Don't take too much down time. Get in touch with friends and contacts as soon as possible to start arranging interviews. The longer you wait, employers might become suspicious at how motivated you are.
The only thing you can do is keep going. Getting depressed, taking time off and wandering around in your PJs all day will only make matters worse. Perhaps look for a different industry. Maybe think about going back to school. Go to networking events, even if it means spending some money you can ill afford. I have a friend who was recently laid off due to a restructuring. She worked her contacts endlessly and landed a great job, doing something similar to what she had been doing at her previous organization, but far better in that she was allowed to be more involved. The restructuring ended up being a good thing for her because she's learning more, she's more of a participant and she's valued more.
Put a list together of 20 things to do and take five off each day while putting 5 more on. Do the important ones first. Make sure the list has you communicating.
Know what you are worth. Make a list of all your good qualities and your accomplishments. Reflect and push ahead. Now get out there an network...get involved and talk to people.
Maybe if you have been laid off you need to ask yourself if you really want another JOB?
Seems to me a time like this might be a good time to consider becoming self employed. You could even approach the company who laid you off and see if they would hire your business, after all if they are laying people off they are going to need some help.
Of course it's always easier to find a job when you've got one. That's probably why I have more companies on my resume than I have friends in Facebook but I digress...
Assuming the RIFed individual has and actively works their network - hang out the shingle - become president of one's own consulting company - which is just smart marketing on the resume. Then work that network for project work as well as permanent opportunities.
When the economy gets tight smart companies tend toward a flexible workforce to fill gaps -- independent consultants, agencies, etc. Capitalize on it!
Being someone who hasn't completely entered the job circuit yet (a college grad) I'm not the best one to give advice. I'd have to say though that the best way really is to be prepared. Begin connecting early and when (and if) this situation does arise you'll have a whole bunch of people who know you as a hell of a performer. Of course this requires that be a hell of a performer!
You can sure spot the young wet-behind-the-ears folks. As an extremely experienced Technical Writer & Editor who will celebrate the big 80 the day your rabbit ears no longer function, I would gladly take any available employment that requires my knowledge and experience of over 65 years. What is "Face-Book"? - "My Space"?
The quickest way to get a job is always through your network. Those of us who've been in the job market for more than a year should probably look to our friends and family network to look for further employment. C'mon guys- that one was too easy !
Today, executives move through more jobs in a decade than their fathers did in a lifetime thirty years ago.
Career transition is a midcourse correction that we all face when we move from one job or vocation to another.
So, why shouldn't we have some mental models to point us in the right direction at this crossroad?
America's highly skilled workers continue to take a big hit in the jobless recovery. These workers are suffering scant wage growth (paycheck paralysis) and unusually high unemployment. For those working, this year's paychecks look a lot like last year's. So, it is not surprising that many people with jobs really want to do something different.
For job seekers and those unhappy in their profession (without the slightest clue on how to seek a new opportunity), we suggest a talk with a personal career coach. Now is the time to custom tailor your approach to what's next for you.
Not possibly the quickest, but I assure you this is the best way to achieve re-employment out of college, after lay-off, making a career change, or re-entering the job market after raising a family, and more.
Job Searching vs. Career Marketing
By Arnie Sherr, President Sherr Enterprises
Consider, if you will, the difference between these two, very different concepts.
• "Searching": to uncover, find, or come to know by inquiry or scrutiny. Most assuredly, "searching" is a most unscientific method of finding or locating something. For our purpose, it describes reading the classifieds, internet job sites, making random phone calls, responding to help wanted signs, etc. In other words, searching is a very broad concept without self-examination for specific qualifications and/or aptitude; without industry research; without knowledge of economic and market trends; without a strategy for choice; without a direction or income considerations. One may as well toss every job posting in a hat and work them in the order of their retrieval.
• "Marketing": the process or technique of promoting, selling, and distributing a product or service. Sound complicated. Well, not really! Simply put, marketing is the development of a plan to examine a product; to identify its features and benefits; to identify its market of interest; to establish its value; to develop methods of advertising; to present the product properly; to ask for the sale.
Let's examine each part of the marketing process as it applies to your desire to secure the job, or position, which best fits your wants and needs, a career choice the nature of which will hold your interest and permit professional and personal growth through lasting enthusiasm.
1. Examine the product. Your product is a new and unique toaster. Your toaster has many new and unique features. Features are your toasters characteristics. Its benefits are how the features fill the buyer's needs.
2. Now that you have identified the features of the toaster, and understand how they may relate to the needs of the buyer, you must next identify the market or markets that are likely to be interested in buying your toaster.
3. Now that you have identified target markets and before you can attempt to sell your toaster you must establish its value (price).
4. Having all the necessary facts to advertise your toaster (features, benefits and price); it is now time to plan your ad. You may place a newspaper ad, a radio ad, and a TV ad or perhaps you wish to create a flyer and make a mailing to the target markets identified earlier.
5. You designed a wonderful and very effective flyer, ergo you are receiving many phone calls to go to your prospects and present your toaster, after which, you will ask them to buy.
I am sure, by this time, you have surmised that the toaster is you. If you make the investment in time and effort, you will stand out in the crowd. You will have removed yourself from the status quo. Most job seekers search, therefore those who market with my career marketing strategy appear to prospective employers as professional, unique and investment worthy.
Next, each of the above, one-step at a time!
Features and Benefits: Only you are equipped to make this list. Take the time necessary to self-examine and appraise. After making your list ask yourself as will an employer; "What are the needs these features may benefit?" The conclusions are the essential ingredient in developing your ad, or more accurately your cover letter and resume. This information is critical to the creation of effective cover letters and resumes, whether you write your own or assign that task to a professional.
Identifying Target Markets: Your "target markets" are the employers whose needs match your features and derived benefits. It may take some research to accomplish this task. We are lucky, in this day and age because we have the benefit of the Internet. The Internet avails us the ability to investigate potential employers through surfing. If you are not computer literate I am sure you know someone who is. If you simply want a job; don't care about salary; don't care about tomorrow then walk into McDonald's, Wendy's or wherever. You get the picture! If you want top pay for your value you must make the investment of time and effort. Do not be lazy or procrastinate.
Designing your Ad: Now you are ready to design you ad - your cover letter and resume! Effective cover letters and resumes are critical to your result. They will never get you hired. Their sole purpose is to attract interview invitations. If your "flyer,” poorly designed and written does not attract inquiries you will not sell your toasters! If you have not the ability to expedite an effective cover letter and resume, make the investment in a competent professional.
Presenting your Toaster: This is the final curtain! Finally, you have the opportunity to present your toaster to an interested party. Have you prepared; have you learned your lines; have you made your outline; have you investigated your prospect; have committed to memory the benefits your features avail? It is not enough to get the part. Rehearsing your part or role is critical to a successful interview. Your cover letter and resume accomplished their task. Obviously, the interviewer impressed with your cover letter and resume is excited at the prospect that you will be as impressive, professional, and well informed as your documents allude. If you disappoint the interviewer you will go no further in the hiring process. However, if you exude confidence and enthusiasm, know you information, sell your benefits and ask for the position your chances are better than excellent. Why? Because the average candidate is job searching, not marketing. You excel above the competition. This is crucial to a successful marketing campaign.
Next, let's discuss the interview do's and don'ts!
The interview is multi-faceted. Each facet is contingent upon the other. I will discuss each separately.
• Control: When selling a product controlling the process is essential to a winning result. Control, when practiced effectively is subtle. You have entered the interviewer's territory. Geographically, you are out of your comfort environment. The interviewer is very comfortable in his or her office. Maintaining control in another's space is challenging indeed. However, it is incumbent for you to relax, be confident, and exude enthusiasm. In other words, when on stage be believable, be interesting, and be sure of yourself! As stated above, be prepared and the rest comes easy. Because you’ve investigated this employer's website, assuming they have one, engage conversation from that which you derived from your investigation. Let the interviewer know you prepared or, as they say, did your homework. They are always, impressed by this show of interest.
• Body Language: Body language is very important. Human Resource representatives train to read body language. Looking down indicates a lack of confidence and a propensity toward dishonesty. Crossing arms denotes boredom. Crossing legs denotes familiarity and lack of professionalism. However, if the interviewer crosses arms, then you may; leans on elbows, then you may, folds legs, then you may. My best advice is not to follow the leader. Make and maintain eye contact, sit erect, hands at your side or placed on the table or desk. Always appear interested and focused. Smile and be personable. Humor in good taste is always good; interviewing all day may be tiring and boring for the interviewer. When they have an enjoyable experience, they will tend to recall it above others. Make if fun. You will both have a good time and more importantly, a winning result.
• The Close; Ask for the Sale; THE JOB: Many sales are not made because the salesperson, even though the presentation was excellent never asked the prospect to buy. You must, even realizing there will probably not be decisions at that time it is imperative that the position be asked for, assuming you want it. Never phrase it as a yes or no question. Always ask either-or questions. Example: May I start next Monday, or is the following Monday a better day?
• Self-critique: After all interviews take the time to self-critique. Do it right away while the experience is fresh. This will benefit your next interview.
• Follow-up: Immediately send a thank you note. This is essential. All you do to remind the interviewer is never too much. Call every week. Keep them aware you as interested and enthusiastic. You will not be perceived as a pest. More accurately, the reason follow-up calls are put-off is because most have a fear of rejection. If you make the call and receive bad news you are now freed-up to push forward. In these scenarios, "Absence makes the heart grows fonder NOT", and "Out of sight, out of mind"
• Salary Inquiries: Among the most awkward questions heard by an applicant are, "What are your salary requirements? "What were you earning on your present job?" "What do you need to get by?" Many, if not most interviewers will ask this at some point during the process. It may even, be asked during their first phone contact. There are two negatives to answering these inquiries, in whatever form they are asked. They are (1) if your price is too high, they may refuse to go ahead with the process, and (2) if you say too little, you may be offered less than is budgeted for the position. Answering this query is a lose-lose proposition. It is imperative the criteria for offering the position are solely on the merits of your qualifications. Never, never answer this question! What if asked; how shall I respond? This is exactly how I answer that very same question.....
“I understand why you asked me this question. However, I face two obvious pitfalls at the very prospect of answering. Both answers succeed to "shoot-me-in-the-foot" If the answer to high, I priced myself out of the position. If I answer too low, you may offer less than budgeted. But, more importantly, I wish to be considered for that which I bring to your company that will assist its growth and prosperity. In other words, I don’t want to taint this process with money considerations. I hope you understand that my refusal to comply is not intended as uncooperative, but rather a prudent position within this process." Under no circumstances will I give them salary information even if refusing concludes the interview process.. I believe that employers whose criteria, even in part, involves this information is not an employer for whom I wish to work.
• Salary Negotiation: Of this entire process and as tedious as it may be negotiating salary for many is intimidating, at best. The fear is, indicating dissatisfaction will alienate the employer and kill the offer. Would this be the case, I would be reluctant to consider accepting their offer. Certainly, pressures to thrive play a great part in these decisions. However, countering is generally acceptable. They may refuse to negotiate their offer in which case you must decide yea or nay. It is always worth a try! Do not be too greedy. It has been my experience that once you are employed, raises even if frequent are usually not generous. It is important to get what you can when initially brought on-board.
I offer you this information for two reasons:
1. To impress with common sense guidelines and the importance of preparation as a demonstration of your commitment to your career marketing goals.
2. To alert you to of knowledge and willingness to be a significant part of your Career Marketing Process. That is to say, if you are willing to make the investment, we are willing to develop the most effective career search tools available. We will guide towards alternative and more effective methods of uncovering career vacancy announcements in manners that are not nearly as competitive as Internet employment sites, newspaper classified ads and/or head hunters.
A consultation with us will cost you nothing but time (one free hour). The time you set aside to speak with us is far less costly when compared the time you will waste answering internet employment site postings never to hear even a thank you or an automatic response advising their receipt of your resume. We are Sherr Enterprises, Clearwater, Florida; contacted us at (727) 796-0208 or through our website: http://sherrent.info
See a great recruiter, also door knocking, this maybe a great time for people to up skill and Educate them-selfs, while waiting for time to turn around.
One other thing for people getting laid off, is starting your own business, use this time to put your creative hat on.
The Build Green Co., manufacturer of TBGC patent-pending, eco-friendly, Hybrid Steel/Foam Structural Insulated Wall Panel System (HSIPS), has expanded to the Scottsdale Airpark.
The rapidly growing company's versatile, structural exterior wall system, was recently
selected, by the Alcantara Vineyard and Winery, located a few minutes south of Sedona, for their 87 acre, multi-million dollar development. TBGC recently installed the TBGC wall system, at Alcantara, for the nation's first "Build Green" winery Barrel House, which must maintain a temperature of 58 degrees, and will be featured in the Small Wineries of the USA Journal.
Owners Bob Predmore, an engineer for Intel, and one of the founding members of the ASU Sustainability Program, and his wife Barbara, a descendant of a prominent California vintner family, are extremely "green conscious" and researched many eco-friendly structural systems, prior to selecting The Build Green Co. exterior wall system. The Predmores, stated, "TBGC HSIP, far exceeds any component on today's market". Next on Alcantara's agenda is construction of their 8800 Sq. Ft., combined personal residence, winery headquarters, and B&B. Alcantara also plans to build an Italian Bistro, 10 Casitas, and a limited number of Vineyard Estate homes, which includes vineyards traversing thru the individual estate properties. The Build Green Company will provide the structural wall systems for the development.
The ASU Del E. Webb School of Construction and Engineering is considering a cooperative program with TBGC, that would provide opportunities for engineering and construction students, to gain practical knowledge, by working at The Build Green Company facility.
Jacobs Engineering, an $8B in sales in 2007, worldwide real estate and economic development consulting firm, with a strong presence in Phoenix, has extended an invitation to TBGC, to give a sustainability presentation, to their top engineers and architects.
Create an 'elevator speech.' This is a 30-second answer to the inevitable question, "What do you do?"
It's how you describe your career transition (where you are and where you want to be) to someone who is riding up the elevator with you. It is brief and to-the-point so that you are able to complete your answer before s/he reaches his or her designated floor. Your distinct answer provides the information the person you are talking to needs to easily remember you and connect you with others (in their personal network) who can help you get to where you want to be.
Do not begin networking with people until you really know your elevator speech and can easily recite it. If you are unclear on who you are and where you want to be, people can't help you get there.
Its better said on paper than done. Being made redundant for over a month now as an Architectural assistant and after knocking almost all the doors I could see ,I am still left to myself. A business opportunity cracking up in my mind but without finance to support it...What more could one ask for?
Get clear on what you want and then get an organized network plan, write down 50-100 people in your field and in companies that you want to work for and start connecting with those people. Whether you know these people or not. Ask for informational interviews and most importantly ask for HELP connecting with the right people. Never ask for a job, it will come up in the conversation if there is a fit.
1. Be able to articulate why you were let go. Explain a business case for the organization cutting headcount . . . and be able to speak to why you were not retained. It's unfortunate, but there is a perception among recruiters that "A company always keeps their best people and lets the rest go." UNDERSTAND THIS PERCEPTION AND BE PREPARED TO PREEMPT IT.
2. Build a Target List of organizations you'd like to offer your services (or "work for"). Make sure that you invite each and every person that may be in your department (or biz unit, etc.) to lunch. DON'T EAT ALONE.
3. In reference to #2, understand that all the sheep are trying to go about obtaining the same opportunity you're interested in . . . but they're likely going about it the old way (i.e. the traditional assembly-line process where you click 'apply' on the job board, thereby forwarding your resume plus cover letter). UNDERSTAND THAT PLAYING THE GAME THE SAME AS EVERYONE ELSE WILL NOT GET YOU NOTICED.
4. In reference to #3, understand that the probability of you getting serious consideration is extremely slim if you are trying to fit in the same front door as the rest of the sheep. Don't be afraid to kick the door down - at least you're in at that point! Sure, maybe you upset someone in HR for not "going about things the old-fashioned way", but trust me that the Hiring Manager is looking for someone who can make things happen. DON'T JUST FOCUS ON PLAYING THE OLD-FASHIONED GAME BETTER - INSTEAD, CHANGE THE GAME.
5. Be able to explain why you are outstanding at what you do. You need to make sure you can build a compelling case as to why you're a cut above 95% of the rest of the market . . . and this is even more true given the fact that you were let go. To do this, ensure you can articulate your business value (quantify, quantify, quantify) . . . and make sure your previous manager is willing to give you a ringing endorsement, not to mention their echo'ing your reason for not being retained by your previous organization.
I'll stop there . . . but I'm sure you get the picture.
Building and updating a resume that communicates your value and differentiaties you from your peers. You will need to quantify and qualify your accomplishments. Don't forget the resume is your "First Interview Advantage." Also, don't forget to post your resume on craigslist.com, monster, and careerbuilder and remember to refresh every two -three days so you are always at the top of the resume pile. Good luck. www.dearjanedialogues.com
24 Total
July 18, 2008 at 12:27pm by Rachel King
Don't take too much down time. Get in touch with friends and contacts as soon as possible to start arranging interviews. The longer you wait, employers might become suspicious at how motivated you are.
July 18, 2008 at 12:29pm by Saabira Chaudhuri
The only thing you can do is keep going. Getting depressed, taking time off and wandering around in your PJs all day will only make matters worse. Perhaps look for a different industry. Maybe think about going back to school. Go to networking events, even if it means spending some money you can ill afford. I have a friend who was recently laid off due to a restructuring. She worked her contacts endlessly and landed a great job, doing something similar to what she had been doing at her previous organization, but far better in that she was allowed to be more involved. The restructuring ended up being a good thing for her because she's learning more, she's more of a participant and she's valued more.
July 18, 2008 at 1:00pm by Aphane Mike
work extra hard
July 18, 2008 at 5:43pm by Caitlin Cody
Email friends in the same field
July 18, 2008 at 8:45pm by Thomas Wolfgram
Put a list together of 20 things to do and take five off each day while putting 5 more on. Do the important ones first. Make sure the list has you communicating.
July 18, 2008 at 10:21pm by T-belle Sherrod
Friends and business associates.
July 19, 2008 at 3:16pm by KRo Waddy
Know what you are worth. Make a list of all your good qualities and your accomplishments. Reflect and push ahead. Now get out there an network...get involved and talk to people.
July 19, 2008 at 5:38pm by Lisa Larter
Maybe if you have been laid off you need to ask yourself if you really want another JOB?
Seems to me a time like this might be a good time to consider becoming self employed. You could even approach the company who laid you off and see if they would hire your business, after all if they are laying people off they are going to need some help.
July 19, 2008 at 8:08pm by Karrie Sullivan
Of course it's always easier to find a job when you've got one. That's probably why I have more companies on my resume than I have friends in Facebook but I digress...
Assuming the RIFed individual has and actively works their network - hang out the shingle - become president of one's own consulting company - which is just smart marketing on the resume. Then work that network for project work as well as permanent opportunities.
When the economy gets tight smart companies tend toward a flexible workforce to fill gaps -- independent consultants, agencies, etc. Capitalize on it!
July 19, 2008 at 10:59pm by Rahul Shankar
Being someone who hasn't completely entered the job circuit yet (a college grad) I'm not the best one to give advice. I'd have to say though that the best way really is to be prepared. Begin connecting early and when (and if) this situation does arise you'll have a whole bunch of people who know you as a hell of a performer. Of course this requires that be a hell of a performer!
July 20, 2008 at 12:50am by Abelardo Ojeda Flores Alatorre
Offer your knowlegde as a consulting service.
July 23, 2008 at 1:13am by John Sorensen
You can sure spot the young wet-behind-the-ears folks. As an extremely experienced Technical Writer & Editor who will celebrate the big 80 the day your rabbit ears no longer function, I would gladly take any available employment that requires my knowledge and experience of over 65 years. What is "Face-Book"? - "My Space"?
July 23, 2008 at 10:08am by Anchanet Acosta
Don't go back to work! Start a online business!
July 24, 2008 at 8:33pm by Brian Rogers
The quickest way to get a job is always through your network. Those of us who've been in the job market for more than a year should probably look to our friends and family network to look for further employment. C'mon guys- that one was too easy !
July 25, 2008 at 11:03am by John Agno
Today, executives move through more jobs in a decade than their fathers did in a lifetime thirty years ago.
Career transition is a midcourse correction that we all face when we move from one job or vocation to another.
So, why shouldn't we have some mental models to point us in the right direction at this crossroad?
America's highly skilled workers continue to take a big hit in the jobless recovery. These workers are suffering scant wage growth (paycheck paralysis) and unusually high unemployment. For those working, this year's paychecks look a lot like last year's. So, it is not surprising that many people with jobs really want to do something different.
For job seekers and those unhappy in their profession (without the slightest clue on how to seek a new opportunity), we suggest a talk with a personal career coach. Now is the time to custom tailor your approach to what's next for you.
July 26, 2008 at 5:13pm by Arnold Sherr
Not possibly the quickest, but I assure you this is the best way to achieve re-employment out of college, after lay-off, making a career change, or re-entering the job market after raising a family, and more.
Job Searching vs. Career Marketing
By Arnie Sherr, President Sherr Enterprises
Consider, if you will, the difference between these two, very different concepts.
• "Searching": to uncover, find, or come to know by inquiry or scrutiny. Most assuredly, "searching" is a most unscientific method of finding or locating something. For our purpose, it describes reading the classifieds, internet job sites, making random phone calls, responding to help wanted signs, etc. In other words, searching is a very broad concept without self-examination for specific qualifications and/or aptitude; without industry research; without knowledge of economic and market trends; without a strategy for choice; without a direction or income considerations. One may as well toss every job posting in a hat and work them in the order of their retrieval.
• "Marketing": the process or technique of promoting, selling, and distributing a product or service. Sound complicated. Well, not really! Simply put, marketing is the development of a plan to examine a product; to identify its features and benefits; to identify its market of interest; to establish its value; to develop methods of advertising; to present the product properly; to ask for the sale.
Let's examine each part of the marketing process as it applies to your desire to secure the job, or position, which best fits your wants and needs, a career choice the nature of which will hold your interest and permit professional and personal growth through lasting enthusiasm.
1. Examine the product. Your product is a new and unique toaster. Your toaster has many new and unique features. Features are your toasters characteristics. Its benefits are how the features fill the buyer's needs.
2. Now that you have identified the features of the toaster, and understand how they may relate to the needs of the buyer, you must next identify the market or markets that are likely to be interested in buying your toaster.
3. Now that you have identified target markets and before you can attempt to sell your toaster you must establish its value (price).
4. Having all the necessary facts to advertise your toaster (features, benefits and price); it is now time to plan your ad. You may place a newspaper ad, a radio ad, and a TV ad or perhaps you wish to create a flyer and make a mailing to the target markets identified earlier.
5. You designed a wonderful and very effective flyer, ergo you are receiving many phone calls to go to your prospects and present your toaster, after which, you will ask them to buy.
I am sure, by this time, you have surmised that the toaster is you. If you make the investment in time and effort, you will stand out in the crowd. You will have removed yourself from the status quo. Most job seekers search, therefore those who market with my career marketing strategy appear to prospective employers as professional, unique and investment worthy.
Next, each of the above, one-step at a time!
Features and Benefits: Only you are equipped to make this list. Take the time necessary to self-examine and appraise. After making your list ask yourself as will an employer; "What are the needs these features may benefit?" The conclusions are the essential ingredient in developing your ad, or more accurately your cover letter and resume. This information is critical to the creation of effective cover letters and resumes, whether you write your own or assign that task to a professional.
Identifying Target Markets: Your "target markets" are the employers whose needs match your features and derived benefits. It may take some research to accomplish this task. We are lucky, in this day and age because we have the benefit of the Internet. The Internet avails us the ability to investigate potential employers through surfing. If you are not computer literate I am sure you know someone who is. If you simply want a job; don't care about salary; don't care about tomorrow then walk into McDonald's, Wendy's or wherever. You get the picture! If you want top pay for your value you must make the investment of time and effort. Do not be lazy or procrastinate.
Designing your Ad: Now you are ready to design you ad - your cover letter and resume! Effective cover letters and resumes are critical to your result. They will never get you hired. Their sole purpose is to attract interview invitations. If your "flyer,” poorly designed and written does not attract inquiries you will not sell your toasters! If you have not the ability to expedite an effective cover letter and resume, make the investment in a competent professional.
Presenting your Toaster: This is the final curtain! Finally, you have the opportunity to present your toaster to an interested party. Have you prepared; have you learned your lines; have you made your outline; have you investigated your prospect; have committed to memory the benefits your features avail? It is not enough to get the part. Rehearsing your part or role is critical to a successful interview. Your cover letter and resume accomplished their task. Obviously, the interviewer impressed with your cover letter and resume is excited at the prospect that you will be as impressive, professional, and well informed as your documents allude. If you disappoint the interviewer you will go no further in the hiring process. However, if you exude confidence and enthusiasm, know you information, sell your benefits and ask for the position your chances are better than excellent. Why? Because the average candidate is job searching, not marketing. You excel above the competition. This is crucial to a successful marketing campaign.
Next, let's discuss the interview do's and don'ts!
The interview is multi-faceted. Each facet is contingent upon the other. I will discuss each separately.
• Control: When selling a product controlling the process is essential to a winning result. Control, when practiced effectively is subtle. You have entered the interviewer's territory. Geographically, you are out of your comfort environment. The interviewer is very comfortable in his or her office. Maintaining control in another's space is challenging indeed. However, it is incumbent for you to relax, be confident, and exude enthusiasm. In other words, when on stage be believable, be interesting, and be sure of yourself! As stated above, be prepared and the rest comes easy. Because you’ve investigated this employer's website, assuming they have one, engage conversation from that which you derived from your investigation. Let the interviewer know you prepared or, as they say, did your homework. They are always, impressed by this show of interest.
• Body Language: Body language is very important. Human Resource representatives train to read body language. Looking down indicates a lack of confidence and a propensity toward dishonesty. Crossing arms denotes boredom. Crossing legs denotes familiarity and lack of professionalism. However, if the interviewer crosses arms, then you may; leans on elbows, then you may, folds legs, then you may. My best advice is not to follow the leader. Make and maintain eye contact, sit erect, hands at your side or placed on the table or desk. Always appear interested and focused. Smile and be personable. Humor in good taste is always good; interviewing all day may be tiring and boring for the interviewer. When they have an enjoyable experience, they will tend to recall it above others. Make if fun. You will both have a good time and more importantly, a winning result.
• The Close; Ask for the Sale; THE JOB: Many sales are not made because the salesperson, even though the presentation was excellent never asked the prospect to buy. You must, even realizing there will probably not be decisions at that time it is imperative that the position be asked for, assuming you want it. Never phrase it as a yes or no question. Always ask either-or questions. Example: May I start next Monday, or is the following Monday a better day?
• Self-critique: After all interviews take the time to self-critique. Do it right away while the experience is fresh. This will benefit your next interview.
• Follow-up: Immediately send a thank you note. This is essential. All you do to remind the interviewer is never too much. Call every week. Keep them aware you as interested and enthusiastic. You will not be perceived as a pest. More accurately, the reason follow-up calls are put-off is because most have a fear of rejection. If you make the call and receive bad news you are now freed-up to push forward. In these scenarios, "Absence makes the heart grows fonder NOT", and "Out of sight, out of mind"
• Salary Inquiries: Among the most awkward questions heard by an applicant are, "What are your salary requirements? "What were you earning on your present job?" "What do you need to get by?" Many, if not most interviewers will ask this at some point during the process. It may even, be asked during their first phone contact. There are two negatives to answering these inquiries, in whatever form they are asked. They are (1) if your price is too high, they may refuse to go ahead with the process, and (2) if you say too little, you may be offered less than is budgeted for the position. Answering this query is a lose-lose proposition. It is imperative the criteria for offering the position are solely on the merits of your qualifications. Never, never answer this question! What if asked; how shall I respond? This is exactly how I answer that very same question.....
“I understand why you asked me this question. However, I face two obvious pitfalls at the very prospect of answering. Both answers succeed to "shoot-me-in-the-foot" If the answer to high, I priced myself out of the position. If I answer too low, you may offer less than budgeted. But, more importantly, I wish to be considered for that which I bring to your company that will assist its growth and prosperity. In other words, I don’t want to taint this process with money considerations. I hope you understand that my refusal to comply is not intended as uncooperative, but rather a prudent position within this process." Under no circumstances will I give them salary information even if refusing concludes the interview process.. I believe that employers whose criteria, even in part, involves this information is not an employer for whom I wish to work.
• Salary Negotiation: Of this entire process and as tedious as it may be negotiating salary for many is intimidating, at best. The fear is, indicating dissatisfaction will alienate the employer and kill the offer. Would this be the case, I would be reluctant to consider accepting their offer. Certainly, pressures to thrive play a great part in these decisions. However, countering is generally acceptable. They may refuse to negotiate their offer in which case you must decide yea or nay. It is always worth a try! Do not be too greedy. It has been my experience that once you are employed, raises even if frequent are usually not generous. It is important to get what you can when initially brought on-board.
I offer you this information for two reasons:
1. To impress with common sense guidelines and the importance of preparation as a demonstration of your commitment to your career marketing goals.
2. To alert you to of knowledge and willingness to be a significant part of your Career Marketing Process. That is to say, if you are willing to make the investment, we are willing to develop the most effective career search tools available. We will guide towards alternative and more effective methods of uncovering career vacancy announcements in manners that are not nearly as competitive as Internet employment sites, newspaper classified ads and/or head hunters.
A consultation with us will cost you nothing but time (one free hour). The time you set aside to speak with us is far less costly when compared the time you will waste answering internet employment site postings never to hear even a thank you or an automatic response advising their receipt of your resume. We are Sherr Enterprises, Clearwater, Florida; contacted us at (727) 796-0208 or through our website: http://sherrent.info
July 27, 2008 at 2:29pm by Tavake Naa
See a great recruiter, also door knocking, this maybe a great time for people to up skill and Educate them-selfs, while waiting for time to turn around.
One other thing for people getting laid off, is starting your own business, use this time to put your creative hat on.
July 28, 2008 at 7:11pm by Ron Harris
THE BUILD GREEN COMPANY BUILDS “GREEN WINERY”
The Build Green Co., manufacturer of TBGC patent-pending, eco-friendly, Hybrid Steel/Foam Structural Insulated Wall Panel System (HSIPS), has expanded to the Scottsdale Airpark.
The rapidly growing company's versatile, structural exterior wall system, was recently
selected, by the Alcantara Vineyard and Winery, located a few minutes south of Sedona, for their 87 acre, multi-million dollar development. TBGC recently installed the TBGC wall system, at Alcantara, for the nation's first "Build Green" winery Barrel House, which must maintain a temperature of 58 degrees, and will be featured in the Small Wineries of the USA Journal.
Owners Bob Predmore, an engineer for Intel, and one of the founding members of the ASU Sustainability Program, and his wife Barbara, a descendant of a prominent California vintner family, are extremely "green conscious" and researched many eco-friendly structural systems, prior to selecting The Build Green Co. exterior wall system. The Predmores, stated, "TBGC HSIP, far exceeds any component on today's market". Next on Alcantara's agenda is construction of their 8800 Sq. Ft., combined personal residence, winery headquarters, and B&B. Alcantara also plans to build an Italian Bistro, 10 Casitas, and a limited number of Vineyard Estate homes, which includes vineyards traversing thru the individual estate properties. The Build Green Company will provide the structural wall systems for the development.
The ASU Del E. Webb School of Construction and Engineering is considering a cooperative program with TBGC, that would provide opportunities for engineering and construction students, to gain practical knowledge, by working at The Build Green Company facility.
Jacobs Engineering, an $8B in sales in 2007, worldwide real estate and economic development consulting firm, with a strong presence in Phoenix, has extended an invitation to TBGC, to give a sustainability presentation, to their top engineers and architects.
Ron Harris
General Manager/Chairman
The Build Green Company
www.thebuildgreenco.com
August 6, 2008 at 10:58am by John Agno
Create an 'elevator speech.' This is a 30-second answer to the inevitable question, "What do you do?"
It's how you describe your career transition (where you are and where you want to be) to someone who is riding up the elevator with you. It is brief and to-the-point so that you are able to complete your answer before s/he reaches his or her designated floor. Your distinct answer provides the information the person you are talking to needs to easily remember you and connect you with others (in their personal network) who can help you get to where you want to be.
Do not begin networking with people until you really know your elevator speech and can easily recite it. If you are unclear on who you are and where you want to be, people can't help you get there.
August 18, 2008 at 6:14pm by Michael Satterwhite
Ramp up your network tool usage. Talk with all of your contacts.
August 19, 2008 at 8:22am by Bara Smith
Its better said on paper than done. Being made redundant for over a month now as an Architectural assistant and after knocking almost all the doors I could see ,I am still left to myself. A business opportunity cracking up in my mind but without finance to support it...What more could one ask for?
September 6, 2008 at 11:59am by Aaron Bare
Get clear on what you want and then get an organized network plan, write down 50-100 people in your field and in companies that you want to work for and start connecting with those people. Whether you know these people or not. Ask for informational interviews and most importantly ask for HELP connecting with the right people. Never ask for a job, it will come up in the conversation if there is a fit.
September 24, 2008 at 8:43am by Joshua Letourneau
1. Be able to articulate why you were let go. Explain a business case for the organization cutting headcount . . . and be able to speak to why you were not retained. It's unfortunate, but there is a perception among recruiters that "A company always keeps their best people and lets the rest go." UNDERSTAND THIS PERCEPTION AND BE PREPARED TO PREEMPT IT.
2. Build a Target List of organizations you'd like to offer your services (or "work for"). Make sure that you invite each and every person that may be in your department (or biz unit, etc.) to lunch. DON'T EAT ALONE.
3. In reference to #2, understand that all the sheep are trying to go about obtaining the same opportunity you're interested in . . . but they're likely going about it the old way (i.e. the traditional assembly-line process where you click 'apply' on the job board, thereby forwarding your resume plus cover letter). UNDERSTAND THAT PLAYING THE GAME THE SAME AS EVERYONE ELSE WILL NOT GET YOU NOTICED.
4. In reference to #3, understand that the probability of you getting serious consideration is extremely slim if you are trying to fit in the same front door as the rest of the sheep. Don't be afraid to kick the door down - at least you're in at that point! Sure, maybe you upset someone in HR for not "going about things the old-fashioned way", but trust me that the Hiring Manager is looking for someone who can make things happen. DON'T JUST FOCUS ON PLAYING THE OLD-FASHIONED GAME BETTER - INSTEAD, CHANGE THE GAME.
5. Be able to explain why you are outstanding at what you do. You need to make sure you can build a compelling case as to why you're a cut above 95% of the rest of the market . . . and this is even more true given the fact that you were let go. To do this, ensure you can articulate your business value (quantify, quantify, quantify) . . . and make sure your previous manager is willing to give you a ringing endorsement, not to mention their echo'ing your reason for not being retained by your previous organization.
I'll stop there . . . but I'm sure you get the picture.
Joshua Letourneau
Mg Director, LG & Assoc Search / Talent Strategy
www.lgexec.com
September 29, 2008 at 11:38am by Rebecca Martin
Building and updating a resume that communicates your value and differentiaties you from your peers. You will need to quantify and qualify your accomplishments. Don't forget the resume is your "First Interview Advantage." Also, don't forget to post your resume on craigslist.com, monster, and careerbuilder and remember to refresh every two -three days so you are always at the top of the resume pile. Good luck. www.dearjanedialogues.com