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Is Getting a Job All About Who You Know?

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Consistently, the message is that networking is so important because it is about ‘who you know’ that gets you the job. However, what happens when you try to break into an industry in which you have little to no contacts?

Is Getting a job all about who you know?

The messaging that it is ‘who you know’ that counts seems a little misleading.

Instead, the most important factor when trying to find a new position is that people within your own network know that you are looking for a new position in a specific industry or role. 

Hiring managers do look internally when filling positions, that’s true. However, when that does not generate leads, they look within three degrees of separation to look for referrals.

Therefore, if you are looking to explore a new industry or position, you must get onto the radar of those who may have influence and knowledge of open positions.

Use these tips to get on the radar of those who can help you break into a new industry:

Utilize LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a valuable resource to help you advance your career and get the message out there that you are exploring positions in new industries. Start researching the industry via LinkedIn. Post and comment on articles related to your coveted industry. Doing so will connect you to those within your network who have connections to that particular industry.

Expand Your Network

Breaking into a new industry is also a great time to expand your network. Make new connections with people within the industry you are interested in. Get to know these new connections and communicate your experience, expertise, goals, and the value you could bring. You may want to consider networking with executive recruiters who have inside knowledge and can help you manage your career.

Investigate Your Network

You can also use LinkedIn to search your network for connections to people within the industry in which you are looking. It is likely that you have more connections than you believe. Once you find them, you can contact them to let them know you are looking for a new position.

TERMINATED FROM YOUR JOB? HOW DO YOU INFORM YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS?

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Negative news is always hard to relay verbally, let alone when the news touches all facets of the family. Being laid off is very emotional and trying on your mental strength and having to speak about it shortly after can be traumatizing.

Portrait of worried young businessman at workplace. Stress concept

However, don’t be like many I have heard about who have hidden their termination from their spouses and others close to them. They have brushed it aside and pretended to go to work each day for weeks after and hung around in a coffee shop all day. Then, return at night as usual as if nothing occurred.

Be smart. Be honest with yourself and others.

Open honest and constructive dialogue with those around you and all who will be impacted by the termination as soon as possible.

Lean on those around you, they can coach and champion you through this and watch as you grow and win.

Conversations will start with an emotional and perhaps tearful interaction with those closest to you and the persons who will be impacted the most. It’s OK to be upset and even angry when searching for answers. Let your frustrations out, it is part of the healing process.

However, be realistic. Once you have passed the initial shock and you are feeling more peaceful, speak with others close to you. Start the interaction by letting them know you have upsetting news to prepare their reactions.

After delivering the message, ask for their support and guidance. You want a team around you to steer you throughout the ups and downs.

Then reach out to your wider community and circle of friends, relatives and acquaintances. Time will prevail individual conversations, so be bold and open and draft an e-mail or text. Brevity is important; don’t go on and on. Say something like this:

Dear friends: I am anxious to share some unfortunate news with you. I was laid off from my work two weeks ago. Yes, it was unexpected; I am in the processing and emotional stages. During the next few days and weeks when the shock has settled, I will figure out my next career move. However, if you want to meet for coffee or something more, my schedule is open!

Stand by for many replies and calls, offers of help and sympathy. It could be overwhelming, depending on the size of your network. But, conversation, whether in-person or via a telephone call, is healthy as it provides the opportunity to air your anger and frustration. People will circle around you and generally let you vent!

The final piece of the puzzle is to share your situation on social media. This is where your extended network will be briefed about your circumstances and the social media population can provide some help and generate leads.

It’s not a sin to have been terminated. Thousands each week are asked to leave for a variety of reasons.

It’s not embarrassing. Be bold, open and honest.

On your LinkedIn profile, in the heading under your picture, tell the world you are in career transition. Write:  “Actively seeking my next challenge when I can transform the business, achieve operational and fiscal excellence.”

Stay positive, remain calm and collected as you embark on a job search. There are opportunities waiting for you.

For a free, no-obligation, no sales pitch resume critique, send your resume via LinkedIn or via email to martin@aneliteresume.com

Smart Phone Job Applications? Not So Smart.

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We are a society in love with our smart phones and mobile devices, managing our lives online. Our calendars, communications, social media, and even entertainment, are all available at the swipe of a screen. Many of us use mobile devices to get business done at top speed, too. Calls, texts, Skype; our phones and tablets are in our hands all day. So isn’t it natural that when we apply for our next job that we do it on our smart phones? Of course. Is that wise? Perhaps not.

  • No mobile phone allowed sign. Customizing documents – Small touch screens and smaller keyboards are just not made for larger jobs such as writing or editing to proofread or customize resumes and cover letters. Smart phones often default to US spelling which can be a detriment when you apply to jobs outside the US. Set your Word language to match the country in which you are applying.
  • Writing polished responses – While many job search sites and careers pages are mobile-friendly, that often means making those answer boxes shrink to fit on little screens, making it harder to review and proofread your answers before submission.
  • Impulse control – The ease of the single click solution is seductive. Click and you’ve added a resume. Click to autofill contact information. The ease of the click leads you away from thoughtful and targeted answers, documents, and choices.

You know that customizing your resume and cover letter is key to highlighting the match between your skills and experience and the desired position. It’s important to research the company before you apply so that you can frame your answers directly around that organization’s needs, and those answers should be well-written. A savvy candidate also checks their network of contacts for hiring influencers at the company before applying. So, no matter how useful our tablets and smart phones might be for so many other tasks, smart phone job applications? Not so smart.

 

7 Ways to Make the Most of Your First Two Minutes With a New Person

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© lculig - Fotolia.com

© lculig – Fotolia.com

Do you ever find yourself in front of a stranger at a networking group, not really sure what to do next?

While networking events may go on for hours, these first few minutes with any one person are the most important. This is your chance to make a positive first impression and create the foundation for a long-lasting and mutually beneficial relationship.

Here are seven things that will get you over your nerves and on to a successful potential partnership.

  1. Start with a good handshake. Firm, without being a bone crusher. You definitely don’t want to be a limpy fish. Look the person in the eye and smile when you shake their hand.
  2. Speak slowly and face the other person. Don’t be looking around the room. They deserve your full attention because you’re trying to build a relationship with them.
  3. Give before you receive. Instead of instantly talking about who you are and what you do, encourage dialogue from the other person. Be inquisitive – nosy even – to ignite a spark that makes them feel comfortable to share more details with you.
  4. Hold back. What you should never do right away is shove your business card or resume into someone’s hands. That is not how to build a relationship.
  5. Be sensitive. Watch for cues from the other person so you don’t take them out of their comfort zone. For example, if someone is more introverted they may prefer to stay in a particular part of the room, or in close proximity to the people they came with. Be aware of personal space.
  6. Inject some humour. This can put yourself and the other person at ease, and can be as simple as a lighthearted comment about the weather. Alternatively, tell a joke if that feels natural to you.
  7. Repeat the person’s name a few times. People love to hear their own name, and it helps you remember it as well. (Hint: If you ever have trouble remembering people’s faces and names, make a few notes on their business card before you move on to meet the next person.)

Practicing these seven tips can improve your confidence and results at networking events. When you make the most of your first two minutes with each new person, those minutes add up and help you grow a stronger network.

Top 5 Personal Branding Mistakes to Avoid During a Job Search

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© Junial Enterprises - Fotolia.com

© Junial Enterprises – Fotolia.com

When you’re looking for a job, you want whoever you’re meeting to see you as a valuable addition to their team, company or project, or to immediately see the value you will bring to someone in their network of influence..

The process of marketing yourself is about creating a personal brand – a summary of what you’re known for, what you stand for, what you’re best at, what you value, and what people can expect from you.

Here are five personal branding mistakes that could sabotage your job search:

  1. Not having a LinkedIn profile photo, or using an inappropriate photo. Use a current headshot (head and shoulder view), where you are well groomed and professionally dressed. There should be no one else in the photo.
  2. Not completing or customizing your LinkedIn profile. Use the LinkedIn wizard that tells you what percentage you’ve completed, and aim for 100%. With a customized profile address (URL), you can easily add it to your resume, cover letter, biography, business card and any other job search marketing collateral..
  3. Dressing inappropriately for in-person meetings  – Dress according to the job you’re after. Conduct due diligence on the potential employer; stand outside the building and watch employees go in and out to see how they’re dressed. Power tip: Do this the day or week before your interview, when you plan your route and practice the drive to make sure you’ll be on time.
  4. Not being able to articulate your personal brand statement in person or over the phone. What makes you so special that the other person should be compelled to choose you? That is your unique promise of value. You get bonus points for a value statement that is 15, 17 or 19 words, since psychologists claim the mind picks up on odd numbers of words faster than even. Articulate this statement verbally and in all written materials.
  5. Showing negativity in conversations, both online and in person. Employers hire positive people; not negative people. If you’re struggling to cope with your anger, disappointment or fear about being out of work, share those feelings with a spouse, friend or coach so they don’t come out in meetings with your career influencers.

Your personal brand is the most important thing you bring to all of your job search activities, meetings and interviews. Avoid these common blunders to make the best impression and move ahead with your career goals.