Five Things You Can Do This Week To Improve Your Job Search

Happy Sunday. I hope you're taking some time off today from your job search (well, except for reading this blog). Sometimes, a job search can feel like a lot of waiting around. Waiting for that perfect job lead to land in your lap. Well, to have a more successful job search, you need to take action. So, here are five things you can do this week to improve your job search.

1. Edit your resume to one page. Some of you can skip this because your resume is already on one page. Many, however, can not. Your resume is a marketing document with only one goal. For 99% of you, that means one-page.
2. Identify five companies in your target geographical area that you have not already contacted. Prepare a cover-letter and resume for each.
3. Have coffee (or lunch) with one person. This does not mean have coffee with someone from whom you can get something. Building your professional network isn't something that happens in one day. Start this week.
4. Schedule coffee or lunch with someone for next week. Get it on the calendar this week. Don't rely on spontaneity. Relationship building is too important to leave to chance.
5. Join one LinkedIn group and join a discussion that interests you. Search for Groups on LinkedIn that are specific to your industry or your location. If you can't find one that matches your interest, join Linking209 (additionally, our monthly get-together is Monday, 8/27 at Pizza Plus in Ripon).

Success in any endeavor takes planning. So, if you do just one thing today, take 10 minutes and schedule time to complete these things this week.

How To Handle A Request For Your Salary Information?

Some of the most frantic questions I receive are related to job postings that ask for "salary history" or "salary requirement".

How much you earn is very personal. I completely understand why people are nervous about sharing their salary information. It should feel very un-natural to say (or write) how much you money you make.

But sharing your salary information is an important part of the recruiting and selection process.

Let's review how to provide your salary information.

The best way is to include it in your cover letter. Your cover letter can be a separate document, an e-mail, or in an online form. Simply add these sentences:

My current salary is $25,000 per year. I am currently interviewing for positions in the same range.

That's it. Of course, you can change that sentence to make it more applicable to your match your compensation. If you work less than full-time you may wish to reference your hourly rate rather than an annual salary. If commissions or incentives make up a significant portion of your pay, you should list your typical annual earnings, and write:

My expected salary and commission earnings this year are $25,000. I am currently interviewing for positions in the same range.

If you are currently not working. You can change "current" to "previous".

Don't get hung up on sending more than that. Hiring managers and recruiters want your salary information for two primary reason:

1. To determine that you are "in the ballpark". If the position pays an annual salary of $25,000 and you have been making $50,000 you are probably not in the ballpark.
2. To compare apple to apples. Job titles can often be so vague that hiring managers have a difficult time determining what your skill level really is. For instance, an Account Manager can mean something completely different from company to company.

Separately, if you advance through the selection process, you will likely have to share your actual salary history. Although this typically happens on an employment application, you may be asked to provide it alongside an application. If so, a simple one-page document (use your resume header) listing your positions, dates of employment, and ending salaries will suffice. But there is no need to provide that level of detail when you're first applying for a position.

You Got Fired, Admit It

So, you got fired and now you're "on the market". You're worried that you won't find a job. Someone probably told you that you will "never work again". That is simply untrue. Being fired isn't the kiss of death. You can work again.

I have hired fired people. My sample size is small, but nearly all of those have turned out to be great hires!

So, how do you pull it off?

First, you need to admit it. The most important thing is to not lie. When I ask you, "Tell me why you are no longer with Acme Company" don't hide the fact you were fired. Be honest. Plus, hiring managers and recruiters can usually tell if you're lying. And starting off an employment relationship with a lie is not very smart. If you were fired because you did not perform well, say so. Perhaps you were in the wrong role and now you're looking for a job more in line with your skills.

Secondly, you need to know how your previous employer will handle a reference check . Call and ask for a reference, or verify prior employment. It's entirely possible that you won't like the answer, but at least you'll know.

Having been fired is a red flag, but not as big of a red flag as letting the interviewer wonder if you're being honest with her.

Don't Use Your Smart Phone To Take Notes

I love new technology. I love mobile. I love apps. I'm sure you do, too. But most job-search activities are not the time to geek out with your smart phone. It's best that you don't use your phone (at all) while in the presence of interviewers or potential employers. There are two important reasons:

• Perception - the person you are talking with will have the same physical and emotional reaction as if you were texting. When people see you take out your smart phone and start typing they think you're texting or playing Temple Run. No one thinks, "Wow, this person is being productive!".
• Distractability - you may, even though your fully-aware mind thinks it's ridculuous, open up Facebook, Twitter, or Angry Birds. Don't tempt yourself.

And you don't want the reputation of being one of "those guys" that always has his face buried in his smart phone.

Carry a note pad and a pen with you. A small pocket notepad will do. If you need to take notes at the end of an interview, or while meeting for coffee with a potential hiring manager, you won't have to pull out your smart phone.

Answering 6 Difficult Interview Questions

The thought of going on an interview is enough to make some job seekers break out in a rash. One reason some get nervous is the fear of being asked something that they have not prepared for. And what about those really difficult questions? Many of us can recite the question we dread the most. Well, here are six questions I have asked and *observed people stressing out.

1. "Why do you want to work here?" - I want to know your interest level in this position, with this company. Is this just one of many places where you've applied? I would rather hire someone with a genuine interest in the company than someone just looking for that next paycheck. The truth might be that you want this job because it pays more or simply because you're unemployed. Although that is completely fine and understandable, that's not a good way to make a good impression.

Research the company and do your homework before your interview, point out positive things about the company and why these items interest you. In the end, employers want to know that you can fulfill a need of theirs, so balance your response with what you can do to address their need.

2. "Why should we hire you over another candidate with comparable experience?" - Here's your chance to sell me on your skills and abilities. Don't make the mistake pointing out why they shouldn't hire someone else. Focus on why they should hire you, on what you can bring to the position. Don't bash the other candidates, even if they are unknown to you.

3. "What is your biggest weakness?" - How do you tell a potential employer about your weaknesses and not damage your chances to be hired. The truth is, we all have weaknesses, even the person interviewing you. Talk about one weakness honestly and briefly. Add ways you are trying to overcome this weakness. Two more important things to keep in mind: you must answer this question, not answering it will hurt your chances considerably; don't give me one of those "my only weakness is I work too hard" or "Is it a weakness to care too much?", that's worse than not answering the question.

4. "Why do you want to leave your current employer?" - There is clearly a reason, don't hide it. Be honest. But, again, don't talk negatively about your currently company or manager.

5. "Tell me a little about yourself" - This very common question is asked in many different ways. Keep your answer brief. Do not just recite your resume. This is your interview "elevator speech", tell me how you got to this point in your career; tell me what I need to know about you.

6. "Tell me about a time when..." - Behavioral interview questions help the interviewer get at how you might respond to specific scenarios. The best way to answer these questions is to tell me about a specific time. Tell a story. Where were you? What was the situation? Don't answer these types of questions with how you feel about it. Tell me specifically what happened.

For instance, you might be asked, "Tell me about a time when you were assigned to work on a team with co-workers from other departments?" An incorrect response might be, "I always work well with teams. I find that I do my best work in teams." A much better response might start something like, "While I was an analyst at ABC Corp. I was asked to join a project team tasked with creating a new customer communication page on our web site. This project gave me the opportunity to work with many people I had not yet even met..."

The key to making these questions less stressful is preparing for them. Write out potential interview questions and some key points you'd like to get across in your responses. Once you've done that, rehearse your responses.

Six Phone Interview Tips

A phone interview is an interview. It is not the time to slack off and stay in your pajamas. Here are a six more phone interview tips.

1. Use a land-line telephone. That's right. An actual land-line. And, for best results, use one that is connected to the wall with a chord. That's right, a land-line. Nowadays, nearly everyone has a mobile phone, but that doesn't improve the audio quality. Don't have a land-line? Ask your friends, family, or neighbors.
2. Be ready 10 minutes early. The person interviewing you may actually call early. Speaking of that, be sure you have a professional sounding greeting on your voice mail. Your greeting should have your name (so I know I've actually called the correct person) and not have any music in the background.
3. Reduce distractions. Make accommodations for children, pets, or house guests. Have your resume and notes in front of you and a pen and paper to take notes. Turn off your cell phone and don't sit at a computer unless your phone interview requires it. If it does, close all applications not being used in the interview. And naturally, stay away from e-mail, Facebook, Twitter, and other sites that might steal your attention. Turn off call waiting (easy to do if you have AT&T).
4. Know when to interject. Speaking with someone over the phone is very different than doing so face-to-face. One of the most important elements is how you may talk-over the other person. When face-to-face the other person can tell you are going to interject. The body language is universal and we all do it subconsciously. Be careful during your phone interview. Allow the interview
5. Stand. This may take some practice if you're not used to it but standing can help you stay focused. If you can't stand, sit in a chair where you can maintain a professional posture - no slouching.
6. Smile and use hand gestures. Interviewers want to see your personality. Gesture and use natural body language as you would in a face-to-face interview. Your interviewer will be able to hear the difference.

Treat your phone interview with the same importance as any interview. If any of these tips are difficult, find a friend to practice with.

Three Biggest Resume Red Flags

To increase the likelihood that your resume will earn you an interview, you may want to spend as much time looking for red flags as you do documenting your achievements.

What is a red flag? A red flag is a warning, they can be seemingly insignificant things, nasty little buggers that pop up in your resume, application, or interview that, if not accounted for and dealt with, can ruin your chances.

Here are the three biggest red flags:

1. Dates of employment without months - makes me think you are hiding something. Without adding the months it is easy to hide how long you've actually worked somewhere.
2. Replacing the company name on your resume with a generic description of the company - again, looks like you're hiding something.
3. No address on your resume - with all of the focus on privacy on the internet, job-seekers are getting more nervous about sharing personal information. Don't list your address on your resume and I will think, you guessed it, you're trying to hide something.

Red flags can be difficult for the subject of the resume to see. Share your resume with a trusted friend and ask the question, "What are things on my resume that might make you flinch?". If you're having a hard time finding any red flags on your resume, e-mail it to me (mb@mattbeckwith.com). I'd be happy to take a look.

Ditch The Accent

A resume by any other name is still a resume. Even if it's the dreaded résumé or, worse, resumé. I'd rather you call it a curriculum vitae, even though 99.99% of curriculum vitaes are really just resumes. So, what's the correct way to spell it?

First, one quick point. The most likely place you will actually type the word "resume" is in your cover letter, as in "my resume is attached for your review" or something similar. If you use it more than that you're likely over-using it.

Ok, now that I've got that out of the way, it is time to ditch the accent. Just use "resume". It's cleaner, and given the context, the reader will never confuse it for the homonym, resume (the one pronounced ree-zoom).

10 Job Fair Tips

The Central Valley Job Fair is coming to Turlock on August 22. The event takes place at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds, 900 North Broadway, from 11:00 am - 5:00 pm. You can pre-register for the job fair and find out more information at stantogether.com. A job fair can be a good way to meet hiring managers and recruiters in your community. Here are ten tips to help make your job fair visit productive.

1. Dress professionally. The best advice is to dress as you would for an interview. Men and women should wear a suit.
2. Bring more resumes than you think you'll need. Many times, candidates will ask if they can fax it or e-mail their resume later. It's always better to hand someone an actual resume.
3. Bring a pen and an extra pen. And a notepad to jot down notes.
4. Bring a small bag, briefcase or purse to keep your resumes nice and un-damaged. You can also stash away all of the little things from the booths - flyers, business cards, pens, mints, notepads and other information. Make sure you have a place to put all of those items so you keep a hand free for handshakes.
5. Bring all of your application information. You should have all of your reference information with names, addresses, phone numbers, etc. and also all your past employment information.
6. Always introduce yourself with a hand shake. Remember, keep your right hand free.
7. If employers are not hiring for anything that you are qualified for, ask about other opportunities and who you may contact.
8. Respect employers' time. Be brief. Stick your hand out and introduce yourself. Ask a few questions. Get your skills and experience across quickly. Look for cues that you have over-stayed your welcome. Job fairs can have a lot of attendees and the booths can be pretty busy. Keep it short. Make an impression, just not by being the one that won't stop talking.
9. Research the job fair before attending. Find out what employers will be there and do your homework.
10. Follow up with everyone you met by sending a thank you card or email.

Best of luck to you at the job fair.

Google Alerts Can Help Your Job Search

Google is not just an internet company. It has become a verb. Sure, they offer lots of different products... but they are likely most known for their search engine. But how can you use Google (or "the Google", as some of my older friends like to call it) to help you in your job search?

The answer is Google Alerts.

Not sure about Google Alerts or how it can help you in your job search? Don't worry. You are not alone.

Think of Google Alerts as a robot that spends the whole day sitting in front of your computer, continuously googling the same thing over and over. And when ever a new item comes up - a news article, blog post, particularly negative customer review - you'll receive an e-mail. Just fill in the fields and make your selections and that little robot goes to work!

You can use Google Alerts to stay up-to-date on the company you are researching. Of course, if the company you are researching is large or has a common name, you may want to refine your search. Consider using special operators to narrow your search. For instance, if your Google Alert for "Acme Corp." is giving you too many results about Road Runner and his nemesis, Wile E. Coyote, you can update your search criteria to: "ACME corp." -"road runner" -"wile e. coyote".

Companies hire people to solve a specific problem. If you stay current on what potential problems face the company, you are in a better position to market yourself to them.

Some examples of things you might learn from staying current with Google Alerts:

• The company just signed a deal with a software company with which you have extensive experience
• An up-and-coming blogger writes a strongly worded piece, critisizing the company for recent company changes that have resulted in less responsive customer service agents
• The company's primary competitor announced it is closing one of its divisions, which could increase your target company's market share
• The company has hired a new CEO, and as luck would have it, you worked for a previous company of theirs in the past

You may not be the only one setting up Google Alerts. I have, on many occasions, set up a Google Alert for candidates applying for work in my organizations. So, you should also create a Google Alert for your full name and any other names by which you are known. Keeping up with the Google Alert of your name can help you better respond to potentially negative items.

Interviewing Is Not A Two-Way Street

Of all of the catch-phrases I hear uttered from job seekers and hiring managers, "interviewing is a two-way street" is the craziest. Interviewing for a job is not a two-way street.

Yes, while the interviewer is trying to determine if you will be a good fit for the company, you should be evaluating the company. Do you believe you can work for this manager? Can you picture yourself working there?

Saying that the process is a two-way street, however, implies that both parties (the one that wants the job and the one that has the job to give) have equal power. While you can decide to step out of the running, only the manager can say yes. That gives the edge to the manager.

Advantage, manager.

As a candidate, you still want to assess the company and the manager. But, don't go in to the interview thinking you have the same power as the person interviewing you.

Word Up!

I enjoy creativity by job-seekers. I love to be surprised by candidates - like receiving thank-you cards in the mail. Years ago, at the Stockton Leadership Summit (an event I truly miss), Ann Rhoades spoke about how she sent the CEO of Southwest Airlines, Herb Kelleher, her resume wrapped around a bottle of Wild Turkey - a Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey famously enjoyed by Mr. Kelleher.

That's creative. And it takes guts. Unless you have a time machine, you're Ann Rhoades, and you're sending it to Mr. Kelleher, I wouldn't recommend repeating this.

As much as I want you to be creative, don't be creative on how you write your resume.

Use Microsoft Word.

Period.

I don't care about the philosophical reasons why you won't use Microsoft products. I don't even care that you don't have Microsoft Office. The vast majority of companies use Microsoft Windows and Office.

If you must use another application, such as Google Docs, Apple's Pages, or even WordPerfect (believe it or not, WordPerfect still exists), be sure you save your resume as a file that can be easily opened Microsoft Word.

Oh, and in case you don't know the rest of the story; Ann Rhoades got the job at Southwest Airlines, had a fantastic career there and then went on to co-found JetBlue.

Five Job Search Myths You Should Stop Believing

It's easy to understand how negativity creeps into the minds of jobseekers. Looking for a job can feel like, well, one long job interview. So, to start your weekend, it's time to stop believing these negative job search myths.

1. "There are no jobs out there." Well, only 69,000 new jobs were created in May, which sent the stock market downward today. Do not get hung up on the macro environment. Truth be told, if you're looking for a job, you have no business looking at unemployment figures. You already know how tough it is out there, you don't need more negativity. All you care about is one job. Someone starts a new job every day. All you care about is that. You're one person, all you need is one job. Ok, some need two jobs, but you'll start with one job. Somewhere out there, every day, someone is hiring someone. Let that second someone be you.
2. "It's all about who you know." The implication with this one is that no one hires strangers, "off the street", even if they are the most qualified. I hear this despondent claim a lot. While getting a personal introduction to the hiring manager will sure make it seem easier, jobs do get filled by candidates completely unknown to the company before the candidate applied. The flip side to this one is simple: meet more people, build more professional relationships.
3. "I don't need a resume." Yes you do. Trust me, you really do.
4. "A resume will get me a job." This one may come as a surprise given what I just wrote. A resume will not get you a job. Nor more than your car keys will put breakfast in your cereal bowl. Your resume is a tool. Its purpose is to get you an interview. If you want to increase your odds of getting great jobs in the future, perform today. Be the best employee you can today. Achieving great results is the best insurance policy against unemployment.
5. "I need an MBA." Not only do you not need an MBA, you probably don't need a college degree. Of course, there are jobs where you will need a college degree, like being a school teacher or doctor. And there's no doubt that having a college degree will likely present more opportunities, but the vast majority of jobs don't require a college degree.

Don't let negativity prevent you from learning more about a career opportunity. Hold your head high.

Lunch Interviews

For some positions, I really enjoy doing lunch interviews. Nothing fancy, usually at Chili's, Applebee's, or some other chain restaurant with a name that ends in "eez". For manager positions, especially those with managers reporting to them, a lunch interview is an opportunity to see how a candidate interacts with other humans.

The lunch interview is not meant to torture, I promise. It is way, however, for me to gauge how you might treat employees at all levels. I am hoping that you will relax and just be yourself. Don't over think it. It's lunch, not brain surgery.

I am hoping to see the real you. Are you a gracious guest? Do you say please and thank you? Those are the easy ones. I spend more time observing how you treat the restaurant staff than I do observing how you interact with me. If you treat the hostess rudely or roll your eyes at the waitress when she walks away I can only assume that's how you treat your employees. If you don't make eye contact when talking to restaurant employees I find it difficult to believe you will be respectful to your employees.

By all means, don't try putting on an act, Chili's and Applebee's put a truth serum in all of their menu items. The real you will shine through.

Not Working? Volunteer.

Looking for a job can be stressful. Looking for a job while being unemployed is doubly stressful. Actually, it is probably more like stressful squared! Without a strong plan, your job search can quickly take over your life, and consume every waking moment. It can alienate you from your friends and family. Why not carve out some time to help your community?

This might sound completely insane but if you are not working, you should spend some time volunteering. That's right, working for free.

Volunteering can be a great way to learn a new skill, introduce you to new people, or just give you some productive time away from the house, all with the added benefit of doing something good for a worthwhile organization.

If you'd like to volunteer some of your time but aren't sure where to start, visit the City of Stockton Volunteer page. There are plenty of great organizations in town that are looking for volunteers.

Asking Questions In The Interview - Your Turn

You've found a great opportunity, sent them your resume, and even landed an interview with the hiring manager. You've researched the company and this position, and prepared well for the interview. During the interview, you answered every question flawlessly, even the "tell me about a time when..." questions. At the end of the interview, the hiring manager turns the table on you. "What questions can I answer for you?"

If you prepared, you will not freeze, or panic.

Since most interviews don't involve a candidate actually doing the work they'd be doing if they got the job, interviews are a way to see if you can likely do the job, and if you can fit in the company. The bulk of the way this is done is by conversation. So, it shouldn't surprise you to know that your questions can be just as important as the answers you give to their questions. Your questions tell me how well you understand how this position impacts the company as a whole. You have an excellent opportunity to demonstrate critical thinking and synthesis (the ability to create something out of two or more things).

So, besides asking "When do I start?", consider asking:

• "Why is this position available?" There's a chance that someone else used to do the job you are interviewing for. Of course, it could be a new position because the company is expanding, but if its open because the last person died while actually doing the job, wouldn't you want to know that? You can learn a great deal about the company by asking this simple question.
• "What are the biggest challenges facing this department?" Most hiring managers will be very open and share details of their business with you.
• "What do you see changing in this industry in the next few years?" Change is inevitable.
• "What type of employee have you found to have success in your department?" As a hiring manager, I always enjoy being asked this question. It allows me to tie a bow around all of the things I've said about the role, and describe what characteristics are most common in those that succeed in my department.

It is possible that you prepare a list of questions to ask after the interview but they are answered during the course of the interview. That means you didn't prepare enough questions. This does not mean you can pass on asking questions by saying something like, "I had some questions but they were all answered." You still need to ask a couple of questions. Remember, the questions you ask are just as important as the answers you gave.

The first interview is not the time to ask about compensation or benefits. Your interview should be about what you can bring to the company and this position.

Sometime, I start an interview by asking the candidate if they have any questions before we get started. Sometimes, it can be helpful to a candidate to know some key operational details about the role before they are asked questions. So, prepare some questions you could ask if you are given the opportunity in the beginning of the interview.

What questions do you usually ask?

Dress Up For Your Phone Interview

Be honest. What's the first thing you think of when you hear "phone interview"? Most people won't think about how nice it will be to take the interview in their pajamas. But you should think about what you'll wear.

You should dress the same for a phone interview as you would a face-to-face interview.

Yes, even for a phone interview. That may sound crazy. But you are interviewing after all. Don't you want to be at your best.

You'll come across more confident and more professional. Plus, what if they want to Skype with you?

It happens!

It's Sunday

Good morning and happy Sunday. What are you going to do today to aid in your job search? How about relax? Watch a movie with some friends? Read a book? Bake a cake? Chase ducks?

Job seekers know that looking for a job is a full-time job. And even those with full-time jobs take breaks. Give yourself permission to take "time off" from your search. Re-energize yourself by doing something you enjoy. Don't let your relationships with your friends and family suffer because you are spending every waking moment looking (or stressing about looking for) a job.

The best antidote for guilt from taking time away from the job search is a well thought out plan. Spend a few minutes each Sunday to plan your job search activities for the coming week. Use this time to come up with some goals. How many jobs will you apply for? How many new companies will you identify? How many thank you notes will you mail out?

The MBA Curse

You may want to sit down for this one. If you have earned your Master's in Business Administration, the coveted MBA, don't tell any one. Well, you should tell your friends and family, but no one else.

I told you that you'd want to be sitting.

Yes, after spending thousands of dollars and countless hours working on what might be your proudest achievement, I am suggesting that you keep it a secret.

Now, for starters, let me just say that this applies to the general MBA, and for those whose roles don't need a graduate degree. The operative term being "need".

Yes, it is true that many jobs require an under-graduate degree, and you should tell everyone that asks that you have one.

But consider this. You may be applying for a job where you have more education than the hiring manager. No sense in risking potentially one-upping the person that can say yes, or no, to you.

If you went to graduate school to earn your MBA, you should have walked away with some great knowledge, some practical skills that should make you stand out as an employee. Use those skills to earn your worth.

An MBA is your chance to show, rather than tell, your prospective boss that you have the skills they need.

The piece of paper that says "MBA" isn't worth as much as the education. Resist telling everyone you have your MBA and wow them with your skills. When you hit a home run at work, and someone asks how you did it. Then tell them that it was something you picked up in school.