Job Search Christmas Colors

Being in #jobsearch is always stressful but add a big holiday and it becomes overwhelming for many.   White Christmas is on the airwaves, but it is not really what is one people’s minds.  People mistakenly tend to put their job search on hold for many reason during the Holiday season (think of a red stoplight).  However, it is a great time to go green and press the throttle to the floor at this time.

It is a misconception that companies do not hire during the last  part of the year.  Companies have finalized their budgets for the New Year; new projects and products are in the works.  They are hiring in December! Additionally, this is great time to network; more opportunities to gather with family, friends and business people are part of the holiday season.  Networking is key to a #jobsearch process and you should make every opportunity to meet people and share your elevator speech.

Unfortunately, the holidays can bring the blues out too.  It is difficult if you’ve been in #jobsearch for weeks or months.  It is important to rely on your support people, whether your spouse, family member or friends.  A new year is just around the corner and it is bringing new opportunities for you.

Building Confidence in Job Search

Your confidence level always fluctuates but it can take a drastic drop when confronted with job loss.  Whether you received a severance package or not, your self confidence takes a big hit with the prospect of finding a new job.

I’ll be presenting Building Confidence in Job Search for the Job Center of Lake County on December 11th from 2pm to 4p at the College of Lake County in Grayslake, 19351 W. Washington St., Bldg 4, Room 424.

https://www.lakecountyil.gov/DocumentCenter/View/26232/Building-Confidence-flyer-PDF?bidId=

Jump Start Your Job Search

I am pleased to announce that I will be conducting a series of workshops for the Job Center of Lake County starting on October 30th. The series will continue in November and December at the College of Lake County. The presentation topics will focus on #socialmedia, #LinkedIn and building confidence in your job search. Click on the Jump Start Your Job Search flyer hyperlink below to view the details, dates and location for the events.

Jump Start Your Job Search flyer

Steps for Exiting the Interview

Did you ever walk out of an interview wishing you had said more or convinced them you really wanted the job? Aside from asking for the job, you can take several steps to leave a memorable impression on the interviewer.

The first is to exit the interview confident in your capabilities. They thought you were capable of doing the job, which is why you were there for a face to face interview. You may have given answers to questions that you were not prepared to answer, but do not dwell on it as you leave. A firm handshake and walking tall as you leave is important.

You can make a favorable impression by supplying the unexpected. Years ago job seekers had letters of reference from employers. Today’s digital equivalent is references from your LinkedIn profile. You can print them and provide them to the interviewer before you leave as evidence of your worth. Additionally, leaving previous work examples give the interviewer tangible evidence of your capabilities. Many people do put a portfolio together of their resume, work examples and recognition.

I found this short article buried in the business section of the Chicago Tribune a few weekends ago. Click here to read the full article 9 Steps for Exiting the Interview.

Using Social Media in Job Search

I am looking forward to presenting Using Social Media in Job Search at the Crystal Lake Public Library on Monday October 22nd @ 7pm. The job search process has changed in the last several years & social media is a vital component. Learn where to find jobs and how to research your target companies using social media. In this informational session, see how to create a job search alert using LinkedIn and discover the uses of Twitter, Facebook and other social media to find jobs.
Register for this FREE event here!

Job Search Like a Pro

The Cary Area Public Library is offering a series of events during the first three weeks of September on Tuesday evenings titled Job Search Like a Pro. Erica Reckamp, from CGC, TopResume, and Monster.com, will be conducting the three events. She will discuss current research and trends in resumes the first evening on September 4th at 7pm. Erica will offer an individual review before the presentation starting at 6:30 pm or after the presentation until 8:30 pm.

The September 11th series event will focus on Letters and LinkedIn. Erica Reckamp returns to discuss how a well-written letter can set you apart from other candidates. She will also discuss starting or updating a LinkedIn profile. Again, one-on-one document reviews will be available before the presentation starting at 6:30pm and after the presentation until 8:30 pm.

Additionally, on the 11th you can sign-up to have your LinkedIn Professional Photo taken by Chris Miranda of Miranda Photography. $10 fee and sign up for specific time between 7:00-8:45 pm. No Refunds. Sign up for one time slot only. Click this link to sign up for one photo time slot only.

There will be an HR panel for the last Tuesday on September 18th at 7pm. Human Resource professionals from local businesses will provide guidance and insights for your job search. Again, Ericka will offer consultation before and after the event.

Click the links below for more details and to register for these events at the Cary Area Public Library.

Job Search Like a Pro: Resumes

Job Search Like a Pro: Letters & LinkedIn

Job Search Like a Pro: HR Panel

Click this link to view the Cary Area Public Library event calendar. Select September 11 to sign up for a photo time slot. You only need one time slot.

Simple Interview Guide

Interviewing is challenging for many people.  I always coach my clients that the main key to a successful interview is preparation.   Preparation involves knowing the company and products or services.  Numbers are important to know too, not just their revenue from the last year, but also how much salary you are expecting with a job offer.

You can prepare and practice, but once you are walking in the door there are many occasions that can make or break an interview.  It’s imperative to be respectful to anyone you meet, including the receptionist.  A good first impression is a must, so be mindful of maintaining eye contact and be aware of your posture.

I discuss these topics in my Winning an Interview presentations, but here is a great short guide for your next interview from Business Insider.  Click on the link for the The 15-Step Guide to Nailing any Job Interview.

LinkedIn Best Practices and Winning an Interview

I am looking forward to presenting LinkedIn Basics and Best Practices this Thursday July 26, 2018 from 10am – 12pm at the McHenry County Workforce Network. Expand your knowledge of LinkedIn with this overview of LinkedIn usage and the best practices to incorporate on a regular basis.

In the afternoon, I will be presenting Tips for a Winning Interview from 1pm – 3pm. This presentation covers an in depth overview of the interview process. Realize the interview process begins with self awareness and knowing about the company, which includes researching the company and individuals.

These events are free and offered through the McHenry County Workforce Network, 500 Russel Court, Woodstock, IL 60098.

Registration required by phone: 815-338-7100 Ext. 2771 or email workforcecenterrr@yahoo.com

Internet Job Seeker Series

I am pleased to announce that I will be conducting a job seeker workshop series for the McHenry County Workforce Network starting in June. The hands-on workshops are designed to help you tackle your job search utilizing the different tools available on the internet. The workshops will be offered for 12 months. The individual titles and initial dates are below.

“Resumes, Cover Letters and Applying On-line” – June 7 10am – 12pm

“Getting Started with LinkedIn” – June 7 1pm -3pm

“LinkedIn Basics and Best Practices” – June 21 10am – 12pm

“Tips for a Winning Interview” – June 21 1pm -3pm

Seating is limited to 8 so reserve your space today by emailing workforcecenterRR@yahoo.com or calling 815-338-7100 ext. 2771.

Why Having a LinkedIn Photo is a Must

Why is it important to have a photo of yourself on your LinkedIn profile? There are many reasons, but let’s just start with recent facts.

You are 21 more times likely to have your profile viewed simply because you have a photo! Plus you are nine times more likely to receive a connection request. Additionally, recruiters spend about 19% of their time looking at your photo when reviewing your profile.

The best photo is a one that displays from your shoulders to the top of your head. Dress for success usually rules, but keep it simple. Save the flashy tie or the busy print blouse for another time. You do not want the clothes or the photo background to distract from your face. A plain background is best and if you have darker hair, chose a background with a light color. Conversely, lighter hair should have a darker color.

The LinkedIn blog recently posted an article about how easy it is to upload and crop your photo. See the full article here!