Posted on February 10, 2012 by

ShowYourBestStuff

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A Quick Poll

Posted on January 20, 2012 by

Cast your vote:

Thanks for Voting!

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Get Interviews, get hired – SEO your resume

Posted on January 19, 2012 by

Bottom line, get hired.  Necessary step; produce a great resume which gets noticed.

In today’s high tech way of thinking and getting business done, it would be well for the would-be job search candidates to follow suite.Yesterday’s norm of accepting mailed resumes has all but been abandoned by HR Departments.

Hard copy resumes may be the new junk mail of Corporate America.

The new platform is digital and the new standard is the strategic placement of “key words” in the final draft of your resume.

In the scheme of the common job seeker, what does all this mean?

To the hiring managers it looks like this:

  • There is no place for hard copy resumes
  • Job candidates and job resumes will be sorted and evaluated by computers.
  • Job search is exclusive to internet based candidates.
  • Key words are initially more important than resume content in choosing prospective interviewees.
  • Computer skills are required for any and all available job positions.

Job seekers would do well to understand SEO (search engine optimization).  This is the program used by computers to identify certain words or phrases in a document that match with the programmers intent. In other words, the computer looks for key words like “verbal skills” or “Certified Electrician” or “District Manager.”  First preference is then given to resumes which contain the most key words identified for that particular job.

So again, what does all this mean?

To tip the scale in your favor

  • when it comes to getting your resume noticed,
  • getting the job interview,
  • and landing the job of your dreams, don’t neglect your tech skills.

Now, get out there, SEO your resume, and show your best stuff!

If you would like to leave a comment, scroll to the bottom of the page and leave me your thoughts.

Best of luck in your job search!

Bill

bill@jobcoachbill.com

 

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Kick-Start Your Career

Posted on January 10, 2012 by

10 Career Resolutions

By Dan Miller, Monster Staff Writer

Like the saying, “Today is the first day of the rest of your life,” it’s never a bad time to start moving your career in a better direction. Here are 10 New Year’s resolutions that can help.

Pay Attention in Class

Treat every workday like a school day. Be sure you learn something and use it to make yourself more productive. It doesn’t have to relate to your skills set. It may be as simple as understanding how to work with specific peers or improving your emotional intelligence. Take mental notes. Don’t sleepwalk through the day.

Look for the Next Rung

You need to excel at your job. This is how you gain credibility. But understanding your next step is key to career happiness. Career pathing is critical to remaining engaged on the job. Schedule discussions with your manager to get clarity on the next challenge. If you don’t get it on your team or in your company, it may be time to look elsewhere.

Understand Company Goals

Make sure you understand how your job contributes to your company’s business objectives. Are you in a revenue-generating role? A brand-awareness role? Is your mission to delight the customer? Knowing how your job fits into the big picture will give you inspiration and a sense of accomplishment — and will help you understand your job’s impact.

Be Ethical

Bring integrity to your job. Whether you’re running the company or cleaning its restrooms, be honest in all you do. Don’t call in sick just to get a day off — that’s stealing. Put in an honest day’s work. Be accountable. If you’re working remotely, be sure you are. Do what you say you’re going to do. Honesty and reliability mean a lot to your manager.

Stay Fit

OK, this was probably on your last New Year’s resolutions list, but that’s because it’s so important. Try to break a sweat for 20 minutes, three days a week. Go for a walk at lunch. Join a gym. Lift weights. A healthy body makes a healthy mind. Exercising increases blood flow to the brain and gives you ideas. You’ll be more productive at work, and best of all, you’ll feel better.

Stretch Your Role

Occasionally think how you can go above and beyond. Are there projects outside your defined role you could help with? Be proactive; ask to join. Come up with your own ideas, and work with your manager to implement them. If you’re a hamster, step off the wheel and poke your head out of the cage. Stretch a little. This won’t go unnoticed.

Manage Up

Make sure you and your manager are in firm agreement on what you’re doing. Be proactive and get on his calendar to ensure you’re meeting or exceeding expectations. Don’t assume he’s paying close attention. There are bad managers. If there’s a disconnect between what you’re doing and what your manager wants, you’re partly to blame. Don’t wait until your annual performance review rolls around.

Manage Across

Even if you work primarily alone, be sure to make time to understand your peers’ roles and how they go about their jobs. Show an interest. Don’t just choose a few friends and become part of a clique. High school is over. You never know when you may need people — or be reporting to them.

Communicate

Don’t leave people waiting for answers. If you’re in an email environment, return emails promptly. Let people know what you’re doing. If you’re working on a project, always ask yourself who needs to know about it, then tell them. Talk to people; give them a heads up. And when someone helps you out, be sure to thank him. It’s amazing this item even needs to be on a list, but bad communicators abound. Don’t be one of them.

Make Time for Play

Have fun. Work hard, but smile while you’re doing it. No one likes a grump. Approach each day with a positive spirit and stay loose. Enjoy your family and friends as well. Make time for them — and you. It’s called work-life balance. All work and no play makes life a chore.

 

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New Jobs Trends 2012 – Prediction

Posted on January 3, 2012 by

Happy New Year!

With the beginning of a New Year, I challenge you to take stock in your business career. Where have you come from, where are you right now, and where would you like to be 3 months, 6 months, or a year from today?

Where is the economy today, where is it headed in the near future, and how will it affect your decision making?

Are you employed, unemployed, underemployed?

Do you like your job, tolerate your job, or hate the job you have right now?

Do you need a higher paying job, a job which allows you more free time, or a job that really excites and motivates you to come to work?

2012 offers us a fresh start !

  • Find a New Job
  • Reinvent your Present Job
  • Earn a Promotion
  • Start a New Career
  • Further your Education
  • Start your Own Business

 

If you are interested in leading the future with your Job Search, your best bet is to seek education and/or employment within the Social Media Field.

Jobs that will Lead the Future:

  • Social Information Technology (IT) Professionals
  • Social Innovation Managers
  • Social Customer Service Managers
  • Social Analytics Reps

Whether your talent lies in leading or following, the opportunities in our Information Age are endless.

The dawn of 2012 can bring a bright future to those who reach out to the Social Media Trend.

This can be the Year of Your Career!

Go out and Show your Best Stuff !  Go out and Get Social !

Send me a comment in the box below.

Let me know what your plans are for the New Year.  Are you currently working in the Social Media Field?  or would you like to be?

 

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Happy New Year 2012

Posted on January 1, 2012 by

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Day 4 : Don’t Bring Your Skeleton to the Job Interview with You !

Posted on December 17, 2011 by


Transcript:

Welcome to Day 4, the last day of the four part series.

Today I would like to discuss the “Big Interview Mistake #4.”

“Don’t Bring Your Skeleton to the Job Interview with You!”

First let me explain; I’m not referring to the skeletons that fly around during the Halloween Festivities or the skeletal bones at the local Chiropractor Office.  Rather, I call your attention to the skeletons that all of us have hanging in our closets.

These are the really scary bones from our past.  They represent all the major mistakes and failures which we keep locked in the darkest part of our closet.

They are the skeletons that are wrapped with fear and disappointment, things we are not proud of and best left in the past.

Don’t bring these skeletons to the job interview!

Let me clarify.

What might this look like?

  • Your last boss was a jerk. He seldom had anything good to say about your job performance and was quick to point out any and all of your shortcomings. You are just waiting for the interviewer to ask, “So what did you like least about your last employer?”  (what a temptation to let the skeleton out).

or

  • You quit your last job without giving any notice to your employer.  “You had been promised a raise three years ago, but still had received nothing.”  (you finally have your chance to tell someone your gruesome story).

or

  • You never have any free time. “Your last boss expected you to work 24/7.” (better set the record straight during the job interview, just so they understand your limitations).

Now,

I won’t go into a long-winded discussion as to why it’s a bad idea to let the skeletons out of the closet,

These things should suffice:

  1. Be alert to the signals that the door to your closet is about to open. (You get a strong urge to tell some of the juicy things that have been bothering you for some time).
  2. Don’t give-in to temptations to get-even. (I know you have been waiting a long time for the chance).
  3. Focus on the present and what matters most. (Your objective is to get the job you deserve).
  4. See the future and the possibilities that lie ahead. (Believe your new employer will treat you much better, with dignity and respect).

Please, don’t let the skeletons out of the closet.

Get in there and Show Your Best Stuff !

Be Confident, Enthusiastic, Organized, Well-Prepared, Clear and Persuasive.

Go out and get the job you deserve!

I hope you enjoyed the series, “The 4 Things you Never Want to Bring to the Job Interview.”

It was my pleasure.

I look forward to serving up more content relative to your present or upcoming job search.

Thanks for watching,

This is:

bill@jobcoachbill.com

http://www.jobcoachbill.com

 

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Day 3: Don’t Bring “Bob” to Your Job Interview

Posted on December 15, 2011 by


Transcript
Welcome to Day 3.

Let me ask you a question.

Do you know what a stage prop is?

From my knowledge of the theater,

A stage prop is an object or backdrop used in a theatrical production to provide clarity or create a mood for a particular character or scene.

It could even be a silent person that lends to the plot or the outcome of the production.

Always something good to know.

But…

“How does that relate to a job interview”, you ask?

Good question.

Let’s consider a person interviewing for the position of,  Professional Designer.

A designer, for example, may bring a Portfolio to the job interview.

This stage prop would be used to show their particular style and expertise; a great idea for them.

But what about the rest of us?

What about Bob?

A short story may be in order:

As it turned out, I was running late on that particular day, and the sitter had just called, unable to make it.

What to do?

Hmmm…

I guess I would have to bring Bob with me.

What you need to know is that Bob is somewhat peculiar. (Bob always gets a little agitated when left home alone for any length of time).

Luckily, with Bob, I made it to the job interview a few minutes early and checked-in with the receptionist.  She seemed a little amused, but didn’t see a problem with me bringing Bob.

When the hiring manager Joe arrived, we shook hands and I introduced him to Bob. I assured him that Bob would not be a problem. He was here, basically, to just observe.

The interview was progressing quite well until I noticed that Bob, for who know what reason, was just staring at Joe. Now Bob has some unusually large eyes, and he can be quite intimidating when he gets that certain look on his face. I could see the focus was now shifting to some sort of staring contest.

What to do?

Wait a minute…

I’m sorry, I sometimes get ahead of myself when I get a little stressed.

I didn’t mention how Bob and I are related.

Bob is actually my pet gold fish.

Anyway, as I had feared, the interview turned out to be a compete disaster and Bob and I left with a bad feeling about the whole ordeal.

Oh well.

They say, we learn something from every experience.

Good or bad, every failure leads to some new success.

So,

What might we have learned from all this?

These things come to my immediate attention:

  • Plan for the unexpected.
  1. Consider setting out the clothes you are going to wear, the night before.
  2. Let your inner circle friends know where you will be.
  3. Set your cell phone to (off).
  4. Leave in plenty of time for your appointment.
  • Don’t bring distractions with you.
  1. The Interviewer is not interested in every letter and award you have received.
  2. Leave you overcoat, umbrella or hat in the car or in the lobby.
  3. If you need to bring a portfolio, keep it simple.
  • Stay focused in your interview responses.
  1. Answer the interview questions with clarity.
  2. Don’t ramble on after you have given your response.
  3. Stay on topic. Don’t get in long discussions about things unrelated to the job at hand.
  • Try to leave the Interview on a Positive Note.
  1. Be prepared with several responses to this question, “Do you have any questions for me?”
  2. Thank the interviewer for his time.
  3. Don’t forget to leave with a Smile.
  • If you know someone named Bob, don’t bring him with you!
  1. I don’t think any explanation is necessary!

I hope you enjoyed this video.

Tomorrow is Day 4,  and the last in the Series:

“The 4 Things you Never want to Take to a Job Interview”

I hope to see you then.

 

 

 

 

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Day 2: “Its a Bad Idea to bring Your Lucky Rabbit’s Foot to the Job Interview!”

Posted on December 13, 2011 by


Transcript:

Hi, It’s Bill.

I hope you’re ready today!

Let’s get started.

I guess all of us, at one time or other, have either seen or had the pleasure of owning a “Lucky Rabbit’s Foot.”  At my school, in fact, almost every boy in the fourth grade had one hanging from his belt loop.  To brandish this lucky foot on one’s person was truly a sign of prestige and power,

The mere carrying of the rabbit foot somehow conferred the wearer with ultimate protection and untold luck.

We never really gave much thought as to how the rabbit felt.  I guess he didn’t really feel so lucky.

Anyhow, the magic for us lasted for maybe six months or a year; I can’t exactly remember.  We either lost the foot or something else more important caught our attention.

Any way, my thought was, “Maybe there was something to this cherished foot?”  “I wondered whether, to this day,  any of my pre-teen friends had kept the foot and maybe secretly had it tucked inside their trouser pocket.

I say, it’s a long-shot, and probably not.

But, imagine this, if you will:

Enters Joe Prospect.

Joe Prospect arrives for his job interview.  He shakes hands with the hiring manager, sits down at the table, then without notice reaches in his pocket for his lucky rabbit’s foot.  His confidence soars and he knows, in his mind, that the outcome of the interview will be great !

What do you expect, right?  He has the lucky foot!

But wait!  As luck would have it, there is a knock at the door.

Enter John Murphy.

Now John Murphy got his last name quite honestly, Murphy’s Law (“If anything can go wrong, it will”).

Well as luck would have it, interrupting the job interview, Murphy extends his hand to shake Joe Prospect’s hand.

 NO !  “Now the cat’s out of the bag.”

Or more accurately, the foot’s on the floor.

As Joe Prospect pulled his hand from his pocket, out sprang the rabbit’s foot !

There it lay…in plain site… for all to see.

What was once believed a good luck charm, now seemed his worst nightmare.

So what might we have learned from Joe Prospect?

  • CONFIDENCE is golden. Joe realized this, walking into the interview overflowing with confidence. It’s definitely a character trait that you want to project. The more confident you appear, the better.  It can lift a mediocre interview to the status of great.  A firm handshake, a steady voice, and a well poised stature all contribute to the shaping of our positive image, in the mind of the person interviewing us.
  • ENTHUSIASM does make a difference. Find something about the company or the job for which you are applying that gets you excited, then make sure to show it!  If you have to bring a lucky rabbit foot to feel excited, I say, go ahead and bring it.
  • PREPAREDNESS beats luck everyday.  Don’t leave your fate in the hands of a three-legged rabbit, and don’t go into a job interview without some basic knowledge about the prospective company and a whole lot of information about the specific job for which you are applying. Be prepared!

Last, but not least

We all know that Murphy shows up at the worst times.  His ugly head is always just around the corner.

But, with confidence, enthusiasm and preparedness, I believe you can keep Murphy at bay.

I would say, “Leave your lucky rabbit’s foot at home.”  Trust in your abilities and get out there and “Show your Best Stuff !”

_____________________________________

Come visit my page tomorrow, Day Three of : ”The 4 Things that you Never want to take to a Job Interview.”

I promise, a light venue, a few laughs, and hey

you might even learn something!

See you tomorrow.

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Day 1 : Don’t bring Your Mother to the Job Interview with You !

Posted on December 12, 2011 by


Transcript:

Hi, it’s me again, Bill.
I’m here, as promised, to start our topic about The Big Interview Mistake #1, “Don’t bring your mother to the Job Interview with you!”

“Is it OK to bring your mother along?

I say, No!

It’s a bad idea; I don’t care who you are or where you may have heard differently!

But let’s, for the sake of argument, walk along this path.

Picture, if you will…
You shake hands with your Interviewer. He’s starting to form his initial impression of you.
“Who’s that with you?”
Hmmm…
You’ve got some explaining to do, right up front!

And what about…
There are only 2 chairs around the interview table!
Aww…
Another awkward moment!
Now we have to find somewhere for your mother to sit.

And lastly…
“Your mother starts fixing your hair”, like she always does…
Again..
Quite embarrassing !

But, enough will all this non-sense.

What can we learn from all this?

I would suggest these 3 things:

  1. First impressions are often the strongest and most remembered..
  2. If you want to show confidence, don’t forget to “do your homework.” (as your mother always said)
  3. Be brave, people want you to succeed.

In fact, you may not want “to bring your mother to the interview,”

Even so, your mother taught you some valuable lessons along the way…I can her her now:

  • “Hurry, you’re going to be late!”
  • “Let me fix your collar.”
  • “Smile for the camera!”
  • “Have you got everything?”

And, “Did you do your homework?”

  • Know as much as you can about the job and company that you are interviewing with.
  • How are you going to contribute to this company’s objectives?  (find out ahead of time… ‘what they are’)
  • Have you read any recent news articles about the company?  (show the interviewer you really care about the job.)

Most of all, Be Brave!

  • You got the interview because someone saw “Something Special in You!”
  • So, act Confident!
  • The Company needs to hire someone, “Why not You?”

I say, “Go for It !”

_________________________

If you enjoyed this video,

Come visit my page tomorrow…When we will visit the 2′nd Episode in…”The 4 Things that you Never want to take to a Job Interview.”

You need another “sneak preview?”

OK…Here’s my thought..

Tomorrow…”Big Interview Mistake #2.

“Its a Bad Idea to bring Your Lucky Rabbit’s Foot to the Job Interview!”

See you then !

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