Don’t pull a “Rudy” – keep your information and resume real!

I really enjoy the movie “Rudy”, a story of a scappy, young kid who would do anything to play for the fabled Notre Dame football team. Based on the true story of Daniel Ruettiger, its inspiring message, of stopping at nothing to realize your dream, is a great motivator for me. It speaks volumes of how hard work and dedication can help you go far!

“Rudy” Ruettiger did work hard and earned a walk-on role at Notre Dame. He achieved his dream. However, fast forward a few decades and things have gotten difficult for Rudy.

The Wall Street Journal reported today (12/17/11) that Ruettiger, who sold a sports drink called (what else?) “Rudy” was charged in a pump-and-dump stock scheme that generated more than $11million in allegedly illicit profits for the company “Rudy Nutrition.”

Part of the article states that “a letter to potential investors falsely claimed that in ‘a major southwest test, Rudy outsold Gatorade 2 to 1.’” A representative from the Securities and Exchange Commission called the above statement “tall tales” that ultimately caused the company stock from trading 720 shares a day to more than 3 million shares! In the end, Rudy and investors have to pay a large sum of money to settle the SEC charges.

Okay, here’s the tie-in to your job search. I can’t stress enough that you should never embellish your resume, be it volunteer work, work history, statistics, accomplishments or other key information. It will only come back to haunt you, if the human resources department or headhunter takes a deep dive into your information.

You should be proud of your work history and, if there are gaps, due to layoffs and/or firings, you should be ready to explain them. In the meantime, if you are looking at long gaps, it is time to volunteer in your community. Church, school, government office, non-profit, as the economy starts to warm up, companies will need helpers.

So, don’t pull a “Rudy” – don’t embellish on your accomplishments. It can end up costing you in the end!

Now, let’s go out there and do something good together!

Marketing director re-invents job search, tapping into networking, volunteering opps!

The Wall Street Journal recently had a feature “Slow Recovery Feels like Recession,” where they profiled individuals and the way they are adapting to the downturn in the economy.

One story on a former marketing director from Verizon, laid-off during the recession, really illustrated how individuals need to get out from the computer and the same old routine, to stand out from the pack and get work.

Terry Sullivan had the credentials: overseeing a $105 million annual budget and more than 1,000 employees, but six months into his job search he said “my resumes were falling into a sinkhole.”  So what did he do?

1. Began attending a local support group for job seekers (networking opportunities, moral support!)
2. Started setting up events for his local chapter of the American Marketing Association (volunteering, staying busy, building portfolio while laid-off)
3. Attended outside events (networking)
4. After one particular event, approached speaker, which resulted in a consulting gig (networking and temp. job)

A great example of getting out there and beating your own drum. It is up to you to make yourself visible, show you have the experience to do what it takes to get back to work. Sullivan volunteered, networked, built his portfolio and networked his way to temp work, which hopefully will lead to full-time work!

I’ve always said that networking is the most important tool in your unemployment toolbox. When I was laid off in 2008-09, I had to force myself some days to get out there, volunteer, make calls, do lunches and just ask for help in learning about job leads. I volunteered to oversee the new newsletter format/layout for the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, I volunteed for a grassroots group marketing my hometown of Grosse Ile, Michigan and just told people of my need to get back to work. But it had to be done!

You can do it, too! Now, let’s get out there and do something good!

Your job search: Being polite can put money in the bank!

In the June 2011 issue of Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, editor Janet Bodnar discusses “Secrets to Landing a Job”. (You can read the column here.)

But, wait, read on first…

While the article centered around first-time job hunters, much of what she discussed applies to all job hunters.

Some of the highlights I’ve listed below, that you can use whether you are currently laid-off or are looking for new work in this still fragile economy:

Those who hustle usually end up ahead: It is so true that you have to get out from in front of the computer and network. I stress it over and over again, that it is really up to you to get out there and develop leads.

Stay on top of it: Bodnar discusses that it is imperative that you send follow-ups, once you establish a contact or get a job. Don’t be overbearing, but remind your contact that you are interested in the job.

Communicate effectively: Bodnar points out that email is not a text message. So true in today’s technology, complete sentences and thoughts are still the best way to go….NO, I M NOT KDNG!

Do your homework: Before even applying for a job, do research on the company and industry. Weave that information into your cover letter, keep a few key bullets nearby, if you land an interview. It speaks volumes to a recruiter if you know what the company does!

Conscientiousness : (Phew! What a word! Put that in the national spelling bee and see how many people get that one right!) – Bodnar closes her column citing a University of Michigan study that showed people who essentially were polite and considerate earn about $1,500 more per year and have significantly higher lifetime savings. (So mom was right: Be polite, send a thank you to Aunt Margie for that hideous sweater, even if you don’t like it!)

Bottom line – checklist for job search:

• Be polite;
• Do your homework;
• Stay in touch;
• Send thank you notes.

Now let’s go out there and do something good together!

How social media is looking at you to hire you!

Recently, the Detroit Free Press had a story on how more companies are turning to social media in looking to fill positions.

Here’s a stat to savor: According to Freep writer Greta Guest, of 600 HR professionals surveyed “73% of companies use social media to support their recruitment efforts.” That is enormous and can be a huge recruiting tool for your job search toolbox.

While traditional job searching is likely still king, where you search out the job, write the dazzling cover letter and polished resume, and send it to the recruiter, such social media job recruiting is a close second!

And that brings me to my usual mantra. What you put online out there in the social media world is accessible by everyone. Add that actual directors of recruiting are searching out potential employees by trolling social media, means you have to have your game face on when it comes to your job search.

So, Google your name and see what pops up: questionable pictures, expletive rants on Twitter, embarrassing videos on YouTube?

Networking takes many forms. On Facebook, do you follow potential employers? On LinkedIn, is your profile 100 percent complete? Do you have recommendations?

Time to get out there and start searching and scrubbing. You never know who could be recruiting you!

Now let’s go out there and do something good!

Networking in 2011 – map the steps to the President’s office!

Whether you are facing February with a job layoff, or maybe are starting to put out feelers, now that business is saying they actually might add jobs this year, you have to break out of your old ways and be inventive in 2011.

Here’s a great example of someone who took the necessary steps to really tell his story world-wide!

In this week’s Crain’s Detroit Business, the Rumblings section leads off with a story of a Michigan business owner who was thrust into the spotlight when mentioned in President Obama’s State of the Union address. The owner, Robert Allen, was in a reception line to meet the president and thought it would be an opportune time to give him a business card (not really sure how many people give business cards to the President of the United States, but what the heck, why not?).  So the leader of the free world took the card from Allen.

But how did this business owner get in front of the president? The article discusses the steps that the solar roofing business, Luma Resources LLC, took. Really, it boils down to four steps:

1. Allen talked to a staffer at the National Science Foundation about his business and how it would be a good fit for the State of the Union address.

2. In turn, a letter was written to the US Department of Energy, which,

3. published a story about Luma in an in-house publication, which,

4. caught the attention of the speechwriters, and the rest is history!

So, just four steps to go from relative obscurity in Rochester Hills, Michigan to a mention in the State of the Union address and meeting the president. Not bad at all for making that first effort in telling your story to an individual who set the story in motion!

The same can be said for your networking. The company above was only four steps away to greatness!

Remember, you can’t just simply think you are going to waltz into the president’s office of the company that you are interested in. You need to take a few steps back, put a strategy together, do your homework and see how your path can work up to the president’s office. A fellow employee you went to college with, pledged with, volunteered with, could be a great start.

I am a big proponent of “Don’t ask, don’t get.” As the saying goes “You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take.” If you can’t figure a way to strategically network and learn more, you may as well just be answering the CareerBuilder or Monster ad with everyone else!

Over the next few weeks, I’m going to expand on networking with some great insight from Gail MarksJarvis, writer with the Chicago Tribune. I’ll discuss how traditional ways of networking just aren’t the way to go in 2011.

Now, let’s go out there and do something good!

A few thoughts on employment in MI…

Here in Michigan, we certainly have felt the near fatal blow of our national recession. General Motors and Chrysler receiving government bailouts literally decimated the two companies, laying off thousands with both nearly going bankrupt.

Metro-Detroit and the ancillary companies (automotive suppliers, restaurants, even down to the neighborhood barber shop) have felt the effects of GM and Chrysler’s problems. Many have gone under, never to return. Some have had to re-invent themselves, trying to predict the next innovation to come out of the Motor City (electric, hybrid and the like).

Unemployment indeed has started to creep down ever so slightly. For the first time in more than a year, Michigan’s unemployment was not the highest in the nation. Nevada is holding the number one spot now. While unemployment has crept down in Michigan, it could be partially attributed to the thousands of long-term unemployed who simply have stopped looking for work.

I certainly felt unemployment first-hand after being unemployed for 11 months in late 2008 and 2009. But I harnessed a few ideas in keeping my job search on track. Yes, I had bad days, but I had alot of good days, too! Certainly, I have shared these on this blog over the past several months, but they bear repeating:

Network: You must, must get out of your comfort zone and strategically make a list of people that you can reach out to, who can help you with your job search. But their role is not to find you work, but to help you identify potential leads within your area of expertise.

Volunteer: If you are laid-off, get out from in front of the computer a few hours a week and help out in your community.

Review your messages: Give a good look at your current resume and generic cover letter. Let someone else read it and have them tell you what you have done for a living up to this point. If they are wrong, based on the information on your resume, then you need to take a good look at it and clarify what you have done to this point.

Forgive yourself: Michigan, and really the rest of the country, has gone through some sobering times. You need to realize, with the holidays approaching, that you must cut yourself some slack. Stress is a daily occurrence, but really multiplies during the holidays. Let yourself know that it is okay. As long as you are keeping up with networking and messaging on a daily basis, you really are doing all you can.

Ask for help: If you need help, you need to ask for it. Talk things out with your significant other and family. If you are alone, reach out to someone you trust: a former mentor, member of the clergy or friend. If you need help with everyday needs, call your local United Way, who can help refer you to mental health groups, food pantries or towards whatever concerns you need help with.

So, keep up the faith and keep it up. 2010 is nearly in the books. 2011 looks a little better, but it still will be a daily battle landing work. But keep on, keepin’ on!

If a student can ask to try out for UM football, you can ask for employment help!

Recently, there was an article in The Detroit News on a student asking University of Michigan football coach Rod Rodriguez about trying out for a kicking job (field goal) on the Wolverines team. Read the article here. Wow! What a concept! An absolute outsider essentially walking up and pounding on the door of the Big House asking for a chance!

This really reminds me of the movie “Rudy”, except well, the guy who talked to the UM coach didn’t have to go through years of grueling, demanding work before he could suit up, like the Sean Astin character in Rudy. The guy just approached the coach in a parking lot…..AND ASKED!

Which leads me to my point. If this kid can ask Rich Rod for a job, you certainly should be able to reach out to that supposed, untouchable individual to ask for advice or any leads on employment.

I’ve always subscribed to the “Don’t ask, don’t get” mentality. You have to ask for such things. The worst thing someone can do is say no.

So, suit up and approach that person who you always thought was above approach…and approach them!

You might:

1. End up trying out (free advice, networking opp?);
2. Making the team (getting your foot in the door for a formal interview) or;
3. Making first string (landing that job!), or;
4. Not make the cut (no leads, but you tried!)

Remember, it never hurts to ask! Now, let’s go out there and do something good!

Triple your exposure in your job search (like BP – trust me on this one!)

I recently read a story on how BP tripled their advertising,  spending more than $93 million in advertising, following the infamous Gulf Coast oil spill. See article here.

Granted, this was BP crisis money that wouldn’t have been spent if there wasn’t a spill. But, of course, was necessary as part of their PR clean-up, to go right along with skimming the oil off the Gulf Coast waters and beaches.

BP talked about what they were doing to resolve their problem… “Our objective has been to create informational advertising to assure people that we will meet our commitments and tell them how they can get help-especially claims,” said BP spokesman Scott Dean. “It is an important tool to help us be transparent about what we are doing.”

But, that article got me thinking about how you need to transform your job search from passive mode into crisis mode. Speaking from my own one-year layoff from work, I certainly felt that I was in crisis mode most of the time.

I networked, sent out resumes, told my family and friends that I was looking for work. It’s really draining, I know, but it’s something that needs to be addressed often.

Let’s break down BP’s quote and apply it to your job search.

“Our objective has been to create informational advertising…” Your informational advertising is your resume, cover letter, and your 30-second elevator speech on your background and experience that you can share with someone at a moment’s notice…

“…to assure people that we will meet our commitments…” Meeting your commitments means having a solid resume and work history, meeting your networking opportunities on-time and showing that you would be a dedicated employee.

“It is an important tool to help us be transparent about what we are doing.” You need to be transparent, too. No stretching the truth on your resume, show that you are a dedicated individual who will be a dedicated employee.

So like, BP, you need to triple your exposure, as you look for work. You need to tell your potential employers, family and friends what you are doing to get work. If that means re-evaluating your resume, doing volunteer work and picking up the phone and networking, you need to step it up! Make a conscious effort to find three more people to call, three more companies to reach out to and set up three new job searches online.

Consider it a triple dip necessary networking! Now let’s go out there and do something good!

Paying it forward on the Mackinac Bridge (and helping someone get a job)

I spent a very nice week with my family at Mackinaw City, recently. Settled at the “tip of the mitt” in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, the area is surrounded by birch and evergreen forests, attractions (Mill Creek, Colonial Michilimackinac, Mackinac Island, Jack Pine Lumberjack Show) and mammoth landmarks, like the Mackinac Bridge.

Being the good “fudgies” (tourists) or “trolls” (you live in the lower peninsula below the Mackinac Bridge) one morning, we loaded the family up to go into the Upper Peninsula via the Mighty Mac.

Five miles of steel rising over the Mackinac Straits is impressive to say the least. The whole time going over the bridge, I was doing my best Clark Griswold (ala Vacation movies), throwing out facts about the bridge to my contained audience.  I got no response. However, my nine-year-old, who went to Mackinac Island the day before with his two aunts, threw out some zingers related to the banding of the steel cables in the bridge, all to much great interest and response.

Anyway, we make our way up and over the bridge, having to change lanes a few times back and forth due to maintenance work on the decking and sides of the bridge. As we make our descent down to the toll booth, I reach out for the three singles and five dimes I have ready for the toll.  I judge the lanes and take what appears to be the shortest one. Waiting my turn in line, I look over and see that an 18-wheeler has to pay $22.50 to get over the bridge, so my $3.50 didn’t look that bad (and that’s a deal for looking far over the edge down to the Mackinac Straits and the skyline all around).

So I pull up, roll down the window and hand over my money. The tollbooth attendant waves me through and calls out, “She paid your toll”, pointing to the car in front of us. It was a black sedan of some sort with a single occupant. I’m sort of trying to figure this all out when the tollbooth attendant says again, “She paid your toll. Pull on through.” Well, I finally figure out that I don’t have to pay and merge back on to 75 North after the toll booth. The woman in the car took the first exit into downtown Saint Ignace, while we continued on to Highway 2 that hugs the Lake Michigan shoreline and miles of open beaches.

My sis-in-law, on leave from Fort Hood, Texas (US Army Captain) simply said, “Pay it forward,” in reference to the 2000 movie with Kevin Spacey, Haley Joel Osment and Helen Hunt about doing random nice acts for people.

We went on our way, but on the way back down across the bridge, we did the same thing: paid $7 for our pass and the car behind us. Simply we wanted to make sure that we were able to “pay it forward” to someone else.

Now where this all ties in to my theme of gaining employment and/or helping others who are unemployed is the phrase “Pay it forward.”

Think about someone you know that may need help with a resume, cover letter or making a contact in the industry in which they are looking for work. What can you do to “pay it forward” in helping someone out?

We all got our start in our jobs with the help of someone. That someone went out of his or her way to make sure you talked to the right person in getting employment.

Who can you reach out to to “pay it forward” in getting someone you know in touch with the right person, idea, website or concept?

Now let’s go out there and do something good!

Use social media wisely when job searching, Facebook passes 1/2 billion – harness it!

By now, you know that I preach the importance of harnessing social media in getting employment in this tough economy. (Actually it is second to using your network capabilities to reach out to your friends/peers in getting insight on the jobs that are available but never really announced through ads in the ‘help wanted’ section.)

In addition, a recent article touts that Facebook has passed 500 million users! 500 million users! And certainly if you are on Facebook, you likely have friends in the triple digits. While many of them may be more in tune w/ sharing pictures from the beach and catching up on class reunions, Facebook, if used properly, can help in your job search.

But a reminder and warning, don’t post for the whole world to see that you need a job or are looking for a job. Two things can happen:

1. If you are unemployed, it isn’t your Facebook’s friends job to find a job for you. It is your job to do your homework and make an ask of select friends through a personal message that you are looking for work and that you thought of them.
2. If you are employed and looking for a new job, odds are getting better all the time that your peers or (gasp!) superiors are also on line keeping up with all the goings-on with their employees. They likely aren’t trolling specifically to find out what you are doing as an individual but a simple Google search of “Company ABC” could result in a Facebook entry saying that you work at “Company ABC” but are looking for work.

But I digress. A recent article in Kiplinger’s “7 ways to use social networking to land your next job” provides some useful insight. Without giving a huge review of the article, here’s some key things I took away:

• It is indeed important to build your brand online and really keep your information up-to-date (see my earlier blog on the importance of keeping your resume updated).
• Build those strong connections online with key people as I mentioned above.
• Do your homework on potential employers and keep track of their social media efforts. Many times, there could be key information in certain blogs, tweets and other messaging that could put you ahead of the competition when it comes to landing a job.

So keep on working those networking contacts, harness social media to help in your job search efforts and keep on keeping on! Now let’s go out there and do something good!