CAREEREALISM - Latest Comments

Re: ATTN LADIES: Want FREE Job Search Makeover? Seriously, Here’s Your Chance!

facebook-523362585 — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:14:37 -0000

New York women -- enter for a chance to win a free job search "Makeover" ...

Re: T.A.P. Q#361 – Hey Mr. Hiring Manager! What’s the Deal?

mdubay — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:25:20 -0000

I know what you are going through! I know I have had similar experiences with job hunting. Very Frustrating...but simply put, the company may have a couple more people they are looking at and they have yet to complete all of the same interviews that you have.

Or

The hiring manager may have vacation time coming and wants to take care of the hiring process when he/she comes back -- this has happened to me before

Or

The company decided to go in a different direction --- this reason got me a couple of times

Re: Top 3 Reasons People Don’t Use Social Media for Job Search

Anand — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:53:45 -0000

I don't know how much Facebook helps, but LinkedIn has been awesome..not just in job search, but in building business for your company as well..It has got me several hundred thousands worth of business..

Re: ATTN College Grads: This Entry-level Career Can Open Doors (Lots of Them!)

lakrishia — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:40:45 -0000

Can someone elaborate on this? I'm pretty sure I'm missing the point. So, you assist for a living? If assisting is considered an entry-level job, why would you say an assistant instead of getting promoted? If you're an assistant, how do you jump from industry to industry?

I understand how this is a way to get your foot in the door and I understand getting hired from within/promoted, but the concept of assisting, I don't understand outiside of an administrative or personal sense.

Can someone explain this in more detail, please?

Re: 4 Actions That Got People Jobs (In This Recession!)

Vee — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:50:56 -0000

Wow this is my favorite article by far!

Re: 4 Actions That Got People Jobs (In This Recession!)

dawnbugni — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:43:29 -0000

JT - I love career success stories and you've given us four great ones. On top of that, it's woven together with tremendous job search advice. Sometimes, a change in approach is all that's needed to jump start a stagnating search or career. Everything you share is brilliant!

Re: 4 Actions That Got People Jobs (In This Recession!)

edgarf — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:17:34 -0000

"Treat the job search like a game and play it by your rules. "

Right on target. It is very basic, but *will* provide results. I was a "professional job seeker" for 5 years and agree wholeheartedly with your suggestion.

Re: 4 Actions That Got People Jobs (In This Recession!)

executiveresumewriter — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:15:36 -0000

Loved the stories. I thought your advice to spend a few minutes a day daydreaming about her ideal job was GREAT. It keeps a clear focus and puts all her energy into getting that job.
I also thought the birthday party story was excellent. I always tell my clients things like that..."you never know where your next opportunity to network might be..."

Nice post!

Erin Kennedy

Re: Top 3 Reasons People Don’t Use Social Media for Job Search

art11 — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:39:36 -0000

the final line says this: "If you want a job, the choice is clear. Use social media." but this doesn't follow from the article at all. The article says NOTHING about how to actually get a job. it just regurgitates accepted social networking and job-search dogma.

Re: 10,000 Hour Rule: Why Young Workers Struggle after College (and why some seasoned professionals do too!)

robinmelina — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:22:02 -0000

This applies to independent work too - I have logged in almost 10,000 hours of study, research, project proposals, networking, seminars, cold calls, sales, workshops, business presentations, independent contracting, teaching and designing. I am finally getting the hang of it. Lesson for independents: ramp up, have a part-time, be patient, go the long haul so that you develop a "specialty" or a niche product that can earn a contract for larger projects, refine, refine, research and refine. Great article, JT and since I also teach Career development to my advanced English-speakers in the university, I will incorporate your article (after I ask you for the permissions, not immediately). Thanks.

Re: 4 Actions That Got People Jobs (In This Recession!)

Mariel Chua — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:31:42 -0000

Hi, JT!

Thank you for these very useful tips! I liked how you wrote this using real and inspiring examples. Having lost two jobs last year, I've decided to take some time off from New York for now, but I plan on commencing on my job search full speed ahead come springtime. I shall read this article again for sure.

On another note, I'm not sure if my email ever got to you via the customer service box on your website. I recently guest-blogged for Cosmo.ph, and wanted to share with you this career article I also posted on my own blog, NyMinuteNow.com. It's called "No-nonsense Career Advice" and you'll find it at: http://www.nyminutenow.com/2009/10/no-nonsense-...

Hope it helps your readers as well. Please feel free to repost and share!

Thank you and best regards,
Mariel

Re: T.A.P. Q#356 – She’s a Bully…But Only When She’s Alone With Me

Tanya — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:40:19 -0000

I'd find a way to either have a small recorder handy and record her abusive and unprofessional behavior or get someone you trust to listen in when she thinks she's alone with you then take it to HR and get an attorney just in case it goes further... There has to be some sort of solid proof so that this unacceptable behavior stops. I'd also consider mustering all of your courage and strength and stand up to her. Do it professionally but stand your ground and tell her that you are NOT going to take this sort of abuse any longer and that she'll be reported if it continues. Check with friends, clergy, police to get input about how to best handle this situation so that you remain professional and poised, and not lower yourself to her level. I agree that she sounds threatened so don't take it personally...Remain confident in who you are and stand your ground. Good luck!

Re: Workplace Sarcasm: When Being Funny Hurts Your Career

twitter-8068152 — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:51:55 -0000

An extreme case. I am curious how sarcasm and cliques affect teams, though. Seems to bond some employees while potentially causing mistrust for others.

Re: What That Job Description REALLY Means

twitter-16828628 — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:16:10 -0000

Some very funny examples, this really underlines the need as the candidate to be very focused and laser in your questions. My favourite is "What does a person taking this job need to do over the next three to six months in order to be considered successful?" Make sure you are being given measurable expectations and indicators.

The job application process is a two way process so do not be shy in asking the tough questions to establish if you are really applying for the CEO role of the Janitors - both might need to clean up messes! Just my toonies worth.

Re: 60 Seconds of Networking Advice

twitter-27018757 — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:01:13 -0000

Thanks for the great article Rosa! I am going to share your networking tips with my clients.

Jessica Holbrook
Executive Resume Writer
Great Resumes Fast
http://www.greatresumesfast.com
Jessica@greatresumesfast.com

Re: 7 Steps Worth Climbing: How to Open a Career Door

twitter-27018757 — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:58:32 -0000

I really enjoyed this article especially think like the employer. I share similar advice with my clients. I am going to repost your article to my network so others will see I'm not the only one sharing this advice!

Jessica Holbrook
Executive Resume Writer
Great Resumes Fast
http://www.greatresumesfast.com
Jessica@greatresumesfast.com

Re: 4 Actions That Got People Jobs (In This Recession!)

Miriam Salpeter — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 23:45:25 -0000

JT -
I love the fact that your post reminds job seekers that anything is possible! It is tough to keep in mind during this difficult market, but such an important message. I'm so glad to have the opportunity to collaborate with you - demonstrating by example the importance of reaching out via the Internet and in-person to work for success!

Re: 7 Steps Worth Climbing: How to Open a Career Door

anil134 — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:44:32 -0000

Great article. I found this free template for writing cover letters that Diane Garnick wrote. I guess emails are the new cover letter.

http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=268908...

Re: T.A.P. Q#356 – She’s a Bully…But Only When She’s Alone With Me

RTResumepro — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:36:50 -0000

Bullying is not only "top down". As your experience shows, it can happen between colleagues. Read my post; I think it will help. http://jobsearchingwithrob.blogspot.com/2009/09....

Re: 4 Actions That Got People Jobs (In This Recession!)

barbarasafani — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 21:37:13 -0000

J.T.,

I really like your comment about networking with people outside of your normal networking circles. You never know who someone else knows. And thanks for the shout out to the Career Collective.

Re: 4 Actions That Got People Jobs (In This Recession!)

gaylehoward — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 17:17:26 -0000

Fantastic post and great advice. Networking outside social events is so true. Many people think that networking is another word for "exploitation". Nobody likes to be used for what they know and then dropped when they're no longer of any use! Networking is crucial in today's job hunt, but as you say, it needs to be something worked at and nurtured. Jobseekers should treat their friends, colleagues and circle of influencers as assets, not just to their careers, but in enriching their lives in general!

Re: Am I Too Old To Find Work?

RTResumepro — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 11:39:45 -0000

If you are 'too old to work', then it was your choice. Workplace Marketability can be age-neutral; it's REALLY all up to you. Here, read on...

10 Tips for Neutralizing Age-Bias

Yesterday’s Baby-Boomers, today’s mature workers, may be facing for the first time a bias towards younger workers. Here's the GOOD! They don’t have to.

Is there a bias towards the younger worker? If so, then our one-time “Baby Boomers”, today’s mature worker, may for the first time be facing age discrimination, yes? Well...only if you can prove it. The question then becomes ‘what good would it do you if you did...a job with that organization? Would you want that? NOT! Okay, here’s the deal: The key for the mature professional conducting a job search, according to Randolph L. Stevens, Founder and President of R.L. Stevens & Associates, a 28-year old full service career firm, is authenticating relevancy, fit and adaptability; and when you can do that better than the next person, you get hired. So, put your energy into defining your unique “value-mix” as Randy Stevens calls it – your mix of talent, experience, skills, core competencies, etc. you know, your Branding – and illustrate how that mix will benefit an organization.

Workplace marketability is almost always age-neutral. If the mature worker does not successfully convey the right message or demonstrate the right proposition – how his or her value-mix can benefit the employer, he or she may feel a bias; however, it is a bias towards the more relevant, better-fit, more adaptable candidate, not necessarily a bias against age. Prove your value and benefit and you’ll be hired!

Here are 10 Tips for the Baby Boomer seeking a career or industry change, or a transition into a new role:

1. Use your marketing letters and documentation to show employers a history of growth in and dedication to professional development.
2. Prove your continued intellectual vitality: Be prepared to outline completion of recent coursework, certifications, programs and other skill enhancements relevant to today’s business challenges and needs.
3. Show how you stay on top of technology trends.
4. Develop a “Webfolio” to show cutting-edge market awareness.
5. Be knowledgeable on the use of the Internet and Windows-based programs.
6. Eliminate everything that makes you appear older and possible out-of-step: Update your physical appearance, wardrobe and communications skills.
7. Demonstrate your marketplace knowledge (i.e. market/industry changes and trends).
8. Be knowledgeable of the day-to-day challenges (problems, concerns & opportunities) employers face and link them to you as a solution-provider.
9. Demonstrate your adaptability and flexibility regarding hours and compensation: Consider proposing alternatives (i.e. project work, contract work or consulting).
10. Entertain the idea of working part-time for multiple employers rather than just one. (Demonstrated value could lead to permanent positions)

The REAL Deal: Employers weed-out job candidates whose skills are out-dated or who exhibit low energy or little flexibility, or any combination of these. Some may call it ‘age discrimination'. I call it fielding candidates for the most relevant marketability. The operative word here is “relevancy”.

I assure you, if you follow the 10 tips above, you will discover that there is a far more interesting and robust job market for the mature worker than you may have imagined. It’s really up to you!

Hope this helps!

Rob Taub, Credentialed Career Master, is a 25-year veteran in the career consulting field, Principal at RésuméPro Plus resumeproplus.com, creator of the blog, Job Search Corner: "Job Searching with Rob” bit.ly/18wCkO and is a CAREEREALISM-Approved Expert and LivePerson's Online Expert for Career Coaching www.liveperson.com/rob-taub

Re: 4 Tips to Answering Tough Interview Questions Correctly

ronstratton — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 11:48:34 -0000

In the prehistoric days , when personnel departments, set up hiring with the people responsible for production, output ., etc, and engineers interviewed engineering hires, bankers interviewed banking hires etc. there were no "human resource" specialists, who knew little about their employer's business, there were no "Trick"questions designed to keep people out. The interviewers wanted to know what the interviewees knew about the business and check their technical comtetence. Now it has degenerated to a smart ass contest to see who can buffalo the others with nonsense. That is one of the reasons American business is losing the edge.

Re: 60 Seconds of Networking Advice

cuchullainn — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 11:43:21 -0000

I have been putting together a technical note for MBA students on networking. So far, I have listed nine habits to develop your personal network:

1. Be deliberate
2. Get good at approaching and engaging people
3. Don’t wait till you need it
4. Get good at pinging (birthdays, promotions, changes)
5. Seek common ground. Be sincere. Don’t overwhelm. Be relevant.
6. Keep a list of your current/future 250 most important relationships 20 AA, 30 A, 100 B and 100 Cs (from Keith Ferrazzi's book "Who's got your back?")
7. Multichannel - offline and online at Linked In, Facebook.
8. Send handwritten notes
9. Treat it as a 2 way street (share and receive)

More here: http://www.conorneill.com/2009/10/networking-10...

Re: No References Besides Family & Friends…Will It Hurt Me?

watch gossip girl online — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 02:05:30 -0000

Brief but very informative post! Now I know. :) You can easily find references on the net. Try searching for an old friend or a professor of yours on facebook. Surely they will help you.