Ask Mike Palumbo about Your Career!

When Evaluating Job Opportunities - Evaluate You!

2012-01-27T07:41:00.000-06:00

And, most importantly, don’t lie to yourself!

Do you know yourself? Do you know what you’re capable of doing? Do you know where you want to be in the next five or ten years in your career? Are you doing the necessary steps to get where you want to go? Are you?

It amazes me how often I will speak to candidates and they tell me all these wonderful things they want to do in their careers, but they aren’t doing anything about it! In other words, they’re not making any plans, or adjustments, to get where they “say” they’re going. Why not? It’s sounds good and I support them 100%, but it’s unrealistic. Do you know why? Because you can’t just “say” it or “wish” it you have to get serious and do something about it!

Do you “wish” things were different in your career? You have to know yourself. We all have some limitations, don’t we? When you are evaluating your career you have to understand there are some careers you wouldn’t do or can't do. It’s a fact!

For example, what if you wanted to open up a bagel shop but you don’t like getting up at three o’clock in the morning or working on the weekends? Is this right for you? Sounds cool but is it the right career for you? How about being a realtor but you don’t like working nights or weekends? Is this career right for you? You get the idea. Know yourself, your limitations, and what “fits-in” with your personality.

So, when you’re thinking about your dream career you need to evaluate everything about that career. Everything! I want to caution you on one thing. There is no such thing as a “perfect” career field. Do you know what the “perfect” career field is? The one that fits with YOU and YOUR personality! We’re all different and we all like different things, so the “perfect” career for your friend might not be the “perfect” career for you.

You have to be honest with yourself. Know your capabilities. Know your likes, dislikes, and what you want to do in your career. This isn’t easy; especially for younger people just starting out in their careers. You must do an honest evaluation of your skills, wants, likes, dislikes, hopes, dreams and aspirations, before you spend a lot of time and money going down the wrong road. I hope this helps.

Good luck to you!

Set Goals For Your Career!

2012-01-26T07:29:00.000-06:00

The best thing you can do for your job search and career is to set goals! And, this is key - WRITE THEM DOWN!

Do you know that some people do not set goals? Any goals? Never! They don’t set goals for their life and especially their careers! Why? Maybe they don’t want to be held accountable? Who knows?

This isn’t a goal setting tip or anything just an observation. There are plenty of web sites and books on goal setting. I want to give you some of my experiences, not only in my executive recruiting business, but also in my own life.

It’s amazing when I ask candidates about their careers and they have absolutely no goals or have any ideas whatsoever where they want to be in three or five years. None. Most people have no idea. I will hear things like, “Make more money” or “Move up in my career” or “Get into a management position” or “Start my own business” and the list of generalities are endless. When you are setting goals for your life and career you have to be specific. That’s key!

When you are dealing with life goals like, “I want to give up smoking” or “ I want to lose weight” you have to be specific. When are you going to quit smoking? What methods are you going to use? And with weight loss, how much do you want to lose? What methods? What’s your target date? You get the idea with life goals, right? And there are many goals in life we all have. Whether it’s quitting smoking, weight loss, getting married, having children, etc. WRITE IT DOWN!!!

When you are dealing with career goals (which are life goals too) like, “Make more money” or “Get into a management position” or “Start my own business” that’s not good enough. You have to be specific. How much more money? When do you want to make this amount? How are you going to do it? Will you need more schooling? Do you need to move to another city? And with getting into management, what type of management position are you talking about? Will you need more schooling? What’s your target date? You get the idea. You have to be very specific and WRITE IT DOWN!!!

Obviously, I am stressing the WRITE IT DOWN part because you have to see it. Your mind has to see it – all the time! You have to look at it and visualize getting, or having it, constantly! You will be amazed how this works. Your mind will start working in the same direction as your goals. Everything will be moving in the same direction. Whenever I write down my goals and stick to my plan it works! When I am more general and not specific it doesn’t work. Hold yourself to your goals. Make yourself accountable. You’ve heard this many times in your life, but it’s true. You have to have a target to hit. That’s why you have to be specific and not general when setting up your goals. You have to have a target!

When you start writing down your specific goals you will achieve them more often. It’s that simple. Things do change throughout the year and you can adjust them as you go, but having them in front of you all the time will help you. Now you’re not “wishing” anymore, you’re planning! You’re not drifting anymore you know exactly what you want to do! You have a target! You have goals in your life and your career! And, guess what? You will start to achieve those goals as soon as you get started! I hope this helps.

Good luck to you!

Be Realistic About Your Future!

2012-01-25T07:40:00.000-06:00

Is your career, or industry, still in demand? Please be realistic about your future and the potential job opportunities for your career!

At our office we deal with supply and demand issues all the time. The fact is some of you are more in demand than others. It’s not a knock on you as an individual, it’s just that the world is changing and some career fields are not in demand anymore and in some cases going away!

Technology is changing everything. Will there be any retail stores in the future? What about retail banks? We know about bookstores and video rental stores, right? They’re all but gone, or will be in the future. So, are you in the retail industry? How are your future prospects for employment? What kind of job opportunities do you have? Will you be in demand? Even if you’re a great store manager will there be any stores to manage? These are the things you have to be realistic about when it comes to your career.

Take a look at your industry and career field realistically. What will it look like in the future? Can computers take over your industry? (Newspapers?). I have a radio show and believe me that business has changed. Do you know that most of the music stations you listen to don't have DJ’s anymore? It’s all automated now. That’s why you hear so many “talk shows” with ex DJ’s. They had nowhere to go so now they’re all doing talk radio. It’s kind of annoying, but that’s another story.

Will there be a need for what you do in the future? What can you do about it? Well, the first thing you need to do is evaluate your industry and your position within that industry. What will it look like in the future? What kind of demand will there be for the services or products and most importantly what YOU do? After you’re done, now what? Do you have to retrain? Go back to school? What do you need to do to prepare for your future? Don’t wait for your industry to “go away” prepare yourself now!

Is there a demand for a yellow pages salesman? How about telephone booths? How about newspapers? What about what YOU do? Will there be a demand for you? If you are having problems finding employment is it just a case of supply and demand? Are you an unemployed Blockbuster Video Manager? Is there a demand in the marketplace for a video store manager? You get the idea. Evaluate your career and your industry and be realistic about your future prospects.

I do have a rule of thumb when it comes to future industries, prospects and job opportunities. If the career field or industry has to physically do something, i.e., hammer a nail, repair an engine, fly an airplane, transport cargo via truck, ship, or plane, perform surgery, inject a needle full of medicine, etc., you get the idea. Can a computer take away these positions or industries? And there are more industries like this where there has to be some type of physical contact. A computer cannot deliver a computer, right?

Now, if you’re saying, “I’m not a construction worker, engineer, doctor, nurse, or truck driver” I got it. Here’s what I want you to do. Can you work for industries like these? In other words, if you’re a salesman, accountant, HR, or whatever you do, can you work in engineering or construction, a hospital, a transportation company, or in any type of technological company? That’s what I am talking about. So, find out if your industry or career field will be in demand in the future and if it’s not, make the necessary changes to make sure you will be in demand today and for years to come. Be realistic about your future! I hope this helps.

Good luck to you!

What is The Best Way to Handle Salary Questions?

2012-01-24T07:27:00.000-06:00

What is the best way to handle salary questions when you’re filling out job applications?

Did you know that most people struggle with the question of their current salary, or salary history, when they are asked during an interview or when they’re filling out job applications for employment? If you don’t struggle with this question you’re not normal because most people do.

If you’re currently unemployed, when you are asked about salary requirements, put “open” in the space on job application where they ask for that information. Why? I want you to put “open” because you do not want to get screened out before you have a chance to meet with someone. If you put a salary number too high the company may not interview you because you’re over the salary range. If you put a salary number too low you might be leaving money on the table. Make sense? So, put “open” when asked about salary.

I had a candidate tell me the other day that he was filling out job applications "all over the place” but nobody was calling him for an interview. After asking this guy several questions to determine why he was having problems I found out that he was filling out job applications and applying for positions that didn’t pay what he was asking for. It didn’t matter that he was willing to do the work for these companies they couldn’t afford to hire him, so why would they call him in for an interview?

You have to put “open” on those job applications, especially if you’re unemployed! Do you know why? Because you are “open” that’s why! You need to get back to work ASAP! Don’t stay unemployed because you cannot find a position that pays you what you used to make! How much money are you losing for each day you’re unemployed and waiting for that “perfect” position? A lot!

If you’re applying for positions that pay $50k and you’re asking for $100k or maybe the position pays $35k and you’re asking for $50k you’re not going to get called in for an interview. It’s that simple. How do you avoid this? Ask the company what their salary, or salary range, is for the position. If it’s too low for you, don’t apply! Avoid the aggravation. If you put “open” on the application your chances of getting a call back from the company improve greatly.

I want you to get an INTERVIEW with the company you’re applying to. I want you to “get-in” and strut your stuff and show them what you can do. If you fill out these applications wrong you might not get the chance to show them what YOU can do for THEM. In my career I have seen candidates interview for one position and get offered a greater position. I have seen candidates interview for positions that have a low salary and be offered a higher salary. This can happen to you if you answer the question about salary the right way!

It reminds me of the saying, “You cannot win the lottery if you don’t play the lottery!” well how about, “You cannot get an offer if you don’t get an interview!” Your goal should be to get in the door! Give yourself the chance to shine! If you try this technique regarding salary questions you will be surprised at the results. I hope this helps.

Good luck to you!

Don’t Panic!

2012-01-23T07:49:00.000-06:00

The worst thing you can do in a time of adversity is to panic!

Have you ever driven on ice or snow and watched someone else panic when they couldn’t stop? What happens? Typically they will slam on the brakes and make their situation worse, right? Now they are totally out-of-control and sliding all over the place.

Are you doing this in your career? When faced with adversity do you panic or are you about to panic? Don’t, it will only makes things worse. The best thing for you to do is move in some direction. In other words, don’t tread water!

If you’re having issues right now finding job opportunites and you feel like you’re about to panic, here’s what I want you to do. Get in the game! Anything! I’ve told the story on my radio show about the time I started stocking shelves at a local grocery store when things got rough for me many years ago. It helped.

When you start to move in a direction and find something to do, whether it’s a part-time job, volunteering, helping out at your church, or whatever you’re involved in, it will help with your mental health. You will have a reason to get out of bed. You will meet people. You will find out what’s going on in your community. You might even hear about a job opening that fits your background. Basically, you’re networking, right?

The funny thing is, when you start to get involved in something you will start to feel better about yourself and things will start to open up for you. It will. It’s crazy but it’s true. Things will start to happen. Good things! The main thing is your feelings of panic will subside. Yes, it’s true, taking a part-time job or volunteering might not solve your financial woes, but it will make you have a purpose again.

If you’re suffering right now and you feel the need to panic the best answer is for you to do something. If you’re an able bodied person and you can still work. Do it! Anything! Believe me, things will start to change for you when you get involved and stop treading water! Remember, the worst thing you can do is panic! I hope this helps.

Good luck to you!

Career Choices?

2012-01-20T07:36:00.000-06:00

Do you feel like you have no “choice” when it comes to YOUR CAREER?

It amazes me with all of the choices we have people still feel like they are “stuck” or “too old” and they really don’t have a “choice” anymore. That’s baloney! According to the USA Standard Industrial Classification (SIC Codes) and now the NASIC (North America) there are thousands and thousands of positions for you. As I always say, “If you don’t like what you’re doing – change it!”

If you’re feeling stuck or bored in your current career, don’t believe me, look-up those SIC Codes and you will see that you have a lot of choices for your career. Now, some of those careers you wouldn’t want to do, but you have choices, don’t you?

If you are one of these people that feels stuck in your career, why? Is it because that’s what you went to college for? Is it because that’s what your family wants you to do? Or, do you feel that’s all you know? Are you happy? Do you know how many people are very successful in their careers but it’s not what they went to college for? Tons.

The only person that should be making YOUR career decisions is YOU. Now, I am not talking about having discussions with your family, or a mentor, about what they think. Those discussions are very helpful and can help you crystallize your thinking. But, in the end, you’re the one that has to live with the decision. You’re the one that has to do the work. And everybody knows that we spend most of our (awake) time at work.

You have so many choices for your career. You’re not stuck. If what you truly want to do with your life and your career isn’t something that your family wants you to do or it’s not in the same business that you went to college to learn, who cares? As a professional recruiter I can tell you this without hesitation. If you’re not happy in your career you will not be successful. Period. Oh you can fake it for a little while, but eventually it will catch up to you. Don’t waste your talent! I have seen this in people throughout my career and it’s very sad.

If you don’t like what you’re doing – change it! Life is too short to be miserable in your career. A place where you spend most of your life and not to mention what it’s doing to your health. Who knows? Don’t feel stuck. You have a lot of choices for you and YOUR CAREER! Listen to yourself. You know what you want to do, so go do it! Don’t waste your talent! Go for it! I hope this helps.

Good luck to you!

Are You A Job Jumper?

2012-01-19T07:35:00.000-06:00

If you are you need to quit “jumping” and find a HOME for YOUR CAREER! Now!

If you’ve never heard the term “Job Jumper” it’s a term we use in the recruiting business. It’s when we look at a resume and the person hasn’t stayed very long in ANY position. I’m not talking about interim positions you might have held when you were younger, like retail, restaurants, movie theaters, etc. What I’m talking about are professional positions that you have held since those days. Got it?

If a company thinks you won’t stay with them very long chances are they won’t offer you a position. Period. When they review your track record they will be thinking when the going gets tough you won’t stay and the chances of you being a long-term employee are slim. This isn’t good for you. You really need to find a HOME for YOUR CAREER. Now!

If you are currently a job jumper (and you job jumpers know who you are) when you are interviewing with a prospective company regarding employment you need to stress the fact that you are LOOKING FOR A HOME. Be honest. Explain to the interviewer that you have made some poor decisions in your career and what you really want to do is find a HOME for YOUR CAREER.

Do you see what I want you to emphasis during the interview? You need to make it clear to the interviewer that you understand you need to FIND A HOME and that you are LOOKING FOR A HOME for YOUR CAREER. Explain that you're done jumping around and it’s time to FIND A HOME. I hope I am getting the point across to you as to what you need to emphasis during your interview.

The amount of success you have making the case during your interview that you want to find a HOME for YOUR CAREER will determine the outcome of the interview and if you will receive an offer from the company. First of all you have to be serious about changing your ways. Secondly, if you are serious, it will come through to the interviewer. In other words, you have to be believable!

In my experience the reasons why most people change jobs a lot and become “Job Jumpers” is because they didn’t do their research in the beginning. Don’t fall into this mistake! Take your career seriously and do your research before you approach a company for employment. Make sure it’s right for you. A good fit.

So, if you’ve moved around a lot in YOUR CAREER make sure you do your research. Make sure you are approaching companies that fit into what YOU want to do in YOUR CAREER. And then when you finally do get that chance to interview with your chosen company make sure you emphasis in the interview that you are looking for a HOME for YOUR CAREER! I hope this helps.

Good luck to you!

Getting Bored?

2012-01-18T08:51:00.000-06:00

Do you want to do something else in YOUR CAREER? Are you getting bored? Change it!

It amazes me how many times I have discussions with candidates and they dislike their company or the position or the location or even the type of work they are doing. Anything and almost everything! But they won’t do anything about it. Why?

If this describes you stop it! What are you waiting for? Are you going to live forever? Do you know something that I don’t? The fact is life is very short and to be miserable or bored in your career is a waste of time. Do you want to be happy? Do you want to enjoy going to work everyday? If you enjoy what you’re doing in your career you will happier, more productive, and in the long run you’ll make more money! Crazy isn’t it?

In other words, if you just do what YOU want to do in YOUR CAREER it will be better for you and your family and you will be more successful. So why are you suffering through life? Why put up with the situation you’re in? It might take some work but you can change it! And, guess what? You won’t be the first one to change careers. It can be done. People do it everyday.

Do you know why some people suffer through their career boredom or their miserable career situations? They feel stuck. They feel like it’s impossible to change at this point in their careers. As a professional recruiter I can tell you it’s not! Is it easy? No! It will take some dedication and hard work on your part. You have to believe in yourself. You have to be focused and goal oriented. You have to plan and work your plan. You have to WANT IT!

Do you know the number one thing that holds people back? Fear-of-Change. They want to stay with what they know. Where they’re comfortable. Yes, bored and miserable, but comfortable. Are you doing this? Why? What is there to be afraid of? So it might not work out big deal! At least you tried, right? To be successful this is the way you have to be. You have to want it! You have to go for it! Is everything 100%? No! But I know this, if you don’t at least try it’s 100% that you won’t succeed.

So, how successful will you be in your career if you are bored? How successful will you be if you really dislike what you are doing in your career? The ironic thing about all this is if you’re doing what YOU want to do in YOUR CAREER that is where you will the happiest and the most successful. Don’t settle for something less than what you can have in your life and your career. Go for it! You can do it! You can change it! I hope this helps.

Good luck to you!

That Chemistry Thing…

2012-01-17T07:36:00.000-06:00

No chemistry – No offer. It’s that simple.

You might have all of the qualifications. You might fit all of the requirements. That’s great but if there isn’t any chemistry between you and the hiring manager the chances of you getting an offer are slim. I have been in the recruiting business a long time and there is one thing I can never control in the hiring process and that is chemistry between the hiring manager and any candidate.

It never fails. All things being equal, people hire people they like. Period. I wish I could tell you that they hire the best or the most qualified, but they don’t. Every company has a certain culture about them. The way they do things. Evan the associations, organizations, and foundations they are members of, basically, everything! If you do not “fit in” with their culture most likely there won’t be any “chemistry” during the interviewing process.

So, what’s the answer? Well, first of all, every one of us is different and we won’t all fit into the same company culture. Is that a bad thing? No! Some of you might want to work on the night shift or have flex-time, weekends off, get paid for overtime, no traveling, you name it. This means you have to do your research on companies. Find out everything you can about their company culture. The people. Everything.

It sounds so simple doesn’t it? It sound like common sense doesn’t it? Well, you would be surprised how many candidates I’ve placed and after they go to work for my client they call me and say “I didn’t know I had to travel so much” or “I didn’t know they expected me to work weekends” and you can imagine the endless issues that come up later. Do your research!

Make sure you are interviewing with companies that “fit-in” with you. If the company “fits-in” with you and your needs most likely you will “fit-in” with them and then there will be chemistry between you and any hiring managers during the interviewing process. If you are qualified for the position and there is chemistry you will get an offer. It’s that simple.

If you are getting interviews but no offers this could be the reason. No chemistry. You don’t “fit-in” with their company. I cannot stress that chemistry thing…it’s important. More then you will ever know. So, make sure you do your research on every company you are interviewing with. Find out as much as you can about their culture. Make sure it’s a good fit for you and YOUR CAREER. I hope this helps.

Good luck to you!

Forget The Past!

2012-01-16T07:55:00.000-06:00

Who cares where you’ve been in YOUR CAREER the important thing is, where are you going!

The past is what it is - the past. You need to focus on your future. What do you want to do? How are you going to get there? Get a plan and work your plan. Stay focused. I want you to forget yesterday and the past and start focusing on tomorrow and your future.

You will never be as young as you are right now. If you don’t like where you’ve been in your career today you’re going to start working and putting together your plan to change it tomorrow. Right now! I truly believe you can do what you want to do in your life and your career, but if you keep stagnating and drifting through life you will never become successful in ANY career. You have to plan. Set goals and stay focused.

We can all make excuses about our pasts. All of us! Whether we grew-up in a broken home or didn’t have any money, family, education, and so on. All of these things, in some cases, were out of your control. Not now! As an adult YOU are in control of everything in your life and that goes especially for YOUR CAREER!

You have to be like an evangelical preacher when it comes to your life and YOUR CAREER. Can you change an evangelical Preacher’s mind? Can you change their beliefs? NO! No way! That’s how you have to be.

The past only matters if YOU want to cling to it. Move on. The future is where you are going to spend the rest of your life. If there is something in your past that is holding you back you need to change it. The best way to change it is to focus on your future. When you focus on your future things will start to change for your life and your career. You will start to see things change for you. It will happen.

If you need more schooling, do it! If you need to move out of your neighborhood, do it! If you need to move to another city, do it! Remember the time to change is now! You will never be as young as you are right now. If you think you’re too old and you’re in your 40’s, how are you going to feel in your 50’s? My guess? You’re going to wish you were in your 40’s. Same thing goes for all of the age ranges. The world keeps spinning and time really does fly. The time for you is right now! Don’t wait! Don’t procrastinate! You can do it! I hope this helps.

Good luck to you!

Who Says You Can’t?

2012-01-13T08:00:00.000-06:00

That’s baloney! You can do anything you want in YOUR CAREER. The only person that can stop you is - YOU!

You shouldn’t listen to negative people, especially if they haven’t done anything in their careers! Always consider the source when you are getting career advice. Some people, including family members, can be very negative when you tell them what YOU want to do in YOUR CAREER.

The ugly truth about life is some people just don’t want to see you succeed. It’s sad but true. I’ve seen it too many times in my life. I see this in my own life and in my career as a professional recruiter. You have to be careful of the type of people you share your goals with. Some will be supportive, some won’t.

You have more control of your life and career then anyone else. You know what you want. We’re all different. What’s good for one person isn’t necessarily good for you. Just because you have a friend in a particular business doesn’t mean it’s right for you. Don’t be persuaded into a career field that isn’t right for you. Only you can make that decision.

I want you to start looking at your life and career in a different way. Who says you can’t do something? You’re the only one that can make that decision for you. It can be hard. I am not telling you that going after your dream career will be easy. It can be very challenging and amazingly difficult. But what’s the alternative? Do you want to settle for something less then what you can have? Do you want to stagnate in your career? Do you want to be unhappy?

You need to adopt an attitude about your dream career. Become obsessed about it. Start visualizing yourself in that career. Don’t stop thinking about it. Let it dominate your daily thoughts. Start planning your future. Start moving in the direction of that dream career you’ve always wanted. As you start to move in the direction of your dream you will start to see it develop right before your eyes.

You have to believe in yourself before others can believe in you. The more you start moving in that direction of your dream career, the more and more people will start to believe you can do it. It’s infectious. Your drive and passion about what you want to do will show. You will be heading in the right direction and everyone will know it! The people that doubted you before will start to believe in you. Nothing can stop you now!

It’s true. The only person that can stop you achieving what you want to do in YOUR CAREER is YOU! Now, go get what you want! I hope this helps.

Good luck to you!

Do It!

2012-01-12T08:42:00.000-06:00

Don’t just say you’re going to do something about your life and your career. Do it!

If you want to start your own business, move to another State or Country, change careers, or whatever IT is that you want to do with your life and your career, I think you should do it!

Don’t just say these things, start-making plans. Got it! You have total control of your life and your career. Take control!

We don’t live very long and the world keeps turning, doesn't it? So don’t procrastinate! Don’t be miserable! Get rid of all the distractions in your life. Stay focused!

Don’t waste your talent! Use your God given skills and enjoy your life. If something happens to you tomorrow are you where you want to be in your life and career? Why not? You are responsible for where you are right now. If you’re not happy with where you are then you need to change it. Don’t drift through life!

Don’t just say you’re going to do something about your life and your career. Do it! Too many people have all of these grand plans about what they want to do but they never act upon it. Why? Don’t just say you’re going to do something about it. Do it! I want to see some results! Once you start moving in the direction of your dreams it will start to happen. MOVE! I hope this helps.

Good luck to you!

Don’t Be A Jellyfish!

2012-01-11T12:22:00.000-06:00

If you're floating around like a Jellyfish how are you going to get anywhere in your career?

If you're saying, “I just need a job” that’s not the right approach to your career. If you have been out-of-work for some time, I certainly understand that you “need a job” but you need to get focused on what you want to do with your life and your career.

Don’t be a person that goes from job-to-job all of your life. Find a career! Do you know why? Because during this economic downturn most of the people working are in “careers” and most of the people out-of-work are in “jobs”. There are exceptions, but it’s true.

In this economy people in careers are feeling it. It’s slow. I am not saying this economy is great, we all know it isn’t. But even though this economy isn’t great the people in “careers” are doing better than the people with “jobs”. In other words, if you are one of those wondering nomads going from job-to-job and you really don’t have a career, you've been one of the hardest hit in this economy. So, quit drifting like a Jellyfish and find a career!

Jellyfish are drifters. They have some swimming abilities, but very little. They drift. Go with the flow. They really don’t have any direction whatsoever. Sound like anyone you know? Is this you?

There are so many reasons for you to find a “career” instead of a “job”, but let me give you just a few reasons. More security. More direction. More self-esteem. More fun. More money. Should I keep naming reasons? See, with a career it becomes you. It’s how you’re identified. You’re a Doctor. You’re an Architect. You’re a Police Officer. You are an Accountant. You’re a Dentist. You’re a Teacher. Get it?

Your goal should be to get into a “career” and get out of the job-to-job rat race. Am I saying every person in a career likes it? No! We are human beings that would be impossible! And, if you are one of these people in a career and you hate it? Guess what? You can change it! Go find another career! You can do it!

Take control of your life and your career. Don’t just “go with the flow” and drift through life. Don’t be like a Jellyfish with no direction or guidance in your life. Do you know the most important reason why you don't want to be like a Jellyfish? They don’t live long! I hope this helps.

Good luck to you!

Technology?

2012-01-10T08:23:00.000-06:00

Are you relying on too much technology when it comes to your job search?

If you’re sitting around sending out resumes, emails, text messages, and waiting for something to happen in your job search, that’s the wrong approach! You are relying on too much technology!

You need to pick-up the phone or go to the business IN-PERSON! Believe me, it used to work this way, and guess what? It still does! It’s still the best way to get a job.

Companies don’t hire people – people hire people! And those people hire people they like!

I don’t care what you are hearing out there, as a professional recruiter I am telling you that visiting companies and calling companies YOU want to go to work for is still the best way to get a job. Period. Don’t think the technology is going to do the work for you, it won’t!

Do you know how many resumes we get at our office on a daily basis? Tons! All of these resumes are faceless. No personality. No life. They are just electronic emails or pieces of paper. How can you set yourself apart? You can’t. You are at the mercy of the reader, which is typically a recruiter or HR person that doesn’t have the time to give your resume the full attention it deserves. This happens all the time.

You have to put a face and personality to your resume. Don’t rely on too much technology to find employment. This might sound “old school” and it is, but it works! People hire people they like. Period. How are you going to be able to show your personality through all of this technology? If you are sitting around waiting for something to happen and the only thing you are doing is sending out a bunch of resumes, emails, and text messages, you are making a mistake.

You need to pick-up the phone or visit the company in-person and set yourself aside from your competitors. Let your personality shine and try to establish some commonality with this person. Do you know why? Because people hire whom they like, that’s why! So, get rid of the technology for a day and see what happens. You will be surprised. I hope this helps.

Good luck to you!

College Student?

2012-01-09T07:41:00.000-06:00

Are you a college student worried about your job prospects? Don’t be!

If you are currently in college, either a younger person just starting out or someone going back to school, the best thing you can do is get into an internship. Now! That is by far the best way to get into your industry. I know it’s free, but a lot of these internships will turn into paid positions.

When I was in college my internship turned into a paid position - before I graduated! I was working “in the business” before anyone else in my class and it was all because I was willing to work for “free” in an internship. I was juggling several jobs at the time. I had my “free” internship after school and two others at night and on the weekends. By the time I graduated I was in my industry for over one year. Did I get a jump on my competition? You bet!

A lot of you college students are worried about your future. Don’t worry, let the other students worry about their futures you are getting into an internship ASAP! Some of your friends will give you a hard time for working for free. So what! Don’t get hung-up on what other people say, you need to do what’s right for your career!

A lot of my friends never made it into their industry and even today they are working in a different industry then what their degrees are in. Because I was willing to do an internship, I walked straight into my industry and even had that precious “experience” every company is looking for in new graduates. It works believe me.

If you do not want to worry about your future when you graduate from college get into an internship program right away. Do it now! Adjust your schedule so you can do it. You will not be disappointed! It will be well worth it! I hope this helps.

Good luck to you!

Scratch & Claw!

2012-01-06T08:00:00.000-06:00

In your job search and career you have to be willing to scratch & claw your way to victory!

Why is it that some people can always find a job? Always! It’s because they are willing to do whatever it takes to find one! They are the type of people that will scratch & claw their way to victory. They act like their life depends on it! Do you know why? Because it does!

When you are competing for a new career, or even positions within your current company, you have to be willing to compete. It’s rough out there and you're competing with people that will do anything to get where they want to go. Now, you don’t have to be this way, but guess what? If you are not willing to do ANYTHING it’s not going to happen for you.

I was at the soccer fields with my family this weekend and while I was having a discussion with another parent, who just happens to be a very successful banker, we started discussing the economy and I asked him how his business is doing. To my surprise he said he was changing banks and to supplement his income he was stocking shelves at Wal-Mart! Wow! Do you know what? I wasn’t surprised at all with this guy. He’s sharp! He’s an able bodied man that knows what he has to do for his family! I said to this guy, “Good for you” and his comment was “Thanks”

I didn’t treat this guy as a “loser” just the opposite and that’s why he said “Thanks.” There are way too many able bodied people out there that won’t do what they have to do! They won’t scratch & claw their way to victory! They quit! Don’t quit! You’re too important to your family. Don’t give-up! Nobody is going to think you’re a loser because you took a lower level position to either supplement your income or to hold you over until you can find something else. People will look at you like you're a “doer” and someone that’s not afraid to work! They will respect you more, not less!

Are you willing to scratch & claw your way to victory? Are you? Are you willing to do what you have to do! Now, I am not talking about doing illegal stuff, that's not what I mean when I say, you have to be able to do anything! What I am saying is, if you are an able bodied person that has the capabilities to work, do it! Don’t get hung-up on what others will say or think about you. Are they going to feed you? I didn’t think so. You need to take charge! Scratch & claw! Get going! Your competition is, right? So take pride in yourself and get going! I hope this helps.

Good luck to you!

Best Companies?

2012-01-05T07:45:00.000-06:00

The best companies to work for are the ones that fit YOU!

Every year several publications around the country put together their annual list of “best companies” to work for in the USA. As a professional recruiter I always have to laugh at these lists. Not because there aren’t any good companies on these lists, there are, it’s because everyone is different and what’s “best” for one person isn’t always the “best” for someone else.

Yes, these lists are a good gauge to use if you’re looking for companies that have the lowest turnover, benefits, locations, and other goodies for you, but what about your career? Are any of these companies going to be right for your career? Bigger is not better when it comes to companies. Some of the best opportunities we get at our office is with small to medium sized companies not the bigger companies.

You have to determine what’s best for YOU, not what some list says. If you’re just starting out in your career this is going to be a harder task for you, since you haven’t been in the workplace long enough. Just remember this, a good company for your brother, sister, spouse, or other family member isn’t necessarily good for YOU.

What I am saying might sound obvious to you reading this, but you would be surprised how many people go to work somewhere because they “heard” it’s a good place to work. These people never take in consideration what they want to do, what’s right for them, and what’s best for their career. If you're doing this and you're always miserable in your career it’s because you're listening to everyone else and not yourself. You're the one that knows what YOU like and nobody else can make that determination.

When you determine what is right for your career you might find out that it’s NOT one of these “best” companies to work for. You might find out that it’s a smaller to medium firm or even working for yourself! You never know, right? The best company for you could be YOU! Don’t get hung-up on working for the “right” companies or the “best” companies in your market. Do you know why? It’s because those companies might not be the “right” or “best” for YOU. Got it?

So, the “best” companies to work for are the ones that are right for YOU and the “best” company for YOU has to be the right size, right position, right type of work, philosophies, potential, location and compensation. Guess what? You are the only one that knows what is, not anyone else. So, listen to yourself when it comes to your career and find the “best” company for YOU! I hope this helps.

Good luck to you!

Are You Happy In Your Career?

2012-01-04T08:12:00.000-06:00

If you are unhappy in your current career – change it!

Whenever I say “If you don’t like what you’re doing – change it” to a perspective candidate they always give me some type of answer like “Easier said then done” and I can understand why they’re feeling this way. In my business I deal with people and their careers all day long so I have a different perspective on change.

One of the major problems people have with their careers is they have absolutely no idea what they want to do. If you’re having this problem, you’re not alone! Far from it! I have had discussions with lawyers, doctors, engineers, teachers, and the list goes on, and they all have the same problems that you might have. There are a lot of reasons for people to be unhappy. They may have rushed into their careers or they didn’t understand what they were getting into or they really don’t like what they’re doing. Or, they don’t like the travel, work, people, customers, and the list goes on and on. It’s really different for each individual, but the reasons really don't matter, the fact is they hate what they are doing. Is this you?

If you are in this situation you must decide what YOU want to do. Don’t do something because you “heard” it’s a good career. We are all different and what is good for someone else might not be right for you. There are a lot of good books out there on this subject, but they never worked for me. I am the type of person that has to do something to decide if I like it or not.

When I was a kid I really liked baseball and I wanted to play baseball, until I tried it. Once I tried it I really didn’t like it. I had to physically try baseball to find out I didn’t like playing it. That’s me, you might be different, but that’s how I operate.

In business it’s the same way. You might really want to be a dentist until you have to open someone’s mouth and look inside, right? Yikes! That’s why I really push internships. I know, it’s working for free, but it’s worth it to me. Find out if you’re right for a particular type of business and work environment before you invest the time and money to pursue it.

A stockbroker sounds like a cool job, doesn’t it? But if you don’t like working the phones all day long, it’s not going to be right for you. An internship would have surfaced these issues for you. The same goes for any profession. Maybe you want to open your own bakery? Go to work at a bakery first. Maybe getting up at two thirty in the morning to start the ovens isn’t right for you. Get it?

Try different professions to see what fits your personality. And believe me, what works for your sister, brother, or friends most likely will NOT work for you. It’s a fact that we’re all different. Most HR Manager’s will tell you, the majority of the personnel problems are just people in the wrong positions. If you are someone in the wrong position you cannot be successful. Oh, you can fake it for a little while, but eventually it will be hard for you to keep up appearances and you will fail.

The key to happiness in your career is finding something YOU like to do. Not the money! Not what your parents or spouse wants you to do! What YOU want to do! Try the books! Try internships! Try working for different industries that interest you! Try EVERYTHING! YOU ARE NOT STUCK! You are totally in control of your situation. It’s important for you to find something you will enjoy doing. Do you know why? Because that’s where your talent is and the world is waiting for you! Are you the next _______? Another reason why is you will be more successful, healthier, and a happier person to be around, that’s why! I hope this helps.

Good luck to you!

Not Getting In?

2012-01-03T07:23:00.000-06:00

Are you having a hard time getting into that dream company with that dream position?

This is a common problem for job seekers. It always seems like the perfect company with the perfect position isn’t looking at the time when we want to make a change in our careers. Well, guess what? That is never the case! That’s right! It’s never the case! Do you know why? It’s because companies are always looking for “top talent” in their industry. That’s how our firm stays in business! More importantly, that’s how companies stay competitive and stay in business! They have to keep improving. They cannot stagnate or they will get left behind.

We all know companies that didn’t change with the times and they are not in business anymore, are they? Companies have to keep the talent on their staff fresh, bold, inventing, aggressive, and updated on the current trends in their particular industry. All companies have to do this to survive. Can you imagine a company not getting computerized today? If a company isn’t up-to-date how are they going to stay competitive and more importantly – stay in business? They won’t that’s how.

So, what’s this mean for you? Now that you know companies are always looking for talent in their industry, just like professional sports teams do, I want YOU to pick the company YOU want to go to work for and don’t wait for an opening, or a help wanted advertisement, approach them directly!

Now, this is key, you cannot approach them looking for a job. In other words, what can the company do for you? I want you to approach them as to what YOU can do for the company! Got it? Now you are learning how to get in! You’re no longer going to wait for your perfect position with the perfect company to be advertising before you approach them, right? Remember, companies are always looking, right? So, don’t be afraid to approach a company if they are not advertising, they need YOU!

Now I want you to target the areas of the country you want to live. Target the companies within those areas you want to go to work for and then approach them directly. That’s how you get it! Don’t wait! If you wait for the perfect company to put an advertisement in newspapers or on the Internet you're too late! Now you have a bunch of competition and the company will want to go through their resumes, blah, blah, and blah. What does this mean for you? Delays, delays, and delays, this thing will now drag on.

See, when you approach them directly when they are not advertising you can control the situation. You approached them! You are contacting them! You are bringing your talent to them! You want to work there! You’re excited to work there! Your enthusiasm will come shining through! You will be refreshing to the company! Now you know how to get in! Now you can pick and choose where you want to go to work! You’re in control! No more excuses! I hope this helps.

Good luck to you!

Industry Lingo?

2012-01-02T08:56:00.000-06:00

All industries have a certain “inside” language, so make sure you translate your resume so EVERYONE can understand it!

In this space and on my radio show I have discussed this topic many times. Why do I keep bringing this up? Because we keep getting people sending us their resumes and we can’t understand what they do, that’s why. If we cannot understand what you do for a living how can we help you? Even if you have excellent experience in a specific industry you must translate it. Especially if you are changing careers!

You military guys are the worst but engineers are a close second. When you are putting together your resume make sure it is understandable to people that are NOT in your industry. And this is key. Make sure you have someone other than your spouse read your resume. Do you know why? Most spouses understand your industry language. They live it. They breathe it. They understand it.

Another thing, if you have made the decision to look outside of your current industry, make sure you don't have a lot of specific industry abbreviations on your resume. Those can be confusing. Once again you military guys are the worst at this so make sure you translate all of your schools, duties, responsibilities, and positions you've held. A lot of your experience might be excellent, but if an HR Department of a corporation doesn’t understand it, what good is it?

All industries have a certain insider’s language. If you are changing careers, whether it’s from construction to advertising or a military career to a civilian career, make sure you translate ALL of the information on your resume so EVERYONE can understand it! I hope this helps.

Good luck to you!

Don’t Get Discouraged!

2011-12-23T07:42:00.000-06:00

Are you getting discouraged in your job search and career? Change what you’re doing!

If you're unable to find employment or unhappy in your current career, don’t get discouraged. Do you know why? The only way you will not find employment or a new career is if you give up!

Interviewing is like dating. It’s all about the chemistry. Did you stop chasing the girls or boys because one turned you down? No, you kept looking! It’s the same thing when you're interviewing for a job. Not every company is going to like you, but you have to keep looking! You just haven’t found the right match yet and you won’t if you get discouraged and stop looking! So, keep your spirits up and keep looking because you never know when the next interview will be IT! A love connection!

Are you getting discouraged because of the results you’re getting? If so, I want you to re-evaluate what you’re doing. Are you approaching the right companies? If you’re not that could be a reason why you're getting discouraged. You need to approach companies that could use your type of talent. If you're approaching companies for employment but you have absolutely no experience in what they do, you're stacking the deck against you. Do you know why? You're stacking the deck because these companies are getting qualified candidates from their industry applying for their positions, why would they take a “chance” on you?

When the economy is hot companies will take a “chance” on someone from another industry to see if they will fit in their industry. When the economy is flat, like it is today, they cannot afford to take a “chance” on someone from another industry to see if they will fit in their industry. Make sense? So, right now isn’t a good time to try to get into a new industry, it just isn’t. You should look for employment in your industry right now. That’s where you are the most marketable. If your industry is in bad shape look into similar industries fields or adjacent fields. At least in similar industries you will speak their language, right? There will be commonality.

In my experience as a professional recruiter, when people get frustrated or discouraged in their job search or career it’s always self-induced. They put too many limitations on themselves. They have limitations on where they’re looking for employment, the level of the positions they’re seeking, the types of companies they’re approaching, and the type of money they’re seeking. All self-induced!

If I had to give you one word to live by when you are trying to find employment in this type of economy it’s “flexible” you have to be flexible. I am not telling you to sell yourself short just for you to be more flexible on the areas, type of companies, positions, and money. If you’re not flexible it’s going to continue to be frustrating and discouraging for you. Don’t get discouraged! Change what you’re doing! I hope this helps.

Good luck to you!

Casual Needs?

2011-12-22T07:42:00.000-06:00

Did you know that every company has casual needs? It's true!

“Casual needs” is a term used in the executive search industry and it is well known throughout the employment business. What does it mean? It means if a person is a top performer and has an excellent track record in their career most companies will make room for them in their company, even though they are not currently looking to hire someone. That’s a casual need.

It’s important for you to understand that ALL companies are looking to upgrade their staff. ALL companies! It’s a fact! Companies, just like sports teams, are always looking to get better. Companies, just like sports teams, need the right players on their team to be successful. So, even though a company is not advertising doesn’t mean they don’t have any casual needs. They do. In fact, it’s just the opposite they ALWAYS have casual needs!

In the professional recruiting business this is standard operating procedure. It’s how we work on a daily basis. The companies we represent are not advertising or letting it be known they are looking to fill a particular position or looking to replace someone on their team. It’s confidential. It’s that hidden job market you’ve heard so much about. It exists.

Now that you know about casual needs you need to market yourself to companies that are currently looking to hire and NOT currently looking to hire. In fact, you might have better luck marketing yourself to companies that are NOT advertising or looking to hire. Do you know why? Less competition, that’s why! And if you are good at your profession and you have an excellent track record why wouldn’t a company want to meet with you?

Companies need top players on their team, especially in today’s market! Once you’re able to get an interview it’s important for you to let the company know what YOU can do for THEM! Let them know what you can bring to the table and how you can make them a better performing company with YOU on their team. Casual needs exist within every company. In other words, EVERY COMPANY IS LOOKING! I hope this helps.

Good luck to you!

Having Fun Yet?

2011-12-21T08:00:00.000-06:00

It’s not much fun when you’re looking for a job or working in a career you don’t like, is it?

If you are currently out-of-work, take this opportunity to find something you really want to do with your career. If you don’t like your current career situation, start planning for a new career in something you really want to do. I want you to start enjoying what you do for a living! I want you to start enjoying life and having fun!

You have more control over your life then you will ever realize. As a professional recruiter I know this fact and see it every day. It’s true! It’s amazing how many opportunities there are out there! We have to open our eyes to see them, but they are there. I know you think I’m crazy, don’t you?

Am I crazy? Well, if you were to witness some of the things I see and hear on a daily basis, you wouldn’t think I was crazy at all. In fact, just the opposite!

Start having fun! Start enjoying life! Start taking advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. Do you know why? Because the next opportunity might be your last, that’s why! Don’t settle for something less than what you can have! Don’t do that to yourself! I want you to search out that dream career you’ve always wanted. Go for it! What are you waiting for? Don’t get me wrong, when I say to have fun that doesn’t mean to totally disregard your obligations in life. I mean, life is short and I don’t want you to be unhappy.

I want you to start looking at things differently about your career. If you are currently out-of-work, this might be the best thing that ever happened to you. It might not feel like it right now, but you never know. God works in mysterious ways, doesn’t He? Take this time to really find something you will love. Don’t just settle for anything you can find. I want you to find that dream career you’ve always wanted. It’s out there waiting for you I know it!

You have greatness inside of you – use it! Don’t settle for something less! Don’t waste your talent. Don’t procrastinate! Don’t just drift through life! I want you to enjoy life and have fun in your career. Life is too short to be miserable, isn’t it? So, let’s start having FUN! I hope this helps.

Good luck to you!

What’s Your Plan?

2011-12-20T07:36:00.000-06:00

Do you have a plan? You should always plan your work so you can work your plan!

A mentor of mine, Michael Latas, used to tell me this all the time when I was drifting around and losing focus. He would ask, “What’s your plan?” and then he would say “You need to plan your work so you can work your plan” it was a quote from the great Vince Lombardi and he was right, as usual.

If you do not have a plan of action when it comes to your career, how can you succeed? It’s impossible! You have to have some sort of target, or goals, to hit so you can put together your “road map” to victory. If you are out of work victory is finding employment! Getting back on your feet! But if you do not have any type of plan – you won’t succeed! It’s that simple.

I want you to start evaluating what you want in your career. The type of company, position, work, location and money you need. Everything! Then I want you to start setting goals for yourself. It is very important to be specific. Don’t just say “I want to live in a warm climate” instead name the warm places you would like to live “I want to live in Arizona, California or Florida” be specific. It matters.

When you start to be specific your mind will start to move you in that direction (I am serious). You will start to visualize it. This is very important when you are trying to find that dream career you’ve always wanted. Believe me this works. But, you have to be very specific will all of your goals or your mind will not be able to visualize it. I want you to be consumed with this goal. I want it to dominate your thoughts. I want you to go to sleep thinking about your goal and I want you to dream about it every night.

Too many people have non-specific goals. They will say “I want to be a vice president” but that’s not specific enough. It has to be more specific “I want to be a vice president with ABC Company in Denver, Colorado” And you can get even more specific but you get the idea. Again, this cannot be stressed enough, specificity is very important when you are putting your plan together.

Once you have the company, position, type of work, location and the money you will need, you can start to put together your plan of action! In other words, you should always plan your work so you can work your plan! I hope this helps.

Good luck to you!

First Impressions?

2011-12-19T07:24:00.000-06:00

Are first impressions really that important when interviewing? Yes!

We are all susceptible to first impressions, aren’t we? How many times in your life did you meet someone you really didn’t like “at first” but then later did? When you are interviewing you will only have one chance to make a good first impression, so don’t blow it!

During the interviewing process you might have several “first impressions” with a company. You might have a telephone interview where you will have a first impression to deal with, right? And then you will have an in-house, face-to-face meeting, where you will have another first impression with someone else. All the way through the interviewing process you might encounter several of these “first impressions” because you might meet someone new at each step along the way.

Even at the end of the interview process some companies will have you meet the president or owner of the company, just to get their “stamp of approval” before they extend you an offer. I have seen this many times. In this case you will have another “first impression” to deal with, right? You have to be your best throughout the entire interview process.

If you have been on several interviews with a company do not let your guard down because you are starting to fill more comfortable with them. I have seen candidates start to curse, smoke, go out drinking with people in the office and all kinds of crazy things. If you are doing this you are making a mistake. You need to stay “on” until you receive an offer from the company. They are still evaluating you!

I am not telling you to be a fake and a phony, what I am saying is you need to realize you are still being evaluated for their company and the position. The last thing you need is a story floating around the office about you before you are even employed there! Stay on message and stay on point.

First impressions are so important when interviewing. It will make the difference between you moving forward in the interview process, or not. So, make sure you are at your very best. If you are not feeling well before your interview, on the phone or in person, call and reschedule. What kind of first impression will you make when you are sick? If something is bothering you, or you have a serious family issue, reschedule. Anything that will keep you from being your best during the interview you need to reschedule.

Occasionally during your life you will get a second chance to make a first impression. It happens. When you are interviewing you will not! You will have one shot at it, that’s it! If your first impression is horrible when interviewing with a company you will not get a second chance! Always, always, always stay focused and be your very best! I hope this helps.

Good luck to you!