Job Ready, Job Savvy

Enlightenment for the Job Seeker.

2009-12-13T13:14:00.000-08:00

Job Ready, Job Savvy: Moment of Enlightenment

From Deepak Chopra, "It’s in the unknown that we move through life pretending that it is known…"
While watching a clip of Deepak Chopra on IconoClast this weekend, it occurred to me that these words may have more relevance than even Deepak himself knows, as it relates to today's job seeker. While Deepak was talking about his personal journey through life and how he embraces each day’s challenges and the excitement of the unknown as a road to learning and enlightenment, it struck me as a wonderful way to manage the challenges of today’s job market.

Connect, Influence, Create and Achieve

I hear so often from those in transition how the uncertainty of these economic times is nerve wracking. How not knowing is sometimes the hardest part of the job search process…Not knowing if your resume was received, Not knowing if you said the right thing on the job interview…Not knowing…you fill in the blank. There is plenty of not knowing to go around, along with the anxiety that goes along with it. Perhaps we’ve been thinking about this all wrong. Perhaps Deepak is on to something here! Just possibly, embracing the unknown is the connection to that long sought after “known” entity.

So bear with me for a moment as I unravel this idea. Just imagine for a moment, that not knowing allowed you to release yourself from the pressure of knowing. Imagine that not knowing released you from trying to fit the mold of what you know.

Then, here’s the scenario, you’ve let go of the known. You show up for a job interview unassuming but confident. You show up with no pre-conceived judgments or expectations just an open mind and spirit. You have no idea what’s in store but you show up engaged and in the moment; ready to ask questions in a way that shows interest, forethought and analytical skills. You become keenly aware of your talents during this interview in a way that is not about arrogance or cockiness but in a way that is an authentic culmination of all your experiences. You then offer yourself as the solution to your perspective employer’s problems and have suddenly found yourself able to influence your perspective employer that you’re the right person for the job.

Imagine for a moment that not knowing allowed you to create your own story, write your own ticket and open yourself up to opportunity. Some may say my idea is a bit of a stretch, somewhat far fetch and maybe a little too optimistic for the real world. But, three times in the last month people I have worked with to help them through their transition have said that opportunities arouse when they let go of the hold that “knowing” had on them. Strict adherence to what we “know” to be true about ourselves, our skills and abilities, and our worth can present barriers to what we can achieve. I’ve heard things like it was the best or easiest interview ever. One client even got two job offers after months of not even getting job interviews. My theory and advice throughout our work together was basically, “get over yourself.”

Many of us go through several phases of self exploration, only to find that once we know ourselves; we become attached to what we’ve found out and create an identity which is inflexible. In fact, it can imprison us in old habits, old thoughts and old behaviors. Once we allow ourselves to face the unknown we can free ourselves of the pretense of knowing it all, knowing more and knowing better than the next person. Once we give up the pretense of knowing, we show up at every opportunity open to what is really before us. Sometimes what’s before us is a great opportunity and sometimes what’s before us is not. But, isn’t it great to know that through exploration of the unknown there is an opportunity to grow, to become self assured and to know the difference between a great opportunity and a bad one so that you can continue to move forward. Let go of the pretense of the known and allow yourself to be open to opportunities before you. To put it more practically, those of you out there in transition, trying to find that dream job, may do well not trying to fit it the same old mold, explore an unknown field and let your known skills and abilities emerge in a different way.

What’s your take on this? Is Deepak on to something beyond spiritual enlightenment that can transcend our troublesome times? Join the conversation! Especially, if you’re one who has ventured into the unknown and uncharted job market and found something enlightening on the other side.

Job Ready-Job Savvy: Giving Thanks Through Tough Times

2009-11-29T13:19:00.000-08:00

Job Ready-Job Savvy: Giving Thanks Through Tough Times

This being the week of Thanksgiving, I thought I'd offer up a few thoughts on what the unemployed, underemployed, and employed (happily or not) can do to dig deep down and be thankful. As you read on, remember that my apporach is always rooted in holistic and practical approach. My outlook on everything (no matter how corney it may sound), is that the energy you put out in the world is the same type of energy you attract, and even during these turbulent times if you move through life with anger, fear and resentment as your driving force those same things will find their way back to you!

CONNECT, INFLUENCE, CREATE AND ACHIEVE

EVERY EXPERIENCE IS RELEVENT

Yes, that's right! Even when you think your job is mundane, your boss is a jerk and you've spent your day engaging in meaningless conversations, put in the right context any and every experience can build character. So as diffcult as it may be to make the connection here, be mindful that even our most unpleaseant experiences teach us lessons that we can thankful for in the future.

That mundane job where you sit endlessly for hours doing the same thing can teach you how to be focused, and patient. But here's a thought...if you have a private life that is always on overdrive, always a demand or an obligation to be met, then be thankful for those demand-free 8 hours. If you're really bothered by the repetitiveness of your current job start exploring opportunties to do something different. Help out in another department, initiate a discussion with your immediate supervisor about making some changes or improvements in a process. Remember whatever you propose has to influence the boss that it's good for your company, not just a source to relieve your boredom. If this is not an option for you, then be thankful you have had an experience which will hopefully lead you to start making a change of environment.

That jerky boss is teaching you how to deal with difficult situations, confrontation, conflict, oversights, rude and inconsiderate behavior. He or she is teaching you some real world coping skills and is a live example of the supervisor, manager or director you don't want to be when your time comes to be the leader. This is not to deminish the impact of poor leadership on the morale of staff, or to condone that kind of behavior as a teaching modality. It is however, a way to build your own character and communication style. A way to stay grounded and rise above the nonsense that can plague any work environment. It is an chance to be thankful for the opportunity to practice your coping and communication skills to get better at the interpersonal skills that will come in handy throughout your career.

And, along those lines, those meaningless conversations you engage in with co-workers, customers and clients are also a way to hone those interpersonal skills and create an environment in which no one is left out or invisible. It is a way to create connections which can have meaning that you may not even realize. That office odd ball ,who never quite fits in gets a "good morning: or a "how was your weekend?" from you, and that may have impact far beyond its trival facade.

Someone who is particularly proud of a child's accomplishments or troubled by their teen's sudden mood swings, might appreciate a casual "how's the kids?" inquiry. Yes, I probably understand more than most that a casual inquiry may yield more than you bargained for, but the next time you're at a networking event and have to engage in the perennial speed chat with other guests, you'll be thankful that you've had practice during your everyday interactions and will feel less uncomfortable about having to participate in the social graces of both formal and informal gatherings.

So, the next time you're on a job interview and you're asked one of those situational questions about how you've handled conflict, or a difficult coworker, a challenging work environment, or a job you didn't like, think about the lessons you may have learned from those experiences draw upon them and be thankful that you've had the opportunity to draw from authentic real life experiences on your road to achieve success.

JOB READY, JOB SAVVY

EVERY REJECTION IS AN OPPORTUNITY

I'm sure that sounds ridiculous to some but if you do not know the feeling of being turned down for a job you really wanted, or a promotion you think you deserved, then you have very little reason to make self improvements. There are always valuable lessons in our failures. Yes of course, you can blame someone else for not seeing your true worth and resign yourself to the idea that it's their loss for not choosing you. And while that may be true, it may also be an opportunity for you to do some soul searching and take a real introspective look at yourself and what you can do to improve your station in life. Yet another reason to be thankful for the seemingly bad experiences.

If you keeping hearing the same reason why you were passed over...no degree or not enough experience, then get some additional education under your belt. Some college is better than no college, some training is better than no training. There are many opportunties out there for the non-traditional student (those who have been in the workforce for years without a formal education) look to programs at your local community colleges. If you have the aptitude, look for on-line courses. Even a workshop or seminar that is designed to help you build a workplace skill or impart some new information is an opporunity to learn something new and stay relevent. These workshops and seminars can often be found through local businesses, community groups and churches for free or low cost.

As for experience, I go back to the spirit of giving as a way of giving thanks. Many of those who are displaced from employment are seeking ways to stay active, viable and relevent. Well, at my recent Job Ready-Job Savvy Meet-Up we talked about skilled volunteerism. This is a way for those who have specialized skills to offer their services to a non-profit group. Perhaps an out of work social worker or guidance counselor can offer their services to a youth services organization. A professional researcher or copy editor can offer their expertise to help an orgnazation put out their montly newsletter or quarterly reports. A web developer or other tech savvy professional can offer their services to help build a website or update the technical infrastructure of a service based organization. You get the idea, I'm sure.Volunteering is not always about collecting cans, coats or working the soup kitchen. Yes, those are all worthy and needed forms of giving but there are so many ways to give back that are rarely explored. You'll be thankful for the opportunity to continue using your skills and those in need will be thankful for your services.

Join the conversation...what workplace or life experiences have tought you valuable lessions of gratitude?

Social Networking - Career Networking

2009-11-14T13:35:00.000-08:00

JOB READY - JOB SAVVY:

SOCIAL NETWORKING, LESSONS LEARNED AND YOUR CAREER

So I logged in today, realizing that I have been on blogger hiatus for just over a month! That's a big blogger no-no! Once you comit to blogging you have to be consistent, especially if you're blogging for more than just giving voice to your own fodder. But if you're looking to create a blogger community, you must put in the time and effort. I confess, I nearly forgot that I had not been blogging weekly, as intended. With all the social network posting activity, frankly I didn't feel like I had been away from the blog since many of the things I've posted on Meet -Up, Face book, Linked In, Quentins Friends, A Mighty River and the other social sites I'm connected to, all relate to my Job Ready-Job Savvy focus. So, I admit my short coming and apologize to my blog readers. This is not only a valuable lesson for me, but for job seekers as well.

CONNECT, INFLUENCE, CREATE & ACHIEVE

First, and this is the lesson I most need to take to heed, if you are going to use social networking as a tool to look for employment opportunities, you must keep it up to date and current. Regularly, add some new information or experience about yourself to your home page, wall, message board (or whatever it's called). Remember being jobless doesn't mean you don't have a life. Continue to stay active.

Secondly, I've been advising people to make maximum use of their social networking sites to network for jobs. Best advice, abandon...OK, suspend your personal page in favor of a professional page. Use it to promote your talents and skills. Less like a resume and more like an advertisement for a service.

Third, I encourage you to join professional associations to promote growth and connections, and as a way to stay relevant in your career. Some of the best employment leads can come form colleagues in your industy. So for instance, if you're on Linked In, there are a number of professional association, companies and educational institutions that have groups you can join and open up your networking circle to hundreds or thousands more.

Lastly, and this is important, so pay attention...just as I am suggesting that you seek out opportunties to expand your professional network by connecting to groups, sites and pages of companies in your field and companies you'd like to work for, be mindful that social networking is a massive interconnected highway. So if you can find them, they can find you. If your social circle engages in questionable activity, you too will be seen as engaging in questionable activity. So, stop collecting FB friends and Twitter followers like kids collect stickers. You have to be selective about who you friend and who they friend...sometimes the degree of separation is less than 6.

If you haven't already abanoned me for the outdated blog post and for not staying current and relevant, please join the conversation and let me know what your experience has been using social networks to find employment opportunties.

Until next week (I promise)... Be Well, Live Well, Speak Well.

Sustaining Employment, From a Job to a Career: You've Found a Job, Now What?

2009-09-27T18:04:00.000-07:00

I've been focusing so much on getting people through their periods of unemployment, that when one of my clients said, "Ok, I finally found a job and I am grateful, but now what?" I was almost taken aback. For most job seekers this time comes, but very few have the foresight to think of it that way, and ask the question. Getting the job is half the battle, now you have to keep it.

Of course, I had to know-how to help her, I just needed to reach into my tool chest and put on my construction hat. You've got the job, now we need to build a career from the ground up.

The workplace can be a dangerous place for the new hire. Much like a construction site, you have to be cautious and alert, use your tools with precision and wear your protective hard hat.

FROM JOB READY TO JOB SAVVY

After not working for long periods of time, many people worry that they will not be able to sustain it. This is especially true since many companies that are actually hiring, are still going through transitions. Many recent hires are still on shakey ground, and wonder how to construct a career out of the rebound job, or the transitional job. Of great concern is how to make yourself indespensible and carve out a path to sustainability and hopefully growth, so you stay employed.

Now What?

CONNECT, INFLUENCE, CREATE AND ACHIEVE, that's What!

Here are some tips to help you construct your new job into a career, using the tools and resources you've acquired.

1. Continue to construct your career by staying connected to developments in your field. Stay aware (alert) to the trends, technology developments and performance standards.

2. Become a positive influence on those around you. This is about your attitude. Be cautious about the friendships you form and about your involvement in office politics. Take your time to understand who the bad apples are in the office, and make your own alliances based on who you are, and where you want to go.

3. Create opportunties for yourself to grow, by staying open to new assignments and more responsibility. Use the tools you acquired during your periods of renewal (see previous post of 9/10/09) to make yourself valuable. Continue learning and developing your skills.

4. Achieve a reputation as someone strives to be better and who gets the job done. How, you ask? Stay open to feedback from your superiors. Put the hard hat on your ego, and listen openly to criticism. Make the improvements that your employer is asking of you, and show that you can rise above your limitations to get the job done.

Most of all, remember that all the skills on your resume, highlights in your cover letter and knock-em-dead interviewing skills will now be put to the test. So stay consistent and show them what you're made of.

If you're one of the many, who haven't gotten to the point of thinking about your employment sustainability, maybe you need a little help with interviewing skills. Don't miss Crystal Clear Connextions next seminar, "Why You've Gone on a Dozen Interviews and Were Not Hired!" Register now and get a discounted admission price at http://www.adozeninterviewsseminar.eventbrite.com/
All seminar participants get a free post-event consultation, financial advice for job seekers, from a registered financial consultant, and a chance to win a free career consultation.

For a sneak peak at what you'll learn see my on-line article for Career Rocketeer at
http://www.careerrocketeer.com/2009/09/why-youve-gone-on-dozen-interviews-and.html

What's your take on keeping your job? How do you construct your job into a career? Join the conversation!

Jobelessness: A Time of Renewal

2009-09-10T06:13:00.000-07:00

Job Ready, Job Savvy : Unemployment as an Opportunity for Renewal

OK, so we've all heard the numbers, enough already! Unemployment is at 9.4% and rising. You're one of the many and you know first hand how tough the times have been and are in a state of angst over how much worse it can get for you and your family.

In times like these I offer my clients words of encouragement, promote faith in themselves and a higher power, and usually offer some get real advice or insight into how to get through the rough patches. Yes, I truly mean, and believe in what I preach and ultimately it comes down to a person's ability to improvise when the chips are stacked against you.

Q: Can you reinvent yourself using an untapped skill, talent or craft?
A: Only if you've had the courage to look at yourself more critically; to step outside of your reality box and listen to what others are saying about your untapped skills, then find a path to capitalize on that.

Q: Can you make a $1 out of .15?
A: Well, maybe not literally, but you can stretch your money, if you look for ways to cut back. Swallow your false pride and cut coupons, barter services and shop discount, closeout and warehouse centers for savings. Review your investment strategies with a professional adviser and begin better investment habits now, while the cash flow is low and continue those new habits when your luck turns around.

Q. Do you have '"copability"?
A: From renowned spiritualist and change guru, Deepak Chatterjee..."copability" is your ability to handle the tough times. How you manage to maintain integrity and what you do when you don't know what to do, can speak volumes about you ability to bounce back from adversity.

Q: Do you know your career values?
A: Your ability to find the next opportunity may depend in large part on how well you know yourself, you priorities and your career values...or as I call them, the deal maker and deal breaker conditions under which you are willing to work. Are your expectations (demands) reasonable or can somethings be compromised in the short term for an opportunity to get back on your feet?

CONNECT, INFLUENCE, CREATE AND ACHIEVE

Consider the following things when you think of career values, and decide which of these things can be compromised to begin anew. There are many more career values to consider. Some with much more depth, that directly relate to your work ethics, but these are the things I think are most relevant to a frustrated job seeker (in no particular order).

1. Flexibility to set my own schedule.
2 Ability to earn more money, even if it means long hours.
3. Opportunity to be creative.
4. Working independently.
5. Earning money to buy luxury items.
6. Doing work that changes the lives of others.
7. Regular recognition for my efforts.

For example, (#1/2) if you've reached the level in your career where you don't punch the clock to earn a living, can you consider going back to hourly work or an environment where strict accountability of time is critical to your earning potential? Just something to think about. It may be the difference between a job now, and seeking the next benefits extension from unemployment.

If you're a consumption whore (#5), and need to have the latest fashion and technology trends, can you get help for your problem and live more modestly? After all, what do those things mean to the big picture? Chances are you can go back on the stroll of consumables once you get a job. This is a temporary set back, right?

If you're the type who constantly needs a pat on the back, merits and bonuses for a job well done (#7), is it possible that you can take a "thankless" job to make the mortgage? Can you find reward elsewhere until the market turns around and the perk filled jobs open up again?

Then, there is the person who is so socially conscious and grounded that they cannot perform work which does not have a greater impact on society (#6). Can you work a job where the social impact and change is not immediately evident? OK my take on this...we are all connected in some way and even if you are not the one delivering the food to needy children, but the one who packed the box, you are indeed making an impact and doing your part to affect change. Dig a little deeper and perhaps you'll see it.

This week's post is just an opportunity for you to renew your options, your commitment to yourself, and your opportunity to grow despite the depressing numbers.

What's your secret to renewal? What are you doing to keep hope and opportunity alive? Weigh in.

The Job Fair Experience

2009-08-23T12:48:00.000-07:00

For the past few months, I've been selectively attending local, community based job fairs, setting up career coaching stations and offering job seekers some on-the-spot advice to tackle the fast paced, competitive and often stressful job fair environment. The job fair experience is your opportunity to maximize your access to potential employers. Since many companies attending job fairs have limited jobs to offer, or are prospecting for future openings, you must be at your best. As said in our last post, you must make a good first and lasting impression. It's critical to make the best of your interaction with recruiters. Job fairs are fast paced and very competitive. Be prepared to make a lasting first impression.

Job Ready

1. Always dress for success in professional attire Men: Business suits with ties. Don’t have a suit? Dress pants, dark colored blazer, white shirt and a simple tie will do. Women: Keep it simple. Business suit, solid color blouse, sensible shoes (no stilettos). Don’t have a suit? Skirt, with dark colored blazer, white or solid color blouse will do. Minimize accessories like jewelery. Keep nails short with neutral polish. Remove piercings and cover tats whenever possible. Let's not give employers a reason to pre-judge or make assumptions about you that do not reflect your skills and abilities.

2. Bring Several Copies of Your Resume Carry multiple copies of your resume in an easy to open folder. Consider having different versions of your resume for different jobs or employers. The goal is to capture the recruiters attention and seem like you are targeting your job search.
Make sure there are no errors on your resume. Absolutely no handwritten edits or corrections.
Keep your contact information up to date.

Job Savvy

3. Research Employers Participating in the event.
Know the types of employers that will be at the event. Know the company's ups and downs, trends in the field, or current status of the company.
Visit the booth for employers in your field first.
Have an idea of what jobs they are offering and what skills they require.
Ask about future opportunities in other areas, training programs, volunteerism, and internships, if apropriate.

CONNECT, INFLUENCE, CREATE AND ACHIEVE
4. Good Communication with Employers is Key to Success.
Make direct eye contact
Introduce yourself and tell the employer 3 things that make you right for the job.
Don’t carry multiple packages. Keep your hands free for the important handshake.
Don’t say things like “what’s this about?” or “what kind of job is this?”
Instead say, ‘Would you tell me more about your company?” or “Do you have positions for someone with my skills and experience?” (of course, you must first tell them about your skills and experiences -so practice that ever important "elevator pitch"...your 15 seconds to say who you are, what you do, and why that has value to the employer. Even if there are no jobs available, thank the recruiter. Don't walk away with an attitude. Turn off the desperation. Yes, the job market is hard and recruiters know that too. So, stop saying "I just need a job." or "I'll take anything." Employers know that's not true! If you have 5 years of experience in finance and an MBA, you're not going to take a job as the mail clerk (unless having that job realistically will save you from homelessness).
Ask for a card or contact information from the recruiter. Make sure to follow-up with a letter or e-mail, expressing your continued interest.
5. Stay Calm
Take a deep breath and count to 10 before approaching the employer/recruiter
Speak slowly and clearly, gather your thoughts. Ask questions and give straight answers when asked questions by recruiters.
Job fairs are good ways to practice your socials skills, so stay focused, stay engaged.
Take your time going to each employer, systematically. Come up with your plan of attack and stick to it.
Talk with other job seekers for insight and tips...this is also a networking opportunity.

To get more insight on the job fair experience from the job seeker and recruiters point of view. Check 0ut these videos from some local NY news stations.

http://wcbstv.com/consumer/job.fair.unemployment.2.1124173.html

http://www.ny1.com/Default.aspx?ArID=99066

http://www.ny1.com/Default.aspx?ArID=98105

CONNECT-INFLUENCE-CREATE-ACHIEVE

2009-08-16T17:28:00.000-07:00

FIRST IMPRESSIONS...LASTING IMPRESSIONS

In the post of August 9th, our Connect, Influence Create and Achieve segment talked about the impact of first impressions. We shared with you some do's and don'ts of interacting with potential employers and I shared some "Strange but True" stories from my experiences in Human Resources and Recruitment. This prompted one of my colleagues to offer up one of her pet peeves... misspellings on the cover letter and resume.

This is a common concern for many hiring managers and a complaint I have heard more than a few times. It's hard to get past a bad first impression and paying attention to details, following instructions and showing that presentation is important to you, can make a lasting impression on employers.

As Daryl Samuel, HR Director for New York Lawyer's for the Public Interest noted, "If an applicant can’t use spell check, show attention to detail, and provide all the materials requested when they are trying to impress me, I can only imagine what unprofessional writing I’m going to see when they are tired or rushed".

Know that your character, personality and work ethic are all being displayed and interpreted in every interaction you have with an employer. If your communications are put together haphazardly, it tells the employer that you don't take pride and care with your work. If you are touting your "attention to detail" as a skill set, but botch up information in your cover letter and email communications, you've set yourself up to fail.

To add another angle to Daryl's comment, don't become so dependent upon spell check that you fail to use the good old dictionary. Remember those..the big book of words? Well, they are still in print and often are better points of reference than Dictionary.com, Wikipedia, or the spell check feature built into you MS Word software. Don't be afraid to use an old fashion dictionary. In fact, I suggest buying a pocket dictionary and keeping it right next to your blackberry...because chances are you'll never leave home without it.

Some may say one or two small type-o's are OK, because everyone makes mistakes. But take into account that humans are subjective beings and what may seem small and innocuous to you, may be a big deal to another. Keeping such things in context. If you're applying for a job as an assistant bookkeeper or payroll manger, a small error could be very costly to the employer. So, a wrong keystroke or misspelled word on your resume, may signal to the employer that you are not as detail oriented as the job would require.

If you're like me and have difficulty proofing your own work, have someone much more anal retentive than yourself go through the fine details. Remember that this may require you to toughen your skin and open your mind, but it's worth the sacrifice to make that ever important first and hopefully lasting impression.

Job Ready, Job Savvy

The impressions we give to others are formed in part, by our own energy (the culmination of who and what you are at any particular moment) and in part by the beliefs and experiences of those we encounter. So, bear in mind that every moment you interact with another person, either verbally or in writing has an energy, which translates into an impression of who you are (both good and bad, true and untrue). Even as I write this post, I am conscious of what impressions the reader might take away from my words. I edit and re-think and choose words based on what I intend to say in this moment (context), and how well that reflects who I am (impression) and what I want to convey to you.

Many things we do and say are misaligned with who we are and what we want to convey to others (especially potential employers), either because we have not given it thought in context or because our beliefs and experiences tell us it's OK. Here are some examples of ways we communicate that may be deceptive or damaging to a good first impression with employers.

Email Addresses: Create a business email address. Use a name that simply identifies you, preferably your name or some variation of it. Stay clear of the email and screen names that are too personal or explicit (ex: mommyofsix@xyz.com - is too personal and loverboy@xyz.com is just inappropriate). Don't give employers a reason to pass judgment on non-work related issues.
Ring Tones: While your phone should never be on, or audible during an interview, if for some reason you forget to turn the phone off, you should make a habit of having a day-time ring tone that quickly and simply alerts you. My phone has a "meeting" setting and will beep discretely once and then go into vibrate mode. Refrain from ring tones with loud striking sounds and offensive language.
Answer Tones: These allow you to customize your phone with hold music while your caller awaits your response. But again, a word of caution about the music you choose. I once called someone who had me on hold while I listened to about 45 seconds of a song with profanity and lyrics demeaning women. Not the impression you want to give a potential employer.
Social Networking Profile: Yes, employers Tweet too! And, there is a whole world of Facebookers you don't know about. Especially during your active job, search protect your profile from curious onlookers, limit access to pictures of you in social situations and be careful about the company you keep...your friends post and activities are also a reflection of you. Keep provocative, risque and raunchy comments out of public view. Employers may not share your special brand of humor.

True story... published in the NY Daily News in March 2009, an investigative report revealed that the NYPD is using information from Facebook, MySpace and the like, to weed out recruits because of questionable content. More and more public and private employers are using social network surfing as another form of conducting background checks.

Yes, I've heard the indignant defense that employers should have no right to view your "personal" pages, or that it's not business related and should be considered your "private" information. But there is no assumption of privacy on the Internet. After all, it is a public means of sharing information. Despite those "terms of use" and "privacy policies" required to use many social networking sites, there are always means to obtain information that you'd probably prefer not to share with everyone.

What's your take on first impressions? How important do you think the little details are? What are your email addresses, ring tones and on-line profiles saying about you? Are they aligned with the impression you want to give employers?

Welcome!

2009-08-09T20:39:00.000-07:00

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.