Resume Writing & Career Marketing Insider

Tips For Branding Your Resume

Q. How are resumes different now than in the past? If you had one piece of advice to bring my resume up to current standards, what would it be?

A. There are actually many differences because styles and trends for resumes are changing all the time. However, I would say that the most fundamental difference has come about with the increasing importance of personal branding. While it is much more complex than this, at its essence, personal branding is about the authentic and unique promise of value you offer. In relation to your career, it is about the promise of value you offer that differentiates you from your peers and competitors in the workplace and job market. On your resume, this personal brand needs to be communicated in a way that will differentiate you from the vast pool of candidates. This demand--this need to communicate on your resume exactly what it is that distinguishes you and sets you apart from the competition in the job market--has really transformed what used to be viewed as a simple chronological listing of employment into a dynamic and compelling self-marketing document. And, of course, it isn't enough to just tell the reader of your resume that you have certain abilities. You must illustrate these abilities and your value proposition through past accomplishments presented as concise "success studies" complete with challenge faced, action taken, immediate result, and strategic importance.

A Simple But Crucial First Step For Your Job Search

You are facing some stiff competition in the job market now. But, the jobs are still out there and the candidates who know how to differentiate themselves from the competition are still landing them and getting hired.

One key tip for differentiating yourself and landing a job even in a competitive market sounds simple and like common sense, but it is crucial, and you might be surprised to hear how many job seekers simply overlook the point.

Know what you want and go after it.

Starting a job search without knowing what you want will almost certainly end in frustration.

Think about it: If you don't know what you want and what your job target is, how will you know who to contact and how to conduct your search? If you are uncertain about your career goals, it is critical that you spend some time and energy now - before launching your search - on self-introspection and analysis. Knowing what YOU want, what YOU are passionate about, and what YOU bring to the table will provide you with a confidence that simply can't and won't be matched by many of your competitors in the job market.

This is the crucial first step to any job search and is essential for long-term career success as well.

Your 2009 Job Search Checklist

As we begin 2009, the news of rising unemployment is inescapable. Hardly a day goes by without news of more layoffs. Downsizings, mergers, offshoring, acquisitions, corporate reorganizations, consolidations, and other change initiatives have required rapid adaptation, hard career decisions, and frequent transitions.

While the job market becomes more competitive, at the same time the actual process of job searching has become increasingly complex. The days of simply browsing through the Sunday newspaper and sending out a few résumés in order to win your next career opportunity are over. If you are conducting a job search today, it is likely that you are using social networking techniques, leveraging online profiles, ferreting out the best niche job posting sites, and working to enhance your personal brand. Of course, you still have all the traditional concerns such as making sure your résumé is top notch and brushing up on your interviewing skills.

While the timeframe for your job search will vary with the specifics of your situation, a commonly cited statistic is that the average job search will take anywhere from three to six months from initiation to the day you begin your new job. Another common job search statistic tells us that you can expect to spend approximately one month job searching for each $10,000 in salary you are seeking.

Are you currently in the job market or do you expect to be in 2009?  Job searching can be both stressful and time consuming. But, with some planning, genuine effort, and sincere commitment, you can minimize that stress and land a new job - one that is personally, professionally, and financially rewarding - faster than you may have thought possible.

Here is a checklist to help you achieve a fast, successful job search in 2009.

____ Set a clear target. Put yourself in the driver's seat of your career by clearly defining your job search focus. In general, the more precise and focused your job search is, the better. For most people, the best and strongest job targets will include a statement of the job function and professional level paired with other indicators, sometimes just one and sometimes more than one, to make the job target more precise and ultimately more effective. These other indicators may be criteria such as industry, company size, company culture, or geographic location. For more guidance, here is an article that may help: http://blog.distinctiveweb.com/distinctive_documents_car/2007/06/establishing_yo.html 

_____ Update and revive your resume. Your resume is your first introduction to employers. Don't underestimate the importance of making a positive first impression with it! Your resume should be up-to-date, focused for the current search, employer-centered, and results-oriented. YOU are a commodity in the job market and your resume is your advertisement. If your resume needs refreshing, now is the time to do it. If you need help with your resume, that is what we specialize in, so take a look at our offerings at http://www.distinctiveweb.com or http://www.100kcareermarketing.com . If you aren't quite ready to have it rewritten, you might consider a consultation instead http://www.distinctiveweb.com/resumewritingconsult.html

____ Build your network of support. Don't underestimate the importance of having a strong support network to offer encouragement and advice, to brainstorm and share ideas with you, to help keep you accountable to the goals you set for yourself, and to help keep you on track throughout the emotional roller coaster that a job search can be. Family and friends are often included in the support network, but also consider joining a job search group or working with a career coach, particularly one who is very familiar with job search mechanics. http://www.distinctiveweb.com/careercoaching.htm

____ Adjust your attitude. Yes, job searching can be tiring and stressful, but an enthusiastic, "can-do" attitude that exudes self-confidence and a clear understanding of the value you offer in the workplace will make all the difference. Always put a smile on your face when you talk on the phone; it will shine through in your voice. Make eye contact and watch your body signals and posture when you meet with contacts in person. Your positive, confident attitude is one that people will like to be around and will make it more likely that you will be hired.

_____ Prepare your CAR success stories. Take the time to think about and document between six and twelve CAR Success Stories (Challenge-Action-Result Success Stories).  What are some of your greatest accomplishments that illustrate the strengths you want to highlight in your interview? What were the challenges you faced related to these accomplishments? What actions did you take to meet the challenge? What were the results-quantified results when possible-of the actions that you took? You will use these in your resume, during networking meetings, and in interviews. To better understand how and why you should use CAR success stories, read this article http://blog.distinctiveweb.com/distinctive_documents_car/2008/08/3-essential-interviewing-secrets-you-must-know-to-quickly-land-your-next-job.html

_____  Create and practice your elevator pitch. You will hear the "what do you do?" or "tell me about yourself?" questions over and over, both during your job search and throughout your entire career. Preparation is the key to confidence and the key to making a lasting, positive, and memorable first impression. Be ready with a 30-60 second pitch that immediately and confidently conveys to the listener who you are as a professional and what your value proposition is. http://blog.distinctiveweb.com/distinctive_documents_car/2008/04/how-to-create-a.html

_____ Cultivate and strengthen your professional network. With more than 80% of available jobs never advertised, it is essential that you have the ability to access the hidden job market. Your professional network will be one of your most effective sources for information and referrals relating to the hidden job market. Of course, networking is all about relationships and so you should continuously nurture your network relationships regardless of whether you are job searching or not. But, whether you have or haven't (If you haven't, building network relationships would make a great New Year's Resolution), now is the time to reach out to everyone you know to inform them of your search and to ask for advice and referrals. Consider using a website like LinkedIn to help with your effort. Once you have established your LinkedIn profile, I would love an invitation to connect with you: http://www.linkedin.com/in/michelledumas

_____ Put together a strong list of references. Contact each person that you intend to list and ask for their permission. Never provide someone as a reference unless you have discussed it with them first and briefed them on your current job search. Verify the contact information for each reference and ask for permission to list a telephone number and email address. http://blog.distinctiveweb.com/distinctive_documents_car/2007/09/top-tips-for-ha.html

_____ Establish and promote your personal branding. At its essence, personal branding is about the authentic and unique promise of value you offer. In relation to your career, it is about the promise of value you offer that differentiates you from your peers and competitors in the workplace and job market.  Branding yourself can actually have such a dramatic effect that you will become hunted rather than being the hunter for your next job opportunity. For more help, review this article: http://blog.distinctiveweb.com/distinctive_documents_car/2007/06/top_tips_for_in.html  You might also have an interest in the http://www.100kcareermarketing.com program offering which involves the creation of a branded career marketing portfolio.

____ Get organized and create a system for managing your job search. An organized plan and system will help keep you motivated, moving forward, and focused on achieving the ultimate goal. At the very least, you need a calendaring system, a system of logging inter-related and follow-up activities, a contact management system, and a filing system. For guidance in creating a system for yourself, consult http://blog.distinctiveweb.com/distinctive_documents_car/2007/09/organizing-for-.html

____ Create and follow a written, multi-pronged job search plan. Answering ads or posting your resume on the Internet are the easiest, but usually least effective job search techniques. Your job search plan should include a balance of techniques to access both the published and unpublished job market. Further, it should include activities prioritized and strategically selected to fit in each of the five major job search approaches: 1) Networking and referral building; 2) Targeting and contacting employers; 3) Working with recruiters and agencies; 4) Internet job searching (which also has some overlap with the 5th technique); 5) Answering advertisements. To learn more, you should review http://blog.distinctiveweb.com/distinctive_documents_car/2007/11/revive-a-stalle.html and consider my Secrets of a Successful Job Search program found at http://www.job-search-secrets.com/

Copyright 2009. All rights reserved. May be reprinted as long as the following credit is included.

Nationally certified resume writer, personal branding strategist, and job search coach, Michelle Dumas is the founder and executive director of Distinctive Career Services LLC http://www.distinctiveweb.com  Based from her New Hampshire office, Michelle works virtually and has empowered thousands of executives, professionals, and managers all across the U.S. and worldwide with resumes and job search strategies that get results and win jobs fast in competitive job markets. Visit http://www.distinctiveweb.com for many valuable free resources and to get more information about having your resume revamped and your job search revitalized.

6 Quick Tips for a Successful Holiday Job Search

If you have ever conducted a job search during the holidays--if you are conducting one right now--it is important to understand that the holidays offer valuable opportunities not seen at other times of the year. Whatever you do, don't believe the misconception that job searching during the holidays is a waste of time. Nothing could be further from the truth.

If anything, the holidays are a time to step up your job search. You should continue to set regular job search goals and take positive action steps on a daily basis toward achieving those goals.

Not only will you have less competition in the job market during the holidays, you may have increased employment opportunities as many employers are still interviewing and hiring. Some are seeking new staff to fulfill certain business goals before the end of the year and others seek to put new employees in place, to have them all ready to go at the start of the New Year.

Here are some quick but essential tips to help you maximize the success of your job search efforts during the holidays.

1. Take advantage of holiday parties and events - Job leads and referrals can come from the most unexpected of sources. Family parties, get-togethers with friends, children's events, church events, and holiday parties held by associations and civic groups should all be viewed and treated as networking opportunities. You should go to as many as you can fit in your schedule. Definitely keep it casual (now is not the time to hand out your résumé), but when the topic of work naturally comes up, talk about your job search and let people know you are open to advice and will be deeply appreciative of referrals. Collect names, email addresses, and phone numbers and follow up with your contacts a few days after the party.

2. Polish your presentation - Beat the rush! Professional resume writers are often swamped with work during the first few months of the year from job seekers and would-be job seekers who are just waiting for the New Year to conduct their search. If you need some professional assistance strengthening your resume, there is no better time than the present regardless of the season. Besides your comprehensive, traditional resume, you might also consider a shorter one-page version to use with networking contacts. These documents are concise summaries that will help your network contacts understand your job search goals, your qualifications, and your value proposition. If unemployed, you should also consider having some business cards made up with your name, a brief branding statement, and your contact information. You can hand these out at all the networking parties and events you attend during the holidays.

3. Re-establish old contacts - Truly effective networking is a continual effort that involves cultivating and nurturing relationships. If you've lost touch with old co-workers, supervisors, and college friends, now is a great time to reach out to them. Send a holiday card and include a note letting them know you've been thinking of them. Now isn't the time to mention your job search, but a week or two later you could follow up with a phone call and a suggestion that you meet for coffee. The topic of work will inevitably come up and that is the time to discuss your search and to ask if they have any suggestions for people that it might be helpful for you to talk with.

4. Nurture new contacts - Put the names of recruiters you've been in touch with, employers who have recently interviewed you, and all your new networking contacts on your holiday card list. Send a "Season's Greetings" or "Happy Holidays" card. You would be surprised at how few job seekers use this technique, and so it is a great way to keep your name in front of hiring decision-makers and help you to stand out from your competition. You might consider sending your card at a slightly offbeat time, so it arrives alone rather than with a dozen other cards. For example, on December 26 you could send a "Happy New Year" card.

5. Stay positive - Many people struggle through the "holiday blues" and the tendency for this can be even greater when you are frustrated by a challenging job search. Keep your ultimate goal in sight by setting weekly job search goals and daily milestones. Schedule and calendar these milestones to make sure you allocate the time you need for your search. But, don't forget yourself! Make sure you also schedule time for you to just relax and enjoy the holidays.

6. Get out and volunteer - There are lots of opportunities to volunteer your time over the holidays. Particularly if you are unemployed and have some extra time on your hands, volunteering is a great way to build new networking contacts, to enhance your qualifications and experience, and to help out your community at the same time. If you are struggling with feeling a bit "blue" about job searching during the holidays, this is also a great way to get out of the house and just forget your troubles for a brief time. Helping others feels good!

The bottom-line: Don't take the holidays off. Continue with your job search and maintain your momentum by setting goals and following through with daily action steps. Whether you land your next job now or whether you land it in the New Year, when the celebrations are over you'll be far ahead of all your job search competition-many of whom chose to forget all about job searching during the holidays.

Copyright 2008. All rights reserved. May be reprinted as long as the following credit is included.

Nationally certified resume writer, personal branding strategist, and job search coach, Michelle Dumas is the founder and executive director of Distinctive Career Services LLC http://www.distinctiveweb.com  Based from her New Hampshire office, Michelle works virtually and has empowered thousands of executives, professionals, and managers all across the U.S. and worldwide with resumes and job search strategies that get results and win jobs fast in competitive job markets. Visit http://www.distinctiveweb.com for many valuable free resources and to get more information about having your resume revamped and your job search revitalized.

Job Search Coaching: Your Questions Answered

Since announcing my Maximum Success Job Search Coaching Club I've received many, many questions. I've answered some of them individually, but since I have received the same questions repeatedly, I finally decided to put together this Q&A sheet. Here it is. If I missed one of your questions, please let me know!

Q. What exactly is job search coaching and how will it benefit me in my job search?

A. Coaching--coaching on any issue--involves a series of questions, observation, feedback, and other techniques to help you explore the issues you want to resolve, clarify, and understand. Unlike counseling, coaching sessions are very results-oriented and very much guided by your agenda. The ultimate goal of job search coaching is to have you achieve or even exceed your job search and career goals-whatever those goals may be.

However, job search coaching is somewhat unique in that it often requires a blend of coaching and consulting. It is important to understand that as your coach I will NOT give you answers. As an expert on job search issues, there may be times that I step back into an advisory/consulting role to give you guidance on job searching best practices. When the situation calls for that, I will not hesitate to take on that role. But, for the most part I will facilitate and coach you through the process of discovering your own solutions and answers and strategies.

There is a real difference between activity that is just busy-work and action steps that are focused on producing RESULTS that will move you closer to your goal. This is a distinction that I will emphasize throughout our work together. As your coach, each week I will coach you in setting action steps correlated with the goals you have set for yourself. Between sessions you will need to work on these action steps and as your coach I will hold you responsible and accountable to these commitments. In that way, we move you forward and closer to your goals every week!

Q. Is there more to the group than just the weekly coaching calls?

A. Yes. The calls are just a part of the overall big-picture of your 12 weeks of coaching. Besides the calls, you will receive by email two weekly coaching check-in forms that are designed to help you stay in close contact with me--your coach, set realistic goals, and then hold you accountable to those goals. One of these forms will be sent to you shortly BEFORE each coaching call and the second one will be sent to you AFTER each coaching call.

Even if you choose not to attend the weekly calls, I really encourage you to take full advantage of these check-in forms as you will reap real benefits from taking just a few minutes to check in with me each week, documenting your goals, successes, and questions. Just a few of the most significant benefits include breaking through the natural tendency that many of us have for procrastination while staying focused on your long-term objectives with actions that will produce tangible results and continuous progress toward achieving your job search goals.

The check-in forms also give you the opportunity to ask questions of me as your coach and to provide me feedback about what I can do to better support you and to be a more effective coach for you.

Q. What are the coaching calls like?

A. Our weekly group coaching calls are designed to facilitate interaction and participation. Part of what makes the group format so powerful is your ability to interact with, get support from, and learn from your peers. I try to encourage this interaction and have intentionally kept the weekly meetings very informal, without a set-in-advance agenda.

When we have multiple participants on a call, I will do my best to give everyone who wants a chance to speak an opportunity to do so during the hour, and to receive some focused laser coaching on whatever job search issues they bring to the table. If you have supportive comments, feedback, or suggestions for another member, I would encourage you to jump in and speak up. But, if you'd rather just listen in and learn from the questions others bring, that's okay too. Nobody will force your participation.

Q. What job search issues will we cover in the group?

A. For the most part, we do not have a set agenda for the weekly calls. I've done this intentionally-so that I can be sure we focus on the issues that are most important to you. This means that each week we are prioritizing all of our time to address whatever issues, questions, and challenges are most pressing for the people on the call that week. During any given call we may focus on a variety of job search issues-topics such as networking, interviewing, job search tactics, goal-setting, long-term career planning, just to name a few. Or, if there is consensus among the group on a given call, we may focus solely on one issue. I try to remain flexible and adjust to the needs of the members. Whatever your questions and challenges are, bring them to the group. You can read a long list of suggested topics that you might bring up at http://www.distinctiveweb.com/careercoaching.htm 

Q. How many members are on the coaching calls?

A. Because the group is structured with a "rolling" membership, every week is different. Many members tell me that they receive all the value and support they want from our weekly coaching check-in process and they prefer not to attend the calls. Other members like to attend every call. If we ever start to have the problem of too many members calling in, so that not everyone gets a chance for coaching, I'll consider adding a second weekly call. For now, that hasn't been a problem. If we have the opposite situation and only one group member calls in for a given call, the call will be handled as a one-on-one coaching session and will end after 30 minutes rather than the full hour.

Q. When are the weekly coaching calls?

A. Most calls will be held Wednesday at 12:00 noon eastern (New York time). If we ever need to reschedule, we'll do our best to let you know as far in advance as possible. Before every call you will receive an email reminder with the phone number and access code that you need to call in.

Q. Do I have to attend the weekly coaching calls?

A. No, while it is recommended, you do not need to attend the weekly calls. Each call is recorded in MP3 format and made available to group members so that you can go back and listen later. Some people find value just from learning from the recordings and taking advantage of other parts of the program.

Q. I haven't started my job search yet, should I wait to join until I have?

A. The job market is growing increasingly competitive by the day, unemployment is rising, and the business world seems to be in a constant state of change. Now, more than ever, even as an employee, it is important to begin to think of yourself as a free agent and the CEO of your own career. There are only benefits to be had by planning ahead, proactively learning the skills that you need to be career self-reliant, and making sure that you have all the tools and knowledge you need to remain flexible and adaptive in a rapidly changing business world. The Maximum Success Job Search Coaching Club will help you in all of these ways-whether you are currently job searching or not.

Q. Do you offer any type of guarantee?

A. Every cent you invest in this valuable program is backed by my reliable, 100% no-time-limit guarantee. If for some reason, the "Maximum Success Job Search Coaching Club" doesn't live up to your expectations, simply tell me and I'll refund your purchase out of my own pocket. You have my word on it! All I ask is that you give the program the full 12 weeks and that you commit to at least a minimum level of participation by completing at least 10 of the 24 coaching check-in forms that I send to you (although I recommend the weekly calls, they aren't required to qualify for the guarantee).

Q. Do I have to wait for a new group to start or can I join at any time?

A. Your membership in the group is a "rolling" membership that lasts for 12 weeks. So yes, you can join at any time and you will be invited to attend the next weekly session.

Q. Can I remain with the group more than 12 weeks?

A. Sure you can. If you'd like to and feel you are receiving value from the group, we'd be happy to have you renew your membership. Since out group goes beyond just current job searches to supporting our members in developing the skills and plans that they need to become career self-reliant, there are members who might want to stay with us more than 12 weeks.

Q. How do you handle confidentiality issues?

A. If confidentiality is an issue, you should use your first name only and not reveal any other specific information (for example, talk in general about your company and not use the company name) that might allow others to guess your identity. Of course, the only people who have access to the calls are other members, and you have all agreed to keep each others' information private and not discuss it outside the group. So ideally, privacy will never be an issue. As your coach I will be privy to information about your identity and career, but I will not reveal anything about you to other group members besides what you share yourself.

Q. Why did you start the Maximum Success Job Search Coaching Club and what are your goals for the program?

A. When I founded Distinctive Documents (aka Distinctive Career Services LLC) in 1996, it was with a focus on developing résumés and other career marketing tools for job seekers. Over the years we have earned a reputation as a leader in the industry well-known for unmatched quality of services and deliverables. I am sincerely proud of the fact that we have worked successfully with many thousands of job hunters, providing them with the documents that they need to promote and market themselves in the job market.

But, as important and helpful as it can be, a professionally written resumeis only part of a successful job search. There are, of course, many benefits to a professionally written résumé. But a résumé is just a tool, and like any tool, if it isn't used in an effective way, it won't be as effective for you as it could be. Time and again, I noticed that we would provide a résumé to a client who would later admit that he or she wasn't quite sure what the next steps should be. I'd get phone calls and email after email with questions about job search strategies and techniques. As a trained and certified career coach this was disturbing to me and I wanted to help. The Maximum Success Job Search Coaching Club was the solution to this problem.

My goal in the group is to support and coach each and every one of the members in not just conducting a fast, effective job search currently, but to support and guide them in becoming "career self-reliant," helping them to develop the essential skills to manage their careers now and in the future. I want my clients to be successful and the Maximum Success Job Search Coaching Club round out and fill the previous gap in our services. Now, more than ever before, we can honestly say that we provide our clients with ALL the support that they need to achieve their career goals.

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21 Tips to Speed Your Job Search Even In a Recession

Are you worried about the economy? Concerned about rising unemployment figures?

If you have a job now, you may find yourself questioning your security when you read the daily reports of layoffs at company after company. If you are currently out of work and job searching, you may find your anxiety levels rising with each passing day that you don't find get hired.

Without any doubt, in recent months, the job market has become increasingly competitive, and yes, all the indicators are that it will become even more so. But even as the economy slows, there are many who are incredibly successful in conducting fast, effective job searches. Even in a recession--even in the midst of rising unemployment--you CAN build your career and secure a job that is personally, professionally, and financially rewarding. Here are 21 tips that you can put into action today to speed your own job search and drive it to a fast, successful conclusion.

1. Set weekly goals for your job search - To keep your job search moving forward I recommend you set manageable and motivating weekly goals.  Your goals should be: 1) Attainable while providing a challenge; 2) Written on paper; 3) Specific; 4) Stated in a positive way; 5) Manageable; 6) Measurable and trackable; 7) Timed with a deadline

2. Be clear about your focus - It is critical that you spend some time and energy now - before launching your search - on self-introspection and analysis. Knowing what YOU want, what YOU are passionate about, and what YOU bring to the table will provide you with a confidence that simply can't and won't be matched by many of your competitors in the job market.

3. Create and follow a multi-pronged job search plan - An effective job search campaign is one that includes the strategic, planned, methodical use of a variety of job search approaches. Answering ads alone is almost never enough. Neither is networking, working with headhunters, using internet job search sources, or researching and targeting specific employers. But, when you combine all these approaches and launch an integrated, multi-pronged job search campaign, you will always come out ahead.

4. Approach your job search as if it were a job itself - Get organized and create a system for managing your job search. An organized plan and system will help keep you motivated, moving forward, and focused on achieving the ultimate goal. At the very least, you need a calendaring system, a system of logging inter-related and follow-up activities, a contact management system, and a filing system.

5. Assemble a support team - You should build a support team around you of people who can help you stay motivated and on track while giving you honest feedback and helping you stay accountable to your goals. By assembling a good mix of people to support you, from a diversity of backgrounds and professions, you will receive a variety of different perspectives, ideas, and insights that can be very helpful. You should consider joining a job search support club or group - a local one if one is available or an online one.

6. Develop and promote your personal brand - Personal branding (the process of clarifying and communicating what makes you and your unique value proposition different and special) differentiates you from your peers and helps to position you as a leader in your field. By knowing and promoting your brand, you achieve instant, precision-like focus that positions you as the ideal candidate for the specific type of opportunity that interests you.

7. Prepare your CAR success stories - Take the time to think about and document between six and twelve CAR Success Stories (Challenge-Action-Result Success Stories).  What are some of your greatest accomplishments that illustrate the strengths you want to highlight in your interview? What were the challenges you faced related to these accomplishments? What actions did you take to meet the challenge? What were the results—quantified results when possible—of the actions that you took? You will use these in your resume, during networking meetings, and in interviews.

8. Perfect your resume - Like it or not, your resume is your first introduction to most employers, and your only chance to make a good first impression. Keep your resume up-to-date at all times. Consider hiring a professional to rewrite your resume to convey and illustrate your unique value proposition complete with accomplishments and succinct "success stories" that differentiate you from your competitors in the job market.

9. Cultivate your network - There is no more effective job search technique than networking. Make networking a part of your daily routine and plan to spend the majority of your job search time on networking activities (approximately 3/4 of your time is a good estimate). The more you network, the faster your current job search will come to a successful conclusion and the faster and more successful any future job searches will be.

10. Create and practice your elevator pitch - You will hear the "what do you do?" or "tell me about yourself?" questions over and over, both during your job search and throughout your entire career. Preparation is the key to confidence and the key to making a lasting, positive, and memorable first impression. Be ready with a 30-60 second pitch that immediately and confidently conveys to the listener who you are as a professional and what your value proposition is.

11. Do your research - Take the initiative and do some research to identify the companies that you really want to work for. Determine where you would fit in their structure and what you have to offer them. Develop a proposal that clearly illustrates how you would deliver a return on their investment in hiring you. Now leverage your network to set up meetings with the hiring decision-maker at the companies.

12. Strengthen your industry contacts and knowledge - Informational interviewing is a great technique for almost everyone. Contact people who can tell you what is going on in the field, help you better understand the competitive landscape, describe for you what it is like to work in the field, and ideally point you in the right direction for the next person you may want to speak with. Prepare lists of questions about the company or the industry so you make good use of your contacts' time.

13. Build your online presence - Creating and maintaining a blog on your area of career expertise is an extraordinary way to build your credibility and visibility. Business networking sites like LinkedIn and FaceBook are increasingly popular ways to expand your network. Consider writing articles on industry and profession-related topics. You can also participate in online discussions on topics related to your career focus.

14. Introduce yourself to headhunters - There are presently well over 15,000 recruiting offices in just the United States alone. It is impractical and a waste of everyone’s time to contact all of them indiscriminately. Do a little research and determine which firms specialize in your industry of choice or positions like you are seeking. This small, segmented list is the one you should focus your time and attention on.

15. Be prepared for salary negotiations - Know your value and be able to clearly articulate the returns that an employer can expect from hiring you. Never forget that as an employee you are investment. It is up to you to know what your worth is, to make sure the potential employer is clear on what that is, and to make sure that they pay you the best possible price for your contributions.

16. Put together a strong list of references - Contact each person that you intend to list and ask for their permission. Never provide someone as a reference unless you have discussed it with them first and briefed them on your current job search. Verify the contact information for each reference and ask for permission to list a telephone number and email address.

17. Get out and meet people - Join and then take part in events held by professional associations and other groups. Attend workshops and trainings in your field or industry. Attend job fairs to meet directly with hiring decision-makers. Volunteer your career-related skills in your community. If you are an expert at something, offer to speak on the topic to various groups.

18. Always follow up - A hand-written thank you note or a more formal, typed thank you letter after speaking with a networking contact, attending an informational interview, or after attending an actual job interview can make a lasting positive impression that gives you a distinct competitive advantage. A follow-up phone call on every resume you send, whether it is a resume sent cold, in response to an ad, or based on a referral from one of your networking contacts can make all the difference in whether your resume is actually read and considered or not.

19. Adopt a "failure is not an option" attitude - Celebrate your accomplishments daily and weekly, but recognize that a successful job search requires persistence and consistent effort. It can be difficult to remain motivated when you don't immediately see results but remind yourself that job searching is a process and that it takes time. Reward yourself not just for the results, but for the effort.

20. Consider an "outside the box" solution to employment - If you are having trouble finding that one, perfect full-time position, consider a "portfolio" career that is built around your skills and interests through a variety of part-time jobs, which may include some combination of part-time employment, self-employment, freelancing, consulting, and temporary jobs. While many of us have been raised to believe that a full-time job is really the only secure work arrangement, a portfolio career may actually be more secure because it involves multiple streams of income.

21. Adjust your attitude - An enthusiastic, "can-do" attitude that exudes self-confidence and a clear understanding of the value you offer in the workplace will make all the difference. Always put a smile on your face when you talk on the phone; it will shine through in your voice. Make eye contact and watch your body signals and posture when you meet with contacts in person. Your positive, confident attitude is one that people will like to be around and will make it more likely that you will be hired.

When you turn on the news and all you see is bad news about the economy and the job market, it is easy to become so anxious that you actually scare yourself into inaction. Don't let that happen to you! There are personally, professionally, and financially rewarding jobs out there to be had. Stay competitive, remain in action and working toward your goals each day, and one of those jobs WILL be your new job. The more "feelers" you put out, the more contacts you make, the more resumes you put into the hands of hiring authorities, and the more face-to-face interviews you go on, the faster you will achieve your job target. Job searching does take time, even at the best of times, but by leveraging these 21 tips you will find yourself back to work faster than you thought possible.

Copyright 2008. All rights reserved. May be reprinted with author's permission.

Nationally certified resume writer, personal branding, and career marketing expert, Michelle Dumas is the founder and executive director of Distinctive Career Services LLC. Through Distinctive Documents http://www.distinctiveweb.com and her Executive VIP Services delivered through http://www.100kcareermarketing.com  Based from her New Hampshire office, Michelle works virtually and has empowered thousands of executives, professionals, and managers all across the U.S. and worldwide. Michelle is also the author of "101 Before-and-After Resume Examples" found at http://www.before-and-after-resumes.com and "Secrets of a Successful Job Search" found at http://www.job-search-secrets.com

Take Control Of Your Career & Job Search Even During a Recession!

What a wild couple of weeks it has been with all of the news and buzz about the economy! Unfortunately we're told that even with the so-called "rescue" plan, the turbulence isn't over! Just today, in fact, the U.S. employment figures were released, with unemployment hitting a new seven-year high.

If you are beginning to wonder how all this chaos might impact YOUR job, you aren't alone!

Even if you believe your job is secure for now, the reports on rising unemployment and volatile economy have pushed the insecurity buttons of even the most calm among us, serving as a sharp reminder of how crucial career planning truly is. It is so important that we stay alert, invest in ourselves and our value offerings, adjust when appropriate, and always, ALWAYS remember that we alone control our career destiny.

Efficiently and proactively managing your own career is vital!

With timing that couldn't be more relevant, I have just launched a powerful, results-focused coaching group: the Maximum Success Job Search Coaching Club. For all of you who have reached out and requested my coaching services in the past, now is your chance!

Are you currently unemployed--or are your worried about your job security--and need guidance on how to find a job and find one fast?

Have you been job searching but are disappointed with the results and need help to get your phone ringing?

Do you worry that your job isn't secure and have thought about changing careers, but don't have a clue where to start?

Do you feel like you need to brush up on the mechanics of a job search such as networking, interviewing, working with recruiters, negotiating a better salary, internet job searching, opening the hidden job market, or refining your personal brand?

Would you benefit from some guidance in setting your job search goals and creating a job search plan, and then being held accountable to that plan and those goals so that you stop procrastinating and land that new job quickly and efficiently?

If any or all of the above sounds like you, my new Maximum Success Job Search Coaching Club is the solution you have been looking for!

There couldn't be a better time to join!

What it is: 12 weekly group tele-coaching sessions. Held in a mastermind format, these coaching sessions will allow you to network, get support, and learn from your peers while receiving focused laser coaching on the challenges and issues that are most crucial to you. The calls are highly interactive and designed to meet the individual participants' needs and to answer all your job search and career management questions. Your membership includes special weekly coaching check-in forms that are designed to help you stay in close contact with your coach, set realistic goals, and then hold you accountable to those goals.

Will you join us? Please check out the Maximum Success Job Search Coaching Club today and register NOW so that you don't miss out on this opportunity!

I look forward to getting to know you and will be deeply honored to serve as your job search coach.

9 Keys to Job Search & Career Success

In recent months, the job market has become increasingly competitive. But even as the economy slows, and there are increasing numbers of job seekers in the job market, there are many professionals who have been incredibly successful in conducting fast, effective job searches. These former job seekers have achieved new jobs that are personally, professionally, and financially rewarding. What do they have in common? How are they doing it? Here are nine tips to speed your own job search and drive it to a fast, successful conclusion.

Know what you want and go after it. Starting a job search without knowing what you want will almost certainly end in frustration. Think about it: If you don't know what you want and what your job target is, how will you know who to contact and how to conduct your search? If you are uncertain about your career goals, it is critical that you spend some time and energy now - before launching your search - on self-introspection and analysis. Knowing what YOU want, what YOU are passionate about, and what YOU bring to the table will provide you with a confidence that simply can't and won't be matched by many of your competitors in the job market. This is the crucial first step to any job search and is essential for long-term career success as well.

Know and sell your personal brand. When you think about your next career move, how would things be different for you if employers and recruiters actually sought you out? Personal branding (the process of clarifying and communicating what makes you and your unique value proposition different and special) allows you to make a name for yourself. It differentiates you from your peers and helps to position you as a leader in your field - as a specialist and an authority who knows how to do a job and fill a particular niche in the workplace better than anyone else. Once you are clear on your personal brand, you can use it to project a cohesive brand image and value proposition throughout all your job search activities, and do so in a way that addresses the specific concerns of your target audience. By knowing and promoting your brand, you achieve instant, precision-like focus that positions you as the ideal candidate for the specific type of opportunity that interests you. You gain immediate competitive advantage.

Be able to clearly articulate who you are and what you have to offer. While this may feel uncomfortable to you, the simple truth is that a job search is a sales and marketing campaign: a sales and marketing campaign in which YOU are the product. Through the process of personal branding (recommended above), you must identify what differentiates you and paint a compelling portrait of your unique value proposition. But, don't stop with just promoting this in your resume and then become tongue-tied when someone asks about you and your candidacy. You will hear the "what do you do?" or "tell me about yourself?" questions over and over, both during your job search and throughout your entire career. Don't wing it! Preparation is the key to confidence and the key to making a lasting, positive, and memorable first impression. Be ready with a 30-60 second pitch that immediately and confidently conveys to the listener who you are as a professional and what it is that you offer.

Make their first impression your best impression. Take a hard look at your resume. Like it or not, your resume is your first introduction to most employers, and your only chance to make a good first impression. Effective resumes are highly focused marketing pieces that are strategically written and designed to sell YOU as THE best solution to a potential employer's needs and problems. Your resume should be written to convey and illustrate your unique value proposition, with succinct "stories" that differentiate you from your competitors in the job market. Does your resume accomplish these goals? Is it focused effectively? Does it accurately present you in the way that you wish to be presented? If not, it is time to rewrite.

Network, network, network...and then network some more. The statistics are very clear, and while they vary slightly from survey to survey, they are also remarkably consistent. It is safe to say that at least 80% of all the jobs are found through the "hidden" job market, also known as the "unpublished" job market. These are jobs typically landed through word of mouth and referrals as opposed to the hit-or-miss method of answering ads, posting your resume to internet databases, or other techniques meant to target the remaining 20% of all jobs in the published market. It stands to reason that if the vast majority of the jobs are to be found in this hidden market, that you should spend the majority of your job search time working to crack it. There is no more effective job search technique than networking. So, even if it feels a little uncomfortable at first, just get out there and do it. Make networking a part of your daily routine and plan to spend the majority of your job search time on networking activities (approximately three-fourths of your time is a good estimate). The more you network, the faster your current job search will come to a successful conclusion and the faster and more successful any future job searches will be.

Plan and execute a multi-pronged job search campaign. Yes, networking is essential, but other job search techniques are also important. An effective job search campaign is a multi-pronged one that includes the strategic, planned, methodical use of a variety of job search approaches. Answering ads alone is almost never enough. Neither is working with headhunters, using internet job search sources, or researching and targeting specific employers. But, when you combine all these approaches with networking, carefully evaluate and prioritize the approaches based on relative effectiveness, and then launch an integrated, multi-pronged job search campaign, you will always come out ahead. The best job search is one in which the job seeker approaches it as if it was a job itself.

Build a support team. While your preparation will certainly ease the whole process, job searching can be a grueling and very stressful experience. So, I want to remind you that you don't have to go through it alone. You should build a support team around you of people who can help you stay motivated and on track while giving you honest feedback and helping you stay accountable to the goals you set for yourself. Family and friends, past and present managers, your peers and colleagues, financial advisors, and professionals in the careers industry such as career counselors, coaches, and resume writers all make excellent people to add to your team. By assembling a good mix of people to support you, from a diversity of backgrounds and professions, you will receive a variety of different perspectives, ideas, and insights that can be very helpful. You should consider joining a job search support club or group - a local one if one is available or an online one. If you have been provided with outplacement services by your former employer, by all means take advantage of the office space and resources offered. The point is that you don't have to and shouldn't conduct your search in isolation. Surround yourself with a team that will help and support you. Above all, recognize when you need support and don't be afraid to ask for assistance and guidance.

Always follow up. Following up on all of your contacts and your activities can do more to influence your success in achieving your job target than anything else. A hand-written thank you note or a more formal, typed thank you letter after speaking with a networking contact, attending an informational interview, or after attending an actual job interview can make a lasting positive impression that gives you a distinct competitive advantage. A follow-up phone call on every resume you send, whether it is a resume sent cold, in response to an ad, or based on a referral from one of your networking contacts can make all the difference in whether your resume is actually read and considered or not. A consistent method of follow up is key and you must make the time in your schedule to do so. Follow up will positively influence decision-makers, it will help key the process moving along, it will show your interest and your professionalism, and it will position you above the competition.

Adopt a "failure is not an option" attitude and make finding a job a job itself. Celebrate your accomplishments daily and weekly, but recognize that a successful job search requires persistence and consistent effort. The more "feelers" you put out, the more contacts you make, the more resumes you put into the hands of hiring authorities, and the more face-to-face interviews you go on, the faster you will achieve your job target. It can be difficult to remain motivated when you don't immediately see results but remind yourself that job searching is a process and that it takes time. Reward yourself not just for the results, but for the effort.

Copyright 2008. All rights reserved. May be reprinted as long as the following credits are included.

Nationally certified resume writer, personal branding, and career marketing expert, Michelle Dumas is the founder and executive director of Distinctive Career Services LLC. Through Distinctive Documents http://www.distinctiveweb.com and her Executive $100k+ VIP Services delivered through http://www.100kcareermarketing.com  Based from her New Hampshire office, Michelle works virtually and has empowered thousands of executives, professionals, and managers all across the U.S. and worldwide. Michelle is also the author of "101 Before-and-After Resume Examples" found at http://www.before-and-after-resumes.com and "Secrets of a Successful Job Search" found at http://www.job-search-secrets.com

How-to Create a Compelling, Branded Elevator Pitch for Your Job Search

The elevator pitch. You are probably familiar with the term. It is most commonly used to describe the concise 60-second speech that business owners and executives, as well as salespeople, use to describe their business, product, or service to others. More importantly, it is a speech that is delivered in a compelling way that describes what is unique about the business (or offering), describes the benefits to the target market, and excites interest in the listener.

So, why should you--the job seeker and career professional--care about the elevator pitch? If you are familiar with the concept of personal branding, and the idea of leveraging your brand to advance and promote yourself in your career, I’m sure you immediately recognized similarities between the above description of an elevator pitch and a personal brand statement.

Personal branding allows you to make a name for yourself. It differentiates you from your peers and helps to position you as a leader in your field – as a specialist and an authority who knows how to do a job and fill a particular niche in the workplace better than anyone else. A personal brand statement is a succinct statement that clarifies and communicates what makes you and your unique value proposition different and special.

Your personal brand statement will play a large role in your 60-second elevator pitch as a job seeker and career professional. Your entire elevator pitch will be a mini presentation that you are able to give on the fly in response to those all-too-common questions “what do you do?” or “tell me about yourself?”  With precision-like focus, an effective elevator pitch will immediately convey to the listener who you are as a professional, and will do it in a way that addresses not only your unique value proposition, but in a manner that addresses the concerns of your listener. Of equal importance, while your pitch is planned and rehearsed, when you actually speak it, it should sound completely natural and spontaneous, yet it should leave the listener with a lasting, positive, and memorable impression. You will use your elevator pitch frequently, in networking situations and during interviews.

But, once you recognize that crafting an elevator pitch is essential, you might feel daunted at the prospect of creating and perfecting one. Certainly, this is a task that your career coach or the professional that you hired to create your résumé can assist with. However, with some introspection and honest self-assessment, developing your elevator pitch does not have to be difficult. To get started, ask yourself these essential questions:

1. What is the focus of your search? What is your job target?
2. Who is the person/people most likely to make a hiring decision about you?
3. What are the problems faced by your target audience?
4. What is it that you are offering that would solve these problems?
5. What is it that differentiates you and makes you different from your peers?
6. What are the benefits of your work as experienced by your target audience?

To create your elevator pitch, you now must put these elements all together in a brief presentation that you can deliver quickly—in the time it would take you to get from one floor to the other in an elevator.

As an example, here is my own “branded” elevator pitch that I developed to concisely describe my work as the executive director of Distinctive Career Services.

“You know how some career professionals miss out on really great employment opportunities, or don’t advance as quickly in their careers as they would like, or don’t get paid the compensation they deserve, all because they don’t really know how to differentiate themselves in their careers or promote themselves effectively in the job market?

Well, I am a career coach, personal branding strategist, and career marketing professional—one of just a few people worldwide with this unique blend of expertise. In my business, which is internet-based and global, I provide a mix of innovative products, programs, and services delivered to six-figure+ and aspiring six-figure+ professionals, managers, and executives. All my offerings are designed specifically to empower my clients to promote and market themselves effectively, opening doors and enabling potential to achieve their highest career ambitions and goals.

The benefits are that my clients dramatically reduce the time and money they spend job searching, rapidly advance their careers, boost their incomes, enjoy greater professional recognition, and overall, establish themselves in careers that are more professionally, financially, and personally rewarding.”

Once you have the answers to the six simple questions above, you have everything you need to create a similar elevator pitch for yourself. Do you see how I have taken my own answers to the questions and interspersed them throughout my pitch? I’ve clearly communicated who my target market is, have identified the problems and challenges that they face, have conveyed how my offering is not only unique but solves those problems, and I’ve described the key benefits that my offerings produce.

You can use this same model to develop your own elevator pitch. But remember; don’t go into too much detail. Your goal is simply to pique interest and make yourself memorable. Don’t spend too much time on the details of your qualifications. Just quickly highlight them and tie them back to how they benefit your target audience (current or future employer).

Once you have your pitch perfected, practice it, practice it, and practice it some more. Your goal is to have it sound completely natural. Rehearse in front of a mirror and be aware of your body language and eye contact, as these aspects of communication often speak even louder than words. Now, try your pitch out a few times and observe the response to the listener. Be open to the prospect of adapting and modifying as necessary to elicit the response you want to generate. And, of course, be flexible. If your listener interrupts with a question, be ready to pause and answer it.

Creating your elevator pitch may take some time and thought, but it is a wise career professional who invests in it! You will hear the “what do you do?” or “tell me about yourself?” questions over and over, both during your job search and throughout your entire career. Don’t wing it! Preparation is the key to confidence and the key to making a lasting, positive, and memorable first impression. The benefits to your career will be phenomenal. It is well worth the effort!

Copyright 2008. All rights reserved. Do you want to use this article in Your ezine or website? You are welcome to as long as you use the following text with it:

Nationally certified resume writer and career marketing expert, Michelle Dumas http://www.linkedin.com/in/michelledumas is the founder and executive director of Distinctive Career Services LLC. Through Distinctive Documents http://www.distinctiveweb.com and her $100k+ Executive VIP Services delivered through http://www.100kcareermarketing.com  Michelle has empowered thousands of executives, professionals, and managers all across the U.S. and worldwide. Michelle is also the author of the popular e-book 101 Before-and-After Resume Examples found at http://www.before-and-after-resumes.com and of Secrets of a Successful Job Search found at http://www.job-search-secrets.com

Benefits of Using LinkedIn for Your Job Search and Career Networking

If you are a business person and you are online, you have surely heard of LinkedIn. In fact, with 19 million users around the globe, the odds are good that you have already created your own LinkedIn account.

What exactly is LinkedIn? It is an online network of people all over the world. While technically, it is one of many social networking sites on the web, LinkedIn is probably the best know and most widely used business networking site. Additionally, while it has similarities to well-known social networking sites such as MySpace, there are also fundamental differences that make it much more useful for business purposes.

So, the next question, of course, might reasonably be, "What exactly is a business networking site?" And more precisely, "Why should I even care and how can it benefit me?" If you are asking these questions, you are definitely not alone! While there are huge numbers of people creating LinkedIn accounts and building their networks, there are relatively few who are getting the optimal benefit out of their effort.

According to LinkedIn's own explanation, the mission of LinkedIn is "to help you be more effective in your daily work and open doors to opportunities using the professional relationships you already have."

Even if you are not conducting a current job search, for ongoing career management and personal branding efforts, any tool that can help you network more effectively and efficiently should be of great interest.  Again, in LinkedIn's own words:

"When you join, you create a profile that summarizes your professional accomplishments. Your profile helps you find and be found by former colleagues, clients, and partners. You can add more connections by inviting trusted contacts to join LinkedIn and connect to you.

Your network consists of your connections, your connections' connections, and the people they know, linking you to thousands of qualified professionals."

Through LinkedIn, then, you can search for jobs, you can easily make personal "inside" connections in relation to job opportunities, you can promote your personal brand and qualifications and be found and pursued for job opportunities, and you can form relationships that are critical to your career success and progression.

But remember, effective networking requires reciprocity through developing and nurturing win-win relationships. Through LinkedIn, you will also have the opportunity to help out those in your own network, answering questions, providing relevant leads, and helping them make connections to further whatever their goals are.

In the definitive guide to using LinkedIn for business and career management purposes, "I'm On LinkedIn: Now What?" Jason Alba explains that there are six major benefits to using LinkedIn:

1) The ability to be known and enhance your personal brand
2) The ability to be found by recruiters or other hiring authorities
3) The ability to find others and make important connections
4) The opportunity to learn and share
5) The ability to connect with group members
6) The opportunity to show you are plugged in to current technology

If you already have a LinkedIn account and have an established network in place. Let me urge you to take a closer look at how you are using it. Have you fully explored the features and benefits? Have you enhanced your profile? Have you joined any Groups? Participated by answering the questions of those in your network? LinkedIn is an excellent and very effective networking tool, but only if you use it!

If you have an established a LinkedIn account, but have just let it sit, unused, now is the time to log on and learn how to get the maximum benefit from it. Now-before you are actively job searching-is the best time to work on building up and cultivating your network. And, if you are new to LinkedIn and haven't yet created an account, there is no better time than the present! The more professionals that use LinkedIn, the more effective it will be.

Happy networking! My own LinkedIn profile can be viewed at http://www.linkedin.com/in/michelledumas and I would love an invitation to connect to you.

For more information, I wholeheartedly recommend Jason Alba's book on LinkedIn and his most recent book on Facebook: