Don’t Be Lazy in Your Job Search

Last week, I caught up on some of the television shows I’ve wanted to see.  One of the shows focused on the difficulty many are experiencing in finding a job in these tough economic times.  The main person in the story was a seasoned career executive who had been out of work for 18 months.  He had a positive demeanor (despite his circumstances), professional presence and what seemed to be a respectable resume.

So, why hasn’t he found a job?

That was my first question.  However, as I continued to watch, his problem became apparent.  He had been lazy in his search!  For 18 months, the only thing he’s done to try and find a job is go to an outplacement center everyday and submit on-line applications.

If you haven’t learned anything else while following this blog, you must know that I am a STRONG advocate for trying multiple approaches to a job search.  While moving out of your comfort zone is never easy, if you don’t want to end up unemployed for 18 months or longer, you must stretch yourself.

If you aren’t familiar with social media and social networking, I’m sure you know at least one young person who is.  Ask him/her to show you how to use these options to get yourself and your credentials out there for others to see.  You’re shy and aren’t good at meeting people, no problem!  Read back through several of my former blog posts for some great ideas on how to get started.

In today’s labor market, it is highly competitive.  If you are to be the one to hear, “You’re hired,” you’re going to do more than the basics.  To only rely on one (outdated!) method to find a job will truly do you a disservice.  Take a chance and try new things.  By incorporating multiple efforts in your search, you greatly increase your chances of landing the job you want.

Until next time….

Could Your Job Be In Trouble?

In today’s economy, there’s no such thing as a “stable” job or company.  It’s too bad, but that’s the reality we now face.  One of the secrets to survival and success in today’s job market is to stay one step ahead of any pending changes to your job.  To do that, you must pay attention to what’s going on around you in order to see the signs.

If you’re wondering what you should look for while paying attention, here are a few hints: 

1. Check your own performance.   For your ego, this may be a hard thing to do, but it’s necessary in order to determine your “organizational value.”  Ask yourself the following questions:
   1. If I were to leave, what impact would it have on my department, coworkers and boss?
   2. What value am I really bringing to my employer?
   3. What was the last feedback I received about my performance from my boss?
   4. Do I get along with my coworkers, or am I considered to be a trouble maker?
2. Time is not your friend.  If you have time to “surf the net,” play computer games or do anything else besides work, this could be a good indicator that your job won’t be needed too much longer.  In this era of downsizing where companies are requiring employees to do the work of two (or more) people, having a lot of extra time on your hands could be the writing on the wall, “We don’t need you.”
3.  Busy work is the new norm.  If some of your company’s clients have moved on to greener pastures and you’re doing a lot of “busy work,” this could certainly be a sign of the end.  Even when you’re a valued employee and your job creates tremendous impact, you will only be kept around for so long to sort old files and rearrange office furniture if there aren’t enough clients to fund your income!
4. Rumors of M&A.  If your company has divested itself of divisions of your company, and if there are rumors of a merger or acquisition with another company, you should brush the dust off of your resume and begin to circulate it.  It’s a rare (if impossible) occasion to see a company take such steps and not follow it up with layoffs.
5. Like friend, like friend.  If you have friends or professional colleagues in similar jobs within the same industry who begin to suffer layoffs, there’s a good chance that your company and job are next.  Industry layoffs tend to happen in waves; what you see happen with your direct competitors could be a sure sign of what may be coming your way, especially if your company isn’t the industry leader.

The most important thing you can do is to pay attention to what’s happening around you.  If you notice a change, don’t stick your head in the sand and act like it’s not happening.  Too many employees get “caught with their pants down” because they ignored the warning signs that were glaring in their sight….until it was too late.

Until next time…..

Beauty and the Job – My Thoughts

In my last post, I attached an article I read 2-3 months ago which talked about the part looks play in getting a job.  And, I also mentioned that I’d add my commentary this time around, so here goes.

As much as people don’t want to hear this, it’s true; at least to some degree.  While I’m not aware of any recruiter (at least none I know!) who would hire someone strictly based on looks, I’d be willing to bet that most recruiters would hire the more attractive person if they interviewed two people with similar sets of credentials.

Why, you ask?

I don’t know.  It could be our society’s ridiculous pre-occupation with physical appearance and our inability to resist it.  It could be because even the Bible says, “While man looks at the outward appearance, God judges the heart.”  If God said it, it must be true, right?  Whatever the reason, it’s wrong and we all know it.

However, there are many things in our society that are wrong, but they still are.  If you feel you others would overlook you because of your physical appearance, there are a few things you can do to help your cause:

1.  Work very hard to make your credentials as strong as they can be.  As a recruiter, even if you have someone in your office who’s drop-dead gorgeous, it’s next to impossible to pass up a really strong candidate!

2.  Smile!  It sounds simple, but people who have a pleasant demeanor always help themselves by showing it to others.  No one wants to hire or work with a curmudgeon!

3.  Dress one level up.  There’s an old saying that applies here – “Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.”  Make sure your clothes are nice (not necessarily expensive); meaning they are clean and pressed, fit well, colors that bring out your features, appropriate for the occasion, etc.  If you wear clothing that enhances your natural look, believe me, others will notice.

4.  Be the best you, you can be.  Have you ever known someone who, at first glance, didn’t appeal to you, but as you got to know them better, their great personality made them look better?  Well, it’s true when searching for a job.  If you are a positive person, let others know it.  If you have a great sense of humor, fuse it into your job search.  By being the best you, you can be, it can transform any opinion others may have of you.

Until next time….