http://theupsidetounemployment.wordpress.com/2011/10/27/what-happens-when-that-employer-googles-you/
Let’s start with the good news: Florida’s Economy got a little giddy-up last month, creating about 23,000 jobs, more than any other state. And Tampa Bay led state metros in hiring for the second month in a row according to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. Unemployment also fell an iota. Good. I’m happy to see things moving in the right direction, if not quickly enough for my attention span.
For me it’s been almost four months on the sidelines and I can say it’s been one of the busiest times in my life, personally and professionally. House projects that have been on the back-burner for years are all but done: painting, planting, organizing, etc. Cinderella’s got nothing on me! I’m ready for The Ball!! And professionally, I’ve never been sharper or more ready for what’s next.
Laying the groundwork for your next job is something everyone can do, even if you still have a job. It’s a lot easier to get traction if you’ve got a head start. There are plenty of things I wish I’d done ahead of getting that pink slip but I play catch-up quickly!
According to a poll of HR managers creating and crafting your online presence is one of the most important things you can do. In the near future, 40% of HR Managers believe your resume will be replaced by your user profiles on any number of social networking sites: LinkedIN.com, Facebook.com, etc. I see this happening already. Employers are searching me out online and finding my Blog before we even meet. I’m building a website so that I’ll simply have to send prospective employers a link to everything and anything they could want to know about my professional life: My audio/video samples, pictures, my Blog, links to FB and Twitter, etc. When your employer goes to Google you what will they find? It’s time to take control of that.
One thing this whole experience has taught me is that YOU are your biggest cheerleader. I realized that I need to be my own manager and really take control of my career and that means taking control of your image. Even if you’re not in a “high profile” industry, carefully crafting your professional image should be well under your control. Creating a website is easier than you may think and a great way to showcase just how invaluable you are and what you offer. Your website is the place where you can not only tell them who you are…you can SHOW them and it makes a much bigger impact!
Wordpress.com is a great place to create a Blog and it‘s FREE. What are you an expert on? Show them what you’ve got! Show off what you’ve accomplished! My English teachers would be proud to know that I’ve had a lot of good feedback about my writing and it’s bolstered my confidence about another skill I can add to the resume. Websites like Wordpress and LinkedIN are easy to use and you can attach links to your Facebook and Twitter accounts. You can imbed audio and video too! LinkedIN is the perfect place to showcase your professional achievements and make connections in your industry. And while we’re at it, make sure the picture you’re using in your profile is truly representative of that image you’re trying to create. If you have a friend that’s good with a camera ask them for a favor! Fix your hair, put on a little makeup, put on a nice shirt and take great care with everything that you include on your website because people are taking notice.
First impressions still count, and chances are they’re going to get that first impression about you ONLINE.
This week’s Blog was inspired by an article in the October issue of More Magazine which you can read in its entirety here; http://www.more.com/reinvention-money/careers/your-new-job-security-starts-here
Until next time…keep the faith!
Corey
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Is She Faking it?!?!
http://theupsidetounemployment.wordpress.com/
The short answer is “No!” I was at dinner at a friend’s home last week and she told me that after reading my Blog she had to wonder if I was faking my enthusiasm or positive outlook. And, again, that’s a firm NO!
It’s my belief that most human beings (without medication) are hard wired to be negative. “Psychology has identified this pull towards the dark side as a “negativity bias.” From an evolutionary perspective, human beings have learned that paying attention to the negative is more important than dwelling on the positive. Those whose gene pools encouraged them to ignore predators in favor of stopping to smell the roses have been killed off in favor of a more pragmatic genetic profile”
Source: http://psychologyofwellbeing.com/201006/the-power-of-negative-thinking.html
You have tens of thousands of thoughts that run through your mind each day. And when you’re going through a job loss, a divorce or break up, moving or some other stressful event the only way to cope seems to be to figure out everything that can go wrong and prepare yourself for the worst! Our ancestors must have benefited from a negative outlook when “Outlast, Outlplay, Outwit” truly had meaning.
Certainly I’ve had my bad days. I’ve had sleepless nights in the last three months since I lost my job and days where things felt all but hopeless and I was ready to be sucked into the abyss with the rests of the jobless, underwater homeowners. But this Blog does not mean to say that you should dwell on the negative. I had a boyfriend once who made this an art form - sitting in his room for hours, listening to music and “thinking” about his problems rather than talking to someone and creating a plan to deal with them. It eventually broke apart our relationship because there was nothing productive about it. If you can identify the problem it’s time to do something about it!
So once a week I make sure to give myself this pep talk in the form of a Blog and put away the anxiety for the day to focus on what I know is true: I love what I do, I’m pretty good at it (otherwise I wouldn’t have lasted nearly 2 decades in this business), and there are companies out there that put a premium on hiring talent vs. someone who will do the job cheaply. And all of my hard work seems to be paying off: I’ve been pretty busy with interviews for great jobs in the last few weeks!
Negativity serves a purpose but it can be demoralizing. Being optimistic can be a rush while it lowers stress and anxiety. But you need both the positive and the negative. “In her recent book, The Optimism Bias, neuroscientist Tali Sharot of the Welcome Trust Centre for Neuroimaging, notes that optimists tend to earn more and live longer, among other benefits. ‘Believing that a goal is attainable motivates us to execute actions that will help us get closer to our dreams,’ she says. ‘This is why optimists are more likely to succeed in academics, sports, and politics.’
So while my chips may be down there’s no where to go but up….so that’s where I’m going. Anybody with me?
Keep the Faith,
Corey Dylan
Some other interesting reads:
“How to Reduce Negativity”
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2011/10/09/optimism-science-study-shows-optimists-block-out-information.html
“Are Optimists Dumber?”
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/wired-success/201107/how-deal-negative-emotions-reflect-or-distract-yourself
The short answer is “No!” I was at dinner at a friend’s home last week and she told me that after reading my Blog she had to wonder if I was faking my enthusiasm or positive outlook. And, again, that’s a firm NO!
It’s my belief that most human beings (without medication) are hard wired to be negative. “Psychology has identified this pull towards the dark side as a “negativity bias.” From an evolutionary perspective, human beings have learned that paying attention to the negative is more important than dwelling on the positive. Those whose gene pools encouraged them to ignore predators in favor of stopping to smell the roses have been killed off in favor of a more pragmatic genetic profile”
Source: http://psychologyofwellbeing.com/201006/the-power-of-negative-thinking.html
You have tens of thousands of thoughts that run through your mind each day. And when you’re going through a job loss, a divorce or break up, moving or some other stressful event the only way to cope seems to be to figure out everything that can go wrong and prepare yourself for the worst! Our ancestors must have benefited from a negative outlook when “Outlast, Outlplay, Outwit” truly had meaning.
Certainly I’ve had my bad days. I’ve had sleepless nights in the last three months since I lost my job and days where things felt all but hopeless and I was ready to be sucked into the abyss with the rests of the jobless, underwater homeowners. But this Blog does not mean to say that you should dwell on the negative. I had a boyfriend once who made this an art form - sitting in his room for hours, listening to music and “thinking” about his problems rather than talking to someone and creating a plan to deal with them. It eventually broke apart our relationship because there was nothing productive about it. If you can identify the problem it’s time to do something about it!
So once a week I make sure to give myself this pep talk in the form of a Blog and put away the anxiety for the day to focus on what I know is true: I love what I do, I’m pretty good at it (otherwise I wouldn’t have lasted nearly 2 decades in this business), and there are companies out there that put a premium on hiring talent vs. someone who will do the job cheaply. And all of my hard work seems to be paying off: I’ve been pretty busy with interviews for great jobs in the last few weeks!
Negativity serves a purpose but it can be demoralizing. Being optimistic can be a rush while it lowers stress and anxiety. But you need both the positive and the negative. “In her recent book, The Optimism Bias, neuroscientist Tali Sharot of the Welcome Trust Centre for Neuroimaging, notes that optimists tend to earn more and live longer, among other benefits. ‘Believing that a goal is attainable motivates us to execute actions that will help us get closer to our dreams,’ she says. ‘This is why optimists are more likely to succeed in academics, sports, and politics.’
So while my chips may be down there’s no where to go but up….so that’s where I’m going. Anybody with me?
Keep the Faith,
Corey Dylan
Some other interesting reads:
“How to Reduce Negativity”
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2011/10/09/optimism-science-study-shows-optimists-block-out-information.html
“Are Optimists Dumber?”
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/wired-success/201107/how-deal-negative-emotions-reflect-or-distract-yourself
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Are you a quitter? New Blog post today!
EXTRA INNINGS?!
When the Rays clinched a playoff spot last night there were few people left in the bars and the stadium to see it. Sure, it was a weeknight. Yes, they were down 7-0 late in the game but the bases were LOADED and I wasn’t giving up hope. I’m glad I didn’t. That was some of the most exciting baseball I have ever seen and the payoff was pure joy! What in the World did Joe Maddon say to his players that kept them focused and fighting to survive when beating the Yankees seemed impossible? I wish I knew but I’m certain he’s a great motivator. It’s hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel when you’re unemployed especially when you’re trying so hard to land a job but the employers aren’t responding!
You get a lot of question and plenty of unsolicited advice when you’re out of work. Most people are positive and understandably curious. Some are just curious and nosey. Hallmark has even come out with a line of cards aimed at those of us who have recently lost a job!?! Believe me, no one who’s unemployed wants a card to mark the occasion unless it comes with money stuffed inside or a job offer. They don’t want to be asked “did you get a job yet?” But If you have a referral or an experience to share then please do!
I haven’t had an offer yet but I’m keeping up the fight until I hear “no thanks.” I know I would do a great job for any or all of the employers should they give me the chance so the ball is in their court. The first interview went really well. I was told they plan to move slowly and I was left with a “We’ll be in touch.” I really want that job. The second interview ended with the request for references and the promise of a second interview for that job. Yesterday, I had my third interview with a company whose goal is creating a nationally syndicated radio show and it went really, really well! They called me in ahead of an open casting call which I plan to attend too. All three positions are open and everybody’s moving “slow” to hire so I don’t have answers as to their timeline. I’ve sent my “thank you” letters and will start making the follow-up emails/calls today. I want to work!
After yesterday’s interview I went to Panera for a late lunch and witnessed a potential hire getting interviewed for a job there! She was a young woman with a part-time job at Publix looking to work a second job! I watched and tried to hear what was said with great interest! “Why do you want to work for us?” “Describe a situation that was difficult with a customer and how you handled it.” “What job specifically would you prefer to handle?” There was some hesitation in her answers and it reminded me that we all need to ask ourselves these questions before we get to the interview so that we’re prepared when we are asked. By the end of her interview both the employer and the interviewee were smiling and seemed to have created a rapport. What most employers seem to be looking for is genuine interest and ENTHUSIAMS! Give it to them!
Moving from unemployed to a full-time job is a process. I don’t know anyone who’s getting hired on the spot. If you’re looking for work or know someone who is, be patient. Stay positive. And if nothing else, don’t forget to bring enthusiasm to your next job interview!
Keep the faith!
Corey Dylan
10 Things to do if you have just lost your job:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44232076/?GT1=43001
10 Ways That Being More Positive Improves Your Career (and Your Life)
http://www.forbes.com/sites/85broads/2011/08/16/10-ways-that-being-more-positive-improves-your-career-and-your-life/
When the Rays clinched a playoff spot last night there were few people left in the bars and the stadium to see it. Sure, it was a weeknight. Yes, they were down 7-0 late in the game but the bases were LOADED and I wasn’t giving up hope. I’m glad I didn’t. That was some of the most exciting baseball I have ever seen and the payoff was pure joy! What in the World did Joe Maddon say to his players that kept them focused and fighting to survive when beating the Yankees seemed impossible? I wish I knew but I’m certain he’s a great motivator. It’s hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel when you’re unemployed especially when you’re trying so hard to land a job but the employers aren’t responding!
You get a lot of question and plenty of unsolicited advice when you’re out of work. Most people are positive and understandably curious. Some are just curious and nosey. Hallmark has even come out with a line of cards aimed at those of us who have recently lost a job!?! Believe me, no one who’s unemployed wants a card to mark the occasion unless it comes with money stuffed inside or a job offer. They don’t want to be asked “did you get a job yet?” But If you have a referral or an experience to share then please do!
I haven’t had an offer yet but I’m keeping up the fight until I hear “no thanks.” I know I would do a great job for any or all of the employers should they give me the chance so the ball is in their court. The first interview went really well. I was told they plan to move slowly and I was left with a “We’ll be in touch.” I really want that job. The second interview ended with the request for references and the promise of a second interview for that job. Yesterday, I had my third interview with a company whose goal is creating a nationally syndicated radio show and it went really, really well! They called me in ahead of an open casting call which I plan to attend too. All three positions are open and everybody’s moving “slow” to hire so I don’t have answers as to their timeline. I’ve sent my “thank you” letters and will start making the follow-up emails/calls today. I want to work!
After yesterday’s interview I went to Panera for a late lunch and witnessed a potential hire getting interviewed for a job there! She was a young woman with a part-time job at Publix looking to work a second job! I watched and tried to hear what was said with great interest! “Why do you want to work for us?” “Describe a situation that was difficult with a customer and how you handled it.” “What job specifically would you prefer to handle?” There was some hesitation in her answers and it reminded me that we all need to ask ourselves these questions before we get to the interview so that we’re prepared when we are asked. By the end of her interview both the employer and the interviewee were smiling and seemed to have created a rapport. What most employers seem to be looking for is genuine interest and ENTHUSIAMS! Give it to them!
Moving from unemployed to a full-time job is a process. I don’t know anyone who’s getting hired on the spot. If you’re looking for work or know someone who is, be patient. Stay positive. And if nothing else, don’t forget to bring enthusiasm to your next job interview!
Keep the faith!
Corey Dylan
10 Things to do if you have just lost your job:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44232076/?GT1=43001
10 Ways That Being More Positive Improves Your Career (and Your Life)
http://www.forbes.com/sites/85broads/2011/08/16/10-ways-that-being-more-positive-improves-your-career-and-your-life/
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