When you are looking for a job, it is easy to fall into the trap of applying and waiting to hear from an employer to see if you won a chance to interview. It’s not going to get you the job, though. [Read more…] about Seize your career power: six tips to help you get a job
Job searching in Atlanta? An event you won’t want to miss
Job seeking in the Atlanta area? Here’s an event you won’t want to miss: Hiring for Hope’s Impression Management Workshop this Tuesday. (I’ll be speaking, too.) [Read more…] about Job searching in Atlanta? An event you won’t want to miss
Speaking at Digital Atlanta
If you’re in the Atlanta area, you’ll want to know about Digital Atlanta! I’ll be speaking in two programs, both on Wednesday, November 9th. It’s a great series of events the week of November 6th covering pretty much any aspect of social media you can imagine. [Read more…] about Speaking at Digital Atlanta
What to eat before your job interview
No detail is too small when you’re in the midst of a job hunt. You don’t want to wait until the last minute to decide what you’d wear to an interview, or what you’ll say when they ask, “Why should we hire you?â€
By the same token, you want to bring your “A game†to every conversation. Knowing what to eat to encourage peak performance may be as important before an important meeting as it is when planning to run a marathon. Athletes know how to load up on all the right foods and how to hydrate on a regular basis, in addition to right before a big race or game. Think of your job hunt from a total body perspective.
Have you thought about the fact that there are foods to help you:
- Think clearly and maintain optimal brain function
- Solve problems
- Reduce anxiety, control stress, stay calm
Consider the following suggestions to help improve performance in these key areas:
Web MD suggests anti-oxidant-rich blueberries, omega-3 essential fatty acids such as salmon, and foods high in vitamin E, such as nuts and seeds such as “walnuts, hazelnuts, Brazil nuts, filberts, almonds, cashews, peanuts, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, and unhydrogenated nut butters such as peanut butter, almond butter, and tahini†may help improve brain functions. The article also suggests eating avocado to contribute to healthy blood flow and brain health. (Although, you may want to eat avocado in moderation, as Web MD notes they are high in calories.) Other good “brain foods†recommended in the article include: whole grains (oatmeal, breads, and brown rice), wheat germ, pomegranate juice, freshly brewed tea, and dark chocolate.
Health Ambition suggests walnuts (to increase oxygen to your brain), strawberries (for mental awareness), dark chocolate (for anti-oxidants) and drinking water (for better memory) to help improve your brain function.
Read the rest on my post at U.S. News & World Report.
photo by gezellig-girl.com
How to job hunt in a stubborn job market
The job search news isn’t great…The feds report no new jobs added in August.
What can you do to improve your chances in this stubborn market?
Pause, but don’t stop.
If you don’t have a great network and job search materials at-the-ready, facing an unexpected job loss can be very overwhelming. Take a moment to take stock, but don’t take a month. Consider potential next steps. Assess your skills and figure out what you offer that is unique and special. In an environment where many people are looking for opportunities at once, you need to be able to identify what sets you apart.
Avoid sending applications without giving each one your full attention. Applying for every job that crosses your path is not going to help you land something sooner.
Clean up your digital footprint.
Especially if you’ve been thrown into a job search unexpectedly – IMMEDIATELY clean up your social networking profiles so that they are professional and wouldn’t cause any potential employer to think twice about hiring you. (Including your photos – make sure you are dressed like you are ready for work in your highlighted pictures.) Set a Google alert so you know when your name comes up online. With the majority of employers researching candidates online, an un-professional comment or picture may be the difference between getting the job and being the #2 choice.
Network smart.
You already know. Network, network, network. But, do you know how? If you’re not familiar with social networks (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Google+, blogging, etc.), now is the time to get familiar!
When you are planning your networking, focus on information gathering and sharing. Don’t ask for informational meetings to discuss your need for a job. If that person doesn’t have a job to offer, he or she will probably not want to meet with you and will suggest you contact HR.
The key with your networking is to expand your group of “loose contacts†– people who don’t know you well, but are willing to do what they can to help you achieve your goal. If you can present yourself as talented and skilled and make a personal connection, you will get much further with your job hunt.
Job hunt full time, but don’t be a workaholic.
Make a plan. Get up, get dressed, make appointments, keep a to-do list. Have goals for your job hunt as you do for your work life. I don’t have to tell you that this is a stressful time, but don’t feel the need to be job hunting 100% of your day. Take time to enjoy yourself and seek supportive groups to help you get through this tough time. Take time to vent and to be angry, but try to achieve a positive outlook, as that will help you in the long run.
Consider the cost benefits of seeking career advice.
The fact is, most people don’t have a very good resume and have no idea how to search for a job in today’s economy. In a competitive environment, your job seeking materials (this includes your linkedin profile and web 2.0 presence) will be even more important. Money may be tight, but hiring a coach and/or a resume writer might be just the boost you need to propel your search.
Consider the cost of unemployment and the fact that you are much more likely to land a job in a timely way if you have a great resume, understand how to market yourself and are well prepared to interview and negotiate.
The list of things to do when suddenly facing a job hunt is very long…Those who make a plan and  methodically move toward their goals are most likely to achieve them.
photo by magnusfranklin