Archive | Job Search

Red and Green Lights

Red and Green

Red and Green lights direct traffic flow and generally protect us from chaos.  The STOP along the way is eventually followed by the Go.

So it is with our careers.  We are stopped by many factors (customers to colleagues, technology, personal issues and cutbacks).  Our challenge is to find a new idea, opportunity, contact, solution, new direction and to continue the journey … to get GOing.

What are the obstacles and hurdles you are facing?  Have you uncovered the issue(s)?  cause(s)?  And, have you recognized your responsibility for developing some possibilities and a plan for taking action?  Recently, I met with a client who has recently landed a new job.  We reviewed his `journey’ and both felt it would be helpful to briefly review it with you:

Joe said he was “stopped in his tracks” when the boss gave him the message that his job was no longer funded and that Friday would be his last day.  He understood that sales were slow and that there was less and less work; however, he felt that his skills were many and strong.  He also had been described as an `excellent’ performer for years.  Wasn’t there something else that he could do at the company?

Joe received a lot of sympathy and support from family, friends and former colleagues.  He heard that it `wasn’t his fault’; yet it still hurt – the fact of being out of work for the first time in over ten years and the reality that his finances weren’t in the best shape (he realized he’d been living `paycheck to paycheck’ with too much credit card debt as well as monthly car and mortgage payments).

After a week of feeling `down’ and experiencing self-doubt (did he have the skills to get another job easily? would his age be a factor?) and concern (the unemployment rate in the area is over 10%, etc), Joe began to take a look at himself and to get going and develop his personal marketing plan – an Action Plan:

a)  He developed a resume with our help that summarized his experiences, education and his strengths (his Success Attributes);  he also got some business cards made to help in his upcoming networking activities;  and he began to make a plan with objectives/dates that included:  making daily contacts with agencies/recruiters; searching the internet for at least (but not more than) two hours per day: and, contacting his network of family and friends to inform them of his current `unemployment’ status and to enlist (ask for) their assistance … their ideas, contacts, suggestions.

b)  He took action … realizing that his primary objective was “getting a job“.  After two months and several frustrating `rejections’ …  he had an interview that led to a terrific job in a field that was new to him … but was one in which he could apply his many skills and personality traits and preferences.

Planning, Persistence and  Positivity – a Positive Attitude (and the help of others) were his partners on the journey.

 

 

Jobs 102 – Statistics and Tips

Employment Statistics and Job Search Tips

Continuing with a look at the employment and job evolution with some statistics and advice …

The US Department of Labor provides volumes of statistical analysis and forecasting.

They have published and updated a 10-year forecast from 2006-2016; they note that employment opportunities are largely influenced by population trends (demographics) and by technology, automation, changes in business practices, customer demand, etc.  A few key projections:

* Total employment increases (from 2006 to 2016) to 166.2 million (a 10 percent increase)

* The long-term shift from goods producing to service providing jobs is expected to continue

* Education and Health Services – the `super sector’ is projected to grow by 18.8%

* Goods-producing industries will see an employment decline of 3.3%

* Job openings stem from both employment growth and replacement needs which will account for 68% of the approximately 50 million job openings during this 10-year period

* Aging baby boomers – workers 55 and older are projected to leap from 16% to 22% of the workforce

Reviewing the USDL Occupational Outlook (you can easily find this on the web) will undoubtedly give you some specific information and ideas pertinent to your occupation/job field and your career/job plans.

 

Published Unemployment statistics:

End of August, 2009:          US – 9.7          FL – 10.7

December 2012:                   US – 7.8          FL – 7.6

March 2013                           US – 7.5           FL – 7.6

Looking at these frequently revised statistics (which are really estimates) differently – employment in the US is at 92.5%.  So-called `full employment’ is viewed at ~95%.

Another key statistic is the `labor force participation rate’.  It continues to be near historic lows at 63.4% (reported for May).

 

Do you need some ideas for your job search?  Here are Twelve Go for the Job Tips to assist your job search.  They are key points summarized in prior editions of GoingfortheJob as well as some wisdom from career experts and clients who have secured new positions.

1)  Powerful P’s:  preparation, positivity and persistence are indispensible; pursue your potential

2)  Know yourself – your Success Profile is the key to describing, interviewing and marketing you

3)  Where are the Jobs?  networking is essential; use your references and expand your contacts

4)  Cover Letters – this is your `introduction’; first Impressions in writing and in person are critical

5)  Business Card – this is an introduction and networking tool; make it a positive impression

6)  Heel & Toe – this is taking action and meeting people (too much PC time is not helpful)

7)  Take Five Daily Actions – commit to plans; write them down, do them, and check them off

8)  Follow-up – this is about persistence as well as a demonstration of interest and courtesy

9)  Continue learning (sharpen the saw) – be informed, inquisitive and interested/interesting

10)  Ask questions? – networking and interviewing are not interrogations; make them dialogues

11)  Practice – use your mirror and work with your friends and family to make improvements

12)  Be proactive – take responsibility; procrastination, the alternative does not work

 

You will get more information and advice about each of these, when you contact me.