Watch, listen and let me know what you think…

If you are interested in participating in LASER Coaching, it’s part of my Job Search Bootcamp that kicks off on September 8. It’s just one of the techniques I’ll be using to sharpen your focus, get you standing out and able to find the right job, quicker.

Take advantage of the 20% discount by using the code “BOOTCAMP” at checkout. But, remember, it’s only good until Monday at midnight!

In addition to that, here’s what happened last week in Career Attraction…

 Follow up Q&A Session - Robert Shindell and I weren’t able to get to everyone’s questions on Thursday’s webinar, so we tackled them in this follow on one. Listen in as we talk about getting past gatekeepers, age discrimination, maximizing LinkedIn, improving your networking skills and much, much more. You can check it out here.

LinkedIn v.Facebook – 306 vs. 184 and counting. If you haven’t joined us on LinkedIn and Facebook, come on in…the water is fine. This week there was a great discussion started by Diane Hope on Identifying Skills and Talents. Check it out! Have a question? Want to share some information? These are great places to exchange ideas, network and start creating a “pack.”

Here’s what’s happening in Career Attraction University…

1-on-1 Coaching: The September schedule will be coming out next week – se be on the lookout!

NEW VIDEOS – Q&A Video from August and the new SME Video on using Outsourcing as part of your Job Search Strategy.

Have some specific training you’d like for your search? Email me at kevin@careerattraction.com and I’ll get working on it for you!

Not a member of Career Attraction University? For less than one dollar a day you can access all this information and more. Sign-up here and get started today!

If you missed it on Thursday, click here to get your copy of the “How to Stand Out in Your Job Search: Stop Chasing Jobs and Start Attracting Them.”

As always, let me know what you think by posting a comment below.

How to Stand Out in the Job Search: Stop Chasing Jobs and Start Attracting Them – I hope you’ll join me and our host (Robert Shindell of ilostmyjob.com) on Thursday. We will be talking about how you can easily stand out in this market and start pulling the job to you that you want – and need. Plus, I have a huge announcement I’ll be making. You can check it out here.

Free Job Search Coaching- The Recap: This week, I held a day of free 1-on-1 coaching sessions. It’s the first time I’ve done this and there’s no doubt…I will be doing it again. What I’d like to share are anecdotes and trends I took away from talking to these 23 job seekers. My hope is that it might provide some perspective and help to what often feels like a pretty solitary journey: the job search. Read more here…

LinkedIn v.Facebook – 281 vs. 181 and counting. If you haven’t joined us on LinkedIn and Facebook, come on in…the water is fine. This week there was a great discussion started by Karel Goodwin on GateJumping (or “Gate-Crash,” as she likes to call it!) in the LinkedIn Group. Check it out! Have a question? Want to share some information? These are great places to “pay it forward.”

Here’s what’s happening in Career Attraction University…

1-on-1 Coaching: August 25th and 27th…there are private, 1-on-1 coaching slots available. Sign-up in the members section and I’ll look forward to talking with you!

This Month’s Webinar - On Wednesday, August 25th and 12:00pmEST we will have our SME Webinar for August. I’ll be talking about how to Outsource Your Job Search. This will include tips, techniques and resources you can start using immediately to streamline your search, focus on that tasks that need your attention(versus the busy work) and get back to work quicker.
Registration information will be sent out to members on Monday.

NEW VIDEOS – New training videos on posting to LinkedIn Groups quicker (and more easily) and creating surveys, autoreponders and opt-in boxes for your website with iContact plus our Q&A webinar from last Wednesday.

Have some specific training you’d like for your search? Email me at kevin@careerattraction.com and I’ll get working on it for you!

Not a member of Career Attraction University? For less than one dollar a day you can access all this information and more. Sign-up here and get started today!

Relocation tips: Several people had questions on how realistic it is to find a job in another location. While it’s not easy, it can be done. Make sure you have a local address you can use or leave it off your resume all together. Get a free local number that will forward to your cell phone through Google Voice.

Transitioning Careers and Industries: A lot of people are convinced that you cannot transition industries in this economy. I complete disagree. The key is to be connecting with hiring managers, talking about the pains they are experiencing and how your track record of fixing problems applies to what they need. You are going to have a tough – if not impossible – time making this case with recruiters.

Remember to focus on what’s in it for them.

How you are Defining Yourself: If the first words out of your mouth are: I’m looking for,” then you are likely defining yourself as a job seeker. You have to stop doing that right now. That is never going to be the reason you get hired because a) it doesn’t translate into any type of value for a prospective employer and b) it doesn’t matter.

Imagine you needed to hire a peer to work with you today. Close your eyes and who comes to mind? Former colleagues, friends, those in your industry with great reputations, etc.. You didn’t need a resume to make a short list and you don’t even think about whether or not they are employed. It simply doesn’t matter. Ask yourself this: Is it more important that they know you are looking or know that you are the most qualified?

Age discrimination: There are all types of discrimination out there – age, race, sex, weight, etc.. Here is what I would tell you – embrace who you are and don’t try to fight bias or corporate cultures. It’s like swimming against a riptide. Put out there who you are, what you do well and be consistent in your messaging. Instead of focusing on the companies who aren’t your cup of tea (and vice versa), focus on those that want what you have.

When I was a software sales headhunter, most of our clients were small to midsized companies (<$20 million in revenue). They wanted 20+ year veteran sales professionals because they lacked the time and infrastructure to train. Go where they want you.

Frustration with recruiters: Instead of rehashing this one, check out the blog and video I put together on this topic.

Over 50% wanted advice on their resume: As you know, my approach is all about your resume becoming a roadmap for your interview – not expecting it to be the procuring cause. Make sure you are quantifying and qualifying everything on your resume. Use the “so what” litmus test with the bullets on there. Is it fluff or does it equate to value you will bring to a new organization (i.e. demonstrating how you will make or save them money). Remember that it’s just a piece of paper and you are more important than it. And, above all, it isn’t the tool you should be relying upon to help you stand out. Which is a great segue into the #1 topic of the day…

Standing Out in the Job Market: With one exception, this was a consistent question and theme in every conversation I had. As a result, I’m holding a webinar next week where I will talk about just that – how to stand out in the job search. Plus, I have some free tools I’ll be giving out that you can put to use today to get immediate results in your search.

To register for this FREE webinar (and get signed up to get all the freebies that come along with it), just enter your information below. Don’t worry if you can’t make it – I’ll send you a recording of the webinar. But you have to be registered to get the recording and the free resources.

**not sure you can make it? Go ahead and sign-up and a recording of the session will be sent to you**

presents a FREE Webinar…

How to Stand Out in Your Job Search:

Stop Chasing Jobs and Start Attracting Them

**when you enter your information above, you’ll be redirected to the webinar to watch immediately. I’ll also email you all the free resources (videos, interviews, etc.) that I talk about in the webinar**

This is a new webinar where I will be sharing secrets about Career Attraction – many that I have never shared before. If you have ever attended a webinar of mine in the past, you know that they fill up quick – so make sure to reserve your spot today.

In addition to the webinar itself, I will be giving away handouts, reference material and a few videos that you can get results with today in your job search. Plus, I have a major announcement I’ll be making…but, you must be registered to get these!)

Here are just a few of the things we will be covering:

• How to get crystal clear on being productive, not just active, in your job search..and more effective!
• What you can do today to start “gatejumping” and get around those keeping you away from decision makers…it’s a lot easier than you think!
• Why you don’t need to be focused on resumes, job boards or recruiters.
• Simple, actionable steps to start differentiating…and why most of the advice out there simply doesn’t work.
• Why you need to become a “hub,” not a “spoke,” with your audience…which will pull jobs to you.

This webinar is about giving you actionable advice to change how you run your search and find a job quicker. Plus, I have a number of “freebies” I will be sharing.

**enter your information above and you’ll be able to view the webinar immediately. I’ll also send you all the free information I talk about during the webinar**

We have some great information focused on getting your job search on track. But, don’t take my word for it. Here is what some previous listeners had to say about my webinars:

“Kevin Kermes offers a straightforward and comprehensive approach to develop new networks and expand career or business horizons. I was impressed with his expertise and believe you will be too.”– Katherine Eago

“I recently listened to Kevin’s webinar and was most impressed. The content of the presentation and the insight he provided was very helpful. Because of Kevin’s professional background, he was able to provide me with a better understanding of how the recruitment business works from an insider’s perspective. In addition, I found the topic of job boards to be very informative. Overall, I think it is great information for the current job seeker or anyone who wants to be better prepared for their next job search.”– Brian Heckler

“I recently had the pleasure to attend Kevin’s webinar. I am usually a little suspicious of free webinars, but Kevin’s discussion provided a lot of valuable information for the job seeker and prompted me to purchase his additional materials which also look worthwhile. I am going to recommend to everyone in our WIND group (Boston networking group) that they should also attend Kevin’s webinars.”– Ted Powell

“I listened in on Kevin’s Webinar today on the “5 Secrets” and found it a very worthwhile use of my time. His insight into what to focus on to be most productive was very helpful. Some points were new and others a timely reinforcement. If you get the opportunity to tune in for one of Kevin’s webinars, I highly recommend you do so.” – Becky Vogt

**When you enter your information above, you’ll be redirected to the webinar and I’ll email you all the free resources I talk about!**

“Last Thursday, I participated in Kevin Kermes webinar on how to avoid the 10 biggest job search mistakes. I am a busy communications consultant who enjoys my work, but given this economy and its impact on freelancers, would (not surprisingly) like to find full-time steady employment. I signed up for his webinar, even though I wasn’t sure it could offer much in the way of good information. After all, I’d never heard of Kevin–and how many different ways can you scour the job boards? Boy oh boy, was I busted! I learned, among other things, that not all job boards are created equal–or even worth the time it takes to sign up–and why I needed to shift the way I was searching for engaging and sustaining work. I was riveted to his presentation–just short enough to keep my attention and just long enough to be interesting. Like so many other smart, savvy, and well-intentioned people in today’s workforce, I’ve been looking in the wrong places and, as a result, missing out on some right opportunities. With Kevin’s insights, I have changed my approach. Thanks for the hour, Kevin. Really appreciate it! Good stuff!”– Jill Murray

“Kevin’s webinar was completely on the mark. He clearly communicated the most important job search tasks and mistakes to avoid in order for one to stand out from the crowd to potential employers. Get an “Exceptional Performance Review” even before you’re hired. Follow Kevin’s rules.” – Carl Sutter

“I had the opportunity to listen to Kevin’s webinar the last week in January. The information he provided was insightful and timely. I was able to identify several areas where my search was lacking and feel more focused towards my goal.”– Susan Kneeshaw

**enter your information above and you’ll be redirected to watch the webinar immediately. Plus, I will email you all the free resources that I talk about during the session.**

_______

OK…on to what happened last week:

5 Secrets to Uncovering the Hidden Job Market – I’ll only have this webinar recording up until midnight and Monday.  When you listen to it you’ll know why.  I’ve gotten some great feedback from those who joined me on Wednesday and would love to know what you think after you watch it.  You can check it out here.

LinkedIn v.Facebook – 263 vs. 170 and counting.  If you haven’t joined us on LinkedIn and Facebook, come on in…the water is fine.  This week there wasa  great discussion started by Chip Hysler on Informational Interviews in the LinkedIn Group.  Check it out!  Have a question?  Want to share some information?  These are great places to “pay it forward.”

Examiner Column – This week I tackled two topics in my Examiner column…When it’s Best NOT to Ask for a Job and Is Your Job Search Networking Missing Something.  

Is there something you’d like for me to tackle there on on the blog? Let me know at kevin@careerattraction.com 
 

Volunteer Your Way to a New Opportunity – Most of us have a charity or group where we volunteer our time and efforts. In the midst of a job search, particularly a stressful one, it would seem natural to dial back your involvement. But, this is one place where you shouldn’t retreat. The relationships you have established – even if new or underdeveloped – in the places you volunteer can be extremely powerful in your job search. Increasing your involvement can very well lead to a job offer in a place you never expected to find one. Read more here…

Here’s what’s happening in Career Attraction University…

2010 LIVE Job Search Bootcamp Training – I announced that I’ll be holding a new Bootcamp starting September 7th. As a Career Attraction University member, you are automatically enrolled at no extra charge – you don’t need to do a thing or pay a thing. I know there have been some questions about this and I hope that clears it up. If there’s anything else you need to know, feel free to email me at kevin@careerattraction.com

1-on-1 Coaching – Thursday, August 19th from 9amEST – 12pmEST there are private, 1-on-1 coaching slots available.  Sign-up in the members section and I’ll look forward to talking with you!

This Month’s Webinars – On Wednesday, August 18th and 12:00pmEST we will have our Q&A Webinar for August.  Send your questions to university@careerattraction.com or ask them live on the call.  The next Wednesday, August 25th at 12:00pmEST we have out monthly SME Webinar.  The topic is TBD.  I have a few ideas, but would love to know what you’d like to hear about.  Email me your thoughts at kevin@careerattraction.com.

Registration information for both will be sent out to members next week.

NEW VIDEOS – New training videos on posting to LinkedIn Groups quicker (and more easily) and creating surveys, autoreponders and opt-in boxes for your website with iContact.

Have some specific training you’d like for your search? Email me at kevin@careerattraction.com and I’ll get working on it for you!

Not a member of Career Attraction University? For less than one dollar a day you can access all this information and more. Sign-up here and get started today!

Winning Hearts and Minds – The closer you work with fellow volunteers, the better they will get to know you. And, let’s face it, people help and hire those they like. Give people the opportunity to get to know you – not your tails of unemployment. Like we discussed last week, remember not to dwell on the fact you are looking for a job. You want everyone to think of you in terms of the great addition you would be versus the person who is always talking about being unemployed.

Words and Deeds – The interview process is a two-way street. You size up a future employer just as they do the same to you. Both sides are trying to figure out if the other “walks the talk.” By working side-by-side with someone in a volunteer capacity, you get to see if someone’s work ethic is in line with yours. Moreover, make sure you are gravitating towards those that give 110%. Good people always know good people.

Do What You Know – When volunteering, most people think in terms of what the Not for Profit does as a function: soup kitchens need help in the kitchen, Big Brothers/Big Sisters need adults to sponsor kids, etc. But shift your mindset to what you do best. If you are in accounting, volunteer your time to help with the books. A sales professional would be a great fundraiser or trainer of other fundraisers. You will not only be showcasing what you do, but your value-add to the organization will be even greater. Not to mention, you increase the likelihood of interacting with Board Members – who might have a connection or two. Talk about the “hidden” job market.

It Doesn’t Always Have to Be a NFP – The key here is to get you out using and contributing your skill set. When you list yourself as a “consultant” or “freelance” on your resume, no one is going to ask what you were paid. The closest you will get is “what’s your bill rate?” The bottom line is that you can contribute your expertise wherever you like and you are only limited by those who won’t take you up on your offer. This is also a great way to develop some new skills and subject matter expertise that you might be lacking – volunteer to work on a project to get some OJT.

If you have been thinking of retreating from your volunteer commitments in order to focus more time on your search – Don’t. Get more involved, make more connections and leverage your skills set in doing so. It is a win-win for everyone involved. Not only might you find a job in the process but you will do some great work to feel good about in the interim.

Like what you read? Get blogs, videos and tools you can use delivered right to your inbox as I post them. No spam or junk – just content you can put to use and get results with! And make sure you check out my FREE STUFF to put to work in your job search today…

Well, as of this morning we are at a collective 374. And, while patience is a virtue, I’ve decided to giveaway a total of 20 FREE CAU memberships – 10 for LinkedIn Group members and 10 for Facebook Page members. If you see your name listed below, just email us at ezine@careerattraction.com to get rolling!

Career Attraction LinkedIn Group – Kelly Lowe, James Porter, Clint Covey, Tony Joseph, Nancy Conelley, Robert Arseneau, Treena Hogan, John Kailey, Freddie Bleiweiss, Jill Swanson!

Career Attraction Facebook Page -Jordan Fox, Cheri Spring, Jim Elliott, Andree Weger, Ruth Nash, Mike Lauderdale, Maxine McClellan, John Villeneau, Lisa Bailey, Elena Cata!

Want to be eligible for a free giveaway and see your name in one of these posts? It’s easy.  Here is all you need to do…

1) Join the Career Attraction LinkedIn Group and then add some content for everyone’s benefit. Start a discussion, offer some advice, link to an article you found helpful. Think in terms of how you can help others…when we collectively do this, it has an amazingly large impact.

2) Join the Career Attraction Facebook Page. Same thing applies…comment on an article, “like” a post or (even better yet) add some content that others will find helpful.

I’ll be giving away memebrships and other great freebies, but you have to be part of our communities on LinkedIn and/or Facebook to be eligible. And, of course, participate by helping others!

Thanks and I look forward to seeing what you have to share!

Free Webinar – 5 Secrets to Uncovering the Hidden Job Market

**enter your information to have a link to the webinar emailed to you**

On this webinar, I will share about the “hidden job market” and also cover:

• the biggest block that’s likely keeping you and your search in low-gear right now and wasting precious time (and how to bust out of your rut)
• 5 things recruiters have begged me not to share with you that can keep you from having your job search sabotaged without you even knowing it.
• why your resume is not as critical a factor in getting the interviews (or the job) as you think.
• 3 immediate ways you can make your job search lean-and-mean right now! (These are so simple and yet so effective.)
• how you can start working a new plan immediately to find the job you want and cut your job search time in as much as half.

**enter your information to have a link to the webinar emailed to you**

We have some great information focused on getting your job search on track. But, don’t take my word for it. Here is what some previous listeners had to say about the webinar:

“Kevin Kermes offers a straightforward and comprehensive approach to develop new networks and expand career or business horizons. I was impressed with his expertise and believe you will be too.”– Katherine Eago

“I recently listened to Kevin’s “Avoiding the 10 Biggest Job Search Mistakes” webinar and was most impressed. The content of the presentation and the insight he provided was very helpful. Because of Kevin’s professional background, he was able to provide me with a better understanding of how the recruitment business works from an insider’s perspective. In addition, I found the topic of job boards to be very informative. Overall, I think it is great information for the current job seeker or anyone who wants to be better prepared for their next job search.”– Brian Heckler

“I recently had the pleasure to attend Kevin’s webinar. I am usually a little suspicious of free webinars, but Kevin’s discussion provided a lot of valuable information for the job seeker and prompted me to purchase his additional materials which also look worthwhile. I am going to recommend to everyone in our WIND group (Boston networking group) that they should also attend Kevin’s webinars.”– Ted Powell

“I listened in on Kevin’s Webinar today on the “5 Secrets” and found it a very worthwhile use of my time. His insight into what to focus on to be most productive was very helpful. Some points were new and others a timely reinforcement. If you get the opportunity to tune in for one of Kevin’s webinars, I highly recommend you do so.” – Becky Vogt

**enter your information to have a link to the webinar emailed to you**

“Last Thursday, I participated in Kevin Kermes webinar on how to avoid the 10 biggest job search mistakes. I am a busy communications consultant who enjoys my work, but given this economy and its impact on freelancers, would (not surprisingly) like to find full-time steady employment. I signed up for his webinar, even though I wasn’t sure it could offer much in the way of good information. After all, I’d never heard of Kevin–and how many different ways can you scour the job boards? Boy oh boy, was I busted! I learned, among other things, that not all job boards are created equal–or even worth the time it takes to sign up–and why I needed to shift the way I was searching for engaging and sustaining work. I was riveted to his presentation–just short enough to keep my attention and just long enough to be interesting. Like so many other smart, savvy, and well-intentioned people in today’s workforce, I’ve been looking in the wrong places and, as a result, missing out on some right opportunities. With Kevin’s insights, I have changed my approach. Thanks for the hour, Kevin. Really appreciate it! Good stuff!”– Jill Murray

“Kevin’s webinar was completely on the mark. He clearly communicated the most important job search tasks and mistakes to avoid in order for one to stand out from the crowd to potential employers. Get an “Exceptional Performance Review” even before you’re hired. Follow Kevin’s rules.” – Carl Sutter

“I had the opportunity to listen to Kevin’s webinar the last week in January. The information he provided was insightful and timely. I was able to identify several areas where my search was lacking and feel more focused towards my goal.”– Susan Kneeshaw

**enter your information to have a link to the webinar emailed to you**