Career Focus: Work and Life on Purpose

2010-07-11T15:13:00.000-07:00

Handling Your LinkedIn Information When You're Employed but Looking for Another Job

Check out this recent Wall Street Journal article for advice on doing your job search while still employed.

2010-06-15T20:04:00.000-07:00

What a Way to Explore!

Take a look at TED for "riveting talks by remarkable people, free to the world." TED is a non-profit organization devoted to exploring and spreading ideas, especially in the domains of technology, entertainment and design. Most videos are in the 20-minute range.

A much longer one is of Randy Pausch, author of The Last Lecture, talking about "really achieving your childhood dreams."

Dan Ariely asks whether we're in control of our own decisions in a 17-minute segment.

Explore!

2010-04-20T09:36:00.000-07:00

Free Access to MIT Course Content, No Kidding!

MIT has made materials (notes, videos, tests, etc.) for over 1900 of its courses available online for free--and not just science and engineering courses. You'll find sociology, literature, management, history, writing, and a plethora of other subjects.

For those of you who are self-learners, it's worth a serious look.
http://ocw.mit.edu/OcwWeb/web/home/home/index.htm

2010-03-22T17:05:00.000-07:00

Advice from Recent Successful Hires

Last week I attended a panel discussion of people (three men, two women) who had recently landed mid-to-higher level professional jobs. Here, in no particular order, are comments and advice from the panelists.

Katherine's story was noteworthy. Katherine wanted to continue her career in financial communications after a layoff. She read an article in the St. Louis Business Journal about a company that was acquiring a northern California firm. Katharine knew that communicating to shareholders about this acquisition would require a special set of knowledge and skills. She wrote the CEO of the acquiring company and suggested that she might be able to help. After their initial meeting, Katharine was offered some contract work. Three months later she was offered--and accepted--full-time employment. Wrapping up, she stated that when she wrote to the CEO there was: No job; No screening; No interview; and No competition!

The most important factor and valuable use of the panelists' time was connecting with others: for information gathering, generating referrals, and uncovering opportunities--networking. Not the job beggar, desperate "do you-know-of-any openings" humiliating and irritating version unlocking the hidden job market. But the "meet people, uncover opportunities, and help others" version of connecting with others.

Resumes were far less important than a focused marketing/networking document containing three sections: Summary/Objective; Selected Achievements; and Industries/Companies you're interested in. Several panelists advised against simply handing out resumes. One even commented that resumes stop the process of building connections with others.

6:30 to 8:00 A.M. is a good time to reach high-level people. Their assistants aren't in yet.

These panelists landed jobs in difficult times. They invested time and energy. They ran into obstacles and hurdles, and they had days of worry and frustration. But through developing a focus and reaching out to others in a professional and dignified way, they found new employment. AND they are now ready to pay it forward.

2010-02-24T06:41:00.000-08:00

Use Your Head to Get Your Foot in the Door
Harvey Mackay's new book is full of practical, well-written advice: not just piecemeal techniques, but a mindset, examples, realistic, encouraging, and creative. Well worth a full read or even a perusing. Take a look.
If'd you'd like in-person help in your search, contact me.

2010-01-19T08:08:00.000-08:00

Career Lessons from the Jay Leno/Conan O'Brien Conflict

I ran across this article, in of all places, the Harvard Business Review online. Great career lessons!

2009-11-25T15:53:00.000-08:00

'Tis the Season' . . . to Land a Job

It's tempting to take a break from your job search around the holidays. Oddly enough, though, it's a great time to continue both your informal and formal connections with potential employers.

For one thing, most job seekers falsely assume "nobody's hiring" at this time of year; thus, they believe it's a waste of time to keep looking. By reaching out at a time when others job searchers are taking a break, there are fewer competitors for opportunities.

Second, the people you wish to contact may be more relaxed and open to get-togethers. Whether or not you discuss current openings, you're on the radar screen as the new year--and potential hiring--emerges.

Third, hiring doesn't vanish for the month of December. I know from experience. Years ago, I interviewed for my job at Webster University on Dec. 15 and was offered the job on the 19th. More recently, a client interviewed in early Dec. and began her job on Dec. 26.

If you're tired and want to give yourself a break, admit it; just don't hide behind the "nothing happens in December" excuse.

2009-08-01T18:14:00.000-07:00

Interviews: The Case Against Them
Dan Heath and Chip Heath, in their Fast Company "Made to Stick" column (June 2009), argue that interviewing is hardly the best way to select new employees. Check out their article "Hold the Interview" for a fresh perspective on hiring decisions.

2009-06-09T07:46:00.000-07:00

What You Don't Know Makes You Nervous

Take a look at this New York Times article by Daniel Gilbert:
http://happydays.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/20/what-you-dont-know-makes-you-nervous/?em

Interesting research and comments about how uncertainty is often more difficult to deal with that than predictable challenges.

2009-04-23T13:31:00.000-07:00

How to Find a Job

The April 13, 2009 issue of Fortune magazine's cover story was about how to find a job. In addition to general tips and advice, it profiles several real people (differing ages and industries) who landed new jobs in these difficult times.

2009-03-25T19:49:00.000-07:00

What's Your "Plan B?"

Tom Ashbrook interviewed 3 guests on "On Point" (NPR) about the employment changes they've made in response to the economic change. Take a listen through this site:
http://www.onpointradio.org/shows/2009/03/lost-jobs-new-directions

Even if things are going well for you, do you have a Plan B? If not, it's worth considering.

2009-02-18T15:23:00.000-08:00

999 Business Ideas

Check out this link for amazing and unusual business ideas:
http://www.sixmonthmba.com/2009/02/999ideas.html

It's been compiled by several Seth Godin associates. Will really make you think, especially in these uncertain times.

2009-01-25T17:29:00.000-08:00

Upcoming Presentations

Both are offered through St. Louis Community College, Meramec
To register, call 314-984-7777 or visit www.stlcc.edu and click on "Continuing Education."
Also feel free to contact me through www.carerfocusstl.com
Cost: $19.00 per presentation.

Tues., Feb. 3, 2009 7-9 P.M. How to Uncover the Hidden Job Market
Tues., March 3, 2009 7-9 P.M. Negotiating Your Salary or Raise

2008-11-09T14:09:00.000-08:00

On Job Security

I took a call from a KMOV-TV staffer on Thursday, requesting help for a story about secure jobs and careers.

Even though I didn't think he'd like my response, I stated my opinion: Secure jobs and careers are near extinction.

Even setting aside the recent implosion of national financial icons, InBev's purchase of venerable Anheuser-Busch here in St. Louis makes the point.

Some fields associated with necessities like food, education, and health care will always employ people, but these fields themselves are in the midst of unprecedented change. Just look at how health and medical care are delivered and paid for.

"Job security"--to the extent that it's possible--comes from:

what you know
what you know how to do
your ability to communicate that clearly to others
knowing how you manage your job search and career, and
maintaining relationships of productivity and good will with others

The question about what jobs and careers are secure is better asked, "How can I ensure my employability in any economic cycle?" Addressing the five items above will reduce your reliance on any single job or employer for "job security."

2008-04-20T18:21:00.000-07:00

"How Fred Got His New Job"

Check out this article by Stanley Bing. I read it in Fortune magazine (yes, the actual hard copy ), but you can read it online at this link. It speaks to a very important topic.
http://money.cnn.com/2008/03/27/magazines/fortune/stanleybing/bing_fred.fortune/
Bing's an engaging writer--realistic, humorous, and sometime poignant.

2008-01-31T10:26:00.000-08:00

Feb./March Presentations

All presentations listed below are offered through St. Louis Community College at Meramec for a very modest fee. To register call 314-984-7777 or visit www.stlcc.edu and click on "Continuing Education."

How to Uncover the Hidden Job Market
Tues., Feb. 19, 2008 7-9 P.M.

Creative Career Change
Sat., Feb. 23, 9 A.M. to noon

How to Negotiate Your Salary or Raise
Tues., March 18 7-9 P.M.

How to Uncover the Hidden Job Market
Sat., March 22, 9-11 A.M.

2007-10-02T07:40:00.000-07:00

Upcoming Presentations Through Meramec Community College

Wed., Oct. 3 7-9 P.M. How to Uncover the Hidden Job Market
Sat., Oct. 20 9-12 A.M. Creative Career Change
Wed., Oct. 24 7-9 P.M. Negotiating Your Salary or Raise
Sat., Nov. 3 9-11 A.M. How to Uncover the Hidden Job Market

To register, call the Continuing Education office at 314-984-7777 or visit www.stlcc.edu and click on "Continuing Education."

Questions about the content of the presenations? Call me at 314-752-1373.

2007-07-28T13:11:00.000-07:00

The Hidden Workplace

Check out this very interesting article from the July 23, 2007 Fortune magazine. "There's the organization chart--and then there's the way things really work. Instead of ignoring these hidden power structures, some smart companies are bringing them out of the shadows." http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune_archive/2007/07/23/100135706/index.htm

2007-04-23T21:09:00.000-07:00

Summer Presentations Through Meramec

How to Uncover the Hidden Job Market Tues. June 12, 7-9 P.M.
Creative Career Change Wed. June 20, 6:30-9:30 P.M.

For more information about the content of either presentation, call me at 314-752, 1373. To register call St. Louis Community College at Meramec, Continuing Education at 314-984-7777 or register online at http://www.stlcc.edu/ and click on "Continuing Education." Fees are a real bargain $7.00 and $12.50, respectively.

2007-02-11T14:42:00.000-08:00

Upcoming Classes and Presentations:

All of the following classes are offered through the Community College system, on the Meramec Campus. See contact information below listings.

How to Uncover the Hidden Job Market Tues., Feb. 13, 7-9 P.M.
Creative Career Change Sat., Feb. 24, 9-12 A.M.
Negotiating Your Salary or Raise Sat., March 3, 9-11 A.M.
How to Uncover the Hidden Job Market Sat., March 25, 9-11 A.M.

To register call 314-984-7777 or visit www.stlcc.cc.mo.us and click on "Cont. Ed."
Questions? call me at 314-752-1373.

2006-12-30T16:16:00.000-08:00

Well, 2006 is soon to become 2007. Are you where you want to be in your career? Moving closer to the work and income that you enjoy and feel proud of?

Consider what obstacles you may be facing, and make plans to deal with them in 2007.

Invest in yourself. You might:
-be considering a shift in career direction;
-want to develop a new skill;
-decide to get out of an abusive work situation;
-be thinking about self employment.

Whatever it is, take steps. Move. Ask for help. Find resources. Don't let another year of disatisfaction, or even misery, at work go by without serious action to improve your situation. You deserve it. And the world will be better for it when you're using your skills and talents more fully.

2006-11-27T13:29:00.000-08:00

Career Focus: Work and Life on Purpose

The Very Quick Job Search

I ran across this book (The Very Quick Job Search) about 10 years ago, and just today discovered that it’s out in the 3rd Edition. I think it’s among the very best how-to-land-a-job books on the market. Lots of practical, how-to information (including wording suggestions for phone calls and written correspondence).

It’s most helpful for people who know their career/job targets. Take a look at it through the library or online at www.amazon.com or www.half.com. J. Michael Farr is the author, and it’s published by Jist Publishing (www.jist.com ).

2006-11-11T10:27:00.000-08:00

Career Focus: Work and Life on Purpose

Goals and Excuses

Check out this interesting book (available for free as an e-book) by Rick Butts: The Big Butts of Life: Get Off Your Excuses and Do Big Things. It’s practical and motivating—and an easy 85-page read. http://www.rickbutts.com/free/BBOL.pdf

If you read it and want to commit to his recommendations, let me know. I’d like to connect with people who are ready to move beyond excuses, to create structure strategy and support for setting and reaching goals.

2006-10-24T18:38:00.000-07:00

Well, I've entered the blogosphere. You may have found your way here through my website, www.careerfocusstl.com. If so, you're probably scouting out help about career concerns. Check this site occasionally for updates on resources, speaking engagements, and not-so-random thoughts and for practical advice.