showed up to the interview with his wife and wanted to know if there were any jobs available for her as well. These things set off red flags to employers about your work ethic, maturity and ability to balance your work and professional life.

2. Eye to Eye Contact: Get comfortable with looking people in the eye. I'm not talking about the blank, piercing, almost creepy stare. I'm speaking of the kind of eye contact that makes people think you are listening and understanding. It's the kind of eye contact that says your are interested in what is being said and can contribute to the conversation. This takes practice. You can be so focused that you hardly blink, your stare makes others uncomfortable, or you just seem fake and robotic. There's no better way to turn off your potential employer than with a creepy serial killer-like stare.

3. Body Language Says More Than You Know: Be careful not to cross your arms during the interview, especially if you've fumbled a few questions. This could be interpreted as defensive, closed minded and stubborn. Keep hands at a comfortable position in your lap, but not stiff. It's O.K. to talk with your hands just don't over do it. We don't want you to look as if you are directing flight runway traffic.

Job Savvy
Whether it's a job fair, formal interview, networking event or other potential employment opportunity, you must be ready physically, mentally, and emotionally. Put on your game face, get your mind right, and keep your eye on the prize. Now, with all the cliche's out of the way, let's get to some straight talk. Before you can tackle a job interview you have to be job ready:

1. Do your homework on the company ahead of time...this will ease some of the jitters.
2. As a colleague of mine said recently, "wear a smile"..... it's your best accessory. I agree.
3. Stay focused on the job at hand...leave personal issues and drama behind.
4. First impressions matter, business attire only, shows that you are ready and helps confidence

We will be talking more in depth about first impressions, proper attire and attitude...so weigh in with your opinions for this and the next post.

Connect-Influence-Create-Achieve
Connect: Stay informed about your particular job market, read trade magazines, go to field specific functions, join related associations. You will find that you are always connect to the next opportunity.

Influence: Use these same connections to influence employers to hire you because of your knowledge, your network of resources and your potential to improve their business performance.

Create: Part of being Job Ready, Job Savvy is the ability to create opportunity for yourself. Look into creative ways to keep active in your chosen field. Perhaps you can freelance or work as an independent consultant. You can mentor someone just starting out or volunteer to get some experience (and the satisfaction of giving back).

Achieve: Setting a goal is the best way to achieve success. Understand that the path to your goal may require many different approaches, you may stumble along the way but recognize that each step brings you closer to achieving that goal. Your goals must REAL be Realistic, Empowering, Actionable and Life fulfilling.

Share your thoughts here on ways to connect, influence, create and achieve career success.