When I announced last week that I was doing this, the spots were gone in under 13 minutes! I know many of you missed out and, hopefully, we will get a chance to chat in the future. These 1-on-1 sessions are a regular part of my Career Attraction University (where you are guaranteed a spot to get coached), but once a month I open it up on a first come, first served basis for free.

I spoke with 17 professionals ranging from Media Directors to IT Professionals to a few folks who described themselves as “jack-of-all-trades.” The themes though were recurring and consistent. Here is a brief recap of some of the topics tackled.

I have been networking and letting everyone know that I’m looking, but it doesn’t seem to be helping. I hear this a lot and, when I get down to how people are networking, I usually get one of two answers: a) I’m letting everyone in my network know that I’m looking or b) I make sure to let anyone I talk to in my industry know what I do well. Here is what I tell both.

First, it’s much more important that someone know you are really good at what you do (your reputation network and “packs” can work to your advantage here) than that you are looking for employment. The fact that you are looking for a job is largely irrelevant to someone who would hire you. More importantly, it’s not a motivating factor in hiring you.

Second, while it is important for companies to know what you do well it is more important – and effective for you – that it be relevant to what they want and need. Get a brief understanding of what the major pains are that the company is dealing with currently. Then you can tailor your accomplishments and strengths so they speak to that pain…and why you are the ideal candidate to hire.

I want to move up the ladder, but I need specific experience and I can’t afford the training right now. Volunteer, volunteer, volunteer. There is no better way to get on-the-job training when you are unemployed. Better yet, you can list it as consulting. While someone may ask your bill rate, they aren’t going to verify salary. It only matters to you what you were (or weren’t) paid. What matters to them are the skills you bring to the table.

How do I convince a specific company that I’m a fit for a job when I have a varied background and/or no specific experience? Go back to the problems you solve and the pains you have alleviated in the past. Focus on what you have, not what you don’t. This is crucial in talking to companies in new industries or fields when you are looking to transition.

It’s really important that you talk to the hiring managers and not recruiters here. You will have your best luck with those who are experiencing the pain. I’m not saying they will all be interested, but those who want what you don’t have were never potential employers for you anyway.

I just moved to a new town and have no network. You’ve likely heard me talk about my interview with Michael Kerman before. This is the spot he was in and he landed a job masterfully by building a network from scratch and never asking for a job while doing it. If you haven’t heard it, definitely check it out.

* * * * * * * * *

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…

When I start thinking about the heat, I think about our men and women serving overseas in spots where it’s even hotter (and that’s the least of their concerns!).  Remebering what those 120+ degree days with 80% humidity were like when I was in the Persian Gulf puts it all into perspective for me.  A constant reminder to seek out the half full instead of the half empty.

I hope you are staying cool and having a great weekend.

Now, here’s what happened this past week at Career Attraction:

Facebook versus LinkedIn – This past week I opened up the NEW Career Attraction Facebook Page and LinkedIn Group.  I also made an announcement that when we hit 1000 members, I’ll be giving away some FREE memberships to my Career Attraction University!  So, if you haven’t joined – please do so.  If you have, invite some friends to join both.  The sooner we hit 1000, the sooner I can give away these memberships.  I’m ready – how about you?  Click here to join our Facebook Page.  Click here to join our LinkedIn Group.

Update on Coaching – Last week I filled the two spots I announced were open for my Private Coaching.  Mike and I kicked things off last Wednesday and are already moving forward with a plan.  John is on vacation this week, but we will begin when he returns. 

The response was huge, so I’ve developed another program: my Group Coaching Circle.  I will be announcing the full details and registration next week to the general public.  If you’d like to get the skinny first, email me for more information.  It combines everything those interested in coaching have asked for: accessibility, customized answers, ongoing support, affordability and more.  Click here to be one of the first to learn about the Group Coaching Circle.

Lemonade: It’s not a pink slip, it’s a blank page – I love documentaries. My brother-in-law is a filmmaker…I think I’ve single-handedly crashed Netflix’s servers with my overusage…I’ve got what some might call a problem. It’s as simple as that.

So, when I stumbled upon Erik Proulx’s film “Lemonade,” I had to watch it. Simply described, it’s a collection of 16 advertising professionals’ stories about how they “lost their jobs and found their calling.” It’s relatable, relevant and inspiring. I’ve never recommended a movie before on my blog, but this is a MUST SEE.  Click here to read more…

Q&A: Help me Make Sense of Working with Recruiters - This week’s question isn’t so much a particular one as it is a collection of questions I’ve been getting around one central theme: recruiters. How do I work with them? When should I work with them? Why aren’t they calling me back? Are they a waste of time?

In today’s Q&A column I’m not only going to tackle many of these topics, but I’ve created a FREE video (100% content you can put to work for yourself today – nothing is being sold here) for you that will help you figure out when its most beneficial for you to work with a recruiter and how to get the most out of the relationship.
Read my response here…

Next week in Career Attraction University:

- 1-on-1 Coaching Sessions – Wednesday, July 28.  You can sign-up in the members area.

 - Monthly SME Webinar - Everything You Need to Know About Working with Recruiters – Wednesday, July 28 at 12:00pmEST (Invitations will be emailed on Monday for Career Attraction University members). You can send your questions in advance to university@careerattraction.com or ask them LIVE on the webinar.

- More Training Videos are coming this week too!

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!

2008 – 2010 – Career Attraction – All Rights Reserved

Members can log in and register for the sessions using the taskbar on the right.

Not a member yet? Join today and the first month is completely free – on me. There is over a year’s worth of content – SME webinars, Q&A calls, downloads and videos – all aimed at cutting significant time off your job search!  Give it a test drive and see how you like it…you can cancel at any time – no questions asked.

Q&A Webinar

April 13th – 12:00pmEST

On this webinar, I will be answering any and all questions about the job search or career management. You can submit your question(s) for this session live during the webinar or email them to mastermind@careerattraction.com.

1-on-1 Coaching Calls

April 14th, 15th, 28th and 29th

Sign up for a private, 1-on-1 session with me to talk about your job search – tackling tough obstacles, brainstorming new ideas…however you chose to use the time! This is your chance to get some customized advice and guidance that is tailored just for you.

Incorporating Video as Part of Your Career Attraction Strategy

April 20th – 12:00pmEST

In last month’s webinar, we talked about using advanced techniques and strategies for the Job Search 2.0 Bootcamp System. In this session, I will dig deeper into using one medium in particular: video. We will discuss:

- How to get started immediately after the webinar

- What you can accomplish with video that you cannot with a resume or other traditional job search tools

- The best way to get your video to go viral (this may surprise you…it did me!)

- The best resources (most are free) out there to use – and how to use them

Controlling the Brand Called You

April 27th – 12:00pmEST

You have a brand whether you know it or not. Brands are your reputation, the reflection of the value you bring, the promises you make and the solutions you offer. Face it – when you are competing with hundreds, maybe even thousands of others for a position, it will boil down to how you get noticed, how you are remembered and what value you could honestly bring to your new organization.

Join me and Jessi LaCosta (Branding Expert and Bootcamp Contributor) as she shows you how to:

- obtain laser like career focus

- improve interpersonal skills

- clearly articulate and project why you are unique

- get results by confidently and genuinely communicating your value

- learn how to align with others (personally and professionally)who share similar core values

plus a Q&A session at the end.

These sessions are ONLY for Career Mastermind Group members. Not a member yet? Join now to access these sessions (as well as the archived calls and training materials) with my special F.R.E.E. 1 month Membership trial.

By joining you also get access to past SME Calls (Ilona Vanderwoude on Resumes, Chuck Csizmar on Compensation Negotiation, Wendy Weiss on Cold Calling Hiring Managers, Katherine Moody on Networking, Marci Reynolds on Twitter, me on Advanced Job Search Techniques and numerous Q&A calls) plus videos, downloads and everything else the program has to offer. Learn more about the Mastermind Program and take advantage of a one month F.R.E.E. trial.

The quote is from Buddha. While I am not sure if he experienced the frustration that can come along with a job search, I think his advice is very fitting. Clients constantly tell me how they feel like their search is taking too long, they are lacking focus since they are looking at so many different things or they simply do not think they are making process. If you are experiencing any of this in your search, here is some advice to help you focus on the “now.”

The Push and The Pull – Every search has a Push and a Pull. The Push is the reason you are leaving (or have left) your current (or past) job. The Pull is what is attracting you to your new job. Too often, by dwelling in the past you end up focusing on the Push. This is a lot like talking about an “ex” on a first date. A little bit can go a long way (in a bad way). Focus on the moment, which is the company you are pursuing and why they are a good fit for you.

Work in Blocks – Most people are looking at multiple opportunities across a wide array of industries – particularly if you are looking to change fields. It is typical to be left feeling a little scattered and without focus when jostling all these different positions in various stages of progress. Try breaking down your time into blocks. You can organize the time blocks by specific industry or by activity type (follow up calls, check-in emails, etc.). This allows you to get into a groove and get the most out of a set of like tasks, versus constantly shifting gears.

The Interview – Simply put, your job at each phase of the interview is to get invited back for the next interview. Do not worry about how many steps are in the process. Do not worry about compensation. Keep focused on stating your track record of accomplishments and the ROI the company will get by hiring you. This will put you in a position to not only be invited back, but in doing so you can figure out if this is the right job for you.

Patience – It isn’t a virtue, it is a requirement. The average job search is taking 211 days. Companies are taking their time to make the right hire which is resulting in a longer process than we have seen in years. Have a system to follow up and keep in touch with your prospective employer(s). Demonstrating patience will only help raise your stock, since your competition is likely not playing it as cool as you will be.

Sucking the Marrow – Be in the “now” for every call, email or meeting. You need to be constantly expanding your network, so whenever you are in communication with someone get the most out of that conversation. Who else do they know? Who is hiring? Get everything you can out of each interaction. And, always remember “give to get.”

This process is a marathon, not a sprint – particularly in this economy. Keep that perspective and focus on making forward progress every day. That may be a positive conversation that leads to a new introduction can be just as valuable in the long run as an interview.

If you enjoyed this article and would like to get more like it delivered straight to your email, you can sign up here.

Want to use this article in your ezine, blog or website? You can, as long as you include this blurb with it: It’s not about resumes, job boards, recruiters or even networking. As Your Career Attraction Mentor, Kevin Kermes will show you how to stop chasing after jobs and start attracting opportunities. He believes you are at your best when you can be yourself. Sounds like a better approach, doesn’t it? You can get more free advice like this by visiting him at www.careerattraction.com

© 2008 – 2010 – Kevin Kermes Inc

Interested in implementing these techniques to make your job search more efficient?  Check out Kevin’s Job Search 2.o Bootcamp Homestudy System – designed specifically more the mid to senior level executive designed to drive opportunities to you, establish you as a Subject Matter Expert and cut significant time off your search – all without using job boards or recruiters.  Click here to learn more.

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, BLOG OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Kevin Kermes publishes the ‘Build the Career Your Deserve’ e-zine with over 21,000+ subscribers. If you are ready to empower yourself with the vital tools and information necessary to find the job you want and build the successful career you deserve, visit him now www.careerattraction.com

2009 © Kevin Kermes Inc. – All Rights Reserved

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

 Whether you just started your job search or have been at it for awhile now, this call is what you have been waiting for.  You owe it to yourself to learn the secrets to cutting significant time off your job search now.  I also have some special gifts for joining me on the call, but you must be signed up (if can’t make the call, I will send you the recording afterwards – but you must be signed up).

On this webinar, you’ll learn:

 * 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. 

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

Reserve Your Spot by Going to https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/397959075

____________________________________________________________________________

Kevin is the Founder of Build the Career You Deserve, a company devoted to empowering professionals with the vital tools and information necessary to find the job they want and build the successful career they deserve. Sign up for his free e-zine (read by over 21,000 professionals worldwide) – Build the Career You Deserve – for insider tips on how to do just that

Don’t Throw the Baby Out with the Bathwater

How to turn rejection into opportunity in your job search

Have you heard this lately in your job search? “We have decided to move forward with another candidate…Our search has been put on hold…We think you are a great fit for our company, but just not the right one for this position….Let’s keep in touch.”  I know how frustrating the job search can be and these statements usually take the wind right out of you.  But, what if I could show you a few techniques to turn this into something positive – sometimes immediately! 

Every time you make a connection in your interview process you need to think about it in terms of building your network.  All too often, job seekers look at the process from a static, linear perspective: submit information, get the interview(s) and either get the job or not.  I will grant you that not getting the job is frustrating.  But how you handle losing the battle can result in you winning the war.

A huge part of the interview process is establishing rapport – winning hearts and minds.  Instead of seeing another door closing when you do not get the job, look at it as another door opening.  You have worked hard to make a new connection – professionally, sometimes even personally, bonding with the people in the company where you interviewed.  Shouldn’t you capitalize on it?  Here are some pointers on how to do so:

·         They know you are looking – ask for help networking.  If you have just impressed them enough to have multiple interviews, they should give you high marks.

·         Keep in touch.  Create a system to reach out to each and every person you talk to throughout your job search.  This is no different than a sales campaign.  And the person who isn’t buying today may be ready to purchase (hire) tomorrow.

·         Get to know the people you interview with.  This personal connection will get your calls, emails and requests answered quicker.

·         Pay it forward.  Find out what you can do for them.  Helping someone first is the quickest way to endear you to them.  They will seek you out to return the favor!

Not getting the offer – particularly after several rounds of interviews – is frustrating, no doubt.  But you have worked hard to make it that far.  In this economy, getting to the first round of interviews is tough enough.  So, when you do make a connection treat it like gold.  Managed well, this network can drive your job search for you.

* * * * * * * * *

 Avoid the job boards, 

work around recruiters 

and find the job you want in half the time.

* * * * * * * * *

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, BLOG OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:  Kevin Kermes publishes the ‘Build the Career Your Deserve’ e-zine with over 17,000+ subscribers. If you are ready to empower yourself with the vital tools and information necessary to find the job you want and build the successful career you deserve, visit him now www.careerattraction.com 

2008-2009 © Kevin Kermes Inc. – All Rights Reserved

 Finding a Job – the RIGHT Job — Has Never Been More Difficult… 

If you are a mid to senior level professional, frustrated by this current job market,

If you are finding that your network and job search techniques aren’t bearing fruit,

If you are having a tough time standing out in this crowded marketplace,

Then let me show you how to…

Get the job you want, by using the secrets to the perfect job search 

 As a search professional, I collected “insider information” on how to uncover the “hidden” job market, work around job boards, what companies look for and how they negotiate. Combining my personal career experience with those insights, I’ve developed solutions that will help you find the right job more quickly and get the full compensation package you deserve. 

But don’t take my word for it.  Read my clients’ results using my solutions in their own words…