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/.