In the middle of the snow storm yesterday, I got to thinking about ways to get around the frustrations that bad weather can bring. If you’re traveling, have an interview, plan to attend a networking event, this wild winter may be getting on your nerves. But here’s another take for job seekers: help a neighbor shovel a walkway or driveway, make muffins, plan an indoor project that you would enjoy (I just learned how to knit mittens and can’t tell you how proud I am of my efforts!), invite another job seeker over for coffee or tea and work on your search plans together. It’s amazing how energizing it is to share what we’re doing, and of course it helps keep us on track. Two more storms in the forecast–hope this helps you look forward to them!
Pay attention to what lights your fire!
After teaching my Boomers Back to Work! class for CTWorks! I received an interesting email from one of the participants. She was making doll clothes–something she had done 25 years ago-and wondered if it was “wrong” to be doing something that made her feel alive and fulfilled. I told her “No!” And then we brainstormed about ways this could be part of her search plan and how she might be able to sell her product. Never turn away from the things that you enjoy doing–but learn how to balance that with the practical side–how are you going to make money? Create a written plan, get feedback on it from others, and see what happens. Making things is almost always rewarding. Let that be part of your search.
THE POWER OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Check out this helpful article in Business Insider Australia: It Takes Just 3 Seconds To Make A Brilliant First Impression. They quote me and mention my new book, “The Essential Job Interview Handbook.” Interviewing is like theatre–you’ve got to look the part.
ARE YOU TERRIFIED OF PANEL INTERVIEWS? DON’T BE.
I had the great pleasure of talking with Will Eisenbrandt recently for a podcast on the challenges of panel interviews. In my book, “The Essential Job Interview Handbook”, I call this “One of me, so many of you!” Listen to our chat and learn how to ace even this high stress type of interview: http://www.networkedwealth.com/jeanbaur/
You’re Never Too Old to Find Work
There are many myths out there that stop job seekers from finding work, and one of them, for us Boomers, is that we’re too old and no one will hire us. Listen to my recent podcast with Andy Asher of BloomerBoomer and see what you think: Listen.
There are a lot of strong reasons why companies need seasoned employees. And by the way, don’t use the word “old” in talking about yourself. I prefer “mature” or “seasoned.” Sounds a lot better, doesn’t it?
DON’T BE A TURKEY!
This is an odd post to write, having been a vegetarian for the past 43 years, but in thinking about networking during the holiday season, that’s what came to me. Don’t just sit there. Don’t be part of the decorations, but instead talk to people, engage them, let them know–whether it’s your old uncle or a cousin’s new boyfriend–what you’re looking for. Sound excited. Give an example of what you can contribute in your field whether it’s science, technology, admin or working in fast food. People like to help. They like to connect those they care about with others. They want to see the magic of a good job happen, so even if you decide to stuff yourself, engage in conversation, and you’ll be one of smart people getting hired in December or early January. And if there aren’t enough people at home to talk with, volunteer at a soup kitchen and you’ll be surrounded–and have a good time.
ADVICE FOR BABY BOOMERS in FOX BUSINESS NEWS
I was recently interviewed for an article. “Job Hunting Tips for Baby Boomers”, and the writer, Casey Dowd, asked some great questions. Please take a look at the article: http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/2013/11/21/job-hunting-tips-for-baby-boomers/ and let me know what you think. We Boomers aren’t done yet!
How an interview is like an open book test.
I just got a wonderful email from a job seeker who heard me speak at Jewish Family Services in West Hartford, CT. He wrote that he did careful preparation and “listed the job requirements and coordinated them with my strengths” and also “carried of list of my accomplishment stories for some quick reading in the car (just before the interview) and kept the headings in clear sight during the interview.” The results? Two offers and another interview in the works. What I love best is his analogy: “It was like taking an open book test.”
So good preparation is not optional. Take a look at a free chapter of my new book, “The Essential Job Interview Handbook” on my website: JeanBaur.com. And make sure to put smart effort into getting ready for interviews. It pays off!
Just out of school or college and facing an interview?
Take a look at my recent post on collegerecruiter.com: http://www.collegerecruiter.com/blog/2013/10/17/how-can-college-students-sell-experience-at-a-job-interview/
Interview book is here!
Interviewing is such an important part of getting a job, and now there’s a new resource to help job seekers of all levels and functions. I’m thrilled to announce that “The Essential Job Interview Handbook” is in bookstores and available on Kindle and Nook. If you’d like to read three, free chapters, please go to my website: JeanBaur.com.
What’s different about this book? It combines preparation and strategy with sample questions and answers, and unlike other interview books, gives “good, better and best” options for each question with a brief explanation of what makes the strongest answers. And it’s fun. Each chapter has sidebars with stories from my 20+ years of career coaching, and a “Ditch It!” section that includes things you should never say in an interview. I’m confident this work will help you whether you’re just staring out or have been working a long time. And if you’re in transition, it’s a must. Go to your local library as ask for it.
