Go Get Your Job in the New Year!

We have spent this week giving you tips on preparing yourself for your search in the New Year.

Take a look back at our entries for this week and get going. Your new year of opportunity starts on Monday, so, here is what you need to do:

1.      Understand what you want in your next professional opportunity – shop for the right fit for you.

2.      Get your New Year’s greeting emails out to your contacts.

3.      Dust off your resume, know it and draft your quick study script using the STAR model.

… And when you are done with that, take time to look around and understand that your family and friends are there for you. They understand that you are focused on obtaining that next professional opportunity. They understand the stress you may be under. Take a moment to thank them for their support and then let them know what you might need from them in the coming year to become even more focused and on target in getting that job.

Happy New Year’s, have fun and be safe and we'll be back to posting on Monday to help you Go Get Your Job!

Shopping …

As you look forward to the New Year, consider what it is you truly want in that next job.  Shop for that next opportunity just like you shopped for the perfect holiday find that was just right for that special loved one – but know that that loved one you are shopping for now is you!

Would you buy a small sized sweater for a person who needs and/or prefers an extra-large and give it to them with an assured smile that they will be happy and pleased with the gift for the years to come? Would you buy a black tie for someone who loves bright colors and designs and consider that each day they wore it would make them feel confident?

Consider that same sentiment for your job search and take a moment to understand the best fit/style for you. While we know you need a job, do research on the right physical and cultural environment for you.

·         Do you prefer a small, medium size or large company?

·         Do you prefer a fast paced environment like high-tech or a more traditionally paced 

        environment like publishing?

·         Do you prefer working in the city or the suburbs?

·         Do you want a position in a not-for-profit or a fortune 500 company?

·         Do you prefer a casual dress code or a business dress code?

·         Do you prefer your manager be on or off-site?

·         How important are benefits to you?

Use your resources and shop for you!

You can check out web resources, such as Hoovers.com and Edgars.com. These are resources that not only aggregate but also validate a wealth of information found on the Internet regarding company, industry and market intelligence on top global businesses. GuideStar.com works the same for non-profit organizations. Also, check out the hard copy reference resources at your local library for the same.

Shop well and shop for you and know what you are shopping for so that you are feeling happy, confident and content with your find for years to come!

US Economy Grew in 3rd Quarter 2010; Does That Mean More Jobs?

Well, to non-economists like us, a growing economy sounds like an indication of more jobs.  Reports are that the gross domestic product (GDP), a broad measure of U.S. economic activity, grew to 2.6% during the third quarter of this year, up from 2.5% in the second quarter. And, experts seem to indicate that economic growth, means more commerce, means more jobs. This is about as far as we dare go with explaining the meaning of GDP and the complexities of determining economic growth. What we're reading about this latest quarterly number, is that some economists still see a need for more growth to really affect the employment numbers. Others see this as a positive trend going into 2011.

We say, run with the good news. Take the optimistic approach and take that attitude into your search for employment. If the economy is growing, so are your opportunities. Go out there and get your job.

Gearing up the Job Search for 2011 – What Will You Do Differently?

We all know the saying regarding the definition of insanity – “Do the same thing and expect a different result”.

So, what will you do different to test the sanity in your job search for 2011?

1.   Will you refuse to network because your new laundered robe or snuggie offers just the   

     place of comfort?

2.   Will you refuse to seek out recruiters (retained and contingent)?

3.   Will you refuse to search pioneering employment websites, such as Monster.com,

      CareerBuilder.com, TheLadders.com, and job site aggregators such as Indeed.com and

      actually do online applications?

4.   Will you not seek to fully utilize your personal resources – your social and professional

      networks and, as well, your alumni groups to find someone who will walk your resume

      to the hiring manager or appropriate HR person?  And, will you make at least 5 cold 

      calls a day to folks that have an interest in your professional win?

5.   Will you stay passive in your search and wait for someone to find you?

6.   Will you refuse to re-work your resume, detailed to each job applied for, and not do a

      targeted cover letter for each opportunity?

7.   Will you read a book or take a class to increase your skillset so that you can speak to
      that on any interview?

8.   Will you volunteer your skills to a not-for-profit, so, that you give back and, as well,

      maintain your edge?

9.   Will you consider expanding your geo-graphical preferences and relocate for 1-2 years to

      ride out the current economy?

10.  Will you refuse to map out a strategized approach to that job that you know is just

      perfect for you given you background and experiences?

If at least, two or more of the above are true for you – ask if are you are refusing to Go Get Your Job?

Some of the Top Job-Creating Industries for 2011.

If you're seeking a job, one way to improve your chances of gaining employment is to search for those industries doing the most hiring. According to the Wall Street Journal, green consulting (or environmental consulting) is forecast to have the top revenue and jobs growth among small- to mid-sized business sectors. Employment for environmental consulting is expected to rise 7.2% in 2011. Other growth sectors include: real-estate appraisers, e-commerce and online auctions, debt-collection agencies, advertising agencies and job training and career counseling.

Even if you're not an appraiser or know little about the advertising world, remember, as companies in these business sectors grow, they will need to hire personnel to handle a variety of supportive functions such as accounting, computer technicians, administrative support, customer relations, sales--just to name a few. Keep your eyes and your mind open and you just may get your job sooner than you imagine.  

Here's a link to the full WSJ article:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703493504576007581685861012.html?mod=WSJ_hpp_sections_smallbusiness

At 9.8% Unemployment, You Can Still Go Get Your Job!

Despair about the jobs outlook seems to be the theme of this end of the year holiday season. But, in the spirit of positive thinking, we suggest you focus on actually getting a job--NOT ON OTHERS SAYING YOU CANNOT GET A JOB.