Welcome to Between the Trapezes! Often the changes in
our lives feel precarious as we are in that space between two certainties.
But taking that chance is what brings success.
Enjoy reading, and feel free to forward this eNewsletter on.
And if you received this email in error, our apologies -- just unsubscribe
using the easy link at the bottom of this page.
Two "Best Of" Sites for Professionals in Job
Search
Thinking
of scoping out the job market, or are you actively in job search? You
could spend a lot of time on the Internet clicking away at the countless
sites. But there are a couple of gems out there that are definitely a
good use of your time.
Two sites I recommend, which give you a lot of quality
information in very short time:
www.job-hunt.org
This site's home page has several sections, including one called Layoff
Help, and others that list job search news and job search resources.
There are links to state one-stop centers and veterans' centers. If you
start looking by state, you'll see links to government job listings
(state, county, city) and to the area's largest employers. Many, many
links connect you to job posting pages that may not appear elsewhere, or
are harder to find than they are here.
The Wall Street
Journal's www.careerjournal.com is
rich with cutting-edge articles about job search today. In a
rapidly-changing job market where the news cycle grows shorter all the
time, this is the site for the freshest advice for professionals, heavy
with quotes based on employer surveys and interviews with hiring
managers. Choose the topic and you'll see numerous articles.
A suggestion: when on the Net looking at job search articles
and postings, set a timer so that you don't get lost in time. This will
also help you set your priorities; print out articles you want to save.
And as always, use what you find as the basis for some good networking --
face to face.
Focus = Success
The
temptation during a job search is to try to be all things to all people.
That shows flexibility, doesn't it, and an eagerness to do what it takes,
right?
Actually, no. Employers respond to candidates who know
exactly what they -- the candidate -- wants to do. Sure, companies
want someone who is flexible enough to pitch in to help the team, but
they don't want to hire someone who's all over the field. Each person is
hired to do a certain job, and the organization wants it done.
Plus, no one wants to hire someone who will burn out doing
work that's not really what they most want to do. Come on -- how long
could you keep that up? Employers know how expensive it is to have to
fill a position over and over again, and they don't want that expense.
So before you start applying for positions that are not
front and center to what you really want to do, ask yourself if it's
worth it to go after a job you're not really enthused about.
"Getting a paycheck" cannot be your only reason because that
will get old quickly. And if by chance you do get hired for such a job,
do you really want to spend eight or more hours a day, month after month,
at something that doesn't in some way really fire you up and leave you
energized, but instead leaves you drained?
So in addition to taking the time to learn what you really
want, and focusing in on that, keep in mind what an executive recruiter
told me recently. He said that candidates who say "What do you need?
I'll fill whatever role you have" end up in long searches, because
they are "fuzzy" in their message. But the candidates who say
"I want this kind of job in this kind of company with this
type of culture", or similar, land a new position quickly. So stay
focused.
Need help with your
LinkedIn profile?
Contact Joanne for assistance today so that in this new year, your
profile is fresh and focused. Use the email address at the bottom
of this newsletter, or call her.
Job Search Networking: Face2Face Coming January 15th!
It's
much easier to do a job search with help. Sometimes it's the help of a
coach or counselor, but your search should also include the help of
peers. Attending job search networking groups helps keep your message
sharp.
Every state has an assortment of job search networking
groups for all kinds of job seekers. (Job-hunt.org, mentioned above,
links to many of these.) Check out the ones near you, and attend a few
different ones: they each have a different "flavor" and each
can help you in different ways.
Face2Face Job
Search Networking in Wayzata, Minnesota, is the group that
Joanne Meehl will be facilitating two Thursday mornings a month, starting
on January 15th. Joanne founded the group in Massachusetts in 2003, and
moved it west in 2009. What will you find, if you attend? Plenty of new
information about the job search in a competitive job market. Effective
networking, and fun meeting your peers there. Great speakers on current
topics. And whether the economy is bad or good, a chance to sharpen your
focus so that you get noticed by hiring managers. We guarantee this group
will add power to your job search. Details are at face2.net.
Thank
You!
This was a year
during which I was "between the trapezes" as well, with the
move to Minnesota. Not only moving house and home, but my business as
well. While I work with people all over the country, my clients in
Massachusetts and now Minnesota were especially patient with my
transition, and for that, I'm very grateful.
I've met so many wonderful people since my move who are now networking
connections, and we're helping one another. Thank you for making the
transition so much easier!
Thank you to my clients for your trust, and I look forward to working
with you in this new year.
--- Joanne
Tip of the Month
Joanne Meehl
Thought of the Day:
It's not what they take away from you that counts. It's what you do
with what you have left.
-- Hubert Humphrey
Tip of the Month: Networking: A Two-Way Street When networking, understand that you
need to offer something to the contact, as well as learning something
from them. Who would they like introductions to -- perhaps
you know one of them? What are some ways you can help their business?
Who's their ideal customer or client? Become known for what you do for
other people and networking will be easy for you.
_________________________
We are proud members of:
Association
of Career Professionals Int'l
Career
Management Alliance
Chapman
Private Practice Alliance
Business
Networking International
Called "The
Resume Queen" years ago by a career counselor colleague,
Joanne Meehl decided to have fun with the nickname (which we've
officially trademarked). But she also takes it seriously by keeping her
career management skills on the leading edge, through research and
ongoing dialog with hiring managers.
You're now seeing us use "The Job Search Queen", which
better reflects the breadth of our services. The trademark is pending. We
use both "queen" nicknames in our materials.
________________________
Know someone who would benefit from getting this newsletter? If
so, send us their email address, and we'll add them to our mailing list.
Are you trying to fix the wrong problem? -- Maybe you think your
resume isn't working but could it really be that there just aren't many
jobs in your field right now? Or maybe the companies just aren't a good
fit? Find out what's wrong, especially if you're stuck, stalled, and
confused, during a Quick Consult
with the Queen. This 1-2 hour session gives you concrete steps
to follow for getting unstuck, for a fee of $175. And if you choose to
work with Joanne on these steps, that fee is applicable to your project.
