Parting Is Truly a Sweet Sorrow

A little more than a year ago, I parted with a job I thought would last a long time, one more victim of a wave of recession-induced layoffs in this country.

The following year’s journey turned out to be active and productive for me, despite occasional moments of fear. Three months later I started this blog and launched full steam into social media. I managed to keep my financial head above water later in the summer by doing freelance writing, editing and marketing. It didn’t replace having a job with benefits, but it was a good bridge. I became so busy, though, that I had to cut my blog activity from five posts a week to two.

Now that I am back in the world of the mostly employed, my focus has shifted to the matters at hand in my job each day. And, with a 3-hour round-trip commute each day, the time available to contribute my thoughts and expertise, as well as marketing efforts, to this blog has dwindled down to almost none. So, now I must part from this wonderful excursion in the world of blogging for my fellow post-layoff travelers.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed ideas, comments, kudos or complaints since I started One Tomato at a Time in June 2009. You have been great.

Please look for me on LinkedIn if you would like to continue the conversation. One Tomato at a Time will not disappear, but rather go into a dormant stage, since the information remains relevant and is completely searchable. I invite you to share the link and individual posts you found most useful with friends and colleagues who are struggling through the process of picking up the pieces after a layoff.

My best wishes to all.

Do Your Homework Before Accepting a Job Offer

It may seem counterintuitive in today’s tight job market to think of turning down a job offer, but what if you took a job and then found out you’d entered a lion’s den or a totally dysfunctional organization? It’s happened to many of us—everything seemed good on the surface, but inside it was another story.

You can increase your odds for job satisfaction, longevity and general happiness at work by doing some advance work—if not before applying, at least before accepting an offer.

Before you get to an interview, research the company or organization by searching on LinkedIn or Facebook for recently departed employees you can contact for an inside perspective. Use your network. Also, look for news items, S&P data, stock values and annual reports to see if the company is on good financial and ethical ground.

When you arrive for an interview, get to know the receptionist (if there is one) a bit. Notice how you are greeted. Use this opportunity, only possible when inside the building, to gather intelligence on various aspects of the company. Notice, for instance, how people relate to each other. Ask how long people you meet have worked there and what they like about being there. Observe body language and listen for oral clues to staff morale.

Try to ascertain how the company operates. Do departments operate in silos or are there functional, cross-departmental teams? How are employees evaluated—once a year or regularly, one way or 360, formally or informally?

Assemble your findings to create your own employer profile—not the one they publicize. Rate what you found against your own priorities. Then you can make at least a relatively informed decision that could make the difference between taking a job that will last or one that will disappear in a short time—or one that will be fulfilling compared to one that will make you miserable.

Listening to Recruiters—Your LinkedIn Profile Is Important

After hearing a recruiter give advice in a recent job hunter’s support session, I realized that the LinkedIn profile I had thought was so great could really use some revision if recruiters were going to find me. So, I have made a few already.

 

She had some other helpful insights as well. For instance, she told the group that recruiters at her firm, which specializes in filling creative, marketing and web-based positions, check LinkedIn more often than massive job boards such as Monster or CareerBuilder to identify and screen candidates. LinkedIn members, she noted, represent an overall higher caliber of professionals.

Here are some of her other tips for jobseekers who want to be noticed:

• Add language to your title that tells people you are available, such as “Open to New Opportunities.”
• Add your email address to your title or name, if you want people to contact you directly. This also implies you are an open networker, which you may or may not choose to be. If you do, it will lead to a larger network.
• Make sure your profile summary tells visitors:
• Who you are
• What you do
• Why you are on LinkedIn
• How to contact you
• Under Specialties, list as many key words as space allows so you will come up in more searches.
• For descriptions in the Experience section, cut and paste from your resume, so they match. If you later change your resume, also change your LI profile.
• In your Contact settings, include an email address, but make it a professional address via a current email provider, such as Gmail or Yahoo, rather than AOL or Earthlink. Because these latter providers are not mainstream anymore, they imply you are out of tune with today’s wired world.

If you are not on LinkedIn or have done little with your profile, check the LinkedIn Learning Center to discover the basics to making it a proactive tool in your career, whether you are a jobseeker or currently employed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What Do Recruiters Say? Retool Your Job Search Strategy

“For every quality job you see listed, there are probably between 5-7 qualified applicants competing for it. You need to focus on being the top person for that job.” These words were spoken by a recruiter, who specializes in IT and finance jobs, at a Northern Virginia job search support group session last week.

He added: “One of the biggest mistakes people make is to rely on just one job strategy. You need multiple strategies. The Internet is an incredibly powerful tool, but only 25% of people get jobs through the Internet. So you need to use a balanced approach. Use the Internet as your after-hours strategy or while you are watching a football game. Don’t make it your only strategy.”

At another presentation last week, a Washington, DC-based recruiter said she wants to see one- or two-paragraph cover letters—nothing longer. She and other recruiters can’t afford the time to read more—and often don’t read cover letters at all, especially longer ones. But, if you want yours noticed and read, your cover letter should directly address the requirements of the job, which you can accomplish in 3-4 bullet points.

Resumes are paramount, she said, and they must have all the most important information on the first page, near the top. That’s a good reason, she added, to limit the amount of personal data you put at the top so it doesn’t take so long to get to what makes you different and valuable. Instead, skip your mailing address and include only one phone number and your email. Including your LinkedIn profile link is okay, if you have a well developed, complete profile. The recruiter also noted that your resume should not have blocks of prose to summarize each job—they will go unread—but rather concise bullet points of your major accomplishments and responsibilities. Wordiness won’t win you a job.

There are no universal answers or magic keys to unlock the way to getting hired, but recruiters like these have a better pulse than jobseekers on what goes on in the job market. They are often the gatekeepers between you and a hiring manager. Maybe it’s time to listen.

The “Gifts” of 2009

As the holidays approach, the out-of-work jobseeker could easily fall into a gloomy cloud in the midst of the festivities. If you see yourself sinking into this mood, stop now and look back on the gifts, small or large, that you have received and given in the past year. “Gifts?” you ask. “Is she crazy?”

Well, maybe, but I know that since my own layoff I have learned a lot and met many great people I probably never would have known. For one thing, I became an active social media participant and a blogger, now with more than 80 blog entries posted. My professional community grew because I participated in LinkedIn groups and local organizations, attended countless networking events, and tweeted. This year, through webinars, seminars and workshops, I expanded my knowledge on such topics as web analytics and search-engine optimization. I volunteered my expertise as a judge in a professional awards program and as a career advisor. To bring in some cash, I began freelancing as a writer, editor and marketing pro and spent the last four months filling in part-time for someone out on parental leave, learning a whole new field for me—international development—and gaining new friends.

Sure, I’ve had my moments of fear for the future, but learning, growing and sharing have lifted me so that I can look ahead with hope rather than back with regrets.

My suggestion to you is to make your own list of “gifts” during 2009. Everyone’s list will be different, but, unless you have totally isolated yourself, you are likely to be surprised by all that you have gained this year, even if you lost your job. The gifts can be prizes as small as a hug or a phone call or as large as learning a new skill. They can be family-based or in your wider professional community.

Special Note: During the holidays, I will post two more entries on this blog before launching head first into 2010. You’ll find these on December 22 and December 29.

Networking—Compassion or Competition?

Fellow jobless people you meet through networking can become part of your community of connections or they can be competitors. The distinction is really up to you. However, choosing the compassionate route can have short- and long-term rewards.

Even those who may be competing for the same jobs hold some promise as connections, because if they find a job before you do, they are suddenly on the inside track again and able to help you more. The wider you cast your net, the more options you give yourself. If you shut off those who might “take jobs away” from you, you also shut off the potential leads and support they can offer.

Just as with not burning bridges with past employers (see the last post), being open minded in your networking could lead to a job opportunity you never imagined existed.

The keys to success in networking with other jobseekers are sharing and caring. You can:

• Share interesting articles, papers or news items with your connections.
• Add them to your online network on LinkedIn or other social media.
• Offer support by listening.
• Notify them about new networking opportunities.
• Invite them to join you to hear an interesting speaker.
• Ask them to come along to a professional meeting, exposition or other event.
• Introduce your contacts to others in your network.
• Send links to resources on job hunting or their profession.
• Check in periodically to see how they are doing.
• Get together one-to-one over coffee.

Signs of the Season, Networking Opportunities Are Everywhere

Trees are starting to show their fall colors, and networking opportunities are abundant in the DC area. Organized groups, from professional associations to local meet-ups and interest groups, are hosting gatherings at a wide range of venues. If you are looking for a job, this is prime time for making connections. Summer is over. Everyone is back in action.

Here are a couple of affordable, very active groups that sponsor area networking opportunities jobseekers should check out.

Washington Network Group—WNG is a membership group, but you don’t have to join to attend. Over time it will make sense to join so you can participate in networking at the nominal member rate of $20. Food is included at these evening events, and there is a cash bar. The group holds events specifically for professionals in government affairs, business, communications, technology and international fields, but they also hold events that bring them all together. Go to http://www.washingtonnetworkgroup.com/ for more information. WNG also offers an extensive online list of organizations for further networking.

Washington DC Connections—This is a group spawned on LinkedIn last April that has mushroomed into a network of more than 11,000 DC area professionals. It has 13 special interest subgroups as well. There are no membership dues, and events cost $20. Since it is part of LinkedIn, there is also an active online community, where members often post information for jobseekers. Go to the group’s LinkedIn pages for more details.

The general wisdom for jobseekers is that you won’t find a job sitting at home. So take advantage of all the opportunities around you to get out to meet new people, connect with those you’ve met before, and potentially open a niche for yourself that leads to a new job.

Passing Unemployment Milestones and Focusing on the Future

Many who were laid off earlier this year or before are still on the market for a job. There’s no denying that job hunting in today’s environment is more challenging than when the economy was booming. You can’t change historical facts, but you can change your future reality.

If you are passing an unemployment milestone, say six months or more, maybe it is time to take stock of your accomplishments to date.

Have you:

• Sought advice from friends and experts?
• Lined up your references?
• Had your resume professionally critiqued?
• Regularly updated your online profile?
• Networked at every opportunity?
• Followed up on leads given to you by friends and former colleagues?
• Shared job leads with fellow jobseekers?
• Developed or participated in a support network?
• Contacted recruiters?
• Attended workshops and seminars to keep your skills up?
• Enrolled with temporary agencies?
• Kept in touch with your contacts?
• Volunteered anywhere?
• Joined Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn groups?
• Conducted informational interviews?
• Updated your portfolio?
• Started a blog or your own website?

While these are great steps to take, especially if you have done them all, you might respond, “Yeah, but,” because so far they haven’t landed you a permanent job. However, at this juncture in your quest for re-employment, it’s okay to congratulate yourself for what you have accomplished…for a moment…and then move forward.

Rather than sagging into the dumps, now is the time to try new angles and ramp up your efforts. Instead of losing steam because of the time passed, energize yourself and get going.

Why Should I Help You? Part 3

Networking is not just about you
by Linda Franklin, guest blogger

Not everyone can reply to every message all the time, but a little courtesy goes a long way toward helping maintain a bridge or build a connection that can lead to something down the line. But for those who see themselves in the scenarios described in Why Should I Help You?—Part 2; Lessons from real life, remember:

Networking is not about building your count on LinkedIn. Networking isn’t just about you; it’s about building and strengthening your relationships with others and keeping that two-way communication going. You never know with whom you will work or who may be a referral or reference for you, or—ultimately—your hiring manager.

So, the next time someone agrees to provide you with a referral, offers to meet for coffee or look over your resume, take a few minutes and make sure you thank them. Better still, ask them how you can help them. After all, your high priority (to get a job) may not be their priority; they’re taking some valuable time to help you, so in the grand scheme of things, you’re incurring a debt you need to recognize. Those who do follow up stand out—and, you never know, one day the person you thank may be in a position to recommend you for a job.
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Thank you, Linda Franklin, for your good advice this week. And, to all my U.S. readers, have a great Labor Day weekend, and to everyone else, I wish you beautiful days. One Tomato at a Time will be back in action next Tuesday.

Why Should I Help You? Part 1

Reaching out to others
by Linda Franklin, guest blogger

Last year I became another statistic filing for unemployment. My story was not unlike many others: With a company for 7 years, I thought I would be there for my career. When my notice came, I went through the usual shock and disappointment (“WHAT?!?!?”).

And then came the “What do I do now?” I began reaching out to everyone I knew and began meeting new business contacts at professional networking functions. LinkedIn became my new best friend.

While networking I quickly realized an important lesson: those who had themselves been laid off or experienced similar job ups and downs were the ones most likely to lend a helping hand. They understood the pain and frustration of the job search, and they regularly went that extra step to get my resume in front of the right person.

It was easy then for me to decide that, once I was employed again, I would make sure to reach out to help others in my network going through a layoff/job search. Not just by getting their business cards, but learning more about their background, experiences and their goals so that I could refer them to others or job postings that would be a good match.

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Linda Franklin, who has survived the bruises of 2 layoffs, is happy to be working again as Marketing Manager of WiseChoice.
http://www.linkedin.com/in/lfranklin99
http://www.twitter.com/LindaFrank123
http://us.mc518.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=Linda.Frank123@yahoo.com

Marketing Yourself—Your Public Image

You want to be found. And, when you are found, you want to impress. That means there are a few steps you should take as soon as possible after you rejoin the job market.

UPDATE YOUR ONLINE PROFILE—Update your online profile on LinkedIn, Plaxo or Twitter, or all of them. Anywhere you are part of a social/business network, you need to be promoting yourself. If you are not on any of these networks, get on now, but keep your content and your connections professional. Be sure to post a recent photograph (a headshot is preferable) showing you looking professional and approachable.

POST RECOMMENDATIONS—Ask your references and other colleagues to post short recommendations of your work and your work style on your online profile. Recruiters do check them, according to two HR professionals who spoke at a workshop for out-of-work D.C. professionals that I attended this spring.

MAKE AN EMAIL UPDATE—If you use AOL for email, consider using an alternate provider for your job search, such as gmail or Yahoo. Pick a professional account name, such as your own name, to use for your job search communications, especially since it will appear on your resume. The word on the street is that if you use AOL, you are probably older and not tech savvy. I’ve heard this from recruiters and seen it in multiple articles.

SPREAD THE WORD—Tell everyone you know that you are unemployed and what kind of job you are seeking. Friends, former colleagues, neighbors and family can be great resources for support and networking. Even tell the grocery store clerk or your bank manager. It’s not a time to hide your situation, especially since you are definitely not alone and, in today’s economic climate, there is no shame in being on the job market because of a layoff.

My online profile: http://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthiarosso