Career Cooking 101

by Helen Orloff

Today, as the economy continues to change and companies agree outsourcing is an attractive option was, the job search seems, dare we say, daunting? The smart way to find a job in any economy, however, is to assume it's going to be difficult and to develop a foolproof plan. In short, from now until you land a position, your job is finding a good job. Think of it as the part-time position that pays dividends for a lifetime. Your excited-bites called interviews are coming your way…When contact is made, the prep work does not cease.

Here are 3 steps that Rod Colon, my friends in the ETP Network and Carl Reid, founder and President of Savvy Intrapreneur have helped me develop.

Career Cooking 101:
Just as you would go through the steps of cooking a meal (reviewing the recipe, making a shopping list and boning up on unfamiliar techniques) for yourself or a loved one, preparing for a job interview is no different. We are aware to do our homework by researching a company’s website but what abut taking notes to address in the interview? Have you asked yourself what you would change? How would you contribute to further the success of the company or organization? Always keep in mind the WIIFM theory from the employer’s perspective when preparing for an interview.

Did You Say Sports?
Staying topical about a myriad of subjects is extremely important. I was on an interview and about lost my teeth when a board member’s closing question was “In your opinion which is worse, what happened with Bonds or what is going on with A-Rod? Hmm, not only did I breathe a sigh of relief (avoiding the kiss of death response of I don’t know or who is A-Rod) I quickly realized my opinion was tied into skills that would serve the organization.

Not a Dirty Word
Ask! I can’t stress strongly enough to ask questions of your interviewer(s) Not only does it show initiative, it sparks for you further questions to ask. This is a golden opportunity for you to shine and stand out from other candidates. What better way to leave your interviewer(s) with a firm hand shake and the impression that you took the time to ask probing questions and you are quick on your feet. Remember in preparation and posture that you are interviewing the company as much as they are interviewing you.

Yeah, I Get It
Jotting down some key information from your interviewer(s) response is a good way to show you “get it” Once the responses are in, it can behoove you to say so what I hear is……and numerate some key points. You will leave a lasting impression that you are connected and aligned with the organization, have a full handle on the position and a good match!

Show Me the Money
Ok, you got a gut feeling that you aced the interview. Your heart begins to race and your brain is already spending the first paycheck. Easy does it! Before you can begin to take that first sigh of relief, count the green and add the company perks in your head, what worked for me is follow-up aka never let ‘em forget you! Since board members usually have email addresses outside the organization, I’ve called the company and conveyed to the Administrative Assistant that I would like to send personalized letters to each interviewer. Before you know it, viola!—a received email containing board member’s email addresses.

Stuck In the Mud
The best tip I can give a job seeker or a new entrepreneur is “Next”. Have that great interview or potential client meeting but don’t get stuck in it too long. You have put your best foot, you covered all your bases and forward and now it’s time to let it go. now it’s onto your next opportunity. Even in a good economy it can take months to find a suitable job. Research, refine and act! Don’t ever give up on yourself- you have a unique set of skills, knowledge and experience.

About the Author
Helen Orloff is Founder & President of diversity training consulting firm Right Way Advisors, Inc..
Email: HOrloff@RightWayAdvisors.com
Web: www.RightWayAdvisors.com
Tel: (866) 546-4944 Ext: 200


The purpose of a resume is to obtain an INTERVIEW, not a job. Landing a job is up to you during the interview.

Savvy Intrapreneurs Place Themselves in the Driver's Seat

Employee Approach	Savvy Intrapreneur - CEO of ME, Inc. Approach
Job Search	Markets skills to Create and Stay Open to Multiple Opportunities. Always keep options open.
Only Networks when They need a Job. Then they wonder why it takes so long to land a position.	Always Marketing / Networking within and outside the organization. Able to reach out to Their network and create 3 opportunities [ job offers] within 2 weeks.
Prepare Resume	Prepare Proposal to Present Skill Benefits, which passes the “6 second” acid test. Always carries business cards
Interview with candidate	Business Meeting with a Potential Client
Interviewer asks questions to find out why they should hire you.	Asks questions to identify business requirement needs of the Client. Answers from Client also determines “Why should I work for You?
What Salary are You looking for? Employee placed in beggar’s seat.	Does not give away their bottom line. “I would consider any reasonable offer between [give your range], not a specific amount. Places themselves in the driver’s seat.
Interviewer wraps up interview	Goes for the gusto with a killer close to make a [commercial like] memorable impression on the Client. Close with 3 best skills that matches Client’s needs. “I would like to give you 3 reasons why I am the best resource for this position, out of any person you have interviewed or will interview”
Salary & Benefits Offer	Contract Negotiation. Stuff everything in a sneaker and ask for everything. Then compromises at negotiation table. Always waits until the next day to accept offer.

The purpose of a resume is to obtain an INTERVIEW, not a job. Landing a job is up to you during the interview.

Preparing Your Résumés

By Rod Colon, CEO & Founder ETP Network

A résumé is a structured, written summary of a person's education, employment background, and job qualifications. Although many people have misconceptions about résumés, the fact is that a résumé is a form of advertising or a proposal to a new client. It is intended to stimulate an employer's interest in you – in meeting you and learning more about you. A successful résumé inspires a prospective employer to invite you to interview with the company. Thus, your purpose in writing your résumé is to create interest – not to tell readers everything about you. In fact, it may be best to only hint at some things and leave the reader wanting more. The potential employer will than have even more reason to contact you.

Read more . . .

The purpose of a resume is to obtain an INTERVIEW, not a job. Landing a job is up to you during the interview.

Video Résumés: A New Way To Land A Job?

Click here for an example of how a video bio or resume might be presented.

"Video Résumés: A New Way To Land A Job?" is an article by Brian P. Watson showing how technology can be used to get your name in front of people. Video resumes will definitely separate people from the usual paper resumes.

First Aleksey Vayner's video résumé made him infamous. Now it may have spawned a niche market.

Vayner's almost seven-minute film, dubbed "Impossible is Nothing," showcased the then-Yale student smashing bricks barehanded, ballroom dancing with a scantily clad female and opining on 'personal development." Leaked last year by someone at UBS, where Vayner was gunning for a gig, the video made its way to many an inbox, as well as to YouTube. He didn't get the job; instead, he got jeered in the mainstream media and the blogosphere, where some questioned his lofty claims.

Read more . . .


The purpose of a resume is to obtain an INTERVIEW, not a job. Landing a job is up to you during the interview.

Play on Words with College

Any college attended already implies a person went to high school. So eliminate high school, thereby making your resume appear more professional in presentation. Only amateurs put their high school, if they went to college. Using a play on words for any college experience, your resume can appear like you graduated from college. This is accomplished by putting only the last year of attendance.

If the wording gives people the perception you graduated from college, that's their issue not yours and it works in your favor. If you are asked specifically in an interview if you graduated college, then tell the truth. Although I attended college for 4 years, I did not graduate. During 25 years in the IT field [with at least a dozen job changes] I have only been asked twice if I graduated from college. When asked if I graduated, I said "no". I then proceeded to highlight finishing my B.S. in Computer Science requirements and my many years of practical experience in what I brought to the "valuable skills" table. I was just missing the liberal arts requirements.

Even if you went to college for one (1) semester, the education section of your resume can have the following suggested wording:

1997 - What's The Matter U[niversity] City, STate
Major: Business Administration (if you knocked out your "major" requirements) - OR Business Administration curriculum (if you only had a couple of 3 semesters)


The purpose of a resume is to obtain an INTERVIEW, not a job. Landing a job is up to you during the interview.

Career Guide: 5 Quick Resume Tips

Career Guide: 5 Quick Resume Tips

One Size Does Not Fit All

Happy New Year!!

If actions from last year has not produced results, change gears by trying something unorthodox, but maintain professionalism.

Using a generic resume for all job postings is an exercise in futility. Then people wonder why they have received no bites after sending out 200 copies of the exact same resume. Companies hire specialists, not generalists.

In his article "Securing the Interview "Matching the Themes" , Rod Colon of ETP Network provides the secret to increasing the chances of being contacted for an interview. Rod emphasizes customizing your resume to fit the job requirements. Matching your resume core skills to the job posting supersedes accomplishments.

Let's take a good idea and make it better. Customizing the "Profile" section to match the job specifications, allows the resume reader to quickly decide, within 6 seconds, whether further reading is required.

Customizing a resume makes all the difference in the world between securing an interview or not.

The purpose of a resume is to obtain an INTERVIEW, not a job. Landing a job is up to you during the interview.

Maintain Holiday Momentum

The holiday season is a great time to maintain momentum with your job search. Outside of the retail industry being very busy, the holiday season provides other managers an opportunity to read resumes or follow up with potential candidates.

If you have sent resumes or had interviews in the last few weeks, now is an excellent time to follow up with a holiday card. Grab a box of cards at your nearest 99 cent store. Inserting a business card is preferable with a hand written note (thank you for taking time to meet with me on . . . Happy New etc).

Remember; out of sight, out of mind. The holiday card follow up keeps your name in front the hiring manager. Just like commercials, brand yourself with the holiday card "Happy New Year" follow up.

Cheers!!
SirReid

The purpose of a resume is to obtain an INTERVIEW, not a job. Landing a job is up to you during the interview.

On Time is Late

Even if you have to wait, being 15 minutes early for an interview or any appointment pays big dividends.

- When your arrival is announced, the interviewer is already impressed

- You now have time to collect your thoughts or use the rest room to check your appearance

- There may be a company newsletter or annual report, in the waiting area, to read for obtaining company information. It may come in handy during the interview.

If you are on time for a meeting you're late. Set your home clocks 15 minutes early and always be ahead.

Be Smart and Professional

Try to minimize or eliminate using your employer's time to look for a job. It might back fire on you. A potential employer might frown on using a current employer's time to interview. Use your time. It's surely not recommended to use an employers resources to look for a job. Use your cell phone and your personal email account to get back to people.

Technology today is very sophisticated in tracking use of employer resources, especially email and phones.

Be smart and professional about keeping your options open.