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Posted 7 months ago

LinkedIn Profile Guide from Forbes

Here is an informative article from Forbes on what to post on your LinkedIn profile when you are unemployed. I agree with most portions of the article, however, it is tough to expect people to have “no shame” in being unemployed. It’s tough out there, and even more difficult to remove feelings of embarrassment. Even though I was laid off from my position, I still have high expectations of myself while I am actively seeking work. I am now balancing three pro bono jobs from home, and it gives me a sense of accomplishment during my transitional period. Enjoy the article & good luck out there!

http://www.forbes.com/sites/deborahljacobs/2011/10/11/what-to-say-on-linkedin-when-youve-been-laid-off/


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Posted 7 months ago

Friends

It’s not what you can do, it’s who you know…

During my search for a new position, I sent an email to my professional contacts saying just that.  The email was sent to approximately 50 people that I have worked with in the past including clients and co-workers.  I received only a handful of responses, most of which were a generic, “I’ll keep my eyes open for you.”  However, I received an overwhelming response from a friend named Laura, whom I haven’t seen or worked with in at least 5 years.  Laura emailed me several recruiting agencies that she has worked with during her career as an Account Manager.  She even sent an introduction via LinkedIn to a contact of hers at The Creative Group. 

I immediately added TCG to my groups and added the contact to my connections.  I created my profile on their website and submitted my resume.  Within an hour, I had received a call from an associate at TCG and we set up interview.

The interview was yesterday at the TCG office in Paramus, NJ.  I arrived about an hour early as I was very anxious and didn’t want to get stuck in traffic.  The reception area was like a revolving door.  Several people walked in the office with interviews with different divisions of the agency.  I filled out a stack of paperwork and proceeded with my interview. 

I hadn’t had a formal interview in a very long time, but I think it went well.  I spoke of my work history and what my objectives are in my career.  The interviewer then explained that the process may take up to 6 months to find a position because of the job market, but she said there are a few positions she planned to submit my credentials. She proceeded to set me up with skills tests on Excel, PowerPoint and Project.  I told her I am not an expert on project but I would be happy to take the test. 

In my previous job search while at BD, I had signed up with another agency and taken a skills test, so I was familiar with the process.  Unfortunately, the Excel and PowerPoint was in the 2007 version, which the interface had changed from menus to icons.  I have minimal experience in working with this version.  I was fairly disappointed in myself after the Excel and PowerPoint skills tests and thought I didn’t do well.  I took the Project test and it was more difficult, but I focused and took my time answering each question.

When complete, I went up to the reception desk and she had my scores in her hand.  I had finished well above average with both Excel and PowerPoint at over 80%.  In addition, the receptionist was overjoyed at my score on the Project test.  She said that nobody in their Paramus office had ever taken the Project test and I scored around a 60% when the national average was less than 50%.  Wow.  <pat myself on the back for that one!>

I drove back home and proceeded to write a thank you letter to TCG and send her my CV, qualifications, references and samples from my portfolio.  Within minutes she had presented me with a job description to evaluate my interest.  By the end of the afternoon, TCG had submitted my credentials to 3 different positions in the marketing field. 

Thank you, Laura.  I am so very grateful for you taking the time!  My chin is held high today.

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Posted 8 months ago

Hello tumblr.

Looking for a Job is a Full Time Job

You get up in the morning, shower and dress as though you have a place to go. That place for me, these past three weeks, has been my living room. Monday through Friday beginning at 8 am, I sit in my chair with my laptop. I plan my daily activities, make a list of projects to accomplish and check them off as I go.

First, check Yahoo! and respond to all messages job-related. Second, check Gmail and respond to all messages job-related. Third, check LinkedIn for messages, respond, and review job board for any new postings. By then it’s 10 am.

The next order of business is to check recruiter sites: the Boss Group, Ashton Tweed, Indeed, BrassRing, simplyhired, CyberDivan, etc. That is where the real work begins…

  • Set up candidate profiles

  • Search for open positions

  • Create job alert or RSS feed within search criteria

  • Customize cover letter and work samples to each position application, including a review of the company website for additional information and insight on their business

The last bullet can take all day, provided I haven’t already applied for that position.

I end my day around 4 or 5 o’clock everyday. The light in my afternoon is picking up my daughter from school. She picks my chin up from the floor simply by giving me her excited hello-hug.

After only three weeks of the same routine, I am finding it increasingly difficult to keep up hope. Should I look in the mirror everyday and smile at myself? Should I do a morning chant, “I will find a job, I will find a job, I will find a job?” How long will it be until I find a job?