Survey/GiveAway

I would really appreciate your help! Every person that agrees to fill out a survey and return it to me will be entered in a give-away of the book, The Twitter Job Search Guide.

Now, I make no money or royalties from this book, but it is just THAT good that I want to recommend it to all of you.

Also, if you share this with your friends that are also job seekers, they can also be entered into the give-away as well! This is open to any and all job seekers!

Just email me at JulieMendez@jsmcareercoaching.com for more info. Thank you!

Julie Mendez, CJSS, TCCS

Twitter for Job Seekers Crash Course

If you would like to delve in deeper and go beyond the basics with Twitter, if you would like to become a member of that Twitter-savvy job seeker group that is forming now, I would love if you guys would contact me right away.

In both October and November I am offering a four-week crash course (1 session per week) on how to use maximize Twitter in just 15 minutes a day!

I know how the Internet can easily suck you in and you can easily “lose time” as I like to call it.

But I am going to tell you how you can do more, find more, and get more, turbocharge what you are already doing, all in MUCH LESS TIME! Really. Just 15 minutes a day!

If this sounds exciting, if this sounds like sounds like it might be the thing that will kick-start your job search situation, then email me right now (JulieMendez@jsmcareercoaching.com) and sign up for this group. It will only be $50 for the four week course.

I’m hoping to offer a “day” and “evening” groups but it all depends on who’s available and interested when. Since I hope to make these groups open and interactive as possible, I have to limit these groups to 10 people. But if this is really popular I will be happy to open more groups!

Julie Mendez, CJSS, TCCS

Trailing Spouse Work in the Foreign Service World

This is an exciting post for me to write today. I am going to be the guest speaker on Job Club Radio on Monday, July 12th, 2pm ET, discussing my experience of being a working trailing spouse in the Foreign Service world. You can listen to the show at http://ow.ly/1GtFk.

(Dial-in number: (917) 932-1762 to ask questions during the show. You can listen to the archives after the show as well. For more information, check out the blog at: http://wp.me/pRThs-30.)

I joined the Foreign Service world the way that so many others did . . . by marrying into it! It's a bit of an "unknown" world within most of the US. My quick and dirty explanation is that my husband works in US Embassies around the world, and our lifestyle is much like that of a military family - we move quite often, usually every two to three years.

But this constantly mobile lifestyle wrecked havoc on my professional career, in that I had to give up my successful career as a recruiter in the US.

At our first post in Rome, Italy, I was able to find a wonderful position that both challenged and fulfilled me. I thrived in my job there and wished I didn't have to leave. Yet the longer I am part of this diplomatic world, the more I have come to understand one very simple truth: opportunities like that position are few and far between.

In every US Embassy there are a few positions designated specifically for eligible family members; most of which are clerical or secretarial in nature. Family members are always to invited to apply for any open position at the Embassy, but often there are stringent language requirements that negate practically anyone that isn't a native speaker of that particular language. In some counties, the State Department has been able to negotiate work agreements so that dependants of diplomatic staff can gain work permits to work locally. Many family members take advantage of this to become teachers at the local international schools, or in a few lucky cases to work for international corporations or other non-governmental organizations located in that country.

I realized that the most disheartening of all this is one simple fact: every two to three years I was going to have to start all over again from scratch. It really hit home for me at our second post in Zagreb, Croatia. That "dream job" from my first post? Already filled by family members who were going to be at post at least as long as I was - so there was no hope of me applying for the position at all. In many posts, even the most menial of "family member jobs" are highly coveted and fought over. In short, when seven or eight people apply for a part-time basic filing position, you're never guaranteed you'll get a paycheck, much less a rewarding career.

This realization sent me into a long period of self-reflection. I had always worked, and in fact, I really didn't know how to not work. I got involved in volunteer work and I joined women's groups, but I knew that this was not a long-term solution for me.

What came out of that time of self-discovery was the simple fact that I wanted a job, a career, that could be portable, and would not be dependent on a specific location. What I liked most about every single other job I had ever had was helping people get jobs. And as I searched for ways to create my own personal portable career, I came across the idea of being a resume and job search coach. And I fell in love.

Being a self-employed entrepreneur is not for everyone. There are constant issues that I have to deal with as my own boss, and these are made only even more challenging by the idea of being overseas. One of the first questions I always ask is can I get reliable, constant Internet access? Often taken for granted in the US, but even in major capitol cities, it's not a certainty. Time zone differences can also make talking to clients more difficult - I've gotten up at 4am to conduct sessions with clients across the globe, and often schedule client conversations late at night when my children are asleep. I must not only constantly motivate myself and stay on top of all the little details of running a business, but I have to be my own marketing and sales department and develop and maintain my client base. It can be tiring and frustrating and often feels like you never get to "punch out."

However, nothing is more rewarding than getting that email from a client telling me about that offer letter they just received, or how happy they are in the job they just started.

I would also like to mention that in addition to "working" there are many other things one can do while being posted overseas that are positive ways to further and support a career. I have received grants to further my education and take online certification courses. Many accredited universities are now offering online advanced degrees as well. Taking language courses and improving your linguistics skills is another highly desirable way to boost your resume. Volunteering can be an opportunity to expand your experience and get immersed in new cultures, as well helping others. There are many ways you can continue to really boost your resume if you are overseas and not in a position where you can get that weekly paycheck.

I hope to "see" you all on the podcast next week! Email me or post if you have any additional questions.

Julie Mendez, CJSS

FREE July Teleseminar – “Open Mike” Career Coaching

Summertime means it’s time for my version of “Open Mike Night.” Join us as I take your questions in this interactive, open format. All job search and career-related questions are welcome!

As always, there are special deals offered to participants. And, in honor of Independence Day, I am planning free giveaways! But you must join us to find out more.

Date: Thursday, July 8th, 2010
Time: 3:00pm ET
Duration: 1 hour
Cost: FREE
Deals: You Need to Join Us to Find Out!
Register Here: http://www.jsmcareercoaching.com/tele-seminar.html

"Step It Up a Notch" Contest - There's Still Time!

I’m holding my first-ever contest! It's almost the end of the month, but yes, there is still time to jump in!

As a Certified Job Search coach, much of what I do is ask you all to “step it up a notch:” make your resume a little sharper and more focused, increase your networking, and take the strategy of job search to a level higher than many of you are used to. Turning your job search strategy into a proactive campaign was even the topic of our free Teleseminar this month.

It’s time for me to be walking the walk with my business that I talk with each of you in our sessions. I’m stepping it up a notch in all aspects of my business, and am very excited about expanding my services to offer you even more support and opportunities as you go through your career transition.

During the month of May I will be holding a referral contest!

Yes, for every referral you send me that becomes a client in the month of May, your name will be entered in a drawing for one of THE BEST job search books out there, Job Search Magic. I can’t recommend it highly enough.

The Details
Simple: Just refer your friends and colleagues to me. For each referral that becomes an active client, your name goes into a drawing for the book. The lucky winner will be announced in the next newsletter. (Please make sure your referrals pass along your name, so that I can keep track.)

About the Prize
Job Search Magic by Susan Whitcomb is a 532 page “bible” of all things related to Job Search. It’s a wonderful resource for yourself or gift for someone you know who might be going through their own job search. Here are a few reviews:

• "Any job seeker who follows the formula in this comprehensive, entertaining, and clearly written guide should expect success." -- Laura A. DeCarlo, President, Career Directors International
• "Packed full of quick tips, checklists, coaching questions, and more to further accelerate your successful search." -- Wendy S. Enelow, Founder and Past President, Career Masters Institute
• "The most comprehensive book on the market, covering the topic with wit, expertise, superb examples, and a holistic approach." -- Louise Kursmark, President, Best Impression Resume and Career Services

This contest is my way of thanking you all for your support of my business, and how grateful I am for all of your referrals! Good luck!

Julie Mendez, CJSS

Save Time in Your Job Search Research

Trying to keep up with what is going on in your industry?

Google Alerts sends you emails whenever Google finds new results on your specific search - such as web pages, newspaper articles, or blogs. For job seekers, this is a fabulous tool that can help you monitor what's being said about a specific company product or keep up to date on your industry.

Google Alerts will check regularly check to see if you have new results. For some topics you might get a daily summary, but for others you will be notified when something new and relevant is published.

KSA's Eliminated From Initial Federal Job Search Process

After November 10, 2010, applying for a governmental position will be much easier!

Improving the Federal Recruitment and Hiring Process

How to do the "HOW" in Follow-Up: PART 1

Wow, what amazing response I received on the "When to Follow Up" article! There was quite a conversation over on LinkedIn as well. Thanks each and every one of you - I love getting feedback!

So now the big question that came up in conversations on LinkedIn was "Okay, but HOW do I follow up?" (Especially, "HOW do I follow up without feeling like a stalker?)

That's a fair question, right? No one wants to feel desperate or overbearing . . . or even worse, be perceived as desperate or overbearing.

To deal with this question, I've broken this article into two parts. So, let's get started.

Here are a couple of simple rules.

First, you need to set a framework of when is permissible to follow-up with the decision makers or HR manager. Get an idea from those with the power what their personal time frame is. Perhaps you'll hear - "We'll be making calls this afternoon and would want you to be able to start on Friday" or perhaps "We're just looking at this point and if we find Mr./Mrs. Right, we'll open a position for them." Often, it's somewhere in between.

As a side note, I suggest you ask this question from more than one person! If you are in an interview situation where you are interviewing with multiple individuals on the same day, the answer to this question can give you some hints of who's in the know, and who might be your best ally when it comes to follow-up power. More on that later.

"Antsy" in the "When to Follow Up" did well. He got clear direction on the company's time line. He followed up at prescribed intervals to make sure he was not forgotten. All these are good things.

Second, THANK EVERYONE, AND DON'T BE BORING. This should seem obvious, but it's a tiny little detail like this that can put you above and beyond the rest in stack.

Send at least one immediate thank you email to everyone you have contact with at the company. This means being very good with names (and sometimes making friends with the receptionist). Did the SVP pull an unannounced potential colleague into your interview? Make sure you get their name and title.

Then, within 24 hours, send every single person a follow up note. Please notice I did not just say "Send everyone a thank you note."

Interesting story: My very first position out of college was as an assistant in an executive search firm. I happened to be sitting in for the receptionist during her lunch break, and had a pleasant five-minute chat with a potential candidate while he waited for his meeting. The next day, I received an email from this candidate, thanking me for making his brief wait interesting and mentioned something we discussed during our conversation.

As soon as I received this email, I walked into the office of the CEO of the organization with a printout of the email and a copy of his resume. I, the new college graduate filling in for the receptionist, told the boss, "This guy is fantastic, talk to him" and walked out.

Sure enough, the CEO was on the phone with that candidate within hours, setting up an interview schedule with a very prestigious client. His paperwork had not even completed the internal "processing" yet. But because he was nice to the "receptionist," the candidate skipped to the front of the line. That candidate ended up accepting a brand new position with our client soon thereafter.

Tip a: If you don't get the business cards of every single person in the interview, ask the receptionist if you can get the emails of the people you spoke with as you head out the door. Make sure you get theirs as well.

So, what do you put in that dreaded follow-up note? I'd like to explain why I hate calling these "thank you notes." First of all, thank you notes are what you send Aunt Bertha when she gives you that tacky sweater at Christmas. It what you do to be polite, not because you want to. Oh, and what else?

It's BORING.

What is often in thank you notes?

"Thank you so much for your time today. I so enjoyed our conversation on _______ and would love to follow up with you. I am eager to join your organization. Please call me soon. Regards, X."

Now put yourself in the interviewer's shoes. You interviewed six people yesterday, one right after another. They are all fuzzy and swimming around in your brain. How is the generic message above going to resonate with you?

The answer: it's not. You brain is going to glaze over once again. This candidate has done nothing to stand out.

So, when you are writing your first follow-up note, continue the point of your interview message. Why are you doing any of this in the first place? To convince them you are the best person for the job.

Follow through on a conversation topic that might need to be addressed ("Here is a copy of the article about me in Forbes Magazine I mentioned. As you can see, Forbes called me the "next up-and-coming start on the industry horizon.")

And yes, every single follow-up letter needs to be personal and every single person you connected with needs to receive one.


The next blog article will discuss what to do AFTER that first note, while you're waiting for their answer. Stay tuned!

Julie Mendez, CJSS
JSM Career Coaching

When to Follow Up

It's time to answer another question from a job seeker!

Dear Julie,

I was wondering if you could give me your expert advice on an interview question. I had a one-hour phone interview with HR on March 1st, which went well and then a face to face interview with the hiring manager on March 15th. I think this went well also, however, he said that they are going through interview process and would not have a final decision by middle or late April.

I followed up with HR on March 30th to see my chances and she advised me that I was one of the candidates but they are still in the interview process. My questions is how long should I wait to call back HR or should I contact the hiring manager for an update? Hope you could help me on this. Thanks for your time.

Signed,

"Antsy"




Dear "Antsy,"

Aaah, the dreaded "when to follow up" dilemma.

As a short answer, follow up well, but not so often you look like a creepy stalker.

I know it's hard, but don’t get stressed out about the lengthy hiring process nowadays. Companies are generally taking longer amounts of time to fill positions – this is because there is a ton of possible qualified applicants, and also because companies are still hesitant to pull the trigger, so they add 16 extra unnecessary steps to the hiring process. Most of those silly steps have nothing to do with you, and all to do with internal paperwork, etc. It’s not usually personal. In your case, they did mention mid-late April, so you’ve got plenty of time according to their own internal calendar.

Also, you need to remember, that they do not necessarily have the same sense of urgency that you have. They have jobs and paychecks coming in. They are not feeling the stress of unemployment right now. So, for them, if the memo to hire you sits on their desk for an extra couple of days until they get around to it, it's no big deal. (Multiply that by however many people in the company that need to see that memo before HR can call you, and you get an idea of what's going on over there.)

My best advice would be to wait two weeks and try again. If you feel that two weeks is too long, make up some reason to email/connect with the hiring manager (not HR) so you can be at the top of their minds and they can fight on your behalf. Like sending an article which discusses something you talked about in your interview, etc. Lots of different ways you can make a connection without acting “like a stalker” – as long as you don’t do too many at once!

And while you’re waiting, go look for more opportunities. DO NOT PUT ALL OF YOUR EGGS IN ONE BASKET! Right now, the best thing you can do, is to just let go, move on and find your next potential contact. It only puts you in a position of negotiating strength if you can find other companies to interview with by the time they finally get around to calling you and making you an offer.

I hope this advice is helpful to you!

Julie Mendez

New – DISC Behavioral Assessments Available

What is DISC?

DISC is the universal language of observable human behavior. Scientific research has proven that people, in terms of “how they act” universally, have similar characteristics. By learning these characteristics, we can increase communication and therefore, increase our understanding of each other.

DISC is not a measurement of human intelligence, an indicator of a person’s values, a measurement of skills and experience, or a measurement of education and training. DISC is none of these and yet has an inescapable bearing on all of the above.

DISC is the language of how we act, or our behavior. A person’s behavior is a necessary and integral part of who they are. In other words, much of our behavior comes from “nature” (inherent) and much comes from “nurture” (our upbringing). The DISC model merely analyzes behavioral style; that is, a person’s manner of doing things.

DISC is not a personality test. Personality extends far beyond the scope of the DISC instrumentation. The DISC model measures how we act. That is why it is called a “Behavior Analysis Instrument.”

Why use DISC?

It is very important that you understand yourself in relation to your job, your family and your daily living environment. But for a job seeker, it is important that you know how to incorporate those understandings into your résumé and marketing documents, your interviewing style, and your daily work environment. By identifying your unique traits, you will learn to appreciate the style that is yours and yours alone.

There are several versions of assessments available so that you can choose the one best for you. Don’t you want to learn how to improve your interviewing skills and performance? Knowing who you are, why you should be hired and being able to effectively communicate this are essential in making your search process easier and more successful.

Available Assessments

• Career Planning Insights Version - Identifies specific talents and behaviors you as the employee bring to the job. Success and job satisfaction come easier the closer the job matches the natural behavior style. This profile / report offers a system to capitalize on your talents and your potential and continuing value to the organization, including specific job titles most appropriate for the your behavioral style. (***This report is fabulous for job seekers and those in career transition!***)
• Interviewing Insights Version – General - Enables you to prepare for the interviewing process by displaying your general characteristics, ideal work environment, value to the organization, and interview questions.
• Interviewing Insights – Sales - Specifically designed for the sales professional.
• Executive Version - Helps you attain a greater knowledge of yourself as well as others so you may interact most effectively.
• Management-Staff Version - You are unique and should be managed, coached and supported in a way that capitalizes on your uniqueness in the work environment.
• Sales Version – You’re a sales professional? Get a broad understanding of your natural sale style and how to adapt that style to give the customer what they want.
• Time Plus Version - Identifies time wasters that impact individual productivity, possible causes, and offers possible solutions for correcting or eliminating specific time wasters. It allows you the opportunity to develop a powerful new approach to organizing and managing your time.

April Special Offer!

Contact me in April to get your own DISC Behavioral Assessment and get 10% off! This package includes the assessment exam (done online) and a one hour session afterwards to review and discuss the results. This deal is only available in April!

What You Can Do With Those LinkedIn Recommendations

I would really like to draw every job seeker's attention to this article by Jason Alba, CEO of JibberJobber.com, and my owner personal LinkedIn Guru.

Jason Alba: "What to Do With LinkedIn Recommendations"

One of the points he makes in this article is just so important for job seekers to hear: "As a marketer, what do I do with it??"

He's absolutely right! Once you get those lovely recommendations on your LinkedIn profile, it is time to put them to work!

Here are a couple of ways my clients have utilized their recommendations:

• Right on the resume. - Yes that's right. This is a very stylistic new tool that I've learned through the National Résumé Writers' Association, and I wish I could tell you how effective it has been!
• In cover letters. - Again, another great place to grab a decision maker's attention. Let other people sell them on how fantastic you are!
• Portfolio (hard copy, not online) - If you've worked with me before, you've already heard me talk about your "marketing materials." Think of these as the promotional materials that a salesman would have to help sell his product. Beyond your resume and cover letter, this could include a personal bio, examples of projects and methodology, and you can also use these recommendations to replace those old, tired "Reference Letters" that haven't been updated in years.
• Web Portfolio, other social networking sites. - Managing your online brand is so vital to your job search. Recommendations from others carry much more value than you realize.
  

Jason also lists a few other suggestions such as your email signature, your business card, and your (professional) blog. All fabulous ideas!

One caveat: In the comments section of this article, several people suggested going back to the original person who gave you the recommendation and asking permission to publish it elsewhere. This is just proper Internet etiquette and I strongly agree with this advice!

Finally, one little shout out to Jason Alba's LinkedIn Training: If you have ever wanted to learn more about LinkedIn, this is the guy to listen to! Check out this website to get his LinkedIn for Job Seekers DVD.

“So, Tell Me About Yourself.”

A huge thank you goes to Elizabeth for forwarding this link to me! It’s fabulous and I just had to share it with all of you! And muchas gracias to Elizabeth for her notes from the video as well!

New Grad Blog: "Tell Me About Yourself!"

If you have gone through my interview coaching sessions, you know that one of the first questions we review is the dreaded “So, tell me about yourself.” It’s common practice for an interviewer to use this question to break the ice and get the interview started. When done well, you can use this opportunity to set the tone for the entire meeting, which gives you the control to guide the process down paths that sell you most effectively!

My advice is to always answer this question as if the employer really said this: “So, tell me about yourself professionally.” Interviewers don’t really care so much about your personal life at this point (other than to make sure you’re not hiding human skulls in your closet).

What they want to hear is how you are the answer to their problem. When they ask you this very simple question, what they are really saying is:
• “Please tell me why I should hire you.”
• “Why are you better than the five other shmoes I interviewed this morning?”
• “What can you do for me?”

Some of you might have also worked with me on your “30 Second Commercial” or “Elevator Speech.” Again, the exact same concept applies.

This particular video is fabulous because it breaks the process down into easily achievable steps. There’s no reason to be intimidated by or dread this question any more!

How to Address the Interview Question: “So, Tell Me About Yourself.”
1. Brief intro
2. Your key accomplishments
3. Your Primary strengths (demonstrated by these accomplishments)
4. Importance of these strengths to the potential employer. How do these strengths fit the potential employer’s needs?
5. How do you see yourself developing these skills for the new employer?
6. Tie-in. (Turn it back around to the interviewer, putting the ball in their court). Asking them a related question, for example.)

I strongly urge each and every one of you to complete this assignment this week. Cover each of these steps and prepare your answer to this question. This is one of the most common interview questions out there, so you’ll really appreciate it when you walk into your next interview!

Julie Mendez

Motivate Your Way Through a Blizzard

I'm watching the news guys. And I'm thinking of all you job seekers who are stuck under those mountains and mountains of snow.

I can just imagine what is going on in your heads right now. You're wanting to kick back, snuggle up, let your guard down, and take a break from the job of your "job search." After all, everyone else is, right? Other folks are getting a "snow day." Heck, the federal government even shut down. No one is really caring about that email of yours in their inbox right now, so why not relax while everyone else is?

NO WAY! This is your golden opportunity!

I hear the scepticism rolling around in your brain right now. So listen to this carefully.

This is YOUR chance to get ahead. Do you hear that? This is YOUR chance to get ahead.

You've got time now, to:

• Work on connecting with others via LinkedIn,
• Improve your resume or other written marketing materials,
• Practice that 30-second commercial until you can say it in your sleep,
• Work on your SMART stories, or
• Get some extra interview practice sessions in.

How about:

• Researching the top ten companies on your target list,
• Figuring out networking connections at each of those companies, then
• Sending emails asking how they're doing and inviting them to meet for a cup of the warm beverage of their choice.
• Fill up those inboxes with messages, so when the world starts turning again, you will be turning right along with it!

Now is also a good time to:

• Catch up on industry-related reading,
• Writing white papers and blog articles on topics of interest and importance, and
• Filling your calendar with upcoming networking events to attend (after you dig out of your igloo that is).

You've GOT to keep busy, and keep motivated. Keep digging away at your job search, just as much as you've got to keep digging at the snow.

I'd love to hear stories of how you are keeping motivated during your job search! I plan to use them in an upcoming blog article - just email me at JulieMendez@jsmcareer.coaching.com,