Not sure how to use LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook to help you find a job?

Learning how to navigate through the maze of social media can help you land a job faster and easier in today’s tight job market.

Social media tools such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter are leading the way in this new era of internet job search.

1. Power up on LinkedIn.

   LinkedIn is a free site where you can post your professional profile, build your personal brand, and connect with others.

   One key element in creating a LinkedIn profile that attracts hiring managers and recruiters is to use powerful key words to describe your strengths, talents and successes.  You can identify the “right” key words to use on your profile by referencing sites such as Monster.com for job openings similar to those you’re looking to land. You’ll want to use those same key words in your LinkedIn profile so that employers and recruiters searching LinkedIn to fill job openings can easily find you!

2. Sign up on job boards.

   Another easy tip to help you land a new job is to create a profile on SimplyHired and Indeed using those same key words. I’ve had clients land jobs using both of those sites!  You can sign up to receive email alerts for new jobs, and then spend a few minutes each day reviewing the latest updates and applying for those jobs that interest you.

3. Supersize your network.

   After you’ve built your profile on LinkedIn, you can supersize your network by joining as many groups as possible. The maximum allowed is 50 which allows you to connect with other professionals in those industries and job roles you want to transition into, as well as find out about hot job leads and openings!

   Once  you’re in a group, you can start building professional relationships by sending a personal note to anyone in that group, as well as participate in discussions.  By joining in discussions, you can share your knowledge and expertise, connect with others who share similar interests, and develop connections with others who could share job leads, referrals and recommendations.

The key to landing your next job quickly is to join and participate in as many social networks as possible.  The bigger your social network is, the the faster you’ll be able to connect with others who could help you get hired, or introduct you to others who could potentially hire you!

Finally, want one more “bonus” tip?

Check out student blogs  for more great tips on how to find jobs using social media and how to successfully boost your online professional profile.

It can be easy to forget the importance of a cover letter when you’re applying for jobs.  The resume is, of course, critically important in letting the potential employer know your job history, as well as education, training and special skills and any recognition you’ve gained throughout your career.

But without a top notch cover letter, how is your next boss going to know that you’re a great fit for the company? A cover letter accomplishes many things that a resume can’t. For example, let’s say you’re applying for a job in healthcare, or more specifically, radiography. You may not have relevant job experience in that particular field, but perhaps you’ve spent the last year taking radiography courses and are perfectly qualified for an entry level position. The cover letter is the perfect place where you can explain yourself and what transferable skills you’ve developed over the years that will help you in your new career.

To help you stand out in today’s tough job market, below are four (4) must-have tips to help you write a stellar cover letter:

1. Punch your results and what you can do for them.

   Don’t waste the reader’s time talking about how bad you need a job. What you need to be doing is telling them why they should want you. What will you bring to the table that will benefit their company? The best way to do this is by highlighting achievements from past jobs or educational experiences. If you were responsible for a 30% sales increase in your last job or helped to rebrand a company’s marketing presence by partnering with a youth group, those are the kinds of facts to include in your cover letter.
   

2. Be personable and likable.

Obviously, with the limited space of a cover letter you don’t have much room for fluff, but it’s important to add some personality. Not only will it endear you to the reader, it increases the chance that he/she will remember you. For example, if you’re from another country you could briefly describe your journey to America. Or, if you have a personal story of how the company to which you’re applying has affected your life in a positive way, you could mention this. Don’t be too cute though. When in doubt, err on the side of professionalism　and don’t be too informal.

3.  Talk up your transferable skills.

A transferable skill is a skill you learn to complete one task but which can be used for many other tasks. For example, if you successfully managed people, projects or budgets in a previous position, you can transfer those skills to your next position.

Another example of a transferable skill is customer service. In a previous job you may have been excellent at managing internal stakeholders, vendors or or customers. This kind of experience will not only transfer to different industries and job roles, but will make you a valuable asset to any organization.

4. Let your future employer know where you’re coming from and where you’re headed.

Briefly include biographical information in your cover letter. This is usually for the purpose of clarifying why your past makes you a perfect fit for the new job. You can also explain why there are any gaps in your employment history. For example, if you didn’t work from 2006 to 2007 because you were taking time off for a research project, you should explain that in the cover letter.　It’s also helpful to include why you’re passionate about the new company, as well as the position.

It takes some extra effort to create a cover letter that sizzles and grabs the attendtion of a hiring manager – but a great cover letter can help you stand out from your competition.  And in today’s tough job market, that’s exactly what you need!

————————————————————————————————-

Written as a Guest Post by Samantha Peters, who is an avid blogger that frequently writes about career and job search related topics from San Diego, California.  Follow Samantha on Twitter at twitter.com/#!/Sam_Peters1001

But social media can be a double-edged sword. If you’re thinking about ways to leverage Facebook, Twitter and the all-important professional tool, LinkedIn for the advancement of your career, you’ll need to keep in mind that you must present a professional appearance in line with your intended personal branding persona.

Below are seven super easy tips to help you navigate the confusing social media maze to advance your career.

How do you see yourself? Be sure your public image is in concert with your personal image. Not only will your audience and intended customers or clients appreciate an authentic voice, but it’s easier to be genuine when you use your own voice in articles, blogs, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

This does not mean being so informal that you don’t sound professional. Strike a balance, always keeping in mind that the world is watching. What do you want the world to see?

2. Personal Branding – Name Your “Product”

What are you selling, offering or providing for your intended audience? In other words, what is your product? Whether you’re using social media to offer a skill or talent you have and are looking for clients, or you’re seeking a career-oriented position, be relentlessly clear about two things:

a. Your niche or your discipline; and

b. Your experience and expertise in your chosen field.

3. Network, Network, Network!
After mulling things over and deciding how you’d like to position yourself, it’s time to begin serious networking. Put up your professional looking and sounding self-named Facebook page, LinkedIn page and Twitter account. Blog on your topic and offer to guest blog on peer blogs and subject related blogs.

Write timely and relevant articles on your subject matter and get them up on the many available ezines. One exciting consideration is that you can take your inspired writing from your blogs and turn it into helpful and interesting articles.
Be sure not to just copy and paste, though, as reputable ezines are looking for original writing and will reject copied text (yes, even if it’s your own). Make it unique the first time, and get your presence known.
There are a few great resources online for finding ezines to write for, such as the ezine directories at BestEzine, or FindEzines. These sites are broken up into different topics and niches, so you’re able to find your specific topic within minutes!
5. Upload Your Resume
If you’re looking for a career position, you’ll want to upload your resume. But even if your intention is to sell your product or a service you provide, there’s no reason not to have a resume up on the numerous available resume websites and job boards. It’s great free exposure. Narrow your resume to the precise area you are working in to assure that you get the responses you most hope to receive.
There are quite a few sites that are definitely worthwhile to upload your resume to. Try using CareerBuilder or Monster. They’re incredibly easy to use, and are relatively well known, so many prospective employers are likely to stumble across your resume.
6. Linking Up

Be sure to link your various social media and your internet sites to one another. Leave a trail of big, fat bread crumbs that will infallibly lead your potential customer, client or employer to you.
When you consider having “everything about you” transparently available to the world, it becomes clear that your presentation must be consistent. A profile of a fun party girl on Facebook may not jibe with the responsible word smith you present yourself to be on LinkedIn. It’s fine to be more casual on Facebook, but don’t let the difference seem incongruous.
7. Do Unto Others As You Would Have Them Do Unto You
This last tip may well be the most important – help others get to their destination when you have the opportunity. The miraculous aspect of the internet is that it has put virtually unlimited power in our hands. Use this force for good!
Call it Karma, paying it forward, or simply, the right thing to do. In any case, there are stunning examples of the power of this approach. Take, for example, John Locke, the first self-published author to sell a million eBooks on Amazon. What’s relevant to the subject is his social media model, and the wise individual will borrow from it. He is generous in his praise of other authors and tirelessly tells his followers to check out the web pages and the books of other authors.
Generosity returns in kind, and multiplies on its return.
——————————————————————————————————–
Written by James Adams, guest blogger for CareerCoaching360.com. If you ever need to find printer cartridges online, just ask James. He is an employee of a British supplier of printer cartridges and spends most of his time blogging for the website, or keeping it updated. He’s recently been busy with keeping track of all the HP laser cartridges but still finds time to write guest articles.
]]> http://www.careercoaching360.com/2011/12/22/7-tips-for-using-social-media-to-advance-your-career/feed/ 2 http://www.careercoaching360.com/2011/10/26/its-time-to-bullet-proof-your-career/ http://www.careercoaching360.com/2011/10/26/its-time-to-bullet-proof-your-career/#comments Thu, 27 Oct 2011 01:25:47 +0000 Career Coach Sherri Thomas http://www.careercoaching360.com/?p=3788
Nervous about your career?  
In today’s increasingly volatile economy, it’s more important than ever to be prepared for any kind of change, should your career take a turn for the worst. 
From a layoff, to a demotion, to a change in your job role – it happens to everyone! And I know from personal experience that when you are prepared for change – you’re more likely to rebound quicker and faster!
Below are five things you can do RIGHT NOW to bullet-proof your career and keep yourself in high demand in today’s job market…
 
1. Invest in a professionally written resume. Think your resume is good enough?  Think again.  The unemployment pool is getting bigger and your resume must be in the top 2-percent to get noticed. 

   Imagine that a once-in-a-lifetime career opportunity comes up and you have one shot to get your resume in front of the hiring manager.  Will your resume help you, or hurt you?  Invest in a professionaly written resume.
    

2. Create an “Interview Prep Kit” including a polished portfolio, briefcase and power suit.  Make sure you’re prepared for an interview, by having a hefty sample of your best work available including reports, strategic plans, proposals, campaigns or presentations that you created.  This helps validate your successes and what you can do for the next company that hires you.

   Also, invest in interview coaching so you’ll know how to answer those tough questions, and what to say to close the deal. 

   Finally, don’t wait until the night before your interview to go suit shopping.  Make sure you have a smart looking briefcase, power suit, and matching shoes so that you make a great impression when you walk into a room.  You’ll need these for business networking events, plus all of your interviews!
    

3. Make a list of your high powered references.  Start identifying those who could give you a strong professional recommendation.  Go after those managers and executives with the highest title, biggest influence, and work for the most prestigious companies. 

   If you’ve lost touch with someone on your list, start searching them out now. Professional networking sites such as LinkedIn.com makes it easy to find past colleagues.  Also, consider who you WANT on your list and start looking for opportunities to get connected. 
    

4. Build a deep and wide professional network.  Don’t wait to start networking – do it now. Send your contacts links to videos, reports, case studies, press releases and websites that you think may interest them.  Invite them to business networking events, and introduce them to other movers and shakers.  Career influencers (those who could hire you, or introduce you to others who could potentially hire you) are drawn to those who are resourceful and well connected.

   Make sure you have updated contact information including e-mail address and phone numbers.
    

5. Develop Your Plan “B”.  What kind of work could you do to generate income if you lost your job right now?  Could you freelance or start consulting?  Would you prefer to work part-time while getting some specialized training or advanced education to help you come back better and stronger?

   Your Plan B is a back-up plan that should include a career strategy, as well as a finance plan with monthly costs you’re prepared to cut immediately if the worst should happen.
Remember, hope is not a strategy.  Nobody else is going to own and drive your career.  It’s yours, and yours alone, to manage. 
By having the right strategies and plans in place, you’ll be better equipped to manage through any career change, as well as come back faster and stronger! 
Your Assignment…
Start creating your Plan “B” in case you need to make it your Plan “A”
Start thinking about your next career move. exploring all of the opportunities around you. If you want to change into a freelance or consulting role then create a plan that defines financial budgets, marketing strategies and potential customers.  If you want a new job role, then research companies who are hiring and what their requirements are for that job.  Make a plan on how to fill any skillset gaps with experience or training. 
If you’re feeling ‘stuck’ and not sure what you want to be when you grow up  then read the business journal, trade magazines, industry publications and your local newspaper to see what kinds of jobs are available and what inspires you. Also, start talking to past and present colleagues, clients and those in your network to learn about their job. 
The point is to become proactive in your career.  Get prepared for any change so that you can rebound quicker and faster, and get into a career that inspires you!
]]> http://www.careercoaching360.com/2011/10/26/its-time-to-bullet-proof-your-career/feed/ 0 http://www.careercoaching360.com/2011/10/07/which-season-is-your-career-in/ http://www.careercoaching360.com/2011/10/07/which-season-is-your-career-in/#comments Fri, 07 Oct 2011 19:50:48 +0000 Career Coach Sherri Thomas http://www.careercoaching360.com/?p=3771 I recently had a client, David, who after 15+ years of employment, advancement and promotions with the same company, found his career at a standstill.  His manager encouraged him to stay put because opportunities may be on the horizon, but with downsizing and layoffs happening across other departments David saw a bleak future ahead of him and decided to take control of his career and look for a new job.
Like many people in David’s situation, career changes can be difficult to face.   But career changes are a part of life.  And the quicker you can recognize change and make adjustments in your career, the easier and more successful your career will be.
Just like the weather, careers have seasons.  The springtime is like starting out in a new job.  Everything is fresh, new, and exciting.  The summer is when you hit your stride, you’re confident, making significant contributions, and your job is actually FUN!
During the fall, you’re a seasoned veteran in your comfort zone and an expert in your role.  Strangely, this is also the time when many professionals and executives begin thinking about a career change.  Some become antsy for a new challenge or a bigger step up the corporate ladder to change into a deeper, more meaningful career.
David was in the winter season of his career.  This is the final phase of your job when you realize that change is inevitable, and that you must move on. 
Whether you find yourself being pushed out of the nest due to corporate mergers or downsizing, or you’ve made the decision for change on your own, the quicker you recognize and respond to change, the quicker you can take control and get your career on the RIGHT track.
Most professionals change careers 4-7 times during their lifetime.  For David, it was his 3rd,  and I’m happy to say that he navigated through the storm beautifully.  We created a step-by-step career transition plan and within just a few weeks he was considering job offers from two different companies.
 
If your career is in a fall or winter season, then here is your assignment…
Start exploring all of the opportunities around you. If you’re currently employed, then consider taking on new projects or joining teams that excite you or at minimum, help strengthen a skill and boost your resume. 
Also, beef up your professional network by attending industry conferences, training seminars, and business networking events to talk to other professionals and discover new career opportunities. Learn about the skills and qualifications required to move into those new jobs.
If you’re feeling ‘stuck’ and not sure what you want to be when you grow up then read the business journal, trade magazines, industry publications and your local newspaper to see what kinds of jobs are available and what inspires you. 
The point is to take control of your career.  Identify which season you’re in and if it’s time for a change – then get on with it.  Do the work necessary to get through the storm and you’ll find that your career (and your life) welcome a fresh new start.
]]> http://www.careercoaching360.com/2011/10/07/which-season-is-your-career-in/feed/ 0 http://www.careercoaching360.com/2011/09/25/step-up-to-advance-your-career/ http://www.careercoaching360.com/2011/09/25/step-up-to-advance-your-career/#comments Sun, 25 Sep 2011 23:16:10 +0000 Career Coach Sherri Thomas http://www.careercoaching360.com/?p=3757 Want to move up the corporate ladder?  If yes, then you’ll need to step up.  
Moving up the chain of command within your current company is one of the hardest things to do.  The reason is because senior managers already see you in your current role, performing your day-to-day responsibilities.  They do not physically “see” you in that higher level role, successfully managing those higher-level, higher risk programs and departments.  And no, it’s not a given that if you’re successful in your current position that you’ll be successful at a higher level position.
So how do you prove that you can do the job before you get the job?    
1. First, you’ll need to role model those skills required in that advanced position.
   Talk to other department and senior managers to find out what kinds of skills, training and qualifications are needed for the advanced position.  For example, if you want to move from Account Manager to Sr. Account Manager, then you may find out the position requires someone with a proven track record in managing client expectations and leading teams.  Or, if you want to transition from a Sales Manager to the VP of Sales & Marketing, the company may need a strategic thinker who can generate revenue and influence senior management. If you feel that you have the right skills and qualifications to be successful in the new role, then take an assessment of your current projects and teams that you’re leading.  Are they allowing you to gain credibility with senior managers?  Are they allowing you to get the “big results” that you need to get noticed?

   If not, then you’ll need to step up and volunteer for projects that do.  Usually, these are projects that generate revenue, streamline costs, or give the company a competitive edge in the market.  Be proactive and go after those projects that are valued by company leaders where you can flex your muscles, showcase your strengths, and demonstrate that you’re the right person for the job. 
    

2. Next, you’ll need to increase your visibility and credibility with Sr. Leaders. 
   You want to be seen by those managers, or career influencers who could praise your work to other senior managers, promote you, or influence others to promote you. Send a crystal clear message that you have the right skills and experience for that higher level position.  Seek out opportunities to promote your project teams, key successes, and the benefits that your projects are bringing to the company in your status updates, project reports, and presentations to staff and senior managers.  Also, increase your visibility by writing an article for the company newsletter, hosting a webinar, speaking at an internal conference or forum, or hosting a workshop.  
My client Kevin stepped up and volunteered for a highly valued and highly visible project, and two weeks later the project leader transferred to a different project.  Kevin stepped up again to take on the role of project leader which gave him tremendous opportunities for increased exposure and communication to senior leaders. 
One month later, Kevin stepped up again to support two additional high profile projects.  Not only did he receive a promotion, but he is also feeling more satisfied, more energized, and more respected in his career than ever before. 
I’ve personally stepped up in my own career several times with remarkable success.  Once, when the department I was working in shut down the marketing line of service along with two projects I was leading, my manager asked me if I wanted to lead a high profile technical project.  At the time, I didn’t have any experience in technical leadership.  I remember being terrified, but I knew the reward could be huge.  So I stepped up and within one year I received a promotion as well as a 22-percent increase in salary.
Successful professionals are always seeking out opportunities to step up and take on higher-level responsibilities that are valued by company leaders. Yes, there is risk involved, but if you don’t step up and prove yourself, then ten years from now you’re likely to be in the same job role with the same responsibilities and the same salary that you have today.  Of course, there’s nothing wrong with that if this is where you want to be.  But, if you want more responsibility, more leadership opportunities and a beefier paycheck – you’ll need to take the first step.
]]> http://www.careercoaching360.com/2011/09/25/step-up-to-advance-your-career/feed/ 2 http://www.careercoaching360.com/2011/09/12/taking-more-control-over-your-career/ http://www.careercoaching360.com/2011/09/12/taking-more-control-over-your-career/#comments Mon, 12 Sep 2011 22:47:54 +0000 Career Coach Sherri Thomas http://www.careercoaching360.com/?p=3740 It’s easy to think sometimes that successful professionals are lucky.  But the fact is they encounter as many obstacles and roadblocks as anyone else. 

So how do they keep ahead of the pack and constantly get pay raises, promotions, and the best opportunities?  Because they are what I call “career smart“. They make choices, decisions, and take risks every day with the purpose of advancing their career.
Being career smart is NOT about accepting whatever job is handed to you, but instead it’s about finding opportunities inside that job, or elsewhere, that allow you to create a career that inspires you. 
Below are three strategies to help you be career smart and achieve a career that fills you with purpose, meaning, and passion!  
 
1.  Get into a career where you can thrive (not just survive!)
It’s impossible to thrive in a career if you’re just going through the motions at work.  If you’re walking around dull and listless (like the Clairol Herbal Essence girl before she shampoos her hair), then others are sure to see you that way.  You need to be in a career that challenges you, flexes your professional muscles, and excites you!
 
Think about what kind of work you WANT to be doing.  Identify three key ingredients you need in your career to be happy and fulfilled such as leading teams, working on creative projects, developing new technologies, etc.  Once you’ve defined the three key ingredients, then do whatever it takes to drive your career towards that vision. 
 
2.  Send the “right” messages.
Everything you do and say sends messages to your senior managers, clients, networking contacts and potential employers. Your words, actions, presentations, status reports, resume, and interview responses all shape the perceptions others have about you.
Send a crystal clear message that focuses on the value that you consistently deliver to a company or client. Your “value” is a unique blend of your strengths, professional accomplishments, and personal characteristics such as being a good leader, risk taker, problem solver, strategic thinker, etc.  All of these things combined make up your “value package” which makes you truly unique from a crowd of colleagues, business associates, and even job applicants.
The key is to role model the “value” that you provide by consistently demonstrating it, living it and breathing it.
 
3.  Be open to possibilities.
I love the funny saying, “If you want to make God laugh – tell him your plans.”   
One of the biggest mistakes I ALMOST made was declining the privilege of serving on the American Marketing Association’s National Council.  I naively was only looking at it as another volunteer opportunity that cut into my professional and personal life.  Fortunately, a mentor helped me see the bigger picture which was a tremendous gift that could strengthen my leadership skills, deepen my marketing expertise, broaden my professional network, and advance my career ten fold.  (After accepting the position and serving just one year, I was named President of the AMA’s National Council which advanced my career up to a completely new level.)
Be assertive, and aggressively seek out new career opportunities.  Give serious consideration to each and every possibility that comes your way. Never decline an opportunity without getting a fresh perspective from people in your circle whom you respect.  Whether you’re considering a new job, or a new assignment in your current organization, answer the questions, “What could be the best possible benefit?”  “Could this help me learn a new skill or strengthen a current skill?”  “Could this be a stepping stone to help me achieve my ultimate career goal?” 
Successful professionals aren’t lucky.  They are career smart.  They make choices, decisions, and take risks every day with the purpose of advancing their career.  So step up, branch out, and start being receptive to new possibilities.  There are always opportunities around you.  You just have to go after them! 
Your Assignment…
Become career smart!
Determine what kind of career you WANT.  Identify three key ingredients you need in your career to be happy and fulfilled such as leading teams, working on creative projects, developing new technologies, etc.
Then, start talking to managers, mentors, clients, and potential employers about the kind of responsibilities that you want.  By talking about the career you want, you’ll be much more likely to achieve it!
Finally, be receptive to new opportunities.  Whether it’s an opportunity for a new job, a new assignment, or even a volunteer position, ask yourself, “What could be the best possible benefit?”  “Could this help me learn a new skill or strengthen a current skill?”  “Could this be a stepping stone to help me achieve my ultimate career goal?”  When you start taking on new opportunities you’ll be one step closer to achieving a career where you can thrive – and not just survive!
How are you going to become career smart?  Share your ideas with me so I can see them and support you!!
 
]]> http://www.careercoaching360.com/2011/09/12/taking-more-control-over-your-career/feed/ 0 http://www.careercoaching360.com/2011/08/27/5-strategies-for-more-job-offers/ http://www.careercoaching360.com/2011/08/27/5-strategies-for-more-job-offers/#comments Sat, 27 Aug 2011 17:24:44 +0000 Career Coach Sherri Thomas http://www.careercoaching360.com/?p=3676 It’s scary out there.  In a world of constant career turmoil there seems to be a tsunami of lay-offs, re-orgs and career setbacks happening across the globe.  So how can you turn the tides so that you’re in a position of more control, confidence, and just plain happiness?     

 
 
 
 
 
The answer is by investing in yourself so that you have more career offers and opportunities!
A new client I’ll call “Jim” recently called me and said that he had gone through a change in management which resulted in losing his 7-year position as the General Manager of a prestigious golf course.
He told me that after one year of searching, he had taken the “only job he could get” which was working part-time in the golf pro shop at a different golf course. After talking for a few minutes, it became painfully clear why Jim wasn’t able to get back on his career path.
1. Invest in Yourself.
   Jim shared that the golf industry was changing and that companies were requiring a specific kind of training and certification to be a General Manager. But Jim wasn’t stepping up and getting the training. He’d rather fight the system (which he was losing) and not invest $2,000 for the training in the hopes of one day getting hired again as a General Manager. What Jim was actually doing was down sizing his career, his morale, and his paycheck by electing not to invest in himself.

   Never let your career sit on a shelf longer than 6-months. Never!  Keep the same drive and discipline that you had when you were employed. Get focused. Get a plan. Make it happen. Wallowing isn’t allowed.  Create opportunities by using your “in-between” time to get any training or education you may need.  If you’re not working, then start freelancing or consulting. Join an association’s Board of Directors, or at minimum, a committee. These strategies will help keep you visible, boost your resume and expand your network.
    

2. Fish where the fish are.
   Another mistake Jim was making was not having a solid job search plan. Where are your potential employers? Find out by reading trade magazines, industry publications, company websites and classified ads in your local newspapers to learn which industries are hiring, which companies are hiring, and what the hot jobs are.

   Then, start attending industry conferences, trade shows, business networking events and  association meetings.  Also, join professional networking sites such as LinkedIn.com to get connected to industry leaders and company decision makers. Make it a priority to get connected, and stay connected, to people who can inspire you, hire you, or introduce you to potential employers.
    

3. Be a resource to others.    
   Never give the impression that you’re hungry for a job.  Instead, you want to be seen as someone who drives initiatives, solves problems and leads teams.  This is one reason why you want to consult, freelance, or volunteer while you’re in between jobs. 

   Get personal with your professional network.  Send out links to reports, case studies, press releases and websites that you think might interest them.  Invite them to business networking events, and introduce them to other movers and shakers.  Influencers are drawn to those who are resourceful.
    

4. Give your resume the “it” factor.
   When it comes to resumes – looks are everything!  If you’ve been applying for jobs that you’re qualified for, but you’re not getting the interviews, then you need a stronger resume.

   Hiring managers can have stacks and stacks of resumes piled high on their desk which means that if your resume doesn’t have the “it” factor – you’re toast.  Don’t lose out on a great job because your resume doesn’t stand up against your competition.  Instead, invest in a professional resume critique. You’ll get specific strategies based on your goals, strengths and accomplishments to get the attention of hiring managers and put yourself in high demand! 
    

5. Interview smart.  
   If you’re getting interviews, but not job offers – then you need stronger interviewing skills.

   Interviewing brings up a lot of anxiety mostly because it seems that the interviewer has so much power and you, the one being interviewed, has so little.  But there are things you can do to balance the scales of power.  Invest in a session with an interview coach before your next interview.  You’ll get crisp, solid strategies to learn how showcase your strengths, answer the tough questions and what to say to close the interview. 
The point is that if you’ve been unemployed or at a lower level position for longer than six months, then you need to shake things up!  Try different career strategies and start thinking outside the box. And never, ever give up your drive, ambition and courage that it takes to move your career forward.
Your job is out there waiting for you. You just need to go get it!
Your Assignment…  
Invest in yourself so that you have more career offers and opportunities!
Make a plan right now to get any training or education you need to get your next job. Think ahead to the career that you really want.  Read job postings to understand the qualifications and skills that are required.  If you need training or education, then schedule time on your calendar to research options, costs and time commitments.   
If you need experience to make your next career move, then invest your time in freelancing or consulting. Join an association’s Board of Directors, or at minimum, a committee. These strategies will help keep you visible, boost your resume and expand your network.
Make it a priority to get connected, and stay connected, to people who can inspire you, hire you, or introduce you to potential employers.  Schedule time in your calendar to attend industry conferences, trade shows, business networking events and  association meetings.  Also, join professional networking sites such as LinkedIn.com to get connected to industry leaders and company decision makers.
If you’re feeling stuck and need some help reinventing your career, then consider hiring a career coach.  A career coach can give you the tools, support and the roadmap to help you advance your career.   Be prepared to come into a session with your toughest questions, biggest challenges, and an open mind to get new ideas, strategies and best practices to get your career on track!
How are you going to invest in yourself?  Share your strategies with me in the “comments” section below… 
]]> http://www.careercoaching360.com/2011/08/27/5-strategies-for-more-job-offers/feed/ 0 http://www.careercoaching360.com/2011/08/12/4-ways-to-make-yourself-marketable/ http://www.careercoaching360.com/2011/08/12/4-ways-to-make-yourself-marketable/#comments Fri, 12 Aug 2011 15:09:09 +0000 Career Coach Sherri Thomas http://www.careercoaching360.com/?p=3602  Do you ever wonder how some people manage their career in a way that seems – effortless?   A constant stream of plum projects, job opportunities, and even promotions seem to come easy and drop in their lap.
So how exactly do they do it, and more importantly, how can you do it? 
The answer is “stickiness.”
In advertising, sticky products, companies, or brands keep people coming back for more.  The stickier the product, the more likely it will fly off the shelf and be in high demand. 
In the business world, sticky employees stay employed longer, bounce back from setbacks quicker, and discover hidden job opportunities that non-sticky people never even know about.
Below are four ways to make yourself sticky…
1. Get excited about your career! 
Sticky people enjoy their job and enjoy sharing information to help project teams and companies advance.  Having a great attitude, a sense of humor and a results-oriented, competitive spirit makes others want to be around you.
One more thing.  Confidence is a must.  Arrogance is a showstopper. 
 
2. Become a jack-of-all-trades within an organization. 
One way to be sticky is to become knowledgeable in several key areas so that you can float seamlessly between projects, teams, or even companies. This is an excellent strategy during turbulent times as companies are cutting staffs and shutting down lines of services.  
Letting organizations know that you’re nimble, have two or three key skillsets, and add value in a variety of ways gives you a leading edge against other professionals they may be considering promoting, or hiring. 
Another key ingredient for being sticky is having a professional network that’s deep and wide so that if you can’t answer a question or solve a problem, you know where to go to get the answer or support you need. 
 
3. Carve out a niche for yourself. 
Conversely to being a jack-of-all-trades is being an expert or the “go to” person in a specialized area.  Learn everything you can through training, reading books, and mentors and then apply it to your teams and projects. 
Become “the source” for information and sharing your knowledge freely with others will help make you sticky and indispensable to an organization.
 
4. Be a resource to others. 
People are the jet fuel behind your career.  They can promote you, hire you, or introduce you to others who could potentially hire you.  So whether you’re employed or not, having a powerful professional network is critical to your career. 
The key is becoming a resource for others.  Send out quick e-mails with links to books, white papers, press releases, news articles, or websites that you think may interest those in your network.  Volunteer to introduce your connections to others who may help them solve a problem, offer advice, or potentially advance that person’s career. 
One of the key benefits of being a key resource to others, is the more likely you are to get career support when you need it such as a personal recommendation or a new job lead!
 Your Assignment…
Make yourself sticky!
Identify three (3) people in your professional network who you could help RIGHT NOW by either giving them a piece of information, sharing some advice, or introducing them to someone else that you know. 
By taking the time and initiative to help out others in your network, you’ll be creating a network who wants to help you advance your career.
The point is to take control of your career.  Making yourself sticky means that companies and others in your professional network look to you as a valuable resource.  So step up and get sticky!  You’ll find that you’re able to stay employed longer, bounce back from setbacks quicker, and managing the ups and downs of your career will seem – effortless!  Ahhhhhhh
How are you going to make yourself more marketable? 
]]> http://www.careercoaching360.com/2011/08/12/4-ways-to-make-yourself-marketable/feed/ 0 http://www.careercoaching360.com/2011/08/10/tv-interview-career-tips-for-keeping-your-job/ http://www.careercoaching360.com/2011/08/10/tv-interview-career-tips-for-keeping-your-job/#comments Wed, 10 Aug 2011 15:37:38 +0000 Career Coach Sherri Thomas http://www.careercoaching360.com/?p=3592 Yesterday, I was interviewed by NBC-TV Phoenix to share a few of my tips on how to be resilient in the workplace…

What do you think? Share you comments or thoughts…
]]> http://www.careercoaching360.com/2011/08/10/tv-interview-career-tips-for-keeping-your-job/feed/ 0