Back to School and Branding Yourself

FEEDBACK FROM STUDENTS: “ Susan, I’m so glad I reacted to your message of ‘marketing myself’ early on. Once I put my logo in place, I put it on my business card and on my school papers. My professors immediately started to recognize who I was….not just another student. I built a relationship with some of them and they are allowing me to list them as referrals. I also created a blog around my area of interest. Because it was in place a year before graduation, I had plenty of material on tied to the area
where I wanted to get a job. It provided me a great tool to show recruiters and they liked what I did. In fact, it was this blog that helped me get a part time job. As you said, it made me stand out from everyone else. I’m graduating in a few months and feel like I’m moving in the right direction. Thank you, Michael.”

Tags: Branding yourself, career search, job search, networking, resume building

Volunteering and Networking…all at once…

I suggest that you try to include a minimum of two networking events per month to your job search strategy. And, in addition to the networking events from associations and organizations, start doing volunteer work for a charity. Volunteering is a great way to give back while meeting new people and building business relationships.

If possible, make sure to volunteer for work that will showcase your business skills. This can be by organizing an event, handling finances, tutoring, working with the media, or creating marketing materials. You’ll be doing what comes naturally and it provides an opportunity to “fill in the gap” of time from when you leave one job and start another. And in the end, it feels good to do something for others.

Tags: job search, networking, relationship building, resume building, volunteer

Social Networking

According to the Internet Usage Statistics site, approximately 25% of the World’s population uses the internet. Therefore, social networking sites are critical tools to be incorporated into your job search efforts.
Facebook claims to have 500 million active users alone. And while Facebook is good at finding friends, it can also be used to let people know that you’re looking for work. And since many companies will check Facebook on a potential job candidate, make sure to keep your profile clean of less than flattering pictures and information that may hurt in your job search.

LinkedIn is considered one of the best sites for business networking. Everyday I hear of more companies using them to fill job openings. According to LinkedIn, they have over 90 million professionals that use that site. Here are a few ways you can use LinkedIn now:
Create a business content management system
Gain and provide introductions to potential contacts
Join online groups in your area of expertise
Post job listings

Tags: career, Facebook, job search, linkedIn, social networking

Do you tattoo?

I’m asked all the time whether it’s OK to display a tattoo during a job interview.  Well, it’s not about tattoos or piercings. The key to interviewing is to eliminate distractions and keep the interviewers attention on you and what you’re saying. I’ve had recruiters tell me that while they are not against tattoos and piercings, they are a distraction. And since you have so little time to make an impression and to sell yourself in an interview, it would be unfortunate if the interviewer never really heard what you were saying because they were distracted in any way. Some industries, such as artists, musicians, graphics, are more open and less distracted by them. But if you are not sure, then I’d suggest going toward the conservative side.

Tags: interviewing, job search, susan caplan, tattoos in job search

Business Cards

Whether you are a student getting ready to graduate or someone that is re-entering the job market, I can’t emphasize enough the importance of having a business card. Your business card is the first introduction of you as a professional. Hand your business card to EVERYONE you meet. You never know who may be looking to hire or who will know someone else who is looking to hire. I have had people tell me that they made a job connection at a coffee shop, at a social event and even on the bus. You just never know so be prepared.

My advice is to purchase the best business card paper stock you can afford. You can go to a local print shop, or you can get them online, but do not buy cards with advertising on the back…I hear from recruiters that they are perceived as unprofessional.

Tags: Business Cards, Job Search Toolkit, susan caplan

Prepare for the Fair

It’s the start of a new year and there are MANY job fairs out there. Whether you’re attending one on a college campus or in the community, be prepared. Remember, marketing is about buying or selling a product/service in the marketplace. That is what you are doing at the job fair, except YOU are the product. People make an impression of you from what they see/hear in an instant so here are some recommendations:
–Research the companies that will be represented at the job fair. Pick three you like, review their website, and be ready to discuss specifics about that company.
–Dress professionally
–Bring business cards and resumes
–Prepare a personal statement to explain what you’re looking for….and try to target this especially for the top three companies.
–Exhibit high energy and a positive attitude
–Shake hands when you meet someone…make it a firm handshake…and look them in the eye

Tags: job fairs, susan caplan

Reconnect with job opportunities…

Hopefully the job market is getting better. I know of three people that got jobs this last month. Brandon got a job with a company that rejected him ‘twice’ earlier in 2010. Still, he really wanted to get into this company. He sent ongoing emails throughout the year, building a relationship with the person that initially interviewed him. When a new job opened up, Brandon was the first person called.

It’s the start of a new year and it may be a good time to review the companies where you’ve applied earlier. You may want to tap into them again. Many businesses have fresh budgets at the start of a year and may be open to talking with you now.

Tags: Susan Caplan: Job opportunities

Just say THANK YOU

Remember, a big part about the job search is building relationships. So whether they’ve helped you get a job, provided leads, made personal introductions or were there as support, let them know you’ve appreciated their assistance. You may even want to send a gift or donation to a charity to show your appreciation.

Tags: susan caplan, Thank you notes

Elevator Pitch

You are going to meet a lot of people during your job search. It’s critical to be able to explain what you’re looking for in a few sentences. I’ve heard this called a number of things; a 60 second pitch, a quick sell, and an elevator pitch. The name elevator pitch means that you should be able to tell someone about your job search efforts in the time it takes to ride an elevator.
Some people say your elevator pitch should take around 30 seconds, some say no more than two minutes. Usually it runs around 125-225 words. A simple way to think about writing it is in these four steps: 1)say who you are, 2)describe what you do, 3)describe why you are unique, 4)state your goal.

You may want to create your elevator pitch a few different ways so you have one ready for multiple audiences. Practice your elevator pitch over and over so it’s second nature. Remember, the energy you present when someone first meets you is part of marketing yourself.

Tags: elevator pitch, susan caplan