-
How to Cold Call When You're Job Hunting
Tweet Share on Facebook January 16, 2013 CommentJob seekers have a lot of networking resources at their disposal. Theoretically, it should be possible to either a) find connections that will introduce you to people to help with your job search, or b) introduce yourself to those contacts via social media. Despite this access, sometimes a cold call is the only way to speak to important job search resources. Most people hate the thought of calling someone they don't know, but there are ways to prepare so you will be successful.
Here are seven tips to warm up your cold calls inspired via 100 Conversations for Career Success (www.100conversationsforcareersuccess.com), the book I co-authored with Laura Labovich:
-
4 Secrets to Career-Change Happiness
Tweet Share on Facebook January 15, 2013 CommentCareer changes can feel like total chaos. Even if you have a solid game plan in place, you're bound to have uncertain moments where you feel like you're groping around in the dark. "In our quest for a more fulfilling career, uncertainty can be, at best, motivational," writes business psychologist Sharon Peake, "but, at worst, it's totally disabling—leaving you in a state of confusion and worry."
Yet even in the midst of major transition, you can find contentment and calm. Try these four secrets to get your happy back during a career change:
-
Resumes 101: Swap a Stale Objective for a Fresh Branding Statement
Tweet Share on Facebook January 15, 2013 CommentBack in the "old days" resumes began with a now obsolete objective statement. The underlying message was: "Here's what I'm looking for. If this is what you offer, give me a call." It was common to see a wish list in such statements, like: "Seeking long-term job with excellent benefits, yearly bonus, and promotion potential at stable employer with wonderful work environment."
Duh! Who wouldn't have this objective?
-
The Truth About Wannabe Work-at-Home Parents
Tweet Share on Facebook January 15, 2013 CommentIf you're not (yet) one of the millions of people who work from home, but are angling to, you're not alone. FlexJobs recently put out a survey on parents who want to work from home, and the results are very interesting.
Who they are. FlexJob's survey shows that 82 percent of employees seeking to work virtually have a college degree, with 35 percent of those holding a graduate degree. The majority are females, aged 30 to 49 years old. More than half are at an "experienced" career level, while 26 percent are managers and 9 percent are executives.
-
How To Tame The Time-Management Beast
Tweet Share on Facebook January 14, 2013 CommentEvery day is filled with the same number of hours: 24. So why is it that some people think that magically, another two to three hours will somehow materialize?
While you can find ways to make your life more efficient—to think more quickly and to get more to-dos checked off your list in a limited amount of time—the reality is, you can only move so fast and get so much completed.
-
Are You Being Lazy in Your Job Search?
Tweet Share on Facebook January 14, 2013 CommentIf you're searching for jobs and not getting interviews, or getting interviews but no offers, you might be tempted to blame it on the bad job market. And the market is often the culprit—but in many cases, the problem is the way you're approaching your search. These days, a job search can take a lot of work, and if you're not putting in the sweat, you might not see the payoff.
Here are some signs that you're being lazy in your approach to your hunt.
-
10 Life Lessons Guaranteed to Advance Your Career
Tweet Share on Facebook January 14, 2013 CommentMany people end up having to learn the hard way. Here are some ideas that help make your career road more rewarding and less painful.
-
5 Clues It's Time to Leave Your Toxic Job
Tweet Share on Facebook January 10, 2013 CommentIt's one thing to constantly complain about your work. It's common enough to let off steam about your job by pointing out what's wrong with it. But it's another thing if all signs are pointing to the fact that you need to get out soon. Here are definite warning signs that you should start looking for another job today.
-
Quick and Simple Tips for Baby Boomers on the Job Hunt
Tweet Share on Facebook January 10, 2013 CommentIn today's difficult economy, more and more seniors are abandoning retirement and re-entering the workforce. Unfortunately, that means they're competing with people half their age or younger for the same jobs in a sluggish economy. The good news is there's hope. With a little know-how and a few personal and professional updates, baby boomers can feel confident competing with younger generations in today's job market.
-
How to Meet and Influence People You Don't Know
Tweet Share on Facebook January 9, 2013 CommentOne of the most important factors you probably aren't considering in your job hunt is how important it is to influence what people you do not know think of you. What? You need to worry about people you don't know? Absolutely—it's probably the most overlooked job-search step you aren't doing anything about.
Of course, there is a catch: your goal is to increase the number of people who know, like, and trust you. You should identify people who do not know you and make a concerted effort to change that.
