Professional Services Group - PSG

I've noticed quite a change over the past two years in the job search process and job seekers are becoming quite savvy.  Yesterday I gave a "Job Search for the Age 40+ Worker" class for a local Professional Services Group (PSG).  There must have been 50 people there and they were all on top of the newest strategies and tools to help them with their job search. How’d they do that, I wondered?  The answer was right in front of me.  They make it their business to stay on top of the job search process.

PSG groups offer many services for the job seeker.  You'll find trainings, career fairs, social events, websites, member profiles and so much more. What I liked best about this group was their terminology and support.  Right before they started the meeting they went through the list of those who had "landed", or found a job.  Whether or not the person was in attendance, the room erupted into applause.  It was so warm, genuine and almost as if I had walked into someone's living room.

If I were a local employer, I'd attend one of the PSG Monday meetings. The expertise is extraordinary.  I watched people making an effort to get involved in committees so that they could sharpen their existing skills and learn new ones. I watched people who I knew never did any public speaking in their former jobs, take a microphone and announce a project or make a request.  I saw train-the-trainer huddles going on as people with hopes of landing, passed on their expertise to the newer members.  It was like a business being run on a Monday morning; only the local office was a church basement. 

Bravo to the PSG and other networking groups that sharpen the skill sets of the unemployed and give them a sense of community and purpose.  For more information on Professional Service Groups, please contact your local unemployment office.  I met with the Central Jersey PSG Chapter; please see what your state offers. 

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.

How Do You Get Over the Job Search Blahs?

The other day one of my blogging friends posted a note about writer's block and "hitting the wall" as far as coming up with content.  I responded with some suggestions and let her know that I was pretty sure that it was only temporary thing. Her other friends offered similar encouragement and who knows, all that talk and support may lead to new, exciting blog content.

Well guess what? I hit that same wall this morning. All my ideas for job search tips or techniques have disappeared today. I didn't write any content ideas down (as I had suggested to my friend) and my mental gas tank was on "E" for empty.  I don't know why I couldn't write anything today.  It could be the weather, the rain, the snow, arguing with my son last night, the fact that the Christmas tree was still up, the laundry, wanting a vacation... I'm sure that you get the idea. What I was left with today was a feeling of discouragement and the "blahs". 

I did realize something though.  As a job seeker, a job search trainer or a blogger, we can't be up and positive every day.  It's normal to feel discouraged at times or totally frustrated that nothing seems to fall into place. It's OK.  Sometimes we need to give ourselves a day off. Read a book, take a walk, listen to music, dance, play basketball, meditate or do something that will make you feel better.  I took down the Christmas tree.  Tomorrow is another day and another opportunity to get back on track. 

What do you do to beat back the blahs?

Libraries

There’s been a lot of press about our library system lately – budget cuts and closings have been mentioned in the news over the past year or so.  That’s the negative.  On the positive, there have been many articles written how our libraries are changing based upon the needs of the populations they serve.  Many new offerings have been communicated such as classes in knitting, English as a second language, local author readings and of course, job search skills. Not only have many libraries upgraded their computer and internet connectivity to ensure quicker on-line job search, they are also offering classes on how to access these sites.  In addition the libraries are the perfect source to sharpen your skill set.

Take a look at your local library listing and see what’s scheduled and let your library know if there is something else that you’d like to see.  If enough people express an interest, your library may bring it in.  Here are a couple of FREE sessions I found on a local library calendar:

·         Intro to Word

·         Using the Internet to Find a Job

·         Self Defense

·         Tax Talk

·         Decluttering and Organizing

·         Interviewing for Success

Our libraries have been and should always be one of the cornerstones of our communities.  Take advantage of them – not only will you learn something, you’ll also have an opportunity to meet the nicest people and attend a top notch class for free.

The Power of Networking

A recent article by David Willis from the Gannett Company, Inc., The Power of Links in Your Job Search, explains the importance of social networking in your job search.

Job Search Classes Scheduled

Before the term "Blogging" was invented, I was training.  I love training and believe that this occupation is what I was born to do.  Every career assessment I've taken agrees. 

Please check out my website.  I've listed my upcoming job search classes.  With the exception of one class, all of them are free.  Various grants to the NJ public libraries allow me to present a series of job search classes. Please come by (you'll have to enroll).  We have an unbelievable amount of fun in these sessions and you will walk away with what you need to design and execute an awesome job search plan.

Your Learning Style and Updating Your Skill Set

The other day a friend mentioned to me that she was concerned that her skill set may be diminishing because she has been out of the workplace for a few months. With software updates and upgrades it’s sometimes difficult to maintain a high level of expertise when you are no longer working.  Another concern is that many job postings require new skill sets. Where can you get the training you need and find the best training for your particular learning needs?

Before I opened Blackbird Learning Associates I worked for various corporations as a Learning and Development (L&D) specialist.  As an L&D specialist I’ve been trained to understand adult learning behavior.  One of the first things taught is that adults prefer to learn in one of three ways: auditory, visual and kinesthetic. To figure out how you learn, you can Google or search for various on-line adult learning surveys.  One, The Index of Learning Styles Questionnaire from North Carolina State University is free and you can get your results and the meaning of your results immediately.  

Let’s relate this to updating your skills.  

1.     Auditory: Since you prefer learning by hearing, you favor a lecture, an audio presentation, teleseminar and other types of learning where you can listen.

2.     Visual: You prefer seeing or visualizing something. Look for training in video, teleconference, on- line or reading material rich with color and diagrams.

3.     Kinesthetic: You have a preference for live classes or on-line sessions where you can practice and take pre and post tests. You may also favor teleseminars or group discussions where active participation is encouraged.

Where can you find these types of trainings? There is something for every learning style on the internet and many are free.  Depending on your style, look for readings, video presentations, YouTube clips, papers, questionnaires, and radio interviews. Look locally for classes at your libraries, adult education schools or community colleges.  Your local unemployment office is also a great resource for hands-on classes in job search skills and the latest technology as are any professional or networking groups.  If you participate in LinkedIn, ask your group members for suggestions.

It’s up to you to choose the platform and there are plenty of free resources.