You have been working so hard at your job search or trying to start a business. Maybe you feel kind of like a newly-hatched chick? Did you know it can take 24 hours for a chick to hatch its way out of a shell? That is a lot of hard work…No wonder it looks practically lifeless upon emerging into the world! [Read more…] about What a difference a day makes
You want a job!
Do you live in the Atlanta area? Unemployment in the state of Georgia is now at 10.7% and predicted to go even higher. If you are looking for a job, or thinking you should be, join me and Stephanie A. Lloyd of Radiant Veracity for a series of job search interventions held at our sponsoring restaurant, Pizzeria Venti on Lenox Rd. in Buckhead. (Lunch is included with seminars – pizza, salad and a soft drink. Learn more about our state-of-the art presentation site.)
Think about it…Would you pull your own tooth? Wire your own home for electricity? Do you cut your own hair? Most would say “no.” If it is important (involving our health, safety or appearance), we hire an expert. However, many people face one of the most challenging tasks alone, without the benefit of professional expertise. It’s no wonder that many job seekers feel alone and depressed. Looking for a job is challenging and often unpredictable.
Your career is one of your most crucial financial investments. Whether you are actively engaged in a search, underemployed or unhappily employed, it makes sense to consult an expert as you embark on your search for a new job. Many job seekers don’t stop to think about how much money less-than-optimal job search methods costs them. Consider, if you are unemployed, how much money you lose for every day that you are out of work? Your return on investment in yourself to get help and land a job sooner than you might have on your own may pay off substantially!
No one wants to be a professional job seeker. Wouldn’t it be nice to have experienced allies who will help you every step of the way? It’s not a “come as you are” job market. Stop wasting your time; learn how to make use of today’s tools and resources to propel your search forward.
Let us help you help yourself! Learn more about what we are offering Atlanta-area job seekers, including coaching on LinkedIn, Twitter, interviewing and in-person networking. CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS and to sign up. Don’t delay – our early adopter price is only good through July 31st. (And you get a free coaching session as an early adopter.) Don’t hesitate to be in touch if you have questions about You Need a Job, but seating is limited, so don’t delay!
How important is a college degree for your job prospects?
Last month, 20/20 ran several career oriented items. Interestingly, one segment, which questioned the value of a college degree, was perfectly timed for me. I’ve been hearing from more and more clients and potential clients who have worked their way up to positions that now require a college degree as a basic qualification. Unfortunately, these professionals are now finding themselves laid off and in the unenviable position of being “unqualified” to apply for the jobs they have been doing for years!
How frustrating to have this extra barrier to winning a new job! Is it impossible to overcome? I don’t think so. With strong networking and the right connections to less traditional organizations, I think these job seekers can still succeed.
So, when job seekers wonder about the value of their undergraduate degrees, I always come out on the side of earning the degree, even though college doesn’t typically prepare you to actually find a job! The skills you do learn in formal education should serve you well as a job seeker, and those letters after your name will not hurt.
Of course, there are iconic figures who never earned a college degree (such as Steve Jobs), but historically, workers with college degrees have been shielded much more from the ups and downs in the market.
The national unemployment rate in January 2009 was 7.6 percent. Recently, for those with college degrees, unemployment was 3.7 percent — a reduction of nearly 50 percent. Lawrence Mishel of the Economic Policy Institute in Washington predicts that the unemployment rate for college graduates will reach a record 4 or 5 percent in 2009. His comment to the AP: College-educated workers “are going to experience the kind of pain that has been common for people with less education.”
The New York Times suggests that the typical gap in unemployment favoring college graduates is narrowing a bit. Certainly, having a college degree, including those from online colleges and universities, is no guarantee against unemployment.
What all of this points to is that today’s economy doesn’t offer anyone a free pass to employment. No matter how highly “qualified” you are, knowing how to market your qualifications is much more crucial. Your ability to connect your skills and accomplishments to an organization’s needs will be just as important as actually having the basic qualifications.
It’s up to you to convey what you have to offer that is above and beyond your competition. When you do that well, you’ll be on your way to landing the job of your dreams!
Need a little help marketing yourself in today’s tough market? I can help! Contact me to discuss how I can help you succeed!
photo by adobemac