Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Thought for the Day

Always work to give more than you get.

It’s important to keep going.

Despite setbacks, if you just won’t quit, you’ll get to your destination.

Today, you may feel knocked down, but you’re not knocked out, so pick yourself up and keep moving forward.

Failure is not an option for you. You’ve come too far to quit now.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Personal Branding Strategies

In the current economy, it is critical that each job seeker build their brand effectively.

There is a growing trend towards self-employment, outsourcing, and entrepreneurship with corporations. This makes it more important to create your brand and manage it in the marketplace.

The best job security is creating yourself to be a brand that offers value and service. Bottom line, employers look at you as an investment and they want to realize a return.

So the question remains, how do I build and communicate my brand. Your branding is your track record.

Your brand is developed within 3 distinct areas:

1. How you made money for your company
2. How you saved your company money
3. How you improved efficiencies in the organization

When you effectively communicate these 3 things, you will find yourself getting more offers. Many people will communicate this information on their resume and therefore gain the interview. If you find yourself getting interviews and not getting offers, the typical gap is that you are not communicating your brand in the face to face meeting. Although this strategy is simple and fundamental, it is often overlooked and costs job seekers the offers that they desire.

Monday, February 1, 2010

Resume Blasting Services

Seems there is a debate among job seekers - to blast or not to blast your resume over the internet to recruiters or corporate employers.

The bottom line is that there are 2.5 million unfilled jobs currently posted on the internet. In this economy, it is all about marketing. Marketing through the internet as proven to be a multi-billion dollar business. Look at advertising dollars with Google....

Having said that, blasting your resume should not be your only method of marketing yourself. Blasting your resume needs to be part of a comprehensive job search strategy that consists of blasting your resume, networking through former colleagues, networking through social media, attending various job fairs and functions, applying to open advertised positions, etc. Additionally your promotional message on your resume must be consistent with your face to face interviews. If you are getting interviews and not progressing in the hiring process, that typically means that your verbal message isn't in line with your written message (resume).

In this economy, it is paramount that you create the buzz about yourself and play the game to win.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Resume Errors

The number one mistake that people make on their resume is making it TOO LONG. Remember, a resume is a marketing document NOT an autobiography. If you put too much information, you will give the prospective hiring company reasons NOT to see you. A resume should create interest and create conversation. You must include your major accomplishments and responsibilities - nothing more. If there is any "fluff" on the document, take it off. Clear, concise, and brief is the key. Employers will be looking at your resume for 3-5 seconds. Make sure that you have branded it properly so that they will include you in the "call" list.

People do not take the time to read long resumes. You must keep their attention and not hide your major accomplishments between lots of copy. The resume must grad their interest.

Next, do not create your resume yourself. Do you cut your own hair? Of course not. Same thing, you must have a professional document IF you want to compete in today's market.

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Brand Yourself to gain employment quickly

What is a brand? A brand is something that has a unique identity that sets it apart. Knowing that, doesn't it make sense that you, too, need to build your own brand to set yourself apart from your competition? When you apply for a position, it is up to you to "sell" the prospective employer on your brand assets which would be your knowledge, training, talents, track record, and potential future contributions to their organization. Your brand needs to build value in to the organization. Before you go to an interview, think about how you can influence those in your market or organization to greater productivity or contributions. Think about your reach outside of this particular organization. What contacts do you have in the market that can be leveraged to bring business to your next employer? Remember, strong brands deliver on their promise. As you are communicating your unique brand propostion, be sure to communicate how your brand has made a difference for your previous employer.

If you are getting interviews but not moving forward in the hiring process, you can be certain that your resume and your verbal interview are not communicating your brand message effectively. It may be well worth your time to work with an expert to help you develop your brand and your unique strategy in communicating that brand.

Monday, June 15, 2009

How to prepare for an interview

The success of your interview will depend largely on your ability to discover needs and empathize with the interviewer. You can do this by asking questions that verify your understanding of what the interviewer has just said, without editorializing or expressing an opinion. By establishing empathy in this manner, you’ll be in a better position to freely exchange ideas, and demonstrate your suitability for the job.

1) Enthusiasm - Leave no doubt as to your level of interest in the job. You may think it’s unnecessary to do this, but employers often choose the more enthusiastic candidate in the case of a two-way tie. Besides, it’s best to keep your options open. Would you not rather be in a position to turn down an offer, than have a prospective job evaporate from your grasp by giving a lethargic interview?

2) Technical Interest - Employers look for people who love what they do, and get excited at the prospect of attacking the nuts and bolts of the job.

3) Confidence - No one likes a braggart, but the candidate who’s sure of his or her abilities will almost certainly be more favorably received.

4) Intensity - The last thing you want to do is come across as ‘flat’ in your interview. There’s nothing inherently wrong with being a laid-back person; but sleepwalkers rarely get hired.

By the way, most employers are aware of how stressful it can be to interview for a new position, and will do everything they can to put you at ease.

Xodus Advantage serves as expert partners to individuals from the time they contemplate a potential career/job change, through the planning and transition phases. We specialize in making the change process positive and practical by empowering the individual to excel in their job campaign strategies. We are committed to seeing a successful career transition.When individuals find themselves on the job market or interested in a career transition, they are typically very uncertain. It is always nice to offer them the “voice of calm” plus real-world practical strategies to accelerate their down time during the transition.

For a free 30 minute consultation, please contact:
Lori Harbeck - lori@xodusadvantage.com
Janet Blumen - janet@xodusadvantage.com

Friday, May 22, 2009

I'm not getting interviews.......

There are many people that are having the challenge of sending out their resume, yet not getting interviews.

Typically, if you are sending out resumes and not getting response, the diagnosis is that your resume isn't "showcasing" your skills in the best way. Remember, the resume is nothing more than a marketing piece and it is critical that it highlights your expertise in a way to draw attention over your competitor's resume.

I'm wondering how many resumes you have sent out? Are you tracking that information? Sometimes, the resume looks great, however, the person simply isn't sending out enough of them.

Lastly, are you networking to find both posted positions and tap in to the hidden job market?

Take time to evaluate the strength of your resume. Remember, it is not the strength of your career that you are evaluating at this time, but the showcasing of your career on a piece of paper that will be your first "ticket" to gain the interview.

Xodus Advantage serves as expert partners to individuals from the time they contemplate a potential career/job change, through the planning and transition phases. We specialize in making the change process positive and practical by empowering the individual to excel in their job campaign strategies. We are committed to seeing a successful career transition.When individuals find themselves on the job market or interested in a career transition, they are typically very uncertain. It is always nice to offer them the “voice of calm” plus real-world practical strategies to accelerate their down time during the transition.

For a free 30 minute consultation, please contact:
Lori Harbeck - lori@xodusadvantage.com
Janet Blumen - janet@xodusadvantage.com