Jailbird Job Search Secret

I took this from a site specializing in advising jailbirds how to find jobs.

I figured that if they can find a job … anyone can. And there’s something to be gained from how they do it.

From the JailtoJob.com website, the advice is simple, and universally true.

Here is the Secret

1. Show up – If you just show up, you will be in the top 25% of all job seekers

2. Show up with a plan – If you show up with a plan, you will be in the top 15% of all job seekers

3. Show up with a plan and work it – By showing up with a plan and working the plan, you will be in the top 10% of all job seekers!

So, do YOU show up? (In what shape?) Do YOU have a plan? (Is it working for you?) And, do YOU work that plan? (Or does it involve sitting, waiting, hoping?)

It reminds me of this quote:

“With practice and attention, we can learn to put ourselves right side up regardless of external circumstance.”

Yes, even a jailbird can go get a job. It takes showing up, a firm plan, and the willingness to work that plan. But if he does eventually he’ll find himself “right side up.” Why? Because he’s learned to own his job hunt. He’s responsible for the results.

You’re probably not a jailbird. You have more going for you. Don’t get discouraged. Things will will work out well if you follow the 3 steps above. Learn to own your job hunt. Master it. Make it your bold magnificent mission. Do it as if the whole world was judging you on it.

See how the results will flow in.

If you need a plan see www.jobsearching.co.za/jobsearchfasttrack

Monty Python: Job Interview

Persepctive – and Funny

Classic Job Search Moment – CV Related

Just had one of those “what?!!” moments when reviewing a new clients CV.

Caveat: Client is a good guy, but not the greatest knowledge of ‘managing perception’ – which is kinda what marketing, sales and CV writing is all about.

He included the following on his CV:

• Designed prisons back in the 70′s (in South Africa)
• Managed the design and set up of death row cell blocks
• Designed the gallows infrastructure

Sheeesh! And add to that the facts that he has a very Afrikaans cultural name and his age and we’re … edited … (not positive stuff, guaranteed).

So it’s my job to fix it. Looking forward to it. People have value. But not always a past that places focus on it. And even worse, the past may prejudice readers. Not great in a tight economy. Smarter tactics required.

The CV How-Much-Detail-is-Enough? Dilemma. 4 Insights.

Y’know, the dilemma, more detail? Less? How much is enough?

So, yesterday I wrote a CV for a General Manager, working in a JSE listed Group, GM of a division with a Rkazillion turnover. And he had included tons of detail in his old CV. And it made me think.

By the way, the principles I’m gonna share here apply equally if you’re an Admin Clerk or MD. So ‘lissen up’. One of his points – in his 13 page, 25 year career long CV – was this detail (to take a simple example):

“Prepared and coordinated the annual budgets on a zero base budget method”

Now for what he’s aiming at (GM, Managing Director, etc type positions) is that going to help him get where he’s going? I don’t think so. It’s too much detail – going down to that level of detail across his last 10 years would require many tedious pages – which would have an overall uuugly effect on his ‘impact – boom, boom’ rating. Yep, maybe he wouldn’t make the impact he could have with a more punchy, concise document.

So where do you draw the line in terms of how much detail goes in a CV? A couple of things come to mind:

1. Is the specific detail really that special? Or is it assumed? Take our GM – budgeting is pretty much an assumed function/skill (especially considering his Financial background). That he did budgeting is unlikely to impress anyone. That he applied a certain methodology is perhaps even more un-important. It’s not going to twist anyone’s arm into calling him in for an interview. Right? It’s not a deal-breaking detail.
2. It’s about results. One makes decisions about what to include or not based on what the position being applied for asks for and will ask for in the way of results. Again take the GM. He’s being – no doubt – asked to increase revenue, improve efficiency in service delivery, reduce costs, etc. So really focus has to be on that stuff – how he’s performed those tasks/challenges before. And the results achieved. One doesn’t want to dilute those aspects of the message by detail that may be 2nd or 3rd tier in importance.
3. But (there always is one) – but perhaps in a certain profession knowledge of certain methodologies, practices or legal frameworks IS of critical importance. They’re fundamental to whether you’re a suitable candidate or not. That’s another clue to whether detail should be included or not: if it IS fundamental (tier 1) then it should appear.
4. A good clue – what is your tier 1 detail? Look at the job ad for clues. Years of experience, qualifications, and job titles are big ones. Do they stand out on your CV – or do they kinda get diluted, buried, lost in pages of detail. Your tier 1 detail should be page 1, paragraph 1, line 1. Seriously. Not stretched out over 10 pages.

Sometimes in a CV – I see it in my CV writing Clients all the time – the response of the writer is to pack in the detail, sometimes desperately giving the impression that “this little detail may tip the scales in my favour”. But usually it won’t. Recruiters are influenced by simpler things.

As in the case of the GM at the start:

“10 Years as GM in a R300ml pa Company; Recent Achievements Include Turning a Division around from a R5ml loss to a R2.1ml Profit; BComm Hons Degree etc.” (the “etc.” is not advised – but you get the drift, right)

For the right position, that alone will have a recruiter scampering for the phone. Will adding “zero base budgeting” make them run faster? No. (BTW : I wrote a great CV for him. And I can for you too. Ask for the info – send me a mail gerard@jobsearching.co.za or visit www.wowcv.net.)

Career Q&A: Changing Career at 54

Got an email to day from “T” regarding her wanting to change careers at age 54. Here’s her question:

Hi Gerard

I would like to pursue a career change. I have a Diploma in Office
Administration and a B. Tech in Commercial Administration. I have
worked as a secretary for +- 10 years in the same educational
institution. My interest is in Travel & Tourism certificate/diploma. My
concern is based on the following problems of my own:

• My age, I am 54 years old, am I not too old for the change.
• Will I still get a suitable job at my age.
• Will it be a wise change?

Please advise.

Okay, so here’s my answer. More information required by here’s what I had to say.Thanks for your question.

Tough situation. However you do have in your favour:

• strong qualifications
• good solid experience

So that’s a start. Good people with a stable, competent background are always valuable.

But now regarding the career change.

I would say that a drastic change, a “start from the bottom” change is not a good idea. From what I know about the environment (Travel) it’s high energy, very sales oriented. So some questions:

• Is this really what you want?
• What position/role exactly are you thinking of chasing?
• Is there any way in which you can combine your admin/secretarial background INSIDE a company offering a speciality Travel Desk service?
• What is it about the travel industry that excites you, is motivating your desire for a change.
• Have you already done the Travel diploma?
• Will it be a wise change? Who can tell??! But be cautious, don’t make any quick decisions. Do your homework. Try meeting with some Travel people to see what your options are, what role you’re aiming for, see what day-to-day activities you’ll be performing (sometimes we glamorize a certain industry, when really there’s another side to it all).

So these are some of the questions you should get back to me with and that have a bearing on your situation. Also of course is your financial position. Maybe you can afford to make a drastic change. If you’re doing this for the passion then that’s another matter. (I am assuming with this answer however that this is not the case.)

Just had another idea. Do you know anyone who – or can you find anyone who would like to go into business. You can handle the Admin side – setting up systems, policies, procedures and processes, and they can perhaps supply the Travel experience. Or can you join such a company lacking those skills (strong administration). You will also bring the added benefit of higher BEE rating.

Getting such an opportunity however will require you to market yourself directly to possible Travel Companies/Targets. [You can get great help with that in my online guerrilla job search coaching program.]

What You Need to do in This Job Market

Here are some interesting observations from someone who deals with job hunters on a daily basis. She is a full time resume/CV writer and correctly comments on how the job market is much less ‘scientific’ – ie predictable, organized, rule oriented than you may imagine. Anything can happen. Her name is Eve Nicholas and here’s the extract from her article:

I don’t need to tell you that the recession has caused a significant change in the job market. I’m sure that you read the monthly statistics on unemployment, and many of you have first-hand experience with layoffs and hiring freezes. But, as I mentioned, my work gives me a unique vantage point into employment trends (and into the lives of job hunters).

Here are a few of my observations:

• People land jobs in all economic conditions. Even this one. Every week clients talk to me about pending interviews, job offers and new positions. The hiring pace may be slower than it was in the past, but the market is alive and kicking.
• Job seekers have a lot of questions. Most of the time, they want to know the ‘rules’ of job searching, and the ‘right’ way to proceed on their career path. Here is my typical response: With only one exception, there are no hard-and-fast rules and no right answers in job hunting. Figure out what works best for your situation, and go with it. Here’s the one exception: Never lie.
• Most employers look for motivated, likeable people to join their teams. They also appreciate a good deal. Show them that you will bring a positive attitude to the workplace while improving the bottom line, and you’ll have a great shot at landing a new position.
• The more effort you put into your search, the faster you’ll land a new job. If you shuffle out your resume to every employer with an e-mail address, you can expect the process to last a very long time. On the other hand, if you research companies, network and improve your presentation, you’ll make an impact with hiring managers. Put in the effort. You’ll stand out from the crowd.

I think she’s on the money. And yet from what I’m seeing – CVs being sent to me for eg – is how people – maybe you? – aren’t really trying to do anything different. Quite likely they don’t know what to do differently. That ends now: go to my new ‘guerrilla’ job search coaching program where you get personal help with your job search.

Job Application Response Within 10 Minutes? How? [April 2 eColumn]

A reply within 10 minutes of sending job application? How?

Last year I wrote a CV for a South African living and working in the Middle East. She’s into IT system integrations and Finance etc. So yesterday she e-mails me in a panic: she’s applying for a job in Singapore and is trying to put a cover letter together, “can you help?”

She’d written a letter but she wasn’t happy with it. And when I read it, to me, it was a bit clumsy and didn’t do much to convey the value and high quality that she represented.

So I rewrote it in about 10 minutes and sent it back to her, and went out to an appointment. When I got back there was an e-mail from her:

“I just sent off your cover letter version & got a response within 10mins.”

What was it that helped get that kind of response? 3 Things, I think.

1. A recruiter who could read. And who received the e-mail at a convenient moment. And who received the e-mail at a time when the position being applied for was on his/her mind, or something of a priority.

[From this you'll see there is a lot that's left to chance. It's NOT like "if you do it THIS way - you'll get a certain result" - although there are good and bad ways of doing things, there are many uncontrollable factors, which is why persistence is so important.]

2. Our job applicant was actually great for the job – that always helps! She has the experience, qualifications and has been trusted by good companies in doing her job.

[BUT - what so many good people do is to hide their 'great' profile away. They do so by never actually saying that they're great for the position. They spread their message over 8 pages of CV, 2 page-long cover letters, 10 line paragraphs - just too many words, too many pages. Never really getting to the point.]

3. My version of the cover letter got to the point and used the following formula:

• Clearly established the job being applied for [I used a bold heading for this]
• Used a 3 point bulleted list then to present the ‘hard’ items that would impress. Started the list with the word “offering”. Makes sense … the reader wants to know, “what are you offering me?? tell me now or go away”
• I went completely without the following: promises to “revolutionize” the company and bring in “higher profits”. Those may well be the end result – but come on, it sounds too much like sales talk. Sometimes its appropriate. Absolutely. But when there are ‘hard’, good skills, qualifications and experience then that’s what needs to feature strong. It’s about establishing credibility. That’s what gets the calls and quick response.

[Reality check - remember what I said earlier - "there are many uncontrollable factors" - just because you're the best person for the job, doesn't mean you're going to get the job! Just because you have a great cover letter, doesn't mean you'll get the quick response. There's all sorts of 'stuff' that goes on. So again, persistence is crucial - it's the big equalizer! (For "persistence" read, "keep trying, keep improving, keep targeting")]

Here’s the actual letter (without the frills, etc)

Application for Position: Great Plains Consultant – Singapore

Offering …

• 9 Years International Experience in ERP Consulting and Implementation Roles – Delivering Projects and Reporting in at CFO and SVP of Finance Level
• In depth knowledge of Great Plains Dynamics and Microsoft Business Solutions – Certified Great Plains Consultant, and MCSE
• Strong Management, Technical, Business and Training Skills Supported by a BComm Accounting Degree and Advanced IT Training and Knowledge

Now, don’t try to copy this letter – it was right for her, it won’t necessarily be for you. But pay good attention to the principles outlined above. Then tailor your letter to suit if you have a similar situation. One other thing was that I had the advantage of seeing the job advert first – which gave some insight on what they were looking for.

So there are some ideas on how to get quick response from your job applications. Hope it works for you. “Keep trying, keep improving, keep targeting.”

Interesting Things

www.debtcounsellingsa.co.za – if you’re under debt pressure go here. On the site it says: “No more letters you are too scared to open. No more phone calls you are too nervous to answer. Dealing with the problem rather than ignoring it gives you an instant feeling of relief.” They can help.

Get Comfortable in Your Own Skin – How to and Why it’s Important in Your Job Search [March 26 eColumn]

Just smiles. Seriously – that’s what I’ve been noticing as I accompany my father through the SA healthcare system. Man, there are a lot of people who enjoy what they do – or at least they enjoy helping other people.

Okay there are negatives – like, yesterday, being made to wait 4 hours for a 10 minute appointment – but from the hospital staff, admin staff and pharmacy staff to nurses at the private old age home/frail care facility, there are a lot of good people. Actually the only person with no smile was the private doc/specialist. Just shows money only goes so far in putting a smile on one’s face.

The job searching lesson? A lot of our success or failure in life has to do with how we connect with people. How we come across. Whether we come across as ‘open’, friendly, accommodating and nice to have around. Or not. Landing your next job, believe me has much to do with that – frequently more than your experience and qualifications.

So, are you comfortable in your own ‘skin’? Are you ‘okay’ with yourself?

Years ago I remember thinking of this feeling of being ‘okay’ with yourself as something like an anchor. Despite the knocks, pushes and shoves in life, basically you like who you are, you know you have value – so you shake off the inevitable job market rejections and the ‘difficult’ job interviews and interviewers (y’know, with that brainless recruiter!). You maintain your equilibrium or stability.

Do you believe in yourself? No-one should completely I don’t think – I mean we all need support, we all need to improve somehow, we all make mistakes. And most often there’s someone out there who’ll be faster, better, cleverer than us. But still, do you have that core of confidence in and comfortableness (there’s a new word!) with who you are and what you can do? ‘Cause if you are, then you’ll come across better. And be in line for better interviews and better job search results.

Here’s something practical regarding this – it’s going to be something I expand on in future: when you’re going on a job interview, in preparation, take a blank sheet of paper and make some notes in answer to the following questions:

What’s the job I’m interviewing for?

What kind of company is it for (if you know)?

What department is it in?

Then …

From my previous experience what are the 5 (or 3) most common challenges, problems in that kind of company, department, position? What are the daily problems someone like me is expected to solve?

Now, have I ever faced any similar situations? [Think of the 3 toughest situations you faced.]

What are some things I did really well? And what did I do to get that result?

How do I feel having done that?

Remember the good things you did, the good results you achieved. Focus on your value. Remind yourself.

Repeat this exercise considering your life in general:

• What are some basic things that I’ve achieved that I’m proud of? [Forget about the fact that others may also have achieved what you have - just be happy that you did it. It proves you have ability and value.]
• What are some things I COULD be proud of, if I let myself?
• What improvements am I making or will I be making soon that I’m proud of?

Here’s the idea: get your mind on a positive track – start building that anchor, make it a big one – not to be full of yourself – but just to be comfortable with who you are, and therefore solid, stable, able to smile, laugh easily … and come across as someone who is reasonably confident, ‘nice to have around’ and who fits in easily (as opposed to edgy, tetchy, scratchy, uncertain and porcupine-ish!)

Some people appear to have this whole ‘effect’ naturally – and frequently we’ll find they’re in jobs they are suited for and like and they do well. It’s like “maturity” – y’know, reaching a point where you’re comfortable, stable. But it’s also something that can be cultivated.

[For much more on this topic, getting to know yourself better, discovering 'who' you are - join the www.careerandsuccess.info community. You'll get immediate access to resources like "Wishcraft" by Barbara Sher (see quote in right sidebar) and Tony Robbins' "Awaken the Giant Within" (abridged version - really cool because the original was, like, 500 pages).]

Quick update – last week I sent out a short questionnaire about starting your own business – whether you’d like to one day. There was an unbelievable response – 680 responses so far. No surprise actually. So I’m starting a new website called something like Gerard’s Small Biz Ideas – just to share some of the ideas I’ve used over the years.

A lot of people are scared to start a business – and rightly so. But you have to ask – “what am I building for myself?” Or am I just always building for others? Also, in an economy that’s losing jobs – increasingly, we have to look at starting our own show. And success isn’t so difficult. But it is important to get the basics right – especially when it comes to marketing. More later.

I’ll also be expanding my CV writing service to writing business profiles, sales letters, newsletters etc for small businesses, consultants, etc – helping them get more interest more quickly from their customers and clients. Contact me directly on gerard@jobsearching.co.za re. this service for now.

On a Personal Note:

Do you allow dogs in your bedroom? This morning this was our family scene (as usual): Olive (in her xy ‘jamas), Ethan (4) and Zoe (6) in bed sipping their tea. Me sitting on the couch with my coffee. Bella (mostly Alsatian) lying at my feet, Molly (a Boerbull of Great Dane proportions) lying in the doorway with her pathetic stump excuse for a tail wagging side to side. It just struck me as cool. Oh, and there probably were a couple of cats hiding out in there somewhere too. Now, I don’t dig the dogs in the house really. But there are some simple things in life that just give one a good feeling. We were all having a chat (ok, not the dogs, they were just wagging their tails in contentment). It was early. No rushing for a few minutes. Nice. Good to have times like that.

That’s it. All the best.

A Malema Inspired Job Search and Life Lesson [March 19 eColumn]

Hi – So what are you born for? In last week’s Sunday Times the headline of a profile article on Julius Malema read something like “Born for Politics”. Ja, well some may agree, some not. That’s not the point.

Here’s the point: you – rightly – may wonder what career, job, life course you were ‘born’ for.

But does it make a difference, you ask? I mean isn’t life just a struggle, you just have to get through each day? Enjoying yourself is for weekends. What’s your belief on this?

If you don’t have an opinion – get one, ok? And if your opinion is the one described above – you’re wrong. There. I challenge you. Argue in the “comments” below if you like – and be shot down in public!

Here’s what I say:

You have something special. A unique combination of interests, abilities, ways of thinking, interests, knowledge and life experiences that makes you special. And a big challenge in life is to uncover your special factors. And then the challenge is to focus on them, a lot. Because it’s in these areas that you can be most successful. It’s in these areas you can best help others.

Problem: we get too busy with life, pursuing ‘things’, getting battered around by what others want from us, paying the bills and watching garbage on TV to focus on what we’re about, what we want, what we want our lives to turn out like.*

(* Balancing, of course, other important facets of our life – like family, spirituality, emotional and physical well being, etc – these are responsibilities, they make valid demands on us. I’m not talking about taking a “I’m no.1″ approach here – just a reasonable “I must look after the goose who lays the golden egg” approach.)

So … following on this theme: I’m really going to encourage you – if you see some of yourself in the above – to join the Career&Success forum. There are fantastic resources there to help you.

And there’s a new once off payment structure. No monthly membership hassles. And it’s cheaper than ever.

Here’s an example of on book available there – it’s waiting for you – “Wishcraft” by Barbara Sher:

“It will show you how and why you may have lost touch with your dreams, and it will give you simple, enjoyable exercises for rediscovering them. And then it will help you shape a real-world goal out of what you love.

“So far from being “impractical” or “irresponsible,” doing what’s closest to your heart is like striking oil: you tap into a surge of energy that will propel you to the heights of success.

“There are plenty of hard-working, responsible men and women in our society who do know how to get things done but have never felt free to explore themselves and find out what they want to do. If you’re one of them, the first half of this book will be a revelation.

Go here now and join: www.careerandsuccess.info

On a Personal Note:

Listening to Springsteen’s latest release – “Working on a Dream” – brilliant (am I giving away my age?) I’ve started a ‘thread’ in the Career&Success forum “feel good music” in the “Trivia” section at the bottom – c’mon join and make your recommendations and see mine and other members. Aren’t you tired of KFM and 94.7, Metro and 5 yet?

Suddenly turning cold here in the Cape, bit of rain yesterday and overnight. Life’s good. Just a bit behind with everything.

By the way - yesterday sent out a survey re. starting your own business – I had around 500 replies before lunch. Thanks for your response! I’ll be following up with that soon. Many are wanting to start their own business. But find it quite scary. In future I’ll be sharing some of the tools and ideas that helped me make a success of my business. It really helps to start off with the right / best practical advice out there – clue: universities and colleges don’t teach this stuff.