Jean

Just had a really nice interview with Bruce Hurwitz. Check it out on http://www.blogtalkradio.com/bhp/2011/08/30/coping-with-job-loss-1

When interviewing for a new job, it’s a good idea to think about what you have to offer and what your competitive advantage might be. In some cases it could be the diversity of your background, in others that you’re a recent college grad and are starting out, and in still others, that you combine strong technical skills with the ability to work well with diverse teams. Think of specifc examples that prove your advantage and make those a highlight as you interview.

I am frequently asked this question and it always makes me pause because I can see and hear the desperation behind it. So many job seekers have been out there for months and are worn down and discouraged. What should you do if you’re one of them?

Take a hard look at what has worked so far in your search and what hasn’t. Do more of what is working. Ask for advice. Get out of the house. Give yourself rewards. See your friends. Volunteer. Make a list of companies where you’d like to work and share that list with your network.

In this economy, it’s critical to search smart. Don’t keep doing the same old stuff if it’s not working.

Okay, many of us have just experienced our fourth major snow storm of the season and are wondering if we’ll ever see bare ground again. I noticed in my neighborhood, that people helped each other and sure spent a lot of time shoveling out. So if you’re in transition, the snow is a great “ice breaker” as everyone wants to talk about it and you might be able to help someone shovel off their walkway or get across a slush-filled street. Make it work for you and as all career experts advise, get out of the house and talk with others. And while you’re shoveling,  let people know you’re in transition.

Just a quick reminder as we’ve hit the solstice and winter is officially here:  hiring is still happening. I met with a client yesterday and she has three interviews this week! Also, keep in mind, that this is a great time to reach people and holiday parties should be an easy way to expand your network. So, sure, take short breaks, but don’t stop if you’re looking for work.

This past Saturday in the Business Section of the New York Times, I was quoted in Shortcuts as this critical topic often confuses job seekers. What do you do if you’re asked for a sample marketing plan or project as part of the hiring process? My advice is limit the amount of work you do for free, let the hiring company know that your project will be incomplete, and if they’d like a finished product, you’d be glad to work on a contract basis. Be flexible but don’t work for free.

If you’re like me, you’ve eaten a lot of pie and you know that another month of cookie eating awaits you. For those looking for work in this season, that’s a small worry as many believe that no one gets hired before the New Year. In my 16 years as a career coach I’ve never experienced this season as a dead time in the job market. And in fact it’s the best time of the year for networking and often is a great time to reach people who are otherwise hard to get. Stay active and you’ll succeed.

Happy to report that my book is getting some nice media attention. CNBC quotes from it in an article on “High Paying Seasoanl Jobs” and the Chicago Tribune will also quote me toward the end of November about ways to help your resume get attention. If you’re local come to Borders on Saturday, Nov. 13th, 2-4 in Langhorne, PA for a workshop and signing. Should be fun.

My book on finding your way from job-loss crisis to career resilience is currently available for pre-sale on both Amazon and Barnes & Nobel. What makes this book different is that it uses examples or case studies to show what has happened to job seekers of all backgrounds, functions and levels during the search process. And it’s helpful with a list of do’s and don’ts in each chapter. I hope you enjoy it.

The book I’ve been working on, ELIMINATED! NOW WHAT? will be coming out in November, published by JIST Publications. Closer to that time, I’ll become more active in terms of updating this blog and connecting to others. Stay tuned. Jean