The Winter Olympics has started in Sochi, Russia. We are acqainted with the incredible discipline, focus, and persistence of the world’s best athletes. My thesis is that even the non-athletes among us can learn from their example. I have no doubt, job seekers can benefit from taking an ‘Olympian-inspired’ approach to their searches.
So, how do you job-search like an Olympian?
First, let’s consider the four best practices athletes leverage to make it to the Olympic level. First, they establish clear goals and sustain that goal focus over time. They know exactly what they need to achieve in their training and competitive events, and they harness their energy and efforts to accomplish those goals.
Second, they dedicate whatever time, resources, or money they need to succeed. If this means investing in new tools, coaching, or specialised support, they do so.
Third, they practice their sport consistently. This single-minded pursuit of excellence is integrated into their daily schedule and they faithfully train their bodies and their minds to exhibit peak performance on an automatic level.
Fourth, they learn to adapt to constantly changing environments and circumstances. They master the inner game of excellence while taking advantage of the shifts and changes around them to fuel next-level performance.
How to job search like an professional sportsman?
Let’s take a look at how each of these Olympic best practices relates to the job search process:
• Establish clear goals and sustain focus
An effective job search begins and ends with a thorough plan. Without a job search strategy you have no roadmap to guide your investment of time and energy. This means defining your preferred job titles, functions, and levels of roles, as well as your target companies, industries, and geographic areas.
It also means, for example, setting weekly and monthly targets for the numbers of contacts you plan to make and the volume of resumes you plan to submit throughout your search. If target about 30 resumes out the door each week for at least three months, it means your strategy has to provide structure for outreach to 300 or more targeted roles in your preferred geographic area(s).
An effective job search plan also details the strategies you will use to produce the outflow of resumes just mentioned. There are a handful of tried-and-true search strategies – which ones best meet your needs and search personality
• Dedicate time,
resources and money
There are many more career communications tools to consider – which best align with your chosen search strategies? If you’re going to be targeting recruiters, for example, you’ll need a recruiter letter which has a different structure and format than a job board or company letter.
You may also need other resources. How will you find all the recruiters you need to contact? Will a recruiter database or resume blasting service help?
• Practice and prepare
Of course, part of the job search is about practicing interviewing skills, and salary negotiations, but it’s also about preparing for say, networking
All of these functions and the many, many more that constitute an effective search all require a certain amount of “how to” knowledge. The Olympian-inspired job seeker will recognise the importance of accessing training or coaching on these issues rather than wasting precious severance time figuring out the basics on your own.
By the way, if you don’t already know how to effectively leverage LinkedIn status updates to broadcast your brand in classy ways, then find a coach who can shortcut the process for you. Yes, you’re intelligent enough to figure it out over time, but how many opportunities will you lose out on while you do so?
• Adapt to recruiting,
hiring and labour market shifts
Recruiting, hiring, and job search practices shift constantly to reflect evolving market realities. This means the savvy job seeker has to stay on top of emerging trends on a wide array of topics, from resume best practices and Applicant Tracking System technologies to LinkedIn features and Google SEO tactics.
While you don’t have to be an expert in such areas, you do need to know enough to determine what, if any, changes in your job search strategies you need to make.
Personal branding trends are constantly evolving, as well. Preview personal branding trends for 2014 in this recent blog post.
The bottom line is that an effective job search requires an investment of focus, energy, time, and money like that required of Olympians in pursuit of bronze, silver, or gold medals. For most job seekers, it’s realistic to expect that you will have to invest one to two per cent of your annual income each year in your career in the form of professional development, coaching, job searches, and/or career communications tools such as resumes or LinkedIn profiles in order to maximise your career and minimise your transitions between roles.
How much have you set aside to spend on your career in the year?
???????????????????????????????
The 10 key components of a great resume
A great resume is the first opportunity you have to make an impression on a hiring manager or a recruiter. And it’s important to make a great first impression. The average recruiter spends mere seconds scanning your resume so you need to make yourself stand out. We’ve compiled a list of some important factors to keep in mind when creating or updating your resume. Here’s a list of the 10 key components of a great resume:
1. Organised format
Structure your resume in an organized manner; keep your font traditional, your lay-out appealing, and your spacing consistent. You want your resume to stand out, so don’t be afraid to experiment with colors and design. However, know your audience and be sure you are representing yourself professionally first and foremost.
2. Correct spelling/grammar
Spell check everything at least twice and have someone else proofread it before you submit it.
3. Professional attitude
List a professional sounding e-mail address—not “partyanimal_687” or “2cool4u15.” Also, list a phone number that is attached to a professional voicemail greeting. Potential employers don’t need to hear reality TV, loud music, kids crying, or road noise in the background. If this means you have to re-record your voicemail greeting, so be it.
4. Objective keywords
Leave out subjective words like “reliable” and “hard-working.” A potential employer is not going to bring you in for an interview because you say you’re reliable. They are going to bring you in because they think you can solve a problem for them.
5. Keywords from the job description
Incorporate words into your resume that are listed in the job description of the position you’re applying for. This will help a hiring manager quickly see that you’re a fit for the position and it will also help resume scanning software signal you out as a potential match.
6. Brief explanations for employment gaps and layoffs
If you were let go from several positions due to downsizing, mention this. If you have a large gap in your employment history, explain what you were doing during that time and what you learned.
7. Relevant job/internship/volunteer history
If you’re a veteran in your industry, you don’t need to list the very first job you had decades ago. Keep your employment history to the past 10-15 years if you have a substantial amount of industry related experience. If you’re a recent graduate, listing the part-time job you had in college is fine—but you also want to list any internships, volunteer work, coursework, or projects you had that are relevant to the job. Unpaid experience still counts.
8. Effective use of space
Treat each word on your resume like beach-front property—space is so valuable. Make every word you use count. That sets up the a lot of white space in your resume that makes a pleasure to read
9. Customised cover letter
Your cover letter (i.e. Application Letter) should contain content that is different from your resume and should match up very well with the job description. Of course, this means you will need to re-write it for each job you apply for.
10. Realistic expectations
Be optimistic, but realistic. If a job description lists a required task that you’re confident you can do, try to word your past experience to reflect it. But if a job description lists seven required skills or certifications and you only have three of them, then you don’t meet the qualifications and shouldn’t apply.
With the start of a new year, it’s a great time to update your resume and reflect a bit on your strengths and job specific skills. Being able to effectively and succinctly summarize your skills, education, and experience is important for everyone—regardless of whether you intend to seek employment in the near future. These resume tips are intended to help you put forth the best possible impression of yourself on paper. You only get one chance to make a great impression, so make yours count!
????????????????????????????
Nine good reasons you’re still unemployed
“Why am I still unemployed?”This plaintive question is one I’m asked a great deal. I’d like to give a few brief reasons you’re still unemployed.
1. You aren’t networking enough.
Almost all jobs these days are found through networking. If you’re applying through job boards, searching the internet, counting on recruiters or responding to want ads…you’re not doing enough. And, as I’ve said elsewhere, your resume is almost useless.
2. Your personal presentation is offensive.
Don’t go in with one of those “stubble beards.” Either actually have a beard or be clean-shaven. The people who are probably making the hiring decision really, really hate the three day stubble beards that are the norm among younger men. Chewing gum, not dressing for the interview, arguing, and saying what you will and won’t do are all interview killers.
3. You’re asking too much money.
Look, there is a “great reset” going on. Salaries are lower these days.. Frankly, we’re not going to hire someone with that huge of a salary gap. It isn’t the problem of employers you have lived beyond your means. Everyone is tight these days. Don’t go asking for a large salary and tons of perks. You might well have to bite the bullet and take much less to get off of the unemployment rolls.
4. You’re very overqualified.
Realistically, I’m not going to hire someone with 10+ years of experience with a great deal of responsibility in their last job for an entry-level job. Entry-level jobs will be filled by entry-level people. All you do when you apply for these things is annoy the employer. I know you might be desperate. But it is better to consult or start your own business, than to apply for entry-level jobs. When I see someone with extensive experience applying for an intern job, I’m not even going to interview them. I know that they’ll be gone in a heartbeat if something in their field comes along, and that they won’t stay and grow with my company. I also know they’re going to second guess me, not be coachable and generally be a pain in the neck. Don’t bother to apply for these jobs.
5. You’re using “shotgun” approach to applying.
I made the mistake of running an ad on one of the major job boards one time. BIG mistake. Everyone and their sibling applied, even with 0% of the qualifications. The rule of thumb is — if you don’t have at least 60% of the qualifications called for, don’t apply. You’re wasting your time.
6. Your attitude stinks.
You might be coming across as having an arrogant or generally bad attitude. Self righteousness, self-opinionated, coyness, and many more negative vibes. If someone is not upbeat and positive, I will rapidly end the interview.
7. You’re angry or depressed or both.
Your anger is not hurting the “jerks” who fired you or laid you off. It is, however, killing you physically and killing your career. Get over it. Realistically, if you were fired, you most likely deserved it. If you were laid off, it was nothing personal…just a business decision. Deal with your anger before interviewing. Some depression is normal during a time when you’ve lost your job. But if you’re always in a dark mood, crying, unmotivated and not sleeping, see your family doctor at once.
8. You can’t communicate.
Don’t make the interviewer crowbar information out of you. If you can’t communicate well, you won’t get employed. If you do happen, by some miracle, to get employed, you won’t last long. Same goes for if you evasive. If you’re asked a question, answer it. Don’t beat around the bush, and don’t give stupid canned answers. A clear example of this is the number of people who say, when asked about a weakness, “I guess I’m just too much of a self-motivated, self-starter who is too hard on himself.” Stupid answer.
9. You’re unprepared.
I’ll be very clear. If you go up against one of my highly prepared candidates, you’re going to lose and lose big. Don’t be cheap! Hire someone to help you with interviewing, networking and finding the hidden jobs. If you’re an executive in Denver Metro, talk to us about hiring us. If you’re elsewhere, find a good, honest career coach. But be careful.
While some people are long-term unemployed for no reason, we can usually see a reason when someone can’t seem to find a job. Those who have a great attitude and have been able to overcome depression, anger and unrealistic expectations, will usually land in a hurry. Good luck!
????????????????????????
Seven tips on creating workplace self-motivation
Workplace motivation is one of those interesting things. We think it should just drop out of the sky like magic but it never really does. We also don’t really think about how to create motivation for ourselves. However, we really can create it with the right tools.
First, let’s get on the same page about what motivation is. Motivation is what causes you to take action. Clearly, you’re at work so you do have some motivation because your action is going to work and performing your job. What we are talking about is feeling engaged and inspired about the actions you do take.
Let’s look at some of the tools you can use to get fully engaged and motivated in the workplace:
1. Change
There’s nothing like changing things to really get the juices going. You don’t want to change things just for the sake of changing; however, you want to change things that don’t work well.
With that, you must have a vision of what the right outcome would be and then you apply your steps to create the action for change.
2. Goals
Many times, the lack of motivation is due to a lack of direction or goals. Sit down and figure out what would really get you up in the morning and make that your goal.
Having a goal isn’t enough, though. It has to be a goal that you yearn for or have some emotions about. Once established, put together a plan for how you will achieve your goals. Keep in mind SMART for goals = Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Resonate, Time bounded if you really are going to shot for something worth having.
3. Be accountable
The vast majority of us want to do things but we’re really lazy about doing them. It’s often easier to diet or workout with someone because we have a person that is looking for us to perform. Find someone to hold you accountable to yourself and be willing to trade off the favor.
4. Clean up your own internal litter
We all have baggage, but sometimes we have so much of it cluttering up our life that it bogs us down and we fail to see what’s possible. Creating a clutter-free physical work environment also gives significant push to get on with work at hand.
5. Surround yourself with the right people
Yes, your mother was right… it is important to hang out with the right people. In this case, hang out with people who are inspired and motivated as it will be contagious.
6. Research the issue
Find out from others what motivates them. In the process, you may hear something that would really be great for you. Don’t be afraid to copy what works.
7. Cop an attitude
Motivation creates more motivation. Look for it and it will be there. We often get hung up about our ability to control things in the workplace. The one thing we can control is our attitude and approach to various workplace challenges. Change your perception or paradgme. You will see how things are different, even with the same facts!
These tools for workplace motivation are simple to do which means there is nothing but you holding you up from trying them.
???????????????????????
Secret for resounding success at job interviews
I swear, I used to get hives at the thought of an interview until, by some twist of fate, the roles were reversed and I actually became an interviewer myself (bwahaha – insert evil grin here!).
However, I’ve come to learn that, contrary to popular belief, the interviewer isn’t out to set you up for failure… who knew? So, as a show of good faith, I’ll give you some of my best learned secrets from the other side of the curtain. Here are six secrets for crushing job interviews:
1. Confidence: fake it till you make it real
The best advice I can give is to be confident and remember that you’ve made it this far for a reason. Hold your head up high, don’t trip, and remember, ‘you got this.’ Interviews are one of the few times in life where narcissism is accepted and maybe even embraced. Remember, there’s a fine line between confidence and arrogance but during the interview process, you want a beautiful balance of both.
*Side note – if you’re naturally arrogant, then disregard my previous statement: For you I say, smile and sit down – you ain’t all that!
2. Be a stalker
Knowledge is key and Google is your new best friend. Before you step foot in that interview, you should know everything there is to know about that company. Google it, Facebook it, and study their Linkedin page like you’ve never had anything better to do in your life. Also, if you’re lucky enough to know who’s interviewing you… stalk away, my friends. Knowledge is power, and we live in the 21st century where a simple Google search can make or break your ability to shine.
3. Read between the lines
Just about every last one of us has been asked, “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” Funnily enough – curve ball coming your way here – we don’t actually care what you think your strengths and weaknesses are. The reason this question hasn’t been updated in 100 years is because it gives away so much about a person.
· Are they prepared? (Again, it’s been a question for 100 years.. how did you not see that coming?)
· Do they have a solid grasp on their own abilities?
· It’s also really fun to watch how people try to turn their ‘weaknesses’ into a (not-so-humble) strength. This shows creativity, thoughtfulness, and an ability to turn negative things into positive.
· We know you Googled your answer… just so you know! But your ability to deliver and articulate is what’s actually key here.
Is your mind blown yet?
4. Wave your freak flag
Ok, maybe not literally – but subtly and just enough to stand out from the crowd and make the interviewer remember you. Maybe test this out on a few people and make sure you’re not too far out in left field. But if you grew up on a sheep farm (please withhold Kiwi jokes here as I am, in fact, a New Zealander!) or have participated in a triathlon, mention it when it feels right. Keep it short and sweet. Don’t bore them with details but show off that you have a personality and would fit well with their environment.
5. Don’t settle
Many people come into interviews borderline desperate to get a job. Whether it’s personal financial stress or this happens to be your dream job, calm yourself. It is every bit as important to be prepared for their questions as it is for them to be prepared for yours. Don’t settle, you’ll regret it. Ever heard the expression, “Don’t gamble with scared money?” Well, it applies with new jobs ten times over. Don’t go into a job so desperate to be hired that you forget to stop and think, ‘is this really what’s best for you?’
6. Break a leg
Don’t forget to smile and breath throughout the entire process. It’s only an interview, it’s only a job. While it may be the answer to your prayers, or your bank account’s prayers, it’s still not the end of the world. If you’re prepared and qualified, the rest will fall into place. Que sera sera! (Whatever will be, will be.).
