That "No Thanks" Letter is Gold!

"After searching online for days, I finally came across a position that must have been written just for me! The industry was a niche I worked in for the past ten years, the qualifications were on point with my experience and the responsibilities were almost identical to my last full time position. I took the time to customize my cover letter and eagerly sent it in…waiting for that call to meet, but no call came.
I was bummed and stumped, but tried to leave it behind until one afternoon a few weeks later. In my stack of mail was a letter, a very thin letter from that company. I opened it up only to read my “No Thanks” letter and proceeded to get frustrated…..."

This note came to me from a former colleague of mine and I had to write about it because we’ve almost all had this experience by now and have felt just like him.

In 2009, searching for a job isn’t easy, but perhaps what’s harder is keeping positive day in and day out. It takes a dedicated effort, some ingenuity and determination to get through the weeks of unemployment and all that comes along with it. To succeed, you have to champion your accomplishments along the way, no matter how small they may seem at the time. Had my dear colleague been able to do just that, he would have seen that letter as a new opportunity. For the first time, he processed a contact name, email and direct-phone number for the recruiter in their Human Resources’ department…and that’s gold!

Staying Fresh in a Stale Job Market…

Yes, while it’s often true that you could probably make more money collecting unemployment. And is flipping burgers or stocking shelves really going to add to your resume? Probably not. So what do you do to keep your skills sharp and still stay active?

Many communities have numerous ways for professional adults to continue their education. Take a look at some of the Adult Education course given at your local high school. I don’t know QuickBooks, and many of us are little rusty on Office 2007, so why not take that evening class at the high school? I’m sure you’ll learn a lot and think of what a great addition to your resume something like QuickBooks would be. Adult Education courses are usually free or have a nominal fee to cover basic costs. And of course, it’s another opportunity to network. But act quickly; these courses usually fill up quickly.

If you are not finding the level of coursework you need at your local high school or community group, check out your local college or universities. Perhaps you can take courses that advance and enhance your current career. It will show perspective employers that you do have a passion for your field and that you are willing to stay current on topics related to your profession. Many college and universities offer courses specifically designed to accommodate working, or unfortunately not working, professionals. Something else to explore is additional certifications. Many industries require additional certifications and training. So get that PHR, C++, PMP or Medical Coder certification while you have the time. It’s much better than sitting at home and will eventually get you more salary when you do get back to the workplace.

Finally, look at some volunteer opportunities. Participate in a community event, walk dogs at an animal shelter or give some time to a charity or non-profit that has positively affected you in some way. Find something that has touched your life or something that you’ll really enjoy, and get involved. If your area of expertise is marketing, than show that local non-profit how to effectively market their events and see how good you feel when they raise a record amount of money. There are so many organizations that need your professional expertise; and it may lead to your next interview. Many professionals give back to their communities and would like to be considered an example to others. So it’s a great chance to meet people in a social setting and network. And with your involvement clearly visible on your resume, it could be that the company you interview with is also affiliated with that organization. And you never know who you’ll meet at that next walk-a-ton, so start hitting the treadmill now.

Of course, always have your resume, references and sales pitch ready. If you are active, involved and have access to influential people, then there’s no excuse not to offer your skills, especially when the benefits could be more than a warm feeling, but could lead to your next job.

If you are searching for a job and not working, you MUST have business cards! In this wireless world, handing someone your resume & cover letter in most settings just doesn't work. However a business card noting your contact info and a blurb as to your talents & niche is perfect, handy and very professional.

I'm getting laid off and don't know where to begin...

Q: I’ve been working with the same company for several years and have just been told that my position is being relocating overseas before the end of the year. Now that I’ve gotten beyond the initial shock, what can I do to prepare for today’s job market?

A: Start with a deep breath and a little determination, the road ahead is not hard too navigate with a little guidance. These basic steps can start you moving in the right direction.

1) Do your homework and get familiar… with yourself!

Determine your Wants vs. Needs. By making this distinction, it will help you to make good decisions as you search for that new job. Get to know your strengths and weaknesses. “To thine own self be true” is best served when you are pursuing your talents and respecting your own limitations. Begin reviewing what types of positions may be a suitable fit to your overall experiences and compliments both your professional and personal goals.

2) Update your Resume and draft a general Cover Letter as your introduction.

It’s always better to do your resume without a pressing deadline looming. Start with an historical timeline and then build on your experiences with bulleted items. We suggest doing so in several shorter writing sessions, allowing you time to re-think and edit the final version.

3) Practice Interviewing.

Just like riding a bike, if you haven’t interviewed in a while, it may seem awkward at first. Look for new or hot Qs that are commonly being used in today’s market, review your resume, and practice well-paced answers avoiding “ums” and long pauses.

4) Update your social networking profiles and your online presence.

First, be sure your profiles on web sites like LinkedIn to Facebook match content from your updated resume. Second, be sure you review your published content for professionalism. While job searching, it’s critical to filter your image, as your name will be Googled before anyone calls you for an interview. Third, begin to review your contacts and explore all of the new connections that may assist your search, i.e. a friend of friend who works for that ideal employer and can make employee referral introduction.

5) Begin your search now, it can take some time.

Partner with a professional Career Coach. We can help you uncover jobs that aren’t posted online and help you streamline your search. Meet with local Recruiters to ensure that they are continually working on your search when you can not be. Lastly, work hard and smart by using job search engines like Indeed.com. These sites can compile jobs from all kinds of sites and have daily email alerts sent to directly you. Better you review and apply to each job there then spend time hitting countless sites and trying to remember which keyword you used last.

With each day ahead, take small steps towards your professional future. Remember, some days may offer a great return and have you preparing for exciting interviews, while others may not so rejoice over the small accomplishments along the way and stay positive. You can and will achieve your goals, as long as you believe in yourself!

From Want-Ads to Want-Me!

Just ten years ago, job seekers awakened early Sunday morning to rush down to their corner store for the Want-Ads classified section of the local newspaper. Eagerly, the unemployed would read the 30 words or less and rush off to the local fax machine, crossing their fingers the whole time. We knew very little about the prospective opportunity, but had high hopes and pushed on.


In 2009, very few companies even consider buying a print ad in their local newspaper or Want-Ads – they’re almost ancient history. Corporate job descriptions now boil over with details and dreams of their ideal hire. While frustrated HR professionals often choose to not post these jobs online after previously being flooded with unqualified candidates time and time again.


So how are people getting hired for the job that they can’t even find? Instead of focusing on Want-Ads and online postings, successful job seekers focus their energies on self-promotion campaigning, ergo “Want-Me.” Nobody knows you better than yourself, so who better than you to communicate your story and message to the marketplace? No one!

Through a combination of traditional techniques and new media marketing, create a campaign targeting your desired audience of prospective employers and have a-go. In more than 15 years of recruiting, never once did I say, “…oh no, someone sent me their resume with a cover letter of introduction!”

With every send, you’re taking another step closer to your long-term goal, forging new business relationships all along the way. Our career coaches are specialists who will work with you through your campaign, guiding your path, helping you jump the hurdles and land firmly on both feet. It all starts with the first small step, speak with a qualified career coach now…after all, your competition is.

What TO Wear...For Women

Through out my recruiting years, I interviewed thousands of candidates of all experience levels and witnessed good and not-so-good first introductions. We’ve all heard the old adage, “you never get a second chance to make a first impression” and that holds true for first interviews perhaps more than anywhere else in our lives. Where else in your life have you stood up from your chair smiling, with your hand extended to have your entire person judged instantly for quality and professional know-how? Let’s take this opportunity to review what TO wear to your interview, allowing you to be your personal-best when you say hello.


Ladies…
Start with the basics, one dark-colored suit. In today’s day and age, there’s no reason for anyone to dictate whether pant suit or a skirt suit is more appropriate. We believe it’s most important for the individual woman to choose whichever she feels more Powerful, and Comfortable wearing. Remember all skirts should hit with in one or two inches from the top of the knee, at their shortest.

Next, choose a solid, light colored shirt that leaves much to the imagination…in other words, no peek-a-boo from undergarments or anything else please. Get dressed and move around in the full suit and shirt together, sitting down, crossing your legs and lifting your arms about and ask yourself, am I fidgeting too much with it to keep the shirt in place and in-turn, is it appropriate.


If you’ve chosen a skirt, you should wear hose even in the middle of summer. There’s a 99% chance your prospective employer has A/C so it doesn’t matter how hot it is outside, you’re dressing for the office interview.

Now onto the feet! If you’re wearing a skirt suit OR a pant suit, the rule here is No open-toed shoes. As to style, flats or heals are fine. They should be a simple, dark colored shoe that’s easy to walk in and heals should be less than three inches high.

Now that you’ve gotten dressed, it’s time for hair, make up and a few choice accessories. Bottom line here is, remember your audience. This isn’t a night out with the girls clubbing.

Your hair should be traditional hair colors and away from your face so you’re not fussing with it through out your meeting. Make-up should be worn naturally, choosing calm colors, i.e. no bright blue mascara or fire-engine-red lips. Nails, we can’t say enough about nails ladies! Please carry the calm, natural look of your facial make up through to your nails. Super-long nails with airbrushed designs and nail-bling have no place in your interview.

When it comes to accessories, less is more so keep them simple and small. Choose earrings that rest on your lobe vs. long and dangling. Wear no more than two or three rings in total and select necklaces that are not-personal and not large and over-powering. Many successful business women still choose the old standard of pearl studded earrings and necklace finding them a simple and safe choice and we agree. We recommend leaving the bracelets at home, as they ding and drag against the table and often need adjusting which distracts attention away from you. Watches are fine but and all other facial jewelry (less that worn for religious purposes) should be removed and left home for interviews, along with any more than two pairs of earrings.

Now just before you walk out that door, a few minor finishing items.

Go gently when applying perfume as many people are sensitive and can’t physically tolerate some scents. Use your smaller purse throwing in only the essentials for your interview and bring along a portfolio to neatly hold your resume, cover letter and pen. Grab those sunglasses (which of course, will not be worn on your head when indoors) and Go Get ‘Em Girl!!


…to be continued!

Gentlemen, please follow us to dress your personal-best for interviews Thursday, July 30th with What TO Wear for Men.