2 hours + 2 networking opps = 7 great leads!

I’ve read surveys and polls, and talked to people, who have put the percentage of jobs landed by networking as high as 85%.

It is true it’s important to reach out to as many people as possible when looking for a job. Networking helps you get that proverbial foot in the door, many times, even before you’ve thought of a particular company or industry.

Recently, as I continue my job search, I had two great networking opportunities that yielded some great ideas and company leads.

The first was a director who I recently interviewed with. I didn’t get the job, but she was gracious enough to meet with me to help interpret how the interview process went, where I could improve and provide some leads.

The second networking opportunity was with a long-time professional in the radio business, who wanted to catch-up and also offer some ideas on job leads, things he has seen recently in the industry and ways I could get a leg-up on the competition in future interviews.

In looking at my notes (always take something to write with and write on, when meeting!), we discussed seven solid ideas or leads related to job opportunities:

1. My first contact knows the partners of a Detroit-area PR firm and will provide contact information.
2. A communications contact at a major auto company in Detroit.
3. A contact at a major hospital group.
4. My second contact suggested I contact the State of Michigan, based on my ongoing saga with the unemployment office.
5. A financial services company.
6. A general manager at a local TV news affiliate in Detroit.
7. Discussing ways to harness video more related to the interview process and suggestions.

So, in the space of two hours over two days, I landed seven new contacts and ideas that I didn’t have last week.

I’ve always said that networking is key to landing that next job. But, even more so, it can help you uncover new techniques and communications to use, keep the friendship line open, and allows some frank discussion on ways one can improve their chances for getting an interview.

This is how we get things done now. Keep those lines of communication open, ask for advice, and listen!

 

Share just enough in social media and your interview…

In a recent New York times article, the topic focused on employees tendency to over-share their personal experiences, while in the workplace. Examples of discussing births in vivid detail, drunken exploits and other “Facebook” worthy scenarios, can cast the storyteller in a less than flattering light and keep you from ascending the employee ladder.

The author points at Facebook for partial blame, where we tell our every whim and fancy – “Driving Daisy to the vet”, “Wishing it was Friday”, “Whoot, whoot, it’s Friday”, “Shouldn’t have eaten those 12 donuts”, you get the idea.

I’ve read similar stories that likens such social media discussions as bragging, but, to me, it’s really filling the space that social media demands.

As someone who may be looking for work, I’ve always stressed that you need to be active in social media, both in looking for a job and getting looked at by potential employers.

But, you certainly have to walk that fine line, when it comes to providing information and exposing yourself. Keep your Facebook postings and Twitter tweets relevant, fun and interesting, but leave the late-night party pix on the side, where they belong.

Employers can easily Google your name to see how you fit into the social media community as well as your own personal community. How you present yourself can make or break your chances at getting that all-important first interview or landing that job.

Have fun with social media, harness it to your advantage. But, at the same time, make sure it puts you in the most positive light possible. Likewise, when you get that first interview and they shake your hand and ask “How are you today?” you can answer with “Fine, thank you…and you?” instead of “Well, my cat threw up on my bed this morning, so it’s not off to a good start…” Save that for a later tweet!

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

Throw away the catalog during your job search and interview…

A recent article in the Wall Street Journal discusses how General Motors is trying to get back on track after its government bailout. It tells of struggles internally about ways to reorganize the group and resistance from some of their managers.

A passage in the full-page article stood out to me. Joel Ewanick, GM marketing chief, recalled how when he assumed his new position at GM, he was handed a furniture catalog and a budget of $55,000 to furnish his new office.

Ewanick, unhappy with the selection and prices in the catalog, instead opted to buy his furniture locally from Target, Costco and IKEA. Total cost? Less than $5,000.

Wow! He spent less than 10 percent of his budget! What a concept! Breaking the corporate mold and figuring ways to save money! But GM bureaucrats said that the furniture wouldn’t last and gave the thumbs-down on the purchase, even after saving 90 percent of his approved budget.

Ewanick bought the furniture anyways.

So, is he a rebel? A troublemaker? Simply because he questions authority, that even though they did it one way for years and years, he comes in with another idea? I say he is a visionary, a forward thinker!

So, how do you tie this example into your job search and interview? Well, as I’ve discussed on this blog time and time again, you have to stand out from the competition. You have to go beyond a stellar cover letter and resume. I really dislike this phrase but you have to “think outside the box.”

In order to do that, here’s a few bullets of advice:

Point out an opportunity for improvement – In your cover letter, discuss an aspect of their website. Example: “I’ve been on your website and I notice that there isn’t a prominent way to search for stores in my community.”

Offer a suggestion – “A simple Mapquest link could help customers find you even better and drive traffic and sales to your walk-in locations.”

Make the close –  “This free application, which is easy to load online, is something I would be happy to discuss with you.”

Shine at the interview – Prepare a simple handout, expanding on the example from your cover letter.

Just like GM’s Joel Ewanick, there is no harm in offering a suggestion to do something better.

Now, I’m certainly not telling you to nitpick and tear apart the company’s website or corporate image (see past blog, here.) And, yes, you may give away something to them that they might just do themselves.

But by showing that you took the time to do a little bit of homework, can help your image and set you apart from the competition.

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

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!