http://wendyblomseth.blogspot.com/2010/02/who-is-capturing-your-moments.html
Karen meets Harvey Mackay at book signing
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The Value of a Job Search Buddy
One predominant characteristic of us Midwesterners is our ability to be self reliant. It is a value we wear like a badge of honor. But now is not the time to stand strong and true, by yourself. Job search can be a grueling process on many levels. Now more than ever we need to reach out to others for advice, for support, and for help. Our families can’t be the primary “go to” people during this time because they have their own stresses and pressures. They don’t truly understand what it is like to be unemployed in this tough economy and often we have a tendency to hold back so not to worry or burden them.
One of the best things job seekers can do is get a job search buddy. This is someone also in job search who understands what it is like. This is the person you can use as a sounding board as you encounter bumps along the way. This is also the person who can be supportive and a cheerleader along the way, and you can be theirs. This is someone you can show your true ups and downs to and know they’ve been there and understand. The buddy system is an amazing accountability tool in job search, nudging each other along, challenging one another to do more, to make one more call. With a job search buddy, you can divide and conquer the marketplace, each going to some networking groups and taking away the best pieces, then sharing with one another. Your job search buddy may also be your wing-man for new networking events, so it isn’t so scary to go alone.
I can’t speak enough about the value of a job search buddy. But I do know that it is definately worth it. So don’t go through this alone - find a buddy.
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In Transition? Get a Business Card
At first glance this seems absurd. My clients in transition say, I am not working why do I need a business card? I tell them it is one of the most important tools in job search. Once people in transition leave their company, it is no longer appropriate to hand out old business cards. A business card in transition is like a calling card. It is a way for people you are networking with to contact you. In creating a business card here are some key things to consider.
1. Have them professionally done with good card stock paper. There are many affordable online services that will print business cards. Keep in mind this lends towards a leaving a good first impression, don’t cut corners on quality.
2. Choose a conservative look and style. Remember it is a professional business card. Also choose a font that is large enough and a style that is readable.
In terms of what goes on the card there is “must have” information and options.
Must have Information includes: Name, email and phone number.
Options include: LinkedIn link, title or function, address, summary statement or bullets describing strengths and photo.
The last tip on business cards is to get feedback on a draft before you get several dozen printed. This will help you avoid costly reprints. And finally, carry them with you everywhere. You never know who you will bump into who just might have a lead they want to send you.
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This week come out and hear Karen speak
Tues. Feb. 23
How to Conduct an Effective Job Search in a 26 hr week. Employee Alliance Group. 1:00-2 Sumner Library.
Decoding Corporate Culture. Job Support Workshop. 6:30 Christ Presbtyerian Church.
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Finding “enoughness” in tough times
These are unarguably tough times, but these tough times will soon pass as we have seemingly turned the corner in the worst recession in decades. The question I want to ask all the unemployed people I encounter on a daily basis is; how will life be different when tough times pass? The first obvious answer I’d expect of course will be most people will have jobs. But at a deeper level I hope they will say that the stress and pressure of these several months is finally relieved. They will say that they are now able to catch up on the mounds of bills and reestablish some sense of normalcy. My hope is that they also say that though being unemployed was the most difficult thing ever to happen, they are also able to look back on this time with a sense of gratitude. Gratitude for the people they have met along the way, grateful for the time to rediscover themselves, grateful for having been forced to re-examine their values and gain an appreciation of what is enough. Enoughness is defined as knowing what sustains us beyond just a want or basic need. Knowing what sustains us not just on a materialistic level but at a core level. Tough times force a reassessment of values and how life choices are guided by those values. My hope is that when I ask those eventually re-employed what will be different, they say they will keep their resumes up to date, their network alive and that they no longer have the pressure of having it all. They are able to say, they have enough.
Karen recently talked with Peter McClellan about enoughness on his MN Business radio show on AM 1570.
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