1-     Research target companies and job boards that focus on social or environmental responsibility.

Googling “renewable energy companies + Colorado” will bring up a number of target lists of local companies. Assemble a list of organizations you’re most interested in working for based on their size, business type, and/or location. Use online job boards like GreenJobSearch.org and GreenJobSpider.com to learn about what key positions are available or most in demand and which skills are required for each.

2- Create a green-focused resume and embark on a targeted job search for best results.

You will have better results if you focus you résumé for a specific type of green job and ensure your résumé contains the requisite keywords and phrases that are commonly found in the target job descriptions. Passion is important but skills pay the bills! Embarking on a campaign to utilize your network in reaching out to hiring managers and decision makers from target companies is a highly-effective strategy.  Most renewable energy and related companies are small, so they mainly rely on word of mouth and referrals for hiring.

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3- Get involved!

Joining a renewable energy or green collar professional association is a great way to learn about the hot jobs, hot companies, what skills are required, and to network with people who are currently employed in the industry. Research is always part of the process but talking to people in the front lines can really increase your chances for success. Offer to take someone to coffee or lunch to gain key insights on what it takes to break into the industry. Some associations for consideration are CRES (Colorado Renewable Energy Society) and CCIA (Colorado Cleantech Energy Association). Volunteering is also a great way to learn about the industry, develop key skills, and make connections. NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboratory) in Golden has a number of volunteer opportunities available.

4- Give yourself a competitive advantage by gaining a green degree or certification.

You can give yourself a major advantage over other applicants by gaining a renewable energy or related degree or certification. CU, CSU, Colorado Mountain College, School of Mines, and most local community colleges all offer a number or green and eco-friendly degree and certification programs. There are also many online programs and certifications available. Ensure you showcase any relevant degree or certification early in your resume.

Additional Considerations:

• Renewable energy is a relatively new industry which has experienced tremendous growth. There are few experts, and most employees in this industry have limited tenure or are fairly new.
• Many major corporations are greening their supply lines and are looking for people with training, ideas and experience to assist them.

1-      Revise your résumé to be “age-friendly” by emphasizing skills, technology, achievements, and ongoing training, over longevity and length of experience.

• Downplay your age on your resume by eliminating dates of graduation and only going back 10 years for your work experience. Limit the résumé to 2 pages.
• Position yourself as an ideal fit for the job you’re applying to by creating a Branded Résumé. This is a resume style that is focused for a particular type of job as opposed to a generic catch-all type document.
• Emphasize your experience with technology by listing all computer and software programs you are familiar with, and especially list your social media URLs (or add buttons) to you résumé. This conveys that you are up-to-speed with Web 2.0 tools and have kept up with technology—BIG.
• List key skills, accomplishments, and problems solved—giving concrete examples—as they relate to a certain type of position. Show how you contributed to the bottom line.  Add an Ongoing Training section to the resume and show current and recent classes. This shows you’re keeping your skills up-to-date.

2-      Employ new methods for uncovering positions.

• Most jobs go unadvertised, so utilize your network to arrange coffees, lunches, phone calls or meetings, so you can convey what your job search goals are.
• Be specific and able to explain precisely how you can help an organization (create a 30 second branding statement).
• By contacting companies of interest proactively and utilizing you network to uncover unadvertised positions, you can greatly reduce the level of competition and increase your chances of reaching a hiring manager.

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3-      Project a contemporary image, speak with confidence and energy, and emphasize modern skills during the job interview.

• Image is everything. Dress for success and wear something contemporary. A look through the Macy’s or Nordstrom’s web site will give an idea on what’s “in” in terms of business fashion.
• Show energy and enthusiasm and be aware of body language.
• Describe situations when you worked with or for a younger leader, mention your attendance record and tenure with certain companies.
• Discuss how you use technology professionally (Mac, MS Office programs, etc.) and even personally (Facebook, smartphone, iPhone) and what bloggers you like to follow for up to date industry and occupation information. Mentioning familiarity with social media sites like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook will have a major positive impact.

4-      Focus on industries and occupations that welcome older workers.

Healthcare, higher education, and government agencies all have higher-than-average percentages of older workers.

Other Considerations:

• Niche web sites: WorkForce50.com (over 50 job seekers), Jobs4Point0.com (over 40 job seekers).
• Volunteering can go a long way in keeping skills sharp, staying positive, and networking. Can use volunteer and professional development activities as answer to the common interview question, “What have you been doing since your last job?”
• Start your own business!

1- Assemble a target list of companies you are interested in working for.

You’ll simply do a better job and be in a more fulfilling career if you are working for an organization that you truly believe in. There are many resources one can utilize in assembling a target list of organizations including business databases such as Hoover’s, Reference USA, Dun and Bradstreet, and LexisNexis.  All you need is a library card to access. Another solid resource is the Denver Business Journal Book of Lists. Most any business today has a web site, so conducting a general internet search can also give you some solid leads.

2- Develop a 30-Second Commercial.

Prepare in advance for situations where you’ll need to introduce yourself to a hiring manager, business owner, or networking contact that can assist you. Your 30-Second Commercial should include information regarding your job search target, experience, and most importantly how you can help an organization. I would recommend writing it out to organize your thoughts, however, the delivery should be conversational and not sound scripted, rehearsed, or memorized.

See Don’s interview on Uncovering the Hidden Job Market on KDVR FOX 31 Denver

 3- Network it!

More people are hired through networking than any other job search technique, so start reaching out to people for coffee, lunch, or even a short phone call.  Emailing is not networking. Rather than asking for a job, discuss you job search target with your networking contact and then ask if they have any tips, advice or recommendations (TAR). People generally love to help other people, so even though you may not get a solid job lead, so may gain an introduction to someone what can make things happen for you.

Also, attending networking events both inside and outside your target industry are extremely beneficial. Use these events to try out your 30-Second Commercial and see how many leads or contacts you can gain. Before adjourning any networking conversation, always remember to ask how you can help them as networking is a two-way street.

4- Use social media.

Uncovering the hidden job market has gotten much easier with the advent of social media, with LinkedIn being the best resource. On LinkedIn, you can research your target companies and find people who may be in a position to hire you or offer some solid information on getting hired. LinkedIn also has an InMail feature which allows you to send a direct message to someone at a target organization. Assemble a brief introductory email and ask the person for 10 minutes of their time via phone to discuss the industry, outlook, etc. Remember you’re not soliciting for a job, but simply gaining information. Follow companies of interest on Twitter to gain up-to-date information regarding company and industry news and potential openings.

5- The “direct approach” still works in certain instances.

Contacting a hiring manger in-person still works for certain types of businesses like retail, restaurants, and other organizations that deal with the general public. Dressing up, showing up, and asking for a hiring manger can still garner outstanding results in a few target industries.

5 keys for tweeting your way to your next job:

1- Set up a professional account.

Include a professional Twitter address, brief 160 character bio, link to your web page or LinkedIn profile, professional picture, and custom background.

2- Start following people, companies, and publications that can assist you in your search.

Research hiring managers and recruiters on LinkedIn and then on Twitter to see if they have profile. Follow them and re-tweet posts you feel are especially insightful.  The goal is to get them to follow you so can message them directly. You can stay up to speed on company and industry news by following target companies and industry publications on Twitter.

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3- Start building your online brand by offering, tips, advice, and recommendations about your industry and occupation through tweets at least 3 times per week.

You will start to gain followers and online credibility. People who can assist you in your search may start to follow you (you can then message them directly). 80-90% of all hiring managers will Google you during the interview process (or sooner) so build your brand and become a subject matter expert via your tweets.

4- Add your Twitter address to your résumé and mention during the job interview.

Let employers know you’re up to speed on Web 2.0 tools and techniques by listing your Twitter URL on your résumé and mentioning who you follow or what you like to post during a job interview. This is especially important with small, start-up organizations and for those seeking marketing or advertising-related positions.

5- Employ proper Twitter etiquette and job seeker savvy.

• What you say and post on Twitter is permanent—use discretion.
• Keep all tweets professional. You can always set up a personal account for “fun.”
• Don’t water down your brand by over-tweeting.
• Twitter accounts are public knowledge. For your professional account, stay away from controversial or polarizing figures.

Many people find the networking process to be uncomfortable or downright painful.  But with so much riding for job seekers and professionals on making solid contacts and connections, it pays to know how to effectively network especially in social or group situations.

By following these 4 essentials, you can turn your networking fear into bravado and not just survive—but thrive—at your next event.

1- Look the part and be prepared.

Always look like the true professional you are. It’s better to be overdressed than underdressed, so consider the event theme, venue, and objective when deciding what to wear. Look like you brought you’re A-Game so you represent your “brand” well. Think about why you’re attending this event and who you want to meet. Prepare and practice your introduction and how you will handle the inevitable “what do you do?” question especially if you’re in-between positions.

2- Focus on asking questions and use TAR.

Generally, people like to talk about themselves so start the conversation by asking simple questions about what they do or why they decided to attend the event. “Peel the onion.” Most people like to help people so asking for tips, advice, and recommendations (remember: TAR) about how you can better market yourself for a particular position or in a specific industry is recommended. DON’T SELL! Look for commonalities and similar goals to build rapport and remember to exchange business cards.

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3- Always give more than you get.

The best way to build your network and enlist people to help you is by first helping them. If you’re speaking with a salesperson or business owner ask “How can I recognize a good prospect for you?” Or “Is there someone I can introduce you to?” People feel inclined to help you when you offer to help them. Be sincere, take an interest in what they do, and then use your network, expertise, and connections to help them any way you can.

4- Follow up.

After an event, ensure you follow up with anyone you offered to connect with, help out, or send information to. Be prompt in your response. This may be a good opportunity to invite people to connect on LinkedIn, or invite them out for coffee or lunch. Remember that the person who does the inviting—pays.

Other considerations:

• Use humor. People love to laugh and enjoy people who are friendly and positive!
• Bring a networking buddy if you’re very shy or hesitant about attending.
• Don’t appear desperate!

The only way to improve your networking skills is to get out and do it. Set a goal of attending one networking event each week for the next two months.  The time spent making connections and getting to know other professionals will far outweigh the benefits of surfing endless online job postings that may or may not even be active.  Ask around and find out what networking and professional events offer the best chance for you to meet people who can make things happen for you.  Take it one step further and invite people out to lunch or coffee and build your base.  Before you know it, you’ll have a solid base of networking contacts for connecting people you know to opportunities while also jump starting your own job search!

“Strankowski! You do in practice what you do in the game!”

The next game I sat and didn’t play. Message taken, Coach.

Today, it’s the same thing in the job interview. In the hiring manager’s mind, you do in the interview (the practice) what you will do on the job (the game). No exceptions. The candidates that display a willingness to go up-and-above in the interview, do the things other interviewees are not doing, and show a passion for the position, will greatly increase their chances for success.

But before practicing answers to tough curveball questions and picking out that perfect power tie for the occasion, all job seekers need to understand The Five New Economy Job Interview Essentials. To skip a step here is interview suicide as there is always a candidate in the lot who knows how to sell themselves and maximize their chances.  In this tepid economy and challenging job market, the pendulum now sits firmly on the employer’s side.

Don’t boot any easy ground balls during your next interview.  Here are the Five New Economy Job Interview Essentials to help you ace the interview and win the job!

1-      Job interviews are open book, open note

Hiring managers want you to succeed.  Speaking from experience as a former corporate recruiter, the biggest problem I wanted to have was to go to bed at night after a day of interviewing candidates wondering who I was going to hire because they were all so good.

That never happened.

Today’s’ job interview is a sales call with you being both the product and the salesperson.  All selling pros come to a prospect meeting prepared. Pros don’t “wing it.”  They have an action plan and are ready to shift on the fly if need be. You too need to come prepared with the information that will enable you to succeed: printouts of company web pages (this shows you’ve done your research), extra résumés and job business plans (more later), an agenda, and a list of well-thought-out questions. Pros look like pros so ensure you have a nice folder, good pen, a leather briefcase, planner or smart phone for keeping appointments, and are dressed two levels above the job you’re applying for. You can wear the uniform when you’ve made the team.

2-      Balance the tangible with the emotional

As a recruiter I hired more people based on their enthusiasm, achievement drive, and willingness to go the extra mile than grade point average or number of years with XYZ Company. Any hiring manager worth their salt knows that people who want to work for an organization will simply do a better job.   Sure, the tangible information counts.  Things like relevant skills, education, experience, and areas of expertise should be drawn upon to answer interview questions like arrows in a quiver.  But the golden lasso around the entire interview–the thing that will really give your performance some “pop”–is you’re ability to explain just how and why you can get behind what the company or organization does. This is the emotional element of the interview.  Whether they sell gravel, coffee, greeting cards, or assist the sick, animals, or elderly, citing reasons to the employer as to how you can champion their cause will score you big points up and beyond basic tangible interview answers.

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3-      Connect the dots

All selling pros have a clear understanding of the prospect’s key needs before they begin pitching a product. One of the most common interview faux pas I saw was the inability for some candidates to stay on point when asked a simple question.  I had to reel some in that were so far off course they reminded me of deep sea fishing for blue marlin.  The fish, or in this case the candidate, is jumping out of the water and taking out line by not staying on point and saying way too much, all in the name of trying to impress me or say something that will stick.  A solid interview plan should focus around the top 5-6 duties and responsibilities for the position and then your key skills or experience that will meet or exceed their needs in that area.

4-      30-45-60

Overselling a product is common blunder in the sales game.  It’s also a common mistake in the interview game. Being coy and understating your case will not win you the job either.  You need to find the balance between brevity and verbosity. 95% of the interview questions you’re asked will be open-ended so prepare to connect the dots as discussed in #3 and cite a specific work example or anecdote that supports your answer. You have the green light and are ok in speaking for around 30-45 seconds, then, start to close things up. More than 45 seconds and you are flying through a yellow light and if you’re still talking by 60 seconds, expect a “talking ticket” in the mail because you just blew through a red.  This skill takes time and practice, so whether you talk to the mirror, paper plates with smiley faces on the backs of chairs, or Muffin the cat, vocalize your answers out loud before heading into any interview.

5-      Utilize new tools and new strategies: The Job Business Plan and Brag Book

Winning the interview means going up and above.  Doing things the homogenous, C+ job seekers are not doing. The best sales people, once they clearly understand the prospect’s key needs and pain areas, always present a professional outline of product and/or service recommendations known as a sales proposal.

You need to do the same things by way of the Job Business Plan. A Job Business Plan is a two to three page mini-business plan you present to the prospective employer during the interview or, in certain cases, before the interview phase.  It is designed to show them that you took the time to assess their business needs, perhaps by speaking with an inside coach or the hiring manager, and have used your creativity and business intellect in designing a results-based action plan to offer solutions.

Customers, or in your case the interviewer, also want to see testimonials, references, and validation of the product (you!) before they buy. A Brag Book is a professional portfolio—usually a three-ring binder with page protectors—that details documented academic and professional achievements.  By employing this strategy and presenting it during an interview, you are stating to Company XYZ that you are someone who always does more than expected, are a high-achiever, and approaches your job in a very well-organized and pragmatic manner.

With the job market more competitive than it’s been in the last 20 years and companies continuing to do more with less, smart job seekers are going the extra mile when prepping for a job interview.  Forward-thinking organizations are also taking more time and utilizing more opinions when making new hires. Today, with the high cost of recruiting in terms of both time and money, there is simply too much riding on a hiring decision to screw it up.

So take a lesson for Coach Ed Hawley and over-deliver. Do in the interview what you’ll do on the job. Show the employer exactly what they’ll be getting by doing the things other job seekers are not doing and letting them know you’re the star player you truly are!

I think I started watching because AI held my regular dinner time slot in addition to inviting a new judge for Season 10 in Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler.  I’ve been a fan of Aerosmith and Steven Tyler’s Aeroscreech vocals going way back to my childhood.  I once remember playing “the drums” on an ottoman as I watched them rock out on the Midnight Special TV show circa 1976 when my babysitter let me stay up way past my bedtime.

Until this year, American Idol had been the butt of my jokes and a punch line during seminars.  I used to consider the show an example of the “dumb-sizing” of America, as more people voted on AI than did in most major political elections.  That was, until I saw Steven Tyler stealing the show with his antics, Steven-isms, and one-liners.  It was actually an enjoyable and entertaining break from the often negative and moribund stories seen on national news shows and so-called TV dramas.

In addition to the entertainment value provided by the unpredictable Tyler, curt Randy Jackson, and surprisingly knowledgeable and personable Jennifer Lopez, I also noticed certain trends unfolding with the AI contestants.  Some of the patterns and events reminded me about how much of a microcosm AI actually was in relation to today’s real world at work.

So if you’re a fan of the most-watched TV show in America or just want to see what all the AI fuss is about, here are 4 things that I learned or confirmed about the real world at work by watching Season 10 of American Idol:

1- Don’t let your “disability” hold you back.

It doesn’t matter what your “disability” or unique challenge is.  We all have challenges; they’re just more evident for some people than others.  One Season 10 AI contestant in particular caught my attention: James Durbin.  Durbin battled Tourette’s and Asperger’s Syndrome most of his life, often being picked on and beat up just because he was “different.”  But when he hit the stage on AI, he seemed to transform himself into another person altogether.  His stage presence was amazing and entertainment value sensational as he sang and hit notes not heard since the 1980′s hair band days. Durbin toughed out his demons and performed superbly for tens of millions each week, not letting his deficiencies stop him or slow him down.  I think his defining moment came during his rendition of Uprising by Muse as he let his true talent shine through, ending up in the AI final four.

2- Get creative and employ a multifaceted approach.

Pia Toscano was the best pure singer in Season 10 of AI, hands down.  In terms of vocal talent, it was not even close, Pia was the best.  However, in an AI shocker, Pia was voted off during Week 9.  Even Las Vegas (yes, there are betting odds on American Idol) had her pegged as the odds-on favorite to win the entire competition.  Though Pia’s singing voice was stellar, her act wasn’t.  Week after week she pounded out one power ballad after another.  At first she shined, but I believe the American voting public became bored with her one-trick-pony act and eliminated her based on lack of creativity.  Most job seekers and professionals fall into the same trap.  They either stick with what is easy or what is comfortable for far too long, even when their results are mediocre at best.  It takes guts and courage to make exciting changes, to choose a different course, and to learn new skills.  To stay sharp and employ what’s working in the current job market and in our current industry, sometimes we need to take a chance and do what is uncomfortable, risky, and scary.  Maybe it’s taking that class, attending a networking function, or volunteering for the lead on a new project.  The key is to ensure your skills and “act” are not getting stale. Minimize the chances for getting “voted off” by your employer and have a plan for professional growth and development consistent with today’s market conditions and industry needs.

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3- It’s not always talent that wins – popularity counts.

The old axiom, it’s not what you know but who you know, certainly held true for Season 10 of AI.  Scotty McCreery was an extremely mediocre singer but with a huge following.  He typified the good ‘ol boy persona and rode average performances coupled with boyish good looks and a massive fan base all the way to the AI winners circle. Certainly, others in the contest were more talented.  But it was Scotty’s smile, attitude, and demeanor that won him huge tracts of votes—especially among AI’s target TV voting audience.  In the real world at work, you can’t run or hide from office politics.  They can be found in all companies from 5 employees to 5000, so learn how to master them — and your reputation.  Remember that skills and expertise count, but so do forming constructive relationships.  Take time to get to know those who can help you (and whom you can help) move forward, advance toward your goals, and get things done.  Having a high PQ (Popularity Quotient) is just as important as having a high IQ when it comes to getting paid more and promoted faster.

4- Bring your A-Game by being true to yourself and your natural talents.

Haley Reinhart was often criticized by the judges on AI for not “knowing who she was” and singing off key.  I couldn’t have disagreed more.  Haley did know who she was and maximized her natural talent, playing it all the way to a third place finish.  Despite the judge’s (Randy Jackson in particular) constant panning of her music selections and vocal range, Haley stayed true to her roots of bluesy, raspy vocals that brought back memories of Janis Joplin and Melissa Etheridge.  Ironically, it was Haley’s dedication with being true to her unique sound and singing style that enabled her to finish so admirably.  We all have unique talents, skills, and traits.  But how many of us actually follow them and develop our career around them? The vast majority of people are overtaken by their fears and play not to lose as opposed to playing to win.  Don’t be the person that looks back twenty years from now for another chance that’s just not there.  Follow your true skills and natural talents and go as far as you can with all that you’ve got.  Maybe it’s in your current occupation or maybe it requires a career change, side business, or full-on entrepreneurial shift.  Take the first step in determining just what your unique gifts and talents are (and we all have them) and how you can contribute.  The key to a fulfilling career—and life—is to then use our unique talents and to work in an area that we’re truly passionate about.

American Idol is cheesy, grandiloquent, and bombastic.  Ryan Seacrest smiles way too much and the show is over-dramatized.  AI is also good fun and solid entertainment.  Some principles for success and achievement continue to stand the test of time and are proven over and over again, whether we’re talking about you gaining that promotion at work or a young contestant being voted off of America’s most-watched TV show. And if you enjoy stories about beating the odds, overcoming challenges, and making a comeback, tune in to AI sometime to watch Steven Tyler work an audience just like he did back in ’76 when I was beating the drums on the ottoman in my Underoos.

I recently read a story on CNN.com entitled Both parties abandon the jobless. It’s an interesting take on the political stances (or not) of both parties regarding assisting the unemployed.

The current economic recovery is weak and job creation is slow.  I also think we’re an eyelash away from another financial meltdown as everybody’s trigger or panic point is set much lower now than it was just a few years ago.  But here’s something that we don’t think about enough: Isn’t it strange that in this tepid economic situation, neither of the two U.S. political parties is offering a plan to do anything about the job(less) situation?

It also raises an interesting question: Just how much is the government responsible for keeping former worker’s afloat and how much lies on the side of the workers themselves?

For the past 25 years we have been living in a global economy.  Add the advent of the internet over the past 15 years and you have business that is now being done at light speed.   The companies that are hugely successful today (Apple, Disney, McDonald’s, Wal-Mart) figured this out a long time ago and adopted the change.  The companies that didn’t (Commodore, Schwinn, Polaroid, Ames Department Store) have since become extinct.  Need cheap labor?  Look overseas.  Low overhead?  Employ a web-centric presence as opposed to the old-fashioned brick and mortar.  Many of the new business principles being employed by successful companies today are a result of adapting to the changing marketplace—with some companies even completely reinventing themselves (…And the Award goes to Apple).

Is it our responsibility to keep our career flexible and to reinvent oneself, ala Apple, allowing for changes in the economy and marketplace or is it the government’s responsibility to take care of its citizens—promote the general welfare of the people if you will—while new jobs emerge or benefits are extended?

My recommendation is this: Don’t wait around for Washington to help out because they probably won’t.  I’m not being a defeatist, just realistic given the current economic and policy-making challenges our country faces.  Plus, if you’ve logged on to my web site and are reading this blog, I know you have all the necessary tools within you right now to make a change for the better!

Don’t wait for things to change, change them yourself.  Even in today’s challenging job market and lukewarm economy, you can still win the job you desire if you do things differently than the average, homogenous job seeker who is reactively waiting for things to change.

Here are 7 Action Items you can implement immediately to get better results in your job search—and career.  These are not theory or hypothesis, they are proven techniques that will work if you commit to doing the heavy lifting.

1- Stay positive, stay focused, and develop a proactive mindset.

I know this may sound cliché, simplistic, and self-evident, but it’s the NUMBER ONE success factor for you achieving your goals—personal and professional.

For many people, shock, anger, resentment, negativity, and sometimes even depression can all be byproducts of a layoff or firing.  But the bigger problem are the devastating effects that becoming habitually negative and pessimistic can have on our attitude towards work, the job search, and our life.

Stay positive by embarking on productive activities that give you the greatest levels of pleasure and boost your self-esteem.  Surround yourself with positive people who will encourage you.  Take some time to write out new goals.  Use positive affirmations and read motivational material on a daily basis.  You need support right now, not critics, so try to minimize your exposure to pessimistic people.  Ditch the negative mindset and employ an attitude of positive expectancy.  This is the step one in making any successful job, career, or life-altering change.  Get involved in a volunteer activity as a means of keeping your skills sharp, networking, and giving back to your community.  You’ll feel terrific when you feel like you are making a difference!

2- Approach the job search as a full time job.  Set daily goals, to-dos, and make a schedule.

Most people put more thought and planning into a 5-day vacation than they do in their long-term career goals.  Approach your search as a full-time job, listing and planning out all the key elements of a successful job search.  They may include things like researching companies, networking, tuning up your resume, looking for viable positions, assembling cover letters, portfolios, and business plans, and devising an interview strategy.  There is a lot to do and stay busy with when the job search is done right!  Block out days and times when you’ll accomplish each task.  Regularly schedule meetings and lunches with old coworkers and networking contacts and develop momentum.  You’ll feel better about yourself and how you are spending your time when you stay productive and maintain a regular schedule.

3- Contact Companies of Interest

How do you locate positions that exist only in the minds of directors, vice presidents and company leaders?  Seventy to eighty percent of all jobs are never advertised according to the U.S. Department of Labor.  By assembling a target list of companies and then detailing a strategy for reaching and selling the hiring manager, mining the hidden job market can be a powerful job search technique. Employ a solid social media strategy using sites like Linked In and Twitter to reach out to and follow key company representatives and to network your way to informational and job interviews. Use sites like www.ZoomInfo.com, www.WetFeet.com, www.Vault.com, and www.GlassDoor.com to conduct company research and get the inside scoop on what people are earning and saying about their employer.

4- Use the V-Letter

One cover letter strategy to lessen your chances of ending up in the “discard stack” is called the V-Letter.  This document is a short letter that compares your qualifications with the employer’s requirements for the job.  It uses the same concept as a cover letter with the only difference being that you are replacing the middle paragraph (the “body” of the cover letter) with a “skills table” drawing parallels to the company’s requirements and what you have to offer.  It’s brief and concise enough to catch the reader’s eye with highly relevant material within those first crucial seconds.

V-Letter Sample

5- Customize Your Resume

It is absolutely imperative that your resume be customized for the specific position that you’re applying for.  Do not allow the hiring manager to make the assumption that you will be a good fit for the position.  Work in relevant keywords and buzzwords (provided you have them) taken directly from the job description to increase your chances.  Make it crystal clear that you are a solid fit for the job.  Customize your resume and sell them—on paper!

Branded High-Impact Sample Resume

Don’t have a resume or need an update? Look HERE

6- The Job Businesses Plan

A Job Business Plan is a two to three page mini-business plan you present to the prospective employer during the interview or, in certain cases, before the interview phase.  It is designed to show them that you took the time to assess their business needs, perhaps by speaking with an inside coach or the hiring manager, and have used your creativity and business intellect in designing a results-based action plan to offer solutions.

Sample Job Business Plan

7- The Brag Book

A Brag Book is a professional portfolio—usually a three-ring binder with page protectors—that details documented academic and professional achievements.  By employing this strategy and presenting it during an interview, you are stating to Company X that you are someone who always does more than expected, are a high-achiever, and approaches your job in a very well-organized and pragmatic manner.

Brag Book Content Ideas

For the job market and your career in 2011, more than anything else, you need to distinguish yourself from the masses.  Many published job openings on the Internet can receive hundreds (and in some cases thousands) of responses. The bigger question is are these posted openings still available or even legit?  You need to package, bundle, and market yourself as the ideal fit for the position you’re applying for.  You need to market yourself as a specialist at what you do.  You need to pay special attention to details and show the prospective employer that you are not simply your average run-of-the-mill employee.  You need to employ 2011 Rules like sending a customized resume and using social media to uncover the plethora of unadvertised jobs.

Unfortunately, Spiderman, General Patton, General Custer, donkeys or elephants are not going to be riding to the rescue.  Determine what you want and what stokes your passion.  Sixty percent of your entire adult life is spent in some sort of work-related activity. Don’t just “settle” when you can HAVE.  Take the first step—today!

20 years later, we are still consumed by image–and probably even more so. Especially when it comes to what we wear, drive, who we associate with, and even what technology suits us best.  From Madison Avenue to Madison, Wisconsin, brand image is everything and an integral part of our culture and society.

Why do people respect certain companies and brands? According to a recent Fortune survey, the top five most respected companies are Apple, Google, Berkshire Hathaway, Johnson and Johnson, and Amazon.com.  Each of these companies is an industry leader in what they do.  From the innovative iPod, to search engine dominance, to ordering just about anything online and having it shipped to your home, these companies have found ways to connect with their customers in bold fashion like no one else can.  They are the most respected because they are also the best at what they do.

Today, brand image is also a vital part of any job seekers success. To garner notice and win the job in today’s challenging job market means positioning yourself as the best of brand ; doing things better and more efficiently than your competition.  Being the best of brand means being innovative, effective, high quality, a problem solver, and offering something that employers want and need.  You create demand for your product by doing things better than your competition.  It holds true for Apple and Amazon, and it holds true for you too.

Over the years, I have met many job seekers that possess the necessary attributes to call themselves the best of brand.  But the enigma is this: most job seekers do not see themselves as a leading brand or product, but as a commodity (i.e. “just another job seeker”) in a watered down pool of applicants.  Though they may posses what it takes to be successful, most job seekers simply don’t do a good job of selling themselves as a leading brand or product able to fulfill a finite set of criteria. They hope that the employer will make the connection on their own that they can do the job.

Today, selling yourself as someone who can simply “do the job” is not nearly good enough.

The truth is, with some minor adjustments, any job seeker can implement a plan to improve their brand image.  And in today’s uber-competitive job market, it’s the only the best of brand candidates that will get noticed and ultimately get hired.

Here are 3 Brand Image Types job seekers need to be aware of when building their brand and increasing their marketability:

1- Personal Brand Image

This is the brand type you carry with you in all business interactions.  It describes the way you look, act, talk, and your overall attitude. This is the single most important brand image you have because you are being judged every time you interact with another individual.

We are all judging creatures, even on a subconscious level.  You’ve heard the expression “You only have one chance to make a good first impression,” right? The fact is we generally formulate first impressions within the first three seconds of meeting someone.  And after 30 seconds, they dry like resin. So it pays to make a good one right off the bat.

Here are three key areas job seekers need to consider when enhancing their Personal Brand Image:

Attire: Are your clothes out of date? Are they wrinkled or frumpy? Looking unkempt or like you walked out of 1977 can be the kiss of death during a job interview, career fair, when meeting a person of influence, or when attending a networking event.  Think about your buying habits.  Would you purchase the microwave oven that’s dented and has a big scratch along the side?  Most people wouldn’t.  Most employers want to hire a candidate that looks the part of a high quality product.  Take a field trip to Macy’s, Nordstrom’s, or any other softline retailer with a solid reputation.  Ask the sales associates what the latest business attire trends are, then watch for sales and promotions.  A business fashion overhaul doesn’t mean spending thousands of dollars.  Major deals can be had right now just by being a strategic shopper and purchasing smartly and selectively.

Grooming: Choose a hair style that’s both contemporary and professional.  Nails are trimmed, neat, and clean.  Facial hair for men is discouraged, but if you must keep the beard, ensure it’s presentable.  Investing a few dollars on a teeth whitening product is also a good idea.  Ladies, heavy makeup is not necessary and can be distracting.  Walk the middle road and let your accomplishments—not the bright blue eye shadow—make an impact.

Lip speak: You don’t have to speak the Queen’s English but slang, street lingo, mispronouncing words, and improper use of grammar is just plain unprofessional.  Sure building rapport counts.  And some hiring mangers may be 20 years your junior.  But sound like a professional when describing yourself in providing value for an organization.  Listen to any national network news anchor.  They speak in a personable yet professional tone.  They do a good job of conveying information to people of all backgrounds and educational levels in a proficient, clear, and likeable manner.

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2- Written Brand Image

How do your communication documents read? Are your emails and correspondence well-written?  Or are you one of the people who communicates in all low case, nonsensical acronyms, and throws caution to the wind when considering grammar and capitalization?  How about your resume? Is it a high-quality and high-impact marketing document that’s free of errors?  The answers to all of these questions describe your Written Brand Image.  It covers all types of business communications from the simple and mundane to the mission critical.  Communication skills are key today in just about any type of profession.  Ensure everything you produce in the written form is of high-quality, well versed, and mistake free.

3- eBrand Image

Welcome to 2011: 80% of all hiring mangers will Google you as you go through the interview process.  What are they looking for? The answer: information, both positive and negative.  All online information as it relates to you comprises your eBrand Image.  Blogs, message boards, and especially social media and social networking sites all count.  What other people, maybe even some of your friends, have to say and show about you on their sites also qualifies.

So what comes up on a Google search under your name?  If you’re a professional, you probably have a LinkedIn and maybe even a Twitter account.  Do they brand you as a high-quality professional or are they confusing, erratic or incomplete?  Are you talking smack about politics or other controversial topics on Twitter?  Is your main Facebook picture tame or risqué?  Anything that you can control on the internet like blogs and social networking sites should be used to build your brand.  Offer tips, advice and recommendations about your occupation and/or industry.  Blogs can now be set up for free at Google Blogger.  Stay away from controversial topics and people on any type of site that uses your real name.  I’m all about verbal sparring and taking a stand in a particular belief. But when it comes to protecting and promoting your brand image, stay away from the polarizing characters and debates.  You, being an elephant,  just never know if your prospective boss is a donkey reading your rants and posts.  Set up an alias account for this purpose.  Build your online brand by positioning yourself as the best of brand professional you are!

Professional image is one of the most important intangibles in determining whether a job seeker will be considered or hired for position.  Are you positioning yourself as a high-quality product or an also-ran commodity?  Are you an achievement-minded problem solver that will create value for any organization or a C+, run-of-the-mill employee?  Your brand image speaks louder than your words, so do everything you can to maximize it.  In many cases, all it takes are some minor adjustments to some of the previously mentioned areas to boost your chances for getting noticed and getting hired!

You owe it to yourself to be the best you can possibly be.  Realize your true potential and position yourself as the Apple or Berkshire Hathaway of your particular business.

They say history always repeats itself, but in this case I don’t think the concept ever went away.  The rules and methods may have changed, but as Andre Agassi said in 1991, the same holds true for 2011: Image is Everything!

Smart job seekers continue their search despite the holidays

The Thanksgiving-to-New Year holiday season is often viewed by many job seekers as a job-search desert.  Nobody’s hiring, new budgets haven’t been decided, and everybody’s on vacation—so the conventional wisdom goes.  People are thinking more about shopping lists and holiday parties than work, right?

Like most “conventional wisdom,” these opinions may contain an iota of truth, but the holiday season can also be a gold mine of opportunity for prudent job seekers.

The holidays give job seekers the gifts of social and networking opportunities, increased access to hiring managers and often new budgets and business projects that need to be staffed.  It’s also a time of goodwill and giving where people are more likely to help.

Job searching during the holidays doesn’t have to be as tough as Aunt Gertrude’s fruit cake! Here are FIVE PROVEN STRATEGIES for advancing your job search while others are on Christmas break:

1 – Your odds for success can increase due to a reduction in competition

Perhaps the biggest benefit for job-hunters is reduced competition for jobs.  I would estimate 30-50% of all job seekers either drop out or greatly reduce their efforts during the holiday season. Take advantage of the opportunity! Though there may be a slight drop in the number of available full-time jobs, the number of job-seekers actively pursuing employment drops off drastically thus, increasing your chances for success.  Simply continue to do all the things you’ve been doing to this point; warm calling, reaching out to networking contacts, attending events, and working with recruiters.  Playing the numbers can definitely work in your favor if you continue pushing the job search momentum you’ve already established.

2 – Many executives and key decision makers limit their travel during the holidays

Because of extended vacations, holiday preparation and in some instances last-minute budget and fiscal responsibilities, many key decision makers do not (or greatly limit) their travel during the Thanksgiving-to-New Year’s stretch.  What this means to the smart job seeker is that more key decision makers are available to make hiring decisions and when attempting to contact or meet during a networking event.

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Save the Date!

January 25, 2011

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Learn more here

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3 – Some companies can find themselves with a budget surplus

Even in times of an economic downturn, another circumstance that can work in your favor is the fact that some companies may not have used up all allocated funds for the current fiscal year.  During my days of selling software, December was usually a strong month due to the fact that many companies still had budgetary funds remaining.  Not spending all available funds the current year often meant a decrease in funds allocated for the following year.  Many departmental budgets are also used for hiring which means it’s use it or lose it.  Some companies may opt to bring on new employees close to the end of the year as to use up any remaining funds and to allow the new employees to get acquainted with the new company and their peers.  Still other employers may be under pressure to fill positions by year-end as to enter the beginning of the new calendar year fully staffed.

4 – Use seasonal activities to influence network contacts

The holiday season often brings us in contact with people we don’t see very much during the year–former work colleagues, neighbors, out-of-town relatives, and old friends. These people can all be very influential members of your network, and once you’ve reconnected over a holiday get-together or phone call, you can follow up to ask for more specific assistance.

Try to attend as many holiday get-togethers and networking events as possible.  Ask questions of the people you meet and show a genuine interest in what they do. This will in return pique their interest in you and their willingness to help.

Don’t attend holiday parties with a fist full of resumes but do have personal business cards with you at all times. If you’re unemployed, invest in a nicely printed personal business card, with your name, contact information and perhaps a two-word career descriptor, like Sales Executive, Database Programmer, etc. This way, you’ll have something to exchange with the people you meet.

Be prepared to inform your contacts what you’re up to and what you’re looking for then ease up a bit.  Try something like, “I don’t want to bend your ear too long, how about if I give you a call in a few days to see what suggestions you might be able to give me.” When you do call, you’ve already set the “wheels in motion” so you won’t feel awkward reintroducing yourself.  Also, remember to dress for success for holiday networking events and parties!

5 – Don’t be a Scrooge—Volunteer!

An extremely effective technique for making contacts during the holiday period is volunteering. You’ll be providing some much-needed help and simultaneously get the benefit of meeting new people. There are many groups that could use your assistance right about now–and for the rest of the year as well.  Volunteering is also a great way to keep your skills sharp, build confidence, and feel great about yourself and what you’re doing.

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Don’t let your job search skills get “Frosty” during the holiday season.  Keep things flowing—besides the egg nog—and get a leg up on your competition before the January rush sets in.  Will it be easy making inroads during the holiday season?  Not exactly, but it’s a far superior strategy to procrastination or worse yet, doing nothing. Working longer, harder, and smarter than everyone else always pays big dividends!

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