Certified Resume Writer and Career Coach

Discrimination: How to Improve Your Hiring Chances

Like it or not discrimination occurs everyday in the workplace and during the hiring process. Many times hiring managers aren’t even aware they are being discriminating, and therefore it can be hard for candidates and job seekers to know where to watch for areas of concern.

A few ways to reduce ways of being discriminated against and improve your chances of getting hired start with being a great interview candidate and include:

1. Getting Ready - Make sure you have the right qualifications for the job and you have the right resume to get the job. Having what the company is looking for will reduce chances of being discriminated against.

2. Doing Your Homework – Research the industry, company, position, the work environment, employee satisfaction, demographics and anything else you find to help you in making the right decision. What are the discrimination policies? Have they had issues in the past? How were they handled? All worth looking into.

3. Putting Your Resume In the Right Hands – Network – I can’t seem to say that word enough. It helps you to get even more pertinent information about the company and gets you in touch with the right people in the company. Ask about their practices, if there have been problems etc.

4. Preparing for the Interview – Having your skills on paper isn’t good enough. You have to be able to talk with others and communicate effectively with those you’ll be working with. Prepare your answers and practice saying them out loud, especially the tough ones. Make sure you don’t bring up problem areas or by saying negative comments about past jobs such as you were the only one over 50 years old or the only women in the department, this only sends red flags to the hiring manager.

5. Knowing When to Say No Thanks – Sometimes know matter how hard you try you just can’t make a square fit into a circle. Listen to your “gut” and walk away if the fit or something about the company doesn’t suit what you need and want for your career. Better to find out now instead of six or eight months down the line, when you just can’t work there any longer and now you have to start all over.

Shine On!

Layoff: Out-of-Luck or Opportunity

There is always something good that can be found in everything that happens, even in tragic or near tragic events. Sometime the immediacy of a situation can blind you from opportunities or other ways to view situations. Layoffs in particular can be devastating to some.

Instead of watching the wave of layoffs get ever closer without taking cover, find ways to prepare. Build a nest egg, pay down credit cards, go back to school, or get certified. When the layoffs do hit the shore, think of it as an opportunity to venture into areas you’ve only dreamed of working. What would it take to make the dreams a reality? Maybe not as much as you think. Do some research and check into it.

If you already have what you need to succeed elsewhere, have your resume and other documents updated and begin your job search to get ahead of the crowd. The point is act. Take action and be accountable for your career. You don’t have to settle for things happening to you…make things happen!

Shine On!

Gung Ho – A Great Read and A Great Concept

This weekend I read a great little book, “Gung Ho”, by Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles. It is ten years old but full of insight on running a business and being part of one. It was a journey of a women re-assigned as General Manager of a failing plant and her transformation of the facility earning her and the plant national recognition for high productivity and revenues and a trip to the White House.

The turn-around techniques were based on the wisdom passed down to a Native-American employee, from his grandfather. With the help and support of her Indian friend, the General Manager incorporated this wisdom and saved the company.

The problems the company faced mostly were people problems. The wisdom enacted was simple but powerful and offered in three phases. The first is “Spirit of the Squirrel” which emphasized the significance of knowing the work you do is important and makes the world a better place. Also, goals should be shared and worked toward by all, and that all processes must be value driven.

The second nugget of wisdom is “The Way of the Beaver”, using the analogy that beavers work and make decisions independently, but focusing on a common goal with no supervision or guidance of tasks. Aware that that goals are challenging but achievable. And finally the “Gift of the Goose”, invaluable throughout any process and is the importance of compliments, encouragement and cheering on of others above and below you during the process as well as with the results.

By working to include employees in the complete understanding of the company they invest a stake in the company and take pride in working hard to help make results happen. The book reminds readers of the importance of communication, maintaining high employee attitude and self-esteem, and can be acted upon today! Great book and one worth reading.

Shine One!

Productive Attitude: Your Choices Create Your Career

I hear people daily as I'm sure you do, complaining about the plummeting real estate market, that jobs are no where to be found, and that the United States is headed for or already in a recession. Most of the people I actually take the time to respond to are not informed in the facts or truths, they just listen to everyone else complaining - and join in.

If you want to succeed in your job, your career, your life, you must get your own facts and choose to make your own response to what is happening around you. I have clients who say they aren't even looking because they know nothing is out there. That is a lazy excuse! And, they are not going to truly succeed in anything until they change their attitude.

• Only you are responsible for how you choose to deal with situations that you don't have control over.
• Only you are responsible for deciding to sit and do nothing to improve your situation.
• Only you are responsible for improving the skills you have to offer.
• Only you are responsible for preparing for and embarking on a targeted, very strategic job search.
• Only you are responsible for the ideal job you will land when you have a productive attitude.

It is up to you---Shine On!

Job Search - 5 Second Jump Start Plan

Whether you've gotten laid off, fired, quit, or still working but wanting to move to another position, the most important thing you can do is to put your thoughts of making a change into ACTION! It is like sitting in a car in Neutral you really can't get anywhere in Neutral, but once you put the car into Drive you automatically start going forward; even if you still aren't sure of the directions. It is that quick - 5 seconds - make the decision to put your career in Drive.

Once you decide to ... how does that song go? - "shut-up and drive..." things seem to become clear as to how to move forward. A few critical things to do to make your thoughts actions include:

• Get organized - by developing a plan to research and narrow down the industry and companies you are interested in working for.
• Get your career documents updated - either by you or have an experience resume writer update your resume, cover letter, references, and any other documents pertinent to your career focus.
• Get focused - by determining exactly what type of position and in what type of industry you are interested in. This is different from getting organized because getting organized is a process and getting focused is making a decision on how you want to proceed with your career.
• Get prepared - once you have determined where you are headed. Find out what will be needed to succeed in the position you are seeking. If you need additional experience, certifications or education; now is the time to get those needs taken care of.

Make the decision to make the change and take a Drive. Do so as a prepared driver and you'll be less likely to get lost or in an accident!

Shine On-

Looking For A Job - What Do Employers Really Want In a New Hire?

When looking for a new job are you keeping in mind what it is employers are looking for?  It is important to find a job that fits the criteria you have developed in order for a career to provide you with enjoyment, fulfillment, a challenge, and of course meeting your monetary needs. Although these may be your criteria, it is also imperative that you meet the necessary criteria that employers are looking for.

According to the book “The First 90 Days” by Michael Watkins, employers don’t expect perfection in your early days with the company; they expect motivation and progress. They want to see your enthusiasm, your drive and initiative, and eventually your value.

It is important to keep this in mind as well, when interviewing for a position. Employers are looking for achievers, those who are willing to stretch and take a risk to make things happen. You can demonstrate this in an interview by arriving prepared with specific examples of achievement, knowing the history of the company and position, asking well thought-out questions and by appearing motivated and excited about the position.

Shine On Job Seekers!

Do You Feel As Vulnerable as I Do When You Can't Get Online?

Do You Feel As Vulnerable as I Do When You Can't Get Online?

I love my computer and the Internet. It provides endless amounts of information, it is a catalyst for my business and it provides lots of entertainment. But this last week it has been reminded me of how dependent I am on it.

When problems arise and my Internet connection, I suddenly feel lost, disconnect and even a bit vulnerable. I think that is how most people who now work on their computers feel. Right? Well, I do and right now feel a little frustrated, as I have tried to repeatedly to write this blog entrance online (on something completely different). For now I am forced to write it as a Word document and save it for when I am again able to connect.

It feels the same when I lose power and there is no electricity flowing through the house. For some reason, even if it is a sunny summer day, I still feel like we are living primitively? Does that make sense?

For job seekers that are faced with these problems what are your alternatives? How can you work around lack of Internet connections? Here are a few reminders.

* Check out the local library – it is filled with current information, reference materials, magazines, newspapers, books, and computers for use. You can research industries, companies, fields, or even specific employers you are interested in working for.

* Try your laptop at a coffee shop to see if the problem is the computer or the connection – if you’re unsure of where the problems is, this is a free way to sort out the problem without having to pay for customer service to Internet providers or computer companies.

* Use the phone to make calls instead of emails or…… write a personal note to someone and use the

U.S.

mail.

* Attend a local networking event. If you haven’t done so yet you’ll be amazed how easy, fun and informative it can be! National networking groups that offer local chapter events include your local chamber groups, Local Business Network (LBN) and Business Network Inc. (BNI).

Keep in mind, like I am attempting to do, your disassociation with the Internet world is temporary and the problem will get resolved. Think of it as a way to increase your job search strategy creativity.

Shine On Job Seekers!

LinkedIn Benefits to Job Seekers

I keep hearing positive comments and results on using LinkedIn. If you are a job seeker and don’t have a profile already on LinkedIn, I would consider doing so soon. It is a very easy process of going to the website, http://www.LinkedIn.com and signing up. Once completed you can complete your profile, answer questions, invite others to connect with you and search the vast content for potential contacts.

The bio you include on your profiled is very important and should include many keywords about your skills, experience and education. Include social, volunteer and professional information. If unsure of how to write one feel free to visit mine at http://www.LinkedIn.com/in/krisplantrich. I continue to make changes and add credentials and information to help potential clients (or in your case recruiters, hr personnel or hiring managers) find me.

An immediate benefit of LinkedIn is the ability for people to find you. Key words including professions, industries, experience, skills, expertise, education, location, alumni, volunteer affiliations, church affiliations etc are ways for others to find you. More and more recruiters are turning to LinkedIn to begin searching for potential employees. They tend to prefer candidates that are currently employed so it isn’t necessary to say you are interested in work.

Related benefits include your ability to seek out contacts in the same way, according to what you are looking for. It is a great way to meet people as a job seeker. You can also increase your exposure through offering invitations to connect to others. This will place you on the profile of each person you connect with.

Answering or asking questions can increase your visibility because they can be seen by all members of LinkedIn. Just reading the questions is a great source of information, a great feature worth having. There is even a place to include your resume if you are able to without concern of a current employer seeing it.

There are also groups you can join through LinkedIn related to just about every industry and geographic location. Find a few that are of interest, join, and post a new member greeting note of some kind to get your information out there. It won’t take long for others to find you.

It is free and being used extensively by recruiters. If you aren’t LinkedIn you should be. If you aren’t sure how to get started, email me and I will send you an invitation. Or if you want to practice sending invitations I am always available to practice on.

Good Luck!!

My Pet Peeve – References on Resumes

For what seems like the thousandth time, I was asked yesterday if references should be included on a resume. My answer as usual is; “No— And Again I Say --- No!!” References should be available upon request, and don’t worry they will be asked for.

A reference sheet should be included in your resume portfolio but should be on a separate document then your resume. The reference should include four to six relevant contacts, made up of past and current employers, colleagues and coworkers. It is also a good idea to walk your contacts through what you would like and not like to be disclosed if they are contacted by an employer.

Please take the time to read this so I don’t have to explain reference a few hundred times more!

Cheers,

Kris

Ask - Search - Learn --- Always!

Evening everyone! As I sit here again, long after I should have walked away from the computer for the evening, I am once again scouring newspapers and article banks for new information. I seem to always be looking for ways to improve my knowledge and the results I produce for my clients. Looking for a new service, new spin on resume or cover letter writing or some bit of marketing information to help get my message out to job seekers.

Often I wonder if I keep looking and learning for my clients or for myself. Even now as I think about it, I am not sure. I know I want to be the best - not really to be well known but so I know I am giving my clients the best. Which means my writing has to be current with what recruiters are looking for and my job search and interview preparation information needs to be up-to-date and accurate. I want to provide outstanding service and knowledge to my clients so they can quickly and easily find a job that is ideal for them. 

My goal is to capture their magic and and sprinkle it throughout their career documents for recruiters and hiring managers and anyone who reads their resume to see and feel.

From the perspective that the searching is for me may be true. I am a closet detective. I love to research to solve problems, find out new information, new answers and new questions. Just when I think I might know a little something about the career industry, I read a new article that gets me thinking and I'm off again Googling, reading and growing. For me or my clients I am not sure, but I do know that it benefits us both when I do my job well.

When looking for ways to stand out in your job, field or industry maybe you just need to develop your curiosity. Take time weekly or even daily to read what industry experts are saying, what's new, what is hot. Learn again to ask questions and find something to keep you interested and motivated. It shows in your work when you are truly interested and passionate about what you do. Whether you are an engineer, school teacher, IT administrator, registered nurse, sales representative, administrative assistant or Vice President of Operations there are always new things coming along waiting to be discovered by you.

This week try nd be curious and learn three new things that will help you at work either now or in the future.

Shine on,

Kris