Make Sure Your Kids Are Ready For School

I know there is a lot going on...looking for a job, still having to go to work, revising your resume...all the while, your kid(s) are getting ready to start school. The good thing is that their going to school will free up some time for your job search. The bad thing is school starts right as finding a job becomes critical. Don't stress. I found a great website with some helpful tips on how to get organized for the pending school year (Back to School Preparation). Take a deep breath and know that everything will be OK...

How Many Days Are Left??

As we get closer to the day, I will resume the "countdown". I will refrain for a little while in hopes you forget where I was in the countdown and I don't look like I can't count!! But those of you who know me, know better.

Today's topic is Your Job Search is 24/7.

Let's start with your Facebook profile. If you have public profile (meaning anyone can see it) be assured potential employers are looking at your profile. So if you are playing Mafia Wars or gloating about how drunk you were last week...probably not a great idea. You can't control what "your people" say (and believe me, I have some people I wish I could sensor!!), but you can determine the message you want to send to those people viewing your profile. So if you are job searching, at least for the time being, keep the games and gaudy comments to a minimum so as not to offend anyone.

Regarding your LinkedIn profile, be sure everything on your profile matches your resume and everything has been spell checked. This is a strictly professional networking site and you want your daily comment (if you choose to post one) to represent that you are continuing your job search (in 140 characters or less). You want to appear professional, so make sure your picture is professional. I encourage posting a picture; however, others might not agree with that. Mine is generic (cropped from a group photo), but I think it captures who I am...I am smiling and you can't see wrinkles or really determine how old I am.

Your job search is 24/7...remember that. You are searching for a job every time you go to the grocery store, salon, church, or anywhere you might go throughout the course of a day. I am not saying you need to be dressed in a suit at all times, but be polite, smile, be open to conversation, and be prepared to talk about yourself. You never know when you might be in front of someone who could be your next job prospect. I am always amazed the information I find out about people when I stop to talk to someone...even my family.

...which brings me to another point. Most people, me included, think your family knows you best...probably not the case. We just take for granted that our family knows our skill set and what we do at our job. MAKE SURE your family can speak intelligently about what it is you do. They are your best sales people, but only if they know what it is you do. Honestly, whenever someone asks me what my brother does, I pause...."something with computers and gaming." Not very clear, is it? Good thing I am not trying to find him a job, right? He usually knows what I do though...good thing (but I'm not a rocket scientist!!).

You are sales people now...selling the hardest thing there is to sell - yourselves. I say that not because people find it very hard to see the good in themselves. Believe me, you are all THE BEST!! I have worked with you and know you have so much to offer some other firm. Write a list of your accomplishments and keep them with you, recite them, and then recite them to others. Those are the things that make you special and more deserving of a job than someone else. Ask your spouse, mom, best friend what your best qualities are and add them to the list. When people ask me what makes me so special, I tell them...I am not the smartest person, but I know a little about a lot of stuff. I catch on quick and I am enthusiastic about everything I do (OK...except filing, but I keep it fun!). I can't promise you that I will be the most detail oriented person, but I can promise you that I will be the most enthusiastic and helpful. No one can deny me that, right? Find those great qualities in yourself that you are comfortable talking about and keep them close. Those will be what SELL YOU! Oh...and have a little faith ;)

Day 26...Don't Let Time Get Away From You

As our time at CMX begins to come to a close, you might be overwhelmed with the information you have been provided to assist in your job search. Don't fret. Day 35 helps to organize much of the information until you can read through all of it.

If you attended the Phoenix Workforce Connection seminar, you will be familiar with the form Cheryl referred to as the Perfect Match. You can access an interactive version of that form at the following link (http://smccaleb.wordpress.com/2009/07/10/perfect-match-form/). This will help you tailor your resume.

If you haven't begun your search, you should not wait any longer. The search will not get any easier the longer you wait. Use the time that we have to search so that when CMX closes, you will have a job waiting for you.

Keep your spirits up because people are finding jobs. I would venture to say that about 30 people (or more) have something very close to finalized or already have a job. There are jobs out there...promise. I don't suggest sending out a bunch of resumes to companies where you don't know anyone. Your time is best spent working on developing new relationships and leveraging those relationships and your existing ones to find a job. Reconnect with people you haven't spoken to in a long time. Sit in a different section of church. Go to church if you haven't gone in awhile. Talk to people in line at the grocery store. Make conversations with people at get-togethers. There are plenty of opportunities to network.

I hear people say, "I don't know a lot of people." You don't have to KNOW a lot of people, you just need to talk to people and exchange information. Just because someone lives out of state doesn't mean they are not a viable networking source. I have heard the excuse, "People I know can't help me find a job." Don't be so sure of that? You don't know who they know (at least not everyone). And you definitely don't know who their network of people know.

When I suggest leveraging "your network" to find a job, that doesn't necessarily mean your immediate network. As I sit here today, my exterminator is spraying my home. I have "known" him for a few years. I asked him for his card and told him about my company closing and asked him to keep an ear to the ground for any potential job openings. He knows and talks to a lot of people...what can it hurt? We will connect via Facebook and he becomes part of my network of people I can leverage in the future.

And remember, the leveraging goes both ways. Of the 200+ people in my network on FB, someone may need the name of an exterminator, AC repair company, financial planning, Solar installation, furniture manufacturing, car repair, civil engineer, surveyor, etc. I can help them find that person and/or service from within my network. Networking gives a whole new meaning for "what comes around, goes around."

Keep on talking and listening and good things will come...

Day 28...Tailor Your Resume

Enough already about networking...what can you do to stand out of the crowd when applying for a job? One of the most important things you can do is tailor your resume. This means directly respond to the qualifications of the job for which you are applying.

It's best to explain this with a story...

Let's say I am applying for a position as a marketing coordinator at an architecture firm (this is position is posted on Indeed.com). The position requires the following qualifications...

• Excellent writing, editing and strategic thinking are fundamental skills necessary for the position


• Technical requirements include a strong background using graphic/page design (ie, InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, etc.) and information management (ie, Deltek Vision) programs


• Knowledge of MS Office (ie, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) is also required

It's important to make sure that your resume specifically points out the relevant experience you have in relation to the position. In the software section of my resume, I would make sure that all the software is listed and called out. In my job experience, I would make sure I use the same verbiage on my resume as the position I want. It's important to be that perfect match.

Many companies use software that searches your resumes for specific words. If that is the case, you want those words in your resume. Be sure to address all the qualifications so you will be the perfect fit for the position. Keep your chin up and good luck!

Job Fair

While I am not personally a fan of Job Fairs (I think they are a horrible waste of time), obviously there must be some value to them or they wouldn't have them all the time. There is a job fair being held in the West Valley on Tuesday, July 14, from 10a to 3p at the Glendale Civic Center. For more information go to www.jobfairs.azcentral.com. This is being advertised as an Engineering, Technology and Security Clearance Career Expo. Good luck!

More Helpful Articles

Rather than rant and rave about networking and all the other things I have been writing and rewriting about...how about something different? I have compiled a list of some interesting articles that I have found VERY HELPFUL information pertaining to searching for a job in these economic times. It is really just reinforcing and confirming information I have already provided. Some of the articles have hyperlinks to additional information which is also helpful. I spent quite a bit of time reading and clicking links to more information. Enjoy the reading!!

Six Job Search Tips for a Recession
Recession-Proof Job Search Tips
5 Job Search Tips_
Career Networking

Day 29...Time to Take Action

Cheryl, with Phoenix Workforce Connection (http://phoenix.gov/PHXWC), came into CMX today to explain what it is that the City offers in the way of helping displaced workers. I was pretty impressed with what she had to say. She was informative and confirmed a lot of what I have been writing about this past month (yes, it has been a month since my first post!!). Her most important message was DON'T PUT OFF THE INEVITABLE.

We know we are losing our jobs...we need to be looking and networking. Whether we have "something in the works" or are hopeful of a potential opportunity, we need to continue looking and networking until we have something finalized...until we are hired!

Networking opportunities are around us all the time! Start talking to people at the grocery store, at church, while you are picking up your kids from camp, and hopefully if you were out this weekend celebrating the Fourth of July, you were meeting new people and exchanging information...I was! You don't have to make the fact that you are looking for a job the topic of discussion. I like to hear about what people do...it's important to listen first. Maybe upon second meeting, you mention that you are looking for a job and ask if their company is hiring.

I suggest taking advantage of the services the Phoenix Workforce Connection offers. There are various workshops and networking opportunities. This is just another avenue to assist you in your job search. Many CMXans are beginning to land jobs. Just confirmation that there are jobs out there. So keep your chin up!!

Day 35...Where Do I Begin?

I have provided a hodge podge of disorganized information. I apologize for the disorganization and will attempt to break it down into some semblance of organization. I suggest doing things in the following order; however, do what feels right for you.

1. Update/create your resume. If you have never created a resume before, I have offered assistance. You can also contact a professional resume writing service (http://arizonaresume.com/). Whatever you decide, your job search cannot really begin until you have a resume.


2. Create your network presence. I suggest using both LinkedIn and Facebook. More information on this can be found on Day 45. A networking presence in this day and age is almost as important as your resume. Be sure your message is consistent with that on your resume and that your profile pictures are tasteful (I suggest being fully clothed - nice head shot...you would be surprised with some peoples' profile pictures)


3. Alert your networks by posting a short message (on your home/profile pages) that you are looking for work and the kind of work you are looking for. 140 characters or less.


4. Post your resume to the major job boards - Monster, Jobing, and Careerbuilder


5. Follow up on any personal leads (i.e., people who have said they will find out if their company is hiring)


6. Register with temporary agencies - more information on this can be found at Agency Links and Attachments.


7. Continue networking...I suggest reminding people via email, telephone, network connections, etc. at least once/twice per week. Remember, YOU are looking for a job. More information on this - Continue Networking


8. Attend networking events or events that will allow you to network - Valuable Links and Networking ideas for those in the technical fields may provide you with some ideas on how to personally network

So I have given a little order to your search, but use it as a guide...not gospel. I will be taking the weekend off to enjoy the holiday. I suggest some of you that have been diligent in your search do the same. For those who have yet to embark on your search, maybe this is the time to buckle down and focus. Whatever you do...let me know what I can do to help. Have a great weekend! Happy Fourth of July!

Countdown - Day 53

So "early bird gets the worm" is not always the case. The bird needn't be so hasty! I sent off a cover letter today and found a typo in it...yes "fans", a typo!! UGH! So the PT Marketing Coordinator position is no longer an opportunity...lame. On the upside, I still have some prospects and will be much more careful not to make the same mistake. That's the beauty of being me...I actually learn from my mistakes (I have to...I make so many!).

People are still "getting used to" the idea of the company closing. I try not to think about it every second of the day. I don't have to, everyone else is. The 60-day notice is kind of murky. It's like watching someone die...or worse, the person is already dead, but still warm. One of my co-workers stated, "...it's like someone died and the body isn't even dead and their parts are being donated...their clothes and jewelry being stolen..." There is a very dark cloud hovering. Some departments don't even turn on the lights in the morning.

Then there are the gamut of people's emotions we all have to deal with. Some think we won't make it the whole 60 days, others are in disbelief and haven't really acknowledged that they need to begin looking for a job, some people cry every day, and there are the "manics"...a little edgy and hysterical about the whole ordeal. They were manic before, but the situation has only amplified their manic behavior! Then there are the flatliners...those that need to get a little more in touch with their emotional side (you know who you are!).

Personally, I am just glad for the notice and thankful for the people I know. I continue to talk to anyone who will listen about available jobs and potential contract opportunities. As we near our closing date, I am sure the panic will only deepen. Over and out for now...

55 Days to Go

Whoohoo!! I finally finished my resume and I'm ready to embark on this new journey. I must say, there is a lot of love out there. Thank you to all my friends who are forwarding posts and providing me with potential opportunities. While nothing has firmed up, I feel even more positive about my prospects.

Before I formally make the trek into Internet job searching, I need to at least narrow some potential areas I will be searching. I am thinking engineering (it's what I am currently doing and where I have the most recent experience and contacts), advertising/social networking (this is an area I have recently been intrigued with and think I would do well). I like to write and think I could bring humor and levity to informative posts (this requires me knowing about the industry in which I am working). IT is another potential area of employment. I have to be careful here because technology has changed since I was last in the industry, but I am a quick study and have no worries of being able to catch on quickly. So I have honed in on a few areas.

The tools I am currently using are specific to social networking...Facebook (used mostly to steer any interested people to either my blog or LinkeIn page), LinkedIn (a valuable, professional networking site where I can keep business associates from all industries on my radar), and my blog. The purpose for my blog is multi-faceted. It's a journal, living proof of my ability to ramble (blog) about something (or nothing), and it will hopefully provide some prospective employer (or business partner) insight into my personality. Or, the flip side is that it will bore someone to tears!

Whatever the case, I hope my "follower(s)" enjoy the ride!

56 Days to Go

Four days into " the search" and I am still in the resume "review" process. I am deciding the industries that I want to approach for potential opportunities. While I believe the economy is on the upswing (at a snail's pace), I am not sure how long it will take the civil engineering industry to revive itself - so I am looking at other industries.

Others that I trust have reviewed my resume and I am making the final touches to my text resume. I will finalize later today or tomorrow at work. Once the text resume is done, I will embark on the journey of creating a visually appealing resume for posting as a pdf. This will hopefully display my creativity and desktop publishing skills.

Back in the old days, I wouldn't have been so conscientious about the search. But now an older and wiser me realizes the importance of first impression (when I don't get to be present). I am talented, smart, and an asset to any organization (no self esteem issues either).

I still have to maintain a happy, healthy home while I search for new employment. With that said, I am off to go swimming at my brother's for the afternoon! I will be back later to see what the Internet has in store for me. Happy hunting to the other CMXans that are looking!

57 Days to Go

I would like to think that today is the first day of my job search; however, my search actually started when I found out CMX would be closing in 60 days. This blog is to document my race against the clock...to see if I can find a job before the doors of my current job close.

I am built on positive energy. I have a very positive outlook and high hopes of finding a job that I will not only like, but love. While looking for jobs is not one of my favorite pastimes, it always makes me a little excited because it is an opportunity to reinvent myself and find a place where I can learn more, make new friends (not that I don't love the old ones...but I am a people person), and move into another phase of life.

This is a good time for me to be looking for a job because I am comfortable in my life and in my skin. I like who I am (of course being a little thinner would REALLY make my day!) and people like me (was that a self affirmation??...wow, I am dating myself).

I am thoroughly amazed at the technology changes since the last job search (four years ago). There was no Facebook (or I wasn't "with it" then) or real social networking sites outside of Classmates.com (paid subscription). Facebook and LinkedIn have made it really easy to reach out to everyone you know and have known. This makes it a lot easier to network than the old days of flipping through the rolodex for old friends (and that still happens too!).

I am enjoying creating various pages for my job search. It shows how adaptable I am. I am not sure if anyone will read this but me, but if anyone is out there reading and looking for a job, HANG IN THERE! Believe in yourself and know where you are strong and where you aren't. This is the perfect place for an insightful quote from someone larger than life, but I will work on that for the next post.