Hybrid Careers 08/30/2010
 
Feeling pinned yet? A little tethered? You thought having a job tied you down, but being unemployed is even more restrictive.

Have you considered for one tiny moment taking a look at what else you may be good at if you aren't finding the right job for YOU in this economy? Things are changing. Kids right out of college are claiming jobs that are rightfully theirs while we are still struggling to find employment out there. It's not their fault- they are on schedule to get hired- just as we did when we went looking for our first job. We had these jobs when these kids were still learning how to add and subtract. Now they are tech savvy and just as ambitious as we were at their age. 

Look at what you know now and how you got here. Do you have any interests outside of what you did before you got the axe? Any hobbies? Start searching for a way that you can take what you have learned and turn it into a career.

Do you know enough to teach in your field? How about a consultant? Keep applying but it may be high time to consider the alternative to Full Time employment.

Keep in Touch- things can only get better from here,
Cass Fisher
 
 
It's your time to shine. You have an interview with a great potential employer. You did your research and you have a good handle on what this position requires.

Did you research YOU?
Consider YOUR needs- can this company fulfill that if you are asked to start employment?

Take a look at what your needs are. Even in this tight economy, don't settle for less than what you deserve.

It WILL happen, you just have to know where to look for it.

Keep your eyes open for my next post 'Hybrid Careers'.

Cheering you on,
Cass Fisher
 
 
Toughest Interview Questions- Fight back with the RIGHT answers

Do you have an interview lined up? I do too!

While preparing for my interview, I decided to get some of the toughest interview questions together and out to you PRONTO! Of course I am a little nervous, but mostly excited to talk to the interviewer about how I can greatly contribute to their organization.

I am using my Professional Story to assist me with this. Keep your eyes open for my next post about Your Professional Story.

Let’s discuss some of the toughest job interview questions. The best way to get over interview jitters is to treat it like the first dip in the pool. Just jump in and get it over with! J

Once you have a feel for some of the questions you may be asked and have an opportunity to think these over, feel free to answer these questions with your professional story.  Many times these simple questions are used to open a conversation.

If you still have questions about how to answer these toughies in an interview, let me know. I am happy to help! Now let’s get to it.

 

What do you look for in a job?

Don’t talk about job security here. Or pay! Let the interviewer know that you are excited to contribute to their organization in whatever fashion the position requires. To do this, simply use the job posting or any other information gleaned from the interviewer as a reference to what you are looking for in a job.

If your passion is numbers and you are applying to an accounting position, talk about your passion. If you are applying for customer service and you love working with people, say so!

Tell me about yourself.

Keep this brief as it will most likely be one of the first questions asked. Don’t give it all away! Save your goals, etc for later in the interview. Too many times you can get carried away and ‘sell the farm’ here. Briefly cover your early years, education, work history, and recent career experience. Keep everything you talk about work related!

What do you know about our organization?

Here just let your answer show that you have taken the time to do some research, but don't over- do it. You should be able to discuss points made on the company’s site such as mission statement. Include any recent news publications. Make it clear that you wish to learn more about the company.

Please give me your definition of [the position for which you are being interviewed].

You should have a good idea of what the position is that you are interviewing for. Be brief but state here what you believe the position requires (found on the job posting).  Without being redundant, try to capture what the job post claims. Be specific by talking about details of the position.

Your resume suggests that you may be over-qualified or too experienced for this position. What's your opinion?

This one can be tricky. Let the interviewer know that a strong company needs a strong staff.  You could even suggest that since you are qualified, the employer will get a fast return on his investment. Say that a growing, energetic company can never have too much talent.

In this economy, this question may come up more often. Be prepared to list your qualifications as they pertain to the open position and re-iterate your desire to continue in your profession bringing your talent with you.

Why are you leaving (did you leave) your present (last) job?

This is one of those questions that can make or break an interview. Never mention personality conflicts or that you didn’t like your last boss. If you were laid off, say that here. Don’t dwell on the subject or claim unfairness. Likewise, if your last position was an awful experience and you left of your own accord, don’t hurt yourself but be honest. Keep in mind that your references may be checked so don’t make up a story. At times, a position you once held may have not been a good fit. Or maybe once in, you realized that the position didn’t offer the growth you expected whether it was experience or exposure. This question can best be answered tactfully when you explain your situation at the time, compared to what you are looking for now.

In your current (last) position, what features do (did) you like the most? The least?

State as many points that you liked about your last job as you can. Be thorough here as the interviewer is likely trying to get a feel for how you would be in the open position. ‘The Least’ is the trick question if you haven’t guessed. If there was something that you didn’t like about your last job, you may say so here but be warned! Never claim personality conflict with peers or supervisors.

As hiring managers are looking to see if you are a good fit for the position, they will likely use this as a conversation starter. Finding out if you are a good match with the company’s goals, expectations and so forth. Be sure that your answers are geared toward the position that you are applying for here is critical.

Are you a late starter? Maybe when asked this question you say something like: “I loved that I had time to prepare for the day by getting coffee with co-workers and discussing the weekend before I had to actually work.” Hm..  Really think about what you will say to this question. Will it sound like a negative?

What do you feel this position should pay?

Don't leave the impression that money is the only thing that is important to you. Link questions of salary to the work itself. The interviewer may be trying to determine just how much you want the job. Don't sell yourself short, but continue to stress the fact that the job itself is the most important thing in your mind.

Mention as little as you can about salary until you reach the "final" stage of the interview process. At that point, you know that the company is genuinely interested in you and that it is likely to be flexible in salary negotiations. Sometimes this may seem hard when you are asked what your salary requirements are. Remember to keep it open with “It depends on the positions responsibilities.” Follow with: “I would love to hear more about the position before I give a figure.”

What are your long-range goals?

Relate your goals to the company you are interviewing: “In a firm like yours, I would like to..."   Don’t just say you want the job. Refer back to your job search and why you chose this job to interview for. If you did your research, these points will be in line with the company’s goals and yours.

Consider These:

Is there opportunity for advancement? Will the company provide any additional training to move forward? Does the company promote within? Don’t assume anything in the interview. Asking these questions during the interview will give you the opportunity to provide the answers that the interviewer is looking for. Remember that they are also looking for someone who is a strong candidate. Showing that you are thoughtful with your questions will prove that you are a serious candidate.

What can you do for us that someone else can't?

Here is where you need to give it your all and toot your own horn. Point out accomplishments, goals you have achieved, strong points, etc. Give them something to really consider as you tie your past performance to what you can do for their company.

If you have previous experience, lay out the bullet points here. Your past experiences can be of great assistance when you are a new employee.

Just knowing the answers is not enough. Practice speaking them out loud. Gain verbage to utilize in your interview by saying, not just reading or writing keywords or ‘buzz words’.  When you tell your friends and family that you have an interview, open the conversation by being descriptive with why you want the job and why you are a good fit. Many times we may say we don’t want to ‘jinx’ it by talking about it.  OOPS! Here is a big mistake! Talk about it! If you feel comfortable talking about the job to your friends, you are more likely to ace the interview by being prepared to sell yourself to the interviewer!

Good Luck! But the BEST luck is to be prepared for an interview!
Cass Fisher

 
 
 
 A LinkedIn profile is like an electronic business card these days. With so many companies using the web to find out about you one way or another, you can be sure that they will look on your LinkedIn profile to find out the scoop about you if you have one. You do have a LinkedIN Profile, right? Unfortunately, new LinkedIn users profiles may look skimpy to more avid users. Let's fix that up right now.

Go ahead and open LinkedIn right now:

www.linkedin.com

Your Face

Check your picture. Does it look professional? Find something that just outlines your face including hair. You do not need a full length picture of yourself. If you need to, use a cropping tool such as Jing or any other cropping software. All you need is a nice professional smile that people should recognize right away as soon as they meet you. J

Professional Summary

Since you are the Executive and CEO of Me, Inc., plan on creating a professional summary.

Your professional summary is where you feature highlights of your resume in a dramatic style including first person speech and making sure to add your personal statement. Take a look at these profiles to gain a deeper understanding of how you can optimize your professional summary.

http://www.linkedin.com/in/mbeckford
http://www.linkedin.com/in/paulmullenceo
http://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonalba
http://www.linkedin.com/in/megguiseppi
http://www.linkedin.com/in/paulcopcutt
http://www.linkedin.com/in/debdib
http://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmnesbitt
http://www.linkedin.com/in/marktreshock

Your 'Vanity' URL

LinkedIn can give you a default profile that is ugly and makes no sense at all. While you are logged in to LinkedIn, go to SETTINGS, PUBLIC PROFILE and where it says Your Public Profile URL clickEDIT and enter your name, first and last in the box provided. Save, then you are done.

Past Job History and Description

Where you worked and what you did there gives the reader a greater understanding about you. Take the time to praise businesses you worked for here as well. When given a little time at it, your past job history and descriptions can help you to formulate what you plan on talking about in interviews. YOU  have a story. Tell it!

*Recommendations

While recommendations are nice to have on your LinkedIn profile, remember that hiring managers or recruiters may not go off of what is contained on LinkedIn. There is still a great feature here nonetheless. When you manage your recommendations correctly, they can be very effective in the hiring stages.

Requesting recommendations or endorsements refreshes your connections thoughts on you, your work ethic, etc. Keep open lines of communication with your professional references. I cannot stress this enough. Having a handful or so of recommendations is great! Consider people who you inadvertently worked with such as vendors or other staff from partner companies. You would be surprised who remembers what about you. When you open these channels of communication, you can dig further into your work history and add more information to your resume than you originally thought to.

 

 *Managing Recommendations on Linked In for References

Keep track of who you offer recommendations to and ask them specifically to endorse you as well. A good way to do this is when you receive a request via email to endorse someone, reply directly to their email before going to LinkedIn.

Reply with something like: Of course I would love to endorse your work. I think that we made a great team on the Lion's Project especially when we had that strict deadline to meet! I can't believe that you kept your cool when the manager ran into the room hollering 'Do we have ANYTHING yet??' (or something like this that specifically relates to a challenge or crisis that you encountered with your peer at your previous job). 

Get personal and engage with your connection. This reminds them of the times you worked together and refreshes past challenges as well as victories.

Ask that they in turn endorse you too. No doubt, having made this type of connection, you can use them as a reference on your resume.

Good luck in your search for the best job you ever had!

-Cass Fisher
 
 
 
Debut Resume

Creating a one page resume or Debut to preview your job qualifications may be just what you need when you are networking and presenting a brief synopsis of your job skills in anticipation of an interview.

Chances are that the person  whom you are networking with knows a bit about your background already and your previous skills are specifically tied to the job that you are interested in but your resume exposes too much information about your past experience that is not relevant to this particular job.

These situations will happen more frequently as more applicants are applying to positions that aren’t specifically in their field. Highlighting  transferrable skills that you do have in relation to the job posting is very relevant. This will cut back on excessive skills listed in your resume that have no relevance leading to a longer, harder to read resume.

Tip #1:  Using text boxes within your document can highlight specific and most relevant skills to the potential employer. Limit text boxes to 1 or 2 and add shadow, color.

 

Tip#2:  Use bolded text on job title job description specific phrases such as:

‘Employment Specialist’ and ‘Demonstrated presentation skills.’  Yet add to that stating what your specific skill entailed such as: Created and presented multiple customer service training modules for entry level applicants.

 

Tip#3:  Treat it like a real resume. Be sure to add your qualifications in bullet style in a ‘speaking style’ that pertain specifically to the requirements while leaving a good amount of white space in the document.

This style of resume is a Debut Style resume and can be used to present to hiring managers that have access to further details about you through your connections. It may also be used at Job Fairs as handouts while explaining to the representative that you will be applying to the position (online if their position is posted on their website) using your formal resume.

You may be asking: ‘Why should I do this at all?’ This is why:

It is easier for your contact or connection to approach the hiring staff with a resume that is extremely targeted toward the position rather than hand over an overworked, formal but generic style resume that hiring staff have to sift through and ‘guess’ at your transferrable skills.

A position specific resume, no matter what format, show your dedication to the position.
 
 
The problem with the Internet Marketing industry today is that there is no structure. Unfortunately the reason why most new Internet Marketers fail is not that they are always looking for the ‘next best thing’ but that they don’t have a grasp on the overwhelming industry. This can lead to frustration and a lot of money spent on programs and coaches that do not really help your subscribers and they in turn ‘opt out’ of your list.

With inboxes exploding with your competition’s emails , new marketers are trying to catch up on every experienced Internet Marketer’s sales page and trying to find a program or ‘Mentor’ who can lead them in the right direction. Most of their day can be filled with just  this time wasting activity of sorting, reading, watching videos, etc.

Some Internet Marketers recognize this need and try in vain to offer solutions to their vast ‘list’ of customers, but most ‘customers’ don’t even recognize their own needs with so many avenues in Internet Marketing to take to build their own business.

I have been actively trying to build my own online business for over a year now, with my website up and running, I have learned a lot. Yet I still find myself looking for the right ‘position’ to take when it comes to Internet Marketing.

I find that there is quite a need for structure in this exploding industry.

What are my strengths? Weaknesses? Where can I find the help that I am looking for without getting caught up in the whirlwind of massive growth and explosions that are overtaking the web in Marketing? There certainly is the realization to all of us Internet Marketers that ‘replacing your job’ is what most of the country is looking toward in this economy.

Positions descriptions are needed to pinpoint your ‘list’ of customers and drive to them exactly to what they need rather than mass mailings on the same ‘new offer’ or ‘best offer’.

Consider your customers needs first. Target that need.

In my time trying to build my business online, I have followed many experienced Internet Marketers, only to find that they are not meeting my needs therefore I unsubscribe myself from their ‘list’ and continue in my search- sorting, reading and watching videos.

To me, this seems like a time wasting effort when I know that who I may have previously been following may have had the answers, but due to ‘do not reply to this email message’ and so many followers of an experienced marketer asking many of the same questions, they usually do not have time to identify each of their customer’s needs.

With the vast number of many programs at their fingertips, is there no way to categorize your customers and target specific emails to them? My own list could use this type of program as I am sure that many of my customers are coming in not realizing what their own ‘position’ is when they enter the industry.

My goal? To create ‘position descriptions’ to assist new marketers find their direction. If I could target a new marketer, offer them personalized solutions to their position in Internet Marketing, don’t you think that they would continue to follow?

Why are we trying to recreate the wheel when it comes to working online? It may not be your typical J-O-B, but most new marketers are hardwired with this sense of security. When they know what their position entails, they will perform to their best ability just as we all were taught growing up: Go to school, get a job, work everyday = SUCCESS. This is the type of subscriber that I would search for. One with a good work ethic that will continue to follow and become loyal to my brand.

KEEP your subscribers. Maintain your list by offering unique ‘positions’ to each member of your list. Identify what their needs are and meet those needs.
 
 
I won't be surprised if I create an E Book about everything that I have learned about Watercoloring!

My first tip would be to plan on using a LOT of paper- it takes practice! Here's what I did last weekend- started around 6AM and finished around 10AM. Not too bad!

Look closely. These are three separate paintings. I did a trio to hang at home.
I'm learning there's less 'control' than you would think.
My new objective is to learn how to mix colors better- then lay them so they overlap like the blue and yellows below.

The theme was meant to be a striking green/ yellow effect and I think shows.

For more of my watercolors, click on my name on the home page or here.
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Folks, I have a new Hero. His name is The Laid Off Ninja.

Laid Off Ninja is a very reclusive being. He remains completely secluded in his home at the LayOff Support Network aka LSN.
But you can invite him to your own home.

When I first visited LSN over a month ago, I thought "what a concept!" and joined immediately.

Just like you, I was laid off and have had some days of struggle when I can't seem to wrap my head around the fact that I DO contribute to society and now that my presence has been mostly only ever felt inside the confines of my home, I can share my doubts and fears without completely revealing myself.

You see, I too, am a Ninja. I can completely relate to the Laid Off Ninja and am given to days where I feel like venting some frustration about being 'thrown away like old corporate trash.'

Of course, I have also found at LSN, a place where I can share my talents. This is what we were meant to do here on earth. We feel valued and reinforce our sense of security when we give what we feel and share our experiences in hopes of helping one another.

Being laid off can be an emotional time for us. We can feel a lack of structure leading to a lack of self control. We lack a strict schedule that has been imposed on us from grade school through our entire lives with a feeling that we must adhere to our dailies in accordance to today's society.

Get up, get cleaned, go to school, work, etc, then go home and relax.

A change in this schedule can leave us feeling distorted, changed somehow. This change is drastic in our lives. It can ruin relationships while we are trying desperately to get a hold on our finances.

Like me, many people find SOME semblance of structure on their PC's. There's a sense of security being able to network, email and research. Joining a Network such as Layoff Support Network fills many holes in our psyche by allowing us this small 'rage' if you will, while giving us valuable resources that we can literally 'take to the bank'.

If you haven't already, please take a look at the Lay Off Support Network. 

It's a valuable resource for unemployed workers and a life saver when you just need to let off a little steam  before you pop.
 
 
We all know that for each job that we apply for, we should have a cover letter. For years cover letters were beyond me. What should I say? 'Give me the job! I can do it! I'm your next employee!'

 

While this all may be true, no amount of convincing in your cover letter will make the hiring manager hire you without a great back up to your story. The cover letter is your story, sure, but it can be used to literally ‘fling’ your resume above others in database search engines.

 

Right now, Recruiters and Hiring Managers are searching through electronic databases such as CareerBuilder and Monster to find a good match for their job description. Using your cover letter to help you 'jump hurdles' over other applicants is vital if you don't personally know anyone in the office who will get you an interview for the job.

 

When writing a cover letter, your overall goal should be to show that you are suitable for the position being offered while filling your cover letter with keyword rich text.

 

Using the job description requirements in one column in your cover letter already fulfills all of the keyword requirements for the search. Keep in mind that you only want to use the requirements that you already meet. On the adjacent column, list the requirements that you possess making sure that you use the same terminology that the company used when writing the description.

 

The cover letter should have an effective opening and closing with a ‘Thank You’ for good etiquette.

 

The opening of the letter should briefly explain who you are and that you are interested in the position as well as your thoughts as to why you are a good match. Include that you have reviewed the position and can see for yourself that you possess the qualifications for the job posted.

 

The closing should confirm that the information you presented shows that you are a good match for the position and request an interview at the interviewers earliest convenience. It should also inform the Recruiter or Hiring Manager that you will be sure to follow up with the office regarding the position due to your immediate interest. Don’t forget the ‘Thank You’!

 

Remember: Time is of the essence. You are job hunting. Once you find a suitable position, go after it until you get that interview and get the job.

 

 

 
 
 
I was in the height of my career, my son graduating soon from  the college that he is attending, and I thought it couldn't get any better than that.

Then I found out that my company was moving out of state.

As if JUST turning 40 this year wasn't enough, employment advice that I had been sharing with Boomers for the past 3 years was now going to apply to me!

As usual, work was work. I kept it out of my personal life. Then my eldest, the one who had been working his tail off in college these past four years, told me that due to the economy he wanted to stay in college and complete his graduates degree.
Smart kid.

Whoa- is all I could say. Proud as I could be, I also realized that something more was going on outside of my little office in Denver.

Employment rates across America were numbers to me. Each resume that I came across was another sheet of paper that I tried to match to a job description and struggles of the unemployed were just a bad dream. I could help them become employed eventually. And at 5:00PM, I went home for the day.

Forward 6 months and I am packing up my office and heading home. Tears? Not me. Life shaking realization? Bingo.

So here I am, with a great kid with a whip of a mind and I am keeping his thoughts of future employment competition in a notebook.

Sound risky to you? Not to me. He's studying to be an Actuary.

If you don't know where I'm going with all of this by now, let me tell you.

Traditional methods of recruiting are changing. I saw that for the past 3 years and have assisted in many of the changes. Going from a staff of 5 recruiters in a small office in Denver Metro, to 1 recruiter. Me.

It's happening across the board in business. Lay offs are downsizing offices and leaving the last man standing with a few choices: Work Hard, or Work Smart.

I chose the latter. In working smart, I have given myself the opportunity to choose NOT to be obsolete. I have a LOT to offer after many years of experience and I feel that I can still make a difference.

Rather than quietly step to the side and consider myself one of the masses, I have opted to join the successful who have invited innovation into their lives during this economy's crisis.

I still consider myself a Recruiter, but rather than work for a company, I work for myself. And I work harder now than I ever did before.

Take time to evaluate yourself. Sure, consider your options. But at the end of the day, who better to rely on than yourself.

Besides, big girls don't cry- they fight back.

Cass Fisher
Recruitment Solutions