Noteworthy Resume and Career Services

No one wants to think that there is a target drawn on their back, however, you can make a smooth exit before the arrow strikes if you update your resume, refresh your network and begin your job search if and when you experience the following scenarios. Just one item happening? There may be another explanation. Three or more . . . move fast; your job is in jeopardy.

1. Your boss, approachable in the past, is suddenly unavailable when you need guidance.
2. Your authority is curtailed: you are now micromanaged on routine assignments.
3. Others get the plum assignments and kudos for a job well done.
4. Your last 5 performance evaluations were stellar; your new boss ranks you as a “sub-par” performer.
5. Your boss wants all the data from your contact management system.
6. Bad news is given to you in writing and your superiors several levels up are copied.
7. You have been informed that you will now report to someone lower on the totem pole.
8. You’re suddenly out of the loop; you are no longer copied on strategic communications.

These are just a few of many possible warning signs that it is time to move on. What scenarios have YOU experienced that propelled you into action? What was the outcome?

Ellie Vargo, MRW, CCMC
ev@noteworthyresume.com

Absolutely. And here’s why: who can predict when a key contributor chooses to leave? Companies hire year-round based on specific needs and the availability of scarce talent.

Many companies are preparing budgets for the next year and managers are prepped to begin talent searches during this seasonal “slow time.” Some departments may have budget surpluses and will use the space between the Thanksgiving and New Year’s holidays to spend remaining dollars on new talent before the surplus evaporates.

There is often less competition for worthwhile positions during the holidays because candidates assume that no business is being done and everyone’s on vacation, so dive into the candidate pool with your best foot forward! Whether or not there is an official opening, you can use this time to find a network connection that will help you get in front of a hiring manager. Every company hires year round—and they’re always looking for top talent. When the prospective employer is ready to hire, you’re already a known, desirable quantity.

Holiday parties are ideal for networking and building relationships because people are in a jovial, relaxed mood, making it easier to strike up a friendly conversation around mutual interests. You can also put a note in holiday cards that you send to former colleagues and professional contacts telling them that you are considering a fresh challenge and plan to contact them for ideas and information once the festivities are over.

Whatever you decide to do, don’t delay until January to get your marketing materials in order. Developing a well-crafted, impactful professional message takes thoughtful consideration and time, whether you prepare those materials yourself or work with a career professional. You want to stay ahead of—not behind— the competition. Use the time you have available right now to prepare so that you land well.

Ellie Vargo, MRW, CCMC
ev@noteworthyresume.com

Since well over half of job seekers (70% by recent estimates) secure new positions through networking, incorporating this component into your job search strategy is vital. If you don’t have a network and you’re unemployed, you may find job search difficult . . . and lengthy . . . especially during a tough economy.

 Of course you’re not alone. Many job seekers (whether employed or unemployed) feel exactly the same way you do: they’re uncomfortable in crowds, are reluctant to ask strangers for help and would rather visit the dentist than “work” a room.

 So what to do? First of all, consider mindset.

• How do you define network?
• What other term might you focus on that evokes positive thoughts?
• What would be the value of a productive network?
• How do you want people you are meeting for the first time to perceive you?
• At what time of day do you have the most energy to interact with others?
• What types of events/activities/groups do you enjoy? What do you enjoy discussing?
• What would your reaction be if you were approached by someone who wanted to network with you?
• How can you bring value to the people with whom you network?
• What would a conducive networking environment look like?
• What would make networking easier for you?

Thoughtfully consider these 10 points to experience a shift in thinking. I challenge you to step out of your comfort zone to build new relationships, make new friends, increase your sphere of influence, connect with hiring decision makers and access the hidden job market. What step are you willing to take right now that will move you toward that ultimate goal?

Have you secured a new position through networking? If yes, what tips and hints on networking would you give to fellow job seekers?

Ellie Vargo, MRW, CCMC
ev@noteworthyresume.com

According to a recent survey by Right Management, 84% of employees polled plan to look for a new position in 2012 (www.recruitingtrends.com/survey-finds-wide-employee-discontent)–a stunning reflection of dissatisfaction in the workplace. Employers that neglect this issue will suffer grave consequences once the economy picks up and their most talented, knowledgeable workers move on.

If you’re one of the 84% that is dissatisfied with your current employment situation, what’s holding you back from exploring a better opportunity? Of course looking for a new position isn’t the same as securing one–that will likely take some time. So what are you doing now to position yourself  for that fleeting “brass ring” opportunity that arises two days from now and disappears just as quickly?

When you want to sell your house, realtors emphasize increasing “curb appeal” to maximize selling price. You want to de-clutter living spaces, trim hedges, repair walks and broken windows, perhaps repaint. Enhancing curb appeal can several weeks or months to accomplish; you don’t expect to fix everything that has remained undone for the last 15 years. So why delay your job search effort? Developing personal marketing materials takes thoughtfulness, concentrated effort and time. Think of the process as increasing your “hiring appeal.” Are you willing to waste an opportunity because you’re unprepared to apply when a desired position opens?

You own your career; seize opportunity while your competition continues to think and wait.

Ellie Vargo, MRW, CCMC
ev@noteworthyresume.com

According to a July 2011 employment industry survey, 89% of U.S. companies are searching for candidates via social media, namely: LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. What does that mean for you?

• If you’re not online, you don’t exist to recruiters.
• Change is hard, but lingering in the past is not an option because online tools are cost effective and efficient for recruiters. Hardly anyone can justify the time or resources necessary to manually sort through resumes any more.
• If you’re not managing your online presence, you may want to look into that.
• Most employers say they use social media sites to research/screen job candidates.
• Many candidates are rejected because of inappropriate photos or comments, discussion of alcohol and/or drug use, disparaging remarks about a previous employer, crude language, discriminatory remarks, lying about qualifications and sharing confidential information from a previous employer.
• Anything you post online remains there indefinitely; there is no erasing past mistakes (or errors in judgment).
• Digital dirt can be devastating to careers; you may need to enlist the help of an expert to clear your name and restore your professional reputation.

If any of these issues are keeping you awake at night, call me: I can help!

Ellie Vargo, MRW, CCMC
ev@noteworthyresume.com

Current wisdom suggests that your best strategy for getting interviews when applying online is to apply quickly after an announcement appears. Many recruiters establish an arbitrary number of applications to be reviewed because no one has the time or the inclination to review thousands of resumes for a single position. So what typically happens is that the first 200 or so will be selected for scrutiny and a number of those will receive invitations to interview. The balance of the resumes remain in limbo.

What does this mean for you? Plan ahead. Be prepared; be ready to apply when that perfect opportunity presents itself. Keep a list of current accomplishments and update your resume periodically so that you aren’t caught flat footed. If you need professional help, research and qualify a career professional before your need is immediate. Why create stress for yourself or generate a hefty “rush” fee?

You are CEO of your career. Lead wisely.

Ellie Vargo, MRW, CCMC
ev@noteworthyresume.com

Based on the number of “hits” on this website at the beginning of every week, I’m comfortable in drawing the conclusion that many of you dread Monday mornings. Sure, the economy is still in the doldrums. You know you’re fortunate to have a job. But when Monday morning comes . . .

What do you need to put in place now to change that? What career dream have you stuffed away until the economy turns around, your boss leaves, your company makes a profit, something opens up in another department, or Publisher’s Clearinghouse rings your doorbell and hands you a tractor-sized check?

Change is difficult, but little happens until you take that first step. Here’s an easy first step to take: read Who Moved my Cheese by Spencer Johnson, M.D. It’s a short, easy book that you can read in under an hour. You’re educated and smart (you found this website). You’ll “get it.” Then give me a call. I can help you take the next step: moving from fear to confidence.

Ellie Vargo, MRW, CCMC
ev@noteworthyresume.com

A recent survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) indicates that verbal communication skills are among the most highly sought soft skills in recent college graduates. Next in order were a strong work ethic, teamwork, analytical skills and initiative—all considered to be key assets in today’s workforce. Academic excellence, internship experience or other relevant work experience were also noted as highly desirable.

While a strong work ethic or outstanding communication skills are unlikely to overcome a pitiful GPA or lack of experience, these skills can differentiate entry-level candidates from the competition. The applicant with superb soft skills often has a competitive edge in a tight job market.

Top 5 Candidate Skills/Qualities in New Graduates: 

1. Verbal Communication Skills
2. Strong Work Ethic
3. Teamwork Skills
4. Analytical Skills
5. Initiative

If your oral and written communication skills aren’t up to snuff, you may want to develop strategies for overcoming these deficits as you begin your job search. Reading is an excellent way to increase both vocabulary and comprehension. Writing can be improved with concerted practice. Use a journal to record your job search experience, write a blog on a topic you are passionate about, or find a pen pal to correspond with. Note that text messaging and emailing can be detrimental to spelling and grammar and halt a promising career.

Of course your resume and cover letter are prime examples of your communication and presentation skills. If you’re not getting an employers’ attention with the documents you are submitting to employers, you would be wise to seek a professional opinion of their organization, clarity and impact.

Ellie Vargo, MRW, CCMC
ev@noteworthyresume.com

An interesting item posted online recently by Daniel Bukszpan of CNBC regarding the 10 Most Hated Jobs listed the following (in order of employee dissatisfaction):

• Director of Information Technology
• Director of Sales and Marketing
• Product Manager
• Senior Web Developer
• Technical Specialist
• Electronics Technician
• Law Clerk
• Technical Support Analyst
• CNC Machinist
• Marketing Manager

These surprising results come from a 2011 survey of thousands of employees by CareerBliss, which reported that survey respondents listed limited growth opportunity, lack of reward and disrespect as reasons for job dissatisfaction. Surprising, since many of these positions are respected, require specialized training and pay relatively well.

What is your take on this survey? If you have one of these jobs and love it—or have one of these jobs and agree with survey respondents that it’s awful—I’d love to get your feedback!

Ellie Vargo, MRW, CCMC
ev@noteworthyresume.com