The Job Search 101

Today I met with a client with whom I have worked for awhile now. I don't usually meet with clients, but I certainly will if the client is willing to drive to meet me! (I am a reluctant driver - safe, but I don't love driving. And besides, I really need to be writing resumes, not driving!)

Let's call my client Sally. Now Sally is wonderful - personable, capable, lots of skills - but she is having trouble landing an offer. I would say that her major job search downfall is in not targeting her search and being passionately committed to one goal. Really needing a job, and yesterday, she is conducting a less-than-targeted job search, while also running her own small business, which further takes her away from the job search.

It's a fact that a targeted job search brings faster results! Yes, focus in and lock into a position in a specific industry and you'll achieve that goal much faster than with a "I can do any job if given the chance" strategy.

Two things you must - MUST - do before you begin are these:

1. Create a list - target an industry (or a few) and begin creating lists of prospective employers. Select employers to meet your criteria: location, size, culture. Don't leave this to chance!

2. Prepare your script - be ready to talk about yourself with examples of what makes you a great employee. Take into account a potential employer's "buying motivators." (If you don't know that term, "google" it and figure it out - it's critical!)

These are similar to sales professionals, and they work, because every job hunter is in sales - selling his or her own skills/experience/credentials/value to prospective employers who are in the market to buy these!

Need help? New Leaf Resumes is here to assist. Recently certified as a Master Resume Writer, and trained in interview coaching and career strategies, I am here to support your job search.

- Stephanie

Wonderful News to Share!

I am proud to announce that just today I was informed that my submission to Career Thought Leaders, in application for the title of Master Resume Writer, was successful!

After almost seven years in full-time service, providing global clients with an ever-expanding assortment of career management documents, it feels awesome to be so recognized!

Here is an excerpt from the Career Thought Leaders website that defines the MRW:

The MRW is the world’s most elite resume writing credential, clearly signifying that an individual has mastered the art and science of resume writing – strategic approach, content development, formatting and design, English language and grammar, and other key elements of resume development. There are stringent requirements for both writing talent and years of experience to qualify for the MRW.

I am grateful for this recognition, and know that it was my own hard work, an innate talent for writing, as well as a passion for helping people build careers that earned me the right to call myself a Master Resume Writer.

No time to rest on my laurels, I will continue to pursue relevant training, and serve clients with an ever-increasing level of expertise. Onward!

- living my motto "Everyone deserves meaningful work," Stephanie

Preparing for an Interview

Before I interview each client, I prepare. This involves reading over the client's homework, job postings, performance reviews, and other materials the client shared.  I do this about an hour before the interview, committing the details to a short term memory bank only! (Somehow my brain figures out how to store these details for short-term only; I couldn't say how this is done!)

With some senior or unusual clients, I begin early and even a day in advance, researching the role and industry so that I am familiar and aware of jargon or trends.

It takes time!

Similary, when you are called for an interview, you must prepare! MUST. No "ifs ands or buts" about it!

Many people don't know how to prepare. They have no concept of strategy in the interview. How sad, because quite often the candidate who interviews best receives the job offer. Not necessarily the best candidate - not the most experienced, the most credentialed, the most whatever - but the one who most impresses the interview team.

If you have had a few interviews, but no job offer, may I suggest that strategy will help? New Leaf offers a one hour session that provides you with actionable tools that teach you how to formulate an answer to whatever question is asked - the expected and the bizaare. Yes, even if asked "If you were an animal what animal would you be?" (as one of my clients was asked), you will have an idea of how to reply by applying strategic thinking!

- I dedicate my career to your career's success, Stephanie

3 Top Tips on How to Interview Well

 I would venture a guess that next to public speaking, heading to an interview comes a close second in "most feared" activities! Rather than a banquet room full of listeners, one has an interview panel, but that audience may hold your future in their hands!

If they like you, they vote in your favour and if not, well, you'll likely never hear from them. Such is the typical recruitment pattern.

BUT, and this is a big "but," there are strategies to use that will boost your ability to influence the interview panel in your favour. Here are a few!

1. Conversation. Don't view the interview as an inquisition. It is a conversation. Like the fellow in the photo above - he is clearly having a conversation. His demeanour is friendly, relaxed, and he comes across as a full participant. That's what you should aim for in your interview.

2. Personality. In order to come across as someone who is having a conversation, you must inject personality into your replies and conversation. Sticking to an obviously memorized answer won't fit this idea. Trying to muddle your way through an answer that has you stumped also won't do it. Rather than muddle, just say that you are drawing a blank and will reply to that question later; and rather than memorize, you must develop "stories."

3. Stories. I don't mean stories as in "tall tales"; I mean workplace based, factual stories. Here's another way to think of this: support your facts with context. It would be less impressive to say that you are very organized and far more impressive to prove that you are organized by painting a picture, telling a story of a typical day or of a particularly challenging situation that your organizational skills saved.

I can't help leaving you with one more tip. Please don't wear brand new shoes. That 5-minute walk from the local parkade may turn into a 15-minute sprint when you discover that the parkade is full and you have to park down the street. The blister caused by those new shoes will not contribute a sense of calm to a potentially nerve-wracking situation! No, polish up your old pair and spend your money on new shoes once you've landed an offer.

If you need help with wrapping your mind around how one can have a conversation in this stressful situation, or how to make sure your personality comes across (and well), or how to build really great workplace stores, New Leaf Resumes offers interview coaching. Supported by an e-book, it is worth its weight in gold!

- at your service, Stephanie

Focus Pocus!

I subscribe to many blogs and newsletters. Many are related to career management topics, but some are just for me. One of these is Kelvin Ringold's Vitamin K Daily Dose of Positive.

For those who know me, you'll know that I am pretty good at finding that silver lining, and some would even say I am a skilled daydreamer! I'm a bit of a paradox though, as I am equally as likely to think of a fantastic outcome as I am to consider the worst possible outcome! I have no explanation for that. :-)

But I enjoy starting my day in the right frame of mind. Kelvin's daily blog has me bopping to songs (Celebrate, by Rare Earth, is a favourite - here's a YouTube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCiw5xUmoUQ) - enjoy, I just did!!) and thinking about my inherent worth as a human being, or considering something more serious, like attitude. I am grateful that his words leave me with a smile on my face and pep in my step!

Today's dose of Vitamin K had the memorable phrase "Focus Pocus" and I knew that was worth sharing. Kelvin graciously gave me permission and here is the paragraph to give you context:

Focus pocus! Take control of your thoughts. Breathe deeply, calm down, get back to pleasant. Change your vibration... and watch things stabilize. After all, YOU are the captain of your ship... the driver of your vehicle -- your MENTAL vehicle, too.

Now sit back, watch the "road signs" and make sure you're headed where you think you're headed.

Now, enjoy the ride.

I think that's one of the best "attitude adjusters" I have ever read! And here's a link to Kelvin's website for those who want to start their day with music, positivity, and the right attitude!

http://intenselypositive.com/vitamin-k-daily/

- committed to spreading hope and practical ideas to job hunters, Stephanie