Blogging4Jobs

In Part 1 of “It’s a Dry Powder Market,” I introduced the dry powder theory. The dry powder theory is an investment term used to describe tactics investors employ during an economic recession where they maintain a very liquid amount of assets that are quickly available to adjust to the turbulent market.  Companies keep cash (the most liquid of assets) in their bank accounts and reserves to account for the volatile market.    And because talent is the most expensive form of capital, companies forgo hiring permanent employees and opt for other strategies like work redistribution and the hiring of interns and contract and temporary employees.

Temporary and contract employees are extremely liquid.  Here today and gone tomorrow.  Companies opt to pay larger contract or hourly rates of pay rewarding these type of employees for the risk associated with a temporary position.  Companies can quickly eliminate this type of overhead without costly severance plans, benefit payments, and guilt associated with layoffs and corporate restructures.

A large number of companies are employing this type of hiring in 2010 just in case.  A candidate can compete in a Dry Powder Job Market not just against other candidates but also the economy by considering the following:

• Demonstrate Value. It’s no secret the job market is extremely competitive.  A job seeker must be on their game and demonstrate during every opportunity that they are the best investment a company can make.  This starts with your online presence and LinkedIn profile.  Companies want to see how your experience and success can translate into revenues for their company.  Focus on quantitative figures and numbers when describing your responsibilities and projects.
• Be Aggressive. Bring your A Game at every opportunity.  Companies have access to hundreds of high quality candidates.  Use testimonials and references to get your foot in the door.  Don’t wait for your interview.  Connect with company representatives from the moment you know there is an opening but with great care.  Consider your strategy and competition in everything you do.
• Be Creative. A simple resume and cover letter is no longer enough.  Consider coming with a marketing pitch, an idea to promote their product, and presentation to lower their expenses and increase efficiency.  Give them an idea or solution they can’t live without.  Look to your professional network to seek ideas and recommendations outside of your market or industry.  Creativity matters.

**Look for Part 3 of “Dry Powder Market” discussing market strategies and one job seekers aggressive move that got a company’s attention.

Photo Credit Warning Signs Direct.

Part of my own strategy to build my brand, gain business, and establish myself as an expert in my field is by using my blog to write and interview other experts and companies promoting them while continuing to build and strengthen my own relationships. Last Friday was no exception. Through a simple LinkedIn invitation to connect message, (Yes, LinkedIn) I was able to secure an interview with best selling author, Jeffrey Gitomer. Jeffrey Gitomer is one of my favorite authors and speakers. While his followers and fans are generally sales professionals, I am a firm believer that each and every person works in sales in some form either as a job seeker selling yourself to a company, when dating or meeting your prospective mate (the ultimate sales job), and when making a major life purchase like a car or house. Solid sales, negotiation, networking, and presentation skills are all very important in all three of these scenarios.

Jeffrey’s three hour seminar touched a great deal on how a solid sales marketing and branding plan can impact your success. The bottom line is that people buy from people and those that are ordinary end up in second place. Sitting among the more than 300 in attendance, I was surprised to learn that less than 10% utilized social media tools as part of their sales, branding, and lead generation strategy. While Jeffrey discussed the power of social media and how it can help you engage decision makers as well as hiring managers.

He says, “The challenge is for you to understand is that we are the bailout. The challenge is not just about sales tips and ideas but what you do that’s pretty ordinary.”

Jeffrey encourages everyone to take control of their bailout and suggested that we can accomplish this in the following ways:

• Get a creative voice mail. Be different from everyone else. Humor is an excellent tool to define who you are and differentiate yourself from the rest.

• Schedule a three way lunch. If someone you want to meet is giving you the run-around, invite someone you know that they need to know with you to lunch. Call your contact & invite them again. You will build instant rapport and credibility with both parties.

• Be the Best. Don’t settle for ordinary. When you are the best at what you do, everything else shows up.

• Business cards matter. Find creative ways to keep people talking. Your business card is a representation of yourself. How do you want people to remember you?

• Get a flip. Video testimonial and video references are extremely powerful on your blog or website lending you instant credibility. Use a flip to interview experts and promote them on your blog or website building solid rapport and relationships not only with the interviewee but also your blog audience.

Check out my video interview with Jeffrey Gitomer below and don’t forget to visit his website at JeffreyGitomer.com. A special thanks to the Journal Record.

Photo Credit Gitomer.com & Active Rain.

Someone referred me to an article in Time Magazine entitled How Skype is Changing the Job Interview. The title gives it away: the article is all about how Skype is seeing a lot more action in the interviewing process for organizations. After all, it’s free to use (so long as both parties have it) and it simulates an actual face-to-face meeting. Seems like a logical step, right?

1. Correspond by e-mail.
2. Talk to HR/a hiring manager by phone.
3. Employ video conferencing, which, despite its imperfections, will actually give the people you’re speaking to an opportunity to see you in action and will allow you to use gestures, facial expressions and body language to assist you as you speak and listen.

Mike Kohn is an HR Generalist and avid social media enthusiast working for a design firm in Washington, DC. Having gone from intern to professional within recent memory, he talks about working in the HR industry and making it in the workforce through his Gen Y lens.  Check out Mike on Twitter (@mike_kohn), look him up on Facebook or visit his blog, The HR Intern, to hear more from him.

I wonder why so many people forget to check their attire in the mirror before they go to work. I’m not talking about what you wear after work or at home, but what you put on your body to go to work and get a paycheck. Two real-life examples follow.

Recently, a young professional woman got on the elevator in the building where I work.  She was wearing a black dress that flared slightly and was an appropriate length.  Now, as Paul Harvey would say, for the rest of the story.  The V-neck was plunging and not only was I doing a double-take, so were the others (male and female) in the elevator.  Her make-up was impeccable and her jewelry appropriate.  Her footwear – - that’s the rest of the story – - so help me – - she was wearing black flip-flops.  Yes flip-flops – - not dress sandals, not even sporty sandals – - flip-flops. As she got off the elevator, we could hear the flapping sound of the flip-flops as she walked to her office carrying a briefcase.  And she wanted to be taken seriously at work!!!  Give me a break!!!

There is no way she will be viewed professionally if she wants to move up the ladder (small business ladder or big corporate ladder).  Why?  She doesn’t dress the part.   Is that important – - yes it is.

Example #2.  I recently was in a meeting with a man who had excellent credentials. However, as he talked, his credibility began to erode.  Slowly at first; then at a more rapid speed.  His speech pattern was peppered with “basically”.  By the end of his part of the discussion, I had quietly counted that word inserted in the wrong place 25+ times. Basically (pun intended), his vocabulary appeared limited.  It didn’t help that his pants were not neatly pressed, his shirt was wrinkled and his shoes had never, ever been treated to shoe polish.

Why does this matter?  Glad you asked!!  The world of business has many similarities to competitive sports.  I’ll only touch on one aspect in today’s column - uniforms.

For those who play competitive sports, they would never imagine not putting on the team gear before going out on the field.  Show up for football in soccer gear or swimming suit? Not going to happen. Then why in the world would you think the same premise would not apply to work?   It does.

Want a paycheck?  Want to be taken seriously for your work?  Dress the part, show up, speak professionally and play the game.

Kay Stout is a Managing Partner in Pacheco Stout Consulting and work as an executive career advisor for Oklahoma Professional Search, a leader in career transition.Her blog, Another Point of View is also listed on the Blogging4Jobs Link Love.  Kay is a regular on the Behind The Mike Radio Show.

Just like the Bermuda Triangle, it is easy for job seekers to get lost in the sea of applications, customized cover letters, and advice from experts and friends on how to successfully and effectively manage the job search. Throughout the job search, job seekers often lose their sense of direction mysteriously vanishing and falling victim to the Job Search Bermuda Triangle. However, with proper preparation and a good sense of direction, job seekers can navigate the seas of change.

• Know your Destination and a Plan to Get There. For a job search to be effective, job seekers must have a marketing plan and strategy to promote themselves in this crowed market. Job seekers need solid marketing materials to effectively and creatively market themselves in these economic times. This includes eye catching business cards, customized cover letters, job specific resumes, and career portfolios. Job seekers also must consider both their online and offline brands. Candidates are strongly urged to pay close attention to those in the professional community and their perception of them in the every day face to face interaction and also online through social media networking platforms like LinkedIn as well as reviews and blog comments on sites including Amazon and YouTube.
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   Tune Up Your Engine. Many professionals fail to take a personal inventory of their skills and abilities while in the job search. Seek out mentors or advisers to provide you with guidance, advice, and direction. Your “Professional Tune Up” could be in the form of a career coach, community college class, or other recommended reading list. Find creative ways to fine tune your brand and experience through volunteering or serving on professional committees. Follow a brand and development strategy. Understand that a strategy or plan such takes time. New skills, abilities and experiences must be developed and cannot be rushed. Pace yourself and do your best not to over commit.  

   

• Working on Autopilot. The job search can be turbulent and sometimes their are even flight delays on your way to a new position or career. Do your best to understand and realize that the flight to your destination takes time and offers personal and professional challenges. Companies are now receiving hundreds of resumes for one open position. Because of this, it is easy for your luggage to get lost in the shuffle. Know when to led and when to follow. Your job search has many different layovers before your final destination. These might include the phone interview, the face to face interview, and the job offer and negotiation process. The art of balance is very important in these processes. Be confident but not overbearing, available but not desperate, and polished but not brash.

And with proper planning, preparation, and creative spunk, job seekers are sure to see clear blue skies ahead. . .

Since I work in the human resource field as a recruiter and HR professional, I am often asked by those in the job hunt how to approach individuals in my own field. Understand that those in the HR industry especially in this current economic climate receive hundreds of calls from would-be job seekers even without a single opening.

Catching a recruiter or human resource professional at the right place and the right time takes a little bit of luck and a whole lot of preparation. Prospective job seekers need to ensure their marketing materials (resume and cover letter) are top notch and specific to the position. My advice to job seekers who desire making meaningful connections with industry professionals, is that timing is everything and preparation is essential in maintaining a professional and polished front.

When approaching HR, do your best to walk in the mile of their shoes and make the most of the moment when doing the following:

• Cold Call. As an HR Professional I get job inquiries daily. Prepare for two separate scenarios either talking live or via voicemail. Be ready for your fifteen second elevator pitch when inquiring about a vacant position. Be direct and to the point respecting the HR Professional’s time. If leaving a voicemail, speak slowing and leave a brief message. Make sure to leave your name at least twice, your phone number, and why you called. The best times to contact someone live is just after the schedule workday begins or just after lunch. These are times when I’m likely in the office just before or after daily meetings and other work-related activities.

• Using Your Network. Email or call those within your network and make them aware of your intentions. Be clear about the type of position you are looking for, benefits, and other items like relocation. Ask for referrals and contact names of target companies. Don’t be afraid to follow up either by phone or email referencing your referral’s name.

• Email. Just like a voicemail, your email to a human resource professional should be to the point and outline your intentions. Attach the necessary marketing materials including your resume and cover letter. Make sure to include your contact information including your email and phone numbers. Make sure to reference the person with whom provided their contact information in your email. I am happy to forward resume and job inquiries to a hiring manager contact if I have a good, personal relationship with the job seeker.

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The future of communication is with mobile technology, and iPhones are no exception. Below are some interesting iPhone apps that can be used in an interesting and usual way while in the job search.

1. LinkedIn. Access connections, view your profile and immediately invite others allowing you to networking anytime and anywhere with just the touch of a button. Be sure to update your profile and keep others in the know.

2. Jobcompass. This application allows you to access online job postings anytime and anywhere. Use the keyword search function and sort by distance from your location. View job descriptions and email job details with ease.

3. PublicSpeech. This application is a great tool that allows you to record and save your speeches. I recommend using this app to perfect your elevator pitch and to record and analyze your responses to interview questions.

4. MyCard Free. Don’t commit the cardinal sin of networking. Never been without a business card with MyCard Free. Exchange electronic business cards with MyCard Free application. Send a card or exchange with other iPhone app users.

5. Action Word Lite. This application provides impactful auction words sorted by category and its usage in sentence form. This application is great and very useful for quickly updating resume, cover letters, or as part of interview preparation in a pinch.

6. Twitter Summarizer. Easily keyword search Twitter without a user account to view trends and keyword topics. This application is useful in the job hunt for sorting newly listed job openings and positions that allow you to sort by city or zip code. This app also allows you to stay up to date with trending topics.

The job search is all about a little luck in finding that right opportunity. It’s challenging in these current economic times to keep your name at the forefront of a hiring manager and recruiters mind. Creative and out of the box thinking with a few inexpensive ideas can go a long way.

• Marketing Materials Box. Leave a lasting impression by providing colorful and creative marketing materials during your interview. Go the extra mile by placing them in a colorful and tasteful box. Managers will place this box on their desk and constantly be reminded about you and your creativity.
• Thank you notes. These are very important in making a good impression. A great way to do this is to leave a thank you note with the receptionist upon leaving the interview. Take a moment to write a handwritten and custom note.
• Colorful Business Cards. Professional business cards with your personal information are a great way to get your name and contact information in the hands of a hiring manager. I regularly “shop for candidates” during the evening and weekend hours at various events. Have your personalized business card ready. Include your blog, website address, or linkedin profile url to make a lasting impression.
• Props. These are another great way to make a memorable impression in the interview depending on the type of position you are interviewing for. Use great caution when deciding if and when to use these. I recommend tasteful props during the second or final interview especially for a marketing, public relations, or media positions.
• Web or YouTube Video. Depending on the type of company you are interviewing for, a thank you note via a web video is a great way to make a memorable impression. Thank the hiring manager for their time and give your 15 second elevator pitch. I recommend your video be no longer than 60 seconds.

Just last week in Illinois, over 1,000 applicants were accepted in the first hour for 125 open grocery warehouse positions. Two weeks ago in Florida, a job fair in Miami had over 7,000 candidates in attendance. With so many unemployed and in the job search, even high qualified candidates and their resumes can get overlooked and lost in the shuffle.

Working with a professional recruiter or headhunter could be the answer to navigating the growing candidate pool. Decision makers and human resource professionals are now faced with thousands of applications per open position. Companies are overwhelmed with piles of resumes and phone calls from desperate job seekers looking to make contact with the decision maker. Professional recruiters and headhunters should be considered as an option for job seekers looking to land a position in a difficult, niche, or specific industry. These individuals work on a 100% commission and contract basis directly with the employer.

A recruiter who specializes in an industry can help you do the following:

• Candidate Marketing. Headhunters sell and present the highest quality candidates and assist the job seeker in highlighting qualifications and experiences.
• Connected. They are connected with industry leaders and know the industry trends. These individuals interact directly with the decision maker.
• Forefront. Headhunters contact the decision maker directly. Job seekers who work with headhunters can avoid the red tape associated with applications.
• Sales Oriented. Headhunters are revenue driven and typically no nonsense. Their direct nature is to the point and clear cut.

Contacting a recruiter is relatively simple. A LinkedIn keyword search for recruiter will result in thousands of hits. I recommend utilizing industry specific LinkedIn groups to find a recruiter(s) that specializes in your industry or a more specific keyword search. Do not be discouraged. Recruiters log your information in databases and will contact you once a position that meets your qualifications surfaces. Depending on your industry, qualifications, and ability to relocate will determine your marketability as a candidate for the recruiter. Contact them regularly, to keep you at the forefront of their minds and atop the resume pile.

Need to jumpstart your job search?

Receive a job tips pdf from Blogging4jobs. Leave a comment on any of my blog postings between now and April 1st and receive a free job tips pdf via email from me. Make sure you include your email address with the comment posting.

A good friend of mine hosted an event in Topeka, Kansas, earlier this week called “Resumes & Wine.” Young professionals received my job tip sheet, a free resume critique, networking opportunities, and of course wine! Don’t miss an opportunity to get a leg up on the job search!! This job tip sheet is a great start.

Leave me a comment. Request a topic or post your link/website address. A great deal of my blog traffic comes from other recruiters so this is a great opportunity for self promotion. Don’t have a link? Use your linkedin profile address.

Cheers,

Jessica

**Don’t forget to follow me on twitter @blogging4jobs

Interview feedback is one of the most important parts of the interview process. If you are interviewing internally for a promotion or position within your current company, receiving interview feedback is relatively easy. Feedback from an external interview is hard to come by especially when managers and companies are frighten by horror stories and threats of lawsuits.

Regardless of where you interview or with whom, I recommend asking for feedback. If interviewing internally, interview feedback is a must. Ask to receive your feedback in writing in the form of an IDP or Individual Development Plan or other document. Even if you don’t get offered a position, show them you mean business and have some follow through.

Don’t limit your development to company specific activities. If you are in need of leadership or management experience and your company doesn’t offer an official program, think outside the box. Join a club or lead a team of volunteers at a local nonprofit. This opportunity does double duty providing you leadership experience also with valuable networking at the same time.

Sign up for mock interviews. Most often when we interview and are under the gun, we tend to ramble and lose focus. I recommend attending a class at your local vo-tech for a nominal fee allowing a professional to give you real life feedback.

Speak publicly every chance you get. When interviewing, it’s essential to be able to speak on your feet. Hiring managers love to throw wild interview questions the candidate’s way shaking them off balance. Join a public speaking group like toastmasters to give you valuable public speaking experience.

Get a mentor. Find a seasoned professional in your field either at your current company or another and plan to meet with them formally at least quarterly to discuss your professional development. A lunch meeting or quick conference call is a great way to get refreshed, refocused, and back on track.

Check out the video below. While corny, I have heard each and every one of these answers while conducting an interview.

Ever watch that show, What Not to Wear? Generally, the same holds true in an interview with conservative being best when it comes to making an impression and not becoming the office joke. See below for some general do’s and don’ts when it comes to dressing appropriately for the interview.

General Rules and Recommendations:

• Select apparel, fragrances, jewelry, hairstyle, etc. that do not detract from your professional image. The interviewer’s attention should be focused on what you say and your qualifications.
• Make sure your hair is clean, neat and professionally styled. Avoid styles that covers over more than your forehead or one that you have to brush back.
• Remove facial and body piercings other than single ear jewelry for interviews. Visible tattoos should be covered to avoid distraction.
• Apparel should be clean and neatly pressed.
• Apparel should fit well and remain in place while sitting and/or walking.
• Keep your look simple especially since you are not yet familiar with company dress code.

Choose professional apparel that you like for which you receive positive feedback from people who are knowledgeable about the industry standard or specific company policy.
Less is more.

Ever been stumped with a question while on an interview? See some common questions below in preparation to ace that interview!

• Tell me about yourself. First off, let me say that I absolutely loath this question. It’s so generic. Keep your answer professional and between 1-3 minutes. Highlight your education, job qualifications, and job history based on the qualifications and requirements of the job you are interviewing for.
• Why should we hire you? Once again, I hate this question!! Keep your answer professional and highlight your qualifications specific to the position you are applying for. Most often this question is asked to see how you handle the pressure. Be prepared to sell yourself.
• What are your weaknesses? This question is tricky and the fact that you work too hard is not a good answer. I recommend using the STAR method here (see previous posts on this topic). Outline the situation, describe the action you took to improve your weakness, and the result. Hiring manager’s like to hear measurable actions like you increased your team’s productivity by 35% by attending a 8 week class on leading and inspiring others using the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.
• Where do you see yourself in five years? Be very careful. You don’t want to appear to be overly ambitious and say something like, “Well, Bob. I’d like to have your job.” I recommend talking about expanding your knowledge and experience in a new product line or the fact that you will have finished your MBA by then. You want to be a team player and show that you are a great long term investment for company x.
• What’s your salary expectation? Tread carefully my friend. On one hand you don’t want to overshoot and bet out of the running because you want too much money. On the other hand, you want to be paid a fair salary. I recommend doing your research for the industry and position in your geographic area. Salaries can vary widely even in the same city as do the benefits and perks that companies offer their employees. Give them a range and ask if falls within their requirements. I am always upfront with candidates but not every recruiter or hiring manager is.
• Do you have any questions for me? YES! YES!! Be ready with questions, I mean really good questions. Use the company website or your network to learn about the prospective company and the industry. Ask some questions about the number of employees you would be supervising or challenges one might face in the position. I recommend asking, “what do you feel is the most important skill or qualification for someone in the Public Relations Director position to be successful?” This allows the hiring manager to tell you what they want from their new employee giving you some insight. This way you can touch on your skills and qualifications one more time.

See the short video below to learn more about different types of interviewers. It’s important to be prepared for all types, determining the interviewer’s style, and adjusting your own interview to meet their needs and desires to make a better impression.