Are you
on the
Fast Track?
Are you
on the
Fast Track?
Am I Dumb Enough to Believe These?
Here are some accepted beliefs to ponder. Which ones do you believe in? Do you know the answers to any of them? Do you have proof?
Below are ten work related beliefs. Are they true or false? You decide!
1. The more education, the higher the income
2. Doing an excellent job insures not being fired
3. Large corporations provide more job security
4. Success is climbing the corporate ladder
5. Bosses always know best
6. Creativity is rewarded
7. Working hard pays more dollars
8. Honesty is the best way to keep a job
9. Social Security will be enough for retirement
10. More overtime equals more job security
So, how did you do? I bet you didn't realize that all ten were false. There are a hundred more “tall tales” that relate to work. We’re here to help you sort them out. Why take the hard way when you don’t have to? So get in touch with us ASAP!
Marvin Adams
www.CareerTransitionSuccess.net
1-888-380-1162
You may be one of the lucky people who know exactly what you want to do. If so, congratulations! But if you’re like the rest of us, you’re are probably not sure. Some direction and coaching could likely help but if you’re not quite ready for that, here are some suggestions.
When someone asks you what type of work you are looking for, don’t say, “I’m not sure” or “I just don’t know.” It is much better to say something like “I’m interested in office management, or public relations, or customer service.” Now, I just made those up but notice two very important things that I did.
First, I named a category of jobs that is not too specific or not too general. Secondly, I only listed a total of three categories. You can list one, two, or three of them, but never more than three. Why? Because they will think that you don’t know what you want. Should they recommend or refer you when you really don’t know what you want? People can help you if they know the direction that you’re headed, but when you don’t know or aren’t sure, they think that they can’t help.
So, you should know what you want to do! What then? As described briefly in “The 7 Deadly Mistakes in a Job Search and How to AVOID Them,” the most effective number of hours/week in a job search is 25-35.
Schedule them or they will never get done. Everything else gets in the way. So set aside 5-6 hours each work day to dedicate solely to your job search. Once your resume is completed (we can help you with that), dedicate your hours to the following activities.
• Networking 15-20 hrs/week
• Contact agencies 2-4 hrs/week
• Internet searches 5-6 hrs/week
• Research 3-5 hrs/week
Research has shown this to be the most effective and efficient way to get the job you want in as little time as possible. Isn’t that what you want to do?
Hope this has been helpful. If we can help you in any other way, please feel free to email us at info@careertransitionsuccess.net or call at 1-888-380-1162.
Until next time,
Marvin Adams
www.CareerTransitionSuccess.net
1-888-380-1162
If you receive the dreaded letter beginning with the words: “We have selected the most qualified candidate . . .” and it’s not you, then your stomach bottoms out. Rejection! Everyone dislikes rejection. That’s one of the reasons that a job search is so painful.
But there is good news! We can do something about it. It’s called “looking at things from a different angle.” For example, if you know that statistics tell us that on the tenth interview you would surely be offered the job you want, how would you feel when the third, fifth, or seventh interviewer turned you down? Then probably, no big deal. You can then say to yourself: "I’m that much closer!" Aaaahhhhh! Get the point? Even if you still did NOT know it would be on the tenth interview, you are coming closer to success!
Another way to ease rejection is that after each five interviews that you get rejected, take a day off from your job search. Pamper yourself a little. Have some fun. Just don’t spend too much money. You’ll be refreshed. It does wonders!
There are many other ways to handle rejection but it would take a whole lot of explaining. If you think that this bit of advice is helpful, remember... we have the experience to help you. Just give us a call when you’re ready.
Until then,
Marvin Adams
www.CareerTransitionSuccess.net
1-888-380-1162
Someone talked with me the other day about networking. No, I don’t mean computer networking but the kind you do when you look for a job and interact with people. I have a few suggestions that I’d like to share with you.
An association or club is a great place to start networking. If you haven’t already, join an group that deals with your career area. Whether it’s computer, public relations, human resources, welding, or any other interest there is most likely at least one association in your chosen career and geographic region.
Associations can assist you in many ways. Many of them have Internet job boards and newsletters. As a member you will have access to these job openings.
You also need to attend their meetings and get to know members. Many people can give great advice and good tips for job seekers. You may feel a little shy and don’t know what to say. You can say that you are a new member and you’re just getting acquainted. Don’t volunteer that you are looking for a job. Get to know them and their interests first. It will then become reciprocal. Most of them will in turn begin to ask you what you do, etc. Now is the time to tell them that you are in transition and are looking for employment in such and such area. Business cards are great but I wouldn’t pass them out unless someone asks. Just passing them out to everyone is a waste of time and energy.
Volunteering to help out at the meetings or in other ways are also effective network methods. People will get to know you, and then trust you. There are no short cuts to finding a job, and networking is one of the most effective ways, provided if it is done right.
Now go and show them how charming you can be!
As ever,
Marvin Adams
www.CareerTransitionSuccess.net
1-888-380-1162
Hope you’re still enjoying the Report "The 7 Deadly Mistakes in a Job Search and How to AVOID Them!" If you don't have it you can order it for free from my home page at www.careertransitionsuccess.net.
In that report I briefly mention the “Deadly Mistake” of relying too heavily on the popular job boards such as Monster®, CareerBuilder®, and Hotjobs®, etc. There are many of them on the net but their cumulative success rate of only 4-8% is pretty discouraging.
I’m not saying that you should completely ignore these sites, but work with them sparingly and spend most of your job search time using other more effective methods.
One way is to use the Internet in an entirely different manner. First, decide the type of job you want and then go to the website www.acinet.org click on the "Career Tools—Employer Locator" button. Select the type of job you want then narrow your selection to a geographic area where you’d like to work. Follow the prompts and you’ll end up with a list of companies that hire the type of job/occupation that you selected. Now take the list of companies and find their website through a search engine such as Yahoo or Google.
Then go to the company website and look for job openings under “Career Opportunities” or “Employment Openings,” to see what they offer. Select what you want and apply. Many companies will first advertise on their own website. Then go to the major boards only if you need to. This way you will beat much of the competition and greatly increase your chances of success.
It may seem a bit slower than going to the Internet job boards but statistically you will win. I hope this has given you another gem on what not to do, but more importantly, on what to do.
Until next time,
Marvin Adams
www.CareerTransitionSuccess.net
1-888-380-1162
Here is another little gem about resumes that will make you more effective, and get noticed.
Does your resume have a Summary? It can be called Summary, or Highlights, or Highlights of Experience, etc. The exact name is not that important as long is it gives the idea that it is a summary.
It needs to be at the top of your resume. Why? Because research shows that it is the center of focus for those who initially look at your resume. In fact, if you don’t have one, most likely your resume will be eliminated. It's a psychological thing, since the initial 20 or 30 seconds that someone looks at your resume is made easier if you give them a summary. It is a lot more efficient for them to read a summary than to look at a one or two page resume. You have to catch the eye of the prospective employer!
If you make it easier for them to learn about you, you’ll likely be a candidate for the next step, as long as you write what they want to see. More about that next week or you can get in touch with us if you can’t wait. Just email me at info@careertransitionsuccess.net or call toll free at 1-888-380-1162.
Until then, be good to yourself,
Marvin Adams
Career Transition Success
In the previous article I wrote to you about the resume Summary but didn’t tell you about the content of the Summary. You may assume that it is a summary of your qualifications and you would probably be half-right, but that’s not good enough! Half-right resumes just don’t cut it anymore.
Here’s how to be a ALL-right. Go to the Internet job boards, (like Monster®, Career Builder®, etc.) and download at least 20-30 “same type jobs” that you are interested in. Then make a grid chart of what each ad requires. Now take the top 10-12 “qualifications” (the ones asked for most often) and use them as a basis of your Summary. Of course, if you don’t have a “specific” qualification on the list you cannot use it, but this now gives you a clear understanding of what they are looking for.
Put another way, find out what they are wanting (qualifications, etc.) and give it back to them. A simple but powerful method! We know it works because we’ve been doing it successfully for over 20 years. And we want you to be successful!
Next week will be another gem, but if you can’t wait, we’re only a call or email away.
Have a good one,
Marvin Adams
www.CareerTransitionSuccess.net
1-888-380-1162
I thought that you might be interested in another gem about job agencies. In “The 7 Deadly Mistakes in a Job Search and How to AVOID Them” I talked about two types of agencies: Executive Search Firms (i.e., Head Hunters) and Temp Agencies (Temp-to-perm, part-time, etc.).
I’d like to discuss head hunters a bit more. They are commonly divided into two categories: Retained and Contingent. Retained agencies often have an exclusive yearly contract with a company to provide for their employment needs for upper management and executives. These agencies are paid on a monthly basis regardless of the number of openings (if any) they fill. They have a vested interest in keeping their client (the company) happy because they will definitely want that contract renewed.
Contingent head hunters on the other hand are paid when there is a placement; usually 25-35% of the persons' annual salary. They are most likely in competition with two to four other contingent agents, and only one will get paid. They service middle management and professional level jobs.
Any head hunter is interested in filling positions that they currently have open and so if your qualifications don’t currently match, they will likely put your resume on “FILE” --and you know what that means.
So go to the head hunter that serves your chosen industry/occupation. I would go to at least five different agencies and keep track of where they send your resume. Any duplication of sending out resumes often results in eliminating your chances of being considered -- and that you don’t want.
So there you have it. Go forth with this new bit of knowledge to help you on your way. We’re her to help so feel free to call or email us if you have any questions.
As ever,
Marvin Adams
www.CareerTransitionSuccess.net
1-888-380-1162
When you go on job interviews, there are many things in your power that can dramatically increase your chances of getting a job offer.
First, a note of caution. It is possible that in three out of four job interviews, someone has already been pre-selected. So no matter how good you are, you may be out of luck! However, don’t be discouraged, because each job interview can be a “dry run” or a “practice session." Be critical of yourself. Evaluate your answers, demeanor, timing, etc. Make improvements for the next time.
Most of your answers should be between 30 and 60 seconds. If interviewers want to know more, then they will ask.
Get a list or make up a list of 100 questions that you are likely to be asked. Write out the answers and then practice them with someone who can coach you. This will take many hours but it will pay off. Remember, there are no short cuts. You can do it, but if you need some help or assistance remember that we are only a call or email away.
Until next time,
Marvin Adams
www.CareerTransitionSuccess
1-888-380-1162
Marvin here with some fascinating research about interviewing. Your qualifications (from your resume) got you to the interview, but now there is something else that will be the key to landing that job. No, it’s NOT qualifications, but chemistry. Simply put, do the interviewers like you? They don’t care how qualified you are. If they don’t like you, you’re out of luck. On the other hand, if they like you, even if you’re the least qualified, you will be offered the job!
So while answering questions properly is important, getting them to like you must become your most important strategy. So how do you do that? There is no one simple answer, but there are several factors that when combined can work very effectively.
First off, show interest. You can do this by asking a lot of questions. No, don’t wait to the end of the interview to ask your “allotted” three questions. Ask questions about them, their work, and their challenges during the interview, and do so in a diplomatic, or non-aggressive manner. Ask how you can assist them to solve problems.
Do your research about the company. This is another way to demonstrate interest. In addition to their own website, you can go to www.hoovers.com or www.insite2.com to find out more information about many companies.
Good luck! With practice and persistence you can do it!
'til next time,
Marvin Adams
www.CareerTransitionSuccess.net
1-888-380-1162
NEGOTIATING--How Much Are You Worth?
Many job salaries are usually non-negotiable. Union jobs, teaching positions, and many service oriented jobs are already have a “fixed” salary. However, most other jobs allow for some negotiation.
So, how do you negotiate for those jobs? To start with, you need to know what you are worth salary wise. The websites www.salary.com and www.acinet.org offer free salary information. Do some research and come up with your salary range. If you don’t know your it, you will surely lose negotiating power. Remember, they have already hired many employees and have extensive negotiating experience.
When asked: “What do you have in mind for a salary?” always give them a range and not a specific dollar amount. They will likely give a lower amount: that is where negotiating begins.
Remember, negotiating involves compromise, so you must be willing to give a little if you expect them to do so. Don’t be confrontational and show an interest in their concerns.
You also need to have established in your mind an absolute bottom dollar that you will accept. This must be fair and reasonable. If you don’t do this, you will likely say “Yes” to a salary that you will later regret.
If either side (you and them) don’t seem to agree on a salary amount, then have a number of alternative options that you can bring to the table. They can be:
• Tuition assistance
• Another weeks’ vacation
• Sign-on bonus
• Stock options
• Trade association fees
• The list can go on and on
Larger corporations tend to be more rigid but there is always some room to play if you are a good negotiator.
This is just the beginning of good negotiation skills. If you’d like to know more, we’re just a call or email away.
As always,
Marvin Adams
www.CareerTransitionSuccess.net
1-888-380-1162
Below are a few books that you might find helpful. They are popular books that can usually be purchased at a national bookstore or on the Internet. Let us know of a favorite book that you would like to add to the list.
Fast-Track to your next Job!
The complete no-nonsense guide.
♦ Coping skills ♦ Assessment tools
♦ Resume writing ♦ Networking
♦ Internet ♦ Job agencies
♦ Image ♦ Work Myths
♦ Interviewing ♦ Negotiation
♦ Search strategies
Great for career and job changers!
A new book for only $13.95
Available on Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.com
The CoachCompass®
Navigation tools for career and life success.
How successful do you want to be? Informative and inspirational, The CoachCompass® presents a unique, comprehensive and complete career system that provides easy-to-use strategies for overcoming obstacles and succeeding at any age or stage or your career.
A new book for only $16.95
Available on Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.com
Additional Books
Below are a list of books divided according to career subject areas. Have you got any suggestions?
ASSESSMENT & CAREER DECISION MAKING
Finding Your Own North Star (Claiming the Life You Were Meant To Live), Martha Beck, Three
Rivers Press.
Life Launch (A Passionate Guide to the Rest of Your Life), Frederic Hudson and Pamela McLean, The
Hudson Institute Press.
Soul Work (Finding the Work You Love, Loving the Work You Have), Deborah Block and Lee Richmond, Davies-Black Publishing.
Switching Careers (Career Changes Tell How--and Why--They Did It, Learn How You Can too), Robert K. Otterbourg, Kiplinger Books.
The Power of Purpose (Creating Meaning in Your Life and Work), Richard Leider, Berrett-Koehler
Publishers, Inc.
What Should I Do With My Life? Po Bronson, Random House.
Wishcraft (How to Get What You Really Want), Barbara Sher, Ballantine Books.
RESUME WRITING
Resume Winners From The Pros (177 of the Best from the Professional Association of Resume Writers), Wendy S. Enelow, Impact Publications.
The Resume Catalog: 200 Damn Good Examples, Yana Parker, Ten Speed Press.
NETWORKING
52 Ways To Re-connect, Follow Up, & Stay in Touch ..., Anne Baber and Lynne Waymon,
Kendall/Hunt Publishing.
Smart Networking (How to Turn Contacts into Cash, Clients and Career Success), Anne Baber and Lynne Waymon, Kendall/Hunt Publishing.
Power Networking (59 Secrets for Personal & Professional Success), Donna Fisher and Sandy Vilas,
Bard Press.
INTERVIEWING
Get Hired, Paul C. Green, Bard Press.
The Interview Rehearsal Book (7 Steps to Job-Winning Interviews Using Acting Skills You Never Knew You Had), Deb Gottesman and Buzz Mauro, Berkley Books.
NEGOTIATING
101 Salary Secrets: How to Negotiate Like a Pro, Daniel Porot, Ten Speed Press.
Dynamite Salary Negotiations, Ronald L. Krannich, Impact Publications.
Get More Money on Your Next Job (25 Proven Strategies for Getting More Money, Better Benefits and Greater Job Security), Lee Miller, McGraw-Hill Trade.
Get Paid What Your Worth (The Expert Negotiators’ Guide to Salary and Compensation), Robin Pinkley and Gregory Northcraft, Griffin Trade Paperback.
GENERAL STRATEGY
Dancing Naked (Breaking Through the Emotional Limits that Keep You from the Job You Want), Robert Chope, New Harbinger Publications.
Monster Careers, Jeff Taylor with Doug Hardy, Penguin Group.
Don't Send A Resume (And Other Contrarian Rules to Help Land a Great Job), Jeffrey J. Fox, Hyperion.
How To Fire Proof Your Career (Survival Strategies for Volatile Time), Anne Baber and Lynn Waymon, Berkley Books.
Repacking Your Bags (Lighten Your Load for the Rest of Your Life), Richard Leider and David Shapiro, Berrett-Koehler Publishers.
Career Comeback, Bradley G. Richardson, Broadway Books.
FEDERAL JOBS
Our gifts to you -- feel free to copy them.
"NEXT JOB" CHECKLIST
Assessment
( ) Completed all the necessary testing/measuring instruments
( ) Decided to look in a specific direction or category of jobs
Resume
( ) Completed the traditional resume(s)
( ) Completed a scannable resume in text or ASCII format
( ) Posted my resume on the Internet
( ) Emailed resumes to people who requested them, to friends, and others
( ) Completed my reference sheet (asked permission)
( ) Composed a draft outline for a cover letter
Networking
( ) Wrote an "Introductory" statement
( ) Wrote a "Tell Me More" statement
( ) Filled out "My Networking" list
( ) Began in earnest to work on my "My Networking" list
( ) Filled out "My Company Contact" list
( ) Began using "My Company Contact" list
( ) Formed a small weekly group to meet for support and ideas
( ) Ordered business cards
( ) Completed my references sheet (asked permission)
Internet
( ) Began in earnest to apply for jobs on the Internet
Agencies
( ) Contacted recruiters
( ) Contacted employment agencies
Job Fairs
( ) Researched and scheduled at least three job fairs
Interviewing
( ) Know my worth and salary range by researching the Internet
( ) Have a clear "Bottom Line" or minimum for my acceptable salary and benefits
( ) Wrote out answers to my interview questions
( ) Wrote out two examples for each Behavioral interview question
( ) Practiced interview questions with someone who provides positive criticism
( ) Developed a list of options/alternatives for salary negotiations
( ) Developed a list of questions to ask that reflect my values/concerns
INTERVIEW CHECKLIST
PREPARATION
• Ask for a job description—if possible
• Write out and practice interview questions
• Research company
• Visit site in advance—if possible
• Dress/Grooming—clean body, clothes, breath, car, etc.
WHAT TO BRING
• Copies of your resume and reference sheet
• Information sheet/other job application (filled out)
• Pen and a spare—blue/black ink only
• Notepad
• Mints/breath freshener
• Dress—equal or one step up
• Light reading—magazine, etc.
ARRIVAL
• Arrive early—½ hour grace time
• Check grooming/hair/mirror/restroom
• Calming exercises—as needed
• Pop a breath freshener
OUTER OFFICE
• Establish rapport
• First impressions most important—(including the receptionist)
• Fill out forms completely, N/A, etc.
• Look at a magazine/light reading—no newspapers
ACTUAL INTERVIEW
• Be genuine—not a performance
• 30-45 seconds—average length of answer
• Lead conversation toward challenges/solutions by asking questions
• Find out employers expectations early—just ask
• Ask questions but not too many—use cheat sheet
FOLLOW UP
• Thank secretary/receptionist for their help.
• Send a Thank You note immediately
• Emphasize one key item—if at all
• Tone and enthusiasm is key
Contact us toll free at 1-888-380-1162 or by e-mail for more information.
The most effective way to use the web is to check out company job sites. Here are the facts: Only about 17% get their jobs from general jobs websites (like www.monster.com), about 30% from specialty sites (like www.computerjobs.com ) and about 53% from company websites.
The reason is simple . . . General job websites contain many jobs listed "so "everybody" goes there. If you went to the company website, it generally don't attract many resumes submissions and it will only advertise for a week or two before a job opening is placed on general websites. It takes you longer to find job openings that match your interest and skills on company websites but your competition is much small . . . so the odds are better -- 2 to 3 times better!
Some great free sites that list companies are:
www.acinet.org Go to "Employer Locator" near the bottom
Good luck and let us know if there are any websites that we should add to this list.
META or MULTIPLE SITE SEARCH—Aggregators/scrapers
The best sites if your looking for general job banks. Each one searches over 300 sites in one click. My favorite is www.indeed.com. And "no," I didn't get paid for the recommendation! Most are free except as indicated.
www.grassisgreener.com $11.95/3 mo.
www.worktree.com $60/yr
GENERAL JOB BANKS
Here are some of the most popular sites. Their success rate is very low and only 4-7% of job seekers are successful.
www.adquest3d.com employment
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
We've placed many people in the Federal Government. We recommend that you find assistance because it is extremely competitive and it takes an average person nine months to land a job if the application is a success. A good place for free assistance is on www.monster.com, click on "Career Advice" then "Community" and finally "Gov't/Public Service."
www.resume-place.com Provides books and information regarding federal employment
www.fedjobs.com Federal government jobs
www.firstgov.com Federal government jobs
www.usajobs.opm.gov Federal government jobs
www.fedworld.gov Federal government jobs
SPECIALTY JOB BANKS
www.AirsDirectory.com “Job Board Director” at the bottom
Computer
Executive Search Firms (Head Hunters)
www.searchfirm.com Free directory for head hunter listings
www.bluesteps.com $129/yr “Search Connect”
www.kennedyinfo.com $50/6 months
Executive Sites (all charge fees except as indicated)
www.6figurejobs.com FREE
www.ritesite.com FREE
LINK SITES
www.itsyourjobnow.com “Nitch network”
MISC
www.careeronestop.org Lists hundreds of free career resource locations in USA
www.bwni.com Business Women's Network
www.bizjournals.com Source for "Book of Lists" for many cities in USA
www.certcities.com Computer certifications
www.eop.com Handicapped jobs
www.earnworks.com Handicapped jobs
www.yp.net Electronic Yellow pages
www.switchboard.com Electronic Yellow pages
www.idealist.org Non-profits
www.linkedin.com Personal networking site
www.ryze.com Personal networking site
www.vistaprint.com Free Business cards
www.dcp-print.com Free Business cards
www.badreferences.com Checks references
ASSESSMENTS
www.quintcareers.com/online_ assessment_review.html
(Assessments list)
http://online.onetcenter.org Great for job descriptions and skills assessments
www.jvis.com $14.95--289 Questions
WORK AT HOME DIRECTORIES/SUPPORT GROUPS
Mostly supports people who want to work at home
www.youcanworkfromanywhere.com
EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES
There are many good national, regional, and local agencies.
ASSOCIATION LISTS
www.weddles.com/associations/index.htm
www.recruitersnetwork.com/resources/associations.htm
RESEARCH--INDUSTRY/COMPANY
www.hoovers.com Lists companies by industry
www.newsdirectory.com “Industry Trade Publications”
www.acinet.org “Employer Locator"
Are you on the Fast Track?
Resources
Short snippets about each step in a job search!
Lots of carefully selected books listed by career subject!
Check lists are provided so you don't forget anything!
Many websites to help you land a job!
