Careers in Context

Why I've Been Quiet (& Free E-book)

noreply@blogger.com (Chandlee) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 13:47:00 +0000

If you're a regular visitor to my website or stop by to read my blog, you've probably noticed that I've been quiet as of late. I've been busy.

Since April 15, I have been serving as a consultant to Microsoft Office Live's "My Resume Talks Campaign," a national campaign over Facebook which ends this week. Recently, Microsoft released my free eBook, "Has Your Resume Graduated from College? Five Strategies for Finding a Job in Today's Economy" on the campaign website. You can have your own copy here.

While I work with job seekers of all levels, the eBook was designed especially for the recent college graduate.

Could someone mistake your resume for a laundry list? If yes, find out how to fix it.

Check it out, and tell me if you find my tips for resume writing to be helpful, or if you have additional strategies to share that I may have missed?

As always, thanks for reading.>

To Your Success,

Chandlee

P.S. If you have time, do check out Kevin Connolly's resume in a blender routine on the MyResumeTalks.com campaign site on Facebook. The campaign ends Friday, June 5.

Emmy Winner's Advice: How to Be an Expert

noreply@blogger.com (Chandlee) — Mon, 11 May 2009 13:44:00 +0000

Recently, I had the good fortune to meet Rob Blatt of Blattcave Productions. Rob is an audio engineer extraordinaire. He shares three Emmys, an Academy Award, and a Peabody Award with former colleagues. I asked Rob to share advice for job seekers who want to establish themselves as an expert. Given his background, it's not surprising that his first piece of advice is:

1. Start a Podcast that Shows Your Interest and Expertise

Talk about topics you know and have a passion for discussing about it. "When you share your knowledge and passion, your voice will give away your enthusiasm. That's an audience draw."

2. Don't Just Talk About It, Write About It

"Any proper podcast needs to be associated with a blog," Rob explains. "Between episodes of your podcast, you should share content related to your show...and advertise your podcast on your blog."

3. Don't Just Talk About Your Ideas: Share

Rob is a big believer in promoting other people; he says being magnanimous has side benefits.

Sharing ideas of others allows you to show that you are comfortable with your area of expertise.

It shows that you are an expert and know how to cultivate knowledge sharing and that you are not afraid to show that other people have knowledge as well. You need to build trust with your audience.

A special shout-out to Rob for sharing his expertise with us. If you'd like to learn how to sound better or are interested in learning more about Rob's work, visit his website.

Shift Happens

noreply@blogger.com (Chandlee) — Sat, 09 May 2009 02:59:00 +0000

I saw the initial draft version of this video at the annual meeting of the Career Management Alliance, and found it capitvating and thought provoking.

I am particularly fascinated by the trends on education and employer needs to fill positions that did not exist ten years ago. What speaks to you?

March Career Madness: A Round-Up of Advice from Job Search Experts

noreply@blogger.com (Chandlee) — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 03:51:00 +0000

Is your job search is becoming a twisted version of the NCAA "big dance"?

Do you find yourself applying to 64 opportunities before making it to the "final four" candidates for a position?

In the process of beginning a sudden job search? Feeling stuck? Need to get "back in the game" with your career? Don’t despair…the time has come for a new kind of office pool.

Introducing the Twitter Invitational, otherwise known as “March Career Madness.”

This event, which will run throughout the month of March, is a joint effort of a team of career experts who have committed to sharing their wit and wisdom with us in “tweets” of 140 characters or less on Twitter. Posts will be written on a singular theme--innovative strategies for your career.

All posts will include the following code: #mcm (referred to in the Twitterverse as a hashtag)

You can follow March Career Madness through Twitter Search (search #mcm) or by following the tweets of individual contributors (name and user “handles” listed at the bottom of this post). Share posts with others by “Retweeting."

New to Twitter?

If you’ve been meaning to try Twitter, this is a great time to start—and a safe place for watching experienced users interact and share knowledge before you dive in as an active user. A word of caution: Keep in mind that Twitter is a searchable public forum, and don’t share any information you don’t feel comfortable having passed on. As with Facebook, employers have been known to monitor “how they’re talked about” and how current and potential employees represent themselves online.

We encourage you to watch—and participate in—March Career Madness. Here are three resources to help you getting started.

How to Twitter
The Social Rules and Tips for Gaining “Followers,” Why Opinionated People Win
A new user shares her experience using Twitter, including writing suggestions for content

Newbie’s Guide for Twitter
Social media expert Chris Brogan’s straight talk on how to get started.

Round-Up of Users Guides and Tutorials for Twitter
From Pistachio Consulting, a firm specializing in the business use of Twitter and other “microsharing” applications

Participating Career Experts (& Their Twitter “handle”)
This list will expand as additional career experts join us.

Barbara Safani (barbarasafani)
Brian Kurth (briankurth)
Chandlee Bryan (Chandlee)
Deb Dib (CEOCoach)
Katherine Hansen (kathansen)
Kimberly Togman (ktogman)
Laura Allen (la15secondpitch)
Megan Fitzgerald (expatcoach)
Miriam Salpeter (Keppie_Careers)
Pam Slim (pamslim)
Paul Copcutt (Paulcopcutt)
Phyllis Shabad (Phyllisshabad)
Sital Ruparelia (SitalRuparelia)

Join us, and find a new play or two that helps you make a "three-pointer" in your career!

Lessons from Darwin

noreply@blogger.com (Chandlee) — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 13:39:00 +0000

In the midst of the current downturn, there is a cause for celebration in academic circles: Scientists and historians are raising a glass to the 200th birthday of Charles Darwin, the evolutionary biologist who brought the concept of "survival of the fittest" into popular culture.

As companies and countries across the globe struggle to find their economic footing, the commemoration feels like a strange reality tv show event to me: Will the outcome of this current market be a changed job market in which only the strongest and most compelling candidates can survive?

In this market, does the process of self-assessment and "finding your fit" fall by the wayside: Does necessity trump career exploration? Is it best to take a job--any job--that comes your way? I don't think so.

I'm no evolutionary biologist by training, but it seems to me that you are more likely to survive in any given position if it allows you to play your natural strengths. Career exploration--and knowing what you do well is a key component of any job search. So is having a great mentor.

Want proof? Take a look at how Darwin's career evolved: before he became known for his groundbreaking research on the H.M.S. Beagle, he made attempts at medical school and studied to become a minister.

How are you positioning yourself to survive the downturn? Will you involve others in your search process? Or will you go it alone? Is your current approach working for you?

Let me know if I can help.

To your success,
Chandlee

(I learned of Darwin's experience through my former supervisor, Patricia Rose, Director of Career Services at University of Pennsylvania, who has been a mentor to me and countless students and employees. Thanks, Pat!)

On Asking for Help and Recovering from Falls

noreply@blogger.com (Chandlee) — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 04:57:00 +0000

It was a cold rainy day today--I'd say it was rather miserable.

This morning, I watched a woman in my neighborhood trip and have a full-on fall in the middle of the sidewalk. She chipped her front tooth, cut her lip, bruised her hands and knees, and couldn't get up for over ten minutes.

Five passerby (myself included) stopped, helped her call for help and waited with her until it arrived. Shortly after the accident, we went into triage mode: My friend called an ambulance, three others worked to assess the situation and reassure her, and I tried to get help from the drugstore next door, but as it wasn't "on the property"--no help.

The immediate reaction of the woman was to cry. Then, she took a deep breath, and shared with us her current needs, medical history, and feeling of unsteadiness from the fall. We talked and got to know each other as we waited until help arrived.

As a transplant to New York, I walked away feeling both annoyed (at the drugstore) and with a sense of appreciation (for fellow neighbors and passerby). Not surprisingly, given my line of work--it reminded me of the job search:

Like the drugstore, sometimes the places you expect to find help aren't particularly useful. (Ever applied for a job at a place you felt great about only to never hear again?)

Like a sudden fall, a turbulent change in job security can result in the most primal of reactions: aaccckkk!

And sometimes, help arrives in the most unexpected form when you figure out how to ask for it clearly...and can be specific about what you need.

Think you have no network? Explore LinkedIn and attend events in your community that align with your interests. Find anyone with common interests, follow-up, and make a new friend...

To your success,
Chandlee

How Do You Define Success?

noreply@blogger.com (Chandlee) — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 00:39:00 +0000

Last night I had dinner with an old friend. We were talking about the nature of work and supervision, the tenuous lines between micro-management, appropriate management, and the disengaged.

He paused and said, "I think success happens when you can be left alone..." From his perspective, success is about being able to choose when and how you work with other people.

From my perspective, success is more than the end result--it is often the process of working with people to make the results happen. I believe in the collaborative process and often feel that I do my best work when I am actively working with others.

Here's a simple question: How do you define success? And has your definition of success changed since the recession started? Do you have a different perspective on what constitutes success? Or has it remained consistent?

There's no right or wrong answer here, I'm just curious.

The "Other Bubble" - Use it to Market Yourself

noreply@blogger.com (Chandlee) — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 15:39:00 +0000

This Webby-award video was produced before the real estate crash and the economic downturn--there hasn't been too much news about the state of this bubble in recent months....

From my perspective as a resume writer and career coach, this "bubble" offers you great tools for your job search: Through social media applications such as LinkedIn, blogs, and Twitter, you can build your network, research and write about new developments in your field, and increase your visibility in the job search. After all, the most recent stats I've seen say that 77% of recruiters "Google" candidates: Why not control how you are being checked out?

It's not an appropriate job search strategy for all careers (i.e. if you are considering a career that involves security clearance of any kind, you probably want to abstain from blogging), but it could work for you--especially given that some career experts and employers predict the eventual demise of the resume.

Need help getting started? Contact me.

Learning to Swim Again

noreply@blogger.com (Chandlee) — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 17:25:00 +0000

This winter, I'm learning how to swim again. After a childhood full of lessons and success rates with annual swim tests, I must say I'm surprised. When I started swimming again regularly this fall, I was pretty convinced that I knew how to swim well enough, and I thought it completely unnecessary to take lessons--especially since I have no plans to swim competitively. But that was before I adjusted to the skinny lanes allotted to swimmers in Manhattan, and got passed more than I ever thought possible.

Then I realized that I wasn't really seeing any results from swimming. I looked up the calorie burn rate for swimming; and realized that the swimming that I was doing probably fell into the lower "burn" rate even if I felt I was exerting myself. It was time for a correction.

I caught the eye of a swim coach, got a tutorial in new techniques for the breaststroke, watched a couple of YouTube instructional videos--and got back in the pool and tried again. I learned that there have been many improvements to the breaststroke technique over the years, and that it isn't just the magic swimsuits which have contributed to new world records in speed.

It feels good to learn a new way of doing things, and I plan to continue my fitness efforts in this area--especially since my results have been rewarded. (I've discovered that the revised technique means that I can actually pass people on occasion.)

Almost everyone I know feels self-conscious about being seen in a bathing suit. And, as I talk about swimming I feel even more self-conscious, especially since my first post for Career Hub last summer focused on how Olympic swimmer Natalie Coughlin adjusts to feedback in the pool. There's something to be said for taking one's own advice--and who wants to admit that they had not done it before!?

I decided to share my experience in the pool anyway because I think it parallels the current experience of many job seekers: It is easy to get used to the old ways of doing things and if it worked in the past, it can be harder to try something new at the outset--even if the rules of the game have changed.

If you're active in this employment market, chances are good that the traditional job search process (find ad, send resume with cover letter, interview and get offer) may not work as quickly for you in the past--especially given that there are fewer postings now than before. As time equals money, I encourage you to seek assistance with your job search to help you ease the process. From YouTube videos on interviewing skills, to the free e-books available through Career Hub, you'll find a wealth of information available to help you adjust your techniques. If you learn better through a personal approach, contact me and let me know how I can help you dive in!

To Your Success,
Chandlee

When "Yes, We Can" Comes Before "Yes, I Can"

noreply@blogger.com (Chandlee) — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 13:55:00 +0000

Democratic strategist and pundit James Carville speaks his mind, and what he says is frequently Train challenged by others. (Did I mention he's married to Republican strategist Mary Matalin?) But I think few will disagree with Carville's opinion on 2008:

You know, people will insist that 2008 had 366 days. I don't believe it. I think it had 36,066 days. It certainly felt much longer than any year that I've ever experienced.

I couldn't agree more. I live in Manhattan where my work as career coach and resume writer includes serving as a volunteer facilitator for a MeetUp.com group of job seekers. Our members range in age from 18 to 70 and include college students, mid-career executives, and seasoned professionals. I've gotten to know and enjoy many of them personally and as the economy has tightened, a collective sense of hope has become increasingly important.

No one wishes for a plane crash, but I think last week's "Miracle in the Hudson River" gave people a dose of optimism which continued through Martin Luther King day. Supporters of the new Obama administration also have it in today's Inauguration. After all, the first definition of inaugurate is "to make a formal beginning of; initiate; commence; begin."

After a year that felt like 36,066 days, a sense of hope and the prospect of a new beginning is both popular and contagious. For many, it puts the swing back into the step. Our MeetUp group met last night and the collective mood was more upbeat than in recent weeks.

But it doesn't work for everyone. I've talked to many job seekers who've said that their New Year's resolutions for the job search are hard to keep. As news of new layoffs and hiring freezes continue, individual momentum can be difficult to maintain. As one of my group members said to me recently, "If I make it outside, it's a good day. It's just hard too keep going."

My advice in these situations? Borrow from the Obama campaign and try "Yes, We Can" before telling yourself "Yes, I Can." Join a group or band together with friends to accomplish your goals. There is a reason why Weight Watchers, Team in Training, and the Biggest Loser often work for weight loss and improved fitness: there is proven strength in working with a community to effect personal change. It works better than trying it on your own.

I share this advice courtesy of one of my favorite authors, Gordon Livingston. A Psychiatrist, Dr. Livingston has experienced an unusual amount of personal pain in his life: He lost two children, one to leukemia and one to suicide. He writes about how he lived through the experience and shares additional lessons learned in Vietnam and through his work with clients in his practice. One of his nuggets of wisdom: Feelings follow behavior.

In other words, if you're feeling down, don't bank on waking up one morning and feeling better all on your own--get moving now! This is why I recommend joining a group and even "faking" enthusiasm if you have too in the short-term. (You can--and should be--honest with yourself and examine the emotions behind your feelings, as part of the process.) In the short-term, you may find that the act of saying, "Yes, We Can" now lead you to say "Yes, I Can" sooner than you think.

Let me know if this works for you, and if I can help you get unstuck.

To your success,

Chandlee

Why "Fit" Should Come Before "Foot"

noreply@blogger.com (Chandlee) — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 05:09:00 +0000

You may recently have noticed a new slogan for this blog "Put your best fit forward." It's the essence of my philosophy in four short words.

As I see it, any job search is a dance between the job seeker and the potential employer, and in the end, there are two decisions to be made.

From the employer's perspective, comes the first decision: Are your skills and experiences aligned with organizational needs, and will you fit into the culture?

Decision the second: Is the position right for you? Does the work involved align with your goals and interests? Does the workplace culture feel like a fit to you?

All too often, job seekers place far more emphasis on the employer's decision than their own. Certainly, employers frequently appear to have more power in terms of the first decision--after all, they are the ones who evaluate all the candidates and extend an offer...

But the choice of where you want to work is also very much on the table in any job offer. The economics of supply and demand and your own fiscal reality may make your workplace preference seem like less of a choice, but whether or not you want to accept an offer is virtually always your choice to make.

A bad fit can have many unintended consequences, ranging from simple incompatibility of work style to major philosophical differences and a lack of enjoyment for how you spend much of your waking hours?

Heather Huhman, a careers expert at the Examiner, is running a great series on how to evaluate employers for how well they fit your needs. Here's a link to the first installment. Read on, and share your stories of occasions when you put your "best fit" forward and when you didn't...

Feeling Stuck? 3 Quick Ways to Make Your Search Move Again

noreply@blogger.com (Chandlee) — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 03:26:00 +0000

One of the interesting things about the work that I do is the cyclical nature of job seeking: September and January are traditionally the busiest months as it is "back to work" for students and professionals alike.

That being said, job hunting can be like New Year's Resolutions: it is frequently easy to set ambitious goals and can be difficult to keep them--especially when shrinking budgets and hiring freezes may require you to do more instead of less.

If you're feeling stuck, consider leaning on someone else to pull yourself out of it. (I once read that one factor behind the high failure rate of resolutions was the fact that a majority of common self-improvement efforts are often done in relative solitude--i.e. weight loss, personal finance management, and even applying for new jobs.) As it is often easier to achieve success with the help of others, here are three of my favorite resources:

1. Authentic Happiness
This website by the University of Pennsylvania's Center for Positive Psychology provides many tools and resources for "bad mood busting." I particularly recommend the VIA Signature Strengths Finder.

2. How to Find a Community of Job Seekers

This 2 part series from my colleague and friend Miriam Salpeter at Keppie Careers includes a mention of the Manhattan based Job Seekers group I run through MeetUp.com. (sign-up for additional information on programs and events if you like.)

3. Ask for Advice or Suggestions from someone who has been there before. Here's a recent Penelope Trunk post on "How to Generate a Useful E-mail Response."

I also like management consultant Dan Erwin's suggestions on "How to Ask for Advice and Not Look Like a Dumb***" (Our opinions on word choice for titles differ--I'm more of a prude for public writing--but his advice is spot-on.)

Do you have additional suggestions on how to self-motivate during a job search? If yes, please share.

Networking: Fool-proof Strategy to Break the Ice

noreply@blogger.com (Chandlee) — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 21:58:00 +0000

Twice a month, I facilitate programs for a Manhattan based group of job seekers. During our most recent meeting, we had an extended conversation on the awkwardness of networking--how it's easy for some, but incredibly awkward for others.

It seems to me that problem with networking is that it is like riding a bike or swinging a golf club: the more you think about the process of doing it, the harder it gets. When you focus attention on yourself, you can lose your perspective and your balance. (Have you ever fallen over on your bike?)

Today, Kevin Donlin of the Simple Job Search published a great blog post with an anecdote to the awkwardness entitled "Networking is NOT about You."

Check it out. I think it's a fool-proof way to move your job search forward.

To your success,
Chandlee

Propel Your Career in '09 with the Best of '08

noreply@blogger.com (Chandlee) — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 12:26:00 +0000

As we welcome 2009, here are five must-reads of 2008 that will help you stay ahead of the curve:

It's tough to make a resolution that sticks if you're putting up with something that's always in the way. In I Hated My Lawnmower, author Jason Alba provides a lesson in the satisfaction that can come from fixing a simple but nagging problem.
If you're not on LinkedIn yet, you should be. Statistics on successful job searches routinely show that at least 60% of job offers come from networking, and LinkedIn is the granddaddy of social networking apps (some call it "Facebook" for grown-ups). Here are tips on how to write your LinkedIn profile for your future from social media whiz Chris Brogan.
If you're applying for a front office position--or seeking positions in a very competitive field-- you'll want to differentiate yourself. I recommend subscribing to Dan Schawbel's personal branding blog. (Note: If you decide your job search strategy should include starting a blog of your own, see his tips on how to do this.)
Do They Care About Your Personal Brand? As important as it is to differentiate yourself and stand out amongst other candidates in the actual job search, employers search and hires based on their own needs. This piece by Louise Fletcher, founder of Career Hub and Owner of Blue Sky Resumes, is a great reminder of the need for balance between branding and positioning yourself to meet employer requirements and mission critical demands.
10 Ways You Stop Yourself from Getting the Right Job. In a tough economy, it's easy to shy away from the job market or feel overwhelmed. Don't. London-based Sital Ruparelia's tips will help you keep a stiff upper lip and keep your career moving forward!

To Your Success,
Chandlee

A Late Bloomer Learns How to Make a New Year's Resolution

noreply@blogger.com (Chandlee) — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 17:18:00 +0000

Recently, author Stephen Shapiro shared some surprising findings on New Year's Resolutions:

It appears that the younger you are, the more likely you are to achieve your resolutions.

39% of those in their twenties achieve their resolutions every year or every other year.

Less than 15% of those over 50 achieve their resolutions every year or every other year.

If you clicked through to read Shapiro's extended findings and you aren't in your 20's, and you saw the statistic that only about 8% of those who make resolutions consistently achieve them--do not give up on a big goal.

Pick up the phone or turn to your partner and enlist their encouragement. You are much more likely to achieve your goals if you share them--and set them in tandem with someone else. This is how Weight Watchers stays in business.

I share this advice with confidence and conviction. I have tried and failed to achieve resolutions in the past, but this year was a watershed moment: I've found personal success using the collaborative approach.

Prior to 2008, I had unfulfilled dreams of writing about careers in a public forum, but I was stuck in an inner battle between my social self and my quiet self. I love to write but the process is--conventionally--a solitary task. I enjoying reading, but I am happiest when I am making connections with others. I found myself talking a lot about writing but not actually doing it. In 2009, I actually did it. Consistently.

I could tell you that my success is a result of a change in my self discipline, or a testament to my drive and motivation. But I can't lie: Like many who achieve their goals later in life, my success is "highly contingent on the efforts of others." In a New Yorker essay exploring economist David Galenson's research on the differences between child prodigies and those who achieve success later in life, Malcolm Gladwell calls this the "final lesson of the late bloomer."

Consider the career of Cezanne. As Gladwell tells it, he was supported by his father for years, had his first show at 56 and once had a friend sit for a portrait over 150 times--before he decided to abandon the painting. (Now that's a friend!)

It was others who helped me put words to paper. First I discovered Twitter, and a new community of interesting people who provide me with ideas on what to write about--and who serve as role models on how to write. I also gained not one, but two new mentors who have consistently encouraged me. I made friends with several other emerging writers and took a short course. I sent drafts to friends and family. I learned to take small steps, to use a formula to break writer's block, and to publish the imperfect.

As I look back on what I've written this year, I am grateful for the support that I've received from my friends and family. They have my gratitude and my thanks, and I appreciate their patience. As Gladwell says, "Prodigies are easy. They advertise their genius from the get-go. Late bloomers are hard. They require forbearance and blind faith."

If you have a dream that you can't quite give up on--and haven't managed to achieve just yet, find a friend or mentor who will encourage you with blind faith--and challenge you to be accountable for making it happen. Let me know how it turns out...and good luck!

Three Places to Spot Job Leads

noreply@blogger.com (Chandlee) — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 03:49:00 +0000

With all the "gloom and doom" in the headlines, it's easy to think every corner of the U.S. job market--from Main Street to Wall Street--has been negatively affected by this economy. But, that's not quite true. This morning, the local paper in my hometown of Columbia, South Carolina featured stories of two potential "winners" who expect to see positive growth: Kohls and Delta Airlines (post-merger).

If you're feeling frustrated, here are three sites to look at:

1. Linkup.com
LinkUp is an aggregator of position listings from company websites. It's a great place to find out about opportunities that might not be interested on other job boards. (In my former life as a recruiter, I paid to post positions on Monster.com--it's not cheap!)

Many thanks to GL Hoffman, author of the blog What Would Dad Say and recently published book, Dig Your Job, for this lead.

2. Jiibe

I learned about this Canadian gem when Greg Scott, company founder, began following me on Twitter. Here is a description of the site--straight from the corporate website:

Jiibe is a user-powered online service that helps people make better decisions for a happier life.

First we help you understand what sort of workplace you need to be happy.

Then we point you to companies that match based on the real-life experiences of other members.

I look forward to learning more about the site, but in the interim--sounds worth checking out!

3. PastRecessions.com

As you might guess from the name of my blog, my favorite word is context. PastRecessions.com provides information on past recessions, and is a good reminder that the economy has suffered downturns--and recovered in the past as well. Resist the temptation to personalize the economy--mass layoffs and hiring freezes at some companies does not equal no opportunities elsewhere (or that you won't be hired by a particular company at a later date).

Keep the faith, and please share your successes!

Personal History: Seven (Odd) True Facts

noreply@blogger.com (Chandlee) — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 15:33:00 +0000

My friend Miriam Salpeter at Keppie Careers, has tagged me in a virtual game of "information share." (To learn more about Miriam, read her post 7 Maybe Not So Weird Facts about Me) So here goes. The attached photo was taken with my twin nieces, who are the greatest side kicks I could ever wish for.

I spent most of my childhood in Columbia, South Carolina in a house without air conditioning. In the summer, the heat and humidity kept my skin on the moist side. My stepdad was an engineer, and devised a complicated airflow management system to keep the house cool which meant leaving all the doors open, including that of my bedroom. As a teenager, I refused to have my door open all the time and vowed to move to a very cold place.

I made good on this promise (did I mention that I can be stubborn?) and spent five years in New Hampshire--in a state with natural air conditioning.
My first job after college was working for rocket scientists. I answered a blind ad for an editorial assistant in the Washington Post, and was hired by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), a professional association of aerospace engineers. My job was to copyedit manuscripts on space medicine, tactical missile warheads, and other technical white papers. After eight months and a gentle reminder from my supervisor that attitude and altitude were not the same, I moved to another department where my job was to work with event planning and professional development for members. This was much more fun: my first business trip involved setting up lecture arrangements for Gene "Failure is Not an Option" Kranz, Mission Control Director for Apollo 13.

I learned that engineers had the same career needs as English majors like me (they, too, wanted to know how to grow their careers). I liked helping them, so I went to grad school and got a Master's degree in Counseling.

I have a "reverse" Achilles heel--it's the toughest part of me. As an infant, I received transfusions in my right heel and the scar tissue could take a bullet. It's pedicure-resistant and I've learned to appreciate it over time.

My family has a penchant for unusual names--mine comes from an ancestor who was a "Quaker" clock maker.

For many years, my family shared space with a beloved cat named Salmonella (my dad, a "germ expert," told my sister--then 9--she could bring a kitten home from summer camp if he could name it). After learning the translation of this "beautiful name," my sister shortened it to "Sally." My unrepentant dad named her kittens "Bacillus" and "Toxoplasmosis."

I am a "Rhodes Scholar." I went to Rhodes College in Memphis and wore a gown to graduate. Does that count?
I conquered a fear of flying by touring a Boeing factory and seeing the assembly line for 737's. (At the time, I was working at Dartmouth College's Engineering School, and an alum was kind enough to give me a tour and an overview of her work there.) I developed an appreciation of system redundancies in aircraft, and decided that the test pilot's job was scarier than my position as a routine passenger!

I am compulsive about spelling and grammar, but sometimes can't do it in public. I was recently eliminated in the third round of a spelling bee, and can't pronounce the word "herbs." (In an early internship, I caught a Reader's Digest worthy typo before it went to press: "Hands on Herb," a lecture by the D.C. Women's Garden Club. I laughed, corrected it, and have never been able to say "herbs" since.)

I have a hard time ordering a dish in a restaurant if there's a typo in the description. I've also fantasized about starting a proofreading business for restaurants. Perhaps this is why I enjoy working with resumes?

I generally follow rules, so here is the next step in the game. Here are blogs I think you should check out; I challenge their authors to share seven things as well:

Jason Alba, Jibber
Jobber

Paul Copcutt, Square Peg
Solution

A. Fashionista, Diary of
a Label Lover

Lauren Hasson, The Resume
Girl

Alexandra Leavit, Water
Cooler Wisdom

Dan Schawbel, Personal
Branding

Phyllis Zimbler Miller, Flipping Burgers and
Beyond

Rules of the Road for my fellow bloggers:

• Link your original tagger(s), and list these rules on your blog.

• Share seven facts about yourself in the post - some random, some weird.

• Tag seven people at the end of your post by leaving their names and the links to their blogs.

• Let them know they’ve been tagged by leaving a comment on their blogs and/or Twitter.

Now that you know a bit more about me, feel free to touch base. How can I help you propel your career?

When To Wine, Instead of Whine

noreply@blogger.com (Chandlee) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:56:00 +0000

With all the news in the headlines, you may find it hard not to feel anxious with regard to your own job search.

At least once a day I'm asked, "Should I stay where I am? Is it even possible for me to find a job in this market? How can I possibly find something I want when the unemployment rate is rapidly rising?"

Resist the temptation to feel sorry for yourself. Visit a job board like Indeed.com or SimplyHired.com. Type in a few key words of interest and see what comes up.

Chances are good that you will see jobs...Current openings that you can apply for. If your experience fits, you should move forward.

I was reminded of this recently when I stumbled upon a website that recently mentioned me in a blogpost...Winetalent.net

This website specializes in executive placement for positions in the wine industry. You don't have to be a vineyard owner to apply, you do need functional experience in the area to which you are applying and a demonstrated interest in the industry.

Even if you're not a oenophile (i.e. lover of wine) with a dream of working in the business full-time, the point here is a broader one: Not all jobs have ceased to exist, and there's a treasure trove of information about potential opportunities across different sectors available. Now get going!

It's better to go out in search of possibilities you'll love then to sit at home and whine...

Cheers,
Chandlee

Making Decision 2008 Personal

noreply@blogger.com (Chandlee) — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 04:58:00 +0000

Today, I am participating in Job Action Day, a pre-election event hosted by QuintCareers.com. The purpose of the event is a "call to action" for job seekers by sharing resources written and recommended by career experts.

You can read about the event--and see tips provided--here:

http://www.quintcareers.com/attacking_job_market.html

I once read some intriguing statistics on the correlation between self improvement initiatives and personal happiness. According to the data, Americans often take on self-improvement projects in order to feel better about themselves and to feel less isolated from others. The challenge: many self-improvement projects are often done independently and without the support of others. As a result, it can be easier to give up on your cause and to feel even lonelier. Having team support is one reason why programs such as Weight Watchers, Team in Training, and Boot Camp Classes at the gym tend to have higher success rates than going it alone...

For these reasons, I challenge you to find an accountability partner to pair up with during the course of your own job search--or join in a national effort like Job Action Day. Working with others can help you stay motivated--and help you feel more connected in the process as you make Job Action Day transition into Job Action Month!

Contact me and let me know what you've done and how you've seen progress. Any strategies you recommend or don't recommend for other job seekers?

To your success,
Chandlee

On the Secret Ingredient to Career Sustainability

noreply@blogger.com (Chandlee) — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 11:05:00 +0000

Yesterday, I attended "Branding for Sustainability," a conference examining environmental sustainability initiatives at the corporate level. The program included collective brainstorming on a common question: Given that sustainable initiatives often cost more at the outset and involve rethinking relationships, how can individual employees build support for change within an organization?

While environmental issues were the theme for the day, the recent volatility on Wall Street did not go unnoticed. Here are two take-aways that are equally applicable to both the issues of "environmental sustainability" and "career sustainability":

1. Pain drives change, but passion is a better long-term recipe for success. Just as many companies have been prompted to change their conservation practices based on rising fuel costs, your job search may be fueled by external factors--or by your discontent.

Within this environment, making a career change suddenly may stop the pain. That being said, if you haven't had time to reflect on why you are making the change: if you are not passionate or genuinely interested in your new line of work, you may not like your new job, either.

2. We get by with a little help from our friends. At the conference, several of the organizers mentioned the importance of building support for sustainability initiatives by working with colleagues horizontally---i.e. from your friends and colleagues, rather than starting with the c-suite.

Given that it's not always "easy being green," this strategy to build horizontal strength can help you both in terms of your ability to advocate for change and also in terms of your own career success. After all, support from colleagues can help you stay "vertical" and moving forwards in terms of how you accomplish your goals.

Several years ago, Tom Rath, author of How Full is Your Bucket? and head of the Gallup Research Workplace Research and Leadership Consulting Practice, published a book called Vital Friends which examines the effects that friends can have on your work happiness. According to Rath and research conducted by Gallup poll, having a best friend at work makes you seven times more likely to be engaged in your job.

Bottom-line: Stop reading here and engage in conversation with someone!

To your success,
Chandlee

The 30 Minute Online Resume Workout

noreply@blogger.com (Chandlee) — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 02:45:00 +0000

As you can imagine, it's a busy time to be a career coach and resume writer: given the climate on Wall Street and the ensuing trickle-down in Manhattan, the phone lines are buzzing.

In the process I've been reviewing resumes of many talented people who never expected that a job hunt would be in the cards right now.

Given the prevalence of Blackberries and cell phones, the notion of "doing more with less" has clearly stretched beyond fiscal frugality and extended to personal time (quite simply, there's less available as there are fewer people available to help with work). Frequently, I'm contacted by clients who say, "I'd do this myself, but I don't have the time" and don't know how to get started. Here are three suggested strategies to get started on a resume rewrite in 30 minutes or less.

1. Consider hiring someone to help you, or review tips from the pros. I strongly recommend Career Hub's free e-books on resume writing, networking, and interviewing.

2. Read job listings and position descriptions to develop a sense of what employers want. Do a "Google" search on yourself to know what you look like "online." Then develop a strategy for how you want to be known.

As an increasing number of employers are using LinkedIn and other social networking tools to find candidates and make hiring decisions, help them find you. I particularly recommend Chris Brogan's Write Your LinkedIn Profile for Your Future for this purpose.

3. Revise your resume by starting with your LinkedIn Profile. LinkedIn has a strong search engine ranking and offers you a substantial but a controlled amount of space in your profile section.

Because LinkedIn limits the number of characters you can use in your work, it is a great site to write a resume draft: you can search for people who work in similar roles to your own (and make observations on what works and what doesn't). If you put together your profile carefully, you'll have a concise summary of skills and experiences that you can then use as a base for your resume. An added bonus: your voice will sound consistent across both your LinkedIn and your resume since you'll be speaking in the same language.

To your success!

Will the Resume Become Obsolete?

noreply@blogger.com (Chandlee) — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 13:30:00 +0000

Forget Palin versus Biden or Obama versus McCain, over at Career Hub, there's a raging debate over the future of the resume. This is an ongoing question for discussion among career professionals: are online sites such as LinkedIn and Facebook rendering the resume obsolete? Here is my take on the debate--read the post and tell me what you think. Counter opinions welcome!

I've long been a fan of the supplemental information in the job search: I think job seekers can always boost their attractiveness to employers with electronic portfolios (especially in creative professions--love Coroflot), writing samples, and online information that demonstrates interest and passion aligned with interests and career goals. Of course, there's no guarantee that employers will look at supplemental material in the process; however, I think it's better to have "extra information" than not--especially as employers look more to the web.

Here's my response to the debate:

While resumes are still the de-facto standard for applying for jobs (and are generally required both for the application process and so that the employer can meet Federal standards on record keeping) , I agree with Barbara Safani: the resume is increasingly viewed as one component of the application process--with online information playing a greater role in the overall search process.

The Google search on a candidate has become another standard practice--your online presence from LinkedIn to "digital dirt" can reveal just as much about you and your work as your resume. As early as 2006--an ExecuNet survey reported that 77% of executive recruiters admitted checking out candidates online during the employment process. In my opinion, building and maintaining your online presence has become a critical component of the job search process: In my private practice as a resume writer and career coach, I work with clients on "web-based" presence as much as I do on "paper."

Beyond the "Google" and online factor, Web 2.0 has also heavily influenced how resumes are evaluated: when you apply online for a position through a company or job board portal, your resume is frequently ranked based on "relevance" for this position. Elements affecting relevance include level of experience and key words (look at position descriptions and ads to identify potential key words, then use them in your resume).

In sum, technology is changing the role of the resume in the overall process, but resumes are still essential in the employment process. As such, it's no less important to have a clear, concise resume today than it was previously.

I look forward to hearing your thoughts!

Handling the Missing "Required" Skill: Free Tech Training

noreply@blogger.com (Chandlee) — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 13:38:00 +0000

If you've ever stopped yourself from applying for a new position because you're missing a tech skill or two on the list of requirements, here's one suggested fix:

YouTube

The site that allows you to watch Tina Fey imitate Sarah Palin, music videos, and pet tricks is also used by technical trainers...

Many years ago, I was proficient at Macromedia Dreamweaver--a website development and management application which I learned and used with ease. Three months ago, I bought the latest version, Adobe Dreamweaver (CS3) and found it not-so-easy.

Enter YouTube--home of 480 tutorial videos on Dreamweaver CS3. I found several of them much more comprehensive and easy to understand than the tutorials supplied by Adobe.

Bottom line: If you don't have a required skill, consider jumping online and taking a crash course tutorial. Take notes and practice prior to the interview than list "familiar with [application]" on your resume...If you've completed the tutorials, you'll have a few tricks under your belt and will indeed be "familiar" with the new application.

To your success!

On Looking Focused: And the 30 Second Pitch

noreply@blogger.com (Chandlee) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 08:51:00 +0000

Yesterday, I had lunch with a recruiter for one of the only five investment banks in New York hosting MBA information sessions this fall. The circles under her eyes and weary gaze were troubling to me: Despite the relative good health of her company, she is clearly directly experiencing the fallout from the turmoil at Lehman Brothers, Merrill, and the rest of the "Street." Among her current challenges: an increased traffic in candidates from competing firms, many of whom are not exactly sure what they are looking for yet in terms of a new career opportunity.

My friend and I agree that one of the biggest challenges for job seekers and current employees is looking focused in a time of turmoil. It is natural to want to explore your career options but you need to look focused when you speak to potential employers.

If you need to develop your own soundbite for exploration with potential opportunities (and interview preparation), I recommend 15secondpitch.com. This site provides a free "Pitch Wizard" that coaches you to develop a focused pitch targeted on the needs of your audience. At the conclusion of the pitch, your pitch will be placed on a template of a business card--if it doesn't fit, you know you need to condense and refine your message. If it does fit, you can even purchase the cards--and add your picture to increase your chances of "total recall."

Kudos to 15SecondPitch.com. for an innovative product that makes preparation work easier...

The "S" Factor (Or Why to Stop Reading Right Now!)

noreply@blogger.com (Chandlee) — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 01:18:00 +0000

Struggling to find the best solution to your latest career condundrum? Too tired to articulate yourself fully through a new cover letter? Grumpy with your job? The simplest resolution may begin with a good night's sleep...And if it isn't better in the morning, consider the alternatives.

As a career counselor and coach, I spend an inordinate amount of time thinking, reading, and writing about work. Every so often, I also think about the importance of sleep. One of the statistics that has always fascinated me is that of the effects of sleep deprivation. Are you aware that the effects of sleep deprivation have been proven to have as much of a negative impact on reaction time as alcohol?

I've always been fascinated by restrictions imposed on "mission critical" professions to reduce the possibility of errors: from truck drivers and air traffic controllers, to medical residents and engineers. In the U.S., truck drivers are prohibited from driving more than 11 hours at a stretch, but medical residents in hospitals are frequently asked to work a shift of 24 hours at a time (this decreased from a previous shift of 30 hours in 2003). To me, this makes no sense at all: in both professions, the lives of others literally depend on one's ability to remain alert. Why is it that we think medical doctors can and should stay up later than truck drivers?

This weekend's train accident in L.A. reminded me of this simple restriction: preliminary results indicate that the accident could be the result of an oversight by a less-than-alert engineer with a sound track record. According to one news account, a potential cause of the crash which will be investigated is engineer fatique: in California, engineers are limited to 12 hours a day running a train, although that can be broken up over a stretch as long as 18 hours. Tim Smith, California state chairman of a union representing engineers and conductors, describes the impact of being perpetually "on"

"Doing that for five or six days in a row, you have the cumulative fatigue factor that becomes a real bear," he said.

If it were up to me, "rest hour" would be a mandatory part of the work day--I'm always amazed at how refreshed I feel by a short nap. Conversely, the most challenging times I've ever encountered with my day job have occurred during periods when I've allowed myself little time for sleep. Coincidence? I don't think so...

In sum, your next career success could start simply with rest!