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!

Q&A: When I asked about salary on my Interview, things changed...

Q: Everything seemed to be going great as we wrapped up my interview when I was asked if I had any additional questions. I was excited and having learned so many details about the company, the job, their expectations and goals, I asked about the annual salary and benefits plan. As the words came out of my mouth, the recruiter’s expression completely change…it was as if I said their family pet died.
Needless to say, I never got a call back for a second interview.

Was I so wrong asking this one question that it negated all of my years of relevant abilities and actually disqualified me from being considered for the job?

A: Frustrating as it may be to hear yes, you may as well have erased your years of related experience and applicable skills when you asked about the compensation package during your first meeting.

Even during these more than trying economical times, first interviews are always all about the potential employer and that company’s needs to hire a qualified professional…after all, that’s why you were invited into their office, right?
Going forward remember, first interviews mean NO “me-questions.” If you are successful at sharing your strengths and accomplishments as they relate to the job description, you will likely be asked back for a second interview where you may ask general “me-questions” towards the end of your meeting.


Don’t forget, until the company formerly extends you a written job offer, the salary, benefits and parking spots technically don’t matter!

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!

What TO Wear...For Men

Alright gentlemen; let’s take few minutes to focus on you and how you can present your best to make a great impression at your next job interview. In this unique job market, each advantage could be the deciding factor between you getting the offer vs. someone else, so let’s capitalize upon this opportunity!

Let’s start with the core of your presentation, the suit. Without question, it should be dark in color and subtle in pattern, like pin striping for example. Light colors and heavy patterns should be saved for social gatherings or events unrelated to interviewing. Today’s business fashion call for a two or three button jacket, which leaves that double-breasted number tucked away deep inside the closet. Just as important as the overall look of the suit, is the fit. Men’s clothing stores have tailors, as do most local dry cleaners, so use this opportunity to make it fit perfectly. Nothing makes a man stand taller than a sharp power suit that looks like it was made for personally him. And have no fear; this investment will only add a few dollars onto the bottom line and brings a strong return.

Next is the shirt. First and foremost, it must be a long sleeved shirt. Even on the hottest of summer days, short sleeves button-down shirts are not considered corporate attire and are inappropriate for your interview. Remember you are dressing for an office interview, not the outdoors. As to color, solid white is the classic choice. However, to show a little personality and leave a long-lasting mark in the recruiter’s mind, you may choose an embossed pattern on white, beige or light blue, or perhaps a plain light pink.

Time to talk ties! Out of all of the “interesting” attire I have witnessed interviewing thousands of professionals through the years; it’s been men’s ties that have missed the mark time and again. One, yes your tie should be professionally focused, however that does not mean off-hours musicians should arrive with piano-keyboard ties! Think about it, have you ever seen an accountant in a tie with numbers on it? Exactly! Two, avoid solid colored ties for interviews and choose either a stripe or pattern that compliments your shirt and suit. Your tie and pocket square should you choose to wear one are your chance to show a little bit of your style. Third, keep it clean or buy a new tie for your interview. Ties so easily stain and can easily pill, so look closely in indoor and outdoor lights before you throw it on. And lastly, make certain when tied it’s hitting the bottom of your belt, no higher and no lower.

Now let’s discuss footwear. Men should always wear dark colored dress shoes to their interview. Loafer or lace-up is mostly a personal preference, however loafers are considered more informal. Get up close with your shoes before you walk out the door to ensure they are clean and polished. Dirty or scuffed shoes do not say “this is a polished professional.” And socks, never, ever wear white socks to an interview. Consider this like when mom would tell you to always wear clean underwear when you go out. Don’t be caught dead in anything other than dress shoes with dress socks that match the color of your suit. This will also extend the line of the leg and make you looking longer and leaner.

Now that you’ve gotten dressed and you’re looking and feeling good, it’s time for personal grooming and a few choice accessories. Bottom line here - remember your audience. This isn’t a night out with the boys.

When it comes to men’s hair, there are very few times when going without a haircut is ok, and this isn’t one of them. Remember, you want to look polished and that means trimmed and neat! When using “product,” please keep it natural and leave out the stiff-looking gel. It’s always recommended that gentlemen shave all facial hair (beard, goatee and/or mustache). Even in 2009, some organizations have strict corporate policies against facial hair. And if using an after-shave or cologne, please apply sparingly as other’s may be hyper-sensitive or be allergic. As to accessories, please fellas, no major bling-bling for interviews! You may wear a ring or two, a label pin, a watch, but no necklaces, earrings or facial jewelry.

From head to toe, you’re now ready to take on the world and make a fabulous first impression with your prospects. But before you walk out that door…grab a portfolio to neatly hold your resume, cover letter and pen.

Now Go Get ‘Em, Guys!

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.

Forget Iced-Tea, THIS is the BEST STUFF ON EARTH!!

Update on the job search...

From Vicky: I landed a new teaching job in SANTA MONICA!!!! And I owe a piece of my success to you for your amazing encouragement and positivity!!! Thank you thank you thank you for keeping me sharp with my resume and keeping the spirit alive!!! We MUST hang when I get back to the island, which I will be able to do since the money will be SO much nicer than what I was making this year!

I'm so proud of Vicky...just days back she was feeling like her budding career was smashed out like a half-smoked cigarette, after receiving the news of her unexpected lay-off. This was a normal reaction, but from such a seemingly strong person like Vicky? That isn’t the Vicky we’ve all grown to know and appreciate! However when any professional is handed this unfortunate decision, it’s a normal reaction to feel muted and as though there are few career options ahead in this unique job market.

So Vicky and I got to work! We identified her challenges and faced them head-on. We took out the red pen and went to work updating her resume to truly express her depth of knowledge, strengths and contributions to both her employers and her students. We found new ways to get interviews for job openings, dispelling rumors that no one is hiring today. And with a deep breath, some new tools and a lifted confidence, Vicky headed back into the market space, ready and willing to talk shop with any and all relevant prospects.

Vicky thanked me…but she really needs to thank herself as well. I’m a coach, I only influenced her direction and decisions, Vicky got the gumption and made it happen! (…and I bet, no - I know, it didn’t even hurt a bit!)

Go get ‘em Vicky!!! You are an inspiration to job seekers everywhere!!
~Jennifer

What's an Informational Interview anyway?

No doubt many of you recent college grads have been given the opportunity to come in and meet with HR for an Information Interview. In this market we see professional of all levels being offered this option more and more as well.

This style isn’t the standard job focused interview, but more so an exploratory meeting where you may ask the majority of the questions to the prospective employer. The desired outcome for all is a strong foundation of information for both parties with future aspirations of an employee-employer relationship as suitable positions become available.

Below are 11 Informational Interview Questions that touch upon several areas. This is a great condensed list that you may use as a guide, adding questions along the way as they naturally develop from conversation with the Human Resources professional or hiring manager.

11 Informational Interview Questions

•What is a typical day like in your job?
•What part of this job do you personally find most satisfying, and most challenging?
•How did you get started in this field?
•Why did you decide to work for this company?
•What do you like most about this company?
•Why do customers/clients choose this company?
•How does your company differ from its competitors?
•How is the economy affecting this industry? Has the company made any recent changes to improve its business practices and profitability?
•In what areas do you see the company expanding? Do you foresee the opening of new markets or greater globalization? Do you predict development of new services?
•What is the company's mission statement?
•What can you tell me about the corporate culture?

After all of the questions have been asked and answered, seal the deal with a personalized Thank You note or email highlighting some of your relative strengths and potential contributions.

Going forward, mark your calendar to check in every 3-4 weeks to reconfirm your interest and continue building the relationship.

Happy Hunting!
Jennifer