CFEC Speaks

Searching for the Right Job

2011-06-27T11:17:00.000-04:00

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

2011-06-21T09:24:00.002-04:00

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

2011-06-13T22:34:00.000-04:00

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

2011-06-09T13:47:00.000-04:00

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

2011-06-09T13:29:00.000-04:00

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

2011-05-15T13:19:00.000-04:00

(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?

2011-05-11T09:48:00.000-04:00

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

2011-04-15T15:39:00.000-04:00

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

2011-03-24T22:20:00.000-04:00

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

2011-03-16T07:12:00.000-04:00

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/

Job Hunting with the Business Journal

2011-03-14T08:43:00.000-04:00

by Matt Masterson, Orlando Business Journal

"Job-seekers need to be more proactive in their search process than ever before. Finding out who the major players in your field or industry of interest and learning how to get in front of them is one of the biggest challenges we see. Research shows that 1 in three jobs that are filled do not come from a website posting, but rather from referrals of qualified candidates. Orlando Business Journal’s job hunting seminar teaches strategies to help job seekers take a different approach than the traditional monster.com and careerbuilder.com method to finding job opportunities and openings. "

To hear more from Matt Masterson, 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/

Presenting the Best Possible You: Professional Image & Power Interviewing

2011-03-10T00:21:00.000-05:00

by Lisa Maile Seminars & Coaching

Doing your job and selling yourself for it are 2 distinctly different skills. Many professionals who are impressive workers may not feel a comfort level interviewing to project a commanding confidence balanced with a relatable, friendly team spirit.

To help job seekers re-charge & re-energize, we'll show how to be prepared to overcome nervousness to create your strongest, most memorable 1st impression using real communication tips to stand out and fine-tune your sell to meet employers' exact needs. We all develop skills though practice, which is why it's a challenge to project your best without preparation. Developing image, nonverbal and communication skills beforehand allows you to enjoy interviewing and model the confidence, energy and contagious positive attitude you'll bring to work each day.

Doing your job and selling yourself for it are 2 distinctly different skills. Many professionals who are impressive workers may not feel a comfort level interviewing to project a commanding confidence balanced with a relatable, friendly team spirit.

To hear more from Lisa Maile 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

Making Your Job Search More Effective

2011-03-04T00:09:00.000-05:00

Dr. Barbara Seifert, CPC

Most job seekers use some type of job board as their major strategy to look for work. Common sites such as Monster, Career Builder, and Indeed are the most recognized and popular job boards but they may not yield the responses one wants. A blog site called CAREEREALISM posted an article on how to increase one’s profile on job boards, which includes watching for typos and the format of your resume so it will align properly and stand out.

But there are three tips that may not be given much consideration or attention, but they can help your resume to get noticed and stand out:

1. Your Resume Title – make it specific so it will get looked at; include action words that may be different and stand apart from the more traditional titles

2. Use Searchable Buzzwords and Keyword Terms – these can help you get noticed as recruiters search these boards by terms and keywords; add credentials, certifications, or other identifiers for your industry or job category

3. Update Your Resume Weekly – this will keep your resume at the top of the boards and make it easier for recruiters to find you

If you are not sure how to conduct a job search, there are a plethora of resources out in cyberspace so take advantage of them. Most provide resources, tips, or articles that are written by career experts who all have a common goal of helping people to either find a job or to have a happier work life. Following the advice of these career experts will help to make your job search more effective and lead you closer to getting hired.

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

ASK SANDI ~ Seminole Voice's Columnist on employment in Central Florida

2011-02-23T10:57:00.000-05:00

By Sandi Vidal
February 17, 2011 4:01 p.m.

Archive.A few days ago, I spoke to a gentleman who had reached out for advice on his job search. After sending out his resume to more than 1,000 job ads online, he had only received two responses.

It goes without saying that he was frustrated with his job search. By the time I spoke with him, he had analyzed his situation and decided the lack of calls was because he had issues with his credit and had a conviction 15 years ago.

I asked for a copy of his resume and while we were on the phone, I mentioned my concerns that he had crammed his entire work history onto one page......
Read More by visiting Seminole Voice @ http://www.seminolevoice.com/news/2011/feb/17/ask-sandi/

Degrees That Get You Noticed

2011-02-18T16:01:00.000-05:00

Find out which college degrees really stand out to HR.

By Chris Kyle

Struggling to get noticed by employers?

Want to separate yourself from the pack?

Make sure you earn the right degree.

"Right now employers are focused on finding people who can hit the ground running," says Cheryl Jacobs of MCG Partners, a career search and management firm. "To get hired, you need to be able to demonstrate some kind of specialized knowledge."

The right college degree can confirm that you have the expertise that employers want, particularly for those new to the workforce or looking to transition careers, says Jacobs.

Read more by clicking here: http://education.yahoo.net/articles/degrees_that_stand_out.htm?kid=1DPWK

TEMPORARY CAN BE EXTRAORDINARY

2011-01-20T16:11:00.000-05:00

by Lisette Guillén-Dolby, Placement Specialist with Seminole State College of Florida

“Eighty percent of employers expect their non-employee workforce, which consists of consultants, independent contractors, temporary employees and project teams, to remain the same or increase in size over the next year, despite today's economy, finds the Annual Workforce Trends Study commissioned by Yoh.” –Amanda McGrory, “Employers Focus on Non-employee Workforce”

The above-mentioned quote may seem to be a dismal forecast, however there are many benefits to temporary employment and in fact, can be quite liberating if you enjoy a dynamic work environment. In my professional experience, I am finding more job seekers are cautious as to the companies they choose to work for and they seem to be taking their time in researching companies. Among the qualities that current job seekers are looking for in an employer include: Work/life balance, benefits, percentage of turnover, diversity and job growth. If interested, take a look at Fortune’s top 100 companies to work for in 2010, as some of these companies may be in your own community: http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/bestcompanies/2010/full_list/

Overall, the benefits of working in a temporary capacity are as follows:

• “Try before you buy.” Naturally, this is a good opportunity to try the company, before you make a full-time commitment. Here is your chance to see the company from an insider perspective. You get to see the work environment, the nature of the position, and the perks or not-so-many perks that come with working in that type of role.

• New projects. Usually temporary or contractual professionals are assigned projects and not all projects will be the same. This is a great way to add to your resume by demonstrating your ability to adapt to changes in the work place.

• Short-term employment. Not all bad, if you want the flexibility to go back to school or spend more time with family, while keeping your skills current and updated.

• Varied work environment. Sometimes depending on the type of job, it is possible to work in different industries, which increases your knowledge-base and value in this type of economy.

• Expands your network. This is a good “foot in the door” approach to a permanent opportunity, but also a great way to meet people in different departments and in the organization itself. With that being said, be sure to act professional and treat this position, as though it were a permanent role, because it could very well become permanent.

For more information on how to find the right opportunity, please visit TemporaryJobs.org at http://www.temporaryjobs.org/.

CFEC Board Member:

Lisette Guillén-DolbyPlacement Specialist
Seminole State College of Floridawww.seminolestate.edu

Hiring picture brightens for 2011

2011-01-14T18:26:00.000-05:00

More employers plan to add full-time, permanent workers in 2011 than they did at this time last year, according to a CareerBuilder survey of almost 2,500 hiring managers and human-resource professionals.
Twenty-four percent of employers plan to hire full-time, permanent employees in 2011, up from 20 percent in 2010 and 14 percent in 2009. Seven percent plan to cut jobs, an improvement from 9 percent in 2010 and 16 percent in 2009. Fifty-eight percent anticipate no change in their staff levels, while 11 percent are unsure.

The survey finds opportunities in sales to be the most prevalent, followed by information technology, customer service, engineering and technology.

“More than half of employers reported they are in a better financial position today than they were one year ago,” says Matt Ferguson, CEO at CareerBuilder. “2011 will usher in a healthier employment picture as business leaders grow more confident in the economy. Our survey indicates more jobs will be added in 2011 than 2010, but job creation will remain gradual. The year will be characterized by steady, measured gains across various industries.”

Florida's unemployment rate hit 12 percent in November, while metro Orlando's rose from 11.3 percent in October to 11.9 percent in November.

The industries gaining the most jobs in Florida are in private education and health services, up 28,900 jobs in the last year, according to the Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation.

View above news article from Orlando Business Journal

Get a New Career in the New Year

2011-01-09T18:00:00.000-05:00

Dr. Barbara Seifert, CPC

I’m sure you’ve set some New Year’s resolutions for things you’d like to accomplish during 2011. One of those may be to either find a job or a new position. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics report, the number of employees voluntarily quitting their jobs has surpassed involuntary terminations through layoffs or discharges. This is an indication that the job market is starting to turn around. It is good news for job seekers as it is opening positions that would otherwise not be available.

If you are in job-search mode, this is the time to renew and refresh both your outlook and your job-search strategies. Here are some tips to help you to set you intentions and to keep focused to finding a job this year:

1. Commit- make the decision to finding a job or looking for a better one; know that this will take some work but you can accomplish more with a renewed sense of commitment

2. Assess – write down your skills, abilities, accomplishments and activities (volunteer work, school, certification, etc.) that you will bring to an employer

3. Research – delve into the type of job you want as to what is required, what organizations hire, what is the pay, and what is the culture of the organization; these will help you to decide of this is a position worth pursuing and will help you to be targeted in your search

4. Develop a job-search strategy – identify the ways you will look for a job, such as job boards, company websites, networking groups, professional associations, direct contacts through friends and family, recruiters/headhunters, or social networking sites; your job-search strategy should also identify how you will spend your time on a daily basis

5. Support & Self-Care – find supportive people who will can help you to stay motivated during this time, such as family, friends, a support group or a career coach; also, be sure to partake in activities that will help you to keep up your emotional level

This can be a time of renewal or it can be a time of anxiousness and frustration. It all depends on your attitude and your commitment. Finding a job is not so easy these days but it doesn’t have to be so hard – following these steps can lead you to a great career in this new year!

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. She is a writer for The Work at Home Woman and Forbes. You can learn more by visiting Your Career Success Blog at www.allaboutcareerssite.wordpress.com

"I want a job and I am willing to work. What can I do?"

2011-01-06T23:30:00.003-05:00

Back in 2001, right before I was employed by Christian HELP Foundation, Inc. as their Marketing / Director for their CFEC program, I was very discouraged with my search for employment. I could not understand why so many doors were being closed and I did not know where else to turn. Then someone sent me these simple principles (listed below) to apply to my job search. I thought I would share them with other job seekers, in hopes they too may find something encouraging to help them get through another day, week, or month of their job search.

Apply these simple principles to the Job Search process.

"I want a job and I am willing to work. What can I do?"
1. Pray for God to direct your steps to become employed.

2. Thank God for His faithfulness to hear your prayers.

3. Claim your legal rights in Christ to have your needs met.

4. Ask for the strength and the ability to endure until you have the job.

5. Remain faithful in your search.

6. Look in the papers for the job.

7. Apply everywhere and anywhere that you would like to work.

8. Apply to places that you may not want to work at, but feel led to put in an application.

9. Tell everyone you know that you want to work.

10. Consistently apply for a job.

11. Visit a job service center for helpful ideas and suggestions.

12. Regularly look for job opportunities.

13. Faithfully submit your requests for a job to anyone and everyone.

14. Do not quit until you get a job.

15. Wait upon God for continued strength.

16. Wait upon God for continued guidance.

17. Wait upon God for doors to open.

18. Be ready to walk through the doors that God opens, even if you don't "love" it.

19. Be willing to listen for His still small voice.

20. Be open to God's ways which are higher than our ways.

21. Pray for wisdom to know the difference.

22. Pray for others that you know are seeking to have a job.

23. Pray for patience.

24. Wait upon God for His hand of blessing.

25. Remain thankful for all that you have already been blessed with.

26. Guard your mind against negatives.

27. Encourage yourself in the Lord by studying His Word.

28. Spend quiet time with God.

29. Pour out your heart before Him, seeking answers and guidance.

30. Wait for what is best for you--you are unique and deserve God's best.

31. Thoughtfully consider every suggestion offered to you, it may be God working in another way.

32. Be willing to enlarge your perspective, perhaps you know what you want to do, but you are underestimating your skills or worth.

33. Wait for God to move and work--while you are working to find work.

34. Make your desire to find a job your top priority.

35. Eat, drink, and sleep God's promises to meet your needs.

36. Eat, drink, and sleep your job search--seeking ways to become an employed individual.

37. Eat, drink, and sleep prayer concerning your search.

38. Ask for others to pray with and for you.

39. Ask God to help you humble yourself before Him, seeking His guidance.

40. Be diligent, consistent, and determined.

41. Resist the attacks from the adversary.

42. Refuse to quit.

43. Refuse to allow others to discourage you.

44. Forget what the world says about your situation.

45. Focus on what God says about your situation--you are more than a conqueror.

46. Help others in their job search with ideas and suggestions--lose yourself in giving to others.

47. Let God keep score on your efforts--He will reward you abundantly.

48. Be honest with yourself about whether or not you really want a job.

49. Be ready to grow when obstacles come your way.

50. Trust God to help you grow up in Him--in understanding, in wisdom, and in patience.

God Bless your job search!Sincerely,

Paulette Weir

CFEC Marketing Director
Christian HELP Foundation, Inc.
www.Christianhelp.org

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)

Why should I use LinkedIn as a tool for my job search?

2011-01-05T08:14:00.003-05:00

Answer: LinkedIn is 4 years old. There are over 86 million subscribers to this now famous FREE networking website. Members fall into many categories (among them):

Many are hiring managers.
Many are recruiters, both agency and corporate.
Many are underemployed and unemployed professionals.

What group do you belong to? If you are unemployed, you need to make as many contacts with your targeted companies as you can. You need to establish relationships. You need to insure your Profile is in top notch condition with all your skills, "buzzwords" and "key skills" as you can get on there. You also need to socialize, join groups. Once this is accomplished, your "contacts" grows at a stupendous rate. If you were to ask for $1 from every person in each group you joined, you'd be IN THE MONEY!! Naturally, that can't be done. But, contacting the most influential ones CAN BE DONE!! And....its simple. Remember, for the most part, all that's on your Profile is "searchable". It's knowing how to put it there that counts.

I have been very active with LinkedIn since its inception. I have been both a corporate recruiter and agency recruiter for 20 years. As a recruiter, I have found many quality talented professionals therein to fill my open requirements. I have taught 2 classes at City College in Casselberry, FL (one in November, and one in December). Both were filled to capacity. These "students" came in with the basic fundamentals and left with ammunition that could, conceivably, get them a new position. I will show you the techniques of "spidering" and strategies. Remember, it's not who you know, but who knows you...the true definition of networking. On LinkedIn, those who want to find you....will find you. If you want to find someone or their peer, you will probably find them on LinkedIn, I'll show you how.

If you feel you need some motivation, guidance and genuine help to start 2011 off more effectively, I'm here for you. I get very animated and tend to give a lot of information in this class. Due to seating capacity, RSVPs are required. The class is completely FREE and located in Casselberry, FL (North Orlando, FL Area). You are welcome to bring your laptop as tables are provided. Write Howie Appel at hra246@gmail.com for a flyer. Hurry, again, space IS limited to the first 34 that RSVP.

Email me for this month's class date -seats are going fast!

Location of FREE LinkedIn classes for your job search is at City College Casselberry, 853 Semoran Blvd. 436, Casselberry, FL
---------
Howie Appel
Executive Director,
ProNet Career Resources
Phone: 407-333-8158
Cell: 407-924-7545
http://www.linkedin.com/in/howieappel
http://www.pronetcareerresources.org/

Remember:
"if it is to be....it's up to me!"
"it's not who you know...it's who knows you!"

Rejuvenate Your Resume

2010-12-14T08:57:00.000-05:00

You can't turn back time--but you can give your resume a face-lift.
by Charles Purdy, Monster+Hot Jobs senior editor

In a competitive job market, we have to do everything we can to make our resumes more attractive to hiring managers. This can be difficult for older workers, who fear that even if there's no bias (subconscious or conscious) against job seekers on the mature side of 40, a resume may make them look "overqualified" for the positions they want.

Here are five ways to make your resume more youthful, so you can score the interview--and make an impression with your experience and enthusiasm, instead of your assumed birth date.

1. Remove dates from your education. Hiring managers (as well as resume-reading software) may be looking for certain minimum requirements in the area of education. But they likely won't think about dates unless you mention them. If your life followed a typical pattern, the dates of your college degrees are an age indicator. (But education dates are a double-edged sword--if you got your degree or certification relatively recently, you may seem inexperienced; too long ago, "over the hill.")

2. Focus on recent relevant experience. Of course you're proud of all your accomplishments--but the people looking at your resume are interested only in the skills and achievements that relate directly to the position they're trying to fill. Many job seekers (not only those with long work histories) make the mistake of putting too much on their resumes.

For example, if you're a 45-year-old marketing professional applying for a management position, the fact that you were Congressional page in the early 1980s is interesting--but probably not relevant. (And the fact that you were, say, a data-entry clerk for eight months in the late 1980s is neither of those things.) Look at the earliest jobs on your resume--do they say relevant and unique things that will make you more attractive to this particular employer? If not, cut them.

3. Focus on new technologies. "Teletype," "DOS," Wite-Out correction fluid: your resume should have none of these things on it. Demonstrate that you're not an "old fogey" by removing all references to outmoded technology from your resume. If you're a graphic designer, for instance, you know that the design program Macromedia xRes is no longer being used--so why would you waste valuable resume space on touting your xRes skills?

List only software programs and technologies that are current in your industry.

4. Get online and get connected. Like it or not, many jobs now require a familiarity with social media. And almost all job seekers can benefit from the knowing how to navigate Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and industry-specific online communities. For many hiring managers and recruiters, if you're not online, you don't exist.

5. Give your resume a personal voice. Old-fashioned resumes contain a lot of lifeless writing, vague generalities, and "job-seeker jargon"--words and phrases that have lost all meaning through overuse: "detail-oriented," "team player," "responsible for," and so on.

Instead of saying that you're detail-oriented, give an example of how your attention to detail saved a past employer money. Instead of saying that you're a team player, tell the hiring manager about how your team worked together to increase profits. And never tell a hiring manager you were "responsible for" something--tell her what you achieved. Use numbers to quantify those achievements, and use strong verbs.

Finally, don't be afraid of "I" statements in your resume--enthusiastically telling your story as only you can will give your resume more vitality and help it stand out from the pack.

Finding Your Personal Brand

2010-12-08T11:15:00.000-05:00

Dr. Barbara Seifert, CPC, NLP

In order to be recognized and noticed in the business community, it is important to have your own ‘brand’, or a catchy way for people to recognize and remember you. This could be done either through a motto, a phrase, or a logo, but it should be something that identifies you and your company or service. It also should peak someone’s interest so they say, ”tell me more.” This personal branding also applies in your job hunt. It doesn’t mean you have a fancy title or even a catchy phrase, but it does mean that you have a way to describe yourself - in a career perspective - so that a prospective employer will ask, “tell me more.” This can be done in your 30, 60, or 90 second elevator speech, that is clear and concise, but lets people know the extent of your skills, talents, or experience.

To find your personal brand, the following steps may be helpful:

1. Write down all the skills, abilities, experiences you have in one or two words; be clear and brief; your brand statement should create immediate interest in you and get the listener asking questions.

2. Identify and include a benefit, such as reduce, enlarge, create, eliminate, which will make people listen; avoid verbiage, such as I sell, or I manage.

3. Don’t use jargon that is too technical or slangy to your profession - others will not understand and it will prevent them from asking you more.

4. Avoid negative talk, such as “I helped my company increase sales by 50%, but it was really nothing”. Showcase your achievements and accomplishments; after all, you are selling you.

5. Avoid boasting or bragging - this is the opposite of negative self-talk. While you are trying to get others interested in you and hearing more about you, overstating your talents and accomplishments can have a negative effect that can be long-lasting.

6. Make your introductory statement unique so that when people hear it they will remember you.

7. Practice, practice, practice so that you will feel comfortable saying it at any time or in any environment. Say it in front of the mirror and get feedback from friends or family.

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. She is a writer for The Work at Home Woman and Forbes. You can learn more by visiting http://www.cyscoaching.com/ and Your Career Success Blog at http://www.allaboutcareerssite.wordpress.com/

The “What Ifs” of an Economic Downturn

2010-12-02T01:39:00.000-05:00

With tax season around the corner, job seekers need to be prepared. Irs.gov has a wealth of information for job seekers/unemployed. Below is a list of questions you may ask yourself. Click on the below title/link to visit the IRS.gov page to find out all of the answers.

The "What Ifs" of an Economic Downturn

From IRS.gov Newsroom
http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=201853,00.html

The Internal Revenue Service recognizes that many people may be having difficult times financially. There can be a tax impact to events such as job loss, debt forgiveness or tapping a retirement fund. If your income decreased, you may be newly eligible for certain tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit.

Most importantly, if you believe you may have trouble paying your tax bill contact the IRS immediately. There are steps we can take to help ease the burden. You also should file a tax return even if you are unable to pay so you can avoid additional penalties.

Here are some “What if” scenarios and the possible tax impact:

Job Related

What if I lose my job?

What if I receive unemployment compensation?

What if my income declines?

What if I am searching for a job?

What if my employer goes out of business?

What if I close my own business?

What if I withdraw money from my IRA?

What if my 401(k) drops in value?

Debt Related

What if I lose my home through foreclosure?

What if I sell my home for a loss?

What if my debt is forgiven?

What if I am insolvent?

What if I file for bankruptcy protection?

Tax Related

What if I can’t pay my taxes?

What if I did not receive an economic stimulus payment?

What if I can’t pay my installment agreement?

What if there is a federal tax lien on my home?

What if a levy on my wages is creating hardship?

What if I can’t resolve my tax problem with the IRS?

What if I need legal representation to help with my tax problem but can’t afford it?

Related Item: Publication 4763, Job Related Questions During an Economic Downturn

Employment recruiters should source candidates in an array of ways...

2010-11-17T17:25:00.000-05:00

Whatever vertical market you are recruiting in, it is prudent to source candidates in an array of ways. If it is a professional position with strict requirements, go to the Universities and network w/ the Professors who are teaching the 3rd and 4th year students and request to do a presentation in their classroom about your company; this has yielded a quicker more qualified return than going through the Career Development Centers. Also, make sure you network with the professional organizations, such as, if you are looking for mental health therapists, then attend and become a member of the American Psychological Association or the Florida Association, get ahold of that certificant registry and email blast certificants w/in a 15 mile radius of the location in which the position is open.

Another way, is yes, through referrals; however, this can be a double edged sword. Some employees' friends and families you wouldn't want as an employee for many reasons, but on the other hand, your STAR employees, you would trust their judgement and would want. In order to be fair and consistent and comply w/ fair hiring practices, it is necessary that you stress that regardless of the source of a candidate, they must all apply online first and be pre screened. No referrals can be "hand held" and walked into a company and interviewed w/o applying online. Of course it is important as well to utilize the top job boards; I think Career Builder is most popular in the SE region and Monster the most popular in the NE region.

Also, never forget about the "cold calling" your competition. Everybody who is anybody should and probably is always "open for an opportunity". Throughout one's career, an ear should always be left open. Therefore, google your competitors in the field and look through their company contacts and cold call the person who has the qualilfications to do the job that you just posted. If you are looking for IT professionals, well go to places they go to... Put your cards on their windshields. Think out of the box and never forget, recruiting is easy.... "Go and make a Friend!" Every recruiter is different, I don't care about the cover letter, I rarely read it, just jump right to the resume:

1. Check their Education

2. Look at their previous employment history or past employment history

3. Check to see if they would be a flight risk--(Have they job hopped every 6 months)

4. Make sure they meet my qualifications and requirements to do the job and they possess the skillset I am looking for

The types of candidates who impress me are ones who speak well on the phone and politely, when I phone screen them, have proper ring tone, call me back w/in 12 hours of when I left them a message to call me back, ones who follow up, and most importantly, ones who "sell themselves" to me and really make a case as to why they would fit this position--their attitude.

Central Florida Employment Council 2011 Board Member:
Charity Thalacker
Devereux Florida
Recruiter
www.devereux.org/careers

Central Florida Employment Council and Christian HELP will be hosting a job fair Wednesday, November 10, 2010 in an effort to help put Central Florida residents BACK TO WORK!

2010-11-07T11:39:00.000-05:00

Central Florida Employment Council and Christian HELP will be hosting a job fair Wednesday, November 10, 2010 in an effort to help put Central Florida residents BACK TO WORK! Job Seekers will find over 60 companies and onsite career resources as well as over 1700 job openings to help them connect with the employment community. CFEC provides the employers with the jobs, and Christian HELP brings in the unemployed. As many as 6300 people have been placed through these job fairs in a single year.

Public Service Announcement:

For more information visit Upcoming Job Fair at www.CFEC.org or call Christian HELP's main office at 407.834.4022

WHO?
Central Florida Employment Council & Christian HELP

WHAT?
Central Florida’s Job Fair – end of the year job fair

WHEN?
Wednesday, November 10, 2010 12Noon-4:00pm

WHERE?
Central Florida Fair Expo Park, 4603 W Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL

WHY?
Central Florida’s Job Fair located at Central Florida Fair Expo Park, 4603 W Colonial Drive, Orlando on November 10, 2010 from 12noon-4:00pm where you will find over 60 companies offering hundreds of upper/mid/entry level career openings in all types of Central Florida Industries as well as other job seeker resources. Open to all Central Florida Job Seekers. Professional Attire is required; bring resumes; free admission and parking; and no children please. Register as a Job Seeker today by visiting Central Florida Employment Council’s Website at www.CFEC.org.

Types of jobs available by employers at Job Fair reported by employers (not limited to):

Upper, Mid, and Entry Level Jobs in all types of Central Florida Industries will be on hand.

Call Center
Customer Service
Sales/Marketing
Insurance
Education/Training
Financial Services
Hospitality
Food Service
Professional Services
Trades
And Many Others

Tips for participating in a Career or Job Fair:

The job market is still very competitive, and it is important that you get your game on! Here are some quick job fair tips:

• Find the openings: Make the best use of your time at a job fair
• Dress your best. Dress Professional – required!
• Register as a job seeker @ www.CFEC.org to ensure quick entry
• Memorize your 30 second elevator speech.
• Interview the company while you are there.
• Be memorable
Before you arrive, get advice from someone else about your resume, your dress, and your elevator speech.

Exhibitor Listing:
21st Century Insurance
7-Eleven, Inc.
Accurate Clinical Trials, Inc.
Acts Foundation, Inc. - Onsite
AFLAC
Allied Barton Security Srvcs.
American Coach Lines of Orl.
American Management Services, Inc.
Amscot Financial
Anthem College
ARAMARK
Asbury University
Bankers Life and Casualty Company
Behr's Chocolates
Belhaven University
C&E Information Services, Inc.
City College
CNS Healthcare
Concorde Career Institute
CuraScript, An Express Scripts Company
Deaf Service Bureau - Onsite
Devry University
Doubletree Resort Orlando
Entravision Communications Corp.
Florida Army National Guard
Florida Institute of Animal Arts
Florida Job Finder - Onsite
Florida United Methodist Children's Home
Fortis College
Goodwill Industries of Central FL
Hilton Worldwide
Home Team Pest Defense
Insphere Insurance Solutions
Integrated Excellence
iQ Power
JLC Southeast - Property Management
KinderCare Learning Centers
Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts
Learning Care Group Inc.
Massey Services, Inc.
MetLife of Central Florida
Mountain State University
MVCI Orlando Call Center
NEW YORK LIFE
OCPS Career and Technical Education
Orange County Sheriffs Office
Orlando Jobs- Onsite
Palm Beach Atlantic University
Primerica - Indep. Rep. Lee Wright
Project Wave/Together RX Access
Qdoba Mexican Grill
Résumé Review Squad -Onsite Free
Salem Communications
ShadesToYou
Southern Technical College
Specialty Products Global, Inc.
Sprint Call Centers
Starwood Vacation Ownership
Strategis Companies
SunTrust Bank
T-Cellular, Inc.
Timeshare Hot List
United States Marine Corps
Universal Orlando
US Army Recruiting Office
US Dept. of Housing and Urban Development
Value Pawn and Jewelry
Wet 'n Wild
WHLV - TV 52
Wonder Works
Woodmen of the World
WORKFORCE CENTRAL FLORIDA - Wireless Workstations Onsite
Wyndham Vacation Ownership

A professional networking group for job seekers meets monthly in Central Florida

2010-11-04T11:35:00.000-04:00

ProNet of Central Florida Monthly Meetings: Keeping Local Professionals Local!

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 the 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:

• Speaker: A return engagement for Mike Mailman, Outplacement Specialist will speak on “New Strategies to attack the Hidden Job Market”

• 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, November 22 from 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.

5 Steps On How to Get Clear On Your Career Choice

2010-10-24T23:03:00.000-04:00

Dr. Barbara Seifert, CPC

There comes a point when you may want to change your career choice. It may come as a defining moment, say after you lose your job either after you have been fired or laid off. It could come after a tragedy, such as a divorce or the death of a loved one. It could also be the result of just being bored or sick and tired of the same old routine and feeling the need to get reenergized. However the moment comes, the question then becomes, “What do I really want to do?” This is the point that I find most people get ’stuck’ and get flustered, frustrated, and angry. Throw some yearning and anxiety in the mix and you have people that feel overwhelmed and unable to move forward. If that sounds like you, then here some tips on how to get clearer on your career choice and move forward to achieving your goal:

1. Assess - you have to first know what you have to offer, so assess your skills, knowledge, talents, experiences, abilities, interests, and values. Assess the type of work environment you like to work in as well. Take a few career assessments to help you get clearer.

2. Look for trends - once you have written down all of your qualities, look for patterns and themes to determine what types of career possibilities may fit with your uncovered skills and interests.

3. Research - this is an important step, as you must do some in-depth research into those career possibilities. Look at types of industries and jobs currently available, pay rates, locations or cities that have openings, educational or certification/licensure requirements needed.

4. Network - this will help you get a better picture of job possibilities and opportunities. Look at associations that are affiliated with your career choices, websites or discussion boards to see who knows what and whom. Do some informational interviewing at companies or with people you may come in contact with to see how they got into their career, what they like about it, and any tips they may offer on how you can break into the potential career path

5. Test the waters - by now, you should have a clearer picture of a career path you want to pursue. Trust your intuition (your gut) on what feels right for you. Then, start applying by calling companies or asking friends/family for referrals. Make phone calls to companies for openings. Be sure to give yourself time to adjust to your newly chosen path, put your best effort into making it your position and think positive.

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. She is a writer for The Work at Home Woman and Forbes. You can learn more by visiting http://www.cyscoaching.com/ and Your Career Success Blog at http://www.allaboutcareerssite.wordpress.com/

Making the Best of it During the Journey of Unemployment - by Howie Appel, Corporate Recruiter in Transition, Resourceful Resume Coach, and Volunteer Director of ProNet Career Resources

2010-10-14T01:50:00.000-04:00

I would like to throw my .02 into CFEC Speaks. I have been unemployed for almost 2 years, having been laid off from an engineering company in Feb 2009. I have been on unemployment and had to retire early. My plate is full though. I am a caregiver to my wife who has cancer, I have been helping her build her Avon business, and I have been running ProNet Career Resources.

Along with all this, I have opted to devote a lot of time to helping people with their resumes. Sometimes it evolves into a 2 hour session at my home. Most of the time, however, it includes my visiting Christian HELP and attending the CFEC Job Fairs and reviewing resumes there.

My family has been a friend of this organization for quite some time. I know when I have a problem (physical or mental) I have no problem presenting it to Paulette or Sandi. I end up sometimes venting directly to these awesome people.

The funniest part of this is that about 10 years ago I approached Dick Wilson and Kristy and told them that I wasn’t of the Christian faith! They looked at me and made it clear that they were still there for me! They made it clear that we are all one in God’s eyes.

This had a major impact on my life and my family.

As a corporate recruiter, my life has had its ups and downs because of the recruiting cycle and the recession. Layoffs are commonplace amongst recruiters (especially those who are 55+ and veterans). When my wife was diagnosed with cancer, that made the challenges even more tasking. When I encountered unemployment, the first thing Kristy would say to me is, “do you need food?”. This is very humbling. More often than not, I end up meeting people in the pantry who are interested in hearing more about ProNet Career Resources.

Life is a two way street. Life is a embodiment of the “pay forward” stigma. I get upset when I can’t provide for my family. I almost lost my home through foreclosure, but fought and fought and we kept our home. I help people with their resumes hoping that someday they will return the favor by considering me for a position in their newfound company. CFEC has become our extended family. I believe that their job fairs bring a lot of people who still have hope, still see a positive change coming in this recession, and still feel that there are allies out there. I have no problem convincing these job seekers that all three groups are allies, ProNet, Christian HELP and CFEC.

Now that I’ve rambled on and on about my deep love for this group, let me say that if you need Hope, Encouragement, Love, and a little bit of Prayer….you’ve come to the right place. If you need to network, then you’ve come to the right place. If you need a shoulder to cry on or someone to lean on….again, you’ve come to the right place, no matter what your beliefs are. I’m living proof of this. I salute the team at CFEC and Christian HELP and am happy they are there. I keep my sanity through leading ProNet Career Resources and I keep my networking and skills intact by helping people with their resumes.

Let me know how I can help you!!

Howie Appel
Executive Director
hra246@gmail.com
http://www.pronetcareerresources.org/

No Excuse Not To

2010-10-09T11:09:00.000-04:00

Over a year ago, I was one of the many people laid off from a great job. It was not a surprise; in fact they even gave me some notice. As sad and scary as the situation was, something glimmered below the surface. Some sense of hope and gratitude for the time that was about to belong to me. All the projects I could accomplish around the house. All the time I can spend with my children. Even if it was just weeks before I found another job, it felt like there was finally time. Working full time, I always had reasons for things to go undone. Now, I had no excuse not to.

While I searched for employment and networked within my industry, I made plans to organize closets, clean drawers, maybe even read a book and try some new recipes. Oh the quality time I would spend, being such an involved parent and doting wife with a clean house to boot! With no job to occupy my thoughts and hours, I had no excuse not to.

The first few months flew by quickly. My days became a routine of job searching, networking and volunteering. The Carol Brady in me was emerging. Starting and finishing projects at home filled me with a sense of accomplishment that helped curb the fear and uncertainty of being unemployed and unsure of the future. My dog was walked faithfully each morning. I cooked and cleaned; we could see our countertops and eat off real dishes again. Photos were sorted after years of being tossed into shoe boxes, weeds pulled from the jungle of our backyard. After all, I had no excuse not to.

Time ticked away as I continued to look for work. Every morning my fresh cup of coffee reminded me this was a fresh new day. My morning routine continued, searching and communicating online until I crashed the server at Bright House from my intense job search. Trying to stay hopeful that each week might be the last week unemployed, I remained motivated to make the most of this time at home. The dog would wait at the closet door, knowing it was walking time and barking for me to get the leash out. My kitchen was being used every day, and I noticed my husband and started to gain weight. The kids seemed content that mom was always around, though they didn’t seem to need me as much as I had hoped. But I was there, available for everyone. I had no excuse not to.

Time began a much slower trot as the sad anniversary of a year unemployed rolled around. The perpetual cycle of clean house, dirty house began to wear away at my motivation. There was always something to clean or organize but the shine from that rose was long gone. So was the shine from my kitchen appliances. The kids started school and I became the stalker mom, anxious for them to get home, wanting to know every detail about their days, living vicariously through a 5th and 9th grader. As I told them, I had no excuse not to.

And today, the economy is reported to be improving. As my patience and hope are tested by a long and frustrating job search, gratitude is my new mantra.

There is more activity in my industry, my searching remains intense. I look forward to and apply to jobs with some hope. My kids are settled into the routine of a new school year. My husband appreciates the grilled chicken and broccoli I have started cooking. I have the healthiest and happiest dog on the street. There is so much to be grateful for, and I have no excuse not to.

Jean Martin
HR Consultant & Job Seeker
CFEC Board Member
http://www.cfec.org/

Tips to land a holiday temp job - OrlandoSentinel.com

2010-09-26T08:58:00.000-04:00

Tips to land a holiday temp job - OrlandoSentinel.com (shared by Bloggers "Blog This")

Tips for finding temporary work
By Arlene Satchell, (Fort Lauderdale) Sun Sentinel
9:40 p.m. EDT, September 24, 2010

Here are some tips to make your search more successful.
Start now: Several retailers are screening and selecting employees for the holidays, although the peak hiring month is October. Toys "R" Us and Macy's, for example, have started to look for seasonal staff in preparation for the holiday shopping season, which typically kicks off on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving.

Be resourceful: Network with family and friends who work at the stores you're interested in. Having information about the company, job or work ethic may help prepare you for the interview. Also look for information about the retailers (fan pages, hiring personnel) on social-networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Draw on experience: Look at where you've worked before. If you've had experience at a particular job, chances are you'll have an advantage over candidates with no experience with the company.

Dress for success: Dress properly, be on time and be enthusiastic. Be sure to follow up after the interview.

Focus on retail bright spots: Best opportunities for seasonal employment will be large discounters such as Target and Walmart. So are stores in expansion mode, such as Dollar Tree. A temporary holiday job could lead to a permanent position with the company, perhaps at a new store.

Cast a wide net: Though retail may be your preference, competition will be stiff, especially for in-store or floor sales positions. Other departments such as warehousing, distribution and stocking may also need temps. Don't ignore opportunities at shipping or catering companies, two areas typically in high demand during the holidays.

Be patient: Job seekers should be prepared to be on call or standby. It may take a few weeks after the interviews to find out whether you've got a job.

Be flexible: Job seekers should keep an open mind about hours and type of work. Many seasonal jobs require long hours, especially on weekends, and require physical work or standing for long periods.

Take the job seriously: If you land the job, give it your best shot. Learn as much as you can and be professional. If you do a good job, it could pay off in the future. You could land a permanent position with the company or can call upon your old boss for a referral for a future employer.

3 P’s to the Online Application Process

2010-09-22T19:31:00.001-04:00

Online applications are norm now for most companies, especially large ones. In order to apply, you can no longer walk in and fill out a paper application and talk to someone right away. This presents some huge challenges for people who are not used to using a computer or don’t own one.

I am working with a local Human Resources Professional to develop some curriculum for a class we will be teaching on navigating online applications. In order to understand the process, we “applied online” to several well known companies. I found the process to be very frustrating. I feel for everyone who has to complete multiple online applications on a regular basis as part of their job search.

We decided there are 3 P’s to the online application process. You need to be Prepared. Make sure you have your resume, cover letter, and references available. You need to be Patient. The process can often take an hour or more for just one application. You need to have Perseverance. We found several of the applications could not be saved to return to later, and one of the applications crashed on us three times.

One of the applications had a pre-screen questionnaire at the beginning of the application. When you are faced with this, read carefully and use common sense. What is the employer asking you? The answer is are you reliable, will you steal, do you use drugs, and can you get along with co-workers and supervisors. For example, if you answer that you feel it is alright to be late to work occasionally, an employer may never see your resume because you are deemed unreliable.

One application asked for a username, password, social security number and pin. Do not put your social security number on an online application unless you know it is a reputable company. Make sure you keep a list of user name and passwords for all of your applications.

Networking is a way to get your foot in the door, but you may still need to fill out the online application. Don’t give up!

Take care and best wishes-

Sandi Vidal
Executive Director
Christian H.E.L.P Foundation, Inc.
http://www.christianhelp.org/

6 Things You Should Never Reveal on Facebook

2010-09-15T10:35:00.000-04:00

Really excellent article about Facebook that you should check out!
by Kathy Kristof
Tuesday, September 14, 2010

The whole social networking phenomenon has millions of Americans sharing their photos, favorite songs and details about their class reunions on Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and dozens of similar sites. But there are a handful of personal details that you should never say if you don't want criminals — cyber or otherwise — to rob you blind, according to Beth Givens, executive director of the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse.

The folks at Insure.com also say that ill-advised Facebook postings increasingly can get your insurance cancelled or cause you to pay dramatically more for everything from auto to life insurance coverage. By now almost everybody knows that those drunken party photos could cost you a job, too.

You can certainly enjoy networking and sharing photos, but you should know that sharing some information puts you at risk. What should you never say on Facebook, Twitter or any other social networking site?

Your Birth Date and Place

Sure, you can say what day you were born, but if you provide the year and where you were born too, you've just given identity thieves a key to stealing your financial life, said Givens. A study done by Carnegie Mellon showed that a date and place of birth could be used to predict most — and sometimes all — of the numbers in your Social Security number, she said.

Vacation Plans

There may be a better way to say "Rob me, please" than posting something along the lines of: "Count-down to Maui! Two days and Ritz Carlton, here we come!" on Twitter. But it's hard to think of one. Post the photos on Facebook when you return, if you like. But don't invite criminals in by telling them specifically when you'll be gone.

Home Address

Do I have to elaborate? A study recently released by the Ponemon Institute found that users of Social Media sites were at greater risk of physical and identity theft because of the information they were sharing. Some 40% listed their home address on the sites; 65% didn't even attempt to block out strangers with privacy settings. And 60% said they weren't confident that their "friends" were really just people they know.

Confessionals

You may hate your job; lie on your taxes; or be a recreational user of illicit drugs, but this is no place to confess. Employers commonly peruse social networking sites to determine who to hire — and, sometimes, who to fire. Need proof? In just the past few weeks, an emergency dispatcher was fired in Wisconsin for revealing drug use; a waitress got canned for complaining about customers and the Pittsburgh Pirate's mascot was dumped for bashing the team on Facebook. One study done last year estimated that 8% of companies fired someone for "misuse" of social media.

Password Clues

If you've got online accounts, you've probably answered a dozen different security questions, telling your bank or brokerage firm your Mom's maiden name; the church you were married in; or the name of your favorite song. Got that same stuff on the information page of your Facebook profile? You're giving crooks an easy way to guess your passwords.

Risky Behaviors

You take your classic Camaro out for street racing, soar above the hills in a hang glider, or smoke like a chimney? Insurers are increasingly turning to the web to figure out whether their applicants and customers are putting their lives or property at risk, according to Insure.com. So far, there's no efficient way to collect the data, so cancellations and rate hikes are rare. But the technology is fast evolving, according to a paper written by Celent, a financial services research and consulting firm.

September is Workforce Development Month in Florida

2010-09-02T14:41:00.000-04:00

Public Service Announcement
Workforce Development Month was created as HELP The Unemployed Week in 1994 by Christian HELP. Although it has evolved the main event continues to be a large Job Fair that has generally employed at least 1,000 people each year. This year the Governor's Job Fair will be on Wednesday, September 8, from Noon to 4 PM at The Central Florida Fairgrounds.

Workforce Development Month in Florida proclamation from the Governor
(http://www.floridajobs.org/publications/news_rel/2010Gov-WorkforceDevelopmentMonth.pdf)

For more information visit Upcoming Job Fair at www.CFEC.org or call Christian HELP's main office at 407.834.4022

IMMEDIATE EVENT ADVISORY RELEASE: Governor’s Job Fair on Wednesday, September 8, 2010 - in observation of the 10th Annual Workforce Development Month in Florida

2010-09-02T12:52:00.000-04:00

The Central Florida Employment Council and Christian HELP will be hosting the Governor’s Job Fair – in observation of the 10 Annual Workforce Development Month in Florida on Wednesday, September 8, 2010 from 12:00- 4:00 PM located at Central Florida Fair Expo Park, 4603 W Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL. There will be over 70 partnering employers offering over 1500-2000 upper, mid, and entry level career openings in all types of Central Florida Industries; as well as job seeker and educational resources!

This Job Fair is an excellent way to meet and network with multiple recruiters in a short period of time. Job fairs can land you jobs, enhance your search, and improve your skills. This job fair will give you face to face contact with companies who are hiring, and it is a great way to network with key people in our employment community. You never know who you will meet and how soon it will lead to employment.

The job market is still very competitive, and it is important that you get your game on! Here are some quick job fair tips:

• Find the openings: Make the best use of your time at a job fair

• Dress your best.

• Register as a job seeker @ www.CFEC.org to ensure quick entry

• Memorize your 30 second elevator speech.

• Interview the company while you are there.

• Be memorable

• Before you arrive, get advice from someone else about your resume, your dress, and your elevator speech.

Event:           The 10th Annual Governor’s Job Fair
Time:            12:00 - 4:00 PM Eastern Time
Date:             September 8, 2010
Where:          Central Florida Fair Expo Park, 4603 W Colonial Dr., Orlando FL 32808
Host:             Central Florida Employment Council and Christian HELP
Who:             Job Seekers are welcomed. Dress professionally. Free admission & parking. No Children

To see attending companies & to ensure the quickest entry, register as a job seeker at http://www.cfec.org/ today

For More Information: Call Christian HELP main office at 407-834-4022

Workforce Development Month in Florida proclamation from the 2010
http://www.floridajobs.org/publications/news_rel/2010Gov-WorkforceDevelopmentMonth.pdf

Job Hunting with the Business Journal on Sept. 9, 2010 @ Disney Entrepreneur Center

2010-08-27T08:46:00.000-04:00

Job Hunting with the Business Journal

Learn how to turn business news into a new career opportunity!

Thursday, September 9, at the Disney Entrepreneur Center for an interactive workshop that will teach you how to use Orlando Business Journal for personal development and career growth.

They will provide you with strategies for getting strong job leads out of Orlando Business Journal before anyone else. We'll show you how to turn each issue into a wealth of opportunities.

You will learn:

How to navigate the paper efficiently.

How to use Orlando Business Journal to bolster your networking efforts and get connected with the decision-makers in the Central Florida business community.

Specific examples of how to find job opportunities in each issue of Orlando Business Journal.

How their Book of Lists, containing contact information for over 1,500 local companies, can be used as a resource.

How business information can help you achieve your career goals.

Time: Thursday, September 9, 8:00 - 9:30am

Location: Disney Entrepreneur Center, 315 E. Robinson St., Ste. 100, Orlando, FL 32801

Contact Robert Bobroff at 407.241.2912, rbobroff@bizjournals.com for more information or click below to register:

http://orlando.bizjournals.com/orlando/event/29431
Admission is free. Register early, seating is very limited.

Online Applications- 3 Rules

2010-08-21T09:41:00.000-04:00

Searching and applying for jobs online can be a real challenge, especially if you are not comfortable on a computer. The applications can be quite lengthy and many times you may not even be sure they went through.

I have been asked if there is a way to make sure your application is seen when you apply online. I have also been told some people do not make it through the screening questionnaires. This is even worse when the questionnaire is at the end of the application.

For online applications, there are three rules to keep in mind. First is to be prepared. Have all of your information available for easy access. If possible, put it in a format where you can copy and paste it. Some applications allow for upload and others do not. Each one is different. Have your resume, cover letter, previous work references, including phone numbers and dates, and a list of your skills.

The second rule is patience. The applications can be quite lengthy and time consuming. Plan at least one to two hours for each application. This means it is important to be selective rather than applying for everything.

The last rule is perseverance. Applications online don’t always work the way you want them to. Sometimes they time out or get hung up. If you really want the job, be prepared to try again if the application fails.

Some other tips I have learned are the closer your application looks like the job description, the more likely it is to be seen, and read the pre-screen questions carefully. They are looking for consistency and your work ethics.

Sandi Vidal
For the full article see

http://seminolevoice.com/Seminole_Voice/article.asp?ID=4397

The Door Has Closed...

2010-08-12T00:51:00.000-04:00

When one door closes another opens. If it's meant to be, it will be. When apples are ripe, they'll fall. Job seekers have probably heard these all from well-meaning family and friends. After months of searching for a job, these wise words lose their meaning to the frustration of not finding work. Looking for that next door to open has job seekers searching for a window, a doggie door, a crack in the wall- anything to get out of the situation they are in.

Job seekers from all industries should keep searching for their "door of experience" first and foremost. Years of tenure in a profession, unique skills and abilities, and a good reputation WILL help find a job. Never as quickly, and perhaps with the sacrifice of location and salary preferences...but to keep working in one's chosen field should be the first option explored.

Secondary options become necessary as time ticks away without work. That timeline is individual and personal. Perhaps the field of choice is suffering, such as construction. That timeline to look for work would be much shorter that someone in healthcare, for instance. In this scenario- job seekers should construct an inventory of their skills. Asking former co-workers about strengths on the job is an excellent way to learn what those skills are. Non-technical abilities such as management, organization, timeliness and work ethic are transferable to many professions. Without changing the job history on a resume, these skills can be brought forth so the resume is applicable to many job openings. There are many resources to assist with resumes, ask a professional for help.

Time ticking away further prompts many to feel they would do anything for a paycheck. While understandable, this tactic sometimes does more damage than good. Job seekers need to be careful about taking positions that might be 100% commission, involve some investment on their part, or may not even be legal. There are multiple scams to meet the market of desperate people. If it seems too good to be true, it usually is.

Taking an entry-level job in any industry is commendable and future employers will be understanding of the switch in job history. The positives are meeting a new network of people, learning some new skills, and taking home a paycheck. Be loyal and responsible, never taking this employment as transitional or for granted. This could turn into a career! Job seekers should be adaptable and open to new situations.

That next door will appear, maybe in the least likely corner of the room. Only Alice has to drink the potion to fit through doors. Job seekers only need to keep their options flexible and their attitude positive.

Jean Martin
Human Resources Consultant
CFEC Board Member
http://www.cfec.org/

Is a Cover Letter relevant??

2010-08-07T14:43:00.000-04:00

Recently one of my contacts on Linkedin.com asked her network this question:
"Has the cover letter gone the way of the dinosaur? What are your thoughts? Is it still relevant and if you are a Recruiter, do you read it and/or find value in a candidate sending a cover letter?"

I felt that this was an excellent question! My thoughts are that a cover letter should not go away, but be straight to the point! The cover letter is just as important as an excellent resume. They should always answer questions like what job are you referring to, where exactly did you find out about this opening, were you referred to us by someone specific, why exactly do you think you are a perfect match for my opening. Each cover letter should be tailored and addressed to the specific job and employer at hand. It should never just be a general cover letter. Each cover letter should be handled with care. It is the first stepping stone to the next step. They should answer, why should I take the time to look at your resume? My biggest pet peeve is when a job seeker just emails their resume and nothing else. No hello, how are you, my resume is attached for...???? What are they thinking when they do this? I know employers are thinking...DELETE!

Always use a cover letter!

Blessings on your job search!

Paulette Weir
CFEC / Marketing Director
Central Florida Employment Council
http://www.cfec.org/

"Your Central Florida job search resource online and in the Community!"

Your Resume Is Boring - How To Fix It

2010-08-03T10:44:00.000-04:00

Here's an excellent article from the "Michael Jordan of Hiring", Dr. John Sullivan, with lots of suggestions for increasing your career opportunities!

http://www.ere.net/2010/08/02/your-resume-is-boring-and-how-to-increase-your-career-opportunities/?utm_source=ERE+Media&utm_campaign=fde356283c-ERE-Daily-Mr-Ted-Avatar&utm_medium=email

Mike Baio
CFEC - www.cfec.org
Consultis - www.consultis.com

30 Things You Should Not Share On Social Media

2010-07-30T15:16:00.018-04:00

Excellent article that is very important to take into account in today's age of social media:
(http://www.jeffbullas.com/2010/03/21/30-things-you-should-not-share-on-social-media/)

30 Things You Should Not Share On Social Media
Written by jeffbullas on March 21, 2010

I don’t know whether you have started to notice that a lot of people are wanting help with their cows and ducks on Facebook (and I am finding it a touch annoying as I am not fond of cows) and is due to a very popular online game called Farmville. What prompted me to write this list germinated when the few Farmville updates turned into a stream and then into a raging torrent. On Facebook you can actually turn this stream off in the settings section which is a good thing as I have stopped counting sheep when trying to go to sleep and started counting bovines… by the way Mashable have a post that shows you how to block those fascinating Farmville updates.

For those of you who are statistically minded… theFacebook-platform game FarmVille has 80 million players.

It’s been named social networking game of the year.

It’s played by people young and old

It’s bigger than Twitter.)

So what have the settings for controlling Farmville streams have to do with not sharing certain things on Facebook. Well there are settings on Facebook that allow your updates to be made very public or private and Facebook’s latest privacy changes in the last few months have actually made more information and photos public in its bid to open up the previously very private walled garden of Facebook (unless you go back to your settings and reset the privacy controls) in its bid to compete with Twitters real time open stream of information in this increasingly competitive social media world as more marketers start implementing social media marketing campaigns likeFord, General Motors and Tourism Queensland (Best Job In The World).

So to protect your reputation, personal brand, your bank account and your privacy you need to be very careful what you write and post on social media channels.

30 Things You Should Not Share on Social Media:

What chicken you are plucking or cow you’re milking on Farmville on Facebook
How many you have killed on Mafia wars or where they are buried.. again on Facebook
Party photos showing you inebriated or a hand placed where it shouldn’t be
That you are having a party.. you might get more guests than you counted on
Photos revealing you flirting with the bosses wife at the annual work Christmas party
That you are having an affair
That you are thinking of having an affair
Complaints about your boss
That you hate your job and want to leave.. you might get your wish.. involuntarily
Don’t share photos or an event that reveals that you were not sick that day at work
That are you are planning to take a sickie
Drama with your friends
Issues with your parents
Passwords.. unless you have more money than brains
Hints about passwords like dogs names
Images and videos of your children
Updates on Facebook after you have escaped from Jail and on the run (don’t laugh it has happened)
Revealing your thoughts about a court case… when on jury duty
Don’t link personal sites to professional business sites like LinkedIn.. don’t mix business with pleasure
Financial information such as how much money you do or don’t have in your bank account
Personal Information
How to get more friends or followers.. it already sounds like a scam
You are leaving on a holiday
The dates you are away on your holiday
Your daily schedule.. burglars have know to use these little hints to their advantage
Showing you doing something stupid .. not good for personal branding
Your bodily functions
Revealing extreme views on Race, Religion or politics
What you had for breakfast
Finally, If you are not comfortable about it … don’t share it

Do you have more things you think that should not be shared on Social Media networks?

Do you believe your interview will result in a job?

2010-07-23T00:17:00.000-04:00

It sounds simple, but after talking to many HR Professionals, it seems that many people are not confident in their abilities or are not prepared for the interview.

Go into all interviews prepared. Research the company prior to your visit and come armed with good questions. Ask about a typical day at the company as well as what the culture is like. Do they have core values? Picture yourself in the job.

If you go in prepared to deal with objections, you will be better equipped to give good answers. If someone says you are overqualified, let them know they don’t have to settle for someone with fewer qualifications. End the conversation asking about the next steps and if you are interested in the job, let them know this.

Finally, follow up. Get the Hiring Manager’s business card and send a note. If there is anything you did not cover in the interview and wish you had, this is a good time to say what you wanted to say. Hand written is ideal, but if time is of the essence an e-mail can work.

Think positive and choose your attitude.

Take care and best wishes-

Sandi Vidal
Executive Director
Christian HELP/CFEC
http://www.christianhelp.org/
http://www.cfec.org/

IMMEDIATE EVENT ADVISORY RELEASE: 7th Annual President’s Job Fair on Wednesday, July 14, 2010

2010-07-08T03:34:00.001-04:00

Central Florida Employment Council and Christian HELP will be hosting the 7th Annual President’s Job Fair on Wednesday, July 14, 2010 from 12:00- 4:00 PM located at Central Florida Fair Expo Park, 4603 W Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL. There will be over 50 partnering employers offering over 1500-2000 upper, mid, and entry level career openings in all types of Central Florida Industries; as well as job seeker and educational resources!

This Job Fair is an excellent way to meet and network with multiple recruiters in a short period of time. Job fairs can land you jobs, enhance your search, and improve your skills. This job fair will give you face to face contact with companies who are hiring, and it is a great way to network with key people in our employment community. You never know who you will meet and how soon it will lead to employment.

The job market is still very competitive, and it is important that you get your game on! Here are some quick job fair tips:

• Find the openings: Make the best use of your time at a job fair

• Dress your best.

• Register as a job seeker @ CFEC.org to ensure quick entry

• Memorize your 30 second elevator speech.

• Interview the company while you are there.

• Be memorable

• Before you arrive, get advice from someone else about your resume, your dress, and your elevator speech.
If you are looking for a job in Central Florida, then you are invited to attend. Professional Interview attire is required; bring some resumes; free admission and parking; and no children please. To ensure the quickest entry, register as a job seeker today by visiting Central Florida Employment Council at http://www.cfec.org/ . For questions please call Christian HELP at 407-834-4022.

Event: The 7h Annual President’s Job Fair
Time: 12:00 - 4:00 PM Eastern Time
Date: July 14, 2010
Where: Central Florida Fair Expo Park, 4603 W Colonial Dr., Orlando FL 32808
Hosted by: Central Florida Employment Council and Christian HELP
Who: Central Florida Job Seekers are welcomed. Dress professionally. Free admission and parking. Please No Children
Register: To ensure the quickest entry register as a job seeker at http://www.cfec.org/ today
More Information: Call Christian HELP main office at 407-834-4022

Very useful information regarding attending a job fair, career fair, or another hiring type event in your local community

2010-07-06T17:27:00.001-04:00

I have to say, theladders.com has some excellent career advice for your job search. My favorite article this week was written by Karl Rozemeyer back in December. However, it is still very useful information regarding attending a job fair, career fair, or another hiring type event in your local community.

"How to Interview at a Job Fair: Job fairs are only advantageous if you have a game plan" (please read more by clicking here: http://tinyurl.com/34avsks )

Once you have read over this timeless career advice, we would like to invite you to the 7th Annual President's Job Fair on July 14th @ the Central Florida Fair Expo Park, Orlando, FL from Noon-4:00pm. To find out more details and to register your resume for this event, visit our website at http://www.cfec.org/ . Then on July 14th @ the job fair remember Karl Rozemeyer's career advice:

Find the openings: Make the best use of your time at a job fair
Dress to kill
Memorize your elevator pitch
Interview the company
Be memorable

See you at the job fair, unless of course you accept a job before then!

Blessing on your job search,

Paulette Weir
CFEC / Marketing Director
Central Florida Employment Council
cfec@cfec.org

Job Seekers Seminar: Learn How to Improve Your Job Search Strategy Through Powerful Networking. Tuesday, July 20, 2010 from 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM (ET) – Orlando, FL

2010-07-01T15:55:00.000-04:00

Job Seekers Seminar: Learn How to Improve Your Job Search Strategy Through Powerful Networking.

The public is invited to participate in a seminar focused on the power of networking and tapping in to the "hidden job market". The seminar will be hosted by Navigator Executive Advisors.

The seminar will take place on Tuesday, July 20th from 9am-10:30am at Florida Hospital Orlando, in the Creation Conference Room E (located on the 1st floor of the Ginsburg Tower). Space is limited to 40 participants and snacks, coffee and beverages will be provided. In support of the Florida Hospital for Children as they grow to meet the needs of the community, a $25 cash donation is greatly appreciated (100% of the proceeds will benefit comprehensive programs and specialized services for their Pediatric patients).

Speaker, Tami Mann, Director of Operations and Career Transition Coach for Navigator Executive Advisors will address the importance of networking and how to tap in to the "hidden job market." She will share job seeking tips, the immense networking power of LinkedIn, and insights from her personal experience as a corporate recruiter and human resources professional.

Upon the conclusion of the seminar, attendees will have time to network, share business cards and participate in a guided tour of the brand new Pediatric ER and Walt Disney Pavilion at Florida Hospital for Children.

We look forward to a productive networking session while "paying it forward" to the children of Orlando in need of special care.

For Complete Details Visit: http://navigatorfloridahospital.eventbrite.com/

Posted by CFEC Board Member:
Tami Mann, Operations Manager
Navigator Executive Advisors
tmann@navexec.com

Best Formula For Selling Yourself

2010-06-29T15:22:00.001-04:00

In today's competitive employment market, your chaces for success will hinge on your ability to sell yourself. Here's an excellent article to help you do just that!

By Frances Cole Jones, CareerBuilder.com

STORY HIGHLIGHTS
Framing your pitch for job with a winning formula can help you get the job

Word studies: Most persuasive word is "you", to win cooperation use "because"

The most successful networkers ask "What can I do for you?"

Read the entire article here:

http://www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/06/28/cb.formula.for.selling.self/index.html?hpt=C2

“Twitter is probably the most misunderstood of the social media platforms, especially for job seekers.”

2010-06-21T11:29:00.000-04:00

People always ask the question “Why would I want to follow someone and why would they want to follow me”. It is not quite as stalkerish as it sounds and can actually be quite useful in your job search.

The first step is to go to http://twitter.com and register. Create a name that is professional. Mine is my name @sandividal. The website will allow you to create a brief bio and connect to your website if you have one.

After setting up the account, I suggest going to http://twellow.com and looking up areas of interest. You can also register your name and include links to other social media sites you are on to help people locate you.

The next step is to find a useable platform. My favorite is http://tweetdeck.com, but there are others as well. This gives you a chance to create favorites, perform search strings, and perform all the twitter functions in one place.

Hash tags # are used so other tweeters (or is it twitterers) can follow a particular topic. For example #jobs would pull up job related tweets. I search jobs and Central Florida on a regular basis to see what trends there are. You can also search hash tags without going on twitter by doing a google search for #jobs.

Twitter will give you access to blogs and articles about job trends, tips on job search, and other relevant job related information.
Some tweeters to follow for job search are: @CFECorg, @jobangels, @hiringinflorida, @thejobsearch, @navinstitute, @workforcefla.
Please e-mail me if you have any questions and you can follow me @sandividal.

Take care and best wishes-

Please send any questions you have regarding employment to:

sandi@christianhelp.org
Fax: 407-260-2949
Ask Sandi Vidal, Christian HELP
Post from Seminole Voice

Re-Charge and Re-Energize your Job Search Series! Presented by Christian HELP @ Amway Arena Downtown Orlando, FL on June 28, 2010

2010-06-12T23:17:00.001-04:00

“Re-Charge and Re-Energize your Job Search Series!”

Presented by Christian HELP

June 28, 2010

Job Search Series Sessions 8:00am – 2:15pm

Amway Arena, Downtown Orlando, FL

One Magic Place / 600 West Amelia, Orlando, FL 32801

Attendance is FREE!

No reservations are needed. First-Come, First-Served. Please note that this job search series is in conjunction with Congresswoman Corrine Brown Job Fair at the Amway Arena

Schedule of Sessions:

8:00 - 8:45am

9:30- 10:15am

10:30-11:15am

Creating your Job Search Action Plan!

Presented by: Sandi Vidal, Christian HELP

How to work a Job Fair

Presented by Frank T Masi, The Masi Group

Network Your Way to a New Job: A key element to Your Job Search

Presented by Gail Green, Orange County Clerk of Courts

11:30am - 12:15pm

12:30 - 1:15pm

1:30 - 2:15pm

Presenting the Best Possible You: Professional Image and Power Interviewing

Presented by Lisa Maile Seminars and Coaching

Job Hunting with the Business Journal

Presented by Robert M. Bobroff, Orlando Business Journal

LinkedIn – Are you “LinkedIn”?

Presented by Howie Appel, ProNet Career Resources

OUT of Work? got bills?

2010-06-12T22:43:00.003-04:00

Find help and hope in Back to Work!
Author Stephen Adams speaks from
experience as he helps you get from
wherever you are now--to your next career.

create NEW OPPORTUNITIES today!

(visit) http://BACK2WORKBOOK.com

TOP 5 TIPS FOR JOB SEEKERS:

1.   Freeze spending and create a budget
2.   Discover your strengths
3.   Acquire new skills
4.   Seek God daily
5    Network! Network! Network!

Should you use Facebook for your job search?

2010-06-03T17:16:00.000-04:00

When is comes to social media, the most social of the medias is facebook. It is a great way to connect with friends, relatives, and long lost schoolmates. It is also a great way to connect with former co-workers.

I always tell people when I connect with them on facebook that it is a personal site for me. I play Farmville, I collect flair, and I comment on people’s postings.

Facebook can be a great resource for networking when you join groups, and also when you reconnect with people and let them know what is going on in your world. You may find people who are able to help you make the connections you need for your next job.

One BIG CAUTION… be very careful with your security settings and know who is tagging you in pictures. If you went to the bar last week and it wasn’t pretty, you probably don’t want the whole world to see it.
Facebook allows you to be a fan of pages, join groups, and interact with a variety of people. It also gives people a glimpse of who you are. If you become a fan of non-employer friendly pages like “I get mad when my employer tells me what to do”, it may not bode well for your future career.

Network away, but use this one with caution.

Feel free to Join us on Facebook @
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Casselberry-FL/Christian-HELP/8982234458

Take care and best wishes-

Sandi Vidal
Executive Director
Christian HELP Foundation, Inc.
(Reprinted from the Seminole Voice)
http://www.christianhelp.org/
http://www.cfec.org/

Successful Career Change Secrets

2010-05-19T10:17:00.000-04:00

CNN Money has an excellent article about people who have made successful career changes during this down economy. Check it out at

http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/moneymag_archive/2010/06/01/105937485/index.htm?source=cnn_bin&hpt=Sbin

5 secrets of successful career changers

(Money Magazine) -- Tolstoy wrote that unhappy people are each unhappy in their own way. The same can be said of American workers today.

In a bleak survey out earlier this year, the Conference Board reported that job satisfaction was at its lowest level in more than two decades. And the sources of employees' unhappiness ranged across a broad spectrum of misery, from job insecurity to meager pay.

Maybe you feel it too: the weariness that comes from doing more with less, the nagging feeling you could get a pink slip at any time, or the futility of being unemployed and unable to find work in your field.

All this unhappiness has a lot of people rethinking their paths. Nearly 50% of job seekers recently surveyed by employment site Monster.com said they wanted to make a career change; 89% said they'd consider it to find work.

To figure out what such a switch takes, Money interviewed dozens of people who successfully moved to more stable, satisfying careers in the midst of the worst (though slightly improving) employment market in nearly 30 years. We've zeroed in on five whose smart strategies could help you too.

Secret 1: Show how your talents translate

Secret 2: network outside the box

Secret 3: get the skills you need on the cheap

Secret 4: get your finances in order

Secret 5: turn your passion into an asset

Most people never develop a comfort level interviewing...

2010-05-15T18:05:00.000-04:00

Most people never develop a comfort level interviewing because they don’t do it enough, plus, society teaches us to be humble. The truth is the most qualified applicant may not stand out— the candidate selling himself best usually is selected”. Find out more from our keynote speaker Lisa Maile, Seminars & Coaching at our Free Employment Seminar in Orlando, FL on May 27 from 6:30-9:00pm! For more information or to RSVP today visit http://tinyurl.com/y9mlzmd or our home page at http://www.cfec.org/

Thank you!
Paulette Weir
CFEC / Marketing Director
Central Florida Employment Council
Follow us on www.Twitter.com/CFECorg

CEOs name Florida 6th best state for Business

2010-05-14T09:04:00.000-04:00

In some great news for Florida, The Orlando Business Journal posted this article yesterday where in a survey of CEO's, Florida ranks 6th in the nation for doing business.

While we all know the economy is not great right now, the reality is that Orlando is still growing from the perspective of new businesses starting up here and companies moving here.

Get out there and look around. Keep networking and don't give up! 80% of jobs come via word of mouth! Be flexible; consider jobs that maybe don;t sound appealing but that can help you get your foot in the door somewhere!

http://orlando.bizjournals.com/orlando/stories/2010/05/10/daily32.html?surround=etf&ana=e_article

Thursday, May 13, 2010, 10:20am EDT

CEOs name Fla. 6th-best state for business

Orlando Business Journal

Florida was ranked the sixth-best state in which to do business in Chief Executive Magazine’s annual “Best & Worst States” survey.

For the 2010 survey, 651 CEOs from across the country evaluated the states on issues including proximity to markets and resources, regulation, tax policies, work force quality, education resources, quality of living and infrastructure. The data for this year’s survey was collected in January 2010.

For the fifth year in a row, CEOs rated Texas as the No. 1 state in which to do business. North Carolina maintained its No. 2 ranking, while Tennessee rose two positions to the No. 3 spot. Virginia was up three slots from last year to No. 4, while Nevada claimed the No. 5 position.

CEOs voted California as the worst state in 2010, with New York, Michigan, New Jersey and Massachusetts rounding out the bottom five.

Those rankings remain unchanged from 2009.

The biggest one-year gainers in 2010 were Washington (+10 spots to No. 30), Arkansas (+8 spots to No. 27), Utah (+6 positions to No. 9), Nebraska (+6 to No. 22) and Wyoming (+5 to No. 15).

Florida fell three positions to No. 6, while Georgia fell three positions to No. 7.

What to Leave Out of Your Resume

2010-05-07T17:11:00.001-04:00

What to leave out of your résumé
by Catherine Jewell, author of “New Résumé, New Career”
Once upon a time in the ’70s, I saw a résumé with a full-length photo. It was for a vibrant, 20-something account executive in advertising. I envied her the chutzpah to include her photo. It made the résumé come alive. You could see her eagerness and professional demeanor.
That was then. So much has changed. Employers want to avoid any chance of discrimination about age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, marital and parental status, and ethnicity. The less you say on the résumé, the more likely you make the cut. Each word, phrase and sentence needs to be carefully selected to prove that you are the right person for the job. Specifically, here are some things to take off your résumé:

1. Graduation dates
Include your degree, major (if it is relevant) and the institution. But take off the date. Age discrimination is a concern for many people looking for work. Avoid tempting reviewers to do the math to discover your age.

2. Irrelevant experience
If you are applying for sales and you have substantial experience in IT project management, downplay the irrelevant experience and create new achievement statements that support your experience with customers. Make your non-sales experience sound more like sales. Shorten job entries that don’t support your sales message.

3. Jobs in the dim, dark past
The rule of thumb is to include your last 10 to 15 years of experience. If you need to prove expertise you gained long ago, you might use the title “Other Relevant Experience” and describe your achievements, without the dates of employment. Baby boomers should be careful not to include 30 years of experience. Why give hiring managers a clue you are over 50 until they meet you in person?

4. Personal section
Résumés of the past often included personal information such as marital status, family members and even church membership. All of that information is illegal to collect, so don’t include it. Also eliminate references to hobbies, clubs and political views. A “Community Work” section can show your leadership skills, but stick with noncontroversial organizations such as Rotary, Lions, the Chamber of Commerce and recognized nonprofits.

5. Gaps in history
Eliminate gaps in your work history by filling in with short, truthful statements. “Homemaker sabbatical” will explain a five-year work hiatus and allow the interviewer to focus on your history. You can also fill gaps with part-time jobs, direct sales positions or consulting projects.

6. Photos
These may not be on your résumé, but once a potential employer has your full name they might as well be. Polish all social networking profiles and remove any unprofessional or embarrassing photos. Ask your friends to clean up social networking profiles for you, too. If you are gray or balding, you might consider removing your photo during your job search.
Your résumé is designed to present the professional you. Write it with a job description in mind, avoiding any details that might detract from your single-minded pursuit of that job.

How to Get Started Using Social Media Tools for Your Job Search

2010-05-05T09:51:00.001-04:00

I spent about an hour tutoring someone on social media this morning for their business. She was so excited about all the new tools available to her, but at the same time had information overload. I thought this would be a good time to spend the next couple of weeks talking about some of the social media tools available to job seekers and how to use them.

LinkedIn.com is the most professional of the tools. This site is a living resume of sorts with all types of possible connections.

For Linkedin to work best, you must treat it with the time and respect of a resume. Fill out the profile section completely with resume in hand or copy and paste from a document. Next, change the url from the generic to www.linkedin.com/yourname.

If you have a blog (employer friendly please) or website, you can change it from the generic MY COMPANY to the actual url by hitting other and it will prompt you to name the website.

You can upload your address book and see who potential connections are. Important note: do not ask everyone and their brother to connect with you. Make sure you know the people or you can be restricted from using the site. Ask people to archive your e-mail rather than saying no if they choose not to connect with you.

Join groups, enter discussions, answer questions, and ask for recommendations from previous employers and business associates. Give recommendations for others as well.

If someone comments on your post, be sure to answer their comments and thank them for their post.

Last, but not least, update your status regularly. This can be automatically updated to twitter. Keep this professional. It will show up in your contacts news feed. Do not update more than once in a day.

This should be a good start.

Take care and best wishes-

Sandi Vidal
Executive Director
Christian HELP Foundation, Inc.
(Reprinted from the Seminole Voice)
http://www.christianhelp.org/
http://www.cfec.org/

Make a plan and work the plan.

2010-04-30T16:29:00.001-04:00

Today I had a conversation with a gentleman who is getting interviews but keeps coming in second. After a long discussion, I really felt like he is doing all the right things and that he needs to continue working his plan. The reason he was not chosen for the positions was relocation costs. They decided to hire a local candidate.

He was questioning himself and wondering what he could do different. Sometimes, we just have to keep working the plan. The fact that he is getting interviews and making it to the final steps tells me that he is going in the right direction.

He will now be following up with a letter to the interviewers who did not hire him to let them know he is still interested and would love to be considered if there is another opening. One recruiter is even willing to give him references. That, my friend is networking. Even though he did not get the job, he is staying in touch.

Bottom line: Make a plan and work the plan. He will eventually land on his feet.

Take care and best wishes-

Sandi Vidal
Executive Director
Christian HELP Foundation, Inc.
Reprinted from the Seminole Voice
http://www.christianhelp.org/
http://www.cfec.org/

Break Time: Don't feel guilty about taking a break from your job search!

2010-04-15T09:16:00.000-04:00

It has been said that looking for work is a full time job in itself. And many of us have found that to be true. In fact, we could work overtime looking for our next opportunity! Many of us do.

The job search becomes all encompassing, including the worry and stress partnered with such an important quest. But just like when we work overtime in employment, we get burned out and less effective when we overdo the job search. We start getting lazy and rushed in our applications. And we are prone to depression because of the constant state of uncertainty and rejection. This scenario is not going to make us any more hire-able.

When we are working, we usually have set hours, pre-determined tasks, and goals to meet as productive employees. And we usually have no problem taking a well deserved coffee break, walk around the block, or even a day off!

Why not take these good habits and apply them to the job search? Take the time to organize your searching methods and plan your days ahead with a calendar. For instance: list out the websites to check daily; make yourself goals to contact people in your network; and update your social media sites weekly to keep your network informed of your status. In keeping organized, you feel a sense of accomplishment as you search.

Then after your "work" is done, take a break. Go for a walk. Clean the silverware drawer. Meditate. Volunteer. Do something that is unrelated to your job search at least once a day, whether it be 20 minutes or 4 hours. Don't feel guilty about taking a break. It will keep your mind and your life balanced, better preparing you to start fresh the next day. And more importantly, start that next job with a healthy attitude!

Jean Martin
Human Resources Consultant
407-949-7716
CFEC Board Member
Central Florida Employment Council http://cfec.org/

Don't Give Up!

2010-04-09T15:34:00.001-04:00

The unemployment numbers in our area are not getting better. In times like these it's very easy to become discouraged and disheartened. Now more than ever it's critical that you don't give up!

You never know when that opportunity that's just right for you is around the corner. Today could be that day when you meet that person or make that contact that leads to your next job! If you take today off or stop trying, even for a day or two, you will miss it. Here are some helpful guidelines for things you can do every day:

Invite 5 people to join your LinkedIn network
Call 5 companies that have jobs posted that you think are a fit for your skills. Ask them if the job is still open. If the job is still open, ask them who to send your resume to. Tell them that you think you're a great fit and you want to be sure the right person sees your resume.
Do something nice for someone - Maybe there's a person with a cane in a grocery store parking lot trying to carry a bag of groceries. Maybe you notice a piece of paper/trash in your neighbor's yard... anything small just to do something nice out of the kindness of your heart to help someone. It feels great!
Go to a bookstore and pull a book off the shelf. You don't have to spend money... Just find an interesting employment advice book and read a chapter or two from it. (Go through the table of contents first and see which chapters look most compelling.)
Don't Give Up! - Be flexible. Consider a job or a salary that you wouldn't normally be interested in. Give yourself a chance to see if something different may be something you would enjoy.

Don't be afraid to try something new. Ask people at Church for advice. Surround yourself with positive people. Let people know about your situation and keep looking. Don't Give Up!

Use LinkedIn as Part of Your Job Search!

2010-03-31T13:28:00.000-04:00

If you're in the market for a job it's critical that you use LinkedIn as part of your search.
LinkedIn has replaced traditional job boards like Monster and CareerBuilder as the #1 choice for most recruiters out there who are looking for candidates. In order to be seen by companies and recruiters, you must have a profile on LinkedIn!

Here are some basic guidelines:

Include a professional picture, of your face.
Make sure to include your past experience. (Use LinkedIn as a mini resume. Include your titles and a brief description of what you did at each job.)
NETWORK - Find commonality with other LinkedIn users and invite them into your network.
Accept all invitation requests. (This grows your network and gives more people access to your profile.)
Join Groups - There's a group for everything. Join the ones that are relevant to your skills and background.
Have fun - Post updates and messages of what your doing as part of your search that day - OR - post an inspirational quote.

These are just a few things you can try to spark conversation and networking. Just by doing these every day, you will set yourself apart from other candidates.

Mike Baio

Technical Recruiting Manager

Consultis

Interview Questions (and Answers) for the Unemployed: Explaining Why You Are Out Of Work Makes All The Difference

2010-03-11T16:56:00.001-05:00

This article offers insight on how to honestly explain your employment situation while remaining positive about previous employers.

By the Monster Career Coach

http://career-advice.monster.ca/job-interview/interview-questions/interview-questions-when-unemployed-canada/article.aspx

In this day and age, being out of a job is something that most employees will experience not just once, but possibly several times during their career span. Cycles of the economy, your employer’s financial circumstances, if you quit for personal reasons, all of these contribute to the likelihood that at some point you will find yourself temporarily unemployed.

Since almost everyone will experience this at one point or another, employers no longer view unemployment the same way they many years ago. There may be no stigma at all attached to not having a job when you apply for a new one – if you can convincingly explain why you left your previous position.

Below you will find some of the typical question an employer might ask a job seeker who is “in transition” (that is, between jobs). A few potential responses for each query are listed in bullet-point style. See which answers best apply to you personally. If you choose to use one of the suggested replies, be sure to customize it to your own specific situation, and try sticking to the truth.

Here are a few easier questions you might encounter.
Question: Why did you leave your last job?
Possible Answers:

I was downsized, because my previous employer experienced…
financial difficulties
a merger
brand new management

…and they had to let go a number of people, myself included.

Question: What have you been doing since your last job?

Possible Answers:

I have been…

networking with people in my field to stay informed
taking a relevant course to upgrade my skills and knowledge
doing volunteer work that applies to my role
reading appropriate trade publications, attending conferences

…while looking for precisely the kind of job that you are to hiring for here.

Here are a few more challenging questions you might be asked.

Question: Why were you the only one downsized from your previous employer?

Possible Answers:

My position was eliminated and they had to let me go.
After several years of solid performance, I started working for a brand new boss who had a very different way of doing things and our styles were not a fit.
The needs of my employer changed and my particular skill sets were no longer required.

Question: Why did you quit your last job?

Possible Answers:

I would prefer not to go into a great deal of detail, as I respect my former employer’s need for confidentiality, however conditions there for me changed to the point where it was no longer possible for me to continue working there and retain my integrity.
My role there just wasn’t appropriate for me any longer and I chose to leave by giving advanced notice, such that we were able to complete important outstanding projects. This has freed me up to devote myself to my job search so I can find a great fit, just like the job you are hiring for here.

Question: What’s your opinion of your most recent employer?

Possible Answers:

They were great to work for and it’s too bad they had to let so many people go, but I understand why it made sense.
Although they eliminated my job even though I was enjoying it thoroughly, there are no hard feelings. I know it was purely a business decision, nothing personal.
Even though I did resign, I did so in a way that didn’t leave them high and dry, because overall I really respect the people I worked with and wish them all the best.

Keep It Positive
Employers you are interviewing with for a new job want to feel comfortable that you are not a “problem employee” (if you were fired or downsized from your last job for performance issues or for not getting along with your boss and colleagues). They also want to know that you aren’t someone who will quit just because you want to, without caring about the effect it will have on those you left behind (if you quit your last job). Furthermore they don’t want to hire someone who shows anger toward their former employer and who badmouths them.

Getting a new job when you are in transition from your previous one is more common than ever. You can make it even easier for an employer to hire you by being able to explain in simple, truthful terms why you left your previous job. Help them to bridge the divide and you’ll be helping yourself into a brand new job.
-----------------------------------
Gail N. Green - CFEC

5 Ways to Beat Job-Hunting Pessimism in 2010

2010-02-25T10:34:00.000-05:00

by Tom Musbach, Yahoo! HotJobs

http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/career-articles-5_ways_to_beat_job_hunting_pessimism_in_2010-1080

Job satisfaction held steady for workers in 2009, but pessimism and desperation plague many job seekers who remain grim about prospects for the job market in 2010, according to a new survey.
In an annual study of job satisfaction among U.S. workers, Yahoo! HotJobs found that 38.3% are "very satisfied" with their jobs and are not looking to change jobs, compared to 38.5% last year.

Most of the workers who said they were very unsatisfied and looking for new jobs were employees who had been hired within the last year. Those recent hires also reported applying for jobs below their qualifications (34%) or accepting a lower salary (30%).

"For employers, the news about unsatisfied recent hires is a warning sign," says Chris Merritt, general manager of Yahoo! HotJobs. "These are the people who could leave once the economy turns."

A Sluggish Recovery?

But nearly half of job seekers don't expect the economy to improve in 2010, according to the survey. When asked how long it would take to find a new job today, about 40% of respondents expected the process to take six months or longer.

"Improvements in the job market may not be that evident in the labor market statistics until 2011 or later," says John A. Challenger, chief executive officer of outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas. "However, job seekers should not assume that simply because unemployment figures continue to hover in the nine- to 10-percent range that no one is hiring."

In fact, nearly a third (32%) of managers and recruiters who took the Yahoo! HotJobs survey expected to increase hiring activity in 2010.

Staying Competitive Today

To maximize your chances of landing a job this year, Challenger and other experts recommend the following tips:

Network. Join professional groups, and stay in contact with former associates. Spread the word about your job hunt. Tell everyone in your network about your situation and the type of opportunity you're seeking.

Cast a wide net. Look beyond your usual industry; many of your skills may be transferrable. Use job-listing sites like Yahoo! HotJobs, but also examine industry-specific sites or company sites for your target employers, and don't forget alumni career resource sites, if possible.

Customize each resume. Tailor your resumes to the job description, which will also provide useful key words. Take your time with each resume, as it is the first impression you make on the hiring manager.

"Not tailoring a resume is a huge mistake, because employers want their particular needs and problems addressed," says Lauren Milligan of ResumeMayDay.com. "Tailoring a resume shows that you have researched the company, or at the very least, read their job posting. Not tailoring it is a huge hurdle to overcome because other candidates will have been insightful enough to do this and will gain a competitive edge over you."

Don't get overwhelmed. If unemployed, commit to action every day. Your job search should be like full-time job. Carve out a specific time every day to focus on doing it well. Set small goals for yourself and measure your progress.

Reach out to your support systems. A lengthy job search can take a toll on your self-esteem and increase a sense of pessimism. To combat this, make an effort to connect with the people you care about. Their support will help you maintain a positive attitude.

Increase Your Chances of an Interview!

2010-02-19T09:41:00.000-05:00

Recently, two of our CFEC Board Members (Sandi Vidal, Executive Director @ Christian HELP Foundation, Inc. www.ChristianHelp.org & Ada Morgan, Recruiter at Campus Crusade for Christ www.ccci.org) were discussing tips & suggessions for job seekers to help them increase their chances of an interview. Ada's first response was focused on networking: "It is important for job seekers to start networking, no longer can you just send resumes online. Job seekers need to get out there. Also they need to " brand " themselves to some degree, what skills do they have that the employer needs, what makes them unique. It has come down to marketing, they need to continue to focus on their specific skill set and then start to network, or join groups that have the same interests, being intentional about things. It is really important that they learn to stand out. Also when going to network events, or job fairs don't try to hit all the booths there, they need to focus on the ones that can use their skill set. I think it is a great idea too if they get name tags made for themselves, and business cards that list on them what their skills are. As a recruiter this are some things that have really made me give a candidate a second or third glance and has at times put their resume on the top."

Check your sources

2010-02-17T12:58:00.000-05:00

I write a weekly column for the Seminole voice and this week's topic was on advice. There are so many so called "experts" out there today who are giving advice to job seekers. Some advice is really good and other advice is just made up. Today on TV an "expert" was telling people their college degrees are worthless unless they have a Master's degree and cover letters are garbage.

I disagree on both counts. I worked for a number of years with the PeopleSoft system accepting resumes for job matches. Both the cover letter and the resume showed up with keywords highlighted in yellow. The chances of being seen through a resume keyword match were much higher for those with a cover letter. If you are working with a staffing company or headhunter, they might replace the cover letter with their own information, but if you are searching on your own include one.

As far as education, I believe it is job specific. Many people have been promoted based on merit and proven ability to do the job. Several of my past co-workers never finished college, but were able to progress due to hard work. Others come right out of college with little experience and land great jobs. It depends on the employer and the circumstances. There is no one size fits all answer. I do, however; encourage anyone who has not completed high school to get your GED. This can make a big difference.

Check your "experts" carefully. Are they just sending you to their website or business for expensive services? Are they credible? Are others giving similar information? You can always check out businesses through your local Better Business Bureau to see if there are complaints.

Many people have good information and want to help you. Others are just looking to help themselves. Know the difference.

Sandi Vidal
Executive Director
Christian HELP
http://cfec.org/

5 Things You Need to Give up to Get A Job

2010-02-11T15:35:00.000-05:00

Please check out this article. This is an excellent piece about some things you should consider when searching for that position. We are still in a recession and while some of these are hard to swallow, they are all good points.

Some things to consider... maybe give up 2 or 3 things. If you still haven't found a new position after a couple months, consider the others. Hang in there to get the best you can but seriously consider these points:

http://adminsecret.monster.com/benefits/articles/2744-5-things-you-need-to-give-up-to-get-a-job?page=1

Make Looking For A Job Your Full Time Job!

2010-01-27T09:45:00.000-05:00

Caroline Levchuck has written an excellent article for HotJobs. If you apply these ideas to your job search you will get results! Visit HotJobs for lots of other great career advice and post your resume there:

http://ca.hotjobs.yahoo.com/findingajob/Make_Looking_for_a_Job_Your_FullTime_Job__2003710-1702.html?subtopic=Job+Hunting+Tips

Make Looking for a Job Your Full-Time Job

By Caroline Levchuck

Looking for a job is a challenge -- especially right now.
And out-of-work job seekers face another challenge all their own: Managing their time wisely and resisting the temptations found at home, such as sleeping, watching television or simply slacking off.
Poor time management leads to poor job search results. So to keep your search moving, you need to treat it like a job itself.

Be Your Own Boss
Think you're unemployed? Think again.
You've got a full-time job: Your job search. You've just become your own boss and your job is to land your next paid position.
Looking for work is serious work, so it's important to give it all the attention it deserves. First, decide what hours you'll devote to your search and commit to keeping that schedule just as though you were reporting to a "real" job.
Then, try tailoring your schedule even more. Allot time each day to specific tasks, such as networking, responding to job ads, and researching companies. Doing so will help you avoid distractions and stay on track throughout the day.

Get Organized
An organized job search can be crucial to your success.
Start with your office space. Even if you don't have an actual office, designate your work area, complete with computer, phone and filing space if you can. Every time you sit in your "office," you'll feel like you're on the job.
Next, create a system to keep track of your leads, the job ads to which you've responded and the companies you're interested in. Having this information at your fingertips is especially helpful if you've tailored your resume or cover letter to suit a certain position. When a recruiter calls, you'll know instantly and precisely how to respond.
Set Goals
The ultimate goal is to find the job of your dreams.
But until that happens -- and to help it happen -- set small weekly goals for yourself. Agree to send out a certain number of resumes each week. Promise to make five follow-up phone calls a week. Vow to set up at least one interview -- informational or otherwise -- every week.
Whatever your goals are, make sure they're realistic. That way, you'll be more likely to keep them. Write them down and keep the list where you can see it. Cross items off as you go for a feeling of instant accomplishment.
Also, if you need some support, ask for it. Find a friend in a similar situation and share your success at fulfilling your weekly job search goals.

Take a Day Off
All work and no job can make anyone cranky.
Take a day off. In fact, take two. You've earned it. And you might not get the chance again once you land your next job.
See a movie. Sleep in. Visit an old friend. Clean out your closets. Or just relax.
You might even consider limiting your job search to four days a week -- or even three. Use the rest of your time to do the things you never had time to do. Exercise on a regular basis. Volunteer in your community. Spend more time with your family.
Do whatever makes you feel good because a positive outlook will sustain you as you're hard at work looking for work.

Resume Keyword Optimization Gets You Noticed

2010-01-25T12:14:00.000-05:00

Whitney Austin at New Grad Life has written a great piece about using keyword optimization to help you get a better hit ratio of your resume getting noticed, and hopefully getting interest in your skills!

Check out the full details here: http://newgradlife.blogspot.com/2010/01/sample-resume-resume-templates-free.html

This is a great way to use the search technology that a lot of corporate recruiters are using to your advantage.

But don't forget... Keep networking and following up on leads. Don;t lose sight of the human touch!

~Mike Baio - CFEC

Will Anyone Notice Your Resume?

2010-01-21T15:20:00.000-05:00

By Mike Frost

As companies continue to threaten (and in some cases follow through with) layoffs, many HR professionals are taking a look at their resumes for the first time in years. What they find in their long-dormant vita can be surprising.

Where do you start when it comes to revising your resume and ensuring it gets noticed by potential employers?

TheLadders.com, a recruiting web site specializing in executive talent, recently surveyed recruitment professionals on the criteria they look for in a resume.

For starters, candidates should provide succinct summaries of their previous job descriptions. Not effective, according to the report: a bullet list of past duties. Instead, descriptions should summarize key responsibilities and focus on measurable results. Recruiters want to quickly assess how candidates have improved their previous employers' bottom line.

For executive positions, recruiters also want to get a sense of a candidate's leadership capabilities. The vita should indicate business units, teams or important projects the candidate has headed.

Among the other elements that should be front and center on a resume:

-Areas of expertise
-Relevant industry experience
-Educational credentials
-Technical and business skills
-Tenure

Recruiters also indicate that they like to see a strong professional summary in the resume -- to-the-point, but engaging.

“The job search has never been more competitive and a generic, passive 'job description' type resume simply will not make the cut in this job market,” says Tina Brasher, a certified professional resume writer.

"The fundamental task of reaching out to potential employers and making a positive impression hasn't changed," says Megan Slabinski, executive director of The Creative Group, a specialized staffing service. But, she says, job seekers need to understand how to promote themselves to get an edge. "Stand-out candidates create customized application materials that specifically describe how they can help the company with its needs and challenges," Slabinski says.
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Gail N. Green, MSM PHR – Community Services Branch Manager

Orange County Clerk of Courts – www.myorangeclerk.com
CFEC - www.cfec.org

Top 10 ways not to get a Job

2010-01-12T14:58:00.000-05:00

This is an article I did several years ago for a column I write.

It is easy to find advice about what to do to find a job. The key is to follow those “rules”, but also avoid some of the pitfalls in job search. Don’t be offended, but I am going to get a bit personal here.

10. Using only one source to find jobs. Just using the newspaper or internet is not an effective way to job search. Networking is key to finding a job. The more people who know you are looking, the better. Recruiters and Staffing Companies can be helpful resources to getting your foot in the door of a company you are interested in working with. If you are not able to get in the front door, try the back door.

9. Don’t include a cover letter. If you are not taking time to apply for a specific job, recruiters may disregard your resume. A well written cover letter may be the key to getting in the door.

8. Appear desperate. Begging for the job or telling your whole life story is a turnoff for most recruiters. They are HR professionals, not social workers.

7. Lie on your resume. This should probably be # 1. One person I heard about, started off with fake jobs and now he says he has a PHD. He keeps getting fired. I wonder why…

6. Don’t know what job you want. Saying that you will take any job makes you appear desperate. See # 8. Know what your skills are and what kind of job you are applying for.

5. Put your favorite 5 minute rap song as your answering machine message. It might be your favorite song, but recruiters don’t have time to sit through the whole thing without knowing if it is even you they are reaching. Remember that if you are looking for a job, be professional.

4. Have an inappropriate e-mail address. Employers look at your whole resume including your contact information. Having an email address like 1hotmama@nowhere.net is not professional. Use your name or a professional sounding e-mail. They are free on the internet.

3. Typos or poorly written resumes. Spell check is included in every word processing program. Use it. Have someone else give feed back on your resume before sending it out. This may be the only chance you have to be in front of the recruiter or hiring manager. Make the best impression.

2. Express yourself with wild clothing, tattoos, and piercings. Unless you are getting a job in a nightclub or tattoo parlor, it is not a good idea to display your wilder side. Check out the company to see what their dress code is. You will want to match their style. It is better to dress up a bit more for an interview than to dress down. (There are some companies who do allow this type of expression, just use discretion)

1. Be rude to the administrative staff. Don’t think for a minute that the people you encounter on the way to your interview are not an important part of the interview process. The receptionist that you look down on as you wait for your interview is the same person who says don’t hire him/her. The first impression you give is extremely important.

Sandi Vidal has over 12 years of HR and staffing experience. She is the Executive Director of Christian HELP and the Central Florida Employment Council. Christian HELP works with people who are unemployed or underemployed to find jobs. CFEC has 6 job fairs a year to assist in this effort. http://www.cfec.org

Copyright 5/01/2007 Sandi Vidal

New Year - New Search!

2010-01-11T13:56:00.000-05:00

2010 has arrived and there is no better time to re-energize your job search than NOW. Ask yourself the following questions:

What has my search yielded to this point?
What has worked and what hasn't?
Am I still doing the same things or am I trying something different?

I'm amazed by the number of people I have spoken with recently who have told me "I have been searching through the job boards and sending out resumes for months and still nothing."

This falls under the category of what hasn't worked. If the job boards haven't worked for you for months, they're probably not going to start working for you now. Get out of your comfort zone and do something different! Here are some ideas:

Network - http://www.connectionsgroups.com/ - Get out there and meet people!
Volunteer - http://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1CHMA_enUS361US361&aq=f&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=volunteer+orlando
Print out a bunch of copies (100+) of your resume - Walk into these big office buildings you see throughout the metro Orlando area and hand-deliver your resume.

These are three things you can do now. Do all three and you will get leads and if you follow up on those leads, a job. As always, we are also here to help.

God Bless!

7 Mistakes Job Seekers Over 50 (and overqualified) Make

2009-12-09T17:05:00.000-05:00

Here's an excellent article to help you avoid some big mistakes in your search. This is especially good for people who may be overqualified, or perceived that way.

ONE IMPORTANT NOTE: Instead of only making an adjustment to your cover letter, I highly recommend you tailor your resume too. Soften your job titles and emphasisze your worker-bee experience while de-emphasizing your managment experience. Many times this is as easy as rearranging the order you list duties and responsibilites under each job.

Ignoring the Overqualified Elephant in the Room

As we all know, when employers see candidates applying for a job below their experience level or tax bracket, their hackles go up. So if you're going for a position with less pay or responsibility than you've been accustomed to, it's your job to explain in your cover letter and the interview why this is.

"It could be because they've had a very stressful career life and now would enjoy having their hands in something that is still part of a team but doesn't involve so many headaches," said Judi Perkins, a recruiter for 22 years who now works as a career coach. "It could be they're willing to take a cut in pay because the almighty dollar just isn't as important to them anymore."

Whatever rationale you give (no longer interested in climbing the ladder, done with working 14-hour days, miss the hands-on tasks you did before joining management), be sure to let potential employers know that you're interested in them, rather than just a job.

If you need more help getting up to speed with today's brave new job hunt, visit your local career center and check out AARP's excellent job hunting advice for older workers.

Whatever you do, don't throw in the towel before you've even tried. Your tattooed, flip-flop wearing counterparts need someone who's been around the block a few times to show them how this work thing's really done."

Mike Baio
CFEC - http://www.cfec.org/
Consultis - http://www.consultis.com/

5 Deadly Interview Mistakes

2009-11-23T11:30:00.000-05:00

Making a good impression on the job interview is as much about what not to do as what to do. Here's how to avoid the most common deal-breakers

By Carl Wellenstein

Attending an interview with the intent to impress the hiring manager ) is dangerous if you go about it in the wrong way. Below are the five most common mistakes you can make.

1. Thinking the interview is about you.
In an effort to "get their message across," some interviewees monopolize the conversation with long-winded responses, focusing on how they can enhance their skills and expand their experience.

What you really want is a balanced interview with you talking no more than 60% of the time. Keep in mind that the interviewers are not interested in enhancing your skills or broadening your experiences. They will be trying to assess whether you already possess the know-how they need and how well you might fit into the company's organizational culture. When answering questions, limit your responses to two minutes. If they want you to give examples or provide other information, they'll ask.

2. Failing to translate your skills and experience.
You use words and examples that are common to your function or industry and assume interviewers will understand them or be able to translate them to applications in their industry.

Initial interviewers may not be familiar with the acronyms and terms specific to your previous jobs and, as a result, they might assume you communicate poorly with nontechnical people. Don't expect your interviewers to translate your experience to apply to their industry. That will be your task. You need to use terms and analogous descriptions they will understand in the context of their industry or type of work.

3. Being unprepared.
True, sometimes interviewers aren't prepared themselves, but that doesn't mean they'll forgive you for the same mistake.

The obvious preparation: Research the company on the Internet and in the news and talk to someone who has some inside knowledge about the company. If it's a publicly held company, check out annual and quarterly reports filed with the SEC. The not-so-obvious preparation: Anticipate what they'll be asking you about: your strengths and weaknesses, why you left your last company, why you chose your career path, and what your positive and negative work experiences have been.

4. Lacking candor.
You can't think of any personal weaknesses, you've overcome all your weaknesses, or you say you haven't given it a lot of thought. Mistakes? Not you. You rose through the ranks and never made mistakes.

No one progresses in a career without making mistakes and learning from them. Trained interviewers will be looking to see if you readily acknowledge and admit your weaknesses and can describe mistakes you've made and what you learned from them. Adding a humorous story about a mistake you made, how others may have chided you about it afterward, and what you took away from the experience can endear you to an interviewer. When confronted with a tough interview question about your past, don't give a measured response that sugarcoats reality, as interviewers will quickly see it as disingenuous.

5. Not asking any questions.
The interview is coming to a close and the interviewer inquires as to whether you have any questions. You reply that you don't, or you ask a few insignificant questions that you could have easily answered if you'd visited the Web site or knew anything about the company or its industry. Unless you're the only qualified candidate, your job prospects with this company probably just ended.

Interviews are two-sided events. The employer wants to determine whether you're the right person for the business, and you need to know if the employer is the right one for you. Always take a note pad with you when you go for an interview. Prepare your questions and write them on your note pad. You want the interviewer to see that you have questions.

Keep in mind there are only three things interviewers really want to know about you:

     • Do you have the right skills and experience to do the job we want done?
     • Do you have the personal characteristics that will fit in with our organization's culture?
     • From what I hear you say, do I believe you're telling me the truth?

Job Search Tips From 1938

2009-11-19T16:21:00.000-05:00

Very powerful article about two 40 year old women who traveled the country in 1938 getting jobs. Imagine that; getting jobs during the great depression. Read on:

I’ve written before that, if you want to find a job in today’s Great Recession, it makes sense to study what got people hired in the Great Depression, when times were even tougher.
So I dug out a job-search book published in 1938.

Titled, “We Are Forty And We Did Get Jobs,” it’s by C.B. Thompson and M.L. Wise, two forty-year-old women who spent 10 weeks perfecting a job-search system by looking for work — and getting hired — in cities across America.

If you’d like to know three actions you can take to get hired today, tested and proven in the worst job market of yesteryear, read on …

1) Root out the defeatist attitude.
Here’s how the authors describe their painful situation, prior to starting their job search:
“One of us had suffered a loss so devastating that the rest of life stretched out as something less than twilight. The other had had, in the midst of an illness almost unto death, the shock of such serious financial reverses that for a time both physical and monetary recovery seemed impossible.”

In other words, they were beaten down, broke, and worried. Sound familiar?
They go on to say “we knew this much: Jobs and a sense of despair do not go together. The defeatist attitude is death to opportunity, and had to be gotten rid of at all costs.”

They reasoned — correctly — that it’s impossible for an employer to believe in your abilities if you are so dispirited you don’t believe in them yourself.
So, how do you regain your self-confidence?
By facing your fears and doing something about them, according to the authors.
Example: Let’s say the worst that could happen if you don’t find a job is you lose your home and have no money for food.

But you can do something about that, because you’ll have to.
Maybe you’ll have to move in with family, pawn your jewelry, or apply for food stamps. Whatever your worst-case scenario may be, if you make a plan to deal with it, that will calm your mind and steady your confidence.
After that, you can …

2) Use all your thoughts to plan and execute your job search.
The authors offer three questions and answers to guide your planning and execution:
Q. Who wants you to work for them?
A. Nobody.

Q. Who wants more business or better service?
A. Everybody.

Q. If you could show that you can provide more business or better service, who will want you?
A. Almost everybody.

You’ll find no qualifying language here. It’s not almost every employer with advertised job openings or almost every employer looking for someone young. It’s almost every employer. Period.

Instead of waiting for your ideal job to appear online, think now about how you can show employers — in clear, convincing detail — that you can give them more business or better service. The job will follow.
To get at those details, ask yourself these questions about the top three achievements for every job you’ve had in the last 15 years:
Whom did you do it for?
When?
Why?
What happened?
How much time/money was saved or earned?

Here’s my favorite “before” and “after” example from an IT resume that worked like a charm.
BEFORE
Cleaned up Microsoft Access database.

AFTER
Helped retain $20-million contract with top client after working 16-hour days for four months to clean up Access database and repair reporting problem using Excel and Crystal Reports.
See the difference?
The world pays for value received. Show your value and you can start getting paid again.

3) Stay on track with two questions.
According to Thompson and Wise, they wrote letters and made phone calls to employers that produced job interviews consistently, once they kept the following two questions continually in mind:
1. What does he or she need?
This question forces you to always put an employer’s needs before your own. “This may sound like the golden rule, but it was certainly to prove the golden key that could open the door to employment,” write the authors.

2. How can I supply that need?
Once you know an employer’s needs, you can quickly examine every resume you send and every word you say, to ensure you communicate only what employers want to hear.
Example: If the employer needs a manager to negotiate contracts with suppliers, you will either revise or delete irrelevant information in your resume, like that bartending job you had last year.

The title, “We Are Forty And We Did Get Jobs,” reflects the fact that ageism was even more rampant in the 1930s than now. And I won’t even touch on the sexism the authors must have faced, apart from noting that attitudes have certainly improved.
So, these two women overcame economic, “ageist,” and sexist obstacles to get hired — repeatedly — for jobs in the Great Depression, and they did it without Google, Linkedin, email, cell phones, or FedEx (I omitted their advice on telegrams).
Why not adopt one of their tactics today, and see if you don’t get noticed by more employers tomorrow?

Article by Kevin Donlin, Co-Creator of the Guerrilla Job Search System.
If you’re in the job market and want to try something new, you can see Guerilla Job Search secrets caught on video and learn more here.
About Kevin:Kevin Donlin is contributing co-author of "Guerrilla Marketing for Job Hunters 2.0." Since 1996, he has provided job-search help to more than 20,000 people.

The Right People Can Help You Find Your Calling

2009-11-13T16:01:00.000-05:00

By Caroline Levchuck

Finding the job you want isn't always easy. And, when you don't know what job you want, it can seem impossible.

What's a job seeker to do? You can spend hours doing research, along with some serious soul searching. But you may still come up blank.

There are people who can help. Some are pros; some you already know. But either way, they can assist you in answering the age-old question of what to do with your life.

Career Counselors
Career counselors can help you shape your career path, including find a job. They rely upon a host of resources, such as personality tests, expert knowledge and experience. If you're really confused, a good career counselor can help you explore many different career options.

There are career counselors for every stage of your career and every budget. School-based counselors offer career advice to students free of charge. Independent career counselors or consultants will often require you to pay an advance fee for a set number of sessions. Others won't limit the number of sessions and will work with you until you land a job.

The best way to find a skilled, dependable career counselor is by word of mouth. Ask people you trust for referrals. You can also screen a counselor through the Better Business Bureau before signing up at http://www.bbb.org.

Personal Coaches
Personal coaches can be very helpful to job seekers.

Coaches focus on helping people identify their values, dreams and goals. But, a word of warning: If you're looking for advice, career coaching might not be for you. A good coach won't tell you what he thinks you should be doing because he believes that, deep down, you already know. Simply put, coaches work to uncover existing knowledge -- and to eliminate self-doubt.

If you know someone who has visited a personal coach, ask for a referral. You can also consult the International Coaching Federation (http://www.coachfederation.org) for trained and certified coaches in your area. To help you find the right coach before making a commitment, most coaches will even offer a free, 30-minute phone session.

Mentors
People frequently find mentors in their workplaces to guide and nurture them in their present position and up the corporate ladder.

But, even if you don't have a job, you can still have a mentor.

Many colleges and alumni associations offer mentoring programs. You can also join a local business or professional association and inquire about a mentor program. Even if there isn't one, you may still find someone to mentor you informally.

Another idea is to find someone who works in a field that interests you. Set up an informational interview. If the two of you click, ask if you can e-mail or phone them from time to time with questions. If you're lucky, it may be the start of a mentoring relationship.

Friends and Family
Everyone you know probably has an opinion about what you should be doing in your career. Most times, we don't care to hear these opinions.

But, if you're stuck, it might not hurt to solicit opinions from friends and family members as to what career they think you should pursue. Likely, they know you well enough to know your strengths, weaknesses, likes and dislikes. They're probably also familiar enough with your past to know what you should avoid.

Ask direct and earnest questions, such as, "What do you think my strengths are?" and "Have you ever imagined me in a certain career?"

Your friends and family may dream bigger than you would ever dare.

Best Job Search Advice All in ONE Place!

2009-11-11T07:59:00.000-05:00

Thanks for providing this info Sandi:

http://www.jobconcierge.com/best-job-search-advice/

There's a lot of job advice out there on the Internet. So much - that it's hard to sort the good job advice from the useless common sense. We know this because we regularly sort through a hundred or so articles a day when we post daily updates on our Twitter account. Most articles repeat the same things over and over again and don't add that much value.

We created this 'Best Job Search Advice on the Internet' section so you won't have to waste time on the web browsing around. We didn't write the articles (if we did, they wouldn't be as good!) Instead we give you a short summary on each article and you'll be redirected to the original author's page where you can read the job advice in its entirety. If you like an article, please give it a thumb-up so other people know about it too or write the author a thank you email. We organized the advice by topic and tried to include as many articles mentioning different job advice and tips as possible.

Searching for a job is more than just going through job boards online. Take a break from the computer - meet recruiters and employers at job fairs and networking events. Check out what's going on in your area with the most comprehensive list of job fairs and networking events on the internet completely free from JobConcierge.com

I'm a Great Fit - Now What?

2009-11-09T12:18:00.001-05:00

So you're searching for a job and you find a position posted on a job board that looks like a perfect fit for you... Before you apply directly on the job board and never hear anything back, let's see if you can increase your chances of getting somewhere. Here's how:

Call a couple of recruiters or recruiting companies you know and network. Ask questions like; "What do you know about this company? Can you represent me directly to a decision maker? Any advice for someone I can talk to about getting in with this company?

Then depending on what happens with that conversation, go on to the next person. Keep doing this until you get somewhere.

The point is this: Applying directly for jobs on the job boards isn't working too well for most people right now. In fact, over 90% of jobs applied for on job boards aren't even getting any kind of response. Employers are still getting flooded with resumes and they just don't have time to respond to everyone. Even people who are a perfect fit for the job are getting buried in with the responses of people who aren't a fit.

You have to figure out a way around this. I'm a big proponent of having your resume posted out there on the boards so employers can contact you. But when applying, I talk to people every day who send out in excess of 100 resumes to job board postings and never get a single reply.

Don't get caught up in this time waster. Get around it.

Mike Baio
Consultis IT - www.consultis.com
CFEC - www.cfec.org

5 Reasons for Not Getting the Job

2009-10-27T10:50:00.000-04:00

This comes from a LinkedIn Group today. Very good info that will get results if you do it!

5 reasons why you're not getting interviews and HR is one of the reasons.

Here are 5 reasons you may not be getting noticed:

Your resume isn't very good. I see a lot of resumes and perhaps 5% stand out. First impressions matter and if your resume does not attract the reader's attention in the first 10-20 seconds then your chances of obtaining an interview fall to almost zero. What an employer really wants to know is why they should invite you for an interview. The only compelling reason is that you appear to be a good fit for the position they are trying to fill. EVERY resume that you submit must be tailored specifically to the opportunity you are applying for. Also, the most pertinent information needs to be in the top 1/3 of the resume which, is about 10-20 seconds worth of reading. If you ask 10 people to give you an opinion on resume formats, you'll get 15 different answers. So at the risk of offering contradictory advice, I'll give you what I believe works best based on my experience. A resume should begin with a professional summary listing your capabilities followed by a list of your core skills or, when appropriate, your major achievements. The combination of these should match as closely as possible the job description you're responding to. If a company is looking for a marketing manager who can work with new product development teams to identify and satisfy customer demands; doesn't it make sense to tell the employer up-front that you are an experienced marketing manager with a successful track record of working with product development teams? Doesn't it also make sense to list some of your achievements in identifying customer needs and how you satisfied them? If you were the hiring manager, wouldn't you want to read more? Next, avoid the BS, fluff and over generalizations that accompany most resumes. After every sentence ask yourself, will someone pay me for this?
You're not really qualified for the positions you are applying for. This occurs when you hit the send button without much regard to the qualifications the employer is looking for. If the position requires a CPA with 10+ years of experience and you once worked next to an accountant, you're not qualified. Don't waste your time applying for positions you're not at least 95% qualified for. Sending out resumes for positions you're not qualified for is simply not going to get you anywhere.
The job description for the opportunity you're applying for is poorly written. If job candidates can be criticized for writing poor resumes, than HR professionals and hiring managers can be criticized for writing poor job descriptions. This is one area that you, as the job seeker, can do nothing about. In many cases, the job description does not adequately detail everything that the hiring manager is looking for. Like resumes, many job descriptions are too often too vague, lack critical information, and are filled with fluff and boilerplate.
You lack any real job search strategy. Searching for a job is a process. It requires thought, planning and execution. Basically you need to focus you energy in two areas: 1) Breaking through the noise (the 500 other applicants) and 2) Looking for opportunity that is not posted all over the Internet or given to 100 recruiters. You can accomplish the first by crafting a resume that meets the needs of the hiring manager 100% as outlined above. You can accomplish the second by targeting specific companies and reaching out to people within those organizations and presenting them with a reason to talk to you.
Not learning from your mistakes. As the saying goes, the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again while expecting different results. If you're current approach is not working, ask yourself why. If you think you can improve your odds by doing something different, do it. Let me know your thoughts!

Mike Baio - CFEC, Consultis

Careers With Most Job Growth

2009-10-22T10:40:00.000-04:00

Careers With Most Job Growth
by Beth Braverman, Alexis Jeffries and Donna Rosato
Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Demand for personal financial advisors is projected to grow a whopping 41 percent between 2006 and 2016. Which other careers on Money and PayScale.com's list of America's best jobs will see big opportunities?

1. Telecommunications Network Engineer

Best Jobs rank: 30

10-year growth: 53 percent

Current total employment: 21,000

More from CNNMoney.com:

• Best Jobs in America, 2009 Full List

• Highest-Paying Best Jobs in America

• 'I Have the Best Job in America': Real People Stories

Traditionally hired to control and maintain power grids and communications for phone and cable companies, telecommunications network engineers are seeing demand from potential employers rise with the demand for Wi-Fi, broadband and other new technologies.

Telecom has gone green, too: Energy and environmental companies have opportunities galore for engineers to help build communications infrastructure for their new products.

2. Systems Engineer

Best Jobs rank: 1

10-year growth: 45 percent

Current total employment: 88,000

Systems engineers possess a wide breadth of knowledge and engineering skills that have long been widely sought within the aerospace and defense industries. Now companies from car manufacturers to consumer products firms are quickly realizing the value of systems engineers as well, leading to a hiring boom.

3. Personal Finance Advisor

Best Jobs rank: N/A

10-year growth: 41 percent

Current total employment: 20,000

The personal financial advisor profession has exploded as baby boomers reach retirement age and seek advice on making their nest eggs last. Meanwhile, younger folks are seeking guidance on managing savings and retirement accounts in lieu of a company pension plan.

"People know they have to manage their own financial futures, and they're turning to financial advisors to help," says Richard Salman, president of the Financial Planning Association.

4. Veterinarian

Best Jobs rank: 25

10-year growth: 35 percent

Current total employment: 68,000

Pet ownership has grown 17 percent in the past 10 years, and as more people embrace furry friends, more vets are needed to keep them healthy. The veterinary medicine field has echoed advances in human medicine, and veterinary specialists in fields like oncology and ophthalmology have found clients clamoring for services.

Another growth driver: An increased demand for vets in fields like food safety, disease control and pharmaceutical research.

5. Senior Financial Analyst

Best Jobs rank: 21

10-year growth: 34 percent

Current total employment: 127,000

Recession or not, investors and businesses need to put their money somewhere, and they continue relying on experts to examine the risk-reward profile of securities and projects.

"One of the things that came out of the financial crisis is people need to do their own due diligence, and there is even more attention being paid to analysis," says Bob Johnson, a senior managing director at the CFA Institute.

6. Business Analyst, IT

Best Jobs rank: 17

10-year growth: 29 percent

Current total employment: 125,000

Companies are increasingly relying on IT business analysts to make sure they're using technology efficiently and cost-effectively. In the past, this job was often farmed out to consultants, but many companies now prefer to use in-house analysts who have in-depth knowledge of their specific industry.

7. Software Development Director

Best Jobs rank: N/A

10-year growth: 28 percent

Current total employment: 12,000

Just like an architect would design a building to be structurally sound, aesthetically pleasing and functionally practical, a software architect designs computer programs that help a business run efficiently and practically. The auto industry is a particular hot spot: Cars these days can easily have at least 40 computers inside to run everything from the lights and radio to the seat-warmers -- and these gurus are needed to design the programs that keep them running.

Laser Focus Aimed at a Good Fit

2009-10-15T08:14:00.000-04:00

One question still being heard a lot these days is "How do I get my resume noticed?"

The best way for your resume to be noticed is to get your resume to:

The right person
The right fit job

If you do these two things, you will be doing more than 99% of your potential job search competitors. Let's break both of these down:

The Right Person - The right person is anyone who can positively influence your chances of getting the job you are applying for. This includes internal referrals, recruiters, friends, etc. Basically, anyone who can helps get your resume into the hands of someone who is a hiring authority.

The Right Fit Job - The position you are applying for is a job that you are a good fit for. It's a job that you have good, recent experience doing and that you can come in and hit the ground running. Companies are running lean right now and it seems like everyone is doing the work of 3-4 people. Managers are looking for people who can come in and contribute immediately, with as little training as possible.

Also remember to tailor your resume to each position. Show on paper why you are a perfect fit for each position you apply for. Don't be afraid to sell yourself!

Mike Baio - CFEC - Consultis

Five job search tips for discouraged job seekers

2009-09-25T14:41:00.000-04:00

Author: Toni Bowers
Category: Career

Few things are as discouraging as a long, seemingly futile search for a job. Nothing quite drags the self-esteem down than the long silence after you’ve sent out a resume.
In their new book, Unlock The Hidden Job Market: 6 Steps to a Successful Job Search When Times are Tough, Duncan Mathison, executive career consultant and former vice president of Drake Beam Morin, and Martha I. Finney, careers expert and employee engagement consultant, encourage job seekers to never give up.

Here they share five tips for job search survival:

1. Prepare for an extended search. When the job market shrinks, it takes longer to land a job. Adjust your finances and your expectations now to extend your staying power. Stopping the search until the economy improves is like the farmer who will go hungry at harvest because they didn’t plant seeds in the spring. Do not give up. Keep planting those seeds.

2. Don’t waste your time on long-shots. If you are only applying to posted jobs and those seem far and few between, your tendency is to cast a wider net by applying outside your geographic area or outside of your expertise (”I could do that job!”). This is a dead-end strategy and you will only face more painful rejection and depressing stories of 500 applicants to 1 job. When it comes to job postings: focus, focus, focus.

3. The right job for you is out there - it just won’t be advertised. Employers cut recruiting budgets when times are tight. Instead hiring managers use less expensive and informal word of mouth strategies. As a result a higher percentage of available positions are in the “hidden job market”. Job seekers must significantly expand the quality and quantity of their networking efforts to find unpublished jobs.

4. Leave the resume at home. The secret to good networking is to help your network help you. Instead of a resume, give people in your network (everyone you know) a list of 50-75 employers who you think would hire people with your type of skills. Do not ask if the companies are hiring. Instead ask if anyone knows people who work there - particularly managers who might hire and manage people with your skills.

5. Contact managers directly. Get their name, get an introduction and introduce yourself to them. Your introduction can be a simple, “I understand you have people with my kind of background and skills working for you. I don’t assume to know if you have job openings but I would like to meet you and learn more about the type of people you like to have on your team and share with you a bit about my background.” They may say “sure”, they may say “send a resume” or they may say “no”, but now they know about you. Remember the ONLY thing managers can do to assure their success is to meet and hire great people.

Your Search Responsibility

2009-09-14T08:11:00.000-04:00

As you're out there looking for a new job or a better job, remember that your search and the results of the search is your responsibility.

Now please don't take me wrong and think I'm being heartless or cruel. I know it's tough out there and there is always a challenge or a downside to almost everything we do in life. Now throw in a life-changing event as important as a career, combine it with the economic realities out there and you have yourself a real challenge.

At the end of the day though, it's still up to you to make your situation better. The only people/companies out there getting bailed out are the ones who don't deserve it. So if not you, who? The good news is that you have the ability to make things better. Don't give up, don't quit, don't let challenges and disappointments change you and all you have to offer to a new prospective employer.

You hold the key to a better future. Take advantage of all the resources available to you here on cfec.org and do whatever it takes to land that next opportunity. Keep working on your resume, keep networking, keep interviewing, keep on keeping on!

Patience

2009-08-12T13:50:00.000-04:00

The Rebound

I have seen a lot of articles this week talking about how the economy is stabilizing and in some parts of the country, growing. I know there is still negative data out there too, but there seems to be a lot more positive news out over the last two weeks regarding economic stabilization. Here in the IT Staffing arena we have seen an uptick in business over the past 2-3 weeks. (Hopefully that is an indicator for other industries in Central FL too.)

When things turn around and start to get better again, a lot of people expect immediate results. This is where patience comes in. When the downturn in the economy hit, we found out that said downtown actually occurred a few months before it became noticeable on the street.

The same is true of the rebound. It will take time for companies to get back up to speed with their hiring processes. Another thing that will slow things down is the fact that many companies are understaffed right now, so it can be a "catch-22" with interviewing and hiring while at the same time dealing with a busier schedule and less resources.

What Can I Do Now?

The most important thing is to keep networking. A month or two from now when that perfect job comes available, it will still probably come through a networking channel. Don;t rely on any single job board or recruiter. Step up your networking efforts too. Make sure you are getting your name out there and doing your research to keep on top of which companies hire the type of people like yourself.

Keep following up on those contacts and help others too. If you're not a perfect fit for a job but you know someone who is, refer them. This will be returned to you in volumes. You will find yourself getting referred by your friends too.

Now is the time when a lot of people will give up, if they haven't already. Just by staying active and on the front lines of "I'm networking for a job", you will have a huge advantage over those who only post their resume on a job board or only take a simple, one dimensional approach.

Mike Baio
CFEC - www.cfec.org
Consultis - www.consultis.com

Great Employment Search Advice!

2009-07-20T11:23:00.000-04:00

Thank you to Jamie Delsing with Consultis for sending this out; excellent advice from Leslie Stevens-Huffman on searching for employment:

Create several versions of your resume targeted toward the jobs and industries you're a fit for.

· Create cover letter and thank-you letter templates, so you can make changes on the fly.

· Set-up an e-mail address dedicated to your search. Change voicemail greetings, so inquiring employers aren't greeted by an inappropriate message.

· Use a multidimensional search strategy that includes job boards, recruiters, alumni placement centers, networking events, professional networking sites and job fairs.

· Market your resume and skills to employers on your target list, even if no job openings are posted.

· Create a Web page or Web resume.

· Continuously improve your job search and interviewing skills by reading articles and books.

· Set daily contact goals and consider creating a blog, newsletter or e-mail to update your support group about the progress of your search.

Follow-Up and Resilience

· Follow-up on every resume you submit by sending a thank you note or e-mail. Also follow up on every contact you make. Continue to follow-up until you receive a rejection letter or move to the next stage in the selection process.

· Share leads along the way with your contacts to encourage them to reciprocate.

· As you continue, seek support from others.

· Remember you will be successful. It's a matter of time and effort.

Thank Supporters

Once you land a job, be sure to thank the members of your support team and reciprocate when called upon, because you never know when you might need them again.

Mike Baio
CFEC - www.cfec.org
Consultis - www.consultis.com

Be Ready To Answer the W's

2009-07-07T21:37:00.000-04:00

When applying and interviewing for a job, to ensure success you have to make sure you're ready to answer W's. The answers have to be good. If your answer is hesitant or was just thought out for the first time, then you're setting yourself up for disappointment.

A good candidate should be able to answer these questions:

Why are you looking to leave your current position?
Why is this particular position of interest?
Why are you qualified to do this?
What is it about your experience that makes you a fit for this type of company?
When are you going to leave your current position? (If the interview goes well.)
Why are you going to stay on the job when things get tough?
What do you know about the company?
What questions do you have about the company and the job?
What concerns do you have?
What would make you say no?

These are just ten examples. If you can't answer these then you need to think about it get your answers. Then, you have to MAKE SURE YOUR RESUME shows it. If you want to stand out from the other candidates out there, it's your job to make sure you're presenting yourself in the best possible light.

Mike Baio
Consultis
CFEC

People Skills Are What Get You the Job!

2009-06-30T10:39:00.000-04:00

I just received a tweet with this awesome article written by Christine Wodke from the Milwaukee Unemployment Examiner:

http://bit.ly/12qhWs

Very important areas to consider like Leadership, Communication and Flexibility. Excellent read... check it out and use for your interviews!

Mike Baio
CFEC
Consultis

Positive Signs All Around

2009-06-21T18:00:00.000-04:00

In these challenging economic times there are still positive signs from the experts who make a living tracking the economy, past, present and future. I'm a big believer in the fact that while there may be 10% unemployment, guess what; There's 90% Employment. We just have to figure out how to find the jobs!

My boss forwarded me this information from a newsletter. These items all focus on positive facts:

The consensus of forecasting economists still expects a return to positive (not impressive, but positive) U.S. economic growth during this year’s third quarter.
Between 1980 and 2007, total emissions of major air pollutants within the U.S. dropped by 52%.
The number of people who have quit smoking (46 million) now exceeds the number who still smoke (45 million). Roughly 21% of adults smoke today, versus nearly half in the early 1950s.
A recent poll of more than 12,000 global business figures conducted by the World economic Forum ranked the U.S. as the world’s most competitive economy.
Traffic deaths per 100 million miles traveled during 2008 were the lowest on record.
Conventional thirty-year fixed-rate mortgages have been between 4.75% and 5.15% in recent weeks, some of the lowest levels on record
The number of new cancer cases and deaths are falling for the first time since the government began compiling a report on long-term trends.
Average U.S. life expectancy has reached 78 years (men 75, women 80), the highest ever. This compares to 76 years in 1995, 68 years in 1950, and 47 years in 1900.
For every dollar of U.S. economic output generated today, we burn less than half as much oil as 30 years ago.
U.S. military deaths in Iraq during 2008 plunged by two-thirds versus the prior year.
The U.S. trade deficit with the world fell for the seventh straight month in February to a nine-year low of $26 billion.
Men’s contribution to housework has doubled over the past 40 years, while their time spent on child care has tripled.
A record 29% of men have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher, versus 26% of women, also a record. This compares to a combined 7.7% in 1960. A record 84.6% of adults over age 25 now have at least a high school diploma, versus 24.5% in 1940.
Violent crime declined 3.5% during 2008’s first half versus the prior year. Violent crime overall is down 55% since 1993, with violence by teens down 71%. School violence has declined by half from a decade ago.
Donations to charity set an all-time high in 2007, with more than $300 billion donated by individuals, foundations, and corporations. As a percentage of GDP, Americans gave twice as much as the next most charitable nation…England.
Productivity of the average U.S. worker rose an average of 2.6% annually during the past 10 years, the largest gains in 40 years. Rising productivity is a long-term key to higher standards of living.
Air pollution declined 25% over the past 30 years even as the population and the economy grew. Water quality also continues to improve. More progress will occur in coming years as companies see rising value in “going green”.
Alcohol-related traffic fatalities in the most recently reported year dropped by more than half versus 20 years ago.
During the early 1960s, the five-year survival rate from cancer for Americans was one in three. today it is two in three…continuing to climb…and the highest in the world.
Substantiated cases of childhood sexual abuse have fallen 49% since 1990. physical abuse of children is down by 43%.
The number of abortions performed in this country has declined by one-third since 1990 and is now at a record low.
The U.S. rate of home ownership reached 69.2% of households in recent quarters, the highest ever, before declining slightly.
Women earned nearly 60% of all bachelor’s degrees awarded in recent years, versus 43% in 1970 and 24% in 1950.
Women earned a similar share of master’s degrees.
Illicit drug use among U.S. teenagers hit a five-year low of 9.8% in 2006, down 16% since 2002.
U.S. teen pregnancy and birth rates plummeted to all-time lows in recent years, before a slight rise. The reasons? More widespread use of birth control, more work opportunities, and more girls who “just say no”.
The consumer price index (cpi) has actually declined 0.4% during the most recent 12-month period—the first 12-month decline since 1955—helping to stretch consumer incomes.
The upward “mobility” of the typical American remains the greatest in the world. Why? The U.S. economy “rewards” the combination of hard work and educational achievement more than ever before…and more than any other country in the world.
The U.S. role of dominance in the global economy in recent years has been as clear-cut as at any time since the 1950s.

Are you focusing on the negatives or the positives?

Mike Baio
Technical Recruiting Manager
Consultis - www.consultis.com
CFEC - www.cfec.org

The Power of (Your) Positivity

2009-06-13T19:41:00.000-04:00

I had the opportunity to attend and present at two CFEC events this past week; One was geared toward HR and Recruiting Professionals and the other was geared to Unemployed Professionals looking for work.

I was impressed and humbled by the positivity of both groups, especially those seeking employment.

When someone is unemployed and the facts seem to point to the outlook being bleak, it can be very difficult to keep your head up. What I saw was a group of people who are not going to be deterred by their unemployment status. Kudos to everyone who attended Thursday evening's event and for going above and beyond to land that next position!

We can all learn a lot from you:

Drive - commitment to "keeping on keeping on" with your search, even though there is more discouragement out there than encouragement
Outlook - Smiles and positivity when the reality and pressures of unemployment are pressing in
Spirit - That inner "thing"... faith that makes it all work; keeps your head in the game when it would be easier to quit.

Thank you all for your determination and the example you are setting!

Mike Baio

CFEC - http://www.cfec.org/

Consultis - http://www.consultis.com/

10 Job Search Myths Exploded

2009-06-02T11:04:00.000-04:00

This article comes to us from HotJobs.com

10 Job-Search Myths Exploded
by Liz Ryan

There's more job-search mythology being passed around than even the ancient Greeks could have imagined. Some of the most well-traveled and persistent myths are also the most dangerous ones -- because following this faux wisdom could sabotage your job-search efforts.
Here are 10 of my favorite job-search myths, and the reality to replace each one.

MYTH: In your resume, you should talk about how you're great at everything.Have you ever seen a job posting that said, "We want to hire someone who's good at everything"? Individual department managers get approval to hire people to perform certain specific duties. The last thing you want on your resume is a message that says, "I can do Sales, Marketing, Finance, Customer Service, or Manufacturing!" No one will believe you, and you won't be the best fit for any job, anywhere.

Reality: Use your resume to talk about how you're really strong in two or three areas. If you need more than one resume, so be it.

MYTH: The people who get jobs are the ones who apply for the most jobs.The people who actually get jobs are the ones who create thoughtful, targeted approaches to the jobs they're especially well suited for. Lobbing dozens of random resumes with boilerplate cover letters into inboxes across America doesn't help you.

Reality: Approach each job opportunity with a targeted letter and, if necessary, a customized resume that links your background and the job's requirements.

MYTH: The more information on your resume, the better!Editing is an important business skill. If your resume includes the details for the jobs you held before 1990, your resume is too long. Two pages in an absolute max for non-academic resumes, and in those two pages you want to tell us the most important bits, not every task and duty you've ever been responsible for.

Reality: The best resumes are concise, pithy and specific. Less is more when it comes to describing your strengths and talents.

MYTH: If the job ad says "No Calls," you should call anyway -- it'll show that you're really interested. The quickest way to get your resume thrown in the "not now, not ever" pile is to ignore the instructions included in the job ad. Don't antagonize overstretched HR people by doing what they've expressly asked you not to do.

Reality: Email and snail mail are great follow-up mechanisms. Calling people who've specified "No Calls" is a bad one.

MYTH: A great way to network for a job is to contact people who work at your target companies, and ask them to get your resume into HR.Here's the scenario: You're sitting at your desk. You're doing your job. The phone rings, and on the other end is a person you don't know, who wants you to hand his resume into your HR department. This random, bizarre scene replays itself every day. Calling strangers to ask for help -- and worse, an introduction to the HR department, notwithstanding the fact that the "conduit" doesn't know you from Adam -- is not networking, it's telephone spam.

Reality: Your own friends, friends-of-friends, and friends-of-friends-of-friends can make introductions for you. Leave everyone else alone.

MYTH: When you get a call from HR and they ask you your required salary, you should lowball them to get the interview.HR people envision a special place in hell for candidates who say on the phone, "I'd love to come in and interview, and I need to make $50K per year" when in fact, after three interviews, they decide that they need to earn $75K per year. You can give a range on the phone, but you can't say that you're OK with a number that you're really not OK with.

Reality: If you're asked for a salary range, be truthful.

MYTH: In a cover letter, you should quote the job ad as much as you can to show that you're qualified for the job.Quoting the text from the job ad doesn't say you're qualified. It says that you can read, and type. Rather than quoting the job ad, use examples from your career history that illustrate your ability to perform the job.

Reality: Don't parrot terms from the job ad, but address the elements in your cover letter with specific examples from your past.

MYTH: If you get a call from a phone screener, you say it's not a good time to talk -- that shows that you're in demand.If you really can't talk (the baby is crying, the dog needs a walk, or you're not feeling well) then ask for a reschedule. But if you can take the call, do it! The more quickly you can get through the phone-screen process and be scheduled for a face-to-face interview, the better for you.

Reality: Don't find excuses to delay phone screening -- if you can manage to take the call when the phone rings, do it.

MYTH: You shouldn't use a "summary" section on your resume -- it's a waste of space.A summary on your resume is an absolutely critical element, as it ties together what you've done over the course of your career. A well-written summary shows your judgment, your writing skills and your ability to determine what's salient in your background. Without it, you're saying to the reader, "I've done a bunch of jobs, and here they are -- you figure out what it means to your company."

Reality: A concise, specific, and no-boilerplate summary is a critical element in your resume.

MYTH: The job market will improve this spring -- you're better off waiting out the next couple of months.This may be the most dangerous job-search myth of all, because if you're not working, the last thing you want to do is wait until your unemployment runs out before beginning your search. Employers won't be impressed by your explanation of how you took time off to hang out while the job market improved. There's no guarantee that things will get easier a few months from now. Don't delay -- get your job search engine in gear, now!

Reality: Don't let moss grow on your job search -- get your plan together now and jump into action!

Liz Ryan is a 25-year HR veteran, former Fortune 500 VP and an internationally recognized expert on careers and the new millennium workplace. Contact Liz at liz@asklizryan.com or join the Ask Liz Ryan online community at www.asklizryan/group.The opinions expressed in this column are solely the author's.

Mike Baio
CFEC - www.cfec.org
Consultis - www.consultis.com

Tailor Your Resume in 5 Minutes

2009-06-01T20:58:00.000-04:00

In order to increase your chances of getting your resume noticed, tailor it to match the job description you are applying for. This only takes five minutes:

TITLES: Match yours to the description. Don't mislead, but if you're a Quality Tester and the position you're applying for carries the title QA Analyst, then change your title accordingly.

BULLET POINTS: Make sure you have at least 3 bullet points under each position in your resume that address the job description's key points.

It's as easy as that. Five minutes for each position you apply to.

Mike Baio
CFEC - www.cfec.org
Consultis - www.consultis.com

Find the Right Audience

2009-05-22T08:35:00.000-04:00

Here at Consultis we have an on-line chat application where candidates can click through and chat live with a recruiter. I spend some time every day in this system chatting with job seekers and there is a trend that is contributing to people not finding jobs; Many job seekers are selling themselves to the wrong people.

Yesterday I spent 5 minutes in a chat with a person who was selling me on his skills as a developer. "I have 7 years experience; I have this certification; I think I'm a perfect fit for this opening; let me send you my resume..." The only problem with all of this is that he was talking about a job in Wisconsin. I'm a pretty good recruiter, but I will not be able to help you with one of our jobs in Wisconsin... we have a Wisconsin office that handles the Wisconsin jobs.

It sounded like this person had excellent credentials and they definitely knew how to communicate quite well on our chat app, but they were talking to the wrong person. This person is so eager for a job and so wanting to get the message out about his skills that he isn't taking any time to make sure he's talking to the right person.

It's better to send out your resume to a couple of the RIGHT people every day as opposed to sending it out to 20 of the WRONG people.

RIGHT = Person who is a decision maker or will help you get to the decision maker.

WRONG = Person who cannot do anything to help you get hired.

OK, easy for me to say, but how do you know who to send your resume to? How do you get that info. Here's my advice:

Research - Get on the Internet and run searches for your skill-set: Compile a list of companies who hire for your skill-set. Get a big list (Google.com)
Dig In - After you compile your company list, research even more! Find out who the people are who work at these companies. LinkedIn.com is the ticket here.
Network with those people. Find out who they know that you know and try to make connections. (LinkedIn.com once again is excellent for this.)
Customize - Tailor your resume for each individual company. Point out your experience that is relevant to each individual company that you are targeting.
Keep Going - If you try this at 5 companies, it doesn't mean you will get hired. You may need to do this 30, 50 or 100 times.)

The alternative is to keep sending your resume to postings on monster and careerbuilder. Based on the feedback I get from people every day, that isn't working too well. Take a quality approach. Sending your resume to 5 real, targeted openings is far better than sending your resume to 50 job board postings.

Mike Baio - www.consultis.com

CFEC - www.cfec.org

ATTITUDE is EVERYTHING!

2009-05-05T21:06:00.000-04:00

I know... it's a big cliche'. Your attitude is important and the better yours is the better you will do... blah blah blah. Let me ask you this: have you ever tried it?

What if you decided that no matter how things get with your job search, no matter how challenging it is to keep searching for a job in the face of setbacks and dead ends, what if you decided to rise above it all and keep your attitude positive?

What if you kept a smile on your face? What if you tried even harder? What if you made an effort to meet more people, network with people, shake hands and get the word out about yourself in a positive manner?

Do you think you would come across better in an interview if you possessed the demeanor and expressions of a person who is brimming with positivity? Even if the manager didn't hire you, do you think he/she would be more inclined to help you or give you leads?

I met a candidate today who was so positive and so friendly that I am already sharing his resume with at least 3 of our clients. His attitude made my day and now I want to help him. It's contagious... Try it!

Mike Baio
CFEC
Consultis

Emerging Jobs: Are You Ready?

2009-04-23T10:19:00.000-04:00

There is an excellent article out today on ere.net talking about the jobs of tomorrow and what you should be doing now to position yourself.

http://www.ere.net/2009/04/23/emerging-jobs-are-you-ready-for-tomorrow%e2%80%99s-work/#more-7624

Don't forget networking! Are you getting out and meeting business people on a regular basis? Most jobs get filled by word of mouth, not job boards. Keep this in mind and prioritize your time accordingly!

Mike Baio
CFEC - www.cfec.org
Consults - www.consultis.com

How To Get A Job!

2009-04-13T10:50:00.000-04:00

Fortune Magazine on-line has an excellent presentation on their Website that provides detailed information about how to market yourself. Please check it out here and follow their excellent advice to land that next opportunity:

http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/storysupplement/flyp/

It's all about targeted marketing of yourself!

Mike Baio
CFEC - www.cfec.org
Consultis - www.consultis.com

How to Get a Job When No One's Hiring

2009-03-31T08:20:00.000-04:00

David Perry, a longtime headhunter, says you're wasting your time if you're looking for job postings online. And he should know: he's often the guy on the other side helping companies lure new talent. Perry, who's based in Ottawa, says that in the last 22 years he has accomplished 996 searches totaling $172 million in salary. And the bottom line in today's economy, he says, is you have to tap the "hidden job market."

Perry's also the co-author of "Guerrilla Marketing for Job Hunters" and he recently spoke with Fortune.

Just last month, Bank of America CEO Ken Lewis warned lawmakers at a high-profile Congressional hearing on the government's $700 billion rescue plan that he had no doubts 2009 would be an "awful year" for the credit card industry.

What's the "hidden job market"?
When companies say, 'We have a hiring freeze,' that doesn't mean they're not hiring. It just means they're not adding headcount. Every year there's 20-25% turn over. So in a 1,000-person company, 200 or 250 people are going to turn over, either through attrition, or someone moves. Those companies are still hiring but they don't want to tell you.

So how do you find these jobs?
What you have to do in a recession is map your skills to employers to where you know they have a problem you can solve. My advice to job hunters is pick 10 to 20 companies, no more, and pick companies you're interested in, and that you think you can add value to. That requires researching companies, and so that list may take you two weeks. If you're trying to crack the hidden job market and you know the job position you want reports to vice president, find that vice president on LinkedIn and look at his profile to see who else he's connected to and go ask them, 'What's this guy like to work for?' Do the research before you even pick up the phone.

How can you get someone's attention?
We can go into billboards, sandwiches - that stuff only works once. It's only for one person who figures it out once, once in a city. If you're looking for fun stuff, we have this thing called the coffee cup caper, 30% of the time it will result in an interview. You send an employer a coffee cup with a little $5 swipe card with a little note that says, I'd like to get together and talk with you over coffee. I'll be calling soon. And you send it by U.S. post two day delivery, and that gets registered. So when they've signed for it, you wait about 20 minutes and then you call them. And then you go, Hi, I know you just got my package.' You're proving you're imaginative and creative.

What's something people should avoid during a job interview?
This drives me insane: I've seen people mentally deciding in the interview whether they want the job. That's the last place to decide. You go into an interview, and you sell like your life depends on it. You've got to get the job first. I've seen it thousands of times. There's this point in the interview, where people go 'Hmm, do I really want this? You can see their body change. The employer picks it up and it's gone. If the employer is telling you, 'I love you,' and you're not saying 'I love you too,' it's over with.

How about following up afterwards?
If you really like the opportunity, don't go home and write thank you very much. Go back and write a letter that says, upon further reflection of what we were talking about, here's what I bring to the table, here's how I see myself fitting into the organization, including a 30-60-90 day plan.

How can someone attract a recruiter's attention?
You have to go to ZoomInfo and LinkedIn and create a profile. All corporate recruiters and probably 20% of the headhunters in America have ZoomInfo accounts. When we start a search, companies aren't going to advertise. The headhunter goes to ZoomInfo, types in requirements that we need, like skillset, degree, city, functional title, and up will come anywhere from a hundred to several thousand people who fit that criteria. Then we go to LinkedIn and run the same search. If you're in ZoomInfo with a picture, we're going to call you first. Just reverse engineer what recruiters are doing so you get found.

How can you really impress a potential employer?
It hasn't worked in years just to bring in your resume, except only in the most junior positions. I concentrate on directors to CEOs, and the last interview for us regardless is always a Power Point presentation of what you've learned, pain points, and how you intend to fix that. Everyone talks about being a great leader and great communicator, so prove it. Don't go into an interview and treat it like it's just another business meeting. Your career is your biggest asset now - because it's certainly not your house.

Mike Baio
Consultis www.consultis.com
CFEC www.cfec.org

Top 10 Tools For A Free Online Education

2009-03-28T15:41:00.000-04:00

Here are some excellent sites and tools suggested by lifehacker.com

http://lifehacker.com/5188342/top-10-tools-for-a-free-online-education

Unemployed? Job Fairs Work!

2009-03-21T14:59:00.000-04:00

If you are looking for a job I highly recommend attending Job Fairs.

The most important thing a job fair gives you is face to face contact with companies who are hiring. You never know who you will meet and how soon it will lead to employment.

There are a lot of different companies in different industries that will typically attend a job fair. Sure, you will have to meet people and talk to people that won't lead to immediate employment, but you never know which person you talk to that will lead to that perfect opportunity! Here are some tips to get the most of your time at a job fair:

Plan ahead: Research before you go. Know what companies will be there and if possible know the layout.
Bring resumes: If there are 50 companies at the job fair bring at least 100 resumes.
Show up early and stay late: this helps you get one-on-one time with employers when nobody else is there.
Visit every employer: Bring a list/program/map... whatever is provided. Check off each company after visiting with them. So what if there are companies not in your industry... they may be looking for someone like you.
Smile, smile, smile: Shake hands and talk to everyone possible at employer booths. It's a numbers game and you are trying to connect with the right person who can help you get hired.
Take notes: note names and contact info of those employers that you made a connection with, especially those that you feel have the best potential.
Follow up: After the job fair, send e-mails to everyone you meet thanking them for their time and attach a copy of your resume in word format. (Everyone has word and knows how to work with it. Most people don't know what to do with pdf files.)

By doing these things you will stand out and get noticed, which is what it takes to get hired in today's economy.

This Wednesday March 25, the Central Florida Employment Council is holding one of the largest job fairs in Florida. Visit www.cfec.org to pre-register and for all the details.

Mike Baio

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2009-03-17T08:32:00.000-04:00

Saint Patrick (estimated AD 387 - AD 461) was a Roman Britain-born Christian missionary and is the patron saint of Ireland along with Brigid of Kildare and Columba. He was educated at a monastery and school of divinity founded by Saint Illtud (now Llantwit Major), often called "the oldest university in the world". It was distinguished for also educating Taliesin, Saint Gildas, Saint Samson, Saint Paul Aurelian and possibly Saint David, Patron Saint of Wales.

When he was about sixteen he was captured by Irish raiders and taken from his native Wales as a slave to Ireland, where he lived for six years before escaping and returning to his family. After entering the church, he later returned to Ireland as a missionary in the north and west of the island, but little is known about the places where he worked and no link can be made between Patrick and any church. B

y the eighth century he had become the patron saint of Ireland. The Irish monastery system evolved after the time of Patrick and the Irish church did not develop the diocesan model that Patrick and the other early missionaries had tried to establish.

The available body of evidence does not allow the dates of Patrick's life to be fixed with certainty, but it appears that he was active as a missionary in Ireland during the second half of the fifth century. Two letters from him survive, along with later hagiographies from the seventh century onwards. Many of these works cannot be taken as authentic traditions. Uncritical acceptance of the Annals of Ulster would imply that he lived from 340 to 460, and ministered in what is modern day northern Ireland from 428 onwards. On March 17 St.Patrick's day is celebrated to remember him and what he did. This is celebrated across the world.

www.cfec.org

Working With Recruiters

2009-03-12T22:56:00.000-04:00

There are a lot of candidates out there these days and fewer recruiters to handle them. Here are some tips for getting the most opportunity to land that next position:

Make sure you are dealing with a recruiter who can actually help you in your search. If you're an IT Professional you want to make sure you work with only IT Recruiters.
Ask to meet with your recruiter so that you can know who is representing you: It's best to meet them at their office. You can tell a lot about a company by spending 30-60 minutes at their office.
Formulate a plan: Make sure to spend 10 minutes or so asking which companies your recruiter plans to market you to, advice on your resume, networking opportunities, etc. (A good recruiter will be able to give you advice on things you can do to increase your chances of getting hired.)
Respect their time : Ask your recruiter the best way to contact them and the frequency of contact they prefer.
Partner with your recruiter: Share information that may help to place you; inside company info you may know about, refer other good candidates like yourself. It's a two way street. It's human nature to want to help people who are engaged and trying to help you too.

The final piece of advice is to keep track of everything. Make sure you know where your resume has been presented, by whom and on what date. If you are actively searching you will need to keep this information to avoid double submissions and other potential pitfalls.

Mike Baio - Technical Recruiting Manager
Consultis - www.consultis.com
CFEC - www.cfec.org

There's ALWAYS Something Going On!

2009-03-02T11:22:00.000-05:00

I have been involved in a lot of conversations lately involving the words "there's just not much going on" and the typical conversation about how bad the economy is out there. I have good news for you;

There's ALWAYS something going on!
The question is this: Are you going to get in on it?

Our Account Managers are out meeting with hiring authorities in Central FL and there are people interviewing for and getting HIRED for jobs... right here in Central Florida... EVERY day!
It's true. I recruit IT people for a living and I talk to at least one person EVERY day who is interviewing for an open position and EVERY week 2 or 3 of these people are getting hired.

Here's the challenge; how do I find a job? I know that people are hurting out there right now but you have to get out there and network. Meeting people and staying connected (NETWORKING) is the key to finding a job in this economy.

Go to google.com and run a search. If you are an executive assistant, search for executive assistant orlando career. Or try executive assistant job central florida. Get creative. Take a few minutes to click through all of the results and get connected with people or groups.

Stay positive. Don't give up! As always, please contact us if we can be of assistance with your resume or for career advice.

Mike Baio
CFEC - www.cfec.org

Job Outlook in Orlando - Companies Hiring!

2009-02-18T09:43:00.000-05:00

One of CFEC's Member Companies, OrlandoJobs.com has published the following article:

A survey of 277 Central Florida-based companies by OrlandoJobs.com shows they have job openings for 750 positions in 22 different sectors and could hire nearly 10,000 more by the end of the year.

The sectors that will be hiring the most include health care, hospitality, banking and finance and technology. The jobs that will be most available include sales professionals, bill collectors, mortgage brokers, bank tellers nurses and medical assistants, Web site and technology workers, engineers, movers and security guards.

More than a quarter of the companies surveyed, 76, plan on hiring 31 or more people and most of the hiring is scheduled for the third and fourth quarters.
However, if the economy stays the same, or continues to falter, the companies they will be only hiring replacements or upgrades and skilled positions that directly impact the bottom line.

According to the survey, health care will add 3,167 jobs this year, followed by hospitality with 3,018 jobs. Banking and finance will add nearly 1,200 jobs, while retail will add 821 jobs.

Which of these job categories are screaming your name? This is a good time to visit www.orlandojobs.com and post your resume!

Mike Baio
CFEC
Consultis - www.consultis.com

GROWTH Industries in FL through 2016

2009-02-17T13:25:00.000-05:00

As employment starts to pick back up, (it will, always does) here are some excellent ideas for growth industries in Florida. these numbers are from the Bureau of Labor Statistics in conjunction with Florida's Labor Market information:

Types of companies expected to grow in Florida

Industry Annual Growth Rate
Administrative and Support Services 3.8%
Social Assistance 3.4%
Ambulatory Health Care Services 3.2%
Water Transportation 2.9%
Specialty Trade Contractors 2.9%
Professional and Technical Services 2.8%
Nursing and Residential Care Facilities 2.7%
Building Material & Garden Supply Stores 2.7%
Furniture and Home Furnishings Stores 2.6%
Financial Investment & Related Activity 2.5%
Management of Companies and Enterprises 2.4%
Educational Services 2.3%
Museums, Parks and Historical Sites 2.3%
Warehousing and Storage 2.3%
Rental and Leasing Services 2.2%
Amusement, Gambling & Recreation Ind 2.2%
Motion Picture & Sound Recording Ind 2.2%
Broadcasting (except Internet) 2.1%
Food Services and Drinking Places 2.1%
Miscellaneous Manufacturing 2.1%

Ask yourself which of these industries interest you. Which of them do you have transferable experience for? Then tailor your resume accordingly. Don't expect the employers to figure it out; spell it out for them on your resume. The specifics that make you a good fit for their company.

The way you do this is to go to one of the major job boards like Monster.com or Careerbuilder.com. Do a search for companies you are interested in and find a job description you can do. Then tailor your resume accordingly, without exaggerating or misleading.

Look at http://cfec.org/ and click on "resume help" for extra assistance!

Market Yourself

2009-01-26T10:17:00.001-05:00

If you're serious about landing a job you must market yourself. You have to think of yourself as a product or commodity and then tell everyone about it. Many people out there will use a specific tool:

Monster.com or CareerBuilder.com (Post your resume AND apply to appropriate job openings)
LinkedIn - Business / employment social network
CFEC resources such as Resume Assistance (Have your resume reviewed and apply the recommendations.)
Networking Groups - Meet other professionals from your field weekly. You will get job leads
Job Fairs - Attend as many as possible. Most of the time you may not get a job that day, but you will meet someone that will turn into future employment.

Don't focus on any one of these areas... use them all! If you're truly serious about finding a job you have to treat your job search as a full-time job. Put positive time and energy into finding a job and you will. Be flexible. Employers are looking for someone willing to meet their hours, pay and expectations.

Resources:
www.monster.com - 100% free - Post your resume and info AND apply for jobs
www.careerbuilder.com - 100% free - Post your resume and info AND apply for jobs
www.linkedin.com - 100% free - Set up a profile and get connected
Resume Writing Assistance - e-mail your resume to HRA246@aol.com
Networking Groups - http://www.orlandoleadsgroup.com/directory/
Job Fairs - http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=career+fairs+orlando%2C+fl - Click this weekly to see what's out there in your area. and of course visit www.cfec.org regularly and attend our job fairs too!

Mike Baio
CFEC - www.cfec.org
Technical Recruiting Manager - Consultis - www.consultis.com