4 Top Social Media Platforms for Jobseekers: Why you should and how you can get online before an interview

By Linda Van Valkenburgh, MS, CCMC, CJSS, CSMCS, CELDC

You’ve landed an interview – congratulations! A great way to secure your chances of success at the interview stage is to leverage social media to help impress and relate to the interviewer. From the comfort of your home, you can research the company you’re interviewing with, get to know the team you’ll join, and be sure you’re putting your best foot forward. This is your opportunity to make a great first impression, and by recognizing the social media as a straightforward tool for comprehensive information about many aspects of a company, you can illustrate your eagerness and receptiveness to your potential new employer.

Where can you look?

Twitter

Companies are tweeting their new job opportunities at an increasing frequency. Follow your target companies and keep your eyes on the “Twitter Feed”!

 At first glance, a platform that was once strongly associated with what people are eating for breakfast and when they are walking the dog may not be for you. This is a tool that is rapidly becoming one of the top informational sources for jobseekers, networkers, and recruiters. Economize your writing style to 140 to develop your professional image, contribute to hot industry topics using the # (hashtag) symbol, and follow industry leaders, professionals and corporations for information sourcing and easy interaction.

 When joining the “twitterverse” you have the opportunity to develop your personal “brand” (that is how you wish to be seen and associated with). Create a twitter “handle” (username) that is associated directly with your name and even your industry, for example “@HRJohnSmith”. Make use of the # when discussing key topics so that you can become easily searchable and can contribute to the ongoing forward-thinking conversation for your industry.

As you begin to dip your toes into the Twitter pool, I recommend that you construct 10 GREAT tweets that are focussed, concise, intelligent, and forward-thinking. Send them out straight away! Following on, “follow” 10-15 “non-threatening” users (non-political, non-extreme, non-celebrity) and build that brand!

LinkedIn

This is your opportunity to join the conversation, reach out to people you know, and make connections to people you want to know.

 Employers are looking at prospective candidates on LinkedIn every day, and they are also posting their employment opportunities up in real-time. Once you’ve applied for a job it is important to remember that this is one of the first sources of information they will look at (alongside your Resume, so include the link!). Make the best impression you can.

LinkedIn is the platform on the lips of all online professional networkers. This is the easiest way to develop your professional online personality. LinkedIn is comprehensive. Companies are registered, industry focus-groups are already established and are growing in number and quality every day.

When joining LinkedIn, be detailed, forward-thinking and enthusiastic when developing your profile. Tell people what you’ve done and share your accomplishments. Keep it positive! Your profile picture should be a professional headshot. It should be of a plain background, head and shoulders, and you should be dressed as if you’re going to work. “Selfies” do not cut it, neither do your favorite holiday pictures.

Facebook

By “liking” a Company Page on Facebook, updates they make are automatically added to your newsfeed, and you can access all their previously posted information. It’s a good resource for further information.

Facebook is used in job search in two ways: another information source used by employers to gauge the character of their applicants, and another source of information about companies via their “Page”.

Facebook is a character portrait so remember to drown that “digital dirt”! Although Facebook is considered a personal social media platform, it is easily accessible (unless you adjust your privacy settings) by almost anyone. Be careful what you post! Images that are risque, or probably not showing you at your best are not advisable. Furthermore, try and keep controversial or difficult opinions offline. Be presentable, be positive, and remember that this is a dimension of your online personal “brand”.

Google+

You can access industry leaders, target companies, their employees and leaders in a quick and easy way. Unlike LinkedIn, permission is not necessary. Just join the “Circle”. Easy.

Google+ is new to the game in comparison to Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn and has taken some time to establish traction in the social media world, including its usefulness for jobseekers, but it has some really neat features.

 “Circles” is a great way for a jobseeker to connect with influential people within an industry, or even within your target company. Interacting in industry-focused conversations is as much a benefit as tweeting and commenting in influential groups on LinkedIn. Google+ is also an excellent portal for you to tie in your other profiles on different social media platforms. It is all a part of building a cohesive and professional online brand!

How best to utilize your new source of information

Learn more about the company you’ll work with

Today, there is so much information on the Internet that is incredibly easy to access – within a very short time you are able to access earnings, learn about your potential new company’s positioning, and check numerous blogs and social media feeds for the very latest news on your company.

Take your time and assess all of the angles of your potential employer: visit the company’s Facebook page, Twitter feed, LinkedIn page, and look at top industry blogs such as the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and industry-specific blogs for news and updates. By doing this, you will prepare yourself for any specific, up-to-the-minute questions that come up in the interview, but you’ll also be better equipped to speak intelligently about the issues currently facing the company.

 Get to know your future team

Everyone talks about the importance of networking when you’re getting ready for a new job, and social media developed an entirely new dimension to the process. Today, you even have the opportunity to get to know the team you’ll be working with before you even meet them in person through their online profiles.

When you land your interview, be sure to ask who you’ll be meeting with from your potential employer’s team. Then, you can check your LinkedIn contacts to see whether you have any common connections that might help you get to know the team or the company a little bit better. It’s also wise to spend some time diving into each person’s work history and experience – that way, you’ll know their background and skill set when walking into your interview – you may even find you have some things in common!

Put your best foot forward

Focusing on your prospective employer’s social media habits is one really important facet to your upcoming interview, but don’t forget your own presence! There are hundreds of articles about the perils of an unkempt social media page, and how it can affect your chances at a new job. But more importantly, you have an opportunity to make those channels shine, and to have them work in your favor as you get ready for your interview.

Many employers will take at least a brief look at your LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook page as they prepare to meet you in person. This is your opportunity to show that you’re professional – but that you also have personality! Showcase your professional interests, and don’t forget to engage in conversations with others to show you’re participating beyond your own interests as well. You’d be surprised at how many employers look at this as an important part of the ideal employee package!

Let’s get to work!

Every success –

Linda Van Valkenburgh

For career coaching, resume services, networking events, and extra information, contact Linda at LindaVan@MyExecutiveCareerCoach.com.

@LinVanVal

www.LinkedIn.com/in/lindavan

LinkedIn For Executives: How To Create A Winning Profile

By Linda Van Valkenburgh, MS,CCMC,CJSS,CSMCS
LinkedIn is a great tool for find a new job if you use it correctly.

It’s not enough to have a LinkedIn profile.

Every professional has one. And people are pretty good about keeping their profiles professional and updated, which means that you’ll have to go beyond their efforts to stand out.

If you’re struggling to create a LinkedIn profile that will set you apart from the competition, I have a process for you to follow.

Here are the steps I’ve provided to other executives to help them make the most of their LinkedIn profile.

Step 1: Make your summary meaningful

These days, busy recruiters and potential colleagues see dozens of LinkedIn profiles every day. Use your summary space as a place to write a meaningful paragraph that will immediately connect with people.

With our limited attention spans and endless to-do lists, recruiters and those looking to network with you need a quick way to get to know you, your experience, and your goals. Providing a two to three sentence summary can do just that.

In your summary, focus on the qualities and skills that make you stand out.

What truly drives you?

Where have you seen the greatest success in your career?

Focus on these critical questions to make sure you have an immediate impact on those who take the time to read your profile.

Step 2: Add the right keywords

One of the ways potential recruiters and employers will find you on LinkedIn is by searching for specific skills. By thinking about which keywords people will be looking for, you can infuse your profile with the terms that will get you noticed quickly.

Think about each of your roles – past and present – and make a list of key tasks within those roles. Then, pull out specific, action-oriented keywords that communicate how you had an impact in that role.

And think broadly about skill areas, too – if you’ve spent time working on your organization’s social media presence, think about all the ways someone might look for that experience: by searching for “social media,” “social networking,” “online marketing,” or others.

Step 3: Take your photo seriously

Leave your pet photos and family portraits for Facebook.

Connections on LinkedIn want to meet you – the professional you. If you can swing it, invest in a professional headshot – you’ll be able to use it long after your LinkedIn profile has worked for you.

Having a professional, put-together photo shows that you’ve put thought into even the littlest details of your presence online. More importantly, it portrays the version of you that’s most valuable and employable for those looking to connect with you.

Step 4: Take advantage of multimedia

LinkedIn has amazing features that allow you to share images, work samples, links, and articles that show the best moments from your career.

Did you write an op-ed for an industry publication?

Include it in the files on your profile.

Did you write a presentation about industry trends (and check with your employer to be sure it’s safe to share publicly)?

Add a slideshow – or better yet, a video of you presenting it. These add a dynamic dimension to your LinkedIn profile that will set you apart from the pack.

Step 5: Network, network, network

Most people make the mistake of thinking that networking on LinkedIn amounts to connecting with the people they already know from current or previous jobs.

But networking on LinkedIn can be so much more. LinkedIn’s Groups feature allows you to be a part of groups that are relevant to your position or industry, opening you up to connecting with more people through your shared interests.

In addition, you can follow specific companies or thought leaders that share your interests or relate to your work. This shows that you’re invested in following the latest news and trends across your category.

Final Thoughts

LinkedIn can be a powerful tool for your personal brand when you take the time to create a profile that really highlights the best parts of you, your experience, and what you have to offer.

These steps will get you started, and soon you’ll be connecting and networking your way into new opportunities!

If you have questions about your job search, contact me at 203-323-9977 or lindavan@myexecutivecareercoach.com.

8 Tips To Kickstart Your Career Search in 2014

By Linda Van Valkenburgh, MS, CCMC, CJSS, CSMCS

Whether you have just been laid off or have been working on a career campaign for a while, the New Year brings with it the opportunity to start your job search anew. However, for some people, the feeling of being overwhelmed takes over and they are not sure where to begin. Below you will find 8 tips to start you on your way towards an organized, strategic, planned career search that will bring you closer to your next career transition.

1. Attitude Adjustment. If you were laid off from your job, there are a lot of feelings that accompany this job loss. Some people get angry, some are sad, some become paralyzed and others feel lost. While all of this is normal, the successful candidates are those who realize that this is where they are and what they have to deal with. They take time to deal with the situation but move past it as well so that they can focus on the actions they need to take to secure their next position. Working it through quickly and letting go is the first part of goal attainment.

2. Gain Clarity.  Take some time to think about what you want to do in your next job. This is very important because if you are not clear on what you want, it will be very hard to figure out the steps necessary to get what you want. So, what does this mean? Well, think about what you want from your next job. Do you want to switch industries? Do you want to change careers totally? Do you want to work in a bigger or smaller company setting? Should it be for-profit or non-profit? Take some time to start shaping the vision of your next job. This is one thing that people often forget about in the process. They just turn around and try to go back and do the same thing that they did before. However, for some people, this is a golden opportunity to make the career change they have thought of in the past.

3. Online Presence Check. Another important action to take is to do a check of your  “Online Presence” to see what is out there and what needs to be worked on. Look at facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Flickr and other places that you appear and make sure that you do not have photographs or other information that will reflect you in a negative way.  For example, you do not want to have pictures that show you having taken time off from work for an unapproved reason or holding onto company property that you took home but should not have. You also do not want pictures of yourself getting drunk or doing illegal drugs. You want your presence to appear professional and further support that you have the skills and professionalism for the position you are applying for.

4. Resume Review and Rewrite. Take out your resume and give it a good once over. Is it modern or is this the resume you used 8-10 years ago? Find out what a modern resume should look like and see if yours needs revision. One of the most important things to do for your resume and for your job search in general is to have a strong Value Proposition.  I often call this the “spine” of your career search. It is the statement that answers the question of who you are in relation to the role that you are seeking.  It can be used as part of the introductory paragraph of your resume. It takes some introspective thought to create this statement of the value that you bring to the table so be sure to invest in it.

Re-working your resume is an arduous task that will pay great dividends when you are able to communicate your value and support it with the successes of your work life. It is important to show an employer that when they hire you, the successes that you have had are what you are going to bring to them.  The best way to do this is by recounting these achievements and providing metrics so that an employer can concretely understand what you can do.  A picture is painted when you describe handling global Human Resource issues in Digital Media for a staff of 1,000 employees worldwide rather than saying Human Resources in Digital Media. This is how you can promote your brand and distinguish yourself. Remember, looking for a job is a selling process where the product you are selling is yourself and what you can do for an employer.

5. Create or Review and Update Your LinkedIn Profile. LinkedIn is the largest professional social media platform so having a good profile is important. When employers are looking to see if they want to bring you in for an interview, they will often check out your LinkedIn profile. So make sure that it is a good reflection of you from a business perspective.

6. Networking. Networking is a very important part of a successful career campaign. The “hidden job market” is often accessed through your network contacts.  What is this hidden job market? Oftentimes, before a position gets out onto the company website. a job board or some other method of advertising, someone hears about it and recommends a person for the position. Many times people are hired at this stage and the job never goes out elsewhere. The only way to hear about it is through someone who knows someone. And, the best way to do this is to share your situation with  your network.

7. Track your efforts. There are a number of things that you will be doing throughout this process including completing a number of applications, sending cover letters, creating and sending customized resumes, attending events and meetings, interviewing etc.  As a result, you need to have a way to track all of this. Figure out what works for you and scrupulously track your actions.

8. Prepare for interviews. Gone are the days when you went for an interview and the company spoke to you about what they do to educate you.  Today, it is expected that when you interview for a position, you have researched all different types of information about the company from what they do to the company culture to press releases and beyond.  Do your homework and be prepared.

I trust the above information will help you navigate the road of your career transition.  As always, I am here to help you. If you find that you are struggling, please contact me. Whether you want help with your resume, mock interviewing, or figuring out your strategy, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Every Success –

Linda

Networking During the Holidays: 7 Tips for Successful Job Search

By Linda Van Valkenburgh, MS, CCMC, CJSS, CSMCS

Parties galore, lots of good cheer, network during the holidays for a bright New Year!

Yes, it is that time of year where parties abound and wishes of good cheer are everywhere.  What does this mean for you if you are a jobseeker? Does it mean hide because things may not be going the way you would like them to go in your life? Of course not! The holidays and all they entail are a perfect time to help you advance your career transition. Some people are astonished when I tell them this.

Think about it. There are parties and gatherings, both personal and business. People take it a little slower at times as they approach Christmas and are more amenable to the casual “stop by” for coffee and chit-chat.  As a jobseeker, this is your cue to get into gear. What should you do to maximize this window of time? Below are 7 tips to help you on your way.

1. Remember that networking is about them! This is the Golden Rule of networking. While you will share things about yourself and what is happening, your focus is on the person and how you can make a difference for them. Perhaps it is a suggestion of an interesting gift to get their child or a cool recipe to share for their holiday party, do not lose track of the purpose here which is to build and enhance your relationships.

2. Go outside of your comfort zone and meet new people. At office holiday parties, it is very common for departments to hang out together. It is comfortable, everyone knows everyone.  Be different. Break away from the crowd and mix and mingle with people from other departments. You never know when something may come up and a relationship or making an acquaintance with someone from a different part of the office may help you with a problem. For example, you are having a team meeting and were responsible for the food.  You were so busy that you forgot to place the order. Now you have to scramble and figure it out. Well, you remember that you met the head cook from the cafeteria at the holiday party and had some interesting conversations because like you, she is an avid NASCAR fan.  When you sheepishly ask her to help you out, she gives you a big grin and says, “No, problem!” The meeting goes on without a hitch and the food is plentiful with lots of extras. Your new found friend was only too happy to help.

3. Do not be afraid to talk about your situation. If you are one of the people who will be laid off effective 12/31, this is your chance to let people know that you are in search. There is no shame to it. This way if someone hears of something, they know to share it with you. This also applies to your personal parties and gatherings.  Many times people feel like they have to put up a bravado so that no one knows.  It is exactly the opposite. By following Tip #2, speak with people at your family gatherings and be honest and let them know what is happening.  You have not seen each other in many instances for almost a year and who knows what has transpired in their lives.  They may have started at a new company or created their own business. You never know unless you speak with them.  Maybe they entered your industry and have contacts at companies that you are interested in. Maybe they joined an organization that you might be interested in. Put yourself out there, enjoy and see what develops.

4. Don’t just wait for the parties. Christmas is the time of year when people send out their cards or emails with an update on what has happened over the year, the quarter or whatever time period works for you. Reach out to people. Send cards, emails or whatever you like but make the connection. Or, set times for getting coffee or tacos. Whatever your pleasure, just make sure that you do it. Make it fun, so that you enjoy what you are doing.

5. Watch your drinking! I cannot stress this one enough.  You want to be with it, able to speak intelligently and to come across as the consummate professional.  If you get buzzed, you will not be putting your best foot forward.  This is a bad move.  Don’t be lured by the siren of an open bar. It is not worth it to ruin your reputation and chances for making your next transition.

6. Be conscious of what is going out on Social Media. Many people relax their guard and lose track of how they are being tagged in photos or that their tweets may not reflect their best self.  “Digital Dirt,” as coined by Robyn Greenspan, lasts a lifetime so stay aware of what is happening out there. You with a lampshade on your head is not exactly what you want your boss, recruiters, hiring managers or referral sources to see.

7. Follow up with people. Networking is about relationships. You cannot have a relationship without the “relating part.” So throughout the year invest time every week to nurture your relationships and watch them grow.

So here you have the alchemy of a fruitful holiday networking experience.  As always, please leave me a comment and let me know if this helped you. If you are struggling in search, please send me an email at lindavan@myexecutivecareercoach.com or call me at 203-323-9977.

Every Success, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Happy Holidays!

LINDA

The Key To Being Articulate And Confident In Your Job Search

By Linda Van Valkenburgh, MS, CCMC, CJSS, CSMCS

If you are at the start of your career search or you are struggling and feel like you want a “do over,” this post is dedicated to helping you get on track.

When I speak with HR people from varying companies, they all tell me that the person who is articulate and confident is the person that impresses them the most. So how can you come across as this articulate, confident person when you are nervous about the interview?

It all starts with knowing yourself and your work life cold. In an interview, the interviewer is going to tell you about the position and you are going to show them how the successes you have had over the course of your career make you uniquely positioned to be the right person for the job.  By knowing the stories of your work life, which highlight your strengths and skills, you can present a clear picture to the hiring manager or HR person of how you can solve the needs of the company and, as a result, are the perfect fit for the job. It does not matter if you are looking to continue on in the same work or are looking to change your career or industry.

So, take some time for self –reflection and think about the successes you have had over the course of time. Do you notice any patterns? What are the skills that keep coming up? What are your strengths?  Make yourself a journal so that you can refer back to it and add to it during your search. Once you have a handle on the many facets of you in your work life, you can start to create your Value Proposition, which is the backbone of your career campaign. Take this information that you have gleaned through your introspection and turn it into a clear, concise statement of who you are and what you bring to the table when you go to work.

In today’s world of job search, you need to be able to spit out your Value Proposition in 30 seconds or less. It has to roll off your tongue in an effortless manner with an air of confidence. And, your ability to do this in such an assured manner sets the stage for the questioning that comes next.  The nervousness can drop away because you are fully familiar with what happened in your work life and can pull examples that match up with or complement the issues that the interviewer is concentrating on.  Most interviewers know that you are not going to have an answer for everything; however, it is how you carry yourself through the process that counts. By being as well-versed in “you” as you are in your research of the company, you will be able to handle whatever comes your way, including responses that reflect that you do not know everything.  This is because this shows your honesty and honesty is a core value that is prized by most companies.

So there you have it. The key to being articulate and confident is knowledge about yourself.  So when Francis Bacon said, “Knowledge is power,” he was correct right down to a 21^st Century job search!

As always, please leave me a comment and let me know if this post helped you. And, if you are struggling in search, please contact me at 203-323-9977 or LindaVan@MyExecutiveCareerCoach.com.

Every Success-

Linda

Older Jobseekers: 4 Tips to Prepare For Career Search Success

By Linda Van Valkenburgh, MS, CCMC, CJSS, CSMCS

Many older workers have been shell-shocked with how hard this challenging economy has hit their demographic.   Older people aged 50 and over, have been affected by this financial crisis than ever before.  How do you navigate the waters and find the position you desire?  The following tips are geared to help older workers lessen their fears and move with confidence towards their goal.

1. Shoot for high level positions. Many older workers think that because the market is so challenging they should look at positions that are at the same or lower level than they were at before.  They let the “fear” cause them to aim too low. I say, if you have the skills, look at positions at higher levels such as Director or Vice President. These positions often seek candidates with 10-12 years or 12-15 years of experience. They are seeking the experience that older workers can bring to the table.

2. Do your research. Once you have secured your interview, make sure that you do all of your research about the company as we have discussed in past postings.  However, this time, you are going to do this research with the thought process in mind about being prepared for “older person” questions. What kinds of questions, you ask? Well, if you are changing industries, you will most likely be asked questions about how you can manage to work in a different industry. Your answer should include information on transferable skills. Showing how your skills and experience can easily bring them quality work in their industry will get them to listen and want to hear more.

3. Show you are contemporary and have kept your skills current. If you are seeking work in the same industry or even a different industry, you are going to want to stress how you will not require a lot of training and can hit the ground running. How do you do this?  You show how you have kept yourself current in everything from industry knowledge to computer skills. If you have been using or learned special software, make sure that you are up to date with the latest versions. When asked about this knowledge, provide information about lessons or classes you have taken to stay current. (See my website for Social Media Classes for Job Seekers).

It is in these discussions, as well as on your resume, that you want to exhibit your knowledge of social media.  Include what you know about and how you use social media in the answers to your question.  This shows that you are tech savvy and tech knowledge equals being contemporary.

4. Be prepared for tough questions. A common question to be prepared for is one about working with younger people.  It is not uncommon today for you to be interviewed by and working for people younger than yourself. What is the best way to negotiate a question dealing with this topic?  Let your interviewer know that you can work with anyone. Age does not matter. What is more important is that you work as a team with the goal of getting the job done well.

My favorite question that older people get asked is, “Aren’t you overqualified?”  When you get asked this question, it is your job to show the interviewer how you are the most qualified candidate for the job. As my friend Absolutely Abby often says, “Do you want a surgeon that is just qualified or one who is perfectly qualified to do your operation?”

So here you have it, 4 tips to bring success to the older jobseeker. As always, please leave me a comment and let me know if this column has helped you.

If you are struggling in search, feel free to contact me at LindaVan@myexecutivecareercoach.com.

Every Success-

LINDA

Eight Tips For Organizing Your Job Search In Today’s Challenging Job Market

By Linda Van Valkenburgh, MS, CCMC, CJSS, CSMCS
The beginning of a New Year brings with it an opportunity to clean your slate.  You can start everything fresh.  Or, if you are newly laid off as often happens at the end of the year, you will be starting from scratch in your job search.  Either way, one of the many important things to do in your search is to be organized.  Treating it like a job will go a long way towards helping you secure your next position. This posting is devoted to organizing your career campaign so that you can manage all of its moving parts resulting in functioning like a well-oiled machine!

1. Start by creating your space.You need a spot for your computer and whatever supplies are required. Think of yourself as telecommuting for a job and set the stage for productivity. Unless you work completely paper free, you will have papers that need to be organized in folders, books that you will or have read, articles, scratch copies of resumes and other things to manage. Also, you need to work in a place that is conducive to the search process so you can concentrate and be free of mess.

2. Determine your skills and strengths to prepare creation of your Value Proposition.  Think about and write down the stories of your work life to see where your skills and strengths are which proves your value to any organization that you work for.  You will need to pull them out over the course of your search to create your Value Proposition, your resume, for your letter writing campaign, phone screens interviews and many other situations.

3. Arrange your stories in a way that helps you create your Value Proposition. I often call this the “spine of your search.” You manipulate your Value Proposition for many purposes from your resume to networking meetings to interviewing and many other situations. The organization of your work life stories helps you keep them top of mind so they are at your fingertips and ready when the time calls for them.

4. Create or update your resume by coordinating the varying tools you have for this process.  I have always said that a good place to start is by looking at postings of positions that you are interested in applying for. Use word lists that you can find online to help you figure out different ways of expressing the things that you did. Keep a highlighter to use as you modify your resume so that you can highlight the changes you make as you tailor it to the postings you start to apply for.

5. While you are preparing your resume, you can also start researching the companies that you are interested in working at. You need to manage your research so that it is available to you later on when you finally are able to secure that coveted interview. In addition, you will need to be joining organizations to increase your network so the research on this needs to happen here as well.

6. So now you have arrived at the heart of your search, which is to start applying for positions, posting your resume on job boards, attending networking functions and other parts of the process. How do you keep track of all of it?  There are many ways to do it. There is the old fashioned pen and paper way. There is the very sophisticated online way by using cloud software like JibberJobber.com. For those of you who are familiar with Salesforce.com, JibberJobber is similar to this for the career search industry.  All components of your job search can be entered into your database including your networking contacts and their information. You can track your resumes, job postings and see who you know at the varying companies you look to apply to.

Another cloud service is called Huntsy.com. With Huntsy, you can keep track of all of your job postings and Huntsy will help you manage the timeline of events for the position such as which resume did you send, when is your interview, contacts with HR and all of your correspondence. With Huntsy, you can attach postings to your tool bar as you move from place to place. The Huntsy owl sits at the top in your tool bar waiting to prey on your job components.

Then, there is always creating a spreadsheet on Excel for tracking purposes.  Use different workbook sheets to manage all of the different parts of your search always making sure to include the dates of your contacts and submissions.  Create a sheet for networking, recruiters, job boards, outreach to companies, interviews and whatever else you want to track. Whatever method you choose, your goal is to be so organized that you are able to function with the parts of your search in an efficient and effective manner.

7. Design a schedule for yourself.  I have always told my clients that huddling over your computer for hours at a time will not serve you well.  This is still my mantra.  Develop a  schedule that includes computer time, networking time, family time and recreation time (and don’t forget sleep!).

8. Lastly, establish a positive attitude towards your search process so that you can overcome the tolerations and problems that drag you down.  Realize that it is not that difficult to get things going by systematizing your career campaign with the suggestions presented above. Having an organized framework goes a long way to helping overcome inertia issues that weigh you down.

So here you have eight tips to help you organize your job search. Please leave me a comment and let me know if this was helpful to you.  As always, if you need help with your search, please do not hesitate to contact me at lindavan@myexecutivecareercoach.com or 203-323-7797.

I wish you every success – Let’s get to work!

Linda

 

 

 

10 Cool Resources – Catalysts for Your Career Campaign!

By Linda Van Valkenburgh, MS, CCMC, CJSS
There is an adage that says, “There is no substitute for preparation.”  As we enter the beginning of August, on the cusp of the fall hiring season, I want to share with you some cool resources that you can use to help prepare for the fall hiring season.  When you have that overwhelmed feeling, wouldn’t having a multitude of resources to help you create your search roadmap take the edge off your anxiety?

Below I have created this “cool resources” tool bag that I believe you will find helpful. Using this mix of resources can move you closer to success in attaining your goal.

1. Books – Whether it is reading about how to Brag, by Peggy Klaus, Never Eat Alone, a book that teaches the ins and outs of networking by Keith Ferrazzi with Tahl Raz,  The Twitter Job Search Guide by Susan Britton Whitcomb, Deb Dibb and Chandlee Bryan, or The Essential Phone Interview Handbook by Paul J. Bailo, having these resources can give you the nudge in the right direction of some very important facets of a career campaign. Check out last month’s blog posting that discusses some of these books in depth.

2. Social Media – It is here to stay. Embrace it! Start to play with it and you will feel less intimidated by it. Social Media is very important for establishing your brand as well as actually using it in active career search. Watch out for our 3e seminars on LInkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook coming this fall.  We will be conducting several, hands-on seminars to teach you how to work with Social Media in job search.

3. Job Boards – Job Boards are a source for passive postings. As I have said before, to have a complete career campaign, you need to include applications to passive job postings.  Find a mixture of general and niche sites for your field and use them to add this component to your campaign.  Also, look at sites like ExecuNet which is a more unique site where you can peruse job postings, meet like minded career professionals, gain a plethora of valuable insight and information about career search and network both online and offline.

4. Networking – You know that I cannot say enough about how important your network is.  Keep enlarging it and nurturing it.  It is a valuable way to actively get your name and your brand out there. And, being out there is where you meet people that can possibly connect you to the companies you want to connect with. This includes keeping in touch with your alumni network from your college, masters and doctoral programs. Use them as a resource.

5. Public Library – Due to the downturn in the economy, many libraries have devoted special sections to job search with computers for research.  They bring in speakers that discuss different aspects of how to do an effective job search and they are usually free. Next time you are out and about, check out your local library to see what is going on.

6. Organizations – There are numerous organizations out there providing support to those people who are unemployed. There are job clubs, religious groups, and national organizations that are trying to provide information and assistance during these challenging times. Sit down and think about what groups might apply in your case and then do what my kids tell me to do all of the time, “Google it, Mom.”

7. Volunteer at a Non-Profit– Yes, volunteer a little bit of your time. This gets you out of the house and into the world of infinite possibilities.  You may learn a new skill. You will meet new people. You will be giving of yourself and feel gratified for doing it.  Your mood will change and so may your outlook.

8. Job Fairs – Seek out the Job Fairs in your area.  Do your research. Often you can find a listing of what companies will be attending and what jobs are open. Attend them with lots of resumes in hand, dressed professionally, with a smile and your Value Proposition down pat. You will have 30 seconds to tell it to the person taking your resume so be prepared and role-play, doing it in a rapid-fire manner.

9. Recruiters – Reach out to recruiters as another facet of your career campaign. Use The Directory of Executive & Professional Recruiters from Kennedy Information, which is the Bible of books providing listings of recruiters indexed by geographic region, industry and function. If you are looking for a recruiter in Connecticut that deals with Human Resources, you will find it here.  This is an expensive book and may often be found in the resource section of your public library. It can also be found online, if you are not in a position to pay for the service, look to your library in the reference section.

10. Career Coach – I saved the best for last!  If you are struggling in search or, if you are just starting your search, a career coach can be a valuable part of your career campaign. Just like using a trainer at the gym, a career coach is there prescribing the exercises and cheering you on your road to success.  Your career coach can help you establish your brand by working with you to create your Value Proposition, tweak your resume, teach you how to research companies and prepare and practice for the interview process. A good coach will explore with you, guide you, take you to task sometimes, and lift you up when you think all is lost. Coaches have their fingers on the pulse of the job market and when that final interview happens and you are determined to be the “one,” your coach can help you with the negotiation process so that you do not leave money on the table. Lastly, your coach can support you through your first review to help with any adjustment issues.

So here you have it.   Ten cool resources to catapult your career search. Pull them out of your tool bag and use them to help you when you feel lost or want to get back on track. Or, if you are just starting out, you now have a myriad of tools to give you a great start.  As always, please leave me a comment and let me know if this posting helped you. If you are struggling in search, please contact me at lindavan@myexecutivecareercoach.com or 203-323-9977.

Every Success –

Linda

Summer Assignment: Establish or Enhance Your Social Media Presence To Catapult Your Job Search Forward

By Linda M. Van Valkenburgh, MS, CCMC, CJSS
If you were to ask me what one of the most requested speaking topics people have requested of me is, I would have to say that it has something to do with Social Media in job search.  Whether it is learning about using Twitter, or special tips on how to optimize your LinkedIn profile, those involved in helping job seekers transition understand that employers are embracing Social Media in epic proportions. As a Twitter Certified Career Strategist, I can say without equivocation that Social Media must play an important part in your transition process. More than a million and a half jobs a month are advertised on Twitter alone. Can you afford to turn your back on metrics like this?

So, if you are not that well versed in Social Media, take the time over the summer to become knowledgeable enough to add Social Media to your career campaign. If you are using it now, see how you can improve on your ROE, Return on Effort! The following assignments are designed to help you get there!

Starting with LinkedIn, make sure that your profile is at 100%. Use all of the real estate that they provide you with to present your brand. Under your name, there is a place that most people think should just say the title of the position that they hold or are searching for. Use it as a place to insert some of your value proposition/headline so that you set the tone about who you are right after your name. This should also be loaded with the keywords that direct searches back to you!  Seek out at least 5 recommendations.  When you write 5 recommendations for colleagues and associates, usually 3 will write back and do the same for you! This continues to whet the appetite of the person that is viewing your profile. Research at least 10 companies that you might be interested in and then find 10 names of people to contact to set up informational meetings to learn more about the company and its culture. How do you do this? In the right hand search box, do a reverse look-up by putting in the company name. Up will pop people that work there enabling you to see if you have any connections. See who is there and if you have anyone that can help the process along for you. These tips can help you maximize your LinkedIn profile and increase your ROE.  Joining groups that these “influencers’ belong to is another way to be able to reach out and speak to them!

Twitter is the Social Media Tool that can provide a big return for 15-30 minutes a day. Read about how Twitter works. Buy a copy of The Twitter Job Search Guide written by Susan Whitcomb, Chandlee Bryan and Deb Dib. It is chock full of information to help you become a Twitter aficionado. It is easy reading that can help propel your career campaign to the next level.

If you have not established a presence on Twitter, establish your Twitter handle at once. Create one that ties into your brand. Create your 160-character profile which means convey your value proposition in as succinct and catchy a manner as possible.

Twitter is the one Social Media tool that allows you to follow people without needing permission. So, follow the rule of “C-I-O“.  Follow Companies, Influencers and find Opportunities as they are tweeted. Watch the jobs that they advertise on Twitter and listen to the tweets of the HR people. Yes, many of them are on Twitter and this allows you to peek behind the curtain of the company in a way that you cannot do with other Social Media.

Learn about using hashtags and play around with them. Also, practice tweeting 140 character tweets by writing them out on paper. This will help you become more confident before you start.

Lastly, I recommend that you attend my Twitter For Job Seekers Workshop to be held on June 20, 2012 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm in Stamford, CT. It answers the questions “What is this stuff anyway and how I am supposed to use it in Job Search???”  For those of you in the local Stamford, CT area, this workshop will prove to be invaluable in getting you on the road or enhancing your use of Twitter in search.  To register, click here .

Lastly, create your individual experience page on facebook. Research and like companies you have targeted so that you can follow the company and see what is happening including becoming privy to job openings as they come up.  Lastly, join or use BranchOut.com which is the facebook equivalent of LinkedIn.

Implementing a holistic Social Media approach can pay big dividends for your career campaign. Working on the foregoing assignments will help you position yourself in Social Media in the best way possible. Please leave me a comment and let me know if this has helped you. As always, if I can help you in search, please feel free to contact me at lindavan@myexecutivecareercoach.com or 203-323-9977.

Every success –

Linda

How To Fill Your Pipeline For The Upcoming 2012 Summer Season

By Linda Van Valkenburgh, MS, CCMC, CJSS
In a few short weeks, we will be preparing for picnics, barbeques, beach trips and other rites of summer.  If you are in career transition, you know that preparation is the name of the game. So, how do you prepare for Summer 2012?  The following is a primer to help you prepare and make the best use of your time to fill your pipeline and be successful in the coming summer months.

First, look over your networking events and appointments. Make a concerted effort to get yourself out there during the months of May and June. Start new relationships so that you have contacts to meet with nurture over the summer.  Continue your networking by using LinkedIn Groups and Answers proactively.  Join some formidable groups (1,000 +) members and reach in to like-minded or interesting people to start a conversation with.

Next, start a new Recruiter Reach Out Campaign. Target five new recruiters in your specialty. Write our recommended recruiter letter and then circle back one time per month with a portion of your Value Proposition to stay top of mind. Also, create a new ACTIVE LIST to pursue.  Identify 50-100 companies that you might be interested in contacting.  If they make it to your top fifteen companies, identify people in the company to talk to and begin talking.

Continuing on, offer to become a presenter at a group.  Volunteer to speak for a charity or some other organization.  Thereafter, see if you can get a reporter to watch so that you can get it into Community Events.  Also, start a BLOG – be proactive, get your SEO (Search Engine Optimization) up. Write to show that you are an industry expert. Blog each week! Get in the Blog Directory and add it to your signature file

Then, start working with your Social Media tools. First, start by cleaning up your Social Media Profiles. Add industry keywords, eliminate jargon, include your website or LinkedIn link to gain traction. Then Tweet about anything that is search related – your blog posts, your speaking engagements, your industry knowledge, etc. Whatever positions you in the best light possible should be included in your Tweets.

Follow target companies, influencers and search for opportunities that come across your bow on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.  Lastly, get on Vizibility.com. Are you findable? If yes, make sure that you cleanup what is found so that your online presence is as pristine as possible.

Work consistently now on these things and you will be surprised to see how many new developments you will spring up as you head towards the summer season. As usual, please leave me a comment and let me know whether or not this posting helped you. If you are struggling in your search, please feel free to contact me at lindavan@myexecutivecareercoach.com

Every Success

– Linda