“Does Finding Another Job Depend More on Luck than Effort?” by Doug Barton

I hope that isn’t what you believe, because it simply isn’t so.  Unfortunately, some of the people we meet in our workshops start out feeling that way.  Yes, even though the economy is showing some signs of growth the job market is still weak, but it isn’t dead.  The number of people gaining re-employment may not be huge, but some people are finding work!

I use the word “finding” instead of “getting” because the former is active and the latter passive.  Psychologists use the concept “locus of control” to describe the extent to which some people believe their destiny is in their own hands versus those who believe their future is reliant on luck. People who think that outside forces play a major role in their lives are considered to have an external locus of control.  They have a tendency to feel that success takes a lot of luck and being in the right place at the right time.  These individuals believe that there isn’t much they can do to influence their lot in life.

In contrast, other people feel they are largely in control of their destiny and are described as having an internal locus of control.  For them, hard work and perseverance pay off, even when it comes to looking for work.  They know that a job isn’t going to fall into their lap, and they’re certainly not going to wait until the economy has fully recovered before making a conscientious search.

For sure a little luck can help.  It helps even more if you create opportunities for luck to befall you.  What does that mean?  Keep applying for every position you’d like to get.  Tell everyone you know – family, friends, parents of your children, service providers – the kind of job you’re looking for.  Feel in your heart that you are in the driver’s seat and there is a good job out there waiting for you to find it.

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"What is the Key to a Successful Job Search? It is the Three A’s." by Matt Levy

In prior blog posts I spoke about using a brag book, the need to stay in front of your network, the importance of networking, how to stand out and how to use a bio, but the focus here is more broad.  These prior blog posts provide specific, tangible tools to help you manage your career, but what are the overarching strategies that are the key to a successful job search in this current economic climate?  It is what I refer to in my career management methodology as the three A’s: Attitude, Activity and Assertiveness.  You can have the most amazing credentials in the world and the most polished resume but if your Three A’s are not in perfect order, your job search will likely falter, or at a minimum, will not allow you to land the job you deserve in the shortest time possible.

Let’s look at each of these key dimensions:

ATTITUDE

A positive, energetic, hopeful attitude while in job search mode is such an important element in this process.  Hiring managers and recruiters can sniff a desperate, negative and lackluster approach from miles away.  This approach won’t help at all in the current economy.  Let’s look at how a healthy attitude plays out with a standard interview question.  Let’s assume I was laid off due to an elimination of a layer of management.

Interviewer: “Matt, why are you no longer working at XYZ Company?”

Poor Attitude

Me: “Well, I have to tell you, my boss and I never really got along that well.  My clients loved me but I never really hit it off with her.  She seemed to play favorites and I never felt like I had a fair shake.  It’s all for the best anyway because I don’t think I was a good fit for XYZ.”

Positive Attitude

Me:  “Frankly, I never thought that high-performing employees would get hung up in a layoff; however, business decisions had to be made.  My entire layer of management was eliminated.  I know it wasn’t personal.  While I can’t say I agree with it, I can respect a company that makes difficult decisions.  Rather than focus on what was out of my control, I decided right away to leave on a high note by finishing strong on my assignments and transitioning my work in a timely manner.  Now, I am being very selective in what role I accept next because I want to make sure to land in a spot where my talents can best be utilized and where I can make an impact to the company.”

So, as you can see, by fostering positive attitude, you can leave a positive impression during an interview.  This attitude will serve you well in other aspects of your job search, too.  A great example is during the heavy networking phase of your search.  It is important to remain upbeat with your networking partners.  If you are executing your search properly, you should be going after the influential players and power connectors (the most well-networked people) in your industry and region.  These folks are extremely busy and surely will not take a networking call or meeting with a downtrodden job seeker.  Not a chance.

ACTIVITY

You can have the best attitude in the world, but if you are not talking to these power connectors, not attending events, meetings and conferences, and if you are not applying to jobs regularly, then you are going to have a tough time accelerating the job search process.  Activity yields results.  It always does.  Ask any sales professional.  They all use statistics that tell them how many leads they need to call on, how many need to be converted to a face-to-face sales pitch, and how many of these will yield a sale.

Job search is the same way, except you are the product and salesperson wrapped in one.  Here’s a list of some important activities that you should be participating in every day, week and month.  This goes for whether you are out of work and those who are gainfully employed:

·       Face-to-face networking meetings with power connectors

·       LinkedIn invitations

·       Networking events

·       Professional organization meetings

·       Speaking with recruiters

·       Applying for jobs

This type of activity is crucial.  By getting out there and meeting people, even the same people repeatedly (the average networking partner forgets about you in about seven days ), you start to become ingrained in your connections’ minds as the person to remember for job leads and other important referrals.

Please don’t lose sight of the need to apply to open positions, too!  It is very easy to get swept up in the networking process.  So much so that you forget to apply to open jobs.  You need to set aside time to do both.  When the process comes together, you will see an open job and then tap your robust network to find someone with influence to pluck your resume out of the “black hole” and right onto the hiring manager’s desk.

ASSERTIVENESS

Searching for your next position also takes the right degree of assertiveness.  Assertiveness comes into play in several areas.  First, when you are trying to get networking appointments with power connectors, you may have to follow-up on two or three different occasions.  Why?  Not because networking partners don’t care about you or don’t want to be bothered, but because they are extremely busy and just have trouble keeping up with all that they have on their plate.

Let’s look at an example.  People have called me a power connector in the Philadelphia area, particularly in Human Resources and in the pharmaceutical industry.  I’m not sure of this but let’s go with it.  I have a full-time job, a side business and a volunteer position.  This creates many emails, phone calls and meetings.  If you send me an email, it could likely get buried under other pressing issues.  Does this mean I don’t want to connect with you?  No, not at all, so I suggest you send another follow-up.  Build rapport, show credibility, and show me that you believe in mutually beneficial networking.

The same concept applies to a call or email to a recruiter that has an opening that fits your background.  Polite, courteous and timely follow-up shows interest, passion and persistence.  These are traits that any employer would likely covet.  Of course, there is always a limit.  Too much of a good thing is always problematic.

Many job seekers are timid and don’t follow up enough.  If that’s you then remember a good amount of follow-up is appreciated and can really make a difference.

SUMMARY

Conducting a cutting-edge job search requires many tactical elements such as a resume, cover letter, bio, target list of companies and brag book; however, if you also remain focused and practice the Three A’s of Attitude, Activity and Assertiveness, you will likely land your next position sooner and with less stress!

Remember, It Only Takes ONE

Matt Levy is an HR Professional/Recruiting & Talent Expert/Innovator. He blogs at http://mlevy2222.wordpress.com.  You can read the articles he refers to above at that site.   His article, “How Thinking and Acting Positively Helped Me Get a Great Job,” can be found below.

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"A Great Time to Work On Fitness" by Chris Christian

For some of us, resuming our career during these turbulent economic times may seem challenging, for now. However, equipped with a strong mental attitude, perseverance, and patience, we have to believe our new career opportunity is right around the corner. In the mean time, this is the perfect chance to allocate some of our down time to enriching ourselves physically as well as mentally.

Let’s face it unemployment is going to produce some level of stress for everyone facing it – for some more so than others. Developing and following a basic exercise plan, something many people “intended” to do but never had the time, is a great way to release stress. Exercise helps the body to feel better by releasing hormones called endorphins that make you feel good.  Ever hear of runner’s high?  Endorphins are the reason.  Additionally, there are numerous health related benefits associated with exercise such as improved cardiac strength, and greater endurance.

Your exercise regimen does not have to be hours long and so intense you have to crawl into bed afterwards. It can be as simple as a brisk walk in the park, as productive as an hour doing yard work, or as entertaining as a game of tennis with a friend. The psychological benefits of exercise include a sense of well being and accomplishment.  This positive attitude and vitality can boost your spirits and come through during interviews.

Take this time to establish a new habit that will benefit you for the rest of your life, you’ll be glad you did! Of course, it is always recommended to check with your doctor before beginning any exercise program.

Chris Christian is a certified personal trainer who instructs on fitness and nutrition for the City Colleges of Chicago.  He has been pursuing his passion for over 30 years and enjoys helping others enhance their lives.  Chris’s articles on fitness can be found at fitness.suite101.com.

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“At My Age, I’ll Never Be As good with Computers As a Twenty-something.”

That’s what you think! And it’s all in your head. Sure, you may not catch up with the best of the bunch, but you should be able to beat the pack.

A lot of people believe that because they think they don’t have certain skills, they’ll never get those skills and a good job. And many are afraid to try because they don’t want to be seen as a failure. Sadly, not trying locks them out of opportunities. Have you ever known someone who wasn’t very smart yet was very successful?  It happens all the time.

Most likely you’re pretty smart and excel in lots of areas, but you think there are areas you just can’t master. Notice we said, “think.” Why “think?”  Because lots of really bright people think that if they can’t grasp something right away, they never will. They’re wrong.  The key is effort.  That’s why people who are not smart slog through learning a new skill and ultimately master it.

Few of us can do what Einstein, Michelangelo, Mozart, Newton, or Shakespeare did, but to get a great job we don’t have to. So how do people without such “gifts” succeed? Research makes clear that effort or persistence is just as important and often more important than intelligence when it comes to success. As Einstein pointed out, “Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration.” Successful people believe if they work hard at something they can “get it.” And if they don’t get it right away or perfectly, they don’t see themselves as failures.

Guess what: if you have the ability to learn anything, you have the ability to learn just about everything. All you need do is apply yourself, and stick with it.

Here’s the big picture: if you think you can’t learn something new, you won’t.   And it’s unlikely that you’ll get a top job.  So here’s our advice: “Don’t believe everything you think.” Do what you need to do. Then let us know how you achieved something you thought you couldn’t.

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“I Can’t Worry About Being Stressed. I Have to Find a Job.”

True, you shouldn’t worry about stress; you should do something about it. Medical science has shown that physical and emotional health cannot be separated.  Being stressed over a long period of time has been linked to problems like depression, heart disease, diabetes, hair loss, sexual dysfunction, and many others. Stress can even make existing medical conditions worse. And no one has to tell you that being unemployed is highly stressful.

We strongly suggest you work on controlling stress every day. There are a number of proven techniques to lower stress quickly and effectively. They include, but are limited to: exercise, yoga, relaxation tapes, seeking social support, and even the simple act of laughing. (If you can’t reduce stress on your own, it is important to seek professional help.) Did you notice we mentioned laughter? While on the computer go to you favorite search engine and type in “laughter yoga.” You will discover why science has shown that laughter is great medicine. Why not try it today? Watch a funny movie and let us know how you feel afterward.

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"How Thinking and Acting Positively Helped Me Get a Great Job" by Matt Levy

The phone on my desk started to ring.  I picked it up.  The conversation didn’t seem real.  I was told I was being laid off.  My immediate reaction was numbness. It was November of ‘09.  I had been looking forward to the holidays.  There didn’t seem to be a cloud in the sky.  I was listening but finding it hard to relate to what was being said.  I did not know where to turn but luckily I decided to call my wife. Her support was immediate.  She instantly pointed out that we would get through this layoff and suggested I come home for lunch.  I was in such a daze that I don’t even remember driving home.  Then anger set in.  “How could they let such a hard working guy like me go?”  It took a couple of days, but I soon realized that anger wasn’t going to get my job back.  Instead it motivated me to “show them” what a mistake they had made by finding an equal or better position.

In addition to severance, the company was decent enough to give me several weeks’ notice.  During that period I came to understand the practical side of the company letting me go.   Being a team player by nature and knowing that I had a reputation to protect, I continued to work hard, especially at helping my replacement transition into his new role.  During the exit interview I was cordial and did not express bitterness toward the company or anyone in it.

Once off premises, I put a full-court press on getting a new job.  I read as much as I could about job search techniques, attended career seminars, became friendly with career coaches, got active in several professional support groups, and networked, networked, networked.  All the while I kept a positive attitude, and never spoke disparagingly about my former employer.  In fact, I positioned my dismissal as a gift; an opportunity to counsel and motivate others in transition while seeking a job that met all of my criteria for satisfaction.

Throughout the job search process I shared my thoughts, feelings, and concerns with my wife.  The open dialogue encouraged her support and made it easier for me to cope with the uncertainty I was facing.  Getting support is vital, either from family, friends, or your peers.

So how did I get my new job?  Believe it or not, the same company hired me back to work in a different division.   I had maintained contact with fellow co-workers who let me know about the open position.  The HR people knew that I had been an asset to the company.  They remembered how well I handled being phased out and how helpful I was to my replacement. And, they were aware of the work I was doing to help other people in transition.

If asked what were the most important strategies that helped me get another job, I would point to my positive attitude and networking.  It took a couple of days to resolve my anger.  Once I thought about the company’s decision from a business perspective, I realized I got caught in the perfect storm.  As I clarified my thinking, my attitude changed.  If you remain angry or down in the dumps, it will come through in all your job search activities including networking and interviewing.  In the end, it was my attitude and networking that led to some income from consulting and ultimately a new position.  I didn’t look back.  Rather, I focused all my attention on my job search.  Once you recognize your old company is not the enemy and neither are you the enemy, you can begin to use your anger to motivate yourself to intensely pursue your next position.  Reaching out and helping others in the same situation keeps you socially connected. You will likely to get back more than you give away.  And above all, do not let negativity get in your way.

Matt Levy is an HR Professional/Recruiting & Talent Expert/Innovator. He blogs at http://mlevy2222.wordpress.com

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“Unemployed and Feeling Isolated?”

You’re not alone. Current studies of people who are out of work show that a sense of isolation is very common. People report less contact with friends and former coworkers. Work plays such a large role in our lives, not only financially but also socially, that job loss presents a real threat to our emotional wellbeing. As a result, the unemployed become more withdrawn over time. In reality, we are responsible for creating that sense of isolation by not reaching out. It is important to recognize this threat and work on maintaining social connections. Friends are a wonderful source of emotional support.

Another way to guard against social isolation is to join a support group for people who are unemployed. Local faith communities and civic organizations are a frequent source. These groups often invite guess speakers who offer helpful information on a variety of topics. Members help each other by sharing personal experiences. If a group does not exist in your community, try starting one. Lots of organizations will gladly offer space for you to meet. We think you’d be surprised how well such an effort is received. Let us know if you belong to such a group and how it formed.

Today, the Internet provides lots of ways to stay connected though social media such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Social networking makes it easy to stay in touch. It also provides the ability to share job leads and other important information.

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