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.

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You learn more about the September Job Search Bootcamp and reserve your spot by clicking here.

OK. Here’s what happened last week in Career Attraction…

I held another Stand Out in Your Job Search: Start Attracting Jobs and Stop Chasing Them webinar last week. In just over a week after holding this twice, we have had just over 1500 participants. And the feedback has been great (thanks to all who posted their comments as recommendations on LinkedIn!). If you missed it, you can watch the replay and pick up the free tools and resources I shared. Click here to check it out.

Is Your Job Search Networking Missing Something? There’s some great guidance out there on networking (and, some not-so-great advice): what to say and what not to say, how to ask who is hiring and how to make new connections. But one of the largest missed opportunities in networking is what I want to talk about today. How to ask for nothing, simply give back and the enormous impact it can have on your network and job search. Read more here.

LinkedIn v.Facebook – 319 vs. 194 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 Orietta Ramirez on Creative Thinking Versus Critical Thinking. 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 is now posted! You can check it out in the Member’s Only Section.

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!

Let’s face it, if you have been networking you have probably asked for a lot. Leads on new opportunities, connecting with decision makers and the list goes on. And, I’m not here to tell you that you shouldn’t be networking and asking for these things – you absolutely should. But, there is balance…and the balance to receiving is giving. So, I’m going to share what I recently told my Career Attraction University members about how to do this and why you should be doing this (beyond the obvious reason that it’s simply the right thing to do. That should be enough, right?):

Your List – Start here. Take everyone you have spoken to or interacted with during your job search. From that trusted advisor and mentor who you touch base with weekly down to the recruiter who rubbed you the wrong way and you barely spoke to once. By the way, if you don’t have a list of everyone you have connected with this is a prime time to create one. This is your network. Some pieces may be stronger than others, but every interaction is an opportunity to strengthen that relationship and build new ones.

Pick up the Phone – This is about being interactive and dynamic. Email is static. Grab the phone and call the people on your list. You can make 1000 excuses why not to do it (my industry likes email, I don’t know some of these people that well, I don’t have their number, etc..). In order – if everyone is emailing, it’s easier to stand out via phone. If you don’t know the person well, what better way to get to know them better? Don’t have the number – Google the company and call the main switchboard.

Bottom line, you will get infinitely more out of a conversation and you can steer it more than a one dimensional email. Plus, you are going to be offering to help them – why wouldn’t they want to hear from you? If you get voicemail, you can send a short email following up…but make sure you lead with a call – it will make all the difference.

The Call – I’m not a fan of scripts, but here is the gist of what you should say in your call. Adjust the verbiage to fit your audience:

“Hi _________, it’s _________. You have been great about helping me in my job search and I simply wanted to return the favor. I’m wondering how I might be able to help you? What’s on your plate right now that you could use some help with resource-wise?”

Short and sweet.

Calling a peer or potential hiring contact? Maybe they are working on a project and need help locating some resources? This gives you a reason to call other people inside, or outside, your network…growing your network, demonstrating you are “plugged in” and calling for a reason other than looking to get something for yourself.

Calling a recruiter or someone in HR? Offer to help them with candidates for searches they are conducting. While I’ve never been in HR, I can tell you from my years as a headhunter that I knew the people who would always help me network and they were my first call. So, if you aren’t getting a call back from the search firms or internal recruiters as you would like – this is the easiest way to fix that. Create a reason for why they will always want to call you first.

Ask for Nothing – this is key to your success here. It’s not about immediate reciprocity. The benefits you will receive will become apparent in short order, like I shared in both examples…and more.

If they ask about your search, certainly tell them. If they ask if they can help, I’d simply ask who they know in (your field, industry, area of focus) that they hold in high regard with whom you can network. Reassure them that you are just looking to broaden your network and you aren’t going to hit them up for a job (listen to my interview with Michael Kerman – he does this beautifully). And, again, push to meet in person if physically possible. It’s all about getting face-to-face time with people. The phone is closer to that than email (which is why I am a big fan of it), but getting in front of someone is much more effective in working towards “know, like and trust.”

Going Viral and “Paying it Forward” – Finally, I’d like to leave you with this thought. Between my newsletter (21K readers), this blog (2K+ visitors daily) and the social networks I post on (1M+ potential readers), this could have an incredible, collective effect if every job seeker reading it took action. Imagine your call jogging the memory of someone in your network to call an unemployed friend. Maybe it makes them think of you for a certain position. Maybe you are that friend for someone else’s call. Who knows? What I do know is that this “pay it forward” effect will only be more exponential in its impact if everyone takes this step together.

So, make your list, pick up the phone and start asking what you can do for your network. Then come back here and share your comments and results below – I’d love to hear from you (and so would everyone else!).

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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…

Enter your information below to watch the video right now!

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!

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…

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**

Whether your plans include watching the match or something else all together, I hope you have a great weekend.

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

My “Stand Out” Job Search Training starts on Monday. If you haven’t seen what it’s all about, watch this short video (about 10 minutes). I built it around exactly what you told me you wanted. I’ll be walking you through how to build stronger networks that drive opportunities to you, more efficient social media systems that work for you and, of course, how to Stand Out from the crowd easily, naturally and authentically. Watch the short video here…

Stand Out by Ditching the Elevator Speech – As you know, I am not a fan of the “elevator speech.” I agree with the concept of getting your message across quickly, succinctly and powerfully. Where this concept loses me (as well as most people receiving it) is that it isn’t value packed for the listener. This is particularly important in your job search, since there are a lot of “speeches” being pitched to hiring managers and you must stand out here. In my opinion, taking a more solution based approach will do just that. Read more here…

Q&A: How do I grow and cultivate a real network? – Kevin, in one of your webinars, you mentioned two types of networks: real and “acquaintance” (or something like that). I would like to know how to cultivate a real network. I don’t really think that I am relationship challenged. It is just the nature of my personality to be calm, cool and collected, and in the background. People don’t really gravitate to me. So anyway, I have 53 LinkedIn connections that span most of my life. But they are mostly acquaintances and they aren’t really people that engage in an equal give and take with me.  This isn’t a personal question. I’m more interested in the professional side. How to I create those professional relationships that can stand the test of time? Read my response here…

INTERVIEW: Networking from Scratch – I’ve been sharing this interview a lot lately with my coaching clients. It’s a conversation I had with a senior professional who found himself in a new city, with no network and unemployed. Michael had to build a trusted network from scratch – and quickly. In this interview, he explains exactly how he developed a strong network in short order that landed him an outstanding job…all without ever asking for a job! His advice – priceless. Get the interview here…


Next week in Career Attraction University:

- “Stand Out” Job Search Training start Monday

- Monthly Q&A Webinar – Thursday, July 15 at 12:00pmEST (Invitations will be emailed on Monday for Career Attraction University members). Remember to send your questions in by noon on Wednesday, July 14 to university@careerattraction.com)

- New “how to” Social Media Videos will be posted next 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

Enter your information below and I’ll email you the interview – it’s yours to keep!

Listen to the interview and please share your thoughts and networking advice for others below. I’d love to hear what you think!
2008 – 2010 (c) Career Attraction – All Rights Reserved

Sounds like a pretty good deal, huh?

Get immediate access to the video and bonuses by entering your information below!

- How to get crystal clear on being productive, not just active, in your job search..and more effective!
- Why you don’t need to be focused on resumes, job boards or recruiters
- 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!
- 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.

Plus I’ll immediately send you a number of tools, interviews and resources that you can put to work TODAY in your job search. There’s no sales pitch – just 100% content you can use RIGHT NOW.

Enter your information below and you’ll get access to see (and hear) what we are talking about…and I’ll send you the links to all the freebies I talk about in the video.

Get immediate access to the video and bonuses by entering your information below!

2008 – 2010 Career Attraction – All Rights Reserved