FREE TELESEMINAR: Setting Goals and Actually Achieving Them

Yes, it's the New Year, and with that comes the dreaded "New Year's Resolutions."

I think I must be one of the few people that love making New Year's Resolutions. Yes, that's right, I actually LOVE making New Year's resolutions. And most years, I even successfully complete many of them! (Even though I'm still working on that nasty "lose the baby weight" one.)

It used to amaze me that people hated making resolutions each year, and complained when they fizzled out by March. I had no idea why that happened to others, but not to me.

Then I had an epiphany.

Those that were not succeeding were were picking New Year's Resolutions they felt they "ought" to do, that they "should" complete. I, however, chose goals that fulfilled me, that pushed me toward my personal vision, that both challenged and motivated me, propelling me toward my definition of success. In short, I had yearly goals that mattered. And on top of that, I had a plan.

I want to help ALL of you find the sort of success that I have found. But let's not call them New Year's resolutions. Let's call them your yearly goals. Isn't that more accurate? Aren't these "resolutions" more about effecting change throughout your whole year, instead of just one day?

This isn't a teleseminar for "job seekers." This is a teleseminar for E-V-E-R-Y-O-N-E, everyone who wants to change their upcoming year. This is your chance to start your year with focus and purpose!

We will review brainstorming techniques to create the goals most important to you - what will drive you all year long. We will discuss choosing goals that are both ambitious and attainable.

Then we'll discuss the the HOW. We'll discuss creating a plan and organizing yourself so that your goals become more than meaningless words on a piece of paper. We'll also discuss different "tricks" to keep yourself accountable.

It is MY goal that this particular teleseminar start a national trend of motivated and focused goal setters and "goal accomplishers," excited to live 2010 with clarity of purpose! And yes, at the end of the year, I plan to host a "re-cap" teleseminar for all that participated, so that you can share your successes and your tips with all of us!

As always, I plan to end this teleseminar with special deals JUST for participants! So, be sure to sign up here and mark your calendar! This teleseminar is FREE and OPEN TO EVERYONE, and you are welcome to invite your friends!

January Telesminar: Set Goals and Actually Reach Them!
Date: Thursday, January 7, 2010
Time: 4:00pm, EST
Duration: (1 hour)
Cost: FREE
Register Here: http://www.jsmcareercoaching.com/tele-seminar.html

Talk to you soon!

Julie Mendez, CJSS

Now an affordable Job Seekers' Job Club, with a Certified Job Search Strategist.

In my December Newsletter, you might have seen a mention about JSM Career Coaching's new "Job Club." This is a new service that JSM Career Coaching now provides.

Let's talk a little bit about job clubs. I've worked with clients in the past who have said to me, "Oh, I joined a job club." However, when I investigate further, they seem to not get much out of the experience. One client in particular belonged to a very small group of three people which seemed (from our conversations) very unproductive. How can sitting around complaining how hard it is out there help you get a job? No, that is not a job club. That is defined as a whine-fest. Which can be fun, but is not useful in helping you land a job.

What IS a job club? A job club is a supportive environment of many job seekers learning more about job search tactics and aiding and encouraging their compatriots through the process.

A good job club is more than just an accountability group (though, this is an essential element of any job club's success). A good job club is an organic organism, where members actively engage in their own job search process and are actively involved in each other's efforts: as a sounding board, a encouraging voice, and sometimes a motivating push or "loving kick in the pants" as I like to call it.

Why in the world would you want to join a job club? In the article, "For Networking and Support, Join or Start a Job Club," it states:

What ties people in a job club together is the need for mutual support and
encouragement. People who are energized by social situations and tend to
procrastinate the lonely tasks of job-hunting will likely benefit from a job
club. Those who are shy, insecure, or ashamed of having lost a job can get help
from other job club members in overcoming these mental roadblocks. Job club
membership can stave off the depression that sometimes sets in during a protracted job search.

Not only will you feel supported in a job club, but you will probably be more successful than if you went it alone. Those who've been involved with job clubs report that their efforts that are strengthened by belonging to the group and their job searches are shorter. Richard Nelson Bolles, author of the classic What Color is Your Parachute? and a strong proponent of job-seeking support groups, notes an 84 percent success rate when job-search techniques are conducted in groups, compared with a 15 percent lower rate when the same techniques are followed individually.

Anything that can give you a higher percentage of a success rate in this economy is a bonus. Plus, as the above quote states, there is a wonderful thing that happens when you have the ability to share this experience with others, not the least of which is an increase in your daily morale.

Why You Want to Join JSM Career Coaching's Job Club
Frankly, I'm not satisfied with hosting a good job club. JSM Career Coaching's job clubs can only be defined as GREAT!

1. You will have access to the wealth of knowledge and experience of a Certified Job Search Strategist. Someone who can guide the group through the leading edge of innovative job search tactics that are guaranteed to get results.
2. JSM Career Coaching job clubs are "action-oriented." It's all about the "doing" of the job search!
3. Groups are fully interactive, encouraging practice and implementation of ideas through exercises, role play, and discussion. Members will both give and receive specific, steady feedback and positive reinforcement.
4. Each group (with a maximum of ten participants per group) will be organized around a structured framework that will facilitate a supportive and motivational group environment.
5. Participants from across the country can join in via a weekly conference call, allowing for full flexibility and networking for all group members.
6. The goal of each group is GRADUATION! We will celebrate as each group member graduates when they receive their job offer.

Who can benefit most by joining? Clients who have already gone through intensive job search coaching sessions will appreciate the chance for accountability and continued growth in a group setting. Other job seekers who have not yet decided on intensive private sessions with a Career Coach will appreciate the chance to learn from an expert while networking with other job seekers. Frankly, we have a place for any job seeker who is willing to join!

The specifics: Each group will begin with a minimum of four job seekers and a maximum of no more than ten. All sessions will be held as weekly teleconferences that will last one hour. Every member will get a chance to speak equally. Different exercises and "homework" will occasionally be assigned, and all group members will be expected to complete these assignments and actively participate so they can receive the full experience of the job club. The job clubs are not for job seekers who are not clear on the type of position or industry, etc. that they are looking for. These job seekers should consider getting individual coaching to help themselves through these steps first.

And yes, finally: The Cost! In order to make this service as affordable as possible, membership in the JSM Career Coaching Job club is just $50 a month.

Interested? Email Julie Mendez at JulieMendez@jsmcareercoaching.com for more information.

What to Do When Dealing With the Most Dreaded Question of All

Today, I'm answering a letter from a job seeker.

"Dear Julie,

I am working on my resume and don't know what to do. After staying home with my children, I recently returned to my career field (nursing). Earlier this year I worked at a hospital for three months and was let go after my probationary period was successfully completed. There were personality difficulties with some under-performing colleagues, but the official reason for dismissal had to do with medical issues, which are now completely resolved.

Since this was such a short period of employment, should I not include it in my resume? If I did include this job, and then was asked why I was fired, how much information should I give? I don't want to lie but at the same time, I don't want to be discriminated or overlooked because of the fact that I had been fired (first time in my entire life) nor do i want to disclose all of the information of my medical issues. If you could please give me advice on what decision I should make to better my chances of getting the position I'm looking for.

Regards,

"Confused"



Dear "Confused,"

No wonder you're confused! You're in a rather murky, but not uncommon, situation.

First, you must BE PREPARED to answer the why you aren't there anymore question. IT WILL COME UP. You should call your previous employer, and speak to the HR department and see how your file was processed. Does it say "due to incompetence" or "due to personal medical reasons?" (I'm just giving an example here, not saying YOU are incompetent.)

Also, ask how reference checks work. See if you have a copy of your employee manual and if it says anything in there. Some companies have it as their legal policy that only dates of employment can be verified. (Basically, because one could sue them for harassment, discrimination, breach of privacy, whatever. Someone might sue because they were "black-balling you in the industry, etc. It's a CYA policy.) Ask who the "correct" person to refer verification of employment would be. Would it just be some random person in HR? or the dept personnel you had issues with? This is super important to find out.

Sometimes you can buddy-buddy up to the HR person who does the verifications, and also inputs that info (why you left) in your file (often on a computer somewhere). You can check and see what your file says. Perhaps this information can be tweaked in a light that is not quite as damaging to you. Not lying, not falsifying documents. Please don't think that I'm proposing something of that nature.

Personally, I once convinced the Office Manager of an old firm to say that I was laid off and imply due to the economy instead of due to the fact that the owner of the company decided my "Hello, sir, how are you today?" wasn't polite and kowtowing to him enough. (Oh yeah. Seriously. See? We all have one of "those" jobs in our history.) This Office Manager really liked my work and also didn't appreciate the way I was being let go. So he agreed. You can discuss this with them. If you can work this out, make sure that person and their direct number is put down as a reference, not your supervisor, unless your supervisor would be willing to agree to this as well.

I also have a referral partner that you can pay to do these reference checks and verifications for yourself, to make sure if they are following company policy, if you are interested. It's not that expensive, actually.

Now, let's think about what we can do in a proactive manner about your situation. Do you have anyone there that liked your work? Anyone who would be willing to speak positively regarding your work ethic, or doing your assigned tasks well? It doesn't have to be your direct supervisor or people on your team. Another administrator, or a doctor, or a head RN that "saw" you a great deal? Could you talk to them about using them as a "character reference" and also writing your a letter of reference? Being able to produce written letters of recommendation in an interview (and in an application document) can be very powerful tools, even more so because HR administrators and recruiters see them so rarely nowadays. Does this individual have personal contacts in your future department? Would they be willing to put in a good word for you or introduce you personally to the decision maker? Again, think about what you can do to head a potential employer off at the pass.

To answer your question about what to say: I think it is perfectly fine to state, "Unfortunately, I had some personal medical issues that came to the surface when I began that position that hampered my ability to perform my job effectively (or to my complete potential). Now that those issues have been completely resolved and are no longer a concern, I am ready to move forward with my career." Easy-peasy.

If they ask for more details, they're just being nosy. However, most interviewers won't touch that with a ten foot pole, AS LONG AS you can assuage their fears that your "medical issues" won't be a problem again. That's the main point you need to emphasize.

Finally, leaving the position completely off your resume is not a great idea, in my opinion. Ultimately the final decision is yours, but leaving it off is chancy. Some might disagree with me, but here is my reasoning.

1. It's your most recent position. It does show that you've worked recently and are attempting to re-enter your field.


2. People are going to talk. The medical world is just not that big, especially in your specific geographic area. People know people who know people, and it is natural that someone is going to ask around.


3. Not listing this position makes you look like you have something to hide, and it's logical that someone would start to wonder what that might be.


4. What happens if you get the new position, and your new supervisor hears about you from a friend? Would that new supervisor consider that "falsifying your resume?" And that is never a good situation to be in.

So I believe being up front and bringing it out in the open is your best bet. Whatever decision you make, just be SURE about it, and cover all of your bases.

Good Luck!

Julie Mendez

Making Lemonade Days in Your Job Search

Well, I finally got it. I've been fighting off this "change of seasons" cold for weeks, trying everything I could think of. I guess even my mom's chicken soup recipe couldn't ward off this one.

Yet I have a to-do list a mile long, and time-sensitive stuff for my clients that just can't wait. So, while I was going through my day yesterday, I thought how this might be a very relevant topic for job seekers to be thinking about as well. How do you continue your job search on days when everything isn't just "perfect?"

Because, let's face it, if you only work your job search when the stars all align, you'll probably get nothing done. This is another way of just sitting back and waiting until life or that next job just come to you and fall in your lap. Several years ago, that might have worked. Not anymore.

No, your job search IS your full-time job. And you can't call in sick every time you get the sniffles or you have a bad hair day. You HAVE to keep going. You HAVE to continue to trudge through that to-do list. You HAVE to show up.

So, my tips for dealing with your job search when that seasonal cold hits:

1. First off, take a shower. Don't sit in your grungy pajamas because that is only going to make you feel worse. And sitting in a steamy shower is a great way to break up all that gunk in your head.

2. Do the self-care business. Drink a large glass of orange juice. Make the homemade chicken soup in truckloads; prepare a huge pot of hot tea, and alternate sipping large quantities of both. Take whatever over-the-counter or prescription medicines are appropriate, and don't forget the zinc and echinacea and a good multivitamin. Have a large quantity of Kleenex handy and a small garbage can to throw them in. Pull out the hand sanitizer and Clorox wipes.

3. Finally get your calendar, to-do list, and your computer. Let's check out what you can get done today in the safety of your home. Unless you can be reasonably germ-free and not sound like a foghorn, today might not be the day to do a lot of in-person networking. People will NOT appreciate being sneezed on in the height of H1N1 season. And that is not how you want to be remembered, either!

The only exception to the rule would be for an interview. Even then, with the current scare of H1N1, I would personally evaluate my ability to mask/hide my symptoms for an hour, and then call the company. Give them the option of interviewing you anyway when you are not at full-par, or rescheduling if possible for later in the week.

So, let's get back to that to-do list. Yesterday, I had two calls scheduled that I couldn't change, so I made sure to take an extra dose of meds right before my calls. I also worked my way through a pile of computer work that had been ignored: responding to contacts on LinkedIn, reviewing a client's resume and making notes, searching online for new "out-of-the-house" networking opportunities for next week (doubling up since I won't be able to get out much this week), working through the email inbox, and doing some administrative paperwork that I hate doing that was weeks late in being done. I busted my bum on getting all of that computer work done, and today I was able to start with a much cleaner slate and a much clearer head.

Think about how this can translate to your job seeker to-do list. Check out your marketing materials - do you have your resume, one page bio, and your SMART stories up-to-date? Have you been neglecting your online brand (LinkedIn, web portfolio, blog)? Can you order those business cards online? Do you have a pile of industry articles and magazines that you need to catch up on so you can stay up to date or use for fodder for white papers or that blog? How about your networking calendar? This is a great time to fill your calendar in the upcoming weeks with coffee meetings for informational interviews, or association/group meetings and networking functions. You can do quite a bit of research online for your target companies. You can check out who's hiring on the job boards, and research which recruiters are active in your field. Perhaps you can finagle a couple of phone interviews that will turn into in-person interviews next week as well.

Do you get the picture? Even if you are locked up in your house for a week with the sniffles you should have PLENTY to keep you busy. Watching soaps and "The Price is Right" all day long is not going to help you get a job. But working your job search strategy plan, even when things aren't ideal, will.

Plan your work, and work your plan. No matter what. That's what will get you the job.

And get to bed early! Nothing helps a cold like some extra sleep!

Julie Mendez

Happy Monday Morning, Job Seekers!

Hello there!

Yep, it’s Monday Morning! Time to rise and shine and start the week off right!
(No, I’m not a naturally chipper morning person. But the littlest Mendez has been up since 6am, so it’s practically mid-morning for me by now!)

So, let’s talk about your job search week. Do you have your to-do list for this week planned?

• Your list of phone calls ready to make?
• Your “get out of the house” networking activities on your calendar?
• Your list of “other” – working on that web portfolio, reworking your resume, writing that “value proposition letter”?

Remember, you should be thinking of your time as “billable hours.” You MAIN priority are tasks that are “moneymakers,” i.e. get you in front of decision makers. Everything you do revolves around that. It’s easy to get bogged down with busywork and thinking that you are accomplishing something. But if all you do is push paper around it’s not going to get anywhere.

So, prioritize that mile-long to-do list with your most valuable activities first. Then, in whatever time you have leftover in your administrative paperwork, extra mumbo jumbo. Remember, your job search IS your full time job!

PS. If I haven’t heard from you lately and you don’t have anything already on the calendar, email me now and let’s schedule our weekly call so we can catch up and we can figure out how I can help you with next steps. Not sure what should be on that to-do list for this week? Well, chatting with me today should be first thing, so we can set that list up together!

Good luck and break a leg everyone!

Julie Mendez

"You Aren't George Clooney, Get Your Social Networking Act in Gear!"

I receive quite a bit of spam and junk mail due to owning my own business, most of which I just delete without even looking at it. But last week I received an article with this title, and had to open it right away.

Though this article is specifically geared to business owners, many of the same points still apply to job seekers:

1. First of all, YOU are not "too cool" for online networking. As the title says, only George Clooney can get away with saying that. And if you are looking for a job (or think you will in the next few months), then this is the time to utilize every single networking opportunity you can find.

Remember, George Clooney didn't get to be "George Clooney" overnight. I think that if he was still that up-and-coming actor on Roseanne looking for his next big break, he might be singing a very different tune.

2. You need to be involved. I can't tell you how many people I work with that think that putting up a profile up somewhere (not even usually complete) is all they need to do. They sit back waiting to be discovered, and wonder why it's not happening.

I promise you, as a former actor myself, George Clooney did not get that life-changing job on ER by waiting to be found. He pounded the pavement, hobnobbed, shook hands, schmoozed, busted his bum, and NETWORKED. Whatever you might want to call it, networking takes work. So, utilize your online social network resources and take advantage of all their various potential.

3. IT IS NOT ABOUT YOU. I don't think people can hear this enough. If you are on LinkedIn and Twitter and all you do is beg people to give you a job, no one will listen. Why? Because no one wants to hire someone who's desperate and a beggar. Instead, focus on what your network needs. Pass along a referral to a recruiter, or recommend a friend for a position that you know you're not right for. Research current and relevant industry information and share the information willy-nilly.

All of these acts of generosity will do two things: First, it makes you look like YOU are in-the-know, and an expert in your field. Plus it will keep you from looking like every other desperate job seeker, and that is a great way to stand out from the crowd. Second: After a while, good karma will come back to you. People will feel "guilty" "obligated" even subconsciously, and remember your name. They will begin to refer people to you in return, or reciprocate with advice to you.

However, you can not go into it expecting and waiting for that reciprocation. If you do, they will pick up on it, and automatically the good karma effect will stop. You have to accept up front that you are doing this to help them as a free gift with no strings attached.

Good luck!

(And if you are George Clooney . . . please call me. I've been sitting by waiting to be discovered for way too long.)

Julie Mendez

Record Competition Means YOU need an EDGE in your Job Search!

According to this article on DailyFinance.com, the job search environment is worse than it has been in 70 years. That's right, 70 years.

"You would have to go back about 70 years to find a time in US history when it was tougher to find a job than it is now."

With record unemployment in the United States, hiring managers are getting hundreds of resumes for each opening listed. And what about the jobs that aren't ever advertised? How in the world, as a job seeker, do you find out about those?

To get ahead of the rest of the pack, you need an edge. You need to have the best resume, the best strategy, the best networking skills, the best interview. What you need, is a Certified Job Search Coach.

Julie Mendez, CJSS, of JSM Career Coaching is that Certified Job Search Strategist you've been looking for.

She can help you turn that generic resume into a sharp, high-octane document that will market and "sell" your skills and abilities to those hiring professionals.

She can turn your present job search strategy (trolling the job boards waiting for any job to fall into your lap) into a focused, personalized, journey to uncovering the right opportunity for you.

She can coach you through interview practice and role-play sessions, so that you nail that next interview and assist you through the salary negotiations.

Julie Mendez, CJSS, is the person you want in your corner, helping you stand out from the rest.

What do her past clients say?

"Without a doubt, I have a fantastic and exciting new job today because of the help I received from Julie Mendez. Time and time again I walked in and out of interviews hearing that my resume was outstanding. Knowing that my resume was fantastic, it allowed me to feel more confident and relaxed during my interviews! The time and energy Julie showed in working with me made me feel like her number one client. Thank you, Julie, for all of your hard work - it helped show off my hard work!" -- Angela

"Oh wow. Julie is the consummate professional: smart, forthright, and knows her business down to the last micro-nuance. But she's more than that: she's nice. Julie is so great to work with because she doesn't just "make" you feel like she cares about you, she really DOES care. And when she sets her mind to getting a job done, the seas part and things HAPPEN." -- Kelly

To find out more, contact Julie Mendez via email at JulieMendez@jsmcareercoaching.com, or www.jsmcareercoaching.com.

How The Biggest Loser Can Make You a Winner in Your Job Search

Okay, I'm ‘fessing up. I love The Biggest Loser. LOVE it. I've always been a fan of the show, and this season, even though I've only seen two episodes so far, I'm really stoked. I LOVE the show.

While watching the "Week 2" episode today, I thought about how sometimes a job search process can be very much like what these candidates are going through on the show.

The Lessons You Can Learn from The Biggest Loser

1. Not one person out there is immune to needing help. The first step is asking for it.

These contestants weren't picked up at the local mall. To get on this show, you had to apply. You had to turn in a video stating why you deserved to be on this show more than anyone else.

You had to ask for help.

If you are a job seeker, the same rules affect you, too. Finding a job nowadays isn't something done in a vacuum. There are infinite resources and opportunities out there to get help.

If you ask.

2. The "I tried every diet in the book" attitude has gotten them nowhere.

It's not until they get somewhere where they can break their daily cycle, get out of their rut, and try something different that things begin to change for them.

If you are sitting at that computer, WAITING for the perfect job to come to you, only sending resumes to the black hole of job boards; let me ask you in my best Dr. Phil impersonation: "So, how's that working for you?"

Yeah, that's what I thought. That's like sitting on the couch eating takeout while watching The Biggest Loser. You might lose weight, but it'll be because you got lucky.

3. It ain't easy. Sometimes it isn't pretty either. What it is is a lot of hard, sweaty work.

I mean, have you seen this show? These folks are busting their bums to make it to their goal.

And it takes the same drive, effort, and occasional sweat and tears to be successful in your job search. (I'm not talking about the “just getting a paycheck” job. I'm talking about the “career-enhancing, truly following your life's purpose” positions that people don't even think is possible in this economy. But I'm here to tell you, it is!)

4. Have a secret weapon.

Look at these contestants. Every one of them has something similar in their story: "I tried doing this on my own and I can't."

These contestants are blessed with two amazing personal trainers and extraordinary coaches, Jillian and Bob. Not only do the contestants have the benefit and knowledge of these wonderful experts, they also have cheerleaders and two supportive resources who have their back every step of the way.

And Bob and Jillian will NEVER, ever, let these candidates give less than 110% every single minute of the process.

That's the secret weapon in weight loss, and that is the secret weapon in your job search.

Having an expert in your pocket means your job search process will become more like a journey to success instead of a desperate frenzy to accept whatever you can get your hands on.

What kind of voices are whispering in your ear? Do you have a resume writer helping you make the most of your written marketing materials, or a job search coach guiding you through the process? Where are you getting your information informing your job search decisions?

Conclusion

Everyone is so amazed by the monumental weight loss these contestants, and the difference that "the ranch" can make in their lives. I'm not.

If you can learn these four basic lessons from this show, then you too can transform you own life, especially your job search.

First, admit and ask for help. Be willing and open to new ways of thinking about your job search. Put in the daily, daily, daily grind of the work that has to be done. And get qualified, expert help to make your efforts stand above the rest.

Good luck!

Julie Mendez

Using Facebook For Your Job Search.

We all know that "social networking" is the future of the job search process, (if you didn't, you do now). For several weeks, I've been searching for the perfect resources to share with you regarding how to use Facebook to help you find your next position.

Before you get started, there are many cautionary tales. Stories of employees getting canned for complaining about their boss or company; or for pictures of improper conduct or illegal activity. What you put out in the stratosphere of the Internet WILL (notice I don't use the verb can) come back to haunt you.

So starting right now, clean up all social networking sites you might have. And please remember that anything that you write down CAN be seen by just about anyone. Or printed out and shown to someone who works down the hall for you. Or copied and forwarded to your boss. Or found in a Google search by a potential employer. I really hope the seriousness of this issue is getting through to all of you.

So, on to the meat of this subject: "The Ultimate Guide to Using Facebook as a Job Search Tool." What I like about this article is the step-by-step approach that is easily understandable by those who are not fully Facebook savvy.

And here is a very intriguing article that shows you how to take full advantage of the more than 300 million active users of Facebook: "Use Facebook Ads to Make Employers Hunt You Down"

I'd love to hear your thoughts on these articles, and how utilizing any of these tactics might work out for you.

Julie Mendez

When a Job Search Coach Goes On an Interview . . .

Two days ago, I went on a job interview.

Yup, that's right, a real live interview.

It was for a position that I have done before in a different location. I loved that job. Would have done it forever, if I could have. And so, when I saw a duplicate position open up here, I jumped at the chance.

But I felt added pressure, because hey, I'm also a Career Coach. Everyone knows that about me, and it says it on my résumé. I feel that now I have to do everything better than perfect, because now others have such high expectations of me. And let's be honest, if you heard that I had bombed a job interview, what would you think of my coaching skills?

I thought you might be interested in how I prepared for this interview. Me - the supposed expert on job search strategy.

I spent a great deal of time preparing my résumé and cover letter; highlighting previous experience in the position, making sure to use the important keywords, listing the best of my accomplishments and successes in my past career - as they relate to this particular position. (Note: when a résumé writer or book says to list your accomplishments, they don't mean a grocery list of everything you've ever done. What they are trying to tell you is that you should emphasize the successes and accomplishments the decision maker needs to hear. Is this a data entry position? Then listing how you typed a 600-page book for your previous publisher employer at 70wpm is important. The fact that you organized the office Christmas party might not be.)

I agonized over the cover letter. Did it "sell" me well? Did it convince the HR manager to turn the page to read my résumé?

Then I spent two more days proofing. Printing it out, scratching it up, doing the edits, and starting all over again. And again. Reading it aloud, and editing it all over again.

Finally, I said a quick prayer and sent the package off. But not just into the stratosphere. No, I had someone I knew well who worked at that organization hand-deliver it to the correct person.

Then I waited. Stressed and waited some more.

And yes, even a seasoned professional career coach can get the job search butterflies.

By chance, one day at Starbucks (I spend a lot of time there) I saw one of my potential coworkers getting a cup of coffee. I chatted him up and asked him how work was going. After a bit of conversation, he mentioned the "powers that be" had gone on vacation and wouldn't be back for two weeks.

So I waited some more. But at least now I could wait without stressing about not getting an interview. . . yet.

Finally, oh joy of joys, I got THE call! I had an interview.

Then, my real work began.

I prepared my SMART stories for how they related to this position. (Actually, I did this while I was waiting for the call for the interview. Prepping helped deal with the stress.) I practiced by saying them out loud.

I thought about the questions I was most likely to be asked. And what my response should be.

I created a portfolio to take with me to the interview. In my portfolio I included additional copies of my cover letter and résumé, copies of past glowing evaluations, examples of my work, certificates of related training, and multiple letters of appreciation/recommendation - from previous colleagues, clients, and supervisors.

But what was most important were two different articles I prepared. One was a list of past accomplishments categorized as they specifically related to the duties of this particular position. And second, was a list of potential project ideas I had for the position with explanations on how I would implement them, again broken down by category. This is where I spent the bulk of my time preparing for this interview.

Then, I prepped me.

I did all those things women do when they want to make a good impression. I pulled out my favorite suit from my pre-baby days and did my dance of joy when it actually fit and looked good. I dyed my hair to get rid of the gray I had been ignoring. I got my nails and toes done. No, no one will see my feet as I wore dress boots under my suit, but it makes me feel good, and I wanted that added boost. I showered (Note: You might think it silly I point this out. Sadly from my recruiter days, I could tell you stories of candidates who came into my office with body odor issues. So folks, please shower and use deodorant.) and spent a good deal of time getting my makeup perfect. (Again with makeup. Please don't overdo it. Get a professional to show you how to use it if you don't know how.) I picked out the best jewelry accessories, which for this company would be very conservative, small, nothing dangling or gaudy.

And here is a bit of humorous advice. Pee before you go. People always laugh when I tell them this. But to me, there is nothing worse than being uncomfortable through an interview because you drank that huge cup of coffee right before you walked in. And sitting there feeling uncomfortable is only going to make you look like you're uncomfortable being in the room. I think you'd would rather they perceive you as being calm and confident, wouldn't you? (Note: If they offer you a drink before the interview, feel free to accept. Just don't gulp it down, because hey, you don't want it to hit you while you're busy talking to the CEO. Just sip it slowly to keep your mouth from going dry.)

And off I went. I made sure to leave in plenty of time to get there, even if there was major traffic. I had the car full of gas from the day before, so I didn't have to worry about filling up on the way.

And I got there with perfect timing. Just about four minutes before they were ready to begin. Just enough time to make friends with the receptionist before they called me in.

You must be wondering how the interview itself went. Now, that is a hilarious story, but one I can't tell right now. I'm still waiting to hear . . .

Julie Mendez
JSM Career Coaching

Coaching Special Just For Twitter Fans!

That's right, my Twitter buddies get a special deal from me all of their own!

Right now for the month of September, I have a Job Search Coaching Special. All you have to do is sign up for five job search coaching sessions, and you will receive the six one free!

To answer a few questions, you do not have to complete all sessions before the end of September, but prepayment is required to take advantage of the deal. And, yes, absolutely, you can take advantage of this deal as many times as you want during the month of September. You want to sign up for 10 sessions, you will get two free, and so on!

What is Job Search coaching? Job Search coaching takes you from the status of a passive job seeker (watching job boards waiting for the job to jump in your lap) to an active job seeker: developing a strategy, focusing on a list of target companies, learning how to network and actually like it, and what's more - finding those job opportunities that AREN'T being advertised!

In this economy you need every advantage you can get, and using a trained Job Search Coach is just one of them!

To take advantage of this deal, just contact me at JulieMendez@jsmcareercoaching.com and mention the "Twitter Special." Yes, feel free to pass this along to any of your Twitter friends. (Know someone that isn't on following me on Twitter? Yes, they can take advantage too. All they need to do is send me a Direct Message.)

Learn more about all of my services at http://www.jsmcareercoaching.com/.

Get SMART About Your Job Search #1

Just like with resumes, gone are the days where you might just sit in an interview and list your duties and responsibilities. At least, gone are the days where that tactic might actually land you the job. (If it ever did.)

Nope, today, job seekers have to be more savvy and much more "sales" oriented. Now, please don't freak out because I used the word "sales." I'm not saying you have to have sales experience, or act like a tacky, used car salesman to get a job. What I mean is that you need to focus on presenting your skills and yourself (in essence, your product) in the best possible light. You need to focus on what the benefits to hiring you are for the employer.

(But more on marketing/sales job search concepts in future posts.)

One of the ways to really promote how you are the best fit for the position is use situation examples in the interview process. (This will also work great in your networking campaign as well.)

You've probably heard of the "STAR" (Situation/Task, Action, Result) acronym when dealing with behavioral interview questions. Behavioral interview questions are the "Tell me about a time when . . ." part of an interview. As a former recruiter, I can tell you that these questions are your opportunity to SHINE. I can't emphasize that enough. The interviewer and decision maker will be listening very carefully to your answer - not just for the obvious "correct" answer, but for clues about how you will take those successes and apply them to the position in their company.

In the book, Job Search Magic by Susan Whitcomb*, a new way of dealing with these types of questions is discussed. She uses the acronym, "SMART."

"SMART" stands for:
Situation and
More
Action
Results
Tie-in or Theme

What's the difference? The difference is the tie-in or theme. This is where you link your "story" to what's important to the employer: important issues, specific experience or competencies needed, etc. You can also use questions to turn this around and put the ball back in the interviewer's court, a great way to glean more about the company's corporate culture and true needs that might have not been truly addressed by the interviewer.

But more importantly, it focuses your entire interview process not on what you've done in the past, but what you can do for the new employer.

Do you recognize the difference? It's a clear but subconscious shift in your thinking as the job seeker.

I suggest that you prepare no less than 3-5 SMART stories to use in your own job search process. Writing them down is a great exercise. Practice saying them out loud so you feel more comfortable using them. Be sure to prepare a couple of optional tie-ins ahead of time, as I personally feel as this is the trickiest and most uncomfortable part for job seekers.

I'd like to hear from you readers about how this strategy works for you, and I'd love to hear examples of your own SMART stories. In future posts, I'll cover more ways to get SMART about your job search, including how to prepare for networking.

Good luck!

Julie Mendez

Connect with me now!
LinkedIn
Facebook Fan Page
Twitter


*Just to clarify, I get no proceeds or kickbacks for this recommendation. I did, however take Susan Whitcomb's Certified Job Search Strategist course and studied this book as part of my coursework. I recommend this book to any job seeker.

Recruiters Are Using Social Media Websites!

from Ere.net: "Recruiters Amping Up Interest in Social Media"


"ERE’s first Social Recruiting Summit gets underway Monday, appropriately enough, at Google world headquarters in the heart of Silicon Valley. That it’s a sold-out conference should be no surprise, considering the virtual stampede of recruiters to social media.


Surveys in just the last month from Jobvite, Arbita, LinkedIn and others show the fascination recruiters have with social media. The Jobvite report found 72 percent of the surveyed recruiters will invest more in social networks this year. Contrast that with the 26 percent who expect to spend more on job boards.



The Arbita survey, coming at the question from a somewhat different angle, says 73 percent expect to spend the same or less on search engine marketing and social media; 93 percent of the respondents to that survey say they’ll spend the same or less on job boards.


Both show a legion of recruiters experimenting with social media. Referrals are still the recruiting gold standard, but the survey evidences an excitement with the potential that social networks hold, even if recruiters are still unsure how best to use them and how effective they will be in the long run.



For instance, Arbita found half the surveyed companies have no effective strategy for finding candidates on networks such as LinkedIn and Facebook. The company asked about strategies for sourcing candidates through their blogs and 85 percent said they have nothing effective.
No wonder the Social Recruiting Summit filled up. No wonder that so many recruiters stepped up to lead “Unconference” discussions, not only on tactics, but on how social media recruiting is likely to evolve over the next few years and how it fits into the overall corporate recruiting portfolio.


The picture that emerges from the pre-conference discussions on ERE and Twitter, and from the Arbita and Jobvite reports, is one of recruiter anticipation that pretty clearly says, “We’re not sure where there this train is heading, but we’re getting on.”


The Arbita survey has recruiters admitting that while metrics to support their marketing decisions are important, 62 percent aren’t happy with the quality of the data. Remarkably, 39 percent of the respondents don’t even see metrics and analytics as an important part of recruitment strategy.


That startling result lead Don Ramer, founder and CEO of Arbita, to rail in the report that, “Two generations after the invention of the relational database –- of Lotus –- we have 39 percent of the people who are responsible for staffing saying metrics and analytics are not an important part of their strategy.”



The Jobvite report at least had recruiters explaining their rationale for using social media: 77 percent use the networks to reach passive job seekers; 74 percent because of the lower cost, and; 72 percent to find candidates with hard to find skills or experience.


While Jobvite’s survey didn’t delve into strategic decision making and metrics, the respondents at least had a basis for making those judgments. Two-thirds of them had made hires through an online social network.



It may be foolish to dismiss the role of metrics and analytics in deciding where to focus your recruiting effort. But jumping on to the social media train is hardly foolish, even if the analytics aren’t there, yet, to be able to say with certainty whether the phenomenon will deliver the sort of results we want.


Peter Weddle, the well known recruiting publisher and consultant, has a contrarian view of the social media landrush. He blogged a few weeks ago that, “There is a great SCAM being perpetrated in the recruiting profession today. Call it “social capabilities ahead of the market.”
Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, he wrote, aren’t ready for prime time: “These sites may be effective recruiting tools in 2014, but today they aren’t even close. To put it another way, they are social capabilities that are way ahead of the market, if the market you’re after is the one for talent.”



His evidence, though arguable as to its meaning, is worth considering. The short version of it is that people, especially the millenials, those denizens of social media, still look for jobs on job boards. And well they should. To twist a phrase from bank robber Willy Sutton, job boards are where the jobs are.


Social media, however, is where the world is. The only reason to post a resume on Monster is to find a job. Posting to LinkedIn or building a Facebook page or Tweeting is done by millions for purely social and business reasons, only some of which is directly motivated by job hunting.
Neither the Arbita nor Jobvite survey presages the imminent demise of the job board. Crystal ball gazers have been predicting that for years and they’re all still here and more seem to be coming every day.



Instead, what the surveys suggest and the interest in the Social Recruiting Summit reflects is that social media is becoming a part of recruiting’s toolbox, even if we aren’t sure how it will fit into a comprehensive strategy."

Body Language in an Interview

You can be the most educated, most experienced, most qualified candidate on the planet, and yet you still won't get the job.

Why is that?

Check out this article on CareerBuilder, "What Your Body Language Says About You." It's a very basic article discussing how your body language represents you to others.

Though it attempts to look to the positive (i.e. if you cross your arms over your body in a defensive gesture then you of course must be better suited to a job in the insurance industry for some reason), I think it's more important that you become self aware of these habits. Do you habitually stand with your arms crossed over your body? Often people with have some of these habits and not even realize it.

If you're in the middle of your job search, NOW is a good time to have someone close to you tell you the truth about how your body language is perceived by others. Ask a close friend who will tell you the truth and not sugarcoat it.

If you're still not sure, stage a mock interview, complete with an "interviewer" sitting on one side of the desk and you on the other. Setting up a video camera is a great tool so that you can view yourself later. Your interviewer can pose all sorts of questions - from the difficult to possibly annoying and back to the basic questions. When you watch the tape, don't listen to your verbal responses. Instead, watch closely to your physical responses.

Are your hands clenched and arms tight? Are you crossing your arms across your body when they question why you left your last position a little to forcefully? Do you constantly change the crossing of your legs, or do you tap the armrest constantly? Now is the time to be brutal with yourself.

Now, how do you stop these habits? The first step is to be conscious of them, then make a decision beforehand of what you will do when you notice you start your habit again in an interview situation, and finally practice it! If you seem to slouch and spread your legs out in an interview, you're probably getting a little too "relaxed." Practice finding a sitting position that is comfortable, but still shows that you are alert and attentive to the interviewer.

However, you don't want to go the totally opposite direction! Being completely wound up, and "tight" will be perceived as you being uncomfortable, unconfident, and not wanting to be there! So you need to find a happy medium between the two. Practicing in front of a video camera or a mirror is the only way to do this.

Also, as an aside, I really recommend yoga for a long-term solution. Not only is it good exercise, for me it has been great for posture, strength, and flexibility. I also find it good for focus and for clearing the stress of the day out of your mind. You can't worry about how you're going to pay that credit card bill while you're in the middle of downward dog.

Julie Mendez

Jobs With Meaning

If you are interested in working in the nonprofit sector, you should check out Idealist.org.

According to their website, "Idealist.org is a website that facilitates connections between individuals and institutions that are interested in improving their communities. Over 84,000 nonprofit organizations from more than 180 countries have created profiles on Idealist.org. They use these profiles to list information about their missions, programs, services, and opportunities."

It's possible to search for jobs, internships, or volunteer opportunities through the site. You can narrow the search down by country (great for Foreign Service spouses looking for new opportunities abroad) and you can review three postings before you register (which is free). You can network with other like-minded individuals through "Idealist Groups."

Good luck and happy job hunting!

Julie Mendez

Twitter for Your Next Job

Hello all! My apologies as I slacked off on this blog in the past few weeks. New clients, teething children, my new certification course (through Job Search Academy - to become a Certified Job Search Strategist, but more on that later) have been sucking up most of my time. I'm hoping to have a better handle on things by now.

But back to the message at hand . . . .

Recently, a client asked me about all the buzz on Twitter. How it's the new, hip, trendy way to find your next job. Of course, I've heard the buzz too and even read a few articles on the subject. Here are a few recommendations that I've received to help you get started on your Twitter job search path:

Leverage Twitter For Your Job Search

The Beginner's Guide to Finding a Job With Twitter

How to Begin Your Job Search With Twitter

And of course, check out TwitterJobSearch.com. I've been told it's still in beta. I checked it out, and I love the options to "retweet" or "follow" the job. It kind of looks like fun to me. And heck, we could all use a little more fun in the job search process, right?

We'll be talking more about the Twitter in the job search later, as I continue to learn more. Feel free to post about your experiences with twitter and how you have personally been utilizing this new "in" resource.

And of course, if you ever want to follow me (or want me to follow you) you can find me on twitter at https://twitter.com/JulieMendez.

Julie Mendez

Looking for Guest Bloggers!

I’d love to have other Foreign Service spouses write about their experiences looking for work overseas, lessons learned, getting back into the workforce in DC after being overseas for awhile, and especially folks who have taken advantage of the “extra” employment opportunities – such as Manpower, Professional Associates program, distance learning services from FSI, that sort of thing. (And if you have additional ideas for me to take under consideration I’d love that too!)

Besides being published on my blog, I’ll be advertising them through my Facebook business page, twitter, LinkedIn, etc. And I’ll announce the dates when each article is being published, so the guest writers can share the link with their friends as well.

Thanks all! And feel free to pass this along to anyone whom you think might be interested.

Julie Mendez

Price Change Effective July 1st, 2009

As of July 1st, 2009, all introductory rates listed on my website (here), will disappear. After that time, only regular rates will be in effect.

So, if you want to lock in the lower, introductory prices now, NOW is the time to contact me! Email me at JulieMendez@jsmcareercoaching.com and let's set up a time to chat and get you started on your path to a successful and fulfilling career!

Remember, you need to act now to take advantage of the discounted introductory rates!

Julie Mendez

Top Dollar for Workers With Security Clearances

I just learned about a new job search website for folks with security clearances! This will be fabulous for Foreign Service spouses who are returning back to the DC area (and of course, the rest of the US as well).



According to their website, ClearanceJobs.com "matches job seekers that hold active or current Department of Defense, Department of State, and Department of Energy security clearances to hiring employers and recruiters looking for skilled cleared candidates."



And here is a very interesting article - how workers with security clearances make more money than those without! (Makes that boring Security Escort position at the Embassy a whole lot more intereting, doesn't it?)



Washington, D.C. and Virginia Paying Top Dollar for Workers with Security Clearances

by ClearanceJobs.com - May 26, 2009



Despite the deepest recession in generations, workers holding security clearances are enjoying an average pay increase of nearly two percent to $73,961, finds ClearanceJobs.com, the leading online career management resource for professionals with active government security clearance. In its annual survey, ClearanceJobs finds that employees in Washington, D.C. and Virginia received a three percent increase and the highest annual compensation in the "cleared worker" category, with average salaries of $82,874 and $80,135, respectively.



"The turbulent economy has put a governor on the growth rate of salaries for security cleared workers," said Evan Lesser, founder & Director of ClearanceJobs. "However, there is no shortage of security-cleared career opportunities both in and outside the D.C. corridor. Considering both number of current job openings and the local cost of living, there isn't a bad market anywhere in the country for security clearance jobs."



Top 10 Average Cleared Salaries by Geography:

2009-08 2008-07

1. Washington, DC $82,874 $80,380

2. Virginia $80,135 $78,043

3. Colorado $74,000 $74,448

4. Maryland $73,471 $72,844

5. California $73,636 $70,874

6. Arizona $68,000 $67,020

7. Florida $65,962 $66,128

8. Texas $64,207 $60,252

9. Georgia $61,022 $59,150

10 North Carolina $58,506 $54,788



Additional findings include:

• Salaries for cleared workers in Afghanistan surged by seven percent to $106,321, while salaries of their counterparts in Iraq increased slightly to $106,839. The closing of the pay gap between the two war zones echoes the elevation of the United States' focus in Afghanistan. In fact, the number of job postings on ClearanceJobs with work located in Afghanistan surged 170 percent over the past year, while openings in Iraq grew 58 percent over the same time frame.


• The salary gap between government employees ($62,615) and government contractors ($83,212) widened in 2009 with contractors earning roughly $20,000 more than civil servants. • Average salaries for management-level positions topped six-figures for the first time at $101,720, joining the executive level ($130,293) in that highly soughtafter compensation club. By comparison, an entry-level security cleared professional with less than two years of experience earned on average $45,811.


• Despite an average salary gain that was a third of the increase security cleared professionals received in 2008, 70 percent of respondents noted they are satisfied with their current job, an increase from 67 percent satisfaction last year.Source: The data for the ClearanceJobs Salary Survey was collected from more than 5,000 security-cleared professionals registered on ClearanceJobs.com between February 21, 2008 and April 26, 2009.

What's the Deal With The Ladders?

All over "resume writer" land, the talk is about "The Ladders." Whether it's legit, the scam or non-scam of it, etc.

I will say I have not had any personal experience with this company, myself. But I'd like to share with all of you a few links from several sources that I respect.

Jibber Jobber - The Ladders Scam

Ask the Headhunter - The New Career-Industry Racket

I'd love to hear from any of you that have had experiences with the Ladders.

Julie Mendez

Top DC Employers for 2009

Here it is folks. If you are currently in the DC area, or transferring back there soon. The Top DC Area Employers for 2009.

While I'm not surprised to see low-level jobs such as McDonald's and Walmart high on the list (probably because of high turnover and more folks looking for cheap deals nowadays), I'm thrilled to see employers such as Northup Grunman and Raython in the top 10 as well. Of course, defense contractor-type companies never go out of style in DC.

Another great feature of this list? Just click on the name to learn more about the organization you're interested in. A great way to begin your research as you apply for positions. Plus, you can drilldown the list by public, private, nonprofit, legal, and more.

Julie Mendez

How to Maximize Your Use of LinkedIn

Finally, I've come across the best and most simple breakdown of how and why to use LinkedIn.


In this "A Visual Guide to LinkedIn for Job Hunters," there is a drill-down map of the various ways to use LinkedIn to expand your networking opportunities and look for a job. I've never seen an explanation of LinkedIn quite so simple and easy to follow.


As most (if not all, haha) of my clients know, I'm a huge fan of LinkedIn, and the opportunities that arise from there. If you are in a job search situation nowadays, not being a part of social/professional networking sites such as LinkedIn can actually be detrimental to your career search. So, if you haven't signed up, do so now. If you aren't active on the site, I strongly encourage you to log on now and get active. (And yes, I take my own advice: here is my own LinkedIn profile. I'm happy to connect with all of my readers and clients,


In addition, Applicant.com's blog seems informative and chock-full of interesting articles of information. Thanks Applicant, for the great road map to LinkedIn!

Julie Mendez

"Hire Me!"

I really enjoyed this article, "What Says to Employers, 'Hire Me!'" Finally, an article about job search that says something new and interesting, and one step deeper than the generic article.

A couple of quotes that I want to pass along and make sure you see:

• The resume needs to stand out above all the rest, without being unprofessional.
• Make it easy on the eyes. "Envision a hiring manager looking at a resume like a driver going by a billboard. Try to make it absorbable at high speeds."
• It's never one-size-fits-all. "Don't try to sell what you are selling; sell what the employer is buying. Make sure your resume fits the position and the organization where you are seeking employment," George says. "Hiring managers look at skill set, education, experience and where you got that experience. They want to make sure you are going to be able to do the job and fit into the corporate culture."
• Apply at companies that aren't seeking candidates. "Read the business pages to find out what businesses are growing," says Laura George, author of "Excuse Me, Your Job is Waiting." "Send such companies a resume and a letter explaining what you can bring to the organization."
• Keep your responses job-related. Many job seekers start off the interview on the wrong note when they respond to the statement, "Tell me about yourself," Palmer says. "Job seekers give a personal response instead of a professional response. Your response will say, 'Hire me,' if you tailor your responses to the position you are applying for. Review that job announcement the night before the interview and write out some bullet points for yourself to speak to the employer's needs."

I hope you all enjoy the article!

Julie Mendez

Online Networking Opportunities - The Conversation Prism

Are you networking enough? Do you even know what opportunities are out there for you to connect to others online? To help you, Brian Solis has created something called The Conversation Prism:

They use this image to represent all Social Media sites, and are constantly improving it, as new products emerge. (I know the picture above is not possible to read. To download your own copy or perhaps buy a poster version, click here.)

I thought I was fairly knowledgeable about media and networking sites, but even I've found some great new resources to check out.

And if you read further in the post in his blog (click here), you'll notice that he's mapped out his own social networking (social map). I highly applaud this as a fantastic exercise, and encourage all of you to do the same. Look for are on the prism where your "map" might be lacking, and investigate some of the options to increase your social networking visibility.

Thanks Brian, for such a great resource!

Julie Mendez

Boost Your Resume With Certifications

If you're looking for some great ways to add some real beef to your resume, getting certifications in your skill set is a great way to do it.

I wanted to share with you all about a company I've been following for a while: Brainbench.com. Brainbench is an interesting organization because their list of certification seems so extensive. Not only can you get certified in C+, but check out the certification in "English Language Comprehension" or "Interpersonal Communications." It's my belief that if there is a skill set out there, they seem to have a certification test for it.

All this to say, that is there is a specific job that has specific needs, how much more juicy is it to say "Certified Sales Professional" instead of just bland "Sales Professional?" Plus, they constantly are offering free tests, so at the very least you can sign up for their newsletter.

Of course there are other companies and organizations that have certification programs. First, check through any associations that you might belong to -- for example, I am currently working on achieving resume writer certification through the National Resume Writer's Association. And of course, there are specific software programs that offer certifications as well (such as Microsoft). I am a firm believer in taking advantage of all options.

Now, these suckers aren't free, so choose your tests wisely. In today's economy, do your homework to find the most respected and legit courses out there.

Julie Mendez

Special Deal in Honor of Administrative Professionals Week!

In honor of Administrative Professionals Week, I am offering a special deal! Book any of my services before April 22nd, and receive an extra 10% off! (Find out more about my services here.) This is in addition to any other discounts you might be eligible for if you are a military or Foreign Service spouse.

Seriously, this is a great deal that you shouldn't let pass you by! And remember, I always offer a free 1/2 hour consultation.

Email me at JulieMendez@jsmcareercoaching.com for more information!

Julie Mendez

Commitments and Performance

Today's message comes from Eric Albertson from SucceedingInBusiness.Com. I've been reading this newsletter for ages, from way back when I was in sales. I love the newsletter, because while it's targeted to salespeople, so much of it resonates with me as I help others in their careers. After all, like I tell my clients, what else is the job search process but an extended sales pitch? Aren't you trying to get someone to "buy" your experience and skills for their open position?

So I'd really like all of you to read the message below -- I like how this newsletter challenges you to examine your actions and the focus of your attention. And I'd love to hear some feedback from you about how you think this message pertains to you career and job search situation.

Julie Mendez
***********************

"Commitments and Performance"

Gist: Want to know your commitments? Look at your calendar, your checkbook, and your credit card bill. If you aren't getting the results you seek, you may not have your actions aligned with your intentions and goals.

Today's reality In my performance classes, I teach that given the actions you have -- or have not -- taken in the past, you are exactly where you should be at this moment. It is not good or bad, but rather it just is. Victims look back into their history and mourn what might have been. The responsible (read that response-able) look forward and say, "What new actions and conversations can I have to bring about new results"?


Reality check Do your intentions align with your attention? Check out your pattern of commitments by looking at your calendar, checkbook, and credit card statement. Now ask yourself: Are those commitments getting you the results you seek? Again, this is neither good nor bad, but simply a check on what is, at the moment.


Where performance comes from I'd like to ask you to consider that your results in life come only from the physical actions you take, how you speak, and the conversations you have with others and with yourself. You might also mention luck, faith, serendipity and so on, but by definition, you don't have any control over those things.


The $64,000 Question Are you taking the physical actions, speaking, and having conversations in such a fashion as to bring about the results you want in the future? If you want more of what you have been getting in life, don't change a thing. If you want something different, you will need to take different actions, speak differently, and have different conversations.


No should in sight Let me be clear that I am not suggesting that you should do anything. Rather, I'd like to ask you to choose something different if it seems to you like the right thing to do. The choice is always yours.

Conversations make things real There seems to be a series of conversations that bring about new results. The computer you use every day was once just a conversation that eventually led to a series of physical actions, and then became a reality. From what I can see in life, it is the way everything works, especially marketing, sales, and great personal relationships.


The key to performance is... Conversations and action. You set the goals and begin to have internal and external conversations about possible actions that could help achieve that goal. Some actions are opportunities for action, while others are not. You take the action, get a result, and observe your progress or lack of progress toward the goal.


Perfection The big stumbling block in all this is the inherently human expectation that all action should be on a straight line toward the goal. We also know this as the expectation of perfection. In my experience, a commitment to perfection is a recipe for failure. Rather, I'd like to ask you to consider a commitment to excellence.


Excellence In my book, excellence is steady action toward a goal in which you can progressively learn what you don't know about achieving a particular goal. This is crucial if you want results that are different from what your historical pattern of action has produced. Yes, you will be uncomfortable. No, you won't be perfect all the time. Yes, you will bring about new results in your life.


Testing The indisputable key to success in marketing and sales is testing new tactics (new actions). Insanity, some say, is to keep doing the same thing while hoping for new results. What new actions will you take today to bring about the future you desire and deserve?

Do me a favor Let one of your actions be to buy one of my books (listed below) and put it into action during the next 30 days. Each of these books is a simple recipe for new action that will lead you to new and desirable results in your life. That is why I offer them. Make their recommendations habits, and an investment of a few dollars can easily yield incremental thousands of dollars, and more self-confidence and power in your life. I guarantee it, unconditionally.

"Reprinted with permission from Eric Albertson's succeedinginbusiness.com. Newsletter (Copyright, 1998-2009, Eric Albertson, SucceedingInBusiness.com.)"

Senators Unveil Bill to Streamline Federal Hiring

This is something to keep an eye on . . .

**************
"Senators Unveil Bill to Streamline Federal Hiring"
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/federal-eye/2009/03/senators_unveil_bill_to_stream.html?hpid=topnews

A Senate bill introduced today would reshape the federal government's hiring and recruitment process, forcing agencies to post job announcements in plain writing and fill vacancies in no more than 80 days. The Federal Hiring Process Improvement Act of 2009, introduced by Sens. Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii) George Voinovich (R-Ohio), is the most recent legislative attempt to modernize the government's hiring and recruitment process.

“Too many federal agencies have built entry barriers for new workers and invented evaluation processes that discourage qualified candidates,” Akaka said in a statement. “Like the private sector, agencies need to take advantage of modern technology to find and hire the right candidates."

“Over and over, we hear of the problems in the federal hiring process. It takes too long; it is too burdensome, and so forth,” Voinovich said in the same statement. “The quality of technology has improved, but our processes have not."

Akaka is the chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC) subcommittee on government management, the federal workforce and District of Columbia. Voinovich is the ranking Republican. Committee staffers hear anecdotal complaints almost everyday about the federal hiring process. They cite a May 2008 washingtonpost.com live discussion with then-Federal Diary columnist Stephen Barr for some examples:

"The Federal hiring process is ridiculous. I've applied for GS-11 attorney position in 11 agencies and had one interview, three rejection letters, and seven nonresponses," said one chat participant.

"The biggest problem with federal hiring is still that it is too slow," said another. "Qualified young people (especially new/recent grads) want/need a job now, and will take the private industry job offered because it means an income coming in, rather that waiting months for the government to act."

The subcommittee held a hearing last May that heard similar complaints. Witnesses reported problems with recruitment strategies and job vacancy announcements. Perhaps most perilous, witnesses said agencies have not adapted their recruiting process to attract young people eager to work in public service. Stronger online application systems and easy-to-understand job descriptions would help, witnesses said.

The bill's chances of passage are unclear, and committee staffers say the Obama administration is unlikely to opine until its nominee to lead the Office of Personnel Management, John Berry, wins Senate confirmation. He seemed to favor modernizing the government's hiring process during his confirmation hearing last week. The HSGAC committee is expected to approve the nomination on Wednesday and refer it to the full Senate for a vote.

"Second Acts: The Late Bloomer"

Here is a lovely article from Careerbuilder.com, written by Kathryn Joosten, an actress I've always enjoyed. It's all about her eclectic career path from being a nurse to an Emmy-winning actress. Hopefully her story give you a bit of inspiration!

Julie Mendez
*********************
Second Acts: The Late Bloomer
By Kathryn Joosten

Some people in Hollywood think of me as a model for dramatic midlife transitions: suburban housewife to Emmy-winning actress. But I never plotted out a master plan for following my dreams. My career arc seemed perfectly normal to me as it evolved over time. Each phase just seemed to grow naturally out of the one before.

I started out as a nurse. As a teenager growing up in Chicago in the 1950s, I worked part time at a local hospital, where I spent my off hours hanging around the pediatrics unit with a friendly nurse. She inspired me to go into the profession. After graduating from high school and completing a training program, I landed a job at the Psychiatric Institute at Michael Reese Hospital. I was there nine years, eventually rising to head nurse of the largest psychiatric unit. Then I married one of the staff psychiatrists and gave up nursing for a new life as a housewife in suburban Lake Forest.

Ten years later, he got the mistress and I got the children. As a divorcee with two young boys and not enough child support, I had to go back to work. But I couldn't go back to nursing after so many years away from it. My skills were no longer current. So I got a job with a "Welcome Wagon"-type company that advertised local businesses to new residents. To supplement that, I hung wallpaper for people who were redecorating their homes, and served as a location manager for photographers and industrial filmmakers doing shoots in the Chicago area.

All this kept me very busy, which is one reason I signed my boys up for the children's program at the Lake Forest community theater. (It was the cheapest baby-sitting I could find.) Eventually I auditioned for a small part in one of the theater's productions.

As a kid in elementary school, I had loved performing onstage in school pageants. But my high school was too small to have a drama department, so I had never acted in a play. That all changed in June 1980 when the Lake Forest theater put on the musical "Gypsy." I made my theatrical debut in the role of Tessie Tura, a veteran stripper who offers career advice to Gypsy Rose Lee. "You've gotta have a gimmick," I sang, "if you wanna get applause!"

I got applause, and I liked it. That experience led to me doing a second show in the next town over, then to another show in another town and finally to a show in a nonunion theater in Chicago. I was totally hooked. I wanted to pursue acting and see where it led me. But I was 42, with two kids and three jobs. Not the most auspicious of circumstances for a person just starting out in show business.

I thought about my mother, who had died of cancer years earlier at the age of 49. She spent her last months bitterly regretting that she had deferred so many dreams, which now would never be fulfilled. It impressed me deeply, and I had vowed that I would never let that happen to me. So I knew I had to give acting a shot.

I laid it out for my sons, who by then were 10 and 12, and asked for a year to see if I could achieve success, which I had no real definition for. I did theater while hanging paper, selling advertising and finding locations. Eventually I got an agent and landed my first professional TV job, as a pingpong ball for the Illinois lottery. I had moved from community theater to semiprofessional theater, and I wanted to go further. After my year was up, I asked the kids for an extension, and they said yes.

All I wanted at this time was to achieve some recognition in theater in Chicago. I kept making progress. A big step came when I got my Actors' Equity union card while doing a play at the Goodman Theater. But I still wasn't making a living from acting.

Then in 1992, Disney-MGM Studios held tryouts in Chicago. They needed street performers for their Hollywood theme park in Orlando, Fla. After standing in line for five hours, I auditioned and won a job as a "Streetmosphere" player. By now my boys were older and on their own, so I could accept the offer and move to Florida. I played Annie Hannigan, cleaning lady to the stars. The contract only lasted a year, but it convinced me that I could make a living acting.

After the Disney job ended, I went to bartending school in Orlando so I could support myself while doing local theater. I also worked in catering. But after two years, I realized that my acting career wasn't going anywhere in Florida. One of my sons was now living in Los Angeles, so I went out there and spent a couple of weeks sleeping on his couch while I checked out the scene. I thought, "Well, I'll come out and try it for six months."

This was incredibly naive of me. I was in my mid-50s. I had no agent, no contacts and no track record likely to impress a Hollywood casting director. Then again, what did I have to lose? Five months later, I landed my first TV job--two lines in a scene with Jaleel White, who played Steve Urkel on the sitcom Family Matters. I played a grocery clerk in the episode, which aired on March 17, 1995. That job got me an agent, and I was off to the races. After that it was one job after another.

I went back to Florida, sold my house, packed my stuff into a truck and drove it to Los Angeles, where I've lived ever since. I've made guest appearances on dozens of TV shows, including Frasier, Monk and Grey's Anatomy; I've had recurring roles on Scrubs, Dharma and Greg and Joan of Arcadia; I played Martin Sheen's secretary, Mrs. Landingham, on The West Wing; and since 2005 I've had a recurring role as Mrs. McCluskey on Desperate Housewives, for which I have won two Emmys.

I didn't start out saying, "Gee, I think I'll try to win an Emmy." I just kept aiming down the path that seemed to shine before me. I've always adjusted my work life to be able to follow that path. Each step I took was a natural progression, and I always arranged that I could go back and resume my previous life if I didn't get to the next step.

I've come to realize that I cannot arrive at success. There is no "there" there. It is a continuum. I don't advise anyone to give up an assured life for a fling at a dream. Be flexible enough to envision what the future may hold, but also realistic enough to hedge your bets. Then you can follow the unknown path, one step at a time.

FedEx Office Provides Free Resume Printing Today!

FedEx Office (formerly FedEx Kinkos) will provide FREE résumé printing, today only - March 10, 2009. See below for complete details!

Free Resume Printing

(Thank you to my colleagues in the NRWA for passing this information along!)

Julie Mendez
JSM Career Coaching

Watch What You Post On Facebook! It Might Get You Fired!

Folks, you have no idea how often stuff like this happens. From Facebook, MySpace, bulliten boards, blogs, etc. - employers ARE watching. It's even worse when you're applying for jobs. So EVERYONE, please watch what you post online. The anonymity of the Internet is a fallacy. You will get found out!

"Facebook Post Gets Worker Fired" - www.espn.com

"A Facebook post criticizing his employer, the Philadelphia Eagles, cost a stadium operations worker his job, according to a story in Monday's Philadelphia Inquirer.

Dan Leone, who the Inquirer said worked as a west gate chief, was unhappy the team let Brian Dawkins sign with the Denver Broncos in free agency. According to the newspaper, Leone posted the following on his Facebook page: "Dan is [expletive] devastated about Dawkins signing with Denver ... Dam Eagles R Retarted!!"

Despite deleting the comment, Leone told the Inquirer the Eagles fired him by phone days later.
"I shouldn't have put it up there," Leone said, according to the Inquirer. "I was ticked off, and I let my emotions go, but I didn't offend any one person or target a specific individual. I was just upset that we lost such a great guy. Dawkins was one of my favorite players. I made a mistake."
Leone said he was shocked to lose his job of six years.

"I apologized for it," Leone said, according to the paper. "I apologized 20 million times. I never bad-mouthed the organization before. I made one mistake and they terminate me? And they couldn't even bring me into the office to talk to me? They had to do it over the phone? At least look me in the eye. To get done dirty like this, I can't believe it. I'm devastated."

The Eagles confirmed that Leone was a part-time staff member, but didn't comment further."

USAJOBS is Breached

Here is the article from from Washington Post in its entirety. To find it online, please go to: "Federal Job Database is Breached."

By Joe Davidson
Saturday, January 31, 2009; Page D02

The federal government's online database for job seekers has been hacked.

As if Uncle Sam's hiring process is not in enough of a mess already, now comes word that the pocket where he keeps job applications has been picked.

USAJOBS, the government's database, is powered by Monster.com, the Internet employment service.

A "special security alert" posted by USAJOBS says "certain contact and account data were taken, including user IDs and passwords, e-mail addresses, names, phone numbers, and some basic demographic data."

The information accessed does not include resumes," the statement continues. "The accessed information does not include sensitive data such as social security numbers or personal financial data."

But the government warns that the stolen data could be used in phishing schemes. This is a type of electronic fraud in which crooks use e-mail messages, pretending to come from legitimate organizations -- potentially the U.S. government in this case -- to secure sensitive information from those whose e-mail addresses were stolen.

People with USAJOBS passwords may soon be required to change them, according to the announcement.

"USAJOBS will never send an unsolicited e-mail asking you to confirm your username and password," says the alert, "nor will Monster ask you to download any software, 'tool' or 'access agreement' in order to use your USAJOBS account."

The hacking of USAJOBS was part of a larger intrusion into Monster.com. A "security breach official alert" on that site says "we recently learned our database was illegally accessed and certain contact and account data were taken."

A mandatory change of e-mail passwords for company clients goes into effect today, according to Nikki Richardson, Monster's vice president of corporate communications. The company is "monitoring any illicit use of information and so far we have not detected the misuse of this information," she said in a telephone interview.

In addition to changing passwords, Richardson recommended that Monster users be vigilant for suspicious e-mails and review the Monster security page, which can be found at
http://www.monster.com./ More information also is available at http://www.usajobs.gov./

30 Fastest Hiring Federal Agencies of 2009

Julie's Top Five Reasons to Work for the US Federal Government

(Since I'm married to someone who does work for the Federal Gov't, I feel pretty comfortable sharing my list!)

1. Job Security - Once you're "in," you're in. This is unheard of nowadays. Unless you do something really stupid and steal or something of that nature.
2. Steady Paycheck - When the economy is good, then you might kick yourself about the greener grass in the corporate sector. But right now, while everyone else has sleepless nights wondering if they'll be able to make ends meet, or even if they'll have a job in the morning, we've really been appreciating that steady paycheck.
3. Benefits -The medical benefits and retirement are excellent.
4. Vacation - In addition to your regular vacation package (depending on your specific job of course) you get all federal holidays off. I never really thought about that before "joining" the ranks of the Federal Government, but this is a perk that can't be understated.
5. Even in this economy, they're still hiring! Someone just let me know of this fabulous article, "30 Fastest Hiring Federal Agencies of 2009," and I thought it was a fabulous idea to share with all of you. So if you are in the market for government job, please check it out!

Julie Mendez