CMS Career Blog

I met with a sharp group of graduate students from Portland State University yesterday and learned as much from them as they learned from me. They have a tremendous amount of experience and knowledge of the International Business scene! I was impressed. (You can learn more about them at this link.)

I shared with these students my “5-Finger Exercise” for Networking. Here is what (I hope) THEY learned form me:

Rule # 1 - Networking is about what you can GIVE – more than about what you can get!
(O.K. — RIGHT NOW make a list of what YOU have to offer in a Networking setting (30 seconds).

Rule # 2 – DON’T FORGET RULE #1!
There’s an old saying – “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

Rule # 3 – People want to help other people.

Rule # 4 — Know what you want – the clearer you are about what YOU are hoping to get out of the networking meeting, the better!

Rule # 5 – Use the meeting to expand your network.

Three questions you should ask at the end of every networking meeting:
1. “Who do you know that I should talk to for further information?”
2. “Would you be willing to give your comments on my resume?” (use ONLY IF APPROPRIATE!)
3. “Can I keep you informed of my progress?”

Here’s a link to my PowerPoint presentation for the class (note– this will be available for download until February 3, 2007.)

On a weekly basis I have a goal of meeting with at least two recruiters — both external (Head Hunters) and Internal (HR Recruiters). One of the questions I ask is, “What do you look for in a candidate’s marketing materials?” They are always glad to give me the information because it makes their job easier!

Here is what they tell me:

TARGET – The Résumé and Cover Letter should target the specific position for which you are applying. More specifically, point out relevant experience so they know how you fit with what they are looking for. DON’T send a resume for every position listed on the company website, only those for which you are qualified and interested! Recruiters consider this to be SPAM, and they automatically delete any correspondence from you.

MADE/SAVED/ACHIEVED – They want to know how you can help their company make $$, or save $$ or increase efficiencies (i.e. achieve their business objectives). The best way to help them see this is by showing what you have accomplished in your prior work history.

CREATIVITY – NO, that doesn’t mean your should print your resume on pink paper or send it with a dozen roses. But recruiters look at so many Résumés that they like to see a little creativity. It will make you stand out . . . in a positive way.

MISTAKES – Yes, you read that correctly! One recruiter told me that she loves to find typos, misspelled words, and mistakes in general because what she is really doing in the initial screening is ELIMINATING people. Recruiters are overwhelmed with inquiries. Mistakes give them a reason to dump your Résumé, thereby shrinking their pile.

PROFESSIONALISM – This includes not only your Résumé and Cover Letter, but also your email address (“biker_dude” and “party.girl” are NOT professional!), how you answer the phone, your phone message, and even your public web presence – i.e. your “MySpace” page.

JOB HOPPING – Again, they are trying to weed people out.

NO GAPS – This one is tricky from a job seeker’s perspective, especially if you want to change careers or industries. Recruiters love dates. Period. Without gaps. To get around this one you will need professional help. A good Career Coach will help you put together a variety of Résumés that will highlight achievements and include employment dates. A great Career Coach will teach you how to get a job without a Résumé!

One Recruiter told me that she believes that the biggest problem for most job hunters is that they don’t know how to market themselves. I think she’s right! However, with the right tools, coaching, and career marketing plan nearly every job seeker CAN find their perfect career!

Although he would not call it that, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. had a VERY strong personal brand. His message of a non-violent approach to ending racism and injustice in our country remains one of the strongest personal brands in our country today — even nearly 40 years after his death. Dr. King knew his strengths. He had a powerful message. He was articulate and unflinching in his approach to delivering that message.

Today we honor the man for his achievements and remember his dream, which has become the dream of our nation.

Celebrate the day by paying tribute to this great man. Take another listen to his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. And honor his memory by creating your OWN “personal brand.”

Perhaps it could become as powerful as Dr. King’s.

I frequently talk to people who are fed up with their job and want to move in a new direction, but have no idea WHERE they want to work. One of the best ways to determine what your next job should be is to take an assessment or personality test. We find that people work best when they are performing a job that capitalizes on their strengths rather than their weaknesses.

There are many good resources out there that will help you find a “fit” for your strengths/personality type and your next position. Here are three of my favorites:

“Please Understand Me II” written by David Keirsey. This book uses a modified version of the Meyers-Briggs Type Inventory and has in-depth information on how to make the most of your personality type. I’ve used this one for years in a variety of settings from marriage counseling to career assessment. It’s an industry standard and easy to read.

“Do What You Are: Discover the Perfect Career for You Through the Secrets of Personality Type–Revised and Updated Edition Featuring E-careers for the 21st Century” by Paul D. Tieger and Barbara Barron-Tieger. This book focuses on the world of work using the Meyers-Briggs Type Indicator. It is a great resource to understand what you should (and shouldn’t) be doing in your career.

“Now, Discover Your Strengths” by Marcus Buckingham and Donald O. Clifton. This book was written by the Gallup Poll Research and Education Center. It follows Buckingham’s first book — “First, Break All the Rules”, and helps people build an authentic and successful life on their talents and strengths.

Take a look at these resources. They will most certainly help you find your way to “the perfect job.”

I know it doesn’t have much to do with job hunting (unless you are in sales for Apple), but did you see Steve Jobs’ at Apple the other day? (you can go directly to it when you click here: Steve Jobs) Apple is coming out with two really cool products — the apple tv and the iphone. Many of you know that I have been a mac user since the first ones came out in 1984. These two new items are REALLY cool. I am saving my pennies now so I can be the first on my block to have them.

Finding a new career can be a lonely and frustrating enterprise. At Career Management Solutions we help professionals find the perfect career for this time in their life. We use a proactive system to help you identify your career goals and create a marketing plan. We then take you through the steps to successfully complete that plan. People who use our services find they save time and negotiate for more money. Visit our website to apply for a FREE career assessment. www.orcms.com