Let's Get SERIOUS!

5 signs you need to get more serious about your job search

Few will argue this point: The job search is arduous. Frustrating. Overwhelming. Befuddling.

Sometimes, when a job search isn't going as planned, it has as much to do with you as it does external factors. Specifically, you not taking this big, important process seriously enough.

The good news here is that, once you identify where and how you're sitting down on the job, you can fix these issues. Let's take a look at a handful of the more common violations and how you can sidestep them.

1. You lack required credentials but apply anyway

If a skill or qualification was listed as "required" on a job description — and it's one that you don't have — don't be surprised if you're never contacted for an interview. Now, don't assume you're going to be flat-out dismissed without a required credential (unless, of course, it's something essential to the role). However, you can't expect the software that scans your resume to flag you as a "yes" if it has been programmed to reject everyone who doesn't list that specific skill.

Instead

If you're missing a mandatory requirement and still truly want to take a run at this? You should find ways to buddy up with someone on the inside of the organization. (Here are a few tips.) You will need the opportunity to explain where you're coming from in applying for this job and how you can deliver in spite of that lacking credential.

2. You assume instructions don't apply to you

If you selectively paid attention to the instructions on what this company wants you to submit, or how it wants you to apply, you may well strike out by failing to provide something specific that the organization has asked for. Worse, you could be tossed into the "no" pile simply because the reviewer figures you can't follow simple instructions. (And yes, I recognize that job applications are rarely "simple.")

Instead

In any instance that you're applying for a job via online application, pay attention to the instructions, and follow them to a T. Better yet, cultivate an "in" with someone influential at that firm, and forward your materials (resume, cover letter) directly to that person.

3. Your entire strategy involves "apply and wait"

If your job search can be summed up in its entirety by "fill out online application, wait for however long it takes," then you shouldn't (at all) be surprised if your phone isn't lighting up with job interview requests. You must realize that you and a gajillion other people are all trying to shove your way through the front door of the company when you apply for a job online — at the same exact time. And for every single job you pursue, someone is sidestepping the online application, then finding and endearing themselves to the right people on the inside. And it's these very people who will typically be invited in first.

Instead

After you apply for a job, at a minimum, zip over to LinkedIn, do a quick people search, and see if you have or can cultivate, an "in" at that organization. (Sensing a theme here?) Get on the radar of the people already working there. Every time.

4. You're machine-gunning out unfocused applications

In spite of what anyone has ever told you, quantity does not typically trump quality in the job search. Machine-gun spray methods rarely work. You're almost always better off with a single, well-executed rifle shot. For every job you apply for, at least a few of the candidates in the mix are going to make absolute, perfect sense to the reviewer. If you're blasting out 15 resumes a day? It's nearly impossible for you to compete with people who are delivering clear, customized, "I'm just what you've asked for" resumes and cover letters.

Instead

Realize that this is not a numbers game. It's a game of strategy and intent. It's almost always better to build and execute a killer approach strategy with a short, targeted list of jobs than to aimlessly approach dozens and dozens of potential employers.

5. You're applying for out-of-town jobs, without explaining why

If you're targeting jobs in another city or state and wondering why no one is calling you, part of the reason may be that the company either isn't considering offering a relocation package or you gave them no clue on why a guy in Philadelphia is applying for a job in Fargo. Decision makers within organizations sometimes get nervous about relocating people. They're reluctant because of the added expense that's typically involved. Also, they fear you might arrive in that entirely new geography and decide quickly that you don't like the place.

Instead

If you're looking to move for your next job, always try to make it instantly clear (via the cover letter or personal contact) that you have a specific tie to that city or region or another plausible reason that you want to be there. For even the most serious job seeker, some aspects of the process are simply out of your control. Spend no time fretting about these. Control the things that you can, and take the hunt — and yourself — seriously. Because, guess what? No one cares more about you getting this right than you do.

It's your career, and your life. So do yourself a solid and approach this search like the all-star you know you are.

See full article at here!

Cover Letter Tips!

3 cover letter tips for people who haven't written one in forever

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote an article called "3 Editing Secrets That Will Make Your Cover Letter Even Better." To which a dear (and succinct and purposefully over dramatic) friend wrote, "Can't you just HELP ME WRITE MINE?!?"

Where was she stuck? In her words: "Is it terrible to say I haven't written [a cover letter] since college and don't even know where to start anymore?"

No, it's not terrible. And I think a lot of people — those changing careers, those who landed previous roles through networking and never submitted a formal application and those who have been in the same job for the better part of a decade — are all in the same boat. Here's what I recommend:

1. Remember "Out with the old, in with the new"

If you still have that old cover letter, floating around in a now defunct Hotmail or AOL account, you may be tempted to use it as a building block. And it's OK to review that letter (perhaps with a cocktail nearby) — as a study in what you sounded like at 22.

Maybe your cover letter went on and on about why working at your dream company would be, like, a dream. Maybe you said that even though you didn't have five years of experience, you were a quick learner. Reading this letter is good because everyone deserves a humorous reprieve from what can otherwise be a rather stressful job search.

Do not — I repeat, do not — try to work off of a cover letter that is several years old. First, you're starting by boxing yourself in. Why would you want to edit a document that you wrote back when you had a flip phone? Haven't your writing skills improved since then? Wouldn't you describe your earliest experiences differently in retrospect (or perhaps leave them out altogether)?

Give yourself the freedom to start fresh. Write new paragraphs about new experiences in ways that make sense now — not that fit whatever you thought "the rules" were in the early aughts. (Hint: They've changed.)

2. Get reading

Whenever friends ask me where to start with their cover letter, I send them three of my favorite Muse articles. I know it sounds too promotional to be true, but I often tell loved ones to read these and then let me know if they have questions. (It's my version of, "Take two and call me in the morning.")

I start with "How to Write a Cover Letter: 31 Tips You Need to Know." It's like a Russian nesting doll: It covers a ton of aspects of writing a cover letter — and many of the points link out to other articles. So, it's easy to take a deeper dive into a particular element that interests you.

Next up is The Daily Muse Editor-In-Chief Adrian Granzella Larssen's article, "The Pain Letter: The Best Way to Write a Cover Letter That Gets Results." The first two lines are: "Hiring managers don't just want people who can do the job. Ideally, they want people who will make their lives easier." If your cover letter skills are rusty, this article will walk you through what hiring managers really look for.

The third article I recommend is one I wrote called "Want a Better Cover Letter? Avoid These Extremes." (Hey, if you're going to write a cover letter, you can't be scared of a little self-promotion). Cover letters need balance — missing the mark could sink an otherwise strong application.

Yes, I know it's beyond predictable that someone who writes career advice would tell my friends the solution is to read career advice — but that doesn't discount its value. (Fun fact: I do the same thing with resumes, interviews and networking.)

3. Make yourself write a draft

Reading is important, because great advice can save you from sending out total duds. But here's what awesome articles can't do: They can't write your cover letter for you. Odds are, you only have a certain number of hours in the week to devote to job searching — and at some point, you'll need to bite the bullet and get writing already.

If you feel too nervous to even begin, ask yourself: What's the very worst thing that can happen? That you write a terrible cover letter?

Let's say that happens. The good news is, it's out of your system and never has to see the light of day. The better news is that now you have a true starting point, because you can review it for what isn't working.

Why don't you like it? If you think it's boring, focus on being more engaging. If you're worried someone reading it won't understand how qualified you are, find a way to highlight relevant skills through a story, rather than just listing them out. Once you write a draft, you will have already crossed one item off the list — you'll no longer be able to say you don't even know where to start.

See full article here!

Surviving Career Transitions

4 Strategies for Surviving Career Transitions Everyone Faces

When I was just starting out as a broadcast news reporter, a grizzled, veteran investigative reporter told me, "Congratulations on getting hired, kid, but don't get cocky; because you're not anybody in the news business until you're fired — twice."

Whether or not I ever became somebody in the news business is debatable; but, for the record, I was fired twice during the 10 years I worked as an on-air reporter and anchor.

Both times, what enabled me to overcome the stigma and humiliation of being canned can be summed up in one word — relationships. The relational approach to overcoming a "career bump" is showcased in a new career book titled Do Over by New York Times bestselling author Jon Acuff. In his book, he lists the four career transitions that every professional faces and the corresponding resources necessary to overcome each different transition.

So, whether you, too, have been fired or just presented with an interesting opportunity, read on to learn the best strategy to deal with your specific circumstance.

1. You've been fired

Immediately after I lost both jobs, I called all of my former colleagues to let them know I was out of work and looking for a gig. Each time, I was offered jobs within 72 hours because of the strong rapport I'd developed with colleagues over the years.

Relying on relationships after being fired — as Acuff recommends — makes sense. From my experience, the toughest part was convincing myself to actually pick up the phone to ask for help. The key to surviving that particular transition is swallowing your pride, growing some guts, and giving your network the chance to lend a hand.

2. You're in a dead-end job

The next transition that Acuff defines is "the ceiling," which is a job that you continue to do even when further advancement isn't possible. He writes that becoming unstuck in that type of situation requires the development of a new skill set.

I recently ran into this exact situation at my previous company. My last employer — a mid-sized biotech firm — was acquired by a much larger pharmaceutical company. Suddenly, the previously vacant rungs of the corporate ladder above me were crammed with folks from the acquiring parent company. It was clear I wasn't going to move up, and it was equally clear I couldn't let skills stagnate.

So, what did I do?

I started blogging and writing e-books in my spare time. I joined (and learned the ins and outs of) the major social media channels. I guest posted and wrote for dozens of online sites. I became a self-taught social media "guru" within my previous company. When that organization wanted to dip its toe into Facebook waters or conjure up a Twitter-based-campaign strategy, I was the guy they tapped because I was already there doing it.

But I didn't stop there. I continued to build and nurture my personal online brand. Once I felt ready to leave the organization, I compiled a metrics scorecard of my personal social media footprint (Twitter followers, Facebook likes, Alexa ranking of my blog, and so on) and then compiled the exact same stats for the life sciences companies I wanted to work for. Needless to say, I beat the pants off every company I met with and had three job offers to choose from!

Dealing with my "ceiling" required me to identify and develop the relevant skills that would add value to any prospective employer in the future.

3. You've decided to take a leap

The third career transition that Acuff cites is "the jump," where you voluntarily leap to a new career, location, or responsibility. He notes that this type of transition requires strong character because you're leaping into the unknown, which necessitates reliance on the foundational definition of who you are as well as your core values.

During the past nine years, I've relocated my family three separate times across three different states. That's a lot of "jumping" and disruption.

My family has survived and thrived because we trust each other and consider every voice when we make big, life-impacting choices. For what it's worth, each move has been a unanimous decision within my family. Mutual trust and agreement makes it so much easier to overcome upheaval.

4. You're faced with an unplanned opportunity

The last transition that Acuff references in his book is dubbed "the opportunity," where a positive situation unexpectedly manifests. While those moments tend to be few and far between for most people, Acuff writes that the resource you need to maximize "the opportunity" is hustle.

He defines hustle as how you work. In other words, it's the drive and commitment that pushes entrepreneurs and professionals to do the things that other people don't, enabling them to enjoy success that others won't.

This situation happened to me when I transitioned out of news media into my first corporate communications job. I was hired by a regional telecommunications company in the Northeast to be its corporate spokesperson. After 90 days, I received an email from the HR department notifying me that I was eligible for the company's educational benefit. I jumped at the chance, and — in two years of full-time course work and a full-time job — I completed my MBA.

It wasn't easy. Not only did it take a high degree of hustle, but it also took a lot of time. Part of hustle, therefore, is intentional time management and relentless prioritization.

Things are going to happen in your career. Some of them will be good, others not so good. Some transitions you'll orchestrate while some will be orchestrated at the hands of others. Regardless, if you couple relationships with guts, skills with foresight, character with mutual trust, and mix in aggressive hustle with kick-ass time management — nothing will stop you.

Find full article here!

20 Productivity Apps You Need to Organize Your Life

Thanks to Mashable.com, and Adecco, here is an awesome list of 20 apps that will help with everyday organization! 

Find full article at: https://www.themuse.com/advice/20-productivity-apps-you-need-to-organize-your-life

Networking 101

Networking 101

Networking can feel like the professional equivalent of speed dating. And, like speed dating, you don't just want to make a good impression — you want to make a lasting one. So, how can you present yourself well and make meaningful connections when it feels like you're making small talk with people who are only half-listening?

The first step is to reframe your concept of networking. At your next event, remind yourself that it's less about empty chit-chat and more about making connections.

How do you make those?

By forgetting everything you thought you knew about networking small talk and, instead, tapping into the science of good conversation! Here are six strategies for being the most popular person to talk to at your next networking event.

1. Be easy to listen to

Sound expert Julian Treasure says conversation killers include gossip, judgment, negativity, complaining, exaggeration, accusations, and being a "blame-thrower." These types of communication are simply hard to listen to, he says. According to Treasure, the four powerful cornerstones of good conversation spell HAIL: honesty (being clear and straight), authenticity (being yourself), integrity (actually doing what you say you will), and love (wishing people well).

How do you do this in a quick networking conversation? You can be honest and authentic by asking genuine questions when a topic comes up that you know nothing about — instead of nodding along and pretending like you get it. When saying goodbye at the end of the event, think of something specific from your conversation that you can reference, then wish the person well. It's as easy as that.

2. Create conversational chemistry

According to an article in the Harvard Business Review,

positive conversations can induce the production of oxytocin. And oxytocin elevates our ability to collaborate and trust others. Conversations that show concern for others, are based in truth, and share a vision of mutual success are among those that result in this kind of good chemistry.

Instead of spending time trying to convince someone to see your side of an issue (a.k.a., trying to be controversial and groundbreaking), share a positive thought that's mutually beneficial and useful to the person you're talking to. You can prepare this positive thought ahead of time by looking up current, relevant industry news that would be interesting to the people you're meeting.

3. Encourage self-disclosure

It's common sense that we like to talk about ourselves, but there's actually a chemical reaction associated with self-disclosure that we find inherently rewarding. According to a study published in the Proceedings From the National Academy of Sciences, self-disclosure was strongly associated with increased activation in dopamine centers of the brain, the same regions that respond to rewards like food and money.

So, create an environment that invites other people to tell you about themselves. A great approach is to come in with some great conversation starters to aid in the effort to draw people out. For example, instead of talking to someone about how his or her week is going, you can get specific and ask, "What was the highlight of your week?" The former usually leads to a short answer ("it's going"); the latter is a chance for the other person to really open up.

4. Ask for stories, not answers

Sharing stories creates a connection and stimulates an emotional memory that helps us give meaning to our experiences and interactions. Eliciting stories from people you're just meeting can also help you get a lot more information, as well as a better understanding of where they are coming from, both literally and metaphorically.

Refrain from asking "What do you do?" or "Where are you from?" Instead ask: "What are you working on these days?" or "What was the town like where you grew up?"

5. Skip the small talk

Research suggests that talking about more substantive issues can actually make us happier than engaging in traditional small talk. Slipping some details into small talk can elevate the conversation to a greater level of engagement.

So, if someone asks where you're from, add a bit of trivia about your hometown. Or if someone asks what you do, talk briefly about what drew you to the profession. Either answer should lead to the person inquiring more about what you said, which gets you away from chit-chat and closer to having a memorable exchange.

6. Use your instrument to its best capacity

Having meaningful conversations doesn't just have to do with what you say, but also how you say it. You'll come off as much more interested (and interesting) if you vary your tone so you don't sound monotone or disengaged. Try speaking slower and quieter, which can actually draw people in. Also, don't be scared to embrace silence; it's better than filling the space with "ahs" and "ums."

See full article at http://mashable.com/2015/05/01/remember-meeting-you/

We NEED Trust in our Work Relationships!

How to Cultivate Trust in Your Work Relationships

A few years ago, I worked with a woman named Angela who managed a program that was interdependent with the one I was involved with. Though we didn't have a reporting relationship, our mutual success was clearly dependent on our ability to collaborate.

It was one of the most difficult working relationships I've ever experienced — and an extremely stressful one. As I reflect back on that time, I realize there was one major ingredient missing from our collaboration. The problem was we never whispered those three little words that everyone wants to hear from their closest co-workers:

“I trust you.”

The lack of trust was frustrating to my team and me, and it made everything we did so much more difficult: Conversations took longer, coming to an agreement was excruciating (if not impossible) and negotiating everything, from resources to outcomes, was exasperating.

Maybe you're in a similar situation. Perhaps you know the relationship isn’t quite right, but you’re not sure why it’s so hard to get along. Every meeting seems to erupt in frustration; you sense there’s a hidden agenda alongside the one on the table in front of you.

In The Speed of Trust, Stephen M.R. Covey suggests that trust is essential for a team to function effectively. When trust is high, performance accelerates. Covey describes it as a leavening agent for performance. And when trust is lacking, the opposite is true. As I found with Angela (and likely she with me), because we didn’t trust each other, everything took longer, felt harder and as a result, cost more — emotionally and financially.

You might think, as I did long ago, that it’s the other person’s responsibility to trust you. But it’s not. It’s your responsibility to invite others to trust in you — and you do this by behaving in a way that exemplifies your trustworthiness.

In research at Ohio State University, Roy Lewicki and Edward C. Tomlinson offer a few practical steps to overcome the conflict created by lack of trust. Read on for their suggestions about how to increase others’ trust in you and rectify your working relationships.

Do your job well

Covey says trust is a function of two things: character and competence. Angela and I were certainly competent when it came to doing our respective parts well. However, a big part of our assignment required us to work interdependently and neither of us was getting that right. People trust others who get stuff done, so when you don’t do your job well — even just a portion of it — it’s harder for people to trust you.

Be congruent

This is where the character comes in. When your words are aligned with your actions, people will trust you. Angela and I were both saying, “Yes we want to move forward.” But in all honesty, we both feared that the other was trying to muck our program, so we weren't doing everything we could to actually move the project forward. That disconnect between our words and our actions caused both of us to seem untrustworthy.

Honor commitments

Trust is built on a consistent pattern of each of us doing what we say we will do. People watch for this and make assessments about your trustworthiness based on it. (The researchers call this “Do What We Say We Will Do,” or DWWSWWD.) You promised you’d have the report ready by the end of the day then turn up empty handed? That’s a strike against your credibility.

Communicate transparently

Remember that hidden agenda perception I mentioned earlier? Yep — total trust killer. When you aren’t transparent about your intentions (e.g. what you’re trying to achieve, what you’re concerned about or what you really want to accomplish in a project meeting), you negate the others’ ability to trust you.

Be compassionate toward others

Trust grows when you show care and concern for others. For example, I never once asked Angela what kept her up at night. We never discussed the business risk or personal vulnerability we felt as we tried to manage these two huge programs. I see now that a simple conversation like that could have been an incredible bridge builder.

When you have to work interdependently — and in this day and age, who doesn’t? — the degree of trust you have with others can make or break your efforts. If you’re looking for ways to up your performance quotient, reduce your stress level and get more satisfaction out of your work, look for opportunities to build more trust with those around you.

See article at: http://mashable.com/2014/09/30/trust-coworkers/

3 ways to revive a job search that's dragging on

If you're not having great luck in your job search and are feeling a little down about it, it's important to remember that you're not alone. In fact, the job search slump hits applicants without discrimination. The timing and the reasons may vary, but feeling discouraged and depleted is an inevitable experience.

But that doesn't mean there's not a solution. If you've been pumping out applications,interviewing, and hustling for a few months without success, perhaps it's time to ask one of the following questions. Use your frustration as fuel to launch a fresh job search strategy.

1. Do you have tunnel vision?

Tunnel vision makes you believe that you must land a specific position, with particular specs and hours, in the industry that you originally targeted. In reality, though, the current job landscape or your skill set may not be conducive to an easy match.

If you've received denial after denial — especially at the same stage of the process (i.e., no one has contacted you to set up an interview) — it's time to step back and re-evaluate. Assess any feedback you've received, and examine whether or not you still feel like you're a strong contender at this particular level or in this specific industry. Perhaps you'll pinpoint that your level of experience is lacking and decide that a course or internship would be helpful before you continue applying to similar roles. In the meantime, you could pivot your existing skill set to another department or industry.

Alternatively, maybe you're hearing from companies, but you're hesitant to commit. Instead of boxing yourself in and feeling like your new job must look a certain way, consider piecing together other types of jobs to give yourself more flexibility.

For example, a "bridge job" — one that pays the bills while you figure out what you really want to do — is a great option for someone who needs financial stability but wants the bandwidth to change careers or build a side business. Bridge jobs may not sound glamorous to your friends and family, but they allow you to pursue your goals in a way you wouldn't be able to if you were working a demanding corporate position.

Expanding your personal vision for your next job — with an eye toward what will best fit your particular needs and long-term goals — will help you discover interesting opportunities that may not have been in your line of sight before.

2. Are you offline?

If your job search keeps you tethered to your computer day and night, you need to evaluate your in-person job search strategy (that is, if you have one at all). The fact is, the vast majority of jobs aren't listed online, they're filled through referrals from existing employees — so if you shift from being job-focused to people-focused, you'll likely notice a change.

If you feel like you've exhausted your current network, start creating new contacts by checking out local meetups, professional organizations, or projects that need someone with your skill set. Go to industry events, meet like-minded folks, and put yourself in a position to collaborate with new and interesting people.

More importantly, for each position you apply to online, find a person — at the company, in the field, or somehow related to the work you hope to do — and introduce yourself to via LinkedIn, Twitter, or email (here's how). Explain your goals, and ask that person if he is available to connect so you could learn more about his experience.

By extending your job search beyond your computer screen (with real-life conversations and new communities), you'll gain access into circles that are otherwise out of reach. Take the initiative to show people your value beyond an online resume and email correspondence.

3. Are you spending enough time doing other things?

Before you protest, let me explain. What I mean is: Do you set aside time every week to do something you love, build out a skill, or feed a creative outlet? As you well know, job searching is tiring and stressful. One day, you could have what feels like a great interview, and the next day, a rejection email arrives from that same company. In order to keep your spirits strong and stay focused, it's vital that you prioritize time for projects that recharge you and give you a sense of achievement.

In his famous 2005 commencement speech, Steve Jobs explained how a calligraphy class, which at the time had no practical application to his life, fundamentally impacted his designs. As he said:

...And we designed it all into the Mac. It was the first computer with beautiful typography. If I had never dropped in on that single course in college, the Mac would have never had multiple typefaces or proportionally spaced fonts. And since Windows just copied the Mac, it's likely that no personal computer would have them. If I had never dropped out, I would have never dropped in on this calligraphy class, and personal computers might not have the wonderful typography that they do.

You never know how your creative pursuits will open up new lanes and provide unique advantages. So, let yourself pursue a hobby that allows your right brain to fire up and stay strengthened. These personal projects will provide new arenas for progress and achievement, which can keep you going on the days that your job search leaves you feeling empty-handed. These projects can build your mental clarity, connect you with other people, and also show up later in your life as unique opportunities.

Keep your job search strategy fresh by taking a step back and expanding your options. It will keep you invigorated and focused and help find your best path — and maybe even your next job.

View full article at http://mashable.com/2015/04/02/reinvigorate-job-search/