Job Search 101 - Getting Hired in Today's "New" Job Market

This series of posts discusses the life process of seeking employment.  If your situation is of an emergency nature (ie; you are unemployed, being hounded by bill collectors, and are about to be evicted) you should refer to the post title “Job Search ER”.  However, assuming this is not the case, please read on. – J. Lee Wiles

A lot gets written these days about the job market, and how to get hired.  Advice abounds from any number of sources and not all of it agrees.  So how do you decide what to do? 

Well, first you have to know what your true objective is, and to define your basic core values.  Without knowing what your objective is, you can find yourself flitting all over the map trying to cover as many bases, and as much ground, as possible in the hope something will happen for you.  Starting a job search without a clear objective is like starting a journey and not having a destination in mind-the trip might be interesting, but it can be tiring, expensive, and in the end you will wind up making little or no progress towards your real goal(s).

So what should your objective be?  No one can define that, but you.  There is no one “right” objective when it comes to jobs.  Your age, education, gender, experience, and current situation all come to play in defining what your objective will be.  Also, important will be your core, or basic values-what’s important to you and perhaps more importantly, what is not.  Only once you have defined these, can you get a clear picture of what your objective is, and where your destination lies.

The process begins with an honest self-evaluation.  Too many of us only learn who we really are, and what we really want late in life, often so late it is too late to do much of anything about it.  That said, it is never too late to engage in the self-evaluation process.  While you may not have enough time, or resources to achieve all of your goals, or perhaps your biggest goals, the sooner you stop wasting time, effort and resources on actions that run counter to your interests and objectives, the more satisfaction and a sense of fulfillment you will find in your life.

So Much For A Stronger Health Care Industry

I just heard from a friend that she was laid off today.  She has worked for the past ten years for the same major hospital here in Tulsa.  It was all due to the current phase of the hospital's plans to restructure and strengthen it's financial picture (ie; cut jobs). 

I guess this is what we can expect from the new Democratic Health Care Plan (Obama Care) in the way of jobs creation.

Tulsa Job Market Up

Yes, Tulsa's job market does seem to be heating up.  The link from today's blog title reports forecasts call for increased hiring after 2nd quarter 2011.  Me, I'm kind of old school.  I still look at the Sunday Employment Ad's to draw my conclusions.

This week, the Tulsa World's Employment section on Sunday was up to seven pages.  Not only that, but there was a definite increase in the number of display advertisements, both this week, and in prior weeks.  What that means, that not only are more jobs being advertised, but employers are serious about hiring.  The cost of display advertisements exceeds the typical line ad by a factor of 3 or 4.    Employers running display ad's have to be serious about wanting to be seen, and filling those positions, otherwise they would not spend the extra money.

Good news-now let the work begin!

Is it Just Me? II

Not if you have planned and executed a sound job search. As John Donne stated, "...No man is an island, entire unto itself...." (Or was it Jon Bon Jovi?) Each of us needs a strong support system to see us through the challenges of life.

At a minimum that system should include your family. Having the love and support of loved ones to come home to at the end of a seemingly fruitless day can mean the difference between a pity party, and the knowledge that we are loved and accepted, regardless of how the interview went.

One HR Director I worked for tells the story of how making sure to include his family into his support system actually got him the job. Joe had spent the past year running an outplacement center for over 800 workers displaced as their common employer obsoleted a production unit. The last person Joe had to find a job for in all that work was himself, for he like his peers and coworkers had been "obsoleted."

To make a long story short, because his wife was aware of Joe's objectives, and activities she made the difference.  She mentioned Joe's frustration in trying to reach a hiring manager to their 6- month old's pediatrician. That doc turned out to be the hiring manager's brother. He set up the crucial interview for Joe while waiting for some lab results. The next week, Joe began work at his targeted job. Joe continued to work there for the next five  years, before getting the opportunity to return to his former employer, in a much higher level HR position.

You never know who your kids, their friends, their friends’ parents, the paper carrier, the postal worker, or your trash collector even, might know. Never assume someone can't help you and fail to talk to them about your job search. Build your support system on a wide foundation. Who would have guessed that the Pediatrician would be Joe's critical contact to get "his job" in a down market?

Have you ever had an interview or job opportunities come out of an unsuspected quarter? If so, share your experience with us. Be an encouragement to others reading this blog by adding your comments.  Become a part of someone’s support system!

Is It Just Me?

Wow, how many times have I heard that? When you have been out of work for months, or even a year or more, you begin to wonder - Is it just me? So, what can you do about shaky self-esteem?

This is when a thorough self-assessment and active volunteer life can come to your rescue. So often after hearing repeated responses of "sorry we chose another candidate..." it is easy to wonder "what did they have I don't?" Reviewing a list of accomplishments, and skills you developed in a self-assessment can remind you of all the good qualities you bring to table. Volunteering for a local youth, community or religious group can allow you to utilize, and maybe pass along, many of those qualities and keep the sword sharpened.

At some point, costs may become an important issue for you, It's March Madness and I sure am not putting out the bucks for Session tickets even though there are first round games right here in
Tulsa. However, I can invite over some friends, and enjoy the broadcasts on cable. I am not planning a lake vacation, but I can pack a nice picnic lunch and visit the lake for the day now that temperatures are moderating.

We have to take the time and plan positive experiences into our lives. Lord knows life will through enough negatives your way on a daily basis. If you take control of your time and plan to have some fun; to do some positive things using your skills and experience, you will become your own #1 morale booster. Not only that, but who knows who you might meet during one of those positive experiences-your next boss maybe ?

We Don't Count...

       If this post should get you a little down, check out the title link for a boost to your spirits-this kid shows you how best to respond to an employer rejection letter. 

   
        “We don’t count…” my friend said when she learned that no one had unlocked the door to our new meeting place. Arrangements had been made; we even had been invited to meet there.  However, no one had informed the person with the keys when to open up the venue for us.
             I can understand how my friend felt. All too often those engaged in a job search tend to believe this. If you aren’t employed you may have to rein in your spending. This may mean not  attending many social or public events you once frequented. Even at those events or meetings you do attend, people seem to shy away from you when they hear you are out of work.  Sometimes it seems the unemployed only count when we are talking about indicators of our local or national economic health.
           I never have figured out just why that is. Do they think unemployment is contagious? (For the past three years it almost has seemed that way.) Perhaps they don’t know how to respond, and what to say to an unemployed friend. Could they be afraid the unemployed will ask them personally for a job, or a helping hand?
          Whatever, before long the invitations start to drop off. You know, fewer “…let’s go to lunch (dinner, coffee, the movies, etc…)”. Fewer invites for the kids to their friends’ birthday parties-ouch, now even the kids don't count. Maybe no mention gets made of events or gatherings that you once were a part of.
           These all are well intentioned reasons, I am sure. A host or hostess probably thinks they are helping by not asking you to spend money at a tough time. Perhaps that parent rationalizes even birthday presents can be expensive. But these acts only heighten and intensify the reminders that things are not what they once were.
           It doesn’t take long for the unemployed, and their families, to begin to feel and believe “…we don’t count.” With the amount of rejection and negativity they encounter just in the job search, this kind of “help” is not what they need.  Those friends and neighbors who were so evident when times were good are still out there, and their support and fellowship are more important than ever. The
unemployed need to feel wanted, valued; in short that they count.
           It might be as simple as an invite to Sunday lunch, with an offer to pick up the check. It doesn’t have to be the same friend(s) every week. In fact it would be great if those in the job seeker’s network of friends and acquaintances would coordinate and plan some of these kinds of activities.
            Oh, yeah, and if someone would be sure to remind someone to unlock the door so that the Job Seekers’ group can get to their meeting place on time.
           

           So, what do you think?  Do the unemployed count for more than economic indicator?

Vent Day! This Post Is Rated M for Mature Audiences...

…intellectually mature that is.  Click on today's title and you'll see what I mean.

Okay, today is a Vent Day!  I have two things in particular on my mind.  I want to take the more recent issue first.

CNN reported this afternoon (February 17) that a male Iowa high school athlete, Joel Northrup, had elected to forfeit a wrestling match against a female wrestling opponent.  Joel chose to do this rather than compromise his Christian principles and beliefs.  I am sure any numbers of people are ready to tear Joel down for what they assume is a sexist stand-WELL I DISAGREE - I STAND RIGHT BESIDE HIM AND I AM PROUD TO DO SO. 

Don’t take me wrong here.  I am all for gender equality in the workplace and society in general.  However, there are just some situations where the concept does not translate at all.  When was the last time one of us men conceived and delivered a baby?  And there is only one time in history where a woman conceived and gave birth without a man’s participation.

Joel put it succinctly when he wrote

"I have a tremendous amount of respect for Cassy and Megan and their accomplishments. However, wrestling is a combat sport and it can get violent at times. ... It is unfortunate that I have been placed in a situation not seen in most of the high school sports in Iowa."

Joel is right wrestling is a form of combat as are most contact sports. Besides that, the degree of physical contact wrestling puts competitors into is not appropriate for coed teens, or single adults for that matter.  It is no coincidence that a common reference made to American teens’ sexual activity is “wrestling in the backseat of the family sedan.” 

Even our wrestling and sexual vocabularies have too much in common for comfort.  Terms like “a take-down”, “getting the advantage”, and “penetration” abound.  The degree of commonality defies simple chance and probability.

This level of bodily contact is not found in the majority of competitive athletics. I have no compunction about men and women, even teens and younger, competing under those less intimate circumstances.  The ego shock would probably do wonders for and set many males straight on the real issues of gender equality.

It is sad that young men and women with strength of character, like Joel, are penalized because we as a society have grown too self indulgent to stand up for what is right.  This young man deserves a Medal for the stand he has taken and the choice he had to make. 

From where I stand, Joel Northup, and young people like him, are the mature audience here.

Fit or Experience - What's The Best Measure?

This evening I was rereading the article linked in my title, and realized it carried some very important advice for the Job Seeker.  If you really want the job, be sure you not only have the right skills and experience, but that you are a "fit" for the organization.

Traditionally in advising a job search candidate, we talk about identifying your "qualifications" for the job, and ignore or gloss over the fitness issue.  Being FIT for an organization means you are of the right temperament, values, and interests to effectively, and successfully, merge with the culture of the organization.  To avoid this mistake I talk to my clients about their "SAVI"-that's Skills, Abilities, Values and Interests."

Too many interviewers and job seekers alike focus solely on Skills and Abilities.  This means they pay attention to whether the candidate has the education, training, and work experience with the proper skill set, and knowledge base necessary to perform effectively the duties of a specific job opening.  In doing this, they neglect to look at the candidate and ask them self ..." Can s/he get along with Betty and John in Payroll, or Howard Marketing?"  "Will the candidate's personality mesh well with others in the hiring department?"

As far too many hiring managers have learned over the years, a square peg trying to fit into a round hole can severely disrupt an otherwise high performance team.  Trying to slot a candidate who works well and prefers working in a cross functional cooperative environment into a mid-twentieth century style organization is a recipe for failure-at least for the individual, and quite possibly the organization if they are place high enough into the organization.

So, what is my advice to job seekers?  Know your SAVI   Perform a thorough self-assessment of not only our Skills, Abilities, Knowledge, and Experiences, but also evaluate your personal Values, and Interests.  Knowing the complete picture will help you understand the important questions you need to be asking in the interview to confirm your FIT, and to sell your FIT to a hiring manager. Knowing your SAVI will also enable you to better assess a company's SAVI.  That will tell you whether an employer organization FITs you. If you know a company is not the right FIT for you, it can help you avoid what might otherwise appear to be a "great" job offer.

Those interested in how to go about a SAVI Self Assessment, can contact me and I will be happy to guide you through the process.

Snowflakes That Stay On My Nose and Eye Lashes

Well, the title tells it all.  The forecast for Tulsa was snow, snow, and more snow!  We are sitting here with 14 inches of snow. I know that does not impress my sister-in-law in Chicago, but it is a lot here.  Tulsa is shut down with forecasts calling for at least two more rounds of flurries before the week is up.

This is a good time to have a cuppa Java and blog about Job Talk. 

Obviously, weather like this puts activity outside of your home out of the question.  However, downtime is good time; time to spend catching up on records, updating contact information, and sending out thank-you notes and resumes.  This also is a good time for some planning, so that when the weather clears and you can get active, you can use the time to your greatest advantage.  Remember, a job search is a full time job, and you need to treat it that way.  Just pretend you work from your home.

Speaking of records-well I was- you really need to have a good set.  First, you need to have a record of every application and resume sent out and whom you sent it to.  You never know when one of those babies will pop up with a response and depending on memory alone can leave you in an embarrassing position.  So, if you have not started keeping records, now is a good time to set some up.

Depending on how tech savvy you are your records can take many forms.  The simplest form would be a set of 3" X 5" index cards with names and contact information on the front, and notes of contacts/applications you have sent out on the back.  Stepping up from the cards you can use a ledger book, or blank journal to keep your records.  You can automate your system by using spreadsheet software like Excel to record your contacts and activities.  Finally, there are products like Outlook, and Lotus Notes to manage contacts, appointments, etc. 

Whatever approach you choose to take to records keeping, be sure to keep your records up to date.  You should schedule time every week to work on records keeping.  You can use time like the current weather shutdown to do major maintenance.  At the end of your job search, do not forget to review your contact records and send letters to every person you were in touch with during the search to let them know when and where you have "landed."  More about landing letters in another update.

A closing note -- This Saturday is the first Saturday of February, and time for a Java and Job Talk-Live session.  We will be at Panera Bread so long as weather and road conditions permit.  Watch this site for updates in case we have to cancel or postpone.

What's the forecast in Tulsa?

Well, in December there were some rosy forecasts about first quarter 2011 hiring in Tulsa.  The linked article states the quarterly Manpower Employment Outlook Survey projects hiring at an increased pace, double that of the corresponding quarter of 2010.  Of course, the devil is in the details.

When you look at the statistics enclosed in the article you see that a doubling of hiring activity is projected (from a 6% to 12% net growth).   Unfortunately that is not a 6% to 12% growth in the job market.  It reflects an net increase of 6% to 12% of Tulsa MSA employers who say they plan to increase staffing during the quarter.  That means a large proportion of the employers either have not plans for hiring, or may even be looking to still reduce their workforces.  Not quite the bright picture the headline wants to paint.

So, what's a job hunter to do?  Now more than ever, you must differentiate yourself from the crowd.  Some call this "personal branding" others marching to a different drummer.  Regardless of what you call it, it means you have to make it clear to those you come into contact with that you are unique among the crowd, and have a higher than average value to add to their company or organization.  

In order to accomplish this, you must have identified and believe in those factors that make you stand out.  To do this I recommend a self assessment.  That is an honest and in depth look at your Skills, Abilities, Values and Interests (SAVI) and how they make you he unique package you are.

A few hours spent on this Self Assessment process will pay big dividends in the marketplace.  You will be clear and focused upon your objective(s), you unique value that you offer, and how it has benefited past employers as an example of how it can benefit a new employer.

Because, the forecast for the Tulsa Job Market is improving.  Twice a many employers are looking to add to their workforces in January, February and March this year, as were a year ago.  While that might not be a volume like we saw in 2004-2007, it still means more opportunities to make that sale and solidify the value of your personal brand.

What Is the Job Market Going To Do?

There are many "experts" (read journalists looking to sell a story) who are predicting the Job Market has finally turned around.  They base this on the fact that November and December saw more jobs created than eliminated by employers.   The national Unemployment Rate is now 9.4% of the workforce.

While this is good news, it does not tell the entire story.  What you too often do not hear is that we need to see job growth at a rate of 300,000 new jobs a month in order to start significantly reducing the unemployment rate.  That is right, 100,000 new jobs, like we saw in November and December, just will not cut it. 

 Another problem I have with the pundits announcing victory over unemployment is we do not have enough data to know really!  As any good economist, statistician, or engineering student will tell you it takes at least three consecutive data points (three months of positive job growth numbers) to confirm that a trend has started.  Right now, all we have are two, November and December, and they are not big enough to dent seriously the national unemployment rates.

What do we need to do and where is the Job Market going? 

We need to have patience for another month or two before celebrating a turnaround in the job market.  I would say there are some positive early signs, but the bottom could fall out tomorrow.  January may be in the negative column.  So it is really too early to predict just where the job market is headed.  Stay calm.   What we do know, is that IF we are seeing a turnaround trend, we need it to strengthen, and quickly. 

Literally millions of unemployed Americans weekly draw unemployment insurance (UI) benefits.  The various states pay those benefits with borrowed money. That is right; the US Treasury has issued billions in T-Bills and bonds in order to meet the demand for cash flow to fund government, including the UI program.   That costs the American taxpayer and the American economy significantly in interest paid.   It also makes credit hard to get for those who do have a job and want to grow new jobs, buy a house, a car, or pay for a college education.

It is time for the savvy job hunter to stay the course. Work your network daily.  Keep making appointments for Informational Interviews.  Never eat lunch alone.  Keep asking your contacts for referrals and following up on them right away.  While you are at it do not neglect to spend about 90 minutes a day cruising the Internet and newspapers looking for job postings and responding to them. 

You also can meet with me, this Saturday, January 15, at 9:30 AM in the Panera Bread Community Room at 71^st Street and Garnet Road.  If any of the advice I mentioned in the last paragraph does not ring a bell with you, or you question the ratio of time I recommend for searching the paper and Internet, then I will be happy to share with you where those statistics came from.

A New Year-A Fresh Start

So, 2010 is officially in the history books.  Effective today, you have a new year, and a fresh start on your job search.  What are you going to do to make the most of this opportunity?

Hopefully you will not let the prospect of extended Unemployment benefits lull you into inactivity.  Like those benefits you already may have drawn these new benefits will eventually run out.  Unless you aggressively pursue your job search, you very well could still be unemployed when the end arrives.  Make sure you do not get caught short due to a lack of activity in the job market.

Now is the time to take a hard look at your resume and ask some tough questions.  Does my resume "sell me" or does it sell me short?  If I were hiring, and reviewed my resume would I hire me?  Can a prospective employer tell what I have accomplished in my work life, or just where I have worked?  Based upon this resume, why should any employer hire me?  What is there in my resume that might sabotage my candidacy?

Hopefully the answers you come to are positive.  Unfortunately for far to many of us, the answers will be no and "sells me short."  For the next week I will share with you seven tips to strengthen your resume and improve your chances of getting a job offer.

COFFEE AND JOB TALK NEWS - Effective Saturday, January 15, 2011, CO FEE AND JOB TALK will start meeting in the Community Room  of the Panera Bread at 71st and Garnett Road in Tulsa.  We have met at this location before, however, we have taken our chances on table space and privacy.

Beginning January 15 at 9:30 AM sharp, we will meet in the community room for one hour, until 10:30 AM.  Please come early if you wish to purchase a drink, or grab a bite to eat, as we will begin and end on-time based on our use agreement with Panera Bread.  Come prepared to be encouraged and to be an encouragement to others!

Remember, Saturday, January 15 at 9:30 AM-Panera Bread Community Room - we'll see your there!