Just such an opportunity came up today and I jumped at it–for you–the job seeker.

Today’s post contained an article from regular contributor Dr. John Sullivan, Professor of Management at San Francisco State University and author of over 900 articles on HR and 8 books!

If you are like  many job seekers I speak with who have a ‘hard heart’ towards HR this is important information. It may just open some job seeker eyes. That is my goal anyway.

Dr. Sullivan’s article is written for HR professionals and the point is that THEY could be doing a better job interviewing. (To be honest, HR is usually pretty good at interviewing. It’s the OTHER departments that usually don’t understand how to play the game.) Anyway I thought this article important enough for job seekers to read that I took a moment to formally request permission from Dr. Sullivan to make it available to you.

This read will provide you with a 180° view of the interviewing process. In other words–this is your chance to look at the interviewing process from the other side of the desk and understand that the profession is working hard to get even better at what they do.

For your review: What’s Wrong With Interviews? The Top 50 Most Common Interview Problems by Dr. John Sullivan.

Good (Job) Hunting!

rg

Now…onto business.
rg

I have been giving a lot of thought lately to what I should call myself professionally. I’m seeking a title.

So, you might ask, what could this drivel have to do with me? Why am I wasting my time reading this. Stay with me–especially if you are job seeking–and you’ll see the value in this post.

I have always been reluctant in calling myself a career coach. I’m not. I don’t usually do the once-a-week, half-hour phone session, etc. (My sessions tend to be few and highly effective. People land their next job and I never hear from them again except on LinkedIn.)

I don’t like the term coach as people may apply it to me. As a friend of mine who attended a national coaching conference several years ago told me upon his return—what he learned from being there was that in order to become a coach all you need (his words) “is a pencil.”

I agree. I could send a bunch of money to one of the various ‘certifying’ organizations, learn the secret handshake, drink the Kool-Aid, obtain an official, multicolored certificate (Suitable for Framing) and access to a logo that I could place on my website and b/card–for what?! Hell, I can create my own certificate and design a logo right here at my desk.

The best counselors/coaches I recommend (and there aren’t too many) are those who have specific degrees and extensive experience in the field they coach. I’m also a fan of psychology and counseling degrees. Are you getting the gist yet? There is no such thing as a Bachelor or Master’s Degree in Coaching. Who have YOU been listening to?

Now in fairness I genuinely believe that most life/career coaches have their client’s best interest at heart; they are the real-deal and offer a valid service. Many people come to appreciate their one-on-one sessions with their trusted adviser and I have been personally advised by one or two I trust–because I know their background.

When it comes to job search (as opposed to career) coaches I find most are little more than job seekers who have attended a multitude of job-search networking meetings and eventually come away thinking “I can do that” and begin their coaching/speaking “careers.” In my opinion these people do more damage than good. They usually don’t understand the mechanics behind the techniques and tactics someone like me will teach. Nevertheless they motor on–taking on clients–until they land their next job.

The other variant is the goof who manages to land a job with a state employment agency and after a week or two of “training” and taking a swig of that same Kool-Aid believes that they have all the answers. Once again and to be fair, there are some really good folks at these agencies–it’s the ‘newbies’ you have to watch out for.

Essentially these players cheapen what I do. I am really good at what I do. My successes speak for themselves.

I am self-made; I did not apply for a job in the job search/employment/ speaking/authoring/radio & TV guesting business. A pastor buddy of mine says its my calling. (I tend to agree. I wasn’t looking for this!) I got here by virtue of my sales & product development career with 4 different job boards. I claim to be a pioneer of online job search and I can defend that claim–with references. I write. I speak. I study. (Just keeping up with social media and job search takes several hours a week.) I have a degree in management, have written 3 books on job search with a new one soon to hit the streets. I speak on the subject and talk with employment professionals daily. I am continuously learning. It’s necessary–job search in this economy and in the electronic era is a moving target.

But back to the task at hand: giving myself a ‘working title.’ I have decided that going forward I will call myself a Job Search Advocate. That’s what I do. Using the term ‘advocate’ I can coach if I please and counsel to my heart’s content. The fact is that I do a TON of one-on-one job search counseling with clients all over the country. If you REALLY want to learn how to successfully navigate the obstacles that modern job search has become–the software, social media, mindset, documentation, interviewing/negotiating/age discrimination (both young and old) issues that exist–I can do that. Drop me an email.

I want to leave you with a question: Where are you getting your job search advice from?

Had a really nice Christmas. Living out of boxes but at least the quiet was good.

But now I’m back in the saddle (for the most part) and look forward to really making some significant personal career moves in 2012…and not just all job search/speaking/authoring (although the new book will be complete in just a few weeks). I have a few other things up my sleeve that I intend to pursue this year: going back to one of my younger “loves” in a very big way.  It might require it’s own stand alone website.

Looking forward to a successful 2012!

Hope you are too!

Dear Job Seeker!
Happy New Year (HNY)! It’s 2012 and I’m feeling better about this coming year than I have in a long time. I predicted the jobs/employment/mortgage crash a good 3 years before it all came tumbling down. Back then my audiences thought I was nuts. Unfortunately I wasn’t. I was dead on.

Although we have the European financial mess to keep an eye on as well as the movement of the Chinese yuan I’m thinking that this is the year that corporate America will finally begin loosening the purse strings somewhat and begin hiring. The real blast won’t come until after the November elections–which in reality means activity in 2013–but the run up to action begins this year and hiring is a necessary and vital component to corporate success (ya think?!).

OK. Enough of my drivel. What I would like to propose to you in the moment is two fold: First–your mindset as a job seeker and Second–the level of creativity in your job search.

MINDSET
Although one week we hear good news about jobs and the economy the following week we get an entirely different read. And so it goes.

With that in mind I would like you to remain informed (always important–don’t ya think?!) but here is YOUR focal point: You are only seeking ONE JOB! That is your goal. Nothing more. Nothing less. One job. Kinda makes all the reported ups and downs in the news a little less important when you are seeking only for you.

CREATIVE JOB SEARCH
The ‘creative’ I bring to this posting is that I would like you, dear job seeker, to try to really, really think outside the box (‘outside the box’ is one of my least favorite cliche’s but it suits the discussion at hand) and get creative–really creative–in your job search this year–actually this week! And by creative I mean to do something to get someone’s attention that surprises even you. And then do it again. And again. And again until someone responds.

I have all kinds of ideas that, as a sales guy, I have used over the years to make the appointment. Some are mentioned in my “The Real Secret to Finding a Job” book. The action taken necessarily needs to suitably fit — and then exceed — the position and person.

Networking is still the only and best way to find a job. I teach ALL kinds of job search tactics…and I’m the best around to teach you preparation for when you DO make that handshake but till then how about REALLY doing something extraordinary that will make an impression and get someone to call you?!

Over the holidays my wife and went and saw the Matt Damon/Cameron Crowe move “We Bought a Zoo.” There was a line/thought/idea repeated a couple of times in the movie that I really liked and it suits this discussion. The idea was that most great acts of heroism, altruism or just plain courage (to include ‘making the phone call!) only take 20 seconds to accomplish! Isn’t that a great concept? How many ’20 seconds’ are you sorry you have passed on during your life? Well, that’s too many!

Focus on that idea during your job search. Maybe it just means making that cold call to the ONE person who could make a difference. Do It!

I was speaking with Steven Carr, CEO of HoustonJobs.com, and I mentioned to him that Google receives some 25,000 resumes PER WEEK! Think about that. So how the hell do you rise about the talent (and clutter) of 25,000 resumes?!

Steve off-handedly mentioned that he would take his resume and have it engraved on a brass plate and send it off to the senior manager of the division he wanted to work for. We chuckled at the idea but the outrageousness of the idea is rich! Although sending a brass resume might now actually land you the job (resumes don’t land jobs. they land appointments.) –it will sure as hell get everyone’s attention and in all likelihood get you the phone call.

So ‘think outside the box’ might be a trite cliche but damn–it just might work. Remember: you aren’t looking for a job. You are looking for a phone call!

Think outside the box.

Happy New Year and Good (Job) Hunting!
rg
1/1/2012

Job search is tough. To that end I wish you great success that you may have Happy-All-Your-Days!

Good (Job) Hunting!
RG

I Have Met the Enemy and He is Us!

When it comes to employment and job search I am almost continuously in a ‘rage’–at job search coaches. (Bear in mind that in order to become a coach all you need is a pencil and the nerve to claim your ‘coachness.’)

I want to throw rocks at the TV when I hear so-called “job search experts” tell us, once again, to watch out for typos, yada, yada. This helps no one. The true job seeker is waaaay past such ‘pertinent’ advice.

I regularly speak on panels with other JSE’s (job search experts); pay attention and listen to HR professionals and professional staffing folks to see if I can latch onto something new.
It ain’t happening. So if anyone reading this considers my statements akin to throwing down the gauntlet–so be it.

In my view HR professionals provide you with the information THEY want you to have. And let me be clear: I love HR professionals. They work their backsides off for not near enough money or respect.

Staffing professionals, on the other hand, will provide the job seeker with about 70-80% of the information they need. Why? Because the information they withhold is that knowledge they would rather a job seeker NOT KNOW. Why? Because that is where they make their bucks. And this is not a bad thing. I am also a big fan of staffing companies–and of capitalism.

But in the scope of what I do which is to provide individuals with the very best and most up to the minute information I possibly can–I can’t hold anything back if they will benefit from some little bit no matter how insignificant. If I know something that can add value to an individual’s job search it is my ‘duty’ to inform them.

I would like to ask those JSE’s who do more harm than good to just get out of the way. You are the Enemy!

BTW–while I’m at it–if you are in job search you may want to subscribe to ERE.net. This site is THE final (and often first) word on electronic recruiting. Some of the thought providers on this site are so far out there that it makes you wonder but….and a very important ‘but’…they bring astounding information to the masses and eventually most of what they have to preach actually becomes gospel. Check them out.

Dear Blog,

It’s been a while since I have been here. I apologize. I have been working on–and just finished–the first draft of the new book. I was really jazzed–thought I had nailed it. My editor called to tell me the first draft was amazing — until she got to the last two chapters. I think her words were ‘they suck.’ She is a lady of few words and an absolute master of clarity don’t you agree?

She provided me  very specific critique and you know what? She was right. So I’m going to put up the following ‘contrarian’ post and then get back to work and do those last two chapters justice.

After that I’m headed east to present at one of the most prestigious universities in the country (I’m looking forward to it!) so some time may pass before I get back.

rg

Contrarian? Who Me?

A week ago a professional woman (C-Suite) I had been working with dropped me a line to say that she might have a client for me. Here is a part of that email:

By the way, I had a conversation with another person I know  in search mode who I told I planned to work with you.  I was telling him all the reasons I thought it might be a worthwhile exercise.  He knew of you and was aware of you already–and of the somewhat contrarian reputation--which, I pointed out, might be basis for a value proposition if you are already doing all the conventional stuff.

At first I was a little taken aback by the ‘contrarian’ statement. But the more I thought about it the more I have come to appreciate the perception. I’m pretty powerful when I speak. I pull no punches. And who the hell would I pull them for? Of what value is information when all you hear is what you want to hear?

When it comes to job search counseling I have always warned clients that “I take no prisoners and accept no whiners.” I tell people what they need to hear. I preface individual clients by warning that I will “probably knock their teeth out” but  ”promise to put them back straighter than they were before.”

This is because I refuse to be the job search guy that will tell you to ‘avoid typos.’ Come on! Do we really have to go there?!

I absolutely confess to being a stickler and require my clients to do great work. It pays off. “It” would be the professional and personal achievements inventory that I call the Accomplishments Worksheet (Step 1 of my 3 Step Process.)

Those that complete my 3 Step Process find great success in their job search regardless of what stage they may be in their career.

I refuse to waste my clients time with the same old crap they will hear at the local networking job shop. I have no respect for job search ‘experts’ who continue to promote job search tactics that may have been valid in 1985.

So is it contrarian or adamant?

I’m adamant in presenting contemporary job search tactics and techniques that work today.

“Those who say it cannot be done should get out of the way of those doing it.”
–Chinese Proverb

But you can call me contrarian. I Love It!

Rick Gillis

Forgive me but in the interest of tooting my own horn, I received an exceptionally pleasant surprise last week when Salary.com listed my book, The Real Secret to Finding a Job, in their newsletter’s Recommended Reading list. This was a total surprise since I have done no promotion for the book since last year. Organic recognition is best and I am pleased to have been found. Thank you MySalary.com.

*******

We all see/hear/read wonderful, life affirming/motivational quotes every day and, if you are like me, you often think ‘that’s one I want to remember.’

I was speaking before a business group recently when someone presented me with just such a quote—a Chinese proverb: “The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second best time to plant a tree is today.”

That really got me thinking and I find it applies to job search/job creation.

Yes, the best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago and if you are soon to graduate then today is the beginning of your “20 years ago.” What you are learning, the skills you are acquiring and experiencing right now is preparation for where you will go and what you will accomplish in the next 20 years (plus).

For those of you who ‘planted your tree 20 years ago’ and find that times are tough on the job front might today be the best time to plant your second tree?  Maybe it’s time to go back to school and acquire fresh skills, tactics, thoughts—you know, get up to speed with the rest of the technological world. Or maybe it’s time for you to consider launching your own business.

*******

A question I regularly ask groups I speak to is ‘would you hire you based on your resume?’ If you would answer yes to this question then perhaps it’s time for you to go into business for yourself.

*******

Back to my Salary.com mention (yes, I actually had a tie-in in mind when I started this column). I am very proud of receiving recognition for my book. But the point I would like to make is that this “employment thing,” as I call it, is my 5^th or 6^th “planting.” And being a job search expert is the last thing I ever thought I would become!

When I’m gone there will be stories told about me at family gatherings. I made some bad choices coming up and wasted a lot of time. That ‘tree’ did not survive the planting.

I did not do traditional college. After leaving the USAF it took me 10 years attending school part time to obtain my degree (Thank you Veterans Administration & Park College…er, University!) Along the way I was involved in the music business performing and doing live sound for bands across the southwestern United States and I sold cars (best job I ever hated) while finishing up my degree. I also managed to get married and help raise a couple of amazing boys. Trees 1 (music biz), 2 (car sales), and 3 (parent) that survived and continue to thrive.

My next ‘tree,’ and my only immersion in national corporate culture, came upon graduation from college when I was hired by a national office park developer. That was an amazing social and educational experience. I had a highly successful run of nearly 10 years with that organization.

Relocating from El Paso I landed as employee #1 at the first (and as a result crazy successful) job board in the greater Houston, TX area. This was my introduction to the world of HR and staffing. That job, which included carving out our little space on the Internet as well as inventing job search technology, lead to my current career of counseling job seekers, professional speaking, writing, radio, TV, etc. and now, one more mention in a national publication. Who would have thought? ‘Trees’ number 5 & 6.

So, just like you, I have been ‘planting trees’ all along. I just didn’t know it. I hope that as a result of my efforts some have dropped seed and sprouted new growth.

Summing up I’d like to ask if you are currently planting trees. As a recent or soon to be college graduate—regardless of your age—I wish you great success. Remember that trees start small and gain heft and strength over time by nature or nurture. It’s your choice to allow it to happen or make it happen. I recommend nurture.

If you are currently in job search it might be a time to reflect on whether or not to plant a new tree or find a strong one to climb.

The best time to plant a tree might be today.

Enjoy.

Stand By Me¦Playing For Change¦Song Around the World from the Concord Music Group

I have always said that the interview begins in the parking lot.

You know that GREAT parking spot you just nailed by the elevator–you know, the one that you got by cutting off that little red car that was pretty much in line for the space you nabbed? Invariably, you will be interviewing with the driver of that car in 20 minutes or so. And, yeah, she did make you out behind the wheel. 

(SIDEBAR: When they take you out to lunch during the interview process they are there to see how you treat the waitress, if you use your napkin properly, talk w/your mouth full, etc.. If you’re a jerk to your server they can probably anticipate you will be a jerk representing the company. Not cool. Not hired.)

Kelly’s article focuses on the lowly, little, not to be minded, receptionist. Lowly, my backside! If you knew how many jobs have NOT been offered simply because the boss asked the receptionist how she (or he) was treated by the candidate. (“Oh darn. That’s too bad. I was going to make him an offer.”) It happens all the time.

In a similar but different setting I arrived a few minutes early for a sales call. The receptionist told me to have a seat–that my appointment would be held up for just a few minutes. I thanked the lady behind the desk, had a seat nearby, and  was able to make some polite small chat between phone calls.

After a few minutes another woman came to the reception station and I naturally thought it was my appointment. Instead she thanked the woman seated at the desk for covering for her. The woman who I had taken to be ‘the receptionist’ then stood and said she would see me in her office. True story. I got the sale. Hmmm….this courtesy thing works.

Back to the Smart Money article. Read this and take it to heart. To the job seeker this is invaluable information.

Receptionists are often the eyes and ears of an office. It’s part of their job to know who’s coming and going and to form impressions of visitors by careful observation. That’s important to keep in mind, especially for those on a job interview, a sales call or any other matter in which one’s conduct and social skills count for something. A word to the wise while waiting: Show a little respect and common sense. Striking up a conversation with a busy receptionist won’t score you any points, for example, and neither will chatting loudly on your cell. “Receptionists will be asked, and they’ll report back the time someone got there and what they did while they were waiting,” says Emily Allen, manager of communications and publications for the International Association of Administrative Professionals. It’s best to behave as though every move you make is being monitored, because it probably is, she says.

Good Job Hunting!

I have been saying out loud for some time that I think this employment situation (9%+ unemployment) is really not good and is going to last for 6 to 10 years or, God forbid, we are now living in the “new normal!”

One person in the group asked me why I thought this and I told him that, first of all, (and this is my personal opinion only) as a student of employment, business and world affairs I’m concerned with the fact that Greece is bankrupt, Spain and Italy are potentially on the verge, Ireland and England are stressed, the US just passed a rather ‘unholy’ debt deal that serves virtually no one but special interests, China is getting ready to have some ruptures in it’s economy similar to what we are living through right now in our housing/foreclosures crisis–and the rich keep on getting richer.

From an employment point of view the global economy is now and forever will be our ‘neighborhood.’ What impacts one neighbor/country–for good or bad–does indeed impact all.

All that said the reality remains that a job seeker is only seeking ONE job! That’s it! So go find it! How? By (and here is my same-ol’ message) expressing your value. Always be absolutely certain that you can factually and confidently state to anyone–not just a job interviewer–how you add value to your work (or church or school or charity or volunteer organization or military branch). It’s when you can’t that you WILL be outflanked by the competition seeking the position that you desire.

Courtesy Wordle.Net