Job Search for Moms (and Dads)

When many stay at home moms (and dads) return to the workplace, the first thing they do is update their resumes. Unfortunately, they get to the heading and stop because they only know what they “used” to do and don’t know how to properly articulate everything that has happened since them. I see this frustration in many of my job training sessions. Here’s how to fix that.

The first big step in any job search or career change is to put away the resume. That’s easy enough. The next step is to clear your mind of everything and focus on two specific areas: you and the job.

Focus on You

Take some time to reflect and jot down your answers to these questions. Try to do this exercise yourself and then ask friends and family if they have anything to add.

• What did I like about my previous jobs?
• What activities did I enjoy?
• What type of work energizes me?
• What don’t I like to do?
• If I could do anything, what could it be?
• What are my interests?
• What are my values?
• What type of personality do I have?
• What am I really good at?
• What am I really bad at?
• What skills do I have?
• What skills have I developed over the years that I have been at home? (Volunteer activities, work with the school, etc.)
• What are my needs in regard to salary, benefits, workload, childcare, hours? (Add all your concerns here.)

There are many great (and free) on-line tools that will allow you to assess your skills, interests and personality.

Focus on the Job

Once you have identified your skills and interests, think about the types of jobs that may interest you.

• Take a free career assessment (onetcenter.org is a good place to start)
• Review the jobs defined in the Occupational Outlook Guide from the Bureau of Labor and Statistics.
• Review the resources available at your public library. Ask a librarian for assistance.
• Go to the familiar job search engines such as Indeed.com and look up the various positions that may interest you. Review the wording and match your skills and interests to these.
• Draw a two column chart. On the left list the skills needed for a particular job. On the right list your accomplishments in your former job, volunteer activities or work at home positions that align to those skills. This exercise will help open up various fields and allow you to focus on creating a resume/plan to further look into those fields.

Focusing on you and focusing on the job are two huge accomplishments and once you get past these, you will be well on your way to creating a career plan.

Goal Setting and Your Job Search

Today I am starting a journey of personal transformation. While I look forward to what is ahead of me, I worry about the adjustments that I’ll have to make. One of the things I did to kick-start my plan was to set goals. I plan on reviewing them every morning and then again at night. You can do the same thing for a job search. Here are a few tips on how to do that.

In my book, Job Search for Moms, I talk about goal setting as a fundamental part of any business planning process and as such, should also be a vital first step of your job search plan. Setting goals allows you to visualize your future, clarify your steps, and focus on dates. It is the cornerstone of the job search planning process in that it allows you to focus on necessary steps while weeding out any needless distractions. It’s also highly motivating and a useful way to measure your time and progress.

Within the context of the job search, your goals should be written in specific terms, they should have precise time frames, and they should be measurable. A specific goal tells you exactly what you want to accomplish. It’s helpful to break each broad goal statement into manageable smaller statements. This step not only keeps you on track, but allows you to feel a sense of accomplishment when it's achieved. A time oriented goal statement should include specific target dates and the approximate time you will need to complete each of the steps. It should include concrete criteria or action steps that will allow you to measure your progress.

Setting goals in the planning process of your job search allows you to focus and move in the right direction. It also gives you a sense of purpose or accomplishment to check off each action item as you move forward. Here are a couple of sample goal statements that may help you take the necessary steps in one phase of your job search; writing your resume.
Resume Development Checklist

Prepare final version of resume by August 12, 20__.

Identify specific skill sets by....
Create measurable accomplishments by…
Create career history by....
Create summary statement by....
Choose resume template by...
Type first draft using selected template by....
Get feedback from contacts by....
Type final version by...

New Book

I’m writing another book. The last one, Job Search for Moms went over pretty well with mothers who were returning to the workplace. While it was also helpful for any job seeker, many men or non-moms didn’t want to pick up a book with the word Moms on the cover. The new book, still unnamed will be a handbook of job search techniques for everyone. It will contain stories and facts, worksheets and resources. Right now, all of that is floating around in my head and keeping me up at night.

One of the hardest things about writing a book is deciding on the content. It’s not the wording so much as deciding the chapters and the flow. I’m having trouble because many of the tasks and thought processes that a job seeker goes through in the job search circle back and affect all of the job search steps. Career assessment can be found in resume writing or interviewing; preparing for an interview is similar to preparing the resume and so on. With these thoughts in mind, I think that the job search process can be seen as a series of four steps; assessing, resume preparation, interviewing and networking. Networking is an action that floats around throughout the entire process. How can you network without assessing your strengths, weaknesses and skill set? How can you compose an elevator pitch or response to the “tell me about yourself’ question without understanding and being able to articulate the same things?

What do you think? What would you want to see in a job search handbook? Do you have any questions or stories?

Job Skills and Moms

The focus of my book, Job Search for Moms, is assisting moms return to the workforce. While the tips and techniques within the 102 page handbook are meant for any job seeker, many women find it helpful for its brief, to the point worksheets and resources.

The media coverage of the Ann Romney/Hilary Rosen debate and the ensuing outrage over the definition of moms and work continues with the “experts” from around the country defining the skills and competencies that mothers use on a daily basis. These skills, as I mention in the book are sharpened and used on a day to day basis and are critical for success in the workplace. What are these skills? Here are just a few.

Oral and Written Communication Time Management
Problem Solving
Creativity
Negotiation
Interpersonal Skills
Collaboration
Networking
Organizational Skills
Leadership

Now let's add volunteering to the mom mix. Research from the 2010 – 2011 Occupational Outlook Handbook indicates that women “continued to volunteer at a higher rate than men did across all age groups, educational levels, and other major demographic characteristics.” The volunteer rate for parents with children continued to surpass those without children. These volunteer activities expand your skill set (multi-tasking, compromise, project management, time management, prioritization) while adding valuable networking opportunities.

Whatever your station in life, create a chart like the one above but add an extra column to write down specific examples of your use of the skills. You will be amazed at all that you do.

We Are All Working Moms So Let's Support One Another

Yesterday the news was buzzing about the battle brewing between democratic strategist Hilary Rosen and Ann Romney, wife of Mitt Romney. It seems that Mitt made a comment about listening to his wife on issues dealing with women’s policies and economics and Hilary said, "Guess what, his wife has actually never worked a day in her life." Since yesterday things have somewhat improved with Rosen apologizing and both sides of the political arena offering their opinions about the hardest job on earth; being a mom.

The battle is pitting women against women, stay at home moms against moms in the workplace. One class left out of the argument is the mom who chooses to go to work simply because she wants to go to work. And what about the stay at home dads? Do they not count?

This whole political mess stirred up a lot of different thoughts and memories for me and took me back to the days when women were at last making a real dent in corporate America. In the early 80s women were finally starting to climb the corporate ladder and assert their leadership, independence and business acumen. At long last women were making strides in the workplace and stepping away from the stereotypical job titles. Along the way though were the few overly aggressive women who took things a bit too far and who were labeled, well, “bitches”.

Fast forward to 2012, the careless comments from Rosen and I am again reminded of that ugly label from the 80s. Instead of supporting one another, some women criticize, are snarky and pit one against the other. If women want to continue to move forward and continue to be taken seriously they should think before they speak. Regardless of political affiliation, women need to support one another and respect all of our choices; if not we will fall backwards instead of moving ahead.

On Pursuing Your Dream Job

My son turns 18 years old tomorrow. He is getting ready to graduate from high school and move on to college; then who knows what direction he will take.  Every year, on the eve of his birthday I write him a letter.  We call it the birthday love letter and it is a recap of the year.  It includes events, friends, dates and a mother’s proclamation of love and pride.  Both of my children get a Birthday Love Letter and it has become a tradition that they actually look forward to and is the first thing they open on their birthdays.

As I prepare to write my letter today, I think about what may be in store for my son.  He has a focus and knows that he wants to pursue a career in the music industry; something he has wanted since he learned to play the guitar in the fifth grade. Did you know what you wanted when you were eighteen? I sure didn't. 

 If you could do it all again, would you choose the path you have taken? Maybe.  In Job Search for Moms, I wrote a piece on going after your dream.

Never underestimate the value of your dreams and aspirations when starting a job search or considering a career change. Unfortunately, many of us question our own abilities and skills or we discount our dreams due to our daily responsibilities or negative thoughts. We often listen to the opinions of others and this too keeps us from following a path that we had once envisioned. In order to realistically look at your interests, visualize a star.

In the center of the star, state your aspiration or dream. What is it that you have always thought about doing? No one is looking over your shoulder; just jot down that one career that you always dreamed of doing. The top point of the star is your support system; those people, places, and ideas that can help and sustain you. List the names of those people or organizations who can offer assistance through child or family care, guidance, emotional encouragement or any other support. The remaining four points of the star are the skills, competencies, training, and actions needed to make your dream a reality. You can establish these pieces by reviewing your personal and professional skills. What skills and competencies do you have that you can apply to your dream job?  What skills and competencies do you need to develop?  You will also need to research the training options and action steps needed to explore your career aspirations. Much of this data can be found by visiting your library or local college, speaking with your mentor or a career counselor but you can also start your search on the internet. Then map it and set your goals.

Sometimes re-evaluating your career direction and focus is a refreshing change from your day-to-day job search efforts.  Even if you don't wind up pursuing your dream job, the activities within this exercise allow you to focus on your support system, your skills, knowledge and abilities and your overall direction. It gets the wheels turning.

Happy Birthday Christian, may all your dreams come true.

Dream Job Radio Interview

I was interviewed for Dream Job Radio today.  The topic was job search advice but we touched on developing yourself as an Entrepreneur.  Here is the link through ITunes.  Another source can be found here.

Local and Independent Authors Day at the Princeton Public Library

I am looking forward to reading from my book, Job Search for Moms at the Princeton Public Library next Saturday, March 19, 2011.  I will be speaking at approximately 2:45 PM in Session 3.  This is a very exciting event for the library.  The morning will feature the following presentations:

10:00 – 10:45am - Don Lafferty: Using Social Media, Marketing and public relations

10:45 – 11:30am - John Calu and David Hart – Transition from self to traditional and writing as a team

11:30-12:00pm - Chris Illuminati: Boggling and Self-Promotion

In the afternoon a wonderful selection of local and independent authors will introduce themselves, speak about their books and have a selection of books available for purchase. 

 Please stop by if you are in the area.  I would love to meet you.

Job Search for Moms - Book Review

My recent book, Job Search for Moms has only three chapters; Planning, Networking and Presenting. That's it - the only three steps you'll need to begin the arduous task of looking for a new job or career.  Rather than present you with a laundry list of every possible piece of job search advice, these three steps take the mystery and well, pain, out of the whole job search process.  So what do the chapters on Planning, Networking and Presenting involve?  Here are a couple of highlights:

1. Planning: The theme of Chapter One is Focus on You, Focus on the Job. With tools and charts, this chapter will allow you to reflect upon your needs including those that are financial, emotional, and educational.  By identifying your strengths and development needs, skill sets, transferable job skills, career wants and experience you will be better prepared to speak about yourself and share your knowledge and abilities.   The chapter also looks at careers and shows you how and where to review the key words that match your skill sets.  By focusing on you and focusing on the job, you’ll be better prepared to set goals and move ahead to the next chapter; Networking.

2. Networking: This chapter looks at the number one way to find a job.  Included are the methods to build relationships, identify networking opportunities and contacts, gain knowledge of the hidden job market and clarify insider information.  You’ll also learn how to develop yourself within your current position or in a different career direction through informal and informational interviewing.  Creating a  social media presence is also emphasized.

3. Presenting: Now that you're done planning and understand networking you are ready to create your resume, plan for your interview and move forward.  This chapter (placed last for a reason) presents the tools you’ll need to put your job search into high gear.  It includes resume types, behavioral interviewing, questioning techniques, resources to find company information, the flow of any interview and follow up activities.

Job Search for Moms stocked with charts, questions, telephone conversations, email samples, internet resources – everything any job seeker needs to get moving with the job search. The material was gathered from a series of job search classes presented by Blackbird Learning Associates.  The book is available on Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble or Lulu.com.

Job Search for Moms

Job Search for Moms is available for a limited time at a 15% discount.  Just enter coupon code OPENBOOK305 at checkout.  Sale ends Monday January 31, 2011.

Articles for Moms Returning to Work

Angele Sionna, Earl Childhood Parenting Examiner from the examiner.com™ has introduced a series of articles focused on mothers returning to the workplace. According to her opening article, “the series will include tips and interviews with human resources experts, resume experts, and successful moms with stories that inspire as well as taking a look at resources to help moms looking to dip their toes back in the workplace water or jump right back in. It's for stay at home moms, work at home moms, moms who work part time and moms that have gone back to work full time."

The article yesterday focused on the identifying skill sets and designing a functional resume. I was interviewed for today’s article, Back to Work Moms Q&A: Advice from Job Search for Moms author about the challenges of returning to work.

Do you or someone you know have similar concerns or challenges?  Please share your thoughts.

Job Search for Moms

Job Search for Moms is a fantastic tool for planning, coordinating and networking your way to a new job.  It was written for Moms but men find it helpful too. Please visit the Amazon page and leave a comment or question.  Better yet, feel free to ask a question here.  I'd be happy to help.  Have a good weekend.

Holiday Gift Idea

I recently replied to a request for an article on holiday gifts for the job seeker. As I thought about it afterwards though, the job search would be at the bottom of my list of things to reflect upon over the holidays.  I tend to think like Scarlett O'Hara returning to Tara at the end of Gone With the Wind, "After all, tomorrow is another day."

New Year's Day is a different story though.  That's the day to think about new directions and strategies (I know, even though we may have good intentions, we may not always follow though).  I suggest giving the job seeker a surprise gift on New Year’s Day.  Some suggestions are a gift certificate to a salon, spa or department store. Some money towards a career coach is a nice idea too. I would also suggest a copy of one of the many wonderful job search handbooks, including my own, Job Search for Moms. Chapter One is centered on planning and preparing for the job search.  What better way to start the New Year than by prioritizing, setting goals and designing a plan?

Job Search for Moms is not just for women. As a recent male job seeker said to me, MOM can be an acronym for Men On (the) Move.  I like that!

If you would like an inscribed or signed copy of Job Search for Moms, let me know and I will ship it out immediately.  If you would like to order on line, you can find the book on Amazon, Barnes and Noble or Lulu.

Whatever you decide, saving a gift for the New Year just might make 2011 a bit brighter and show that job seeker that you support them in whatever they do.

Upcoming Job Search Training Sessions

These job search classes are free and open to the public. They are funded by various grants to the local libraries. If you are interested in attending, contact the library listed. All classes are fun, interactive and provide real tools to help you in your job search. Come see us in action! You'll walk out energized, pumped up to get started and with new network connections.

*The three sessions offered through Raritan Valley Community College have a small fee associated with them.


8/30/10- Interviewing for Success. New Providence Public Library, NJ. 7:00pm - 8:30pm.

9/11/10 - Resume Preparation. Bound Brook Memorial Library, NJ. 1:00pm - 3:00pm.

9/13/10 - Networking for Success. New Providence Public Library, NJ. 7:00pm - 8:30pm.

9/14/10 - Career Evaluation. Keynote Speaker for IAAP. East Hanover, NJ. 5:30 - 8:30pm.

9/22/10 - Job Search for the Age 40+ Employee. Morristown Public Library, NJ. 10:00am - 12:00pm.

9/25/10 - Interviewing Skills. Bound Brook Memorial Library, NJ. 1:00pm - 3:00pm.

9/27/10 - Career Change. Franklin Public Library, NJ. 7:00pm - 8:30pm.

9/29/10 - Career Assessment and Resume Preparation. Red Bank Public Library, NJ. 7:00pm - 9:00pm.

NEW! 10/02/10 Book Signing and Back-to-Work Fashion Event. Annie Sez, Bridgewater, NJ. 12:00 pm - 5:00pm.

*10/05/10 - Mothers Returning to Work Part 1. Raritan Valley Community College, NJ. 10:30am - 11:50 am. (Fee involved)

10/09/10 - Subject to be announced. Edgewater Public Library, NJ. 2:00pm - 4:00pm.

*10/12/10 - Mothers Returning to Work Part 2. Raritan Valley Community College, NJ 10:30am - 11:50am. (Fee involved)

10/18/10 - Writing a Winning Resume and Cover Letter. Franklin Public Library, NJ. 7:00pm - 8:30 pm.

*10/20/10 - Telephone Interviewing. Raritan Valley Community College, NJ. 6:00pm- 8:50pm. (fee involved)

10/27/10 - Interviewing for Success. Red Bank Public Library. 7:00pm - 9:00pm.

10/31/10 - Job Search for the Age 40+ Employee. Ridgewood Public Library, NJ.2:00 pm - 4:00pm.

11/08/10 - Interviewing for Success. Franklin Public Library, NJ. 7:00pm - 8:30pm.

11/09/10 - Book Signing. Clarence Dillon Public Library. Bedminster, NJ. 5:30am - 6:30pm.

Job Search for Moms Facebook Group

A while ago I created a Facebook Group called Job Search for Moms. I thought I would provide some job search tips related to the topics in my book. Since moms aren't the only people looking for jobs these days, the Group provides job search topics and suggestions for anyone from grad to dad. Please join us and jump into the conversation.
The link is Job Search for Moms on Facebook. I hope I get to see you there!

Career Assessment - What Are Your Core Values?

A while ago we talked about career assessment and some of the things to think about before plunging in the job search. There are a ton of tools out there - some good and some just plain worthless. I guess they are better than nothing if you don't know where to begin. One of the things I suggest in all my career assessment classes is to focus on four areas:
1. Values
2. Interests
3. Personality
4. Skills

Today let's look at your values. Your values are your core beliefs. They are the thoughts, feelings, and attitudes that you bring to the career search. They came about as a result of how you were brought up and your belief system. They certainly make an impact on how you view work and what makes you happy, satisfied and motivated while there.

Before doing anything job search related it’s important to inventory your values and compare them to the type of career you are looking for. There are plenty of work value inventories on the internet and most cover two areas:

a. The Work Environment: Salary/benefits, retirement, savings plan, job security, working conditions, family friendly, good community citizen, diverse employees, telecommuting options, etc.
b. The Job Requirements: Recognition, power, leadership, autonomy, creativity, research, analysis, influence, teamwork are only some of the various values associated with typical jobs that each individual craves.

Once you inventory your personal work values you can move ahead and sort through your career interests, personal work style and skills set. We'll get to those in separate blogs. For now, write down what values you prefer in a position and compare them to the wording you see in various job descriptions. Do they match? This is your starting point.

Personal Branding

Personal branding is a technique borrowed from sales and marketing that has become popular in allowing job seekers to stand out from the crowd of similarly skilled applicants. With the potential of six people applying for one job it is critical to showcase your skills, competencies and attributes. In my book, Job Search for Moms I write about personal branding as a strategy to help get you noticed. Here’s an excerpt.

“Personal branding is defined as standing out from a similarly skilled pool of job searchers by offering a unique value-added service. It is focused on selling your unique brand; your skills, achievements and performance that would benefit a potential employer.

Since personal branding is about unique, value added propositions, it is necessary to identify one or two of your exceptional characteristics. By focusing on your top two competencies or particular skills you have begun to create your personal brand. Your next step is to create a listing of your achievements within those defined areas. Are you an excellent problem solver? How? Why? Is research and analysis your brand? Why? What have you done to support that?

Since the cover letter is the first impression a recruiter or hiring manager has of you, it is vital in these days of job insecurity that you identify what makes you a specialist, expert or a leader in your field.

There are a number of ways to format your personal brand in a cover letter. You can summarize your unique skill set in a paragraph by explaining how your background and experience can fill the open needs identified by the company. Another method is to create a bulleted summary statement emphasizing your particular strengths and achievements. Another helpful cover letter to advance your personal brand is the T-format cover letter. In the T-format, the first paragraph contains the Introduction; the job you are interested in, any networking information and a powerful statement tied into the organization’s business needs. The second paragraph contains the “T”. Rather than writing a Qualifications Summary, you can create a column that matches the job skills needed by the employer with your skills and experience.”

Examples of the tools, cover letters and resume personal branding statements can be found in my book. It also defines how to identify those skills, attributes and competencies that create your brand. To purchase a copy of Job Search for Moms, please visit my website.

Behavioral Interviewing Questions

Behavioral interviewing involves asking a series of questions to determine how you accomplished something in a previous job or activity. This technique allows the interviewer to assess your skills, knowledge and experience using real world examples to learn if you can perform similarly in the open position. Behavioral interviewing follows the STAR acronym (Specific Situation or Task, Actions and Results). Using the STAR, an interviewer might ask, “Give me an example of an idea you had to improve your organization’s processes or procedures. How did you develop this idea? What was the final result?”

I went over to Indeed.com and looked at an advertisement for an Administrative Assistant. Among the job responsibilities for the listing are:

• Heavy management of Outlook calendars and scheduling appointments for Senior Leadership Team Members & respective departments.
• Organizes team offsite meetings/conferences by arranging facilities, catering, WebEx details and preparing agendas/materials needed.
• Types memos, creates/modifies PowerPoint Presentations, Excel Spreadsheets as needed.

Other than the education and experience, the job also requires the following skills:

• Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Problem solving—the individual identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner, gathers and analyzes information skillfully and maintains confidentiality.
• Planning/organizing—the individual prioritizes and plans work activities and uses time efficiently.

Let’s look at some behavioral questions that relate to these.

Position Responsibilities:
1. Give me an example of a high visibility meeting or conference that you had to arrange. Take me through the steps you followed to coordinate the facility, logistics and meeting materials. Tell me about the result of these activities?
2. You say that you are proficient in creating PowerPoint presentations. Explain the types of presentations that you created in your previous position. Who was your audience and how did you tailor your presentations to their needs?”

Position Skills
1. The position requires independent problem solving. Describe a situation when you needed to cooperate with others to solve a problem. What steps did you follow? What were the results?
2. Give me an example of a time when you had to work within a tight deadline. Tell me specifically the steps you took and the results of these actions.

It helps to be prepared with STAR examples for all of the job responsibilities and skill sets that are listed in the description. You may not be asked about each of them but it is better to be prepared than not. One of my previous blogs mentioned preparing for the interview by charting the job description and noting your activities and accomplishments that relate to them. Not only will this exercise remind you of your activities and accomplishments, it may also reinforce your self-confidence in the interview. More STAR questions are listed in Job Search for Moms.

Book Signing - Somerville, NJ Public Library 5/8/10

This Saturday May 8th from 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM I will be at the Somerville Public Library doing a book signing. I'd love for you to drop by. Job Search for Moms is a perfect Mother's Day Gift, especially since it may come with a hand-painted bookmark.