Wednesday, May 27, 2009

5 Reasons to Attend Conferences

My friend, Phil Gerbyshak, recently posted this to his blog... I too am a believer in attending conferences. It seems that just when my batteries are about to die, it's time to attend my semi-annual conference. I'm always amazed that when I leave the conference it is with everything I need to go back to my office and be successful! Thanks, Phil for posting these 5 reasons!

5 Reasons to Attend Conferences
~Phil Gerbyshak

Last week I spent 5 amazing days with 1900 other IT service and support professionals at the 2009 HDI Annual Conference. I learned a TON of new things that I plan to share with you over the next few days and weeks. For now, I thought I’d share why I attend conferences like this, and why if you don’t, you should attend them to too.

Networking - If you’re looking to meet folks who can help you answer questions about your industry, there’s no better place to do so than a conference. Get there early, make a plan for who you want to connect and reconnect with, learn and remember new folks’ names, and don’t be afraid to skip a session or two if you get involved in an in-depth conversation.

Inspiration and Recharging Your Batteries - Almost every conference has keynote sessions meant to inspire you to perform at a higher level or think about things differently. This is one of my favorite parts of the conferences I attend, because it gets me moving in the right direction.

Knowledge Gathering - Most conferences have breakout sessions presented and facilitated by experts in their industry. You can learn a LOT from them if you take time to listen to the speaker AND listen to the folks who ask questions, especially if they ask questions you have or questions you have the answer to. Don’t be afraid to go up to someone who asked a question or who needs your help and ask them if you can speak to them a little more.

More Knowledge Gathering - If there were no sponsors, there would be no conferences. Most conferences offer time to interact with the sponsors, to ask them questions to learn from them, and to gather a little more information so you can learn more about them, all in a safe, low-pressure environment.

Knowledge sharing - At the HDI confernece, I had 1 breakout session, 1 panel I facilitated, 1 brain bite first thing in the morning and 1 30 minute presentation/facilitation about creating your elevator pitch for your organization, so my knowledge sharing was very formal. Sometimes my knowledge sharing is more informal, as I try to ask questions and add insights where I feel I can add value. I love to share, and it’s one of my favorite parts of a conference.

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Optimize your Linked In Profile in 4 Minutes

"There are two really quick things you can do on LinkedIn to optimize your profile for SEO -- both to make your LinkedIn profile more discoverable, and to make your profile work for you by sending some SEO authority (link juice) to other pages on the web that you choose."

Click the Link to see how easy this is!!

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Signs that the worst could be over?

"Let’s hope it isn’t wishful thinking. A recent survey of human resources executives found that most believe that their most drastic cost-cutting measures are behind them."

Friday, May 22, 2009

Hired! Do your homework; land a job!

"I put myself in the place of the employer," he explained. "What would the employer be looking for, what would catch their eye?"
~David Hudson

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Counter Offers. Not a good idea; here's why.

Ten Reasons for Not Accepting A Counter Offer
-Bill from Employment News

1. Question how much the company actually values what you do. Would they have made the counter-offer if you were not leaving?

2. From where is the money for the counter-offer coming? Is it your next raise early? (All companies have strict wage and salary guidelines which must be followed).

3. Your company will immediately start looking for a new person at a lower salary price.

4. Your loyalty will always be in question in the future.

5. When promotion time comes around, your employer will remember who was loyal, and who wasn’t.

6. When times get tough, your employer will begin the cutback with you.

7. The same circumstances that now cause you to consider a change will repeat themselves in the future, even if you accept a counteroffer.

8. Statistics show that if you accept a counteroffer, the probability of voluntarily leaving in six months or being let go within one year is extremely high.

9. Accepting a counteroffer is an insult to your intelligence and a blow to your personal pride, knowing that you were bought.

10. Once the word gets out, the relationship that you now enjoy with your co-workers will never be the same. You will lose the personal satisfaction of peer group acceptance.

Monday, May 18, 2009

HIRING: Workstation Technicians (15 openings)

Workstation Technicians (5 immediate; 10 more next month)... Looking for MS, break/fix, connectivity, LAN based applications experience, troubleshooting, network support, etc. Immediate Hire. A+ Certification preferred. Cincinnati, OH.

Please tell your friends and have them call me. 937-912-5860

Who's Hiring? The Government, that's who!

The Government is hiring. There are huge job increases on the way; defense civilian staff to increase by 19,000 jobs!

Check out this article.

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Use Twitter To Find a Job!

Lots of great tips in this article. Check it out!

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Learning to Write an Effective Resume

Compliments of Bill at Employment News.

Learning to write an effective resume is a life skill most people cannot afford to ignore. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median tenure for most professionals is about 4 years. For employees between the ages of 25 and 34, the median tenure is only 2.9 years. Since most of us will change jobs a number of times in our career, we need to become proficient at selling ourselves and writing an effective resume. Consider this: According to Career Builders’ Resume 2007 survey, on average, hiring managers receive 50 resumes for each and every job opening. Due to the sheer number of applicants, many managers skim and sort the resumes into "no go," "maybe," and "looks promising" piles. Only resumes that are well-organized, easy-to-read, and specifically targeted to the position survive the cut. Assuming a candidate has the relevant job experience, professional resume writers know what it takes to keep resumes in the "maybe" or "looks promising" piles. Here are the ten strategies resume professionals use - and you can too. 1. Resumes that make a good first impression emphasize specific accomplishments. Did you increase sales by 40%? Manage a team that introduced a profitable new product? Create and implement a money or time-saving process? Use specific examples to highlight your accomplishments. 2. Just as you would highlight your strongest points in an interview, do so in your resume. Put your strongest achievements and qualifications at the top of your resume. 3. Use a highlights section to catch the hiring manager’s attention. 4. Include only relevant job experience. If your resume is padded, most hiring managers will assume you aren’t qualified for the job. 5. Don’t try to be all things to all people. What are your top 3 skills? Focus on those. 6. Read the job description carefully. Note the keywords and use them to focus your resume. 7. Use an eye-catching, easy-to-read format. Include headings, bold print and bullets. 8. Write a different resume for each job skill/position. Resumes are definitely not one-size-fits-all. 9. To paraphrase JFK - tell not what the company can do for you, tell what you can do for the company. 10. Finally, proof and double-proof your resume. Given the competition, just one or two typos may eliminate a candidate from consideration. We’ve all heard it before: "You only get one chance to make a first impression." If you use the ten strategies outlined above, one chance is all you’ll need. Write a great resume and feel confident in your job search. Good luck!

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Career Change?

Thinking about changing careers? In the current economy, many people are doing just that. Not sure how to get started? Not sure what you want to do? Check out this article.

In reference to my post yesterday: Make sure that it is a career / industry that is either growing (or at least flat), not declining.

Monday, May 11, 2009

It May Be Time To Refocus Job Goals

Do your research and move to industries that are in a growth mode, or at least flat, not shrinking.

Focus on your skills not job titles.

Friday, May 8, 2009

Beating The Recession.

McDonalds is getting ready to launch their McCafe in several new locations(after successful test market results)! This is just another way that companies are getting on board and trying to add value to the troubled economy.

http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/othercities/birmingham/stories/2009/05/04/story4.html?b=1241409600^1820762&s=btr

I have not tried their specialty coffees...but I think that their regular old cup a joe is pretty good!

Since I'm a coffeeholic, I felt compelled to share!

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Tell your Ways of Staying Upbeat. Win a book!

My friend, Phil Gerbyshak, wants to hear how you are staying upbeat in today's challenging economy!

Windows 7 Release Candidate Debuts Early

I am so excited about this! I have put off buying a new laptop, until MS 7 comes installed... Hopeing this means that I am one step closer to buying!

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Need a job? Get social - in a networking kind of way

"Highlight your positive presence on the Internet"

Effective Job Search Strategies

Effective Job Search Strategies.
How to effectively manage your job search.



Common problems for unemployed:

**Personal networks have been neglected while pursuing careers and are often starting job searches without a good network of friends/business colleagues/etc. to ask for assistance.
**Resumes are not up-to-date.
**Interview inexperience:
**Not currently using Social networking web sites (LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter)

SEARCH STRATEGY #1: YOU'VE LOST YOUR JOB. TIME TO BEGIN YOUR SEARCH
It is important that you don't put off your search (even if you have a sizable severance)! It is imperative that you get started on your search right away; the competition is fierce.

Techniques and strategies that are the most effective:

1. Positive Attitude!
2. Obtain contact information of: co-workers, friends, clients, and anyone else who can assist you with your job search. You should have this information printed and in an editable document (like Excel) for easy/quick updating.
3. Ask for letters of recommendation from your peers and managers in your company (do this right away, not the week before you have an interview)
4. Be sure to inform your colleagues, friends, etc. You will want to include your contact information. Personal Email Address, Phone Number, Mailing Address, Twitter, Facebook, Linked In, etc.
5. If applicable, offer your services to your past employer on a contract basis.
6. I always recommend (even if you aren't looking) to have your resume current. However, if it isn't current, then you need to develop the resume as soon as possible.
7. Never burn bridges... You will want to leave your present employer on the best of terms.


Search Strategy #2: BUILD YOUR NETWORK

1. Be hands-on with your job search! Network with people who can give you "good" job search assistance.

2. Be thankful for those that are helpful and respond to you. The long lost art of thank you notes has been forgotten. I always recommend to my candidates that they follow up with an emailed "thank you note" and sometimes a hand written note. It is amazing how many times this has made the decision in the hiring process.

3. Contact your alma matre Alumni Office. There are many resources that universities offer to past graduates.

4. You should already be a member of Linked In. If NOT! Then join!http://www.linkedin.com. Be sure that your profile is complete, and ask for recommendations. Linked In will not work, simply by joining. You will need to make insightful connections with hiring managers and recruiters.


5. Develop 60 second or less pitch about your background and what you are seeking. The pitch should include your greatest accomplishments and what you are looking for in a new opportunity.

6. Get connected to reputable search firms.

7. Stay current by attending relative seminars, workshops or conferences.


Search Strategy #3: The Art of Interviewing (I'm not kidding, it is an art!)
You are being asked to interview. Getting the interview is only 50% of the battle.

It's back to school for you; Do your homework! Research the company. You may also check out the person that will be conducting the interview or perhaps the hiring manager. Per the above, Linked In is a great resource for this. Also, company Websites.

Go to an interview with at least 10 prepared questions. These questions should be about the company and the position (never about salary, benefits, etc.)

ALWAYS dress professionally! Unless you have been told by your recruiter something specific to wear, then plan to wear a suit!

You will need to bring multiple copies of your resume.

Arrive 10 minutes early. No exceptions!

When a potential employer asks questions, give them answers that are quantifiable. Get to the point.

As stated above, always follow up with a thank-you note (email or hand written).

Be clear and concise about why you are the right fit for the job. This should be readdressed in your "thank you note" as well.

KEY!!! When you leave the interview, shake hands and express your interest in the job!


Search Strategy #4: OFFER NEGOTIATION

Share your past compensation candidly.
When they ask you, “What type of compensation package are you seeking?” You should start by answering: “I am very interested in this opportunity and would like to move forward in the process. I am open to a fair offer.” If you are pushed for an answer, “You know my previous compensation. I am open to similar offers but would prefer to avoid a step backward.” Keep in mind this is how you should handle yourself with a potential employer not your recruiter. Not being completely open with your recruiter puts them at a disadvantage in helping you.

It is also important to always get an offer in writing. Verbal offers are okay, but it must be followed by a written offer. NEVER turn in your notice to a current employer until you have a written offer of employment!

Feel free to take some time to evaluate an offer before accepting it. Review it carefully, and make sure all of the terms are acceptable. If not, think of which areas you are willing to give and which ones you are not. This is very much up to the individual. For example, you may be willing to take less pay for more vacation time.

Once you have accepted a new offer, let your network know and and share your new contact information. Be sure to thank everyone for their willingness to help you and remember to stay connected to this valuable network; it is very possible that you may need them in the future!

Monday, May 4, 2009

Jump Starting your Technical Job search.

You can never be too prepared... Important to be prepare for technical questions as well as personal.

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Networking is key in finding new job opportunities.

Now more than ever, jobseekers are getting together via formal and informal groups to share information on their job search. Excellent idea; however be sure that the focus is not on negativity but on helping each other.