career source issue 215

CareerSourCe • JuNe 16, 2009 1WWW.CareerSourCeMaGaZINe.CoM

2 JuNe 16, 2009 • CareerSourCe WWW.CareerSourCeMaGaZINe.CoM


EMPLOYMENT


EMPLOYMENT

PublishersDon Ditlevsen • Gregg Kirksey

GraphIC DeSIGN/proDuCtIoNItay Kapitulnik

Randall S. Hansen Ph.D., Deborah Walker

CIrCulatIoNCirculation Management, Inc. • S.F. Bay Distributers

Publishers Flag Distributing • Newspaper Taxi

eDItorIal & aDvertISING offICe5610 Scotts Valley Dr. Ste. 516, Scotts Valley, CA 95066

Tel: 831-430-0839 • Fax: 831-430-0698

Pick Up CareerSource for Free at:Book Stores • Shopping Centers • Job FairsPost Offices • Libraries • Career Centers and many more!Over 1,500 pick up locations in the Bay Area

Careersource copyright 2009. CareerSource Magazine, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States. CareerSource is published once a month and distributed free. All manuscripts submitted at owners risk; all become property of the publisher. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission from the publisher is prohibited.

To receive a 1 year subscription send a check for $20 with your name and address to: Careersource Magazine, 5610 Scotts Valley Dr. Ste 516, Scotts Valley, CA 95066, Attn: Subscriptions.

This publication does not knowingly accept deceptive or misleading advertising. Any job offer requiring an investment should be thoroughly investigated.

FEATURECareerSmartlayoffs Coming?Take Action Now to Lay Foundation for Your Future ... 6

TAbLE OF Issue #215

WWW.CAREERSOURCEMAGAZINE.COM

to advertise Call (831) 430-0839

EDITORIALSStrategies for Staying UpbeatDuring a Long Job-Search .......................................... 8

Are You Ready for an Unexpected Job Interview? .... 12


EMPLOYMENT

Is your employer hurting? Is your industry dying? Are the rumors of widespread layoffs or plant closures getting increasingly more prevalent? Have the layoffs and pink slips already started?

This article is all about providing tips for workers who are about to lose their jobs -- and what you can do to prepare for it and move on after it. You’ll find expert action steps you can begin taking now to lay a foundation for a better and more secure future.

Before The Layoff1. Ramp Up Your Networking. Now is not the time to be in denial with your network contacts. Just the opposite. It’s time to talk with your contacts about new job leads or possible career changes while also working hard at building new contacts. You may feel a bit awkward or embarrassed to talk about possibly being laid off, but your urgency can increase the chances of finding a new job before your employer has the chance to let you go.

2. Meet With the Boss. Typically during layoffs, workers avoid the boss as much as possible but now is a great time to schedule a meeting. You can discuss a number of options, from asking for a strong recommendation to requesting that you’ll take on extra tasks and work responsibilities if it means staying on longer. You can even suggest taking a cut in hours, job-sharing, telecommuting, or other options if the boss thinks that one of them will help stave off more layoffs (or at least delay your own).

3. Visit the Human Resources Office. You’ll want to request a current accounting of all your benefits, including vacation days, comp-time hours, pension funds, and monies remaining in your flex spending plan. If you have not kept copies of them, you should also ask for copies of key personnel information, such as performance appraisals. (Remember to use the remainder of your benefits now before it’s too late.)

4. Secure Co-Worker Information/References. Ask the co-workers who know you best for their personal contact information -- and whether they would be willing to serve as a reference for you in your next job search. It’s best to do it now before the layoffs come and people scatter.

5. Polish Job-Search Materials. Now is the time to begin seriously working on updating your resume. If you have not had to deal with your resume for a few years, take time to relearn the key elements of resumes in today’s job market -- or better, make the investment in hiring a professional to create or enhance your resume.

6. Safeguard Personal and Professional Information. Make copies of all important information and documents -- ideally in hard copy as well as electronically. You’ll want samples of your work to show future employers. You should also keep a detailed list of all vendors, suppliers, clients, and the like you’ve worked with so that you can contact them for networking or in connection with your next job.

After the Layoff1. File for Unemployment Compensation. Don’t wait for one minute. There is no shame in applying for jobless benefits when your company has let you down. Most states now allow you to apply for unemployment online. Find your state using our List of State Unemployment Websites. You’ll need this key information to complete the application: contact information, social security number, driver’s license number, name of most recent employer, dates of last employment (start and end dates), and salary/wage figures.

2. Find, Follow All Job Leads. When you’re unemployed, your entire day should be spent job-hunting. Wake up early and make some networking calls, visits, or emails. Track down job leads. Apply to company-posted job openings. Follow-up previously submitted applications. Prepare for job interviews. Schedule informational interviews. Use every tool available to you to find and apply to jobs - and don’t stop your job-hunting day until you’ve achieved your daily goals.

3. Consider a Survival Job. Even after you’ve cut back on your spending, typical unemployment benefits are not going to cover all your bills, and while it’s a good

CAREERSMART

LAYOFFS COMINg?TAkE ACTION NOw TO LAY FOUNDATION FOR YOUR FUTURE

By Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D.

Dr. Randall S. Hansen is founder of Quintessential Careers, one of the oldest and most comprehensive career development sites on the Web, as well CEO of EmpoweringSites.com. He is also founder of MyCollegeSuccessStory.com and EnhanceMyVocabulary.com. He is publisher of Quintessential Careers Press, including the Quintessential Careers electronic newsletter, QuintZine. Dr. Hansen is also a published author, with several books, chapters in books, and hundreds of articles. He’s often quoted in the media and conducts empowering workshops around the country.

cushion initially, you may need to consider taking a full-time job that is not in your current career field -- so you can pay the bills, keep the house and car, and put food on the table.

4. Contemplate a Career Change. If you were unhappy in your last job or your job is simply becoming obsolete, it’s time to lay a foundation for making a change. Find some time to brainstorm and research new careers that inspire you and have a future. Changing careers is often harder than finding a new job, but being laid off may be a blessing in disguise if it moves you into a better career.

5. Obtain Training, Further Education, Gain Experience. Whether you are changing careers or simply trying to find a new job in your current field, it is always beneficial to showcase that you are current on the tools and technologies required. Some state and federal programs offer retraining grants and resources while local community colleges may provide low-cost tuition options. Finally, consider volunteering while you are obtaining the training -- it will cover gaps on your resume and provide you with many other benefits.

6. Tap Other Money and Benefits Sources. If you’re at risk of becoming homeless or otherwise struggling, consider other sources of money -- after you have cut your spending to the absolute bare necessities. Tap into other government and community-based programs for the unemployed and low-income workers. Empty your savings and cash in your savings bonds. Sell stuff (garage sales, e-bay, craigslist, etc.). Borrow from your pension or life insurance, but try not to cash in those policies until it’s a last resort.

Final ThoughtsA layoff is an emotional and financial hit that can take months to overcome, but if you take the recommended actions prior to the layoff and immediately following the layoff, you will be better prepared -- and ideally better able to move quickly from one job to the next (or to a new career).


CAREER TRAININg


STRATEgIES FOR STAYINg UPbEATDURINg A LONg JOb-SEARCh

reward yourself with something that will take your mind off your job-search temporarily.

Develop a set daily schedule with the goal of achieving a set number of job-search tasksOnce you have identified all these smaller goals in the previous strategy, use this strategy for achieving them. Consider setting small daily job-search goals for yourself, such as talking with three people in your network, or following-up three job leads. Job-hunting is often a cumulative effect of many activities, so get started on completing several job-search activities daily.

Keep your job-search skills sharpThe longer it has been since your last job search, the more likely you are in need of polishing those job-search skills -- especially your interviewing skills. One of the best techniques for keeping your interviewing skills sharp is role playing. Seek out a friend, colleague, or mentor to ask you the tough interview questions in a mock interview situation -- and then keep tweaking those answers until you have confidence in your interviewing skills.

talk with a career counselor or coach and get feedbackAt some point in your job-search, the best solution may be to bring in a professional to evaluate your job-search goals and strategies and give you the pointers you need to get your job search back on track. Consider using a professional, such as a career coach or career counselor. Many metropolitan areas have One-Stop or other publicly-funded career centers. Or, if you are a college graduate, consider contacting the career professionals at your alma mater and ask for assistance.

Lack of success in a job-search can take its toll as the time looking extends much longer than you originally thought, especially if you are unemployed. You may begin to question your skills and abilities, and whether you will ever again find a job in your field. What can you do to break the potential downward spiral and remain upbeat and optimistic about your future prospects? Here are some strategies for helping you get through this rough patch in your career.

reassess your job-search goals and strategies and make necessary adjustmentsIf you have been unsuccessful thus far in your job search, it’s time to take an objective look at your goals, strategies, and tactics. Are you sending out resumes and getting no responses? Is your resume as strong (and professional) as it can be? Are you following-up all job leads? Are you using your network? Are you spending too much time using online job boards? If you feel as though you are putting out a lot of effort, but not getting any interviews, then you need to assess these strategies. If you are getting interviews, but not getting any offers, then you need to assess your interviewing and post-interview follow-up strategies. Finally, if you are making a career change, are you attempting too large a stretch?

Set smaller goals for yourself -- and celebrate each achievementSometimes a goal as big as a job-search take on a life of its own and become intimidating -- almost overwhelming. If this is the case for you, the best strategy is to break down your job-search tasks into smaller activities. Don’t look at your situation from the macro level; instead, focus on each of the many smaller steps it takes to find and obtain a new job. And once you achieve your daily goals,

By Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D.

EDITORIAL


Dr. Randall S. Hansen is founder of Quintessential Careers, one of the oldest and most comprehensive career development sites on the Web, as well CEO of EmpoweringSites.com. He is also founder of MyCollegeSuccessStory.com and EnhanceMyVocabulary.com. He is publisher of Quintessential Careers Press, including the Quintessential Careers electronic newsletter, QuintZine. Dr. Hansen is also a published author, with several books, chapters in books, and hundreds of articles. He’s often quoted in the media and conducts empowering workshops around the country.

Join a job club and get key support from other job-seekersOne of the best tools for some job-seekers is a job club, where members get together regularly for moral support, skills updating, and the sharing of job leads. Many communities have job clubs, but if yours doesn’t, consider starting one yourself. Look for announcements in the business section of your town’s newspaper, free employment newspaper, phone book, or even local religious organizations.

expand your network of contactsNo job-search technique is stronger than networking, yet networking is often misunderstood. Networking, which you should do year-round not just when you are job-hunting, simply means building relationships with other people. You don’t ask people in your network to hire you; rather, you simply tell them the type of job you are seeking and ask them for advice and to keep their eyes open. In fact, they may know their company is looking for someone with your skills, but more likely, they may know another employer who is looking for someone with your skills. So, expand your network! Join a new organization in your profession or your community. But don’t stop there -- jump on the fast-growing bandwagon of online networking.

Seek out other alternatives to regular employmentIf the job outlook doesn’t look good in the short-term, rather than spending all your time seeking a full-time position, you might consider several alternatives. You might consider temping, which is often in demand and a good way to build skills and get your foot in the door with various employers. You might also consider going to work for yourself as a freelancer or consultant. Finally, you might also consider volunteering, even if only for a few hours a week, to gain valuable experience and make

new networking contacts.

find ways to increase your marketabilityDon’t allow yourself to lose ground while you are job-hunting. Find ways to increase your marketability, such as through volunteering or additional training/education. Thus, even if you are unemployed for a period of time, rather than having a conspicuous gap on your resume, you can showcase your improved skills.

reward yourself by taking breaks to get away from stressPerhaps one of the best things you can do is find things to do so that you are not living and breathing your job-search 24/7. Take time each day just for yourself. Walk, jog, or ride your bike. Visit a nearby park. Visit your local library. Do something to physically and mentally get away from the stress of your job-search.

Final ThoughtsPerhaps it’s a bit too “New Age” for your taste, but I truly believe there is something to the power of positive thought. If you are pessimistic about your chances in an upcoming job interview, chances are the employer is going to sense those vibes. A long job-search can certainly be discouraging and hard on the ego at times, but as best you can, you need to rise above these feelings and focus on the positives -- and following some of these strategies should help get your job-search moving in a positive direction.


CAREER TRAININg


communicate their impact to your employer’s bottom-line initiatives? A list of your top accomplishments will enable a prospective employer to imagine what you can do for he organization. Accomplishments give employers a way to associate your skills with their needs and a reason to remember you. Be prepared to list your top skills and show how they can help meet corporate needs.

3. Are you prepared to answer your own toughest interview questions, or do you hope they just won’t come up? Don’t leave yourself vulnerable to such questions as: “If you’re doing so well in your job, why do you want to leave?” A good recruiter or hiring manager will see you sweat and stutter and squirm; you’ll lose their confidence and destroy a chance to get your dream job. Think about the questions that will be your biggest pitfalls and be prepared to answer them.

4. Do you know how to find out your interviewer’s motivations to understand how best to answer his or her questions? This is a very important question. Without knowing your interviewer’s motivations, how will you know if your answers hit the mark of what he or she is looking for in a perfect candidate? Conduct research and determine exactly what that employer needs. Once you have those answers in hand, you can target your interview answers accordingly.

A good career coach can help you answer all these questions and more, preparing you for the interviews you plan -- and the interview you didn’t expect. With those answers in hand, you can take your career from mediocre to marvelous with “always-ready” interview skills.

Most job-seekers wait to polish up their interview skills until they are looking for a new position. Important interview opportunities, however, can present themselves at any time.

For example,

unplanned internal job openings: You encounter a sudden opportunity to advance your career from within, and your boss recommends you as a candidate for the job. Are you ready to communicate your contributions to the company?

a recruiter calls: The position sounds like just the career move you’ve been wanting. Will you say the right things to win the job, or will you blunder your best chance?

a former colleague introduces you to his boss: The organization is building an exciting new division and looking for new staff. Can you entice the boss’s interest in you as a must-have new team member?

Those who continually grow in their careers are always prepared for these situations. Their interview skills are sharp at all times. To know if your skills are sharp enough to handle a surprise interview, see if you can answer the following four questions:

1. Can you concisely state your value proposition in 30 seconds or less? A value proposition is meant to intrigue your listener with a quick overview of your skills, expertise, and industry know-how. If you can offer a precise summary of why you are the perfect candidate for that job, you are more likely to get to the second or third interview. A concise value proposition can make a critical difference in winning you a new position. [Editor’s note: See also Your Unique Selling Proposition.]

2. Can you list your top five accomplishments, and can you

EDITORIAL

ARE YOU READY FOR AN

UNExPECTED JOb INTERvIEw?

By Deborah Walker

Deborah Walker is a Certified Career Management Coach. Her expertise includes resume writing and career coaching. She holds membership in the National Resume Writer’s Association. As a former headhunter, her advice comes from an insider’s prospective based on years working with HR professionals and corporate hiring managers.


CAREER TRAININg

career source issue 215

Documents

careersource magazine

new job

long jobsearch

unexpected job interview

building new contacts

network contacts

great time

possible career changes