Distinguish Your Networking By Actually Following Up

January 6, 2009 by ccenizalevine

If you sent holiday cards or otherwise stepped up your networking during the 2008 holiday season then you have already somewhat separated yourself from the majority that don’t even do that.  BUT if you really want to set yourself apart, follow up on the networking you started by circling back to your contacts in the new year.  Revisit my GlassHammer article on follow up for ideas on how to reach out in an unobtrusive way:

http://www.theglasshammer.com/news/2008/03/25/art-of-the-follow-up-how-to-persist-without-pestering/

Whatever specific ways you decide to follow up, it is the act of following up that distinguishes you.  This is true not just of networking but of all our goals.  I have seen many candidates who have a laundry list of what they want in their next job or who keep adding industries and companies to their dream list.  But then they never go deep enough into any one of the choices on their list to make them a reality.

Don’t let that happen to you.  Remember to go deep, not just broad.  Follow up.

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SixFigureStart Live Event On Jan. 12

January 5, 2009 by ccenizalevine

 SixFigureStart Career Check-up: 

Is Your Job Search Where You Want It To Be?

 

If this is the year that you are finally going to change careers, change employers, or get that dream job, find out if you are on the right track:

 

  • Take the 60-question SixFigureStart Career Assessment and see exactly what you are doing well and what you need to do better;

 

  • Learn the six job search steps that really matter in the hiring process, developed by former Fortune 500 recruiters who have hired thousands of candidates just like you;

 

  • Hear strategies and tips that you can use specifically in this challenging market. 

 

This workshop will be led by Caroline Ceniza-Levine, co-founder of SixFigureStart and former recruiter for Accenture, Booz Allen & Hamilton, Citigroup, Disney ABC, Pfizer, Time Inc and others.

 

 

Monday, January 12, 2009

4:00p – 6:00p

In Good Company Workplaces

16 West 23rd Street, 4th Floor

$95 

Space is limited.  Advance registration required

Email caroline@sixfigurestart.com or call 212-372-0277 with questions or to register.

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If You Survived 2008, Resolve To Thrive In 2009

January 3, 2009 by ccenizalevine

What if you like your job and wouldn’t necessarily be looking, except that your company has been laying off in droves? Do you try to hang on or leave as soon as possible?   I answered this question in my post for CNBC.com:

http://www.cnbc.com/id/28140323/site/14081545

Many people survived layoffs in 2008 and may start 2009 thinking about this very issue.  It’s no fun just to spend your time hanging on.  But you also don’t want to just leave if you like your job otherwise.  So instead of thinking about just surviving, think about thriving.   Resolve to make career management a priority for 2009 and block out the time in your calendar now to do all the things you mean to do:

Schedule lunches with your network in the company and outside;

Apply for training opportunities or professional development classes;

Subscribe and read trade journals;

Join a professional organization or some external group that will get you active again.

You dodged a bullet in 2008 but resolve to thrive in 2009, not just survive.

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New Beginnings

January 2, 2009 by cthanasoulis

I love new beginnings.   I love the first day of each month, the first day of the week, and the first day of a new quarter.    And, I especially love the first day of a new year. 

It’s a perfect time to work with clients to begin a new career search.  Wipe away everything that didn’t work before:  including any awkward networking interactions, resumes that had typos in them, and cover letters that just didn’t make the case for why you should be hired.  Use what didn’t work to make your plan even better than before.

So, let’s take a deep breath, get organized, get positive, and put a plan together for everything that needs to be done:

1)      Identifying your target companies:  come up with a list of 10 and then take it to the next level

2)      Creating your resume, cover letters, email signature, cell phone messages

3)      Conducting research:  using Vault.com and WetFeet.com, TheGlassHammer.com and find out everything you can about industries and companies.

4)      Ensuring that you are ready to meet people through networking, informational interviews and of course, job interviews ( phone screens and face-to-face)

5)      Staying motivated and organized:  never loosing those business cards, ensuring you are upbeat and positive and knowing that there will be a good conclusion to your search

6)      Being confident that once the offer comes your way, you can close it properly, dealing with all compensation issues (cash & non-cash, vacation, start dates, etc.)

If you don’t plan to succeed, you’re planning to fail.  So get ready to start a new and start seeing results.

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Posted in career coaching, life coaching | 1 Comment »

‘Tis the Season to Be Your Own Best Friend!

December 24, 2008 by cthanasoulis

When conducting a job search, I’ve found that many individuals are their own worst enemy.  They beat themselves up about things that happened in the past and they tend to make sarcastic comments about themselves.

But this is the worst possible time to treat yourself this way.  During a job search, you MUST remain positive, at all times.  You must create a plan and work that plan, which will only make you feel better about the entire process.  Here are some tips on how to do just that.

1 - Make sure you read very positive things.  Dr. Wayne Dyer is an exceptional writer and motivator and makes you appreciate your individual make-up.  Any book of his will no doubt pick you up!

2 - Listen to positive music - no sads songs here Elton!  Anything upbeat will do because it’s a proven fact that music makes everyone feel better.

3 - Treat youself to something you really want.  When you are not employed, you don’t want to spend a tremendous amount of money, but if you want something - buy it!  You’ve always worked hard and you will get over this period of not being employed or not having the job of your dreams - so treat yourself (once in a while!)

4 - Have faith that things will work out.  I know it’s easy to say, but we all know that positive thoughts will beget positive outcomes.  I think we can all agree that negative thoughts drag the entire room down to dust level.  Act like you are having a good time … smile when you don’t want to and you can’t help but feel better.

Enjoy the holidays!  We all have a lot to be greatful for.  We may not have the job of our dreams right now, but hopefully you have your health, your family and friends, and maybe an adorable cat or dog that instantly makes you feel accepted and loved.  I know that 2009 will bring you very good things!

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SixFigureStart Coaching Teleclass Recording/ How to Effectively Handle a Job Layoff & Move Forward

December 19, 2008 by ccenizalevine

SixFigureStart Free* Coaching Teleclass Recording

How to Effectively Handle a Job Layoff & Move Forward

 

SixFigureStart co-founders Connie Thanasoulis and Caroline Ceniza-Levine talk about:

 

  • If You’ve Been Laid Off, What To Do Next
  • If You Haven’t Been Laid Off, How To Recession-Proof Your Current Job

 

Dial - (641) 715-3468
Enter Access Code - 151675# (you must hit the pound key)

*The call is free but long-distance charges apply depending on where you are calling from.

 

This call was recorded on Dec 19.  Listen prior to Dec 31 to take advantage of a special 20% discount on SixFigureStart coaching offerings that was announced during the call.

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Book review: Steven Pressfield’s The War of Art

December 16, 2008 by ccenizalevine

Pressfield is an acclaimed author (Legend of Bagger Vance), and I’ve seen War of Art on several recommended lists of people I trust.  The book did not disappoint, and it has great points for jobseekers too.

My favorite is his point about how Resistance can be strongest at the tail end of a project or goal.  Pressfield writes about Odysseus who had the shore line in sight when he decided to take a nap and his crew opened the bag of winds that had been set aside for a smooth sail.  Instead, the winds were released and their ship was blown back to the starting point.

I’ve seen many candidates let their guard down just at the tail end of a search when their diligent networking and follow through and the myriad rounds of interviews was about to pay off.  Remember to keep your energy high even when that dream job is in sight.  Do not open the bag of winds.

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Free SixFigureStart Coaching Call On Handling A Layoff

December 12, 2008 by ccenizalevine

SixFigureStart is hosting a Free* Coaching Teleclass

How to Effectively Handle a Job Layoff & Move Forward

Friday, December 19, 12p-12:45p EST

 

SixFigureStart co-founders Connie Thanasoulis and Caroline Ceniza-Levine will co-lead:

 

  • If You’ve Been Laid Off, What To Do Next
  • If You Haven’t Been Laid Off, How To Recession-Proof Your Current Job

 

*The call is free but long-distance charges apply depending on where you are calling from.

 

If you want to be on the call, get the dial-in instructions in the Dec 12 SixFigureStart newsletter.  Sign up for your free subscription and free archive access at http://home.ezezine.com/2034_2/.  The call will be recorded and the number for the recording will be listed in the next newsletter.

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Posted in Company news, resource recommendation | No Comments »

Dan and Chip Heath’s Kill The Slogans Idea Good For Jobseekers Too

December 8, 2008 by ccenizalevine

http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/131/made-to-stick-kill-the-slogans-dead.html

In Dan and Chip Heath’s latest column for Fast Company they espouse the benefit of speaking in plain English and not trying to do something too clever a la the slogan variety.  I wholeheartedly agree; this advice relates to the jobseeker as well.

Many candidates worry that their resume isn’t catchy, that their interview doesn’t include the buzzwords, that their pitch isn’t memorable.  However the best candidates are clear and concise, not catchy.  Buzzwords often come across as superficial.  The most memorable pitches are authentic and easy to understand.

Jobseekers should say what they mean in plain English.  Recruiters don’t have a lot of time to decode double entendres and jargon.  Recruiters also have heard a lot, so what strikes you as witty and original may be stale and cliche.   Kill the slogan is a good idea not just for marketers but for jobseekers too.

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Job Search Lessons From “Sway” By Ori and Rom Brafman

December 4, 2008 by ccenizalevine

Who knew that financial compensation had the same effect on the brain as snorting a line of cocaine?  After reading “Sway” you know this, as well as a number of other surprising facts.  This must-read is subtitled The Irresistible Pull of Irrational Behavior.  While it isn’t a career coaching book its lessons are applicable to jobseekers:

Hot dog company Nathan’s couldn’t get people to try their hot dogs so they paid doctors to eat it.  If doctors liked it, then they must be okay for the common folk, and hot dog sales took off.  This is how the Brafmans demonstrate value attribution.  Jobseekers, think about who is giving you referrals and recommendations.  Get a highly regarded person in your corner and let value attribution work for you.

My heart is still in my mouth regarding the story of the toddler who died after doctors in the ER repeatedly missed her symptoms.  Diagnosis bias caused them to overlook what the symptoms could mean and instead see only what they had predetermined.  Jobseekers, if you’ve already diagnosed your search as beyond repair, then it is.  You will see only what is wrong.  You will be too easily discouraged.  You will miss opportunities that do arise.  Change your search first and foremost by changing your thinking.

Anecdotes from politics, sports, business and everyday life teach other lessons in commitment, loss aversion, the chameleon effect and more.  Jobseekers, you don’t want to go down a road that’s not working just because that’s what you’ve always done (commitment).  You also don’t want to play it so safe that you don’t take enough chances to win the job (loss aversion).  Finally, the chameleon effect warns us that we take on the characteristics that others ascribe to us.  So jobseekers, in this often tumultuous job market, keep company with people who believe in you so you live up to their high expectations.  Avoid the naysayers, lest they convince you to be less than you truly can be.

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Posted in book review, career coaching | No Comments »

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