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
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
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
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
Thursday, September 10, 2009
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
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/.
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/.
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