Focus on the “Now”
“Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.”
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.
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© 2008 – 2010 – Kevin Kermes Inc
When It’s Best Not to Ask for the Job
One of my clients asked me for advice on how best to network at an upcoming tradeshow for a new job. She was unemployed, but thought the event would be a prime opportunity to get in front of some people and get her name out there. Rightly so! She went on to say that while she knew she should go, the whole thing was making her uncomfortable. “I don’t want to be walking around with a stack of resumes asking people if they are hiring.” My advice: Don’t take your resume and don’t ask for a job. Here is what I told her to do:
The Introduction – You aren’t going to be the only one working a tradeshow or networking event in hopes of finding a job. So, how do you differentiate? Don’t ask who is hiring. In introducing yourself, you are going to say who you “were” with – stating you are not working and implying you are looking. There is no need to go beyond that. If you are at a tradeshow, chances are the person you are talking to is ecstatic that they still have a job. So, shift the conversation to them. What presentations or speakers are they going to hear? What new products or solutions are they rolling out? Talk about anything other than your job search. If they are looking to hire, they will drive it to you.
The Give to Get – Do your homework BEFORE the event. Who are the speakers and presenters? What topics are they covering? Research an article that is timely and pertinent to anyone who would be interested in those speakers. When you are “introducing” yourself, bring up the article. When you find out they didn’t read it or haven’t seen it, offer to email them a copy. They will give you their information, you have just made a new contact and you have established yourself as someone in the “know.” Again, don’t ask who is hiring.
The Follow up – After the event, email those contact you have made with the link to the article you discussed. This is when you can ask them to help you network. If you are interested in their company specifically, ask to be introduced to a hiring manager how covers that area in which you want to work (not HR). Otherwise, try asking them this: “Would you introduce me to the top 3 people you hold in the highest regard in your industry?” These can be former/current peers or bosses. Ideally, steer away from asking about who is hiring – it pigeon holes your networking and can keep you from the 2nd or 3rd degree of separation that will be your next job.
Differentiation is the key to standing out in what is becoming a very crowded job market, but it’s not about having a new resume with some jazzed up font. You need to take advantage of every opportunity your showcase your subject matter expertise in your field. Having conversations like these demonstrates exactly why you have what they need. This is all part of creating demand in the brand you want them to buy: You.
For more information on how to stand out in this crowded market, uncover the hidden jobs and create demand for you, watch this short video that shares so many of the techniques that have been successful for my clients.
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 uncover the hidden job market and start pulling opportunities to you, visit him now www.careerattraction.com
Dispelling Myths about the Federal Job Market: guest blogger Dr. Daphne Houston
Myth #1: All the government jobs are in Washington, DC.
Fact: Only 15% of federal jobs are actually in DC. That means almost 85% of the federal jobs are outside of DC throughout the US and the rest of the world.
Myth #2: Federal Government Salaries are Low
Fact: Actually government salaries have risen faster and higher than private sector salaries. In most cases you will find that they are very competitive. In fact, it’s been reported that from 2000 to 2008, the pay for federal civilian employees skyrocketed 57%, while the pay for workers in the private sector grew by only 31%. And the White House recently proposed a 1.4% pay increase.
Myth #3: To get into the federal government you have to be connected – all the jobs are wired.
Fact: If that was the case, then the government wouldn’t currently have over 60,000 job openings worldwide. Don’t you think the people that know the current government workforce would have networked their way if that was the case?
Myth #4: All government workers do is push papers, they don’t have jobs for what I do.
Fact: The government has over classifications of positions and over 300 departments and agencies. There are all kinds of jobs. There are so many ways to make a difference to America doing this work. Here is a very short list of federal job titles: Accountants, Business Operations, Police Officers, Fire Fighters, Administrative Assistants, Secretaries, Assistants, Civil Engineers, Airline Pilots, Computer Systems Analysts, Program Managers, Construction Managers and Social Workers
Myth #5: The Government is one huge bureaucracy.
Fact: The Government is made up of several entities. Each of the over 300 departments and agencies operates as their own stand alone “corporation” within a network of companies designed to serve the best interest of America. Some do operate more efficiently than others and are more progressive than others.
Based on your agency research, consider 3-5 agencies you would like to further explore.
Myth #6: All Federal jobs are posted on USAjobs.com
Fact: Only about 70% are on USA jobs. Many jobs (perm, temp, special) are on each fed agency website. And some are not posted on the sites at all.
If you would like to learn more about the Federal Job Search Market, join Dr. Daphne Houston for a free webinar: “The 5 Critical Keys to Landing a Federal Job.” Dr. Houston is a certified federal job search trainer whose clients get hired!
2008 – 2010(c) Kevin Kermes Inc.
The Reference Check…It’s Not Time to Celebrate Yet
Two years ago, if a client told me that the company they were interviewing with was getting ready to check references, I would have thought, “Great! It sounds like an offer is not far behind.” But now, with unemployment at almost 10%, the job search landscape is far different and more competitive than ever. As a result, many companies are checking the references of multiple candidates in order to help make their final decision. So, getting it right with your references is extremely important. Here are a few tips:
- Be Proactive: Don’t assume the reference and reference checker will connect. Find out who will be calling your reference and let your reference know. I would suggest taking the steps to help schedule it. Not only will this help make certain it happens, but your reference will be in a better state of mind and more prepared for the call. You want them focused on selling you, not multitasking by driving, checking emails, etc..
- Prepare Your Reference: Schedule a call with your reference to review your background and the position you are interviewing for. Send them a copy of your resume. You want them understanding why this is a great job for you. They need to both think and speak in terms of why your past accomplishments are an indicator of what you are going to do for your future employer. It is all about being specific, quantifying and qualifying why you are the best hire – period.
- You are Only Good at What You Check: Follow up with your reference afterwards to find to how the call went. Were there any stumbling points? Any red flags they think you might need to address or be aware of? This way you know if there are any points you need to go back and re-address or affirm with your future employer.
There reference check is so much more than verifying employment. By taking these steps, you will not only properly prepare your reference, but you might discover you need to replace one of the people on your list. Remember, knowing they are checking references doesn’t mean you have the job, but it does mean you are a finalist. This is the last leg of your journey, so it’s time to pull out all the stops. Make sure your references tip the scales in your favor!
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“Hidden” Job Market expert Kevin Kermes has shown thousands how to uncover the unadvertised job market and pull jobs to them. If you’re looking for simple, quick and easy ways to bring the job market to you and cut your search time down significantly, get your FREE advice now at www.careerattraction.com
© 2008 – 2010 – Kevin Kermes Inc
