Searching for the Right Job

By Sandi Vidal, executive director of Christian HELP/Central Florida Employment

The days of, “Hi, how are you doing? When can you start?” are long gone for employers and job seekers. These days it’s all about navigating online job boards and applications, sending all of your information out into cyber space and crossing your fingers in hopes for any type of response. read more...

 

http://www.christianhelp.org/pdf/061111_rightjob.pdf Full Article from June 2011| Insight Magazine

How a Career Coach Can Help in Your Career Management

Barbara Seifert, Ph. D., CPC

You may have heard that there are people “out there” who can help you find and land a job, but you may be wondering exactly who ‘those people’ are and what exactly do they do. Well, this article will explain what a career coach is, what they do, and how you could benefit from working with one.

In the broader context, a coach can best be defined as “a person who guides and supports other people on their life and work journeys to create more of what they are wanting; coaches act as partners with clients to discover what they want and how best to achieve it” (Levine, Kase & Vitale, 2006). According to Coach U, Inc., coaching works due to synergy – becoming a team with the client and helping them get more than they would alone; structure – helping the client take more action, think bigger, and get the job done; and expertise – helping the client make more money, make better decisions, set the best goals, and restructure their personal and professional lives for maximum productivity. Most people find that, even though they are reading self-help books or tapes, they wind up going back to their old ways so they need someone to give them the “push” they need, as well as the accountability – and that is what the coach is there for. While they help the client to set goals, develop the action steps, and then help them clear out the ‘blockages’ that may deter them from reaching the goal, it is the accountability system that helps clients to achieve these goals.

There are many areas and populations that coaches work with, but one of the major niches is career coaching, which is aimed at helping people to find a job, change jobs, phase into a new career, or to start their own business. A career coach can work with clients who fall into several developmental phases, including: high school students, who are unclear about college or a major; college students who are not sure about their chosen field of study or still question what they want to do; people who are in-between jobs or are unhappy with their job and want to find a new one, and older workers who are looking to reinvent themselves or retire from the workforce. A career coach can help you to discover your purpose and passion, define and set your career goals, and develop a strategy for getting there; they also assist with interviewing skills, resume review and writing (not all), salary negotiation, and business etiquette skills. In addition, they can help you develop professionally to enhance your skills and move up in your career.

Hopefully, you have a better understanding of the role and benefits of working with a career coach and will consider finding one to aid you. Coaching can help you be the best you can be and find the success you’ve been looking for!

Dr. Barbara Seifert, LCSW, CPC, NLP is the President of Committed to Your Success Coaching & Consulting in Orlando, Florida. She helps individuals to take charge of their careers, find the work they love and enhance their professional development to reach their peak performance. She also coaches in organizations to enhance employee engagement and leadership development. Dr. Seifert is an adjunct professor, a certified coach and certified in Neuro-Linguistic Programming. You can learn more by visiting www.cyscoaching.com and Your Career Success Blog at www.allaboutcareerssite.wordpress.com.

ProNet Central Florida for job seekers meets on Monday, June 27th 5:30pm to 7:30pm

News: ProNet Central Florida has grown!!  We are here for you!!  If you are serious about your job search and would like to join a high profile and viable force of professionals seeking more information on conducting an aggressive and effective job search…our organization was established for just that purpose.  If you are a college graduate, a seasoned professional or are rejoining the work force consider this your personal invitation.    Be sure to check out our LinkedIn group and our forums/Available Talent on www.pronetcareerresources.org.  Exposure and Information is our mission.  We offer vital job-finding tips and networking among peers and will help you gain confidence to land your next position. We are here to support the economic development of businesses and individuals throughout Central Florida.

Who: Job Seekers with a Professional Career Background

What:

·       Featured Topic:  April Carpenter, from the American Cancer Society will speak on Volunteering Your Way to a Job!  Also, Mock Interviews will be conducted.

·       Resume/Career Field/Personal Pitch-Elevator Speech Breakdown Session.

·       Network amongst your peers!!  And more!!!

Where:        The Central Branch Library, 215 N. Oxford Road, Casselberry, Florida 32707. 

When:         Monday, June 27th 5:30pm to 7:30pm.  Registration opens at 5:15. 

Cost:            Admission is FREE. Feel free to just show up and bring two copies of your resume. We do have a $1 Gas Card Drawing….  So try and bring “a buck”.  (If you don’t have one…don’t worry, you’ll get a chance anyway!!)

Dress:          Professional Environment - Business Casual (no shorts or “flip flops” please)

Contact Information: Howie Appel by email: Howie.appel@pronetcareerresources.org or by phone (cell): 407-924-7545

Please note: We discourage from attending those seeking commissioned sales people or multi-level marketing professionals.

Keeping Local Professionals Local!

I'd like to Introduce Myself: Cover letters today

By Chandra Fox
(http://www.e-resume.net/articles/introduce_myself.html)

We all know resumes are an important part of landing your next job. Looming in the shadows of the resume is the cover letter for most people, and it should not. A cover letter is a very important part of grabbing the reader’s attention and holding on to that attention with your resume. A cover letter is your chance to come across to the hiring managers with amazing intellect and gain enough interest so they go to your resume and give it the 30 seconds typically given. We'll give some tips that should allow a positive first impression with the cover letter and get your resume in front of the right person.

NEVER: To Whom It May Concern

Get a name. If you just send it addressed "To Whom It May Concern" chances are nobody is very concerned. Not you - for not taking the time to get the name of the person this resume should be in front of, the hiring manager - why do they want to hire someone so uncommitted? Call around, go online, call and extract this information from the secretary - do something to get a name and spell it correctly. This does a couple of things. It demonstrates your willingness to go the extra mile to the hiring manager and it gives you a name to follow up with (as your cover letter will state).

Short and Simple

A cover letter should be less than one page - always. No matter how much a jobseeker has to convey, there is never a time it is appropriate to send a cover letter that is more than one page. Stick to the facts. As you start your cover letter, think of looking at you from the hiring company's perspective. What differentiates you? Keep this in mind as you begin writing your cover letter. Now begin to introduce yourself. If you got the name by referral, say it: Bob Jones suggested I contact you in regards to the XYZ positions available with Coca- Cola, and I am submitting my resume for your review. If you got a recommendation from a club or organization with which you are affiliated, say that: As an active member of the local Chamber of Commerce, your organization was spoken of very highly and peaked my interest so I am submitting my resume for your review. It immediately differentiates you from the 100s of other letters right away. Always try to find that edge.

And You Are?

Make sure you do not add confusion for the hiring manager with a random cover letter and no actual strengths in the resume. Be sure to mention the job for which you are submitting your resume to bring clarity into the equation in the cover letter. Next explain the reason for your submission of the cover letter and resume in terms of your qualifications. Briefly give the reasons you are the perfect candidate for the position you are seeking. The hiring manager is looking for someone to fill a sales position and you have a tremendous background in sales - tell the reader. Not only demonstrate your sales ability in the resume, but also give numbers to validate your sales ability. Try to match what they ask for in their job posting. If they say - B2B sales a must, be sure you include your experience in B2B in the cover letter. If experience in the healthcare field is a plus and you have that experience, be sure it is added. Make yourself the perfect candidate for the position based on what they posted (as much as you can with truth).

Close it with follow-up

After you have shown the hiring company the perfect candidate for their position through the body of your cover letter, you must keep the momentum and close strong. It is not uncommon to mention you will follow up on a specific day. Close with a take action plan. When are you calling them? How will you be in touch, e-mail or phone? Phoning is usually best. Then be sure you call them on the day you specify. That is the last chance you have to demonstrate your togetherness. Follow up with a call and get into that interview. That is where you'll be sure to further display your ability to be an asset to their company.

So put your best foot forward. Now that you have an idea of how to get started on that cover letter, pull up your old drafts, evaluate and tweak, taking the aforementioned into account, and impress your next employer. First impressions really are important, so be sure your cover letter is unforgettable for the right reasons.

Orlando Sentinel Top 100 Companies for Working Families

Every year companies are nominated for the prestigious honor of being one of Orlando Sentinel's Top 100 Companies for Working Families.

Companies that are family-friendly can nominate themselves and must go through the election process, which consists of varying categories, such as benefits, training, work environment and communication. If you are looking for a company that has choice benefits and recognized for their efforts to support working families and their employees, please take the time to research these companies.

In addition to making the "Top 100" list, there are specialty awards and the 2010 winners, include:

2010 Corporate Champion - 250 Plus Employees Hewitt Associates

2010 Corporate Champion - 249 Employees or Less Jill S. Schwartz and Associates, P.A.

2010 Family Champion Award

Adriana Zamot, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort

2010 Employees’ Choice Award

Florida League of Cities, Inc.

2010 Cutting Edge Award

IKEA

Orlando Health

2010 Community Service Champion Award

Travelers

This year's complete list of top 100 companies is expected to come out in August 2011. Here is a link that includes past winners from the 2010 Top 100 Companies for Working Families list: https://extra.orlandosentinel.com/Secure/top100/pastwinners.shtml

LinkedIn - A Networking Tool for your Job Search on May 17, 2011, 3pm to 5pm

(an unofficial presentation)

May 17, 2011, 3pm to 5pm


FREE TO CENTRAL FLORIDA JOB SEEKERS
City College


853 E. Highway 436, #200


Casselberry, Florida 32707



RSVPs (to hra246@gmail.com ) are Required

Instructor:
Howie Appel
Executive Director, ProNet Career Resources
LinkedIn Profile: http://www.linkedin.com/in/howieappel


Originally from the greater Boston area, Howie has been a Corporate Recruiter for over 25 years. His experience also includes agency and consulting work. His primary focus has been in the areas of revamping resumes, cover letters and strategies involving LinkedIn. He has spoken in front of many groups. Howie is a trainer as well, having directed, on a volunteer basis, ProNet Career Resources. He has been leading this organization since 2003. He is also actively involved with Christian HELP and the Central Florida Employment Council. A dedicated, results oriented professional, he puts in well over 100% on each of these relationships. His ability to help enhance resumes and focus on your use of LinkedIn is highly polished. Howie is NOT employed by LinkedIn.

** Donations are gratefully accepted**

ProNet is now a 501c3 Charitable Organization as defined by the IRS

Do you know Job Seekers in Central Florida with a Professional Career Background that need to get out and network?

Unemployed/Underemployed Professionals….read on…

ProNet Career Resources (aka ProNet Central Florida)

(Not-for-Profit, 501(c)3 Tax Exempt Organization, Professionals Network Central Florida established 2003)

News: ProNet Central Florida has grown!! We are here for you!! If you are serious about your job search and would like to join a high profile and viable force of professionals seeking more information on conducting an aggressive and effective job search…our organization was established for just that purpose. If you are a college graduate, a seasoned professional or are rejoining the work force consider this your personal invitation. Be sure to check out our LinkedIn group and our forums/Available Talent on www.pronetcareerresources.org. Exposure and Information is our mission. We offer vital job-finding tips and networking among peers and will help you gain confidence to land your next position. We are here to support the economic development of businesses and individuals throughout Central Florida.


Who: Job Seekers with a Professional Career Background

What:

• Featured Guest Speaker: to be announced

• Resume/Career Field/Personal Pitch-Elevator Speech Breakdown Session.

• Network amongst your peers!! And more!!!

Where: The Central Branch Library, 215 N. Oxford Road, Casselberry, Florida 32707.

When:

Monday, May 23rd 5:30pm to 7:30pm. Registration opens at 5:15.

Cost: Admission is FREE. Feel free to just show up and bring two copies of your resume. We do have a $1 Gas Card Drawing…. So try and bring “a buck”. (If you don’t have one…don’t worry, you’ll get a chance anyway!!)

Dress: Professional Environment - Business Casual (no shorts or “flip flops” please)

Contact Information: Howie Appel by email: Howie.appel@pronetcareerresources.org or by phone (cell): 407-924-7545

Please note: We discourage from attending those seeking commissioned sales people or multi-level marketing professionals.

Keeping Local Professionals Local!

Resume First Impressions

by Lisette Guillen-Dolby

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Have you ever met someone and in one moment know whether or not you want to be acquainted with this person? This could be in a business or personal setting, but in less than a minute you know if that person has made a positive first impression or a negative one. The resume is no different. It is the very first example of your work to an employer or hiring manager. In an online article entitled “100 Components of an Exemplary Resume: How Does Your Resume Fare,” written by Evelyn Salvador and posted on ILostMyJob.com, Evelyn states that 98% of resumes created by the general public are done incorrectly and shares how this impacts a candidate’s success in securing employment. Several items that stood out for me about this article, include: Tailoring the resume to fit the job you are seeking, having a cover letter that shows how your experience and skills match the position, and using your own personal brand to “Wow” employers on the resume and in the cover letter. For the complete article, feel free to visit:


http://www.ilostmyjob.com/Resumes/100-Components-of-an-Exemplary-Resume/Page-10
 



Creating Your Job Search Action Plan to Survive

By Sandi Vidal, Excutive Director
Christian HELP Foundation, Inc.


“When people are employed they have structure. They know where they are supposed to be and when they are supposed to be there. Job loss can cause chaos to a person’s life and schedule. By creating a job search plan, that chos will turn into a targeted approach to job seeking and shorten the length of time in between jobs.” In the seminar we will discuss finding your passions, assessing your skills, figuring out your career path and all the steps to get there. From Resumes, to interviewing, to networking and follow up, a plan will be formulated to increase your success.

To hear more from Sandi Vidal, then you are invited to attend Re-Charge and Re-Energize your Job Search Series: Free half day job search series for job seekers. April 2, 2011 from 9:00am – 2:00pm at 891 Florida 434, Longwood, FL 32750 - First Baptist Longwood. We will have 5 presentations that will leave attendees with great tips and information for their job search. Whether you are a professional, mid, or entry level job seeker, you can expect to be re-charged, encouraged, and engaged. Reservation is required & seating is Limited. Job Seekers may RSVP and review complete details by visiting Central Florida Employment Council’s home page at http://www.cfec.org/

Personal Branding for your Job Search Candidates

 

by Tanya Rodriques, Brand Strategist, Career and Resume Solutions 

Our economy is still reeling as a result of the latest recession; the good news is it seems as if the economic outlook is beginning to stabilize. According to the research institute on social and economic policy Florida added 43,500 jobs in 2010 a 0.6% increase.


In light of this, branding has become more important than ever. We are in an environment where self -directed career management is a requirement for anyone looking to move-up the corporate ladder, find a new job, change industries or start their own business. Having a great resume and being ready for the interview is second to creating a reputation and being able to effectively communicate a unique brand promise both on- line and in the real world.


For those that will manage and market their skills and talents, like companies market their goods and service, there is a unique opportunity in 2011. In the past career success included learning the art of wearing the corporate mask from 9-5 and reserving real opinions and personalities for private life. Now career success will include a "Be your best self philosophy", in which who you are dictates why you are the only person for the job. Great branding does that for companies and can do that for individuals as well.

To hear more from Tanya Rodriques, then you are invited to attend Re-Charge and Re-Energize your Job Search Series: Free half day job search series for job seekers. April 2, 2011 from 9:00am – 2:00pm at 891 Florida 434, Longwood, FL 32750 - First Baptist Longwood. We will have 5 presentations that will leave attendees with great tips and information for their job search. Whether you are a professional, mid, or entry level job seeker, you can expect to be re-charged, encouraged, and engaged. Reservation is required & seating is Limited. Job Seekers may RSVP and review complete details by visiting Central Florida Employment Council’s home page at http://www.cfec.org/