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Saturday, August 6, 2011

The Work Buzz's Latest News: How to navigate the unstable job market



The Work Buzz's Latest News: How to navigate the unstable job market


Posted: 05 Aug 2011 09:39 AM PDT
Yesterday, the Dow fell 512 points, the largest drop since the height of the economic crisis, in December 2008.
Today, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released its monthly job numbers. The economy added 117,000 jobs in July — far more than were added in May and June, but still short of the 250,000 jobs economists say need to be added monthly in order to make real progress towards lowering the unemployment rate.
Both of these signs point to one thing: The economy is still unstable. For those looking for jobs, competition will remain high. From those who have jobs, a lot will be expected.
Because this is our current economic reality, we have no choice but to continue to adapt to it. Job seekers must continue to find ways to set themselves apart from other applicants, and job holders must continue to prove  their worth to their employers.
Whether you're looking for a job or looking to keep the one you have, here's how to succeed in today's unsteady economy. 
Job seekers
Don't apply to every job you see: Not only is this a waste of time, since employers look for position-specific, targeted résumés, but it creates a false sense of accomplishment. You may have applied to 20 jobs today, but if you were only truly qualified to do two of them, then you're not making as much progress as you think you are.
It's better to spend more time on the fewer applications for the jobs you are actually qualified to do.
"Research the job announcement, so you know the skills and experiences they’re looking for," says Richard Deems, Ph.D., author of "Make Job Loss Work For You." "In your cover letter make sure you mention each qualification they want in the same order and with many of the same words they have used."
Though this method may be more time-consuming, it will also be more worthwhile in the long run.
Quantify accomplishments on your résumé: Whether you're a salesperson, a nurse or a graphic designer, it's possible to quantify your achievements, something that gives clarity and adds weight to your résumé.
Not sure how to get started? Deems offers the following process:
  1. “Write down what you’ve been doing on the job, as specific as possible.”
  2. “For each item, ask 'So what?' Keep asking until you come up with a result.”
  3. “Put the results in some measurable form, whether it’s dollars, percentages or just plain numbers.”
  4. “Write a one-liner beginning with an action word (reduced, created, increased, etc.) about what you did and include the specific results.”
  5. “Keep refining the one-liner until it really catches your attention."
Create a personal brand: "Personal brand" is a buzzword for a reason. Having one is arguably the best way to boost your job search. TheWorkBuzz recently did a two-part series on how to create a personal brand, which you can find here and here.
Prepare for your interviews: Nothing good ever came from "winging it," at least as far as job interviews are concerned.
"Research the organization and the key people — even if you won’t be meeting with the top leaders," Deems says. "You should know their products and services, new products and services, where they are located, recent mergers or acquisitions, and something about the key people. Look for a button titled 'Investor Relations' or 'About the Company.'  Spend some time researching." 
It's also important to prepare answers to common interview questions like, “Tell me about yourself," and "Why should I hire you?" As a response to the latter, Deems suggests something along the lines of: "First, I have the skills and experience needed to get the job done, and done very well;  Second, you have the reputation as being a great place to work and that’s the kind of place where I can invest my time and energy;  and Third, I want the job.”  Of course, you should personalize your answer with specific details.
Job holders
Communicate with your supervisor: Keeping an open line of communication with your supervisor can benefit you in more ways than one.
For example, says Nick Balletta, CEO of TalkPoint Communications, a company that provides webcasting and virtual meeting services, "If you're working on a project or assignment, ask your boss or supervisor about your progress along the way. If you are off track, it's a chance to realign. If you're on track, it's an opportunity to remind your boss how valuable you are."
Asking for more responsibility is also a good strategy. "With responsibility comes more autonomy and more empowerment. That said, there is no free lunch, so expect to be accountable," Balletta says.
Find a mentor: "If you're new or inexperienced, take advantage of the knowledge base around you. In this environment, the people who are more seasoned are survivors. Learn from them. More often than not, they will be happy to help," Balletta says.
Having a mentor can also be advantageous in case of company layoffs. If your mentor is within your company, you'll have an advocate in your corner. If the person is outside your company, you'll have a great networking contact should you find yourself on the chopping block.
Learn the business:  Even if you're not in a sales role, understanding your company's business objectives can help you identify opportunities to do your job better.
"Too often, employees who are not in front-line teams lose focus on the business, or worse, never take time to learn the business," Balletta cautions. "So if you're in a less public-facing position like accounting, operations or IT, for example, keep in mind that the business is driven by customers. Learn who the customers are and how your company services them. If you learn the business, people will treat you like you’re in the business."
Treat everyday like it's an interview: "In speech, in actions, in attitude, in demeanor, in tone, act as though you're interviewing for your current job. Once you feel comfortable, then act as if you're interviewing for the job you want," Balletta says. "Serious people get taken seriously."
Want to know more about surviving and thriving in the current economy?
Check out:
 Shake the job search blues
20 ways to impress the boss
 ”I’ll take anything”: Three words that will kill your job search

Time to Quit Your Job? Record Numbers of People Say Yes



ResumeBear Blog


Posted: 06 Aug 2011 07:07 AM PDT
Is now the time to leave your job? With unemployment hovering just above 9 percent, the obvious answer would seem to be, "No way."
Millions of people are turning their backs on the obvious answer, leaving their jobs in record numbers, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics figures quoted in a recent story from Bloomberg News. In May, almost two million Americans quit their jobs voluntarily, up 35 percent from January 2010.
The Bloomberg story points out that generally, job-hopping is a sign of an improving economy. I would love for that to be true, but I think it's only part of the story.
  • Growth in gross domestic product has recently slowed
  • Unemployment has been stubbornly high.
  • Consumer confidence is up from 2009 (thank goodness), but, as measured by the Conference Board, it's still relatively low, at 59.5.
The optimists would point out that the stock market has rebounded significantly since the depths of the financial crisis, and that the Institute of Supply Management's July manufacturing report shows that manufacturing has improved for the 24th straight month.
More than the economy
My guess, though, is that something else seems to be at work. This recession has been worst for those who've lost their jobs, of course. But many of those who are still employed are having a very tough time. They suffer so-called survivor's guilt, they're shouldering the work of their missing colleagues, and they wonder who's going to be laid off next. Wage freezes are common.  Many employees would love the kind of fresh start that a new job can provide, but they haven't been able to move.
The longer folks stay in these unpleasant conditions, the more alluring other companies start to look. They also start to outgrow their current jobs or get a bit stale in them, a situation few people enjoy.
At some point, those who can move on do exactly that, even if they're not headed to their dream job. They're headed out-and for now, that's good enough.
How is the job market in your industry? Are you looking to move on?

Leadership Lab

Kimberly Weisul

5 Ways to Take Charge of Your Online Presence During a Job Search | Career Rocketeer


5 Ways to Take Charge of Your Online Presence During a Job Search | Career Rocketeer

Link to Career Rocketeer - Career Search and Personal Branding Blog

Posted: 05 Aug 2011 03:30 AM PDT
Online Presence Job SearchAssuming you haven't been living under a rock for the past decade, you know that the Internet is simply a treasure trove of tools, outlets, and opportunities. If you are unemployed, the Internet will probably result in your next application, interview, and job.
It's not enough to start a LinkedIn profile here or carpet bomb your resume there. Your online presence started the minute you sat down at the computer. However, it's up to you what kind of presence you want.
Check out these five ways to take charge of your online presence:
Google yourself (images too!)
This is by far the most basic (and most easily forgotten) thing to do when evaluating your online presence. Look up your name, your name in quotation marks, nick names, and, if applicable, your maiden name. The people looking over your resume are doing it, so why aren't you? Think about what you want to see about yourself, what you don't want publicly available, and what you actually see online.
Update your profiles
Now that you've Googled yourself, do you remember all the profiles you have out there? Update all of them—social and professional. You never know where a potential employer might find you first, so it is important for you to keep up-to-date information everywhere they might look. Likewise, delete profiles you'd rather not maintain (if you haven't logged onto MySpace in 3 years, it's got to go!).
Evaluate your privacy settings
There is no better way to take control of your online presence than to fine-tune your privacy settings. Keep in mind: websites frequently change their privacy settings. So, even if you think you are on top of who sees what, you need to double-check.
Set a goal
It's easy to simply declare, "I'm going to take charge of my online presence!" If you do a little bit of this and a little bit of that, you're going to end up with a little bit of nothing. Set a few measurable, short- and long-term goals for yourself. For instance, in three months, your goal might be to connect with five potential employers.
Start a conversation
You have the profiles, the content, and the time — but is anyone talking to you? If not, don't wait around for someone to seek you out, instead, start conversations up with them! Follow potential employers and others you look up to on Twitter and casually start up a conversation with them. For instance, "Wow, what you said about X really made sense. What is your opinion on Y?"
How will you take charge of your online presence?

Guest Expert:
Tony Morrison is the Vice President at Cachinko, a unique professional community where social networking and job opportunities come together. His roles include sales, marketing, and business development. He is passionate about building B2B and B2C client relationships and brings this passion to Cachinko where he focuses on helping job seekers to find their ideal job and employers to find, attract, and engage their next rock star candidates. Find him on Twitter and/or connect with Cachinko on Facebook or Twitter.


whatwhere
job title, keywords or company
city, state or zipjobs by job search

blogging4jobs


blogging4jobs

Link to Blogging4Jobs

Posted: 05 Aug 2011 05:38 AM PDT

You have the right to remain silent

Do you remember the old saying, "You can catch more flies with honey than vinegar" ?  I am not a huge fan of flies and never really understood why anyone would want to catch 'em anyway, but I get the sentiment of the statement and observed a direct demonstration of the honey versus vinegar argument this last weekend.

While road-tripping to Mammoth Lakes, my family stopped at gorgeous Mount Whitney  to take pictures and get as close as possible without actually going off road or having to hike.  We took Whitney Portal Road past the Alabama Hills toward the base of Mt. Whitney where we hoped to get some beautiful pictures.  As the road wound up the mountain, we came upon a film crew; there were trailers everywhere and cameras strapped to vehicles and cranes.  There were a few highway patrol cars, as well – they seemed to be simply monitoring activity, giving an official air to the scene we had come upon.  We continued our trek up the road and eventually did find the perfect spot to take some incredible pictures.
After we had quenched our thirst for the view, we climbed back in our car and proceeded back down the hill.  When we came upon the film crew again, one of the CHP cars was stopped at the side with three or four other vehicles parked behind him.  There was no indication that we should stop, so we started to pass, safely mind you, when the officer jumped out of his vehicle, angrily waved his arms at us.  When we stopped, he strutted around the car to speak to my boyfriend, who was driving.  The officer snottily asked if we were in a hurry.  We replied no, just making our way back to Highway 395.  He was having none of our small talk.  He interrupted and gestured to the side of the road saying, "When you see a police car and other cars stopped, you should stop and wait to be told to proceed."
I am being nice when I say this guy was a jerk.  We were on a nice family drive, enjoying the view and historic sites we had taken in that day.  He did not embody "to serve and protect" – his self-important approach and disdain for happy people was clearly evident in his speech and walk.  I left the conversation feeling considerable disrespect for the officer and the California Highway Patrol, in general. 
I wish I could say that I am sure that was not his intent.  His vinegar was revolting and has now become the butt of many jokes.  He didn't seem like a bigger man nor did it qualify him as an authority of any kind.  He successfully downgraded law enforcement officers in my eyes.  Ranger Smith would have garnered more respect…
When given the opportunity, do you use authority to show importance or to lead?  True Leadership is often a misnomer in business today.  The wrong people are promoted or stay in positions of influence usually because the effort or disruption would require too much to remove them.   The Peter Principle is alive and well in all industries. Sadly, incompetence doesn't confine itself to the staff at your local print shop. It can seep its way into any organization, any industry, any person.   And acknowledging that possibility just might be half the battle.


Rayanne Thorn, @ray_anne is the Marketing Director for the online recruiting software company, Broadbean Technology.  She is also a proud mother of four residing in Laguna Beach, California, and a contributor for Blogging4Jobs.  Connect with her on LinkedIn. 



Posted: 05 Aug 2011 04:17 AM PDT
management by walking around, MBWA, casual leadership, leadership styles, leadership in business, Human resources leadership, casual sexWhen it comes to your life, there’s nothing casual about it.  The same holds true for your personal life and sex or the office.  There is no such thing as casual sex.  There’s also no such thing as casual leadership.  You’re either an engaged leader or you are not.
As an organization leader, I have always been a proponent of MBWA or Management by Walking Around.  On a daily basis, I would wonder, casually walking around the office, call center, plant, or retail location I oversaw.  But there was purpose with my wanderings, making them not very casual or wondering at all.
My goal was to engage an intended target, an employee open to answering questions, making small talk, or having conversations along the way.  Sometimes I would wonder by Team 6 to check in on my new hires or spot check beams to audit our team’s most recent safety evaluation.    On the surface, it appeared casual, but there was a method to my casual madness.  It was targeted, meticulous, and calculated.
In retail, we called this walking the race track.  Think of mall walking but with a purpose.  Those managers that choose to walk the racetrack chatted with customers, checked in with employees, and evaluated their surroundings, relationships all with an end game in mind.  That end game could vary depending on the person.  Selling more widgets, getting home early, or out of sheer boredom.  There was nothing casual about it.
Sometimes managers walk through the motions.  Employees are the same way.  Choosing to be casual when they really are disengaged, unhappy, or unmotivated to go beyond the surface and let their guard down and live.  Going through the motions and doing what my mom calls half-assing it along the way.  We only have one life to live, one moment in time.  Life,  sex, or play isn’t casual.  Why should your work life as an organizational leader be any different?
Photo Credit This is Your Conscience
conversation culture, employee engagement, employee enchantment, HR leadership, human capital management

10 Ways to Save Money With a Single Phone Call



Moola Days


Posted: 04 Aug 2011 09:01 PM PDT
Technology has provided us with so many easy ways to save money, but there's still one very convenient low-tech savings tool: the phone call. If you're able to get an actual human being on the other end of the phone, you can talk your way into some serious savings. Here are 10 easy ways you [...]
10 Ways to Save Money With a Single Phone Call is a post from: Moola Days


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