Jenna Weidenbenner's blog

Not Squeaky Clean

Whoever coined the phrase "Let bygones be bygones" obviously never went on a serious job hunt.  Your past matters!

Now, even if you're not squeaky clean, you can find a job -- maybe not your dream job, but you can get out there and start rebuilding your rep.  Major faux-pas that can come back to bite you during the job search include:

*  convictions (especially felonies; misdemeanors may/may not, depending on circumstances and the job you want)

*  bad credit (yes, in certain circumstances, especially with salaries over 75K and managerial positions, employers will check your credit--and the government always will)

*  rotten references (you have the least control over this area, but it stands to hurt the most)

For starters, familiarize yourself with your rights to privacy during a background check -- in other words, what an employer can and can't find out.  The key is being truthful in disclosure -- but only disclose what you need to disclose (convictions, not arrests) -- and doing damage control to the extent possible (tell your story, focus on how you've redeemed yourself since then, give examples of how you've moved forward). Realize that the more time there is between past transgressions and the present, the less likely your skeletons in the closet will mess with your job search.

For the next 3 installments of Creative Cultivator, I'll deal with each of these areas and give you some tips on how to navigate the land mines as well as ways to improve a shaky past.  The bottom line here is that your past counts but you can overcome obstacles!  Just *don't ever lie* on an application or in an interview.  Own up and explain the circumstances.  While some employers will automatically exclude you from their short list, it's better to be upfront than to hide the facts, get hired and then dismissed when unsavory truths come to light.  After all, we all make mistakes -- some are bigger (and more costly) than others.  If you've made amends and turned your life around, be sure to point out how far you've come.  There are employers out there who are eager to give people a new start in the work world.  In this series, we'll talk about ways to find those people and woo them with your commitment to change.

Word Of Mouth Marketing Techniques WOMM

Word Of Mouth Marketing Techniques WOMM

Balance of Power

According to a BNet article, the balance of power between employers and job seekers has shifted -- towards employers.  What does this mean for today's job seekers?  Here are a few tips:

1.  Give yourself time.  If you're planning on changing jobs or graduating from college, start the job search early.  Not all employers will be willing to wait several months, but you can make some good contacts.

2.  Network your way to a job.  Cast your net wide -- parents, friends, professors, co-workers, volunteer partners, church members, neighbors -- tell anyone and everyone that you're looking for a job in XYZ.  You never know who might put in a good word on your behalf.

3.  Make a stellar first impression.  Polish your resume and your professional image.  Make eye contact and give a firm handshake.  Prepare your 2 minute infomercial.  Competition is stiff right now, so cross your t's and dot your i's to make sure you get noticed -- and remembered -- in a positive way.  Don't land in the reject pile because of a lack of attention to detail.

4.  Do your research.  Learn about companies -- read the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times, surf corporate blogs, read financial reports.  Set up informational interviews at companies of interest and find out more about how they operate.  Ask for other people you can talk to.

5.  Stay focused and positive.  It's tempting to apply for every job opening in a 20-mile radius just to hedge your bets. Don't!  Know your strengths and focus on jobs for which you are best qualified.  Demonstrate to the employer what you can do for them.

6.  Think outside the box.  You want a job in television but can't find any openings -- consider other media outlets where you could get started.  You've been downsized from your managerial position and are having trouble matching your old salary -- negotiate perks instead of more money or ask for a raise in six months.  Get your foot in the door with a temp agency.  Be creative and check out the top 10 ning networks. Take a new approach to how you solve problems; you stand to gain opportunities.

7.  Try new techniques.  If you've been scouring Career Builder and other job boards or diligently checking the classifieds to no avail, branch out in your search.  Everyone else is competing for the same posted opportunities.  Try networking with alumni from your school.  Follow Twitters who have good job advice.  Look for the "careers" section on professional association web sites.  Take a look at niche job sites specifically for your career field.  Tap into social media.  If what you've been doing isn't working, try something new.

8.  Be flexible.  Keep your mind open in terms of location, niche, salary, and other characteristics.  Being too choosy will knock you out of the game.  Graduates this year will have fewer job offers overall.  Don't let a good job pass you by.

9.  Negotiate strategically.  Research your field and your potential company, and know what you're worth - but realize that if you turn down a job that falls short of your expectations, someone else will be happy to take it.  Adjust your expectations to the current economy.  Right now it's a buyer's market, not a seller's market!

10.  Nurture your spirit and talents.  Reaffirm your strengths and qualifications.  Job searching is stressful and time-consuming, and sometimes it lacks positive rewards.  Take time out to encourage yourself.  A positive attitude is critically important.  While you're searching, make a commitment to learn something new.  Keep growing and learning.

Perseverance is of the utmost importance.  Put your best foot forward and remember -- with the tortoise and the hare - endurance was the key.

Do not go gentle into that good night. 
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.”

(Dylan Thomas)

Job Search 2.0

Job Search 2.0

Monkey Talk in Today's Job Market

So, you're graduating in a few months and wondering, "How am I going to get a job in this economic climate?"  Or maybe you've already graduated -- or are mid-career -- and have already experienced the tightening of the employment world.  It's certainly true: employers are reducing hiring at this point.  Well, many of them are.  Others are holding steady or, surprisingly, increasing hiring.  But we'll get to that in a minute.

To give yourself the best chance of finding gainful employment in an area of interest to you, there are a few steps you need to take.  Top step: network, network, network -- and then network some more.  Networking is the core strategy in a plan for job hunting.

Secondly, make sure your resume is clear about what you type of job you're seeking and what you can do for a company or organization.  In other words, use monkey talk.  Be clear.  Be brief.  Be straightforward.  Don't bury the good stuff amidst clutter and confusion.  A recruiter will only give your resume a short glance -- unless the right idea catches their eye.

Once you have a resume that will please a monkey, it's time to target employers looking to grow.  Who might these employers be?  Government, for starters.  Read A Call to Serve to learn more about government initiatives to recruit new grads.  Also, read Mission Critical to find out why the government is hiring in such large numbers and what types of positions need to be filled.  

Another potential source of opportunities will be the base of companies aimed at competing in the global market.  These big companies need to maintain a presence in the world arena, so they are looking for top-notch talent.  Also, take a look at green companies.  With an emphasis on conservation, ecology, and sustainability, there are jobs of many varieties (from scientists to communication strategies) available in the green sector.  Finally, despite your dream to work for a Fortune 500 firm, consider opportunities available in small companies.  Although they typically look to fill jobs from a "just in time" standpoint, small companies (especially fast-growing ones) have many opportunities.  You may not get the name recognition from peers when you say, "I work at XYZ" but the reality is that you will be a big fish in a small pond -- instead of a small fish in a big pond.  You can make your mark in a small company in a few short years and gain a wealth of experiences that only higher-ups can access in larger companies.

Bottom line: the outlook for job hunters is not as dreary as you might expect.  There are jobs available -- the key is to network your way into them.  And stay flexible and open-minded.  Your first job (or 40th) is not necessarily where you need to stay for the rest of your life.  But having a job somewhere is probably better than having no job at all!

Monkey Talk in Today's Job Market

So, you're graduating in a few months and wondering, "How am I going to get a job in this economic climate?"  Or maybe you've already graduated -- or are mid-career -- and have already experienced the tightening of the employment world.  It's certainly true: employers are reducing hiring at this point.  Well, many of them are.  Others are holding steady or, surprisingly, increasing hiring.  But we'll get to that in a minute.

To give yourself the best chance of finding gainful employment in an area of interest to you, there are a few steps you need to take.  Top step: network, network, network -- and then network some more.  Networking is the core strategy in a plan for job hunting.

Secondly, make sure your resume is clear about what you type of job you're seeking and what you can do for a company or organization.  In other words, use monkey talk.  Be clear.  Be brief.  Be straightforward.  Don't bury the good stuff amidst clutter and confusion.  A recruiter will only give your resume a short glance -- unless the right idea catches their eye.

Once you have a resume that will please a monkey, it's time to target employers looking to grow.  Who might these employers be?  Government, for starters.  Read A Call to Serve to learn more about government initiatives to recruit new grads.  Also, read Mission Critical to find out why the government is hiring in such large numbers and what types of positions need to be filled.  

Another potential source of opportunities will be the base of companies aimed at competing in the global market.  These big companies need to maintain a presence in the world arena, so they are looking for top-notch talent.  Also, take a look at green companies.  With an emphasis on conservation, ecology, and sustainability, there are jobs of many varieties (from scientists to communication strategies) available in the green sector.  Finally, despite your dream to work for a Fortune 500 firm, consider opportunities available in small companies.  Although they typically look to fill jobs from a "just in time" standpoint, small companies (especially fast-growing ones) have many opportunities.  You may not get the name recognition from peers when you say, "I work at XYZ" but the reality is that you will be a big fish in a small pond -- instead of a small fish in a big pond.  You can make your mark in a small company in a few short years and gain a wealth of experiences that only higher-ups can access in larger companies.

Bottom line: the outlook for job hunters is not as dreary as you might expect.  There are jobs available -- the key is to network your way into them.  And stay flexible and open-minded.  Your first job (or 40th) is not necessarily where you need to stay for the rest of your life.  But having a job somewhere is probably better than having no job at all!

The Soft Touch

One of the key qualities that employers look for in applicants is soft skills.  What are these nebulous skills that are so important?  Soft skills include attitude, communication skills, leadership abilities, character, business acumen, flexibility -- and on and on.  For a longer list, check out "On the Up" at http://blog.ontheup.org/2008/03/31/identifying-soft-skills-for-the-social-innovation-camp/.  Soft skills are the skills, characteristics, and personal attributes that are hard to define and even harder to teach.  Employers can teach you the basics of their business and help you develop your technical expertise in the area of interest; however, they have less ability and even less time to teach you the nuances of interpersonal communication, coping skills, and the other intangibles that will make you a valued employee.

How can you develop and demonstrate soft skills, you ask?  First of all, seek out opportunities for different experiences -- volunteering in the community, shadowing a professional in your target field, participating in cross-cultural groups, managing projects for classes and internships.  The wider the variety of your experiences, the more skills you will develop.  Then, be sure to focus your resume and cover letter to showcase your accomplishments -- not merely participation but quantifiable achievements, where possible.  

NO:  Participated in sorority for 4 years.

YES:  Developed management and leadership skills by leading sorority fundraising committee.

NO:  Spent a semester studying abroad in Spain.

YES:  Polished interpersonal communication and conflict negotiation skills during 2-week homestay portion of study abroad in Spain.

When all else is equal (and sometimes when it isn't), employers will choose the candidate with top-notch soft skills over the candidate with top-notch technical skills.  Make sure you demonstrate your "soft touch" during the job search process!

Numbers Never Lie

It's great to be back on the blog after a summer hiatus.  It's busy season in career counseling with new college students seeking majors and soon-to-be graduates starting the job search.  In the midst of sharing resources and encouraging these students, I have come across a very thought-provoking article from Business Week on a data collection/curation project at IBM:  http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/08_36/b4098032904806.htm

The article from Business Week is related to a book called The Numerati by Stephen Baker.  According to the Business Week article, one of the chapters focuses on IBM's project of tracking employee activities to optimize workplace deployment.  Their goal is to be able to analyze an employee's communications and movements and extract the employee's strengths -- and best areas of deployment -- from that data.  Whether or not it will actually work in a positive, team-building manner or in a negative, punitive manner is anyone's guess.  Think about human nature, after all.  The basic premise of helping managers and employees discover the employees key strengths and best ways to use them, though, is right on the money.  

Do you know what your core strengths are?  Are you using them?  Does time fly by when you're working -- or doing anything -- so that you feel "in the zone" and unconscious of yourself?  If so, terrific.  If not, you may want to take steps to see where your strengths lie.  Martin Seligmann's Authentic Happiness website may be useful: http://www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu/Default.aspx

Start with the VIA Signature Strengths Questionnaire (or the brief strengths questionnaire, if you're short on time) and see what results you get back.  These questionnaires are similar to Strengths Quest, if you've ever done that exercise.  You will learn about yourself, from a strengths viewpoint.  Developing our strengths in work and play is one of the best moves we can make towards a fulfilled, pleasurable life.    

Although conventional wisdom says "numbers never lie" -- they don't always tell the whole story.  Get started today on improving your quality of work life by assessing and thinking about your strengths and where you can best contribute to the world.

Activate Your Dreams

Last time we talked about goals -- specific steps on the path.  Now, we'll talk about dreams -- the bigger picture.  Having your dream clearly in mind makes it easier to set goals.  Sometimes it's hard to see where you want to go, though.  Is it hard for you to imagine where you want to be 5 or 10 years from now when you're struggling with the realities of studying for tests, paying bills, taking care of family, and fitting in time for fun?

Here's one technique for finding your passion:

Imagine yourself on a desert island for 3 months.  This is a twist on the usual scenario -- it's a pampered vacation, not an isolated shipwreck/deathwatch.  You will be cut off from your immediate friends, family, job, life, etc. -- but you won't be completely alone.  The purpose of your elite vacation will be a 3-month intensive training period with a world-renowned coach of your choice.  If you follow the passion of your heart, what would you choose to do for the 3 months?  At the end of the 3 months, you will have received the best training available, and, if you possess the requisite skills, your personal coach will give you a glowing recommendation. 

Have you always wanted to learn to paint?  Would you follow your dream of learning a new language to enhance your career skills?  How about developing an area of talent/skill you currently enjoy and making it a core strength for you?  What is your passion? 

Keep in mind that the key ingredient to success here is passion.  Passion is the fuel that will take you places.  Passion can also be self-generating -- when you start to run down, passion rebuilds itself for the journey.  Skill is necessary, too, but passion for an area can be applied in so many ways.

For example, I love dance.  There is something about the music, the expression of the soul and spirit through the movement of the body, through subtle steps and gestures, that inspires me and exhilarates me.  I'm a fairly good dancer since I studied dance for a number of years when I was young.  I learn new steps quickly and can innovate.  I enjoy choreographing dance and have a feel for music.  I do not, however, have what it takes to be a professional dancer or to be a dance teacher.  My strengths are in the area of communications -- speaking, writing, web publishing.  If I chose to translate my love of dance into a career, I could draw on my knowledge of cultures and communications and do public relations or marketing for a dance company.   There are many tangential areas I could explore that would tie in my passion with my skill sets.  I know my passions and strengths, but I also know my limitations.  This is key!  For me, though, dance is my leisure pursuit, not my career dream.

I encourage you to take time and space to explore your passions in a way that makes sense to you.  Discover your dreams (try Hallie Crawford's "Vision Board" approach) and contemplate how you might live them.  A lived dream is a soul set free; an unlived dream is a caged spirit.  If you're ready dive into the deep end of exploration, try Quint Careers' tutorial on Career Passion. 
 

Getting to the Goal

Let's start with goals!  You have some.  Everyone does.  Question is . . . do you know what they are?  Maybe you can't quite rattle off your 5-year plan, but you probably know full well the difference between what you want to do and what you don't want to do.  Preference?  Yes, partially.  But, embedded within, you probably have some goals that need to be brought to light. 

How do you do this?

Goal setting is actually a process of constant refinement as new experiences and information are processed, not a matter of writing goals down and saying, "Well, there, I'm good now for the long haul."  So, if you haven't revisited your goals lately, it's time to do that.  You're saying, "But, I don't know what I want ... yet.  I don't know what my goals are!"  Then I'll bet one of your goals is self-exploration and discovery of your path; at least, that's a good place to start.

Setting Goals
Setting goals can seem intimidating, like writing on a blank page or painting on a fresh canvas.  Here are some tips:
* Brainstorm -- make a list of possibilities that occur, that come from your heart; don't rule any out yet -- winnow later
* Aggregate -- can you group possibilities into categories? do you see patterns or directions?
* Separate -- consider short-term versus long-term goals, realistic goals given resources at hand, and reasonable/viable action plans for a core set of goals that will be your primary focus
* Implement -- write down your action plan for the core goals (and find a goal partner, if possible) including what you want to accomplish, timeline, details, and outcomes
* Clarify -- take a holistic look to see that your core goals will keep you on track and fit in with your lifestyle, your values, and your personal dreams
* Change -- revisit, refine, and revise your goal plan as necessary to align your goals with your dreams and to maintain a balance between head and heart and happy living

This BASICC approach makes it sound so simple, right?  It isn't; I know that.  If it were that simple, I'd be done with my PhD and doing my own research.  Goal-setting is a complex process because we are complex creatures, so I am still working at my studies and trying to set my own goals for when I finish my degree. 

For another template or approach to goal-setting, take a look at Success From the Nest.  It can also help to work backwards from dreams to goals.  Look at the big picture (the dreams) and try to figure out how you get there (the goals).  Think of your goals as your car and map your route to your destination.  We'll talk more about this topic next time!  For now, start thinking about your goals and how they will help you reach your dreams.