Job Search Tips and Ethical Tricks

[SirReid]

Although I haven't had a job in 13 years [successful entrepreneur], I've helped 100s of people land jobs. I have been supervised as an employee and I have been in management/executive positions. I have had 100s of interviews for jobs and consulting assignments. So I've been on both sides of the street, including dealing with recruiters, and I've always been paid whatever I asked of employers, based on deft negotiating skills learned from plain ole experience.

It would be my pleasure to help anyone land a job that is looking. Resume "tune ups" is something I have successfully performed over the years and improved many a person's chances of getting an interview.

A resume's purpose is to get you an interview, not a job. Once you get to the interview, your enthusiastic presentation will get you the job, not your skills.

Your resume must tune into the universal radio station everyone in the world listens to - WIIFM - What's In It For Me? "Objective" in a resume usually says what a person wants to get out of a job. This only tunes into the resume writer's radio station, not the resume READER's radio station. Change Objective to "Profile" or "Summary of Skills". Then state your 3 best skillls in this section of the resume. Tune into what they want, not what you want.
Address each manager's 3 greatest fears and your resume will always be on the top of the pile.

More tips to follow, if anyone requests it.

Want to know how to:

Get your resume on the top of the pile?

Be in the driver's seat during an interview? Yes You can be in control !!

Increase your chances of being selected?

Negotiate the salary you want?

Maintain your Position, once Hired?

[gneiss]

I am sending you my resume for your imput.

Although I haven't had a job in 13 years [successful entrepreneur], I've helped 100s of people land jobs. I have been supervised as an employee and I have been in management/executive positions. I have had 100s of interviews for jobs and consulting assignments. So I've been on both sides of the street, including dealing with recruiters, and I've always been paid whatever I asked of employers, based on deft negotiating skills learned from plain ole experience.

It would be my pleasure to help anyone land a job that is looking. Free resume "tune ups" is a hobby of mine and available to whoever sends an email with resume to SirReid@Success4U2.net

A resume's purpose is to get you an interview, not a job. Once you get to the interview, your enthusiastic presentation will get you the job, not your skills.

Your resume must tune into the universal radio station everyone in the world listens to - WIIFM - What's In It For Me? "Objective" in a resume usually says what a person wants to get out of a job. This only tunes into the resume writer's radio station, not the resume READER's radio station. Change Objective to "Profile" or "Summary of Skills". Then state your 3 best skillls in this section of the resume. Tune into what they want, not what you want.
Address each manager's 3 greatest fears and your resume will always be on the top of the pile.

More tips to follow, if anyone requests it.

Want to know how to:

Get your resume on the top of the pile?

Be in the driver's seat during an interview? Yes You can be in control !!

Increase your chances of being selected?

Negotiate the salary you want?

Maintain your Position, once Hired?

[SirReid]

OK gneiss. Sendyour resume to SirReid@Success4U2.net

[SirReid]

Some thoughts on a couple of questions recently asked . . .

Question 1
I would like a career in Finance (or Marketing). The problem is I do not have a degree in a Finance or Marketing related field. I was wondering what skills I can bolster in order to get my foot in the door without the educational background?

As I have been where you are, 2 things you might consider doing:
1. Using internet search engines, do some homework to learn about field(s) you're interested in. This will at least give you topical information on the industry and the terms used by those types of people. Look to see if there are any specialties within the field. Similiar to doctors and lawyers, specialists in any field always make more money than general practioners.
This will give you ideas on which direction to focus within the industry.

2. Consider Temping. Temp jobs are an under rated fantabulous tool for starting a career. With no experience, no college education and no prospects for getting a job in the computer field, I started out in this field by doing temp work. Think of temp work as a flexible way of getting paid to look for a job, as long as you stay focused on your goal of entering a particular field. Besides getting paid, what are the advantages of temp work? I did this at every temp assignment
- You get to go to different companies every few weeks, ask questions and
network to find out about the departments that focus on your career
interests.
- After a couple of days, ask where the human resource department is and fill
out an application. Ask the person who referred you, if you can put their
name as a referral, since they might get a few dollars, if you get hired.
People will be more willing to point you to the HR department, if you help
them get something.
- Ask around about the location of the departments that do the type of work
you're interested in. After making a couple of friends, ask them if they
could introduce you to someone in that department. Tell them you want to
interview a person in the department for a paper you're writing.
- If you get to meet someone in the department, then you can pick their
brain, by asking questions . . .
- Repeat this process at the next temporary assigment.

I did temp work for about six months, doing the tasks above, and finally landed a job in company with a large computer department. The rest is history. The company even paid for college so I could major in computer science.:cool:

Question 2
Also, I wanted some interview tips. The question, "Tell me about yourself." always throws me, although it's so simple. And the question, "Why should we hire you?" Any help that you can offer would be greatly appreciated?
The questions "Tell me about yourself?" and "Why should we hire you?" are actually both the exact same question, just worded differently. They want you to give them reasons why you can help them. This is one of the few times you are allowed to brag about yourself, your experience at jobs and your skills. To answer this question well, you must prepare, in advance.

Take a piece of paper and take stock of yourself. Write out your 2 or 3 best skills. Then use those skills to answer the question. Remember internships are still jobs whether you got paid or not. Present the experience gained in an internship as you would from experience gained from a regular job.

After writing out your best skills, a response could be something like

"I've gained solid business experience over the last 2 years which has allowed me to develop excellent interpersonal and team building skills. I also have good technical skillings using PC software and the internet for research. I can communicate with people at all levels with customer service skills acquired"

Whatever you say, preparation is key:
1. Write out your best skills
2. Combine those skills into a 2 or 3 sentence answer
3. Practice, practice, practice saying it so it rolls off your tongue naturally.
Practice wiith a tape recorder and with friends. Let them give feedback
and listen to recording for feedback so you know how you sound to people
and correct things.
4. Most important, smile (look in the mirror as you practice for more feedback)
and be excited and enthusiastic. Enthusiasm is contagious and often makes
the difference where skills may be lacking. This makes you stand out from
everyone else.

I hope this helps.

[SirReid]

That isn't my quote I it read it somewhere but i forgot who said it.

Anyway - Some thoughts on a situation posed by one of our lunch club associates - "I just got my MBA in media management and the only job offers I get are for admin positions or internships."

These situations may initially seem undesirable, because of all your advanced years of education. They should not be discounted either, unless you're being flooded with offers to use your degree major skills.

Consider these situations as an oppoerunity to at least get your foot in the door. An Admin / [paid] Internship position with a company that has a Media department or division, places you in a strategic position - Even if you initially get hired by a different department, you maximize your time by meeting people within the company and specifically within the Media department. If you get free time, volunteer to help people out in the Media department. At least you can then put whatever little things they give you to do on your resume - this will give your resume teeth.

Voila - now you have created intstant references as well - Get a little experience, then move on to what you really want to focus on.

Consider temping to accomplish your goal of landing a Media Management job, as well. (see my thread above on Temping results).

[buckspam15]

I was hoping for some suggestions for my summer. I have been an accountant for 3.5 years and my last day at my current job is March 26th. And then I am going to business school in the Fall of 2004 to study marketing, with my ultimate goal to enter the sports industry. I realize that this is a difficult field to get into, but it's been a lifetime goal of mine. Since, at this moment, I have no plans for the summer and need income to pay the bills.. I am really hoping to use this summertime to the best of my ability. Either I'd like to get experience in the field that I plan on entering or bartending/waitressing to get some social interaction! I know it'll be real easy to get an accounting temp job, but I'm leaving this field so I don't think it will be in my best interest to take a job like that. Do you know of any marketing temps? Have any ideas for me? Thanks!!

[ciprianna77]

I'm trying to help two friends find jobs and recently read something about developing a great elevator speech...being able to tell someone in 10 seconds or less what it is that you do. Can you share any thoughts on this? How can someone in the purchasing industry relay an answer to "what do you do?" Also curious to know if there are any guidelines that anyone can use for any field?
Thanks,
Ciprianna


Although I haven't had a job in 13 years [successful entrepreneur], I've helped 100s of people land jobs. I have been supervised as an employee and I have been in management/executive positions. I have had 100s of interviews for jobs and consulting assignments. So I've been on both sides of the street, including dealing with recruiters, and I've always been paid whatever I asked of employers, based on deft negotiating skills learned from plain ole experience.

It would be my pleasure to help anyone land a job that is looking. Free resume "tune ups" is a hobby of mine and available to whoever sends an email with resume to SirReid@Success4U2.net

A resume's purpose is to get you an interview, not a job. Once you get to the interview, your enthusiastic presentation will get you the job, not your skills.

Your resume must tune into the universal radio station everyone in the world listens to - WIIFM - What's In It For Me? "Objective" in a resume usually says what a person wants to get out of a job. This only tunes into the resume writer's radio station, not the resume READER's radio station. Change Objective to "Profile" or "Summary of Skills". Then state your 3 best skillls in this section of the resume. Tune into what they want, not what you want.
Address each manager's 3 greatest fears and your resume will always be on the top of the pile.

More tips to follow, if anyone requests it.

Want to know how to:

Get your resume on the top of the pile?

Be in the driver's seat during an interview? Yes You can be in control !!

Increase your chances of being selected?

Negotiate the salary you want?

Maintain your Position, once Hired?

[SirReid]

Ciprianna,

Very nice to communicate with you once again.:)

Here are some references I used when I was fine tuning an elevator speech we now use succesfully in our business. An Eleveator speech can be used to look for a job or promote your business. Once you create your elevator speech, the key is practice, practice, practice it until it rolls off your tonque naturally and smoothly - it should NOT sound like you memorized it. Practice using a tape recorder and look in the mirror for immediate feedback. Throw your personality into your speech and BE EXCITED about what you have to offer. Excitement is contagious. . .

This is a very Kewl Tool to Generate an Elevator Speech by Jack Carroll (http://www.saleslinks.com/sideline/99c/11v1.htm)
Answer a few questions and it automatically generates a speech for you

Also check out these tips

Craig Harrison
(http://www.craigspeaks.com/NACEelevate.html)
Marie Wallace (http://www.llrx.com/columns/guide18.htm)

What is an "Elevator Pitch"?
By Robert Pagliarini (http://www.businessknowhow.com/money/elevator.htm)
An "Elevator Pitch" is a concise, carefully planned, and well-practiced description about your company that your mother should be able to understand in the time it would take to ride up an elevator.

[SirReid]

I was hoping for some suggestions for my summer. I have been an accountant for 3.5 years and my last day at my current job is March 26th. And then I am going to business school in the Fall of 2004 to study marketing, with my ultimate goal to enter the sports industry. I realize that this is a difficult field to get into, but it's been a lifetime goal of mine. Since, at this moment, I have no plans for the summer and need income to pay the bills.. I am really hoping to use this summertime to the best of my ability. Either I'd like to get experience in the field that I plan on entering or bartending/waitressing to get some social interaction! I know it'll be real easy to get an accounting temp job, but I'm leaving this field so I don't think it will be in my best interest to take a job like that. Do you know of any marketing temps? Have any ideas for me? Thanks!!
buckspam15,

I apologize for the delay in getting back to you. I've been swamped these days helping other people. You're approach is good in focusing on a job this summer that will allow you to break into sports marketing, while keeping you financially solvent.

Don't discount your accounting background either. Money, finance and the numbers game is still at the core of Sports. Research the sports marketing arena. Find out everything you can about it (below are some links for research and employment opportunities). Then tune up your resume to highlight your skills in a way that will attract people in the sports marketing business. Word smith your resume using catch phases and words used in the sports marketing industry.

http://www.womensportsjobs.com/default.htm

http://www.bigapplehead.com/viewpost.aspx?postnum=10936 (http://www.bigapplehead.com/viewpost.aspx?postnum=10936)

http://www.nku.edu/~shank/links.htm (http://www.nku.edu/~shank/links.htm)

If you require further assistance, I am at your service.

[Booski]

I've worked as a family preservation case manager for the past two years - I took my accumulated time and quit before I was fired. People do terrible things to their kids! I've only worked in the human service field and am desperate to shift fields. I'm not sure what else I can do. Can I send you my resume to look over? Thanks.

[SirReid]

Booksi,

Send your resume to CReid2005@hotmail.com

Put the word resume or lunchclub in the subject

Once I take a look at it, we'll discuss the next steps in coming up with a plan for suggested actions in performing a career change.


I've worked as a family preservation case manager for the past two years - I took my accumulated time and quit before I was fired. People do terrible things to their kids! I've only worked in the human service field and am desperate to shift fields. I'm not sure what else I can do. Can I send you my resume to look over? Thanks.

[SirReid]

A fellow Lunch Clubber sent me a distressing note which I thought was worth sharing, along with my response.

Lunch Clubber: Hello, Thank you for responding so quickly. Okay, yes I do get calls for interviews but I dont get the 2nd calls back. Im assuming it's my lack of interview skills. Please help. I definitely feel I'm not confident enough.

My Response: Actually you're doing better than most people, although I do understand how dis-heartening it can be to get so close, but not get to the next level. Be confident that you have a good resume that is getting you to 1st base. Your resume is better than most resumes I review.

The same thing happened to me quite a few years back. I went to 25 interviews and no call backs. I looked in the mirror and said to myself "Self you have to change tactics".

1st, I read a book called "Think and Grow Rich". After the good holy bible, it's been my Success bible throughout the years. This gave me TONs of confidence. Attached is a copy for you to read. You can read the chapters in any order, but finish a chapter once you start it.

2nd, Referencing another book I read called "Skill with People" by Les Giblin, it stated people only remember the last 10% of any conversation. With that information I took my 3 best skills and wrote a script to use as closing remarks in the interview. The beauty of this closing statement technique is people will remember you whether you'rr the 1st, middle or last person they interview, no matter how many people they interview.

If a person interviews say 12 people, the old saying out of site out of mind kicks in. This means the interviewer will probably remember the last 3-4 people they interviewed UNLESS someone does something very different to burn and image in their mind. Those 3-4 people will most likely end up in the running. Everyone in positions 5, 6, 7 etc. etc gets lost.

So how do you insure your position in the running?
. . . So I wrote a script highlighting my 3 best skills. This technique got me 3 job offers after 3 consecutive interviews at 3 different companies. A 4th consecutive interview produced a 4th call back for 2nd interview.
So the script goes like this [to be used at the very end of the interview]
"I would like to give you 3 reasons why I'm the best person for this job out of anyone you have interviewed or will interview
- I have x amount of years of soild busines experience that I bring to the
table
- My technical, administrative and office management skills are 2nd to none
- I posses excellent interpersonal, problem solving and communications skills
which will allow me to make a positive contribution to the success and
growth of your department and [the name of the company] either
working independently or as part of a team.

1. Adjust this script to your 3 best skills and write it out
2. Memorize this script so it comes out sounding natural, like you haven't memorized it.
3. Record this script on a tape recorder so you can hear how you will sound to others Record it over. Make adjustments and rerecord it. Video taping works well also - after 3 times you'll see the improved difference right away.
4. Rerecord it so til you hear yourself sounding natural, excited and animated.

The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel. When you're ready, practice the script on a few friends or associates. Watch their reaction and you'll be amazed at your impact. Even if they laugh, that's still very waaaaay kewl, because you just burned an impression in their mind - Mission Accomplished. Now Go Get Em Tiger at your next interview.
-------------------------------------------

[b]Get a FREE copy of [b]"Think and Grow Rich" (http://thelunchclub.net/clubhouse/showpost.php?p=1237&postcount=11)

[SirReid]

If you're thinking about starting/changing careers, this five week course will take you through the steps that will help you find the career that is right for you.

1: Self Assessment
2: Exploring Occupations
3: Finding the Perfect Match
4: Setting Goals and Writing a Career Action Plan
5: Next Steps

Shoot me a note, if you're interested in taking this Free class.

[SirReid]

Only 50 people are invited to subscribe to this excellent newsletter called "BizBUZZ (http://careercoachingcompass.7h.com/)". After 50 people subscribe, the subscription is closed until August 2005. Lunch Club members are being given preferred invitations. Add my name to the question "who referred you".

"BizBUZZ (http://careercoachingcompass.7h.com/)" is Not for everyone. It's a very unique Career & Business monthly newsletter for individuals who want to take control of the business of ME,Inc. It provides quick Snippets of inciteful information for Smart Career professionals on the move, who want to be "in the know", as well as savvy business owners.

It also includes Smart Technology topics. Although it's Free, it is a "Referral Only" Opt-In Subscription. A person MUST be referred by a current "BizBUZZ (http://careercoachingcompass.7h.com/)" subscriber.

Sign up NOW before the BizBUZZ (http://careercoachingcompass.7h.com/) subscription closes August 31, 2004. Then refer someone you care about.

[1decemberbabe]

Resume to be commented upon. This was done in cooperation with the NYU staff. Thanks,Lorrie



LORRAINE C. MEYER
530 East 89th Street Apt 5M,
New York, NY10128
Phone (212) 717-6512 Cell (917) 215-4287
lorriemeyer1@yahoo.com (lorriemeyer1@yahoo.com)






EDUCATION


NEW YORK UNIVERSITY, NEW YORK, N.Y. Expected May 2006
Paralegal Diploma, ABA Approved

Coursework included:
· Research and Writing: Developed efficient research skills, training in use of both Westlaw (cases, jurisprudence, statutes) and law library. Writing practice samples include memorandum of law and demand letter practice, case briefs, and bluebook citations.
· Civil Practice /Litigation /Evidence: Studied procedural steps of a civil case, drafted Summons, Complaint and Answer. Learned motion practices and types of evidence and rules for admittance at trial.
· Corporation / Business Law: Learned business organization and legal formations of general partnerships, corporations, their taxation ramifications and filling out sample business forms.
· Wills, Trusts and Estates: Preparation of various Wills, Trusts and Estates were learned including how Real Property, Taxation and IRS changes can affect their drafting were studied.
· Contracts: Proper contract formations, agreement, consideration and legalities were studied.
· Other topics included: Criminal Law, Bankruptcy, Ethics, Intellectual Property, Real Estate, Matrimonial, UCC and Securities Law.


COLLEGE MISERICORDIA, DALLAS, PENNSYLVANIA

Bachelor of Arts, Art Education


SKILLS


· Experienced in account and project management.
· An effective communicator, consultant, able team player, dedicated to serving the needs of clients, a problem solver with good instincts.
· Detail oriented, organized, with project management, and research and writing skills.
· Professional demeanor, personable, dependable, supportive, energetic and diplomatic.
· Confident and capable of assessing client’s needs and creating repeat business.
· Microsoft Word, Windows, Outlook, Westlaw, Internet.



EXPERIENCE


· D. Krausz & Associates, Attorneys at Law, New York, N.Y. May /June 2006
Intern for Entertainment, Licensing, Contracts and Real Estate Law firm.
· Cary Hoffman Management, New York, N.Y. 2003 - Present
Part-time Assistant business Manager for entertainment industry Management Company.
· Popular Bath Products, Inc., New York, N.Y. 2002 - Present
Director of Design for bath products manufacturer. Free-lance position.
· L & M Home Concepts, New York, N.Y. 2002 – Present
Founder & President, Director of Design for manufacturing clients.
· Christopher Norman, Inc., New York, N.Y. 2004 – 2005
Interior Design Showroom Manager
· Director of Design and Stylist for various home fashion manufacturers. 1982 – 2002
( Creative Bath Products, Inc., Springs Industries, Burlington and Cannon Mills).


References and writing samples available upon request.

[1decemberbabe]

Here is a resume for your review.
With thanks, Lorrie

[1decemberbabe]

Dear Sir Reid,

I am in the midst of a career transition, and have a new resume, done with NYU(I just finished their Paralegal Diploma Program) and would love another opinion. I think it is a good one, for a one page resume, which I am told is preferred at this level

I have been looking for the last 2 months and connecting with good agencies (there are so many websites) is not easy and entry level in law firms are not easy to come by, especially with summer on the way(most have law student interns for the summer). So your input is appreciated, for a possible better response level.

I have seen 2 email addresses listed for you, which is correct to send you my info?

Thanks, Lorrie

[SirReid]

Lorrie,

Relax there are opportunities for Paralegals, but be good to yourself. You provided quite a few reasons why your job search has been or will be difficult. I say there are 3 jobs with your name on it RIGHT NOW, but only patence, persistence and 100% belief in skill and experience offering to a potential employer.

The way to scale down the competition is to reenginneer your job search. People who run their career like a business, land opportunities quicker. Print up some business cards. (http://coachingcompass.blogspot.com/2004/10/10-powerful-networking-tips-using.html) Read periodicals lawyers / paralegals read (free at local library), in order to find out where they hang out. Then go those networking events local to you.

For a free critiquw, You can send your resume to CEReid2005@hotmail, but it MUST HAVE the word "RESUME" in the "Subject" to get past Spam filter.

Cheers!!

SirReid

[1decemberbabe]

Hi Sir Reid,

I tried to email you at you CEReid2005@hotmail.com address and it wasreturned. I will try it with all lower case and see if that works. I want to send you my resume!
Lorrie