Alright, you naysayers, I HAVE landed a full-time job. It's just in the wrong city!
An earlier post about the importance of location indicated that the career hunter must be fully aware of where the jobs are in the desired field, and where they are not to be found. I have illustrated this first-hand by failing to find a job in my desired location, but finding one where I didn't plan to live.
Life's full of tough choices. But when you have to eat and pay the bills, sometimes you have to adapt. In a world of "eat or be eaten," I'd rather eat!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Saturday, December 6, 2008
The Hub Concept
I have just returned from an exclusive sneak-peek event in Halifax called "open hub." I've been following this story since it appeared in the Sept. 10th edition of the Globe and Mail (page R14 - "A Place to Lay Your Laptop."
I've been keeping in touch with the principal developers as plans for the hub - Halifax have been taking shape. Today I got to see the 2nd floor loft space and meet the four principals in person. A slide show of other international hubs played on one wall while guests sipped hot apple cider and mingled. Guests were invited to draw their vision of an ideal floor plan, which is to be finalized with the architect in the coming week. What is all the buzz about?
Business travellers who come to Halifax to do business, meet with clients, network, etc. have had few choices for a suitable place to meet. the hub answers this need. It is located centrally in downtown Halifax within easy walk of many of the big hotels. There are coffee shops, pubs, restaurants and bookstores, all within a block or two. Clients can use the space for an hourly, daily or monthly rate, depending on their needs.
How is something like this useful to the career hunter? First off, it gives you a place to arrange a meeting with a potential job contact that is a step up from the coffee shop on the corner. Second, it has a great deal of potential as a place to meet new contacts covering a broad spectrum of the business world. Strike up a conversation with another hub visitor; who knows where it could lead? Third, the hub concept is already operating in major cities in North America and Europe. Many of the hubs are interconnected. Are you thinking Internationally? Should you be?
Wherever your career hunt takes you, think beyond the Internet cafe where juggling your coffee, muffin, papers and laptop on a tiny table can lead to disaster, or at least, frustration. Have a look at a place where business travellers can really connect!
I've been keeping in touch with the principal developers as plans for the hub - Halifax have been taking shape. Today I got to see the 2nd floor loft space and meet the four principals in person. A slide show of other international hubs played on one wall while guests sipped hot apple cider and mingled. Guests were invited to draw their vision of an ideal floor plan, which is to be finalized with the architect in the coming week. What is all the buzz about?
Business travellers who come to Halifax to do business, meet with clients, network, etc. have had few choices for a suitable place to meet. the hub answers this need. It is located centrally in downtown Halifax within easy walk of many of the big hotels. There are coffee shops, pubs, restaurants and bookstores, all within a block or two. Clients can use the space for an hourly, daily or monthly rate, depending on their needs.
How is something like this useful to the career hunter? First off, it gives you a place to arrange a meeting with a potential job contact that is a step up from the coffee shop on the corner. Second, it has a great deal of potential as a place to meet new contacts covering a broad spectrum of the business world. Strike up a conversation with another hub visitor; who knows where it could lead? Third, the hub concept is already operating in major cities in North America and Europe. Many of the hubs are interconnected. Are you thinking Internationally? Should you be?
Wherever your career hunt takes you, think beyond the Internet cafe where juggling your coffee, muffin, papers and laptop on a tiny table can lead to disaster, or at least, frustration. Have a look at a place where business travellers can really connect!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Top 16 Career Hunting Tips
Living the adventure leads to first-hand knowledge and understanding. What have I learned from ten months of searching for a new career? What follows is a list of key ideas from all of the postings on this blog to date. Some come from first-hand, recent experience; some are from career counsellors, workshops, articles, workbooks, and other career websites and blogs. Every person’s life and situation is unique, so not every tip will apply to you. The hope is that you can learn from other people’s mistakes and successes, and use these tips to steer you along your path to your own success.
Top 16 Career Hunting Tips:
1. Cherish your dreams. Before you act on them, temper them with reality.
2. Be careful what you post online. Many employers are now researching potential employees by checking MySpace, FaceBook, blogs, etc.
3. Tailor your cover letter and resume to match the expectations of each employer. Do your research; know your target audience.
4. Don’t count on “transferable skills” to make a big career change. Be realistic about your actual training and experience.
5. Plan to get a Masters degree if you want to become a manager or decision-maker. Employers have LOTS of candidates to choose from, and they will pick someone with the best qualifications for the job.
6. Keep current with technology, including blogs, social networking, and whatever else comes along. Many employers are looking for people who stay current, and there are Human Resources people scouting for talent online right now. Don’t have a presence on MySpace, FaceBook, Twitter or LinkedIn? How are they going to find you?
7. Use MySpace, FaceBook, LinkedIn, etc to find people you know who work for the company you want to work for. Ask them if it is a good place to work, and ask specific questions about things that are important to you.
8. Key qualities to cultivate personally: Agility, Persistence & Timing - Agility to respond quickly to new opportunities; persistence to get the job done; and timing to connect effectively at the right time.
9. Your resume should be focused and tailored to match each position when you apply. I spoke recently with an employer who received 120 applications for a single job. As you can guess, she quickly eliminated the resumes that weren’t good matches, short-listed the best matches, interviewed three or four of the best, and found one perfect match.
10. Your network of friends and acquaintances is your most valuable tool! Most jobs connections are made this way, and most jobs are never advertised because candidates are referred by someone who knows them. If you move to a brand new place where you don’t know anyone, it is important to start building a new network right away. Consider these network-building possibilities:
- do some volunteer work for the target company if this opportunity exists, or for an organization where like-minded people get together
- join the Chamber of Commerce or suitable business association
- volunteer to work on a fund-raising or political campaign
- attend workshops, seminars, conferences or conventions
- go to community events sponsored by the target company or where like-minded people get together
- where do people in this industry meet socially?
11. Do your homework BEFORE you resign from your current job. Depending on your location and the local job market, you could be in for a long wait before you land a new job. Being well-informed and well-prepared will put you ahead of the casual job hunters.
12. Persistence, Patience and Planning are keys to success. Persistence and patience are necessary because the job market is tight and most jobs have many applicants. Planning will help you if you do your research and make a realistic plan based on your research.
13. Location and Timing are two more keys to success. Needless to say, you need to be in the right place at the right time. This is where your planning and research pay off.
14. “Pick a Square” – know your strengths, training & experience. These are the key things an employer scans in a cover letter and resume. You have 15 to 20 seconds to highlight these three key things before the employer moves on to the next resume in the pile. Put them up front in bold type, and be sure your statements are accurate and can be supported by documentation and references.
15. Have a backup plan and exit plan in place, ready to use if the main plan doesn’t work out. You might need help from friends and family, but good friends and family do help each other out from time to time. (Be prepared to repay the favour someday.)
16. Consider taking new training to prepare you for your career of choice. Would it give you the edge you need?
An obvious question is sure to be hovering in some readers’ minds. Why should I consider your advice when you haven’t landed your own dream career yet? I have three thoughts on this. First, I hope that other people will be able to learn from my mistakes; second, this collection includes many tips and bits of information gleaned from current research and articles; third, that everyone’s career hunt will be unique, so choose the tips that apply to you.
My career quest is not over yet. I will post more as I learn more.
Top 16 Career Hunting Tips:
1. Cherish your dreams. Before you act on them, temper them with reality.
2. Be careful what you post online. Many employers are now researching potential employees by checking MySpace, FaceBook, blogs, etc.
3. Tailor your cover letter and resume to match the expectations of each employer. Do your research; know your target audience.
4. Don’t count on “transferable skills” to make a big career change. Be realistic about your actual training and experience.
5. Plan to get a Masters degree if you want to become a manager or decision-maker. Employers have LOTS of candidates to choose from, and they will pick someone with the best qualifications for the job.
6. Keep current with technology, including blogs, social networking, and whatever else comes along. Many employers are looking for people who stay current, and there are Human Resources people scouting for talent online right now. Don’t have a presence on MySpace, FaceBook, Twitter or LinkedIn? How are they going to find you?
7. Use MySpace, FaceBook, LinkedIn, etc to find people you know who work for the company you want to work for. Ask them if it is a good place to work, and ask specific questions about things that are important to you.
8. Key qualities to cultivate personally: Agility, Persistence & Timing - Agility to respond quickly to new opportunities; persistence to get the job done; and timing to connect effectively at the right time.
9. Your resume should be focused and tailored to match each position when you apply. I spoke recently with an employer who received 120 applications for a single job. As you can guess, she quickly eliminated the resumes that weren’t good matches, short-listed the best matches, interviewed three or four of the best, and found one perfect match.
10. Your network of friends and acquaintances is your most valuable tool! Most jobs connections are made this way, and most jobs are never advertised because candidates are referred by someone who knows them. If you move to a brand new place where you don’t know anyone, it is important to start building a new network right away. Consider these network-building possibilities:
- do some volunteer work for the target company if this opportunity exists, or for an organization where like-minded people get together
- join the Chamber of Commerce or suitable business association
- volunteer to work on a fund-raising or political campaign
- attend workshops, seminars, conferences or conventions
- go to community events sponsored by the target company or where like-minded people get together
- where do people in this industry meet socially?
11. Do your homework BEFORE you resign from your current job. Depending on your location and the local job market, you could be in for a long wait before you land a new job. Being well-informed and well-prepared will put you ahead of the casual job hunters.
12. Persistence, Patience and Planning are keys to success. Persistence and patience are necessary because the job market is tight and most jobs have many applicants. Planning will help you if you do your research and make a realistic plan based on your research.
13. Location and Timing are two more keys to success. Needless to say, you need to be in the right place at the right time. This is where your planning and research pay off.
14. “Pick a Square” – know your strengths, training & experience. These are the key things an employer scans in a cover letter and resume. You have 15 to 20 seconds to highlight these three key things before the employer moves on to the next resume in the pile. Put them up front in bold type, and be sure your statements are accurate and can be supported by documentation and references.
15. Have a backup plan and exit plan in place, ready to use if the main plan doesn’t work out. You might need help from friends and family, but good friends and family do help each other out from time to time. (Be prepared to repay the favour someday.)
16. Consider taking new training to prepare you for your career of choice. Would it give you the edge you need?
An obvious question is sure to be hovering in some readers’ minds. Why should I consider your advice when you haven’t landed your own dream career yet? I have three thoughts on this. First, I hope that other people will be able to learn from my mistakes; second, this collection includes many tips and bits of information gleaned from current research and articles; third, that everyone’s career hunt will be unique, so choose the tips that apply to you.
My career quest is not over yet. I will post more as I learn more.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Plan X - the eXit Plan
When you are planning ahead for your life, career, or any other significant part of your future, you always want to plan for success. It's important to think positive, but it's just as important to understand that sometimes uncontrollable external factors will change the course you have planned. It is well worth your time to try to anticipate the possible external pressures and have contingency plans in place. Some of these external pressures are fairly predictable. Some can hit you from behind.
I recommend that you develop a clear Plan B after you have developed a solid Plan A. Plan B will take effect if Plan A is no longer viable. If you plan to drive to the mall to do some shopping, Plan A might have you driving the car from home to the mall and back. You have checked to make sure there is gas in the tank, you have enough time to accomplish the errand, you have a shopping list in your pocket and money to pay for the items. Plan B takes effect when you get to a gigantic construction project that has closed the route you chose, and you have to quickly switch to a detour. Plan B may also take effect when the main item on your list is out of stock, and you have to go to a different mall to find it.
If there is any hint that you might need a Plan C, go ahead and make one. You may never have to use it, but it will give you some peace of mind knowing that there is a backup to the backup plan. When it comes to shopping, if all the stores are out of the main item you planned to buy, you can always order it online or make another choice that is available.
Plan X is the exit plan - the plan of last resort. This is not a self-destruct plan, just a fall-back to a position of safety where you can regroup and take stock of the new situation. It's essential, and worth your while. You'll sleep more soundly at night if you know you're covered.
For the career hunter, it is important to stay focused on your goal. It is also important to have plans in place to make sure you are covered during this transition period in your life. I don't recommend burning bridges when you leave one situation for the next. Keep your options open.
I recommend that you develop a clear Plan B after you have developed a solid Plan A. Plan B will take effect if Plan A is no longer viable. If you plan to drive to the mall to do some shopping, Plan A might have you driving the car from home to the mall and back. You have checked to make sure there is gas in the tank, you have enough time to accomplish the errand, you have a shopping list in your pocket and money to pay for the items. Plan B takes effect when you get to a gigantic construction project that has closed the route you chose, and you have to quickly switch to a detour. Plan B may also take effect when the main item on your list is out of stock, and you have to go to a different mall to find it.
If there is any hint that you might need a Plan C, go ahead and make one. You may never have to use it, but it will give you some peace of mind knowing that there is a backup to the backup plan. When it comes to shopping, if all the stores are out of the main item you planned to buy, you can always order it online or make another choice that is available.
Plan X is the exit plan - the plan of last resort. This is not a self-destruct plan, just a fall-back to a position of safety where you can regroup and take stock of the new situation. It's essential, and worth your while. You'll sleep more soundly at night if you know you're covered.
For the career hunter, it is important to stay focused on your goal. It is also important to have plans in place to make sure you are covered during this transition period in your life. I don't recommend burning bridges when you leave one situation for the next. Keep your options open.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Carefully Avoiding Mentioning the Elephant in the Room
A person can last without a job for only so long. At some point, the realities of life have to be addressed. The problem with having an elephant in the room is that it tends not to go away no matter how much you try to ignore it.
When a protracted career hunt has no appreciable results, one option it to take a "gap job"; something you don't intend to keep for a long time, but something to help pay your way as you continue to hunt for the job you want. Unfortunately, many employers avoid hiring overqualified candidates for this very reason. They are well aware of the likelihood that you will not be there for long, so they are much more likely to hire someone who will stay on.
In today's competitive job market there is also little chance of success if the employer considers you to be underqualified. Where does this leave the modern career hunter?
Stay focused on what you know, what you do well, and careers that match your credentials. (See "Pick a Square" earlier this month.) Monitor the number of suitable job postings over the course of a few months in the area where you are thinking of working (before you hand in your letter of resignation to your current employer.) You'll save yourself a lot of time and anxiety.
When a protracted career hunt has no appreciable results, one option it to take a "gap job"; something you don't intend to keep for a long time, but something to help pay your way as you continue to hunt for the job you want. Unfortunately, many employers avoid hiring overqualified candidates for this very reason. They are well aware of the likelihood that you will not be there for long, so they are much more likely to hire someone who will stay on.
In today's competitive job market there is also little chance of success if the employer considers you to be underqualified. Where does this leave the modern career hunter?
Stay focused on what you know, what you do well, and careers that match your credentials. (See "Pick a Square" earlier this month.) Monitor the number of suitable job postings over the course of a few months in the area where you are thinking of working (before you hand in your letter of resignation to your current employer.) You'll save yourself a lot of time and anxiety.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
The Next Challenge
The leaves have been dealt with. On leaf pickup day we had a double row of leaf bags lined up across the front of our property. The leaf pile at the back took two days to burn. The rest of the leaves went on the compost pile at the back, which is now 6 feet tall and about 12 feet in diameter. What's left on the ground is now covered with snow. Lots of snow.
This leads to the question: How much snow can accumulate on 145 feet of driveway?
As soon as you finish one challenge, a new one emerges. I guess this is what keeps us going, both physically and mentally. If we didn't have a challenge to work on, what would we do? I won't be able to answer that question this week!
This leads to the question: How much snow can accumulate on 145 feet of driveway?
As soon as you finish one challenge, a new one emerges. I guess this is what keeps us going, both physically and mentally. If we didn't have a challenge to work on, what would we do? I won't be able to answer that question this week!
Quotation of the Day
Just a quick note of explanation... in case you were wondering, the quotation of the day is an automated feature. I don't choose the quotes myself, and they change daily, so are not intended to be connected with the content of my posts. The juxtaposition is interesting at times, and some days one seems to truly inform the other.
Today's, (Nov. 22) is a mystery to me.
"One of the darkest evils of our world is surely the unteachable wildness of the Good."
- H.G. Wells
Hmmm....I'll have to think about that one.
Today's, (Nov. 22) is a mystery to me.
"One of the darkest evils of our world is surely the unteachable wildness of the Good."
- H.G. Wells
Hmmm....I'll have to think about that one.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
"Pick a Square"
In a recent conversation with my friend Richard he told me something about his experience attaining Microsoft Certification. (This is no mean feat! Members of the serious computer community know that this is a real achievement not for the faint of heart.)
At some point in the training, the certification hopefuls were strongly advised to "pick a square." There are so many different areas in which one can specialize, and it is impossible to become an expert in anything if you spread yourself in too many directions.
We talked about my extensive career hunt and how I have been trying to "cover all the bases." His advice for me? "Pick a square."
That's a difficult thing for me to do! I have a lot of interests, and have developed some proficiency in many areas that are of interest to me. Of course, I have a few real strengths, but I don't like the notion of stuffing myself into one little square, (or box, or cubicle,) and not making use of my other strengths and interests. What was all that talk about lateral thinking a few years ago, and "thinking outside the box?"
I have narrowed my search down to working with people wherever information, education and technology converge. I've built myself a triangle, and I can move easily within it, balancing the three strengths or shifting slightly one way or another to meet the needs of the organization or clients.
Here's a secret for those faithful readers who follow this blog. Although the base triangle appears in my cover letters and resumes, I've actually gone three-dimensional and built a pyramid with music at the top. Shhhh...it's on a need-to-know basis!
;-)
At some point in the training, the certification hopefuls were strongly advised to "pick a square." There are so many different areas in which one can specialize, and it is impossible to become an expert in anything if you spread yourself in too many directions.
We talked about my extensive career hunt and how I have been trying to "cover all the bases." His advice for me? "Pick a square."
That's a difficult thing for me to do! I have a lot of interests, and have developed some proficiency in many areas that are of interest to me. Of course, I have a few real strengths, but I don't like the notion of stuffing myself into one little square, (or box, or cubicle,) and not making use of my other strengths and interests. What was all that talk about lateral thinking a few years ago, and "thinking outside the box?"
I have narrowed my search down to working with people wherever information, education and technology converge. I've built myself a triangle, and I can move easily within it, balancing the three strengths or shifting slightly one way or another to meet the needs of the organization or clients.
Here's a secret for those faithful readers who follow this blog. Although the base triangle appears in my cover letters and resumes, I've actually gone three-dimensional and built a pyramid with music at the top. Shhhh...it's on a need-to-know basis!
;-)
Monday, November 17, 2008
Location and Timing
Two critical factors for the career hunter are location and timing. When choosing real estate for a home or business, location makes a critical difference. The same is true when hunting for a new career. If you choose to live an hour and a quarter away from the big city, your career choices will be limited to what is available locally or what you can commute to realistically every day. If you plan to pursue a career that is tied to a particular location, you will need to live reasonably close to make it work.
Timing is critical in all that we do. Whether it's stand-up comedy, performing music, buying or selling, developing relationships, or a million other things we may do each day, the timing must be right in order to be successful. For the job hunter, timing is difficult to gauge. We can't control the economic conditions around us, and we usually don't know the personality traits of the person in the HR department who will be reviewing our cover letter and resume. In hard economic times it generally takes longer to find a job. My best advice to career hunters right now is to hang on to what you have and allow yourself plenty of time for your search.
The current economic conditions are not favourable for those who are inclined to leap first and look around after they land. (see Planning in the previous post)
Verbum sapienti satis est - A word to the wise is sufficient.
Timing is critical in all that we do. Whether it's stand-up comedy, performing music, buying or selling, developing relationships, or a million other things we may do each day, the timing must be right in order to be successful. For the job hunter, timing is difficult to gauge. We can't control the economic conditions around us, and we usually don't know the personality traits of the person in the HR department who will be reviewing our cover letter and resume. In hard economic times it generally takes longer to find a job. My best advice to career hunters right now is to hang on to what you have and allow yourself plenty of time for your search.
The current economic conditions are not favourable for those who are inclined to leap first and look around after they land. (see Planning in the previous post)
Verbum sapienti satis est - A word to the wise is sufficient.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Persistence, Patience and Planning
There is something to be learned from every experience. Sometimes you learn what to do next time. Sometimes you learn what not to do. Sometimes you learn that you have more options than you thought you had. Sometimes you just gain a better understanding of the world and how people operate within it. I'm trying to take something positive away from every experience whether it is good, bad or indifferent. It may just be a mental note not to buy groceries at 4:00 on a Saturday. It may be much more significant, like giving a child your full attention when s/he talks to you. Whatever you can learn to improve the quality of life is worth learning!
In my classroom over the last few years I posted a sign on the wall:
"People who do not learn from their mistakes are destined to repeat them."
Sure enough, I'm still learning from each new experience. One can only hope I'm learning from my mistakes too!
Persistence
Sometimes you just have to persist even though the obstacles look daunting! The leaves in our yard are a case in point. It seemed like a delightful idea to purchase a house on an acre and a half of property with spacious lawns and many mature trees. At least, until Fall arrived! As you can guess, the result was fairly predictable. This is where planning comes in. (see below)
For the job-hunter, persistence is essential. You may send out a hundred job applications; each one is just one. Each one is one drop of water to fill the bucket. Each one is just another leaf in the pile. With persistence, the leaves are all dealt with. Over time, the bucket gets full.
Planning
Before you make the next major life decision like moving, buying property, changing careers, etc., it's worth spending some serious time mapping out the ramifications and predictable consequences. To keep things honest, try to cover all the realistic likelihoods and possibilities. It may seem like extra or unnecessary effort, but will give you a much more balanced decision. When you're done, go over the plan with someone whose opinion you trust, who will give you an honest, balanced opinion with pros and cons. Another person's perspective is always valuable, and you may hear some new thoughts, ideas and considerations.
Words of advice from someone who has lived the experience: Don't move to a new location with no job lined up and no network of contacts if you still intend to work. You need to have a job lined up or a good network of contacts in place to be successful. Recent statistics indicate that 80% of jobs are never advertised, but simply obtained through your network of contacts.
Patience
It's easy to get sucked into the vortex of commercialism, wanting each new thing that comes along. It's easy to fall for the "instant gratification" of the modern age and miss the good things in life that take a slower approach. Some things are worth waiting for. Some things take time to mature, and can't be rushed.
In the case of the job-hunter, patience is a necessary quality if you are specialized or restricted to one geographical area. Patience is necessary because of uncertain economic times. Patience is necessary because everything takes longer than it should!
Is that all? No, but that's all for this instalment. Stay tuned for more observations from the Quest for a New Life!
In my classroom over the last few years I posted a sign on the wall:
"People who do not learn from their mistakes are destined to repeat them."
Sure enough, I'm still learning from each new experience. One can only hope I'm learning from my mistakes too!
Persistence
Sometimes you just have to persist even though the obstacles look daunting! The leaves in our yard are a case in point. It seemed like a delightful idea to purchase a house on an acre and a half of property with spacious lawns and many mature trees. At least, until Fall arrived! As you can guess, the result was fairly predictable. This is where planning comes in. (see below)
For the job-hunter, persistence is essential. You may send out a hundred job applications; each one is just one. Each one is one drop of water to fill the bucket. Each one is just another leaf in the pile. With persistence, the leaves are all dealt with. Over time, the bucket gets full.
Planning
Before you make the next major life decision like moving, buying property, changing careers, etc., it's worth spending some serious time mapping out the ramifications and predictable consequences. To keep things honest, try to cover all the realistic likelihoods and possibilities. It may seem like extra or unnecessary effort, but will give you a much more balanced decision. When you're done, go over the plan with someone whose opinion you trust, who will give you an honest, balanced opinion with pros and cons. Another person's perspective is always valuable, and you may hear some new thoughts, ideas and considerations.
Words of advice from someone who has lived the experience: Don't move to a new location with no job lined up and no network of contacts if you still intend to work. You need to have a job lined up or a good network of contacts in place to be successful. Recent statistics indicate that 80% of jobs are never advertised, but simply obtained through your network of contacts.
Patience
It's easy to get sucked into the vortex of commercialism, wanting each new thing that comes along. It's easy to fall for the "instant gratification" of the modern age and miss the good things in life that take a slower approach. Some things are worth waiting for. Some things take time to mature, and can't be rushed.
In the case of the job-hunter, patience is a necessary quality if you are specialized or restricted to one geographical area. Patience is necessary because of uncertain economic times. Patience is necessary because everything takes longer than it should!
Is that all? No, but that's all for this instalment. Stay tuned for more observations from the Quest for a New Life!
Monday, November 10, 2008
More Food for Thought
I've added two links to the sidebar: The Luddite's Guide to LinkedIn, and the Anti 9-to-5 Guide, both by the same author. For anyone contemplating a change of career, they're worth reading.
For the record, I recommend doing all your homework BEFORE you hand in your resignation!
For the record, I recommend doing all your homework BEFORE you hand in your resignation!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Networking and the "Hidden Job Market"
Recent statistics seem to agree that 80 to 85 percent of jobs are never posted; they are filled because somebody knows somebody else who fits the requirements. The 10 to 15 percent of jobs that are posted result in an overwhelming number of applicants, and Human Resources people may only spend 20 seconds scanning each resume during the initial sorting process. Of the resumes that are kept for a second look, only top contenders remain. Competition is stiff because of the number of qualified applicants from a wide geographic area.
The "Hidden Job Market" is available through people who know you, your capabilities and your performance. Matches are often made based on personal recommendations, bypassing the traditional routine. My challenge over the past few weeks has been to build my network in Nova Scotia.
In the past month I have:
The "Hidden Job Market" is available through people who know you, your capabilities and your performance. Matches are often made based on personal recommendations, bypassing the traditional routine. My challenge over the past few weeks has been to build my network in Nova Scotia.
In the past month I have:
- volunteered at a political campaign office
- attended a three-day Career Choices workshop
- met with a career counselor
- joined the Chamber of Commerce
- written an article for the Chamber of Commerce quarterly magazine and 3 newsletters
- advertised Delcourt House Web Design in the magazine and newsletters
- met with the Career Adviser at Nova Scotia Community College - Kingstech
- talked with a corporate recruiter about my career search
- created this blog to document my career search
- updated my blogs and webpages
- improved and rewritten resumes and cover letters
- talked with the HR manager at an Atlantic property development firm
- applied for a few, specific, advertised jobs
- continued to explore possibilities with network contacts
What Does the 'D' Stand For?
Who am I?
Dynamic, dedicated, determined, decent, discreet, and delightful (the last one from a former boss!)
The challenge is to condense this into a resume and keep it focused. Current thinking is that a resume must not exceed two pages, should highlight your accomplishments and work history, outline your personal and professional goals, and demonstrate how you would add value to your new employer. It should be clean, concise, and use action verbs that bring your achievements to the fore. The highlights should be attention-grabbers placed strategically near the top. Each resume should be tailored to match the advertised position and the style of the employing organization. Too much information adds to clutter; if it's hard for the Human Resources person to scan, it will end up on the pile of rejections.
So what do I say, and what do I leave unsaid for the sake of brevity and clarity? I have a new strategy... an online, hyperlinked resume. I'll keep you posted....
- D. Geoffrey Bell - Canadian composer specializing in choral music
- Geoffrey Bell - Composer of alt/electronic/pop music for for soundtracks
- Geoffrey Bell - Educator specializing in Technology
- Geoff Bell - Website designer
Dynamic, dedicated, determined, decent, discreet, and delightful (the last one from a former boss!)
The challenge is to condense this into a resume and keep it focused. Current thinking is that a resume must not exceed two pages, should highlight your accomplishments and work history, outline your personal and professional goals, and demonstrate how you would add value to your new employer. It should be clean, concise, and use action verbs that bring your achievements to the fore. The highlights should be attention-grabbers placed strategically near the top. Each resume should be tailored to match the advertised position and the style of the employing organization. Too much information adds to clutter; if it's hard for the Human Resources person to scan, it will end up on the pile of rejections.
So what do I say, and what do I leave unsaid for the sake of brevity and clarity? I have a new strategy... an online, hyperlinked resume. I'll keep you posted....
Friday, October 17, 2008
Haircuts: the New Career Search Measurement Tool!
At the beginning of February I began courting a new position that was of particular interest to me, would be a good challenge, and even happened to be conveniently close to home! Before my first interview I got a haircut.
As the months roll by I have paid my haircut diva many visits.
"How are things going?" she always asks.
My answer is always the same; "Still looking for a new career."
I've realized that our brief visits, (it doesn't take long to cut my hair :-) have a regular rhythm, a way of measuring the time that has passed since my quest began. The question is, when will I have a new answer?
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Lessons from a Little Brown Bat (and David Foot, too)
I watched a fascinating interview with David Foot, the author of "Boom, Bust and Echo" on CBC NewsWorld this evening. He is a demographer, tracking trends in population change and forecasting the impact these changes will have on the world economy. Even though I have no background in Economics, his explanations and forecasts seemed insightful and well-founded. If the demographics of a country's population change, there are bound to be changes in the economy.
As a result of watching the interview, I was rather late getting outside to mow the lawns. The cool of the evening had already set in as I rode into the sunset on my trusty riding mower. As dusk arrived, I watched a little brown bat purposefully darting this way and that, collecting its dinner one morsel at a time. It was performing precision acrobatics at the perfect time in the perfect place. We both knew it didn't have much time before the insects stopped flying for the night. It focused on its task while staying keenly aware of its surroundings.
Lessons Learned: Agility, Persistence and Timing
As I explore and develop my career options, I need to keep these lessons in mind. Agility to respond quickly to new opportunities; persistence to get the job done; and timing to connect effectively at the right time. As for David Foot's forecast for Canada? He says that Canada is in good shape to weather the current economic uncertainties. We will feel the downturn, but are in a better economic position than our neighbours to the South. Agility, persistence, and timing, eh?
As a result of watching the interview, I was rather late getting outside to mow the lawns. The cool of the evening had already set in as I rode into the sunset on my trusty riding mower. As dusk arrived, I watched a little brown bat purposefully darting this way and that, collecting its dinner one morsel at a time. It was performing precision acrobatics at the perfect time in the perfect place. We both knew it didn't have much time before the insects stopped flying for the night. It focused on its task while staying keenly aware of its surroundings.
Lessons Learned: Agility, Persistence and Timing
As I explore and develop my career options, I need to keep these lessons in mind. Agility to respond quickly to new opportunities; persistence to get the job done; and timing to connect effectively at the right time. As for David Foot's forecast for Canada? He says that Canada is in good shape to weather the current economic uncertainties. We will feel the downturn, but are in a better economic position than our neighbours to the South. Agility, persistence, and timing, eh?
Friday, October 3, 2008
Turning the Tables: Screening Employers
In a previous post I mentioned a recent trend; some employers are expanding their screening of job candidates beyond the traditional checks for qualifications and references. They are checking MySpace and FaceBook pages as well! Knowing what some people post on their own pages, this can have a dramatic impact on their "hireability!"
The tools can be used by both parties. The sword cuts both ways!
Article link:
Generation Jones
In 2001 Mark Prensky introduced the terms "digital natives" and "digital immigrants" to describe the startling gap between young people who grew up immersed in computer technology and their parents and grandparents who may or may not have tried to keep up or understand how the world has changed. By definition, my children were digital natives, and I was a digital immigrant. (Mark gives credit on his blog to those who used the native and immigrant analogies as early as 1994.)
When I was a child, a computer filled most of a large room and was much less powerful than a modern calculator. Only a scientist or computer engineer could use one. When I brought an Apple II+ computer home for the first time in 1982, it ran at a speed of 1Mhz, had 64k of memory, and used a 5&1/4 inch floppy disk that held 360k of data. By 1990 the new office computer was a "Turbo" PC that ran at a blistering 10Mhz and had 640k of RAM, but most impressively, had a hard drive that held 10Mb of data. This was the year I became one of the pioneers in our school system, getting an email account before most people had heard of such a thing, and using the Internet when it was still all text. (Do you remember FTPing little programs from White Sands Military Base before most people knew a computer could connect to another computer over the phone?) It's difficult to imagine that most people had not heard of the Internet 18 years ago. My children, though, grew up with email, the Internet and computers as tools that were ubiquitous, much like radio, television and the telephone were to people of my generation. (Back then, televisions were black and white, telephones were attached to the wall, and a transistor radio was really cool!)
As a member of the youngest end of the Baby Boom, I have always felt somewhat akin to the older boomers, but always like a little brother "tagging along, " just becoming aware of the action of the 1960s as they ended and the 1970s rolled in. As it turns out, I'm not alone! A term has been coined for those of us born between 1954 and 1965 - "Generation Jones."
A recent article on the subject of generations and their comfort with technology is well worth reading. It includes a quiz for those of us who think we may not fit the typical profile for our generation. You can give it a try at:
Where does this put me in my quest for a new career? I was quite pleased and somewhat surprised to score in the Generation X range. I guess my ongoing interest in keeping up with technology has paid off. Now to find the right organization that is looking for someone with Generation Jones maturity and Generation X techno-savy!
Thursday, October 2, 2008
79 Job Applications
Seventy-nine job applications. That's how many I have documented since February when I began the hunt. This doesn't include applications that must be completed on different company websites. This doesn't include the school teaching jobs I've applied for. (Those would bring the total to over a hundred.) It certainly doesn't include the hundreds more that I have read and discarded, or read, researched, and then discarded.
Employers today expect each cover letter and resume to be tailored to match the job posting. If you apply for a few positions that are quite similar, this makes the process less time consuming. When you are trying to diversify and cover different bases, each one can take an hour or two to customize and polish.
I'm also learning through my reading and research that different employers expect specific styles of resumes for specific job-types. Advice from insiders in one sector may not apply at all to another sector.
Tip #1 - Do your research about what is expected, and get as much information as you can from people in that sector.
The concept of "transferable skills" discussed by jaded employees in staffrooms across the nation seems to be just another urban legend. Employers today appear to be looking for very specific training that matches job descriptions exactly, along with years of experience.
The current economic uncertainty in North America appears to have made job opportunities scarce, and employers don't seem to be looking for anyone whose background isn't aligned exactly with the job description. It's too bad, really. There are some talented, creative people out there who could bring new life, ideas and energy to organizations that need revitalization.
So, if you are still reading, you might wonder what types of jobs and careers have been in my sights. My strengths, expertise and experience are in three areas: Education, Music and Technology. I have discovered that my choices are limited by the lack of a Masters degree. Universities and Colleges expect lecturers and professors to have a Masters or Doctorate, and it is very unusual for a sessional instructor to be hired with only a Bachelors degree. The business world likes its leaders to have a Masters degree related to their field, or an MBA.
Tip #2 - Plan to get a Masters degree as part of your career plan. Many more job and career opportunities will be open to you in the worlds of Education and Business.
I have been looking at all sorts of different ways of putting my skill set to work. In the field of Education I have established a solid reputation as a teacher, a leader in the area of Educational Technology, and as a presenter at conferences and workshops. In the field of Music I have established my reputation as a composer of choral music. As a result, I have been exploring a number of possibilities:
EDUCATION - teaching non-credit courses, ESL to adults, training sessions for business, etc.
MUSIC - local music scene, Music Nova Scotia, local music store, composing for film & TV, etc.
PUBLISHING/EDITING/WRITING - editing for book and magazine publishers, technical writing for software/hardware companies
RESEARCH - a couple of research assistant positions connected with local Universities
TECHNOLOGY - various tech. firms have advertised positions that don't require a degree in computer science (however, these are the exception to the rule)
GOVERNMENT - somebody has to deal with all that paperwork, don't they? I've applied for positions in departments ranging from Tourism to Education to the Department of Justice!
NON-PROFIT/CHARITABLE/ENVIRONMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS - I would rather be in a position of responsibility to help people and the environment than just trying to make more profits for another big company.
ENTREPRENEURIAL - We started the Bed & Breakfast, and now we've started the website design company. Our first few clients have been very pleased with the results....
MEDIA/MULTIMEDIA - exploring possibilities with CBC, multimedia software, educational productions, etc
BIG BUSINESS - Yes, I have even applied for positions at some big stores
ADMINISTRATIVE - I have good computer skills, customer service skills, have done budgeting and scheduling, and have supervised others...
Some critics might say that I lack focus. I prefer to say that I am exploring all my options.
Tip #3 - If you have a pretty good idea of what you want to do in life, get the best education you can to match your goal. Keep in mind that many types of jobs change over time, so be prepared to keep learning as you go.
Where does this leave me? Still looking for the right match. Still looking for an employer who is looking for an intelligent, creative mind....
Employers today expect each cover letter and resume to be tailored to match the job posting. If you apply for a few positions that are quite similar, this makes the process less time consuming. When you are trying to diversify and cover different bases, each one can take an hour or two to customize and polish.
I'm also learning through my reading and research that different employers expect specific styles of resumes for specific job-types. Advice from insiders in one sector may not apply at all to another sector.
Tip #1 - Do your research about what is expected, and get as much information as you can from people in that sector.
The concept of "transferable skills" discussed by jaded employees in staffrooms across the nation seems to be just another urban legend. Employers today appear to be looking for very specific training that matches job descriptions exactly, along with years of experience.
The current economic uncertainty in North America appears to have made job opportunities scarce, and employers don't seem to be looking for anyone whose background isn't aligned exactly with the job description. It's too bad, really. There are some talented, creative people out there who could bring new life, ideas and energy to organizations that need revitalization.
So, if you are still reading, you might wonder what types of jobs and careers have been in my sights. My strengths, expertise and experience are in three areas: Education, Music and Technology. I have discovered that my choices are limited by the lack of a Masters degree. Universities and Colleges expect lecturers and professors to have a Masters or Doctorate, and it is very unusual for a sessional instructor to be hired with only a Bachelors degree. The business world likes its leaders to have a Masters degree related to their field, or an MBA.
Tip #2 - Plan to get a Masters degree as part of your career plan. Many more job and career opportunities will be open to you in the worlds of Education and Business.
I have been looking at all sorts of different ways of putting my skill set to work. In the field of Education I have established a solid reputation as a teacher, a leader in the area of Educational Technology, and as a presenter at conferences and workshops. In the field of Music I have established my reputation as a composer of choral music. As a result, I have been exploring a number of possibilities:
EDUCATION - teaching non-credit courses, ESL to adults, training sessions for business, etc.
MUSIC - local music scene, Music Nova Scotia, local music store, composing for film & TV, etc.
PUBLISHING/EDITING/WRITING - editing for book and magazine publishers, technical writing for software/hardware companies
RESEARCH - a couple of research assistant positions connected with local Universities
TECHNOLOGY - various tech. firms have advertised positions that don't require a degree in computer science (however, these are the exception to the rule)
GOVERNMENT - somebody has to deal with all that paperwork, don't they? I've applied for positions in departments ranging from Tourism to Education to the Department of Justice!
NON-PROFIT/CHARITABLE/ENVIRONMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS - I would rather be in a position of responsibility to help people and the environment than just trying to make more profits for another big company.
ENTREPRENEURIAL - We started the Bed & Breakfast, and now we've started the website design company. Our first few clients have been very pleased with the results....
MEDIA/MULTIMEDIA - exploring possibilities with CBC, multimedia software, educational productions, etc
BIG BUSINESS - Yes, I have even applied for positions at some big stores
ADMINISTRATIVE - I have good computer skills, customer service skills, have done budgeting and scheduling, and have supervised others...
Some critics might say that I lack focus. I prefer to say that I am exploring all my options.
Tip #3 - If you have a pretty good idea of what you want to do in life, get the best education you can to match your goal. Keep in mind that many types of jobs change over time, so be prepared to keep learning as you go.
Where does this leave me? Still looking for the right match. Still looking for an employer who is looking for an intelligent, creative mind....
Sunday, September 28, 2008
The Danger of Telling the Truth
I learned as a child that I'm a terrible liar. That is, I'm terrible at lying. I got caught every time, and eventually realized that I was better off telling the truth and taking the consequences. I don't like to let people down, and this can sometimes work to my disadvantage.
I recently learned from a CBC interview that some employers are now doing an extra little bit of research when evaluating a potential new employee. Most companies check references and credentials, but some now also check your FaceBook and MySpace pages. Yikes! Have you SEEN some of the things people put on their pages? There are certainly some people I would NEVER hire if I thought their pages reflected their true personality. The problem is, people tend to let loose and go for the entertainment value, trying to amuse their friends and blow off steam.
This leads to an interesting dilemma for anyone seeking a new job or change of career.
I have experienced a great deal of frustration looking for a new career in a depressed economy. I am willing to blog about it, partly to keep friends and family informed and partly for educational value, as a cautionary tale. I have learned a few lessons along the way, and encountered a few frustrating circumstances that have left me mystified. If I blog about this, how might a potential employer interpret my words? We all know that it is more difficult to determine "tone of voice" with the written word, particularly when you don't know the personality of the author. One HR person might look at each new posting and conclude that I am a whiner, don't know how to solve problems, or that there must be something wrong with me if no-one else is hiring me. Another HR person might look at the same postings and be encouraged by my honesty in expressing opinions, my communication skills and willingness to share what I have learned, and my determination, creativity and persistence when solving a challenging situation.
Is there danger in telling the truth? Sure there is. But here goes....
I recently learned from a CBC interview that some employers are now doing an extra little bit of research when evaluating a potential new employee. Most companies check references and credentials, but some now also check your FaceBook and MySpace pages. Yikes! Have you SEEN some of the things people put on their pages? There are certainly some people I would NEVER hire if I thought their pages reflected their true personality. The problem is, people tend to let loose and go for the entertainment value, trying to amuse their friends and blow off steam.
This leads to an interesting dilemma for anyone seeking a new job or change of career.
I have experienced a great deal of frustration looking for a new career in a depressed economy. I am willing to blog about it, partly to keep friends and family informed and partly for educational value, as a cautionary tale. I have learned a few lessons along the way, and encountered a few frustrating circumstances that have left me mystified. If I blog about this, how might a potential employer interpret my words? We all know that it is more difficult to determine "tone of voice" with the written word, particularly when you don't know the personality of the author. One HR person might look at each new posting and conclude that I am a whiner, don't know how to solve problems, or that there must be something wrong with me if no-one else is hiring me. Another HR person might look at the same postings and be encouraged by my honesty in expressing opinions, my communication skills and willingness to share what I have learned, and my determination, creativity and persistence when solving a challenging situation.
Is there danger in telling the truth? Sure there is. But here goes....
Friday, September 26, 2008
Images of Perfection
Popular culture is filled with images of perfection. The airbrushed magazine model, the Architectural Digest home, the perfect couple, and on and on. Examining real life, it doesn't take long to recognize that perfection, like beauty, is fleeting. We think back fondly on a 'perfect' moment, but these tend to be rare.
We all need to aspire to a dream. It becomes the job of the painter, the sculptor, the photographer and the author to create these visions, these images of perfection. We may not hold these ideals in the forefront of everyday activity, but they certainly hover on the periphery and influence our subconscious. Do you have a picture pinned up somewhere that reminds you of something you dream of attaining? An inspirational quote that you sometimes muse upon? A special piece of music that transports you to another place?
It is the dreams that drive us, the images of perfection that keep us restlessly yearning for a better place, a better time, a better situation. The dreams keep us moving ahead.
We all need to aspire to a dream. It becomes the job of the painter, the sculptor, the photographer and the author to create these visions, these images of perfection. We may not hold these ideals in the forefront of everyday activity, but they certainly hover on the periphery and influence our subconscious. Do you have a picture pinned up somewhere that reminds you of something you dream of attaining? An inspirational quote that you sometimes muse upon? A special piece of music that transports you to another place?
It is the dreams that drive us, the images of perfection that keep us restlessly yearning for a better place, a better time, a better situation. The dreams keep us moving ahead.
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