Meet 3 ordinary people who went for it in spite of age, in spite of what others thought, and in spite of a disadvantaged childhood. They used their talents and their passions to do the work they loved, and, in doing so, they made a lasting imact on our society.
Click to continue reading “3 Ordinary Gentlemen Who Did Extraordinary Things With Their Careers”
Tom is concerned about how recruiters will perceive him. He’s applying for positions as an individual contributor, but his background entails lots of managerial experience. This dilemma is very common. A person starts out with a passion for the work they’ve chosen, so they produce remarkable results. Because of their accomplishments and because it’s “expected” of them, they rise up the career ladder into management.
2/3 of job seekers spend a mere 5 hrs or less per week on their job search. In the Job Search Boot Camp, Jay & I discuss the importance of time management during the job hunt. But we don’t even come close to suggesting that you spend 40 hours a week looking for work.
Click to continue reading “Time Management 101 – Tips for Job Seekers”
Our founding fathers fought to ensure we could live a life of freedom. That freedom includes the ability to choose our career.
Click to continue reading “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness”
Meet David Hall. He’s a sandblaster who schedules his day job around his passion… bringing his replica of the Liberty Bell to funerals for fallen soldiers.
Click to continue reading “Do what you love even if it’s not your day job!”
“So what have you been doing during these past 7 months since you last worked?” (A good answer, by the way, usually involves the truth)
Click to continue reading “Attitude, positive spin & a dream job”
Bear Grylls broke his back in three places in a 1996 parachuting accident. Two years later, at age 23, he achieved his childhood dream and ended up in the Guinness Book of World Records
Click to continue reading “Aren’t Your Dreams & Passions Worth the Risk?”
Have you thought of joining other career-minded people who have successfully combined their passion for the outdoors? There’s a site for you.
Click to continue reading “It’s Summer! Get a Job — Outdside!”
You may not be a star athlete, great musician, or world-famous actor, but if it is your passion you can still find work in athletics, music, or show business.
You must put a plan in motion to reel in the work… and life… you want. In the passage below, the authors explore that very concept.
Click to continue reading “Put a plan in motion to reel in the work… and life… you want”
In her article, 21 Things Hiring Managers Wish You Knew, Alison Green is spot on with every single thing she advises.
The power of LinkedIn recommendations when being considered for a job could be the “difference maker” in the hiring process.
Click to continue reading “LinkedIn Recommendations | Put a Recommendation on Your Resume”
If you have a Twitter account, you can connect it to LinkedIn so when you “tweet” it also updates your LinkedIn status. Some people don’t like that, and Lissa Duty, Social Media expert from LissaDuty.com and guest on our Show, says she doesn’t recommend that.
Click to continue reading “Twitter + LinkedIn for Job Seekers”
This week on The Job Search Boot Camp Show, we were fortunate to have Lissa Duty joining us to talk on LinkedIn for job seekers.
“If you want to be successful, it’s just this simple. Know what you are doing. Love what you are doing. And believe in what you are doing.” – Will Rogers
Click to continue reading “Success comes from doing what you love”
What a clever video - it takes what could be a dry subject and makes it fun! See below or click here.
They claim that 55% of a person’s first impression of you is based on how you look. The other 45% must come from the impression you make through your non-verbal communication, such as a firm handshake, good eye contact and a confident, walking-tall posture as you enter the room.
Enjoy!
According to an article on Yahoo Hot Jobs, the average pay for a college graduate is about $20,000/year more than a high school only graduate. However, there is also variance in degrees. More doors are certainly open for college grads than high school only grads, and higher education is very important to a higher standard of living. As my senior high school American Government teacher so eloquently summed it up, “I don’t care if you pass my class or not. We still need people to ride on the back of garbage trucks.”
What he probably didn’t know is that the average pay for a Garbage Collector, according to SimplyHired.com, is about $43,000. Contrast that to the average salary of Yahoo Hot Job’s Worst-Paying College Degrees, and that pay isn’t too shabby.
The Bottom Paying College Degrees
Getting a degree in Drama will yield - on average - about $35,600/year. A degree in Fine Arts yields about $35,800/year. Hospitatality & Tourism is about $37,000/year. Education, Horticulture, and Spanish all yield in the upper $30’s as well. Music, Theology, and Elementary Education pay in the lower $30’s, but Social Work (according to Hot Jobs) has the worst average starting pay ($33,400) and worst mid-career pay ($41,600).
Does that garbage truck still look so bad?!?!
Never Say Never
Pay (above meeting physical needs) doesn’t guarantee a great job. Denzel Washington & Meryl Streep may be exceptions to the rule which says that the average Drama major struggles to make ends meet. Why then do Drama majors stay in a field that they continue to struggle through? Why do musicians work day jobs to pay the bills, and play great music at night? It certainly isn’t the “pay”. It is their passion, and the certainty that some day they will become successful. They attack each project/gig/opportunity with passion and focus. The successful Actors, Teachers, Musicians, Fine Artists, etc also differentiate themselves from others in their field, and they continue to network to help them get better (and get new gigs/projects).
You may not want to be the greatest Actor or Musician in the world, but you have a desire and passion for something. Find that something, and apply the formula for SUCCESS. Passion + Focus + Hard Work + Networking = SUCCESS!
Start with Step 1: Find Your Passion. We have a great FREE tele-seminar on June 22nd centered around finding your passion. Visit http://www.CareerFinderMethod.info for more information and to sign-up.
We started with an idea. The idea was to have an event where people could hear from experts on how to find a job quicker and easier, how to put together a great resume that stands out, and how to interview and negotiate for 20%-30% more in salary. The first event was held in Round Rock, and we were surprised and honored to receive news coverage on the event.
College
A local university heard of our success, and we were asked to have a special Job Search Boot Camp for adult professionals and alumni who had returned to college. We had a packed room at St. Edwards University. Even with Angela running a 102-degree fever, the feedback was fantastic. We love the help we can provide to adult and returning students.
Webcast
We started hearing from potential customers from outside of Austin. “Do you have The Job Search Boot Camp recorded?” and ”Do you have a webcast?” We thought long about how we could lift a half-day of intensive instruction, and move it to a webcast version. Thanks to fantastic technology, we were finally able to bring The Job Search Boot Camp to the web. Over three nights, we webcast the three modules: READY yourself and your resume, AIM your job search, and GET HIRED by acing the interview and negotiating for more money.
On-Demand
Part of the problem of live events is that not everyone is ready to ask for job help on a scheduled event date. If I lose my job in June, but the next live event is August then I may not be able to wait that long to begin looking for a job. Or, I may decide that I am going to wait until the kids are back in school to look for a job. Timing job seekers is like timing the stock market — you can’t be perfect all the time. We fixed that “glitch”.
We recorded the webcast version, and created an On-Demand version of The Job Search Boot Camp. For a less-expensive version than even the live event, The Job Search Boot Camp is available through streaming video and downloadable workbook.
DVD
The next step was a DVD-version. For a little bit more than the On-Demand, we have made a 3-DVD set of The Job Search Boot Camp. With this version of the same great material, the workbook is printed out and viewers simply pop in the DVD.
This version is now bound so you can put on the shelf and bring it out each time you need that jump start to making your job search work. Most of all, it is there when you need it. I’ve created this short video about the 3-DVD package. It is the “unboxing video”. If you aren’t familiar with the unboxing videos on YouTube….they are simply people filming the contents of a box (software, electronics, etc) being opened:
The Job Search Boot Camp
We’ve come a long way with this product. It has been an amazing journey. I hope you will think of us first when you or someone you know needs to find their next job quicker and easier.
During our presentations to job seekers, Jay likes to point out these “following-up” statistics:
These numbers simply prove what I have often observed over the years.
Following up on resume submittal
Imagine this scenario…
You’re a recruiter, and you have just posted a position on one of the major job boards. Through the course of the day, you receive 200 plus resumes. You realize that you cannot possibly review every single one of these resumes, but you dig in anyway and start with the first ones that arrived earlier that day. You see a few possible qualified candidates, but there are some obvious mismatches too. You get through about 20 emails, and you just have to stop because this is feeling a bit overwhelming right now. Besides, you’ve got other emails to answer, and your voicemail light is blinking. You decide it’s time to take a break from resume purgatory. Just then you get a phone call. Welcoming the “interruption,” you answer – something that you don’t always do because you prefer to screen your calls so you can manage your time better.
“Hi, this is John Doe. I’m calling to make sure you received my resume this afternoon since you never know if an email will make past spam filters and such.”
“Hold on, John, let me check.”
You put this guy on hold, look through your emails, and, bingo, you see his email. You open the attached resume, and, wow, he looks strong. You get back on the line and phone screen (that’s recruiter-speak for conducting an initial phone interview) him on the spot. You end up inviting him in for a face-to-face interview next Tuesday morning.
Sounds too good to be true? Well, guess what folks, this recruiter was me on countless occasions during my 15-year career in the staffing industry.
Following up on networking
I often talk to audiences and clients about the importance of following up with folks in your network during the job search process. Thanking them for leads, letting them know periodically how you’re doing, definitely telling them when you land, etc. In the video below, Mr. Ferrazzi says it so eloquently – enjoy!
When I was in college, I was petrified about doing public speaking. My speech class was far more challenging to endure then my French class… to this day I still can’t parle français even though I have a lot of French ancestry and should be able to! Speech class meant sweaty palms, knees knocking - the whole bit.
Fast forward more years than I care to admit, and today I actually enjoy speaking to audiences, and I absolutely love leading workshops. I attribute this to 3 things: 1) gaining more self esteem as I’ve grown older; 2) having such a driving passion to help people that I’ve become willing to step out in front of a bunch of people and “bare” my soul on a stage because it works; and 3) practicing networking, which helped me get over my shyness.
Back in the mid 1990’s when I was forced to get out there into the marketplace and do networking, I had no clue how to do it. I actually had to read books on the subject to learn how. I still have my then favorites, Terri Mandell’s Power Schmoozing & Susan RoAnne’s Secrets to Savvy Networking, on my bookshelf.
Today’s hot book on the topic of networking is Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi & Tahl Raz. Check out the video below by Ferrazzi on “How Can I Be More Outgoing?” Excellent advice!
Happy Networking!
Last night at The Compass Group - the career networking group I lead - we were honored to have Rob Hill. He is a former CFO from the telecommunications and banking industry. Rob spoke about his journey which took him from New Jersey to Texas (which eventually turned into a 1,500 mile commute each week). Rob’s story was inspiring, because he was able to talk about being in financial ruins and he learned that safety and security in the corporate world no longer exist. Rob’s talk focused on risk and reward, and most importantly his faith.
30 Years & A Gold Watch
When I speak to groups I talk about the days of “30 years and a gold watch” are over. Our grandparents (and possibly some of our parents) lived in a generation where switching jobs was unheard of. Sure, it happened, but not every 3 years which is the typical tenure for an employee these days. Workers in the 1950’s, 60’s, and 70’s didn’t typically have 14-16 different jobs during their career like we do today.
In his talk, Rob says that a job is like driving in a car at night. Your headlights illuminate the drive ahead of you in the short-term, but you have no idea what is beyond that 450 ft which the headlights brighten. Beyond the illumination lies the unknown. For an Entrepreneur the “headlights” of a traditional job and the headlights of entrepreneurship are about even.
Entrepreneurship
Of course being a business owner is a huge task, but there are tons of resources out there to help you. The Small Business Administration is the government’s agency to help you get started. It is a great resource. Other resources like StartUpNation.com - started by Rich & Jeff Sloan - is a great starting point for those considering becoming their own boss. They have tons of resources and an open forum for small business owners to ask questions. If you are searching for ideas, you can check out Entrepreneur Magazine’s Annual 100 Brilliant Ideas. You can examine franchising - buying into an existing system - on search sites like FranchiseGator. You could also browse through the many businesses available from BusinessBroker.com.
BUT….I Can’t Afford To Leave My Day Job
You don’t have to “quit your day job” to have a business. I am living proof of that. I work for a Fortune 500 company in Human Resources during the day and week. I work at night and weekends on Great Occupations & The Job Search Boot Camp. Is it time consuming? Yes. Is it worth it? You bet! The lines between work & play do blur for me. It is a sign that I am living my passions and ability.
The key to success is first finding out what you are passionate about, finding a solution to a problem, and then plan…plan…plan. Use the great resources from StartUpNation and The Small Business Administration to help you write your plan and prepare to be your own boss. Do you homework on each business venture (especially if you are buying a business or franchise). If you can jump in with both feet, then do so. If you can’t, then begin part-time with the intention of making it a full time gig.
There is no safety in corporate America. There is only safety in knowing your passions and abilities, and putting them to work. Knowing your passions and abilities will help you when you look for a job or create a business.
This week on The Job Search Boot Camp Show we had Bunmi Adetutu. Bunmi (pronounced “Boom-ee”) was born in Lagos, Nigeria, and he is a naturalized US citizen. He has a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Columbia University and holds over 50 US-issued patents and 100 more worldwide. Even with all his credentials and accomplishments he was terminated from his manager position at a manufacturing company. As I’ve mentioned in previous blog posts and speaking engagements, it doesn’t matter how many letters you have at the end of your name or how many accomplishments you have. With the ever revolving management or the business climate changes, you are NEVER “safe” in a job. Bunmi found that out.
After some introspection, Bunmi decided that the only safety for him is in entrepreneurship. Of course, being an entrepreneur is not for everyone, but the point is that it is as safe (or even safer) than working for a corporation. The entrepreneur holds his/her destiny in their own hands. Bunmi now runs a successful convenience store, and you might think “poor Bunmi…he isn’t putting that degree to work, and he has to work in a convenience store”. Hold the phone….he actually is more successful! He’s so passionate about being his own boss that he has also broken ground on another franchise. He’s opening a Goddard School franchise for early childhood development. He’s creating his own Portfolio Career which brings him multiple streams of income. His convenience store success has been so impressive that the corporation is asking him to buy more of their stores in the area to run them! This is what happens when we become passionate about our life’s course. Doors fly open, and opportunity doesn’t knock….it kicks open the door for us to walk through.
You can listen to Bunmi’s amazing journey on the replay of our program right here:
I’ve been reading the classic inspirational book, Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. It seems that even back in 1937, the targeted job search method was the way to go!
Hill refers to what Jay and I call the “targeted outreach” step when he discusses “When and How to Apply for a Position”: Personal letters of application, directed to particular firms or individuals most apt to need such services as are being offered.
He also suggests what we call the “targeted networking” step: When possible, the applicant should endeavor to approach prospective employers through some mutual acquaintances.
It’s funny. We are often asked by those who haven’t done a job search in many years the question, “What’s new? What do I need to know that’s changed about job hunting nowadays?”
Well, there are many things that are “new” such as technology tools that are available, especially social media. Trends also come and go regarding resumes. In Napoleon Hill’s day, it was apparently important to add a picture to your resume (or “brief” as he calls it). Today, we don’t put pictures on our resumes, but we do put a resume of sorts online at LinkedIn and most of us add a picture.
Isn’t it interesting how things tend to come full circle!
____________________
A quick reminder: Tomorrow is the 1st Saturday, so we’re broadcasting live on The Job Search Boot Camp Show. Our guest, Bunmi Adetutu will share his story about he moved into a “portfolio career” in which he is blissfully happy after being laid off from a successful 17-year career with a large electronic manufacturing company. Bunmi is sure to inspire you to get your creative juices going about your career choices. Tune in at 10am CT live or download the replay later. You can also find it for free in the iTunes store after the show.
A subtle, but important, thing to consider if you’re working with external recruiters.
Jay & I advocate doing the Targeted Job Search Method in the AIM module of The Job Search Boot Camp program. If you take this method to the logical final step of “targeted outreach,” you will be doing something that has a high-value return rate for your job search. However, doing this assertive, high-value step might just get in the way of the relationships you have with external recruiters.
Why is that? Because when you directly contacting decision makers yourself, you could be narrowing the external recruiter’s ability to place you.
I’m not saying you shouldn’t contact the decision makers yourself. You’ll just have to make a determination about whether you want to take more control of your job search or if you would prefer to leave it to the recruiter to handle for you. If you’re considering working with a recruiter, heed this warning… successful external recruiters are busy working with multiple candidates. You’re not the only “horse in their stable.”
There are definite advantages to having a recruiter represent you to employers. They provide a buffer so that you appear to be above the fray of the job search, and they could very well have relationships with hiring authorities that you don’t have. But there are also definite advantages in making those personal connections with hiring authorities yourself.
Affirmations are great way to help you in your career search. Empirical research has demonstrated that positive visualization (mentally practicing an act with a positive outcome) is associated with higher levels of performance. Self-affirmations are kind of a part of cognitive therapy as well (which works).
Dilbert
Scott Adams, the syndicated Cartoonist of Dilbert fame, discusses affirmations in the closing pages of his otherwise humorous book, The Dilbert Future. Scott says he used affirmations on a string of hugely unlikely goals “which materialized in ways that seemed miraculous.” In a blog posting after his book, Scott says “Since then [the book], I’ve received more questions on that topic than on anything else I’ve ever written.”
Scott goes on to say, “Affirmations might be nothing more than a wonderful illusion that you can control your own luck. My best guess about what really happens when you use affirmations is that several normal phenomena come together to create what seems abnormal.”
It’s Not Magic
One technique is to simply write down your goals 15 times a day. Things will slowly start to happen until you achieve your objective against all odds. Scott Adams would write “Scott Adams will become a syndicated cartoonist”, and he did!
Another method you could use is to write your affirmations on paper, and tape them to your bathroom mirror. Each morning say your affirmation 15 times. You can make your own, but here are a few really good career-related affirmations:
During the coaching process we encourage clients and give positive feedback. As Coaches, we are affirming our client’s ability and trajectory in their career search. They are successful not because of our words. They are successful because they begin to believe they can achieve their goals.
Get Started
Create a set of affirmations (or just start with one) that will help you find a new career, find a new job, or create your own business. Read or write your affirmations each morning, and then you can sit back and watch as the magic happens.