Do Something to Make Someone Smile at You Today so That You Can Smile Back!!!

We always tell you to watch your finances ((see Budgeting for the Job Search (March 9, 2011)) and maintain your mental well being (well, check any of our blog entries for that J) during the job search. … But, sometimes you just may have to spend money or give your time or both to maintain a sense of normalcy.

We know of one job searcher who purchased the most beautiful orchid for his job search partner to encourage her when she was having an especially tough week. This was a pick me up for his partner and also for him.  Next time, coffee will be on her when they get together to share network contacts, leads  and keep each other honest  on job search accountabilities in their respective searches.

Bottom line, the beauty of the act was a pick me upper for both and will keep the giver top of mind to the recipient when open opportunities in his field come to attention.

Now go Get You Job and do something to make someone smile at you today so that you can smile back!

It's Graduation Time! Celebrate, And Go Get Your Job!

Graduation usually marks the end of a grueling, fun, exhausting, exhilarating, sometimes painful, sometimes unbelievably awesome educational experience. Successfully getting through school is an accomplishment worthy of celebration. Graduation also marks the beginning--the commencement of the rest of one's life, which likely will include some more grueling, fun, exhausting... --you get the picture--experiences. 

Whether you experience more or less of the good times that the rest of your life has to offer, depends a great deal on the choices you make, particularly your job and/or career choices. The U.S. News & World Report's personal finance blog, Wise Bread, just posted "15 Career Tips for Recent Grads," and among the listed suggestions are things we've covered here at Go Get Your Job!: do your research, prepare for the interview, build your resume, utilize your network, etc. (See the complete list here.) 

All of those tips are practical steps any job seeker should take, recent grad or seasoned worker. We'd like to add another, perhaps less practical tip, one given to us by Henry David Thoreau, that we hope inspires all:

Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.

 Graduates (and everybody else), go get your job, Thoreau-style.

Funemployed (noun)

Funemployed is part of the new lexicon.

Definition: People who have found that they enjoy being out of work – Times of London, June 14, 2009

Looking for a job is a full time job, we know that. We also know that you are tired, stressed perhaps financially and physically. So, why not consider this as a period of funemployment versus unemployment.

Funemployed people enjoy daily excitements. They take mental vacations to center themselves and can now laugh at why they had to buy a copy of the book; Don't Sweat the Small Stuff--and it's all small stuff  just to keep in the office. They wonder why Dilbert cartoons were once funny and sad and now just funny.  

We are not saying that you should not continue to look for that job. You need to understand your financial portfolio. It is just basic math – money out with no money in equals a loss in financial resources. We get that, but, look at all your resources now that you have the time. Know how long you can provide for yourself before you hit a critical time, and, in the meantime, take the power back and make sure that you are funemployed.

Here are a few suggestions:

• Tweet, blog, finds friends on facebook or finds family on ancestry.com (of course using their free two-week trial).
• Give yourself a You-Tube concert. Never saw the Beatles perform on Ed Sullivan, now is your time.
• Explore your creative side. Paint by numbers anyone? Know a good recipe, anyone?
• Make your home your sanctuary. If the closets have been bothering you for years, now is the time to address that.
• Exercise your body and mind. What is that book that you have been meaning to read? Why not walk to the park to read it?
• Learn something new each day. Maybe you always wanted to learn Spanish, so, walk yourself to the local library (again with the exercise) and check out what free resources are available.
• Think. Thinking is a verb. What do you want to do? Map out your life on paper. Are you living with purpose? When is the last time you had that thought?
• Help someone else. Volunteer, give a favor of time.

Consider, are you funemployed or unemployed? You are your own manager. Are you a good manager? Are you a caring manager? Would you work for you?

Who Do You Want To Work For?

According to global employer branding company Universum (www.universumglobal.com), Google is the No.1 preferred employer. Universum's recent poll of over 10,000 young professionals revealed that the top ten preferred employers in the U.S., also includes, Apple, Disney, the U.S. State Department, Amazon, the FBI, MIcrosoft, the CIA, NASA and Teach for America. It's probably no surprise that these stable, well-known and financially strong organizations would round out the top of the list. Universum provides a full list of 100 companies and their rankings among professionals, available on their site here.

Now, during these times of challenging unemployment rates, job-seekers may feel there's little room to be choosy. But, think of how you might use this information strategically. For example, if fellow job-hunters are clamoring for positions with the top companies, perhaps you might look to the less sought-after organizations. Or, maybe you prefer smaller companies over these large employers--research who are the suppliers or contractors for the big guys, and find out if those suppliers are hiring. Also, think globally, especially if you're willing to be flexible--Universum also has issued survey results for the top 50 most attractive global employers. (Google tops the global list, too, based on the employer preferences of students from Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Russia, Spain, U.K., and U.S.)

So, who do you want to work for? If your choices are not on any of these lists, that's perfectly fine. There are plenty of high-quality employers here in the U.S., and worldwide, who may never get a mention in a top-10 a survey. Your goal is always to go get YOUR job, whatever the rest of the world has to say.

Take a Pay Cut and Cut Yourself a Deal, … Really, ….well, Maybe

While taking a cut in salary may seem like the cruelest cut of all, it just might make sense to you as you navigate through this challenging economic time.

We say, give yourself permission to consider the following possible benefits to that lower paying role:

Greater Work Life Balance

Maybe, your last job burned you out with that 24/7 schedule where you actually slept with your BlackBerry; however, the new job would allow you to work the regular 9 to 5 and leave your desktop computer at work!

Maybe you will not have to travel as much. Consider that while in the last job where you earned frequent flier miles the hard way (by traveling each and every one of them) and finally did achieve that complimentary trip to Europe, with the new, lower paying job, you have greater flexibility in your schedule. You can take that noon Zumba dance class at the local YMCA, shower, and return to work and drive home during rush hour.

Need Gap Coverage for the Resume

We all understand that employers prefer to hire a working person versus one who is unemployed, so, that lower paying job gets you back into the job market. You can always stay in the job for a year or two until the economy heats up allowing you to calculate that move to get your salary back up.

Compensation is More Than Money When You add it up

It could be that the new job is in a lower cost of living area. Consider the financial impact of a move from that Manhattan apartment to the single family home with the yard in Arkansas.

The benefit package, or total compensation package of tangible benefits like health insurance, 401(k) matches, pension possibilities, paid time off, or even company perks like that new car with insurance and gas can help you address the sting to the loss in salary.

Need to Change Industries or Jobs

It could be that you have spent the last 15 years working in finance as a senior analyst and you want to become a cartoonist, because, after all, you did go to school for that and it is truly your passion.

Maybe your last job was a big fish in marketing with a small business and the new job is a marketer with Google or IBM. It just might be good for you to take the cut so that you get the Fortune 500 stamp on your resume.

These are just a few reasons why a person might decide to take a pay cut. Again, while we know that the thought of a lower number on the paycheck can be one charged with emotion; there are several valuable reasons to consider that lower paying job for you right now. … Go ahead; give yourself permission to consider the possibilities.

Who's Hiring in 2011?

Of course, that's the billion dollar question when you're looking for a job. Online job boards, general and industry-specific alike, supply millions and millions of postings. Sites will send you email or tweets or text messages about available positions in your particular field. Company Web sites also list job openings that might not be seen on the big boards. Good old-fashioned newspaper classifieds (and their online equivalents) publish thousands of help wanted ads. Recruiters and headhunters are additional sources of job leads. In fact, it's likely a full time job just trying to find out who's hiring.

We've come across a couple of recent articles that seem to offer a little help, especially if you find yourself slogging through the seemingly countless job search resources. 

CNNMoney.com/Fortune have compiled a list of the 25 Best Companies to Work For that each have at least 700 job openings. The listing provides the number and categories of job openings available with each company and some insight from recruiters on what they are looking for in their candidates. Wegman's Food Market, NetApp, Edward Jones, Cisco, American Express, Mayo Clinic, Marriott International, Nordstrom and Booz Allen Hamilton are among the companies listed. (Read the entire piece here.)

Taking on the issue of who's hiring, The Huffington Post just started a new featured called HuffPost Social Jobs to compile information from employers regarding who they are hiring and why. The promise is that HuffPost readers "can be sure that real people are recommending real jobs, in real terms." 

Just a couple of more resources that might help you go get your job.

Internet Job Postings On The Rise.

Looking for more positive signs of the job market opening up? Check out this past Saturday's New York Times article on the increase of online job postings. According to the report, job postings rose more than 50 percent in 2010 over Web postings in the year 2009. The folks at Simply Hired, the primary source of information for the Times article, point to this upswing as a reason for optimism. 

Certain industries currently offer more promise than others. Surprisingly, manufacturing job postings were up 94% in December 2010 as compared with December 2009. Other sectors with higher postings include automotive, transportation-related, legal and financial services industries. There also appears to be good news for techies: web postings have skyrocketed for jobs containing keywords like HTML5, Mobile App, Android, Twitter, jQuery, and cloud computing (see WSJ story here).

Geographically, some of the best regions for finding a job are Washington, DC; West Palm Beach, FL; Baltimore; Boston; Milwaukee; Minneapolis/St. Paul; Oklahoma City; San Francisco Bay Area; and Denver.

If these industries or regions are not your first choice, you might consider becoming a bit more flexible in your search. You also might re-evaluate your skills to determine how you can capitalize on those growing job markets. Your goal always is to optimize your chances of getting your job.

Weekly Unemployment Claims Down.

The weekly U.S. Department of Labor release of the number of individuals filing for unemployment for the first time came out this morning as, seemingly, another hopeful sign of continued economic growth. For the first two weeks of 2011, the Labor Department's reports have shown and increase in jobless claims, even though the overall unemployment rate has decreased. This morning's release indicates 404,000 American workers filed claims last week, a decline of 37,000 from the prior week's numbers.

We like to accentuate the positive. These latest numbers appear to point an expanding U.S. labor market. Good news helps to fuel good feelings about finding the right job in this market. Go to it.

Unemployment Rate Down, Job Creation Up, Some.

The last of this week's jobs numbers came out from the U.S. Department of Labor today: Non-farm payrolls increased 103,000 in December (a figure that is lower than economists' forecasts). However, through some statistical magic that we won't attempt to reconcile, the unemployment rate has dropped to 9.4%, down from 9.8% in November. The experts seem to be saying that despite the mixed picture painted by today's numbers, there is an overall positive, though modest, trend of job creation and Americans feel more confident about the job market.

We maintain our cautious optimism regarding these kinds of numbers. Still, we say some of the more critical factors to successfully finding employment are your mindset, your focus and your determination. Use these positive economic trends as simply another tool to help you maintain a positive attitude during the job search. But, ultimately, whatever the numbers are, make the decision that you can and will get your job.

We will continue to note this kind of economic news, but we also will continue to provide what we hope are helpful tips, techniques, research, tools, etc., for getting that next job.

New Year, New Decade, New Opportunities.

First, a reminder: Be sure to send off those New Year's messages to family, friends and professional contacts before the week ends. This is a wonderful time of year to "just stay in touch" with individuals who could help with your critical search. 

Now for the fun part: Think about the great opportunities coming up in 2011, and in this second decade of the not-so-new millennium! Capitalize on all of that New Year positive energy in the air and create or fine-tune your 1-year, 5-year and 10-year career plans. During this next year, when you get your job, begin to work at your job and see the path for growth in your job and other jobs, remember the unlimited nature of your potential. Your search for employment is just the beginning for harnessing your thoughts to create the career, indeed, create the life, you desire and deserve. Get excited about the New Year. See the opportunities other people miss. Act quickly and wisely on the chances that come your way. Go Get Your Job!

Happy New Year.

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.