Summertime and the Job Search

"Summertime and the living is easy…." not if you are in the job hunt. As the weather heats up and the job market cools down, what can you do to keep motivated and energized? Here are a couple of ideas:

1. Visit a free career assessment site. Oprah Winfrey has a few in her on-line magazine that are good for men and women and the government has several good ones. Review your strengths and development needs. Ask how you can strengthen both?
2. Update your skill set. Take advantage of the library or unemployment office course offerings. Many of these are free or low cost.
3. Attend networking events. Look in the newspaper or your social networking sites for events in your area. Don’t let the “Unemployed Networkers” events ever stop you. These events showcase some fantastic sessions and every person attending is a potential networking contact.
4. Volunteer. Find something that you like and get out there and do it. Seriously. As an added benefit, you are using your strengths (see #1 above).
5. Update your resume and social media sites. As you take new classes, learn new skills or volunteer, add these to your on-line and electronic profiles.
6. Network. Revisit your network contact list. Is there anyone new to add (maybe from volunteering or networking events)? When you are at that 4th of July party, let your friends and family know that you are still on the hunt. Ask for their suggestions/ideas/contact names.

These are just a few ideas and I am sure that you have others. Let’s hear from you. What are you doing?

The Overqualifed Statement

I get a lot of questions in the Job Search for the 40+ Job Seeker class about responding the the "Overqualified" statement. Here is an audio clip my response. It's from Job Radio FM. They are a great resource!

Grammar/spelling Confusion

Lulu.com who published my book, Job Search for Moms, posted this on their Facebook page today. It is good, funny and a little reminder of commonly misspelled or confused words.

Moms to Work

I am a guest blogger for the site, Moms to Work. This site is a wonderful resource for working mothers, stay at home moms and well, all moms. My article is Returning to Work: How Moms Can Take the First Step. This is Part I of a two-part series. Other articles will follow.

Common Sense Job Search Tips

I know you may have heard these before but they are tried and true tips and may help with your job search. Here are ten common sense tips that popped into my head this morning.

1. Font Size Matters: You can use different font sizes in the heading of your resume and also when you type the information from your former or current company but never use various sizes or styles when describing your accomplishments. Go to some of the Yahoo, Indeed, Monster or About.com sites for samples.
2. Don’t Have A One-Size-Fits-All Resume: Sure it’s extra work but you should have a resume that matches each position for which you apply. You can have one template resume and then change it up as you apply to various positions. This holds true for cover letters.
3. Try To Get A Contact: Use your network and if that doesn’t work, use social media sites to find contact names.
4. Spell and Grammar Check: Even after you run your resume and cover letter through spell and grammar checker have a friend or family member review them and then ask someone else to do it.
5. Plain Text: When asked to attach your resume electronically, read the site to learn how they what it. If nothing is written, change your resume format to Plain Text.
6. Watch Your Grammar: You may not be aware of how you come across so ask someone who you trust and then correct whatever it is.
7. Be On Time: Arrive no more than 10 minutes before your interview. If you do arrive early, use that time to review your resume, job description and company information.
8. Be Nice To The Receptionist: It makes a difference and the hiring manager may ask the receptionist for his or her feedback.
9. Don’t Speak Poorly About Your Former Company or Boss: Never, ever.
10. Do Your Homework: If you don’t study the company and have questions relating to it and the position then why bother showing up for the interview?

There are plenty of other common sense tips out there, what are some of yours?

Job Search Sites for Age 50+

This site provides lists several of the more common job search sites for the job hunter aged 50 and up. It also has links to some other areas that may be of interest to the mature worker.

Job Search Skills for Teens

My teenage son is looking for a job. He asked me (really!) if I had any suggestions on the steps he should take to make a good first impression. I shared with him some of the steps that I teach teenagers from a local youth group. He may not need all of them but it is better to be prepared than not.

Preparation
1. Jot down your job experience. In one or two sentences, write down what you did and any accomplishments. What kind of accomplishments? Maybe your manager complimented your customer service, perhaps a customer informed you that you are a pleasure to work with, perhaps it was the time when you did something without being asked.
2. Jot down any school, volunteer or community activities. List what you did and again, if you have any achievements. These activities can include sports, clubs, student council, theater, assisting with community food drives, etc.
3. Identify your skills. Looking at all that you do, list any special skills that you have. Are you a good listener, team player, problem solver, leader, or planner? Come up with examples that support these.
4. Identify potential jobs. What types of skills are needed? Do you have these (see #’s 1 – 3)?

The Job Application
Before walking into a restaurant, store or another place to look for a job, be prepared. You should have a copy of the following information in your backpack or purse:
1. Your personal contact information
2. Names and addresses of your previous employer (include the full name of your previous manager).
3. Dates of your previous job
4. Your Social Security Number (memorize this)
5. Days and hours you are available.
6. Date that you can begin work
7. Your skill set (see above)
8. References – Names, phone numbers. It doesn’t hurt to have the email and addresses too.
9. Reason why you left your last employer
You should also carry with you a pen, calendar or knowledge of your schedule.

Dress
It sounds old-fashioned but clothing is still important and make a good first impression. Boys should wear belted pants, a collared shirt, socks and shoes. Girls should wear a dress, slacks or skirt with an appropriate blouse/top. They should wear a minimum of make-up/perfume and also wear appropriate footwear.

Behavior
If you are lucky enough to get an interview, keep the following points in mind:
1. Use a firm handshake.
2. Look the interviewer in the eye.
3. Answer all questions and use examples (can be found in your preparation work)
4. Ask questions.
5. Speak clearly and be polite
6. Be prepared to write anything down (have a pen and paper with you.)
7. Be on time.
8. If driven, go in by yourself.

Good luck on your job search!