Professional Statements

In order to set yourself apart from other prospective applicants, it is essential to identify (and state) why you are the best option. Consider developing a professional statement, elevator speech, or personal "brand" (Barbara Reinhold, "Build Your Own Brand"). This statement can be incorporated into networking, resumes, and interviewing.

Imagine yourself entering an elevator where, lucky you, you spot the hiring manager for your favorite company. You have seconds to catch that individual's attention, convince him/her that you are the perfect fit, and prompt a follow-up. What do you say?

A strong, thought-out professional statement concisely (and powerfully) states why you are the one candidate an organization should consider. Consider the following when developing a personal statement:

• What specialty do you bring with you?


• What do you do better than most?


• What are you consistently recognized or known for?


• What are your special accomplishments?


• What are your philosophies and values?


• What are you passionate about?

Write a summary of the top qualities identified in short paragraph form. Leave out personal pronouns, transition words and focus on action verbs.

For example:

Innovative, creative event planner with proven marketing ideas adopted by three collaborating agencies. Increased event participation by 50%, noted as "best event in organization history." Accountability-driven delegator, leader, and team player.

Client-centered approach to consultation, committed to ensuring each client leaves satisfied. Strong rapport and relationship-building skills. Collaborative, engaging, and result-oriented teacher.

How to Get a Job When Times Are Tough

I think this is pretty funny. Job searches are hard and can be discouraging. Maybe Pepsi can help us laugh again.

Career Fairs

Career Fairs can be a great way to network and learn about open positions and companies. Many clients I work with approach career fairs casually, much like window shopping or even trick-or-treating. This is a big mistake. Patrons attending career fairs should approach them professionally and come prepared.

1) Dress for an interview. This means a suit or at the very least, wear business casual. This is your first impression and essentially a 30 second interview. Make a professional impression and set yourself apart from ill-prepared competitors.
2) While recruiters bring many goodies and welcome patrons to take them, avoid looking like you are only looking for freebies. Serious job seekers should not leave a career fair with a full goodie bag.
3) Show knowledge and interest in the company. Recruiters take candidates more seriously if they demonstrate understanding and familiarity with the company. Research the companies in attendance in advance, if possible. Most fairs post attendees online or offer recruiter lists ahead of time. Asking, "What does your company do?" does not show a recruiter serious interest.
4) Prepare a 30 second statement about what you can offer the company. This statement should address "What's in it for them?" as well as why you are an appropriate fit for their company.
5) Prepare many copies of your resume, printed on high quality paper for distribution.
6) Remember to smile, be outgoing, friendly, and assertive.
7) Attend alone--or if you attend with a friend, split up. Bringing friends, parents, spouses, or children may give the impression you cannot do the job alone or you have other obligations which may distract from the job.

Attending career fairs can be valuable even if you are not seeking a new job. Preparation and professionalism is essential for a successful career fair.

Portfolios as Valuable Accountability Tools

Yesterday we discussed how to use a brainstorming session to recall the value you have brought to an employer. Today I would like to present the idea of establishing a current professional portfolio.

Portfolios are a necessity for many professions, especially during the hiring/interviewing process. Artists, Public Relations Specialists, Journalists, Photographers all use portfolios to track and demonstrate skill and ability.

However, many professionals outside of the artistic and creative fields have never considered a portfolio of their own. I propose that a portfolio is a valuable tool of accountability and establishing worth. Regardless of your profession, a portfolio is an important way to track accomplishments and value. In fact, it may serve as evidence of indispensability, backing up your next promotion, protecting you from downsizing, or convincing a new employer to hire you.

Start your portfolio today! Have tangible proof of your value.

Sample portfolio ideas:
Current Resume/CV
Performance Reviews/Evaluations
Customer Feedback/thank yous
Letters of Recommendation
Samples of Work (advertising designs, lesson plans, writing samples, business plans, etc.)
Professional Development--conferences, lectures, training
Certifications
Awards
Survey Results/Data
Summary of important projects
Goals/Objectives
List of accomplishments, clients, etc.
Tracking list of number of clients/customers assisted

Remember to keep your portfolio updated for best value!

What else have you included in a portfolio?

Brainstorming

I can't say it enough. Brainstorm!!

I reviewed a resume with a client today. He was applying for the Director position with the same organization he has been the Assistant Director for nearly 2 years (in a high turnover field) and has even worked in the capacity of Director during the director's medical leave. That alone, he should be a logical fit. However, his resume was boring and lacked energy. Rather than summarizing why he has been such a good contributor to the company, he emphasized vague and typical duties like, "Implemented staff training;" "Supervise employees;" "Set and monitor staff goals."

As a current employee, his employer already knows what his typical day looks like. Thus, it is important to highlight and account for WHY YOU HAVE BEEN SO VALUABLE.

Instead of focusing on the typical daily tasks, brainstorm to remember all of the activities you have been involved in, the accomplishments you have made, and the results of your hard work. I like to ask the basic questions:

Who:
What:
When:
Where:
How:
Why:
What have you done better than everyone else?
What makes you stand apart?
What are you most proud of?
What would not have happened if you were never there?

After brainstorming, we were able to conclude some of the following Director appropriate skills:
*Implemented new training course, evaluating to fit specific needs of students--fast, identifiable results & positive feedback from all staff
*Problem solved retention problems with a team, presented to stakeholders
*Advocated pay raises, adapted work weeks, and vacation improvements, reducing 130% turnover rate significantly (he needs to speak to HR to define exact improvement)
*Took initiative to bring off-site training by becoming a certified teacher, saving significant time and company $
*Planned company morale building party for 150 employees and families
*Planned company party on 1/2 budget
*Worked as both Assistant Director and Director for three months
*Accounted for Program budget, meeting with stakeholders and other directors
*Liaison between organization's program directors
*Trained over 200 staff, developed and delivered own curriculum

Do not settle for the typical. Brainstorming can help you remember and define the difference you have made--for both current and new employers. Use concrete examples, numbers, and results to speak your worth!

Contact me if you need help defining your skills, accomplishments, and abilities.

Too Picky

I had a client today that is looking for a low-skilled, 'get through school' type job. We looked at several dozen potential positions, many that looked quite promising--to me, at least. However, he easily found a disqualifying reason not to bother applying for any of them. Boring. I hate working with people. I don't like spreadsheets. I want to be paid more. I don't like the hours. . .

There are times where selectivity is important when looking for a position. To many people, it is important to find a job one can enjoy. And it is even more important to find a position that pays enough to support a living. We have been lucky the past few years, especially in Utah because there were many more positions than there were people to fill them. However, as the economy continues to take its toll, jobs are becoming harder to find. And competition makes it even harder to actually find a job. Sometimes looking for the perfect job is a great way to stay unemployed. Sometimes I think a job seeker is simply too picky.

Interestingly enough, I often find this dynamic especially true for clients with limited skills. It seems the least skilled clients want the most prestigious, highest paid, interesting or cushy jobs, yet they do not want to meet any of the requirements. Perhaps there is a connection between their attitudes, work ethic, and entitlement.

Don't be entitled. Understand what value you bring to a company and what expectations are realistic. Match your "need" for a job with your level of selectivity. And do not simply apply for one or two jobs here and there. A job search is, more often than not, a number's game.

It's hard for numbers to work for you if you don't have any numbers.

Realistic Expectations

I attended a training meeting today about career decision making. One of our discussion points was realistic expectations.

If you are trying to decide your career path, do you have realistic expectations about the following?

1) What do the day to day operations of that position entail?

For example, being an archaeologist is more yard-work than finding historic specimens. Even then, there are tedious procedures required to extract the item. School counselors often spend more time on paperwork and schedule changes than counseling and interacting with students.

2) What is the outlook of that position/field?

Some positions may pay very well, yet do not have a positive outlook as job openings decline. Outsourcing, mergers and technological advances replace many jobs that were once prevalent.

Has anyone been to Detroit lately? Compare the difference between now and before the auto industry closed plants.

3) What are the skills needed for this position?

Many positions require more skills than one would assume. Both doctors and dentists are self-employed. How skilled are you at accounting or business management? And what about watching patients die? Can you handle it?

4) Do you understand the most appropriate path to take to get into/advance in that position?

Do you understand the requirements, but even more, the recommended path to a specific position? Often, majoring in a specific area is not enough. Medical professions often require extensive job shadowing experiences. Public Relations professionals often require a portfolio of professional or published work. Psychology graduate programs look for experience and or research. History majors are usually required to take the GRE by October of their Senior year to be admitted to the next fall's grad program. Sometimes taking the recommended classes are not enough for admission or to have an edge over the competition.

Essentially, it is important to know enough about a profession to make a sound judgement about your interest and ability to perform well in that position.

Recommendations:

1) Research outlook, pay, competencies, etc. of positions. One great resource is the Occupational Outlook Handbook by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

2) Talk to professionals in that profession. Ask for an informal interview to discuss recommendations, day to day operations, requirements, misconceptions, pros and cons, satisfaction, etc.

3) Job shadow. If you are a student, contact your counselor or career center and they should assist you in finding an opportunity. Or contact professionals on your own to watch their daily operations.

4) Attend information sessions, forums, and lectures. Many colleges and universities hold meetings and forums to discuss various careers. Several government and private agencies also hold meetings for the public to discuss career openings and details about the positions.

5) Visit a career counselor or school advisor. They can offer valuable resources and insight.

***6) Participate in an internship or co-op experience. Try the job on before you committ to it, while also obtaining skills and experience. It may confirm your fit or lead you in a completely different direction.