Career Management Alliance Blog

Get over your networking fear and tap into the hidden job market. Strategies to help you meet new people and land a new job.

 

While catching up my on reading this past weekend, I found a good article in the June issue of Inc. magazine, Never Read Another Resume. Written from the hiring authority's perspective, the author (Jason Fried, a small business co-owner) offered Continue Reading »

 

Career Collective post: Once every month or so, a group of career professionals blog on a subject topical and timely for a job seeker. We’ll post our thoughts on our own blog and link to the post of our colleagues on the same topic. This month’s topic: “Networking.” Responses from others contributors are linked at the end. Search the hashtag #CareerCollective on Twitter. Networking. The mere mention of the word strikes terror in the hearts of even the most seasoned professionals. For some reason, the thought of connecting with fellow human beings has become more like something we have to do, instead of something that happens naturally. What used to be pleasant conversation and sharing morphed into to-do list entries and deadlines. We set specific dates and list relevant topics for planned contact. We make detail notes regarding outcome. We schedule the next contact. Whew. Sounds like work. True. Everything works better with a plan. And there’s nothing wrong with contact management systems, especially when incorporated into a job search. But networks and connections aren’t just for job search. Get caught up in the busy-ness of business and life and risk missing important supports and resources. Isn’t networking another word for “staying in touch”? Focus on being a supportive friend and business associate. Share – ideas, training opportunities, business articles, hobby-related information, recipes, a quick hello – whatever may interest your contacts and watch your network grow. Stop fretting so much about the concept of networking and start cultivating relationships – a solid network sprouts from thoughtful, considerate contact. Continue Reading »

 

A recently published report by the National Association of State Student Grant and Aid Programs demonstrates that although the U.S. is currently undergoing an economic downturn, higher education still remains a priority. As reported by Inside Higher Ed, the Annual Continue Reading »

 

Karen writes: I’ve been reading a lot about using social media in the job search. What’s your opinion of this approach? Is this the way to get a job these days? Continue Reading »

 

All legitimate work, done with excellence, has transforming power. Our work, and the way we work, plays a significant role in shaping us into the people we are becoming. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/16/jobs/16boss.html?ref=business

 

For some, the idea of getting off the corporate treadmill and becoming their own boss is the attraction. For others, retirement allows them to fulfill a life’s dream. And recently, unemployment may have brought the alternative of business ownership into sharp focus for many. FranNet brings together franchisors and individuals who are interested in exploring self-employment as a career option. FranNet consultants provide both information and guidance at no charge to prospective franchise owners to help them assess their aptitude for business ownership and to identify the best franchise options for their background and interests.  Continue Reading »

 

I've had the opportunity to facilitate a Master Mind group over the last few months and saw first hand, once again, the power that "group think" has. Amazing results in members' personal and professional lives were had, along with great fun and new friendships. We met every other week in person, each briefly reviewed our last 2 week's activities toward the goals we'd set at the beginning of our program, brainstormed any hot issues, then set the next 2 week's action items. Email follow up with the accountability reminders were sent during the in-between-meetings weeks. Most importantly, we encouraged, affirmed, and supported each other along the way. Continue Reading »

 

For the last ten days, we've been hearing from people about how satisfied they are with the online resources they are using in their green career job search. Those who participate are entered a chance to win 1 month of FREE access to the online tools and resources available at Green Career Central, a specific action plan based on a phone consultation with me, the author of Green Careers for Dummies, and personalized online coaching throughout the month. If you are interested in working within the emerging green economy, we'd love to hear about your experiences. Take the survey.

 

Of all the subjects we cover in career management and job search, the one that seems to cause clients the most anxiety is INTERVIEWING. To ease my clients’ concerns, I often simplify the topic by reducing it to a handful of basic elements.

When you boil it all down, job interviews are made-up of only five statements from the interviewer, which include four questions and one sentence. Sure, you’ll be asked more than five questions, but they ALL seem to be variations on the items listed below. Each of these questions has to be “nailed” in a job interview, and each has a different strategy to answer it. “Winging it” just won’t do! Continue Reading »