A great silver lining about today’s job market and the current economic recession…

An article posted yesterday on Fistful of Talent titled: Where are all the Qualified Candidates? Aren’t We in a Recession?, states that HR and recruiters have a significantly harder time finding key talent in markets like today’s. There is a great explanation why, which basically revolves around the tendency for people to ”stay put” in times of uncertainty.

This just solidifies why 2 great techniques for tapping into today’s unadvertised job market (growth opportunities and direct mail campaigns) can be more powerful than ever for the job seeker.

Equally compelling is the fact that in a recession where its more difficult to compel talented professionals to make a move, job seekers have more negotiation power for key positions.

Powerful stuff.

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I have heard this question repeatedly in the last 60 days. Certainly there is a valid reason for my clients asking it – after all, there are mass layoffs going on every day and the news is gloomy at best. Hope for the future is what most are hanging their hat on and that message is loud and clear: every body…FREEZE!

Are there any benefits to holding your breath to see “what happens next?” I don’t know. I think people who are high achievers usually bulk at this mentality and I think it sends the general wrong message.

Here are several things I do know:

• Companies are still growing.
• Companies still have problems that YOU can solve.
• Millions of jobs are still being advertised every day…..you just don’t hear about them on the news.
• If your competition isn’t up to bat it’s a good time for you to be.
• Millions of people have landed wonderful job opportunities in “bad” job markets before.
• Learning the strategies to penetrate jobs that are not advertised lead to more interviews and bigger offers.
• A resume that sends the right marketing message will get you interviews – especially in times when companies really have urgent needs.
• History is heavy laden with scores of successful people rose out of adverse conditions and situations to achieve great things.
• Some of the best opportunities are developed in the worst of times.

I could go on, fortunately.

Now not all of us are optimists. I happen to be one, as you might already know from reading my posts. I like to concentrate on the positive.

There are those out there though who would call themselves “critical thinkers” wanting to poke holes in my approach. Or maybe you have been fired or laid off – and these points only serve to fuel your anger and frustration.

Well, the facts are that the above statements ARE facts, that looking through the lens of critical analysis is dangerously limiting to your job search success and that anger and frustration over a layoff or letting go is normal in ANY job market and needs to be overcome regardless.

We all must take responsibility for how we process and what we do with the information we allow into our hearts and minds.

So why not look for your next best position right now? Why not decide today that the media is not going to control the way you think and feel. Why not turn off the TV and simply stay focused on the markets that are growing and the plan and strategy that is going to work best for you right now? There really isn’t ever a perfectly “right time” to do anything. I picked the worst time to start up my business – financially, family wise, etc… but my window of opportunity was there so I took it. Risk and all and I never looked back.

A friend of mine who coaches C-Level executives through career transitions recently shared with me that most of his clients were holding off until the New Year to take action. That is, except for one. And that one client, he said, was experiencing amazing results and landing multiple interviews.

The choice is yours.

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I hosted a free teleseminar last night and would like to offer my readers here a chance to listen!

Here are just a few highlights of what I covered:

• The THREE Top Recession Proof Markets
• The BEST months of the year to look for a job
• What STATE had more jobs in the last 12 months than any other state
• The 3 BEST strategies for landing a great job right now
• WHY relying solely on job boards will leave you frustrated with little results…even if you are a star candidate
• A very special offer only for participants on the call…hint: here is your coupon code: BRIGHT VIP

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My friend Mark Hovind, president of JobBait releases these awesome reports each month -

Here’s a quick and easy way to improve your job-finding odds.

Find the state-industry combinations with the highest employment growth rates and the most new jobs… and focus your job search accordingly. Every industry is growing somewhere, and almost every location has industries that are growing.

This report will help you answer these questions:

• Where are the most, easy-to-get $100k+ jobs right now?
• Should you switch industries, relocate, or stay where you are?
• If you switch, which industry is best where you live now?
• If you relocate, which area has the most new jobs in your industry?

The October 2008 report is now available. We’ll email it to you within minutes. Register free here: http://www.jobbait.com/e/start.htm

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Have you heard all the buzz about branding yourself? Are you wondering how to make sure your resume is reflecting your brand? Here are three quick tips to brand your resume so it really reflects you at your very best.

Tip Number One: Understand Your Brand
What is your brand? I believe your brand is simply the promise of an experience that a company will have by hiring you. That promise shows itself through the tone and content of your resume – which your reader garners their impressions of you from.

Tip Number Two: Define Your Brand
A couple ways to define your unique brand is first to think about what you are doing when you are at your best. Brainstorm on keywords and phrases. You are going to want these in your resume!

Another powerful technique is to ask three different people (let’s say your spouse, your co-worker and a friend) to describe you using only three words. As them to be boldly honest and say the first three words that come into their mind!

Tip Number Three: Sell Your Brand
Your brand should weave throughout your resume in words and phrases that best reflect you “doing what you love.” Are you struggling with what information to include in your resume? If you are having trouble with a particular area, just compare it to your branding statements. Does it illustrate you in action using your branding keywords? Is it an important component to the position you are seeking? If the answer is no, delete it!

As you build your brand here’s one additional tip: always track your accomplishments. It’s really hard to go back and remember the goals you’ve reached and the challenges you have overcome, especially if it’s been over a twelve month span of time. Make an effort to track your accomplishments as they occur.

Follow these three tips and you will be on your way to a crystal clear, compelling and unique brand.

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I won’t name names, but I would like to share a little story with you about a past company I used to work for. The conditions were almost unbearable and although I was planning my escape and had my dream job in sight, it took about a year for me to make the transition. Sparing you the real grizzly details, I will simply say this was a company who did not believe in supporting their employees (financially or otherwise) and I had a passive-aggressive female boss who had made me her special science project.

I won’t say it was easy to deal with this unsavory situation but I got through it and really celebrated and appreciated finally being free when I left!

The following are a few mistakes I have seen professionals make in similar situations and some solutions for circumventing them and getting through a tough job:

Mistake #1: Quit Before You Have Another Job

Quitting will give you immediate relief but that feeling soon looses its luster and is replaced with a nagging anxiety to find a job. Also included in this is potential bad blood with your last employer (affecting strong references), money worries, potential loss of negotiating power (you generally have more negotiating power when you are currently employed) and something often overlooked until you are actually experiencing it, its harder to confidently express yourself to a potential new employer when you are  unemployed.

So make a plan to transition – start working on your career goals, your resume then start your search. If it’s at all possible, do anything but quit!

Mistake #2: Have It Out With Your Boss

I had wonderful daydreams of really giving my old boss a piece of my mind….and I had every reason to believe she deserved it. In my reasoning, someone had to advocate for truth, justice and liberation from tyranny! But, in retrospect, I am glad I held my tongue. My superiors should have seen and acted on this bad behavior and if they wouldn’t, then nothing I could say would have changed them or her. The only thing that would have happened is a string of negative circumstances.

So here is what I did: I avoided her and anyone else who vexed me as much as humanly possible. This allowed me some temporary relief and let me focus on doing my job.

By avoiding those that bother you, the eyebrows your elusiveness might raise will be a small price to pay for a job you are not planning on staying in anyway and it’s better than a hairy confrontation that may haunt you – right as you may be.

Mistake #3: Badmouth Your Employer

Getting yourself all worked up talking to coworkers and others about your companies shortcomings might feel good in some respects but it very well may come back to bite you, get back to your boss and even tarnish your own reputation. Personally I even considered writing a letter to the president of the company after I quite my “hated” job – partly because I had been dealing with the $%^@# for so long I wanted to share what was really going on with him and partly because I felt it was necessary for him to know. In the end I wrote him – but it was a thank you note.

Again, I held my tongue because little good could have come from my negative letter. What is not heard through productive communication certainly won’t be heard through anger and frustration.

So, what helped me? I made a list of all the GOOD things about the company and the benefits of the job – and I tried to concentrate on those positives. I confess I was amazed at how long this list became! All those points just became harder to see and appreciate through the bad times.

Almost all of us have dealt with less-than-desirable jobs. Just like the saying goes – you can’t change others but you can change yourself. You will feel empowered through having “survived” the situation and through the nobility you will experience when you take the higher road.

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When you think of the word job search what words come to mind? Are they words like exciting, fulfilling, more money and more work-life balance? Or are they words like agonizing, frustrating, depressing and overwhelming? And if your thoughts turn to the second set of words and phrases, how might that be affecting you and subtly impressing upon those you talk with in your job interviews?

You see, how you feel about your job search is intrinsically connected to its outcome. So, it’s in your best interest to set up simple strategies that make your job transition easier, faster and more effective. Here are a few common mistakes job seekers make and how to avoid them.

Mistake #1 – Hope the perfect job will “come to you”

This is an easy though fatal mistake to make. It will leave you helpless to do anything but sift through your emails and surf dozens of job boards hoping and waiting to see that dream job you are really excited about. When you finally find it (add insult to injury if you don’t really know what you dream job looks like but you will “know it when you see it”.), you will invest a big wave of energy focusing on creating and sending off the perfect resume… What you might not know is that by competing on job boards for positions – your unseen competition could be in the hundreds or thousands of applicants, many of which might be more qualified than you.

“Hoping” to find the perfect job is not a strategy. Successful people don’t reach their goals by waiting for things to fall into their lap. So, brainstorm on what you are looking for and what motivates you – and write it all down! Get crystal clear and check to make sure it harmonizes with others in your life that your choices will affect. Then learn some job search strategies other than surfing job boards. Your success rate using job boards will be somewhere between 1 and 3 percent. Just those odds alone are sufficient to depress any job seeker…tempting them to believe they are as lackluster as their results would lead them to believe.

Mistake #2 – Wish for someone to “place” you in a job

This is almost the same idea as number one but with slightly different elements. I hear this more from executives that they are hoping to find someone who will “place them” in a job. But let’s give this just a little thought. Do you really want to be just “placed” in a job?

The bottom line is, you will never find a person to bring you enough possible job openings (and then place you in one of them) for you to be happy and satisfied with their service to you. Why? Because no one knows what you are looking for like you! Add to this that even if such a person existed – the majority of us wouldn’t be able to afford to hire them!

 It’s good to have a contact in a few companies – that can introduce you around. After all, we hear that most jobs are found through networking right? Well here is an inside tip: the best “networking” is not done through one or two people that might be able to send your resume to an HR department with their endorsement – in fact that is what I would call a very poor networking experience with very little benefit to you!

No, good networking is when YOU take the initiative to go after what you want vs. being what I call a “passive receiver” in your job search. When we think in terms of someone placing us we are giving away our power.  And if that is your mindset in your job search you will indubitably set yourself up for disappointment.

The solution is to simply commit to taking action and initiative in your job search. Map out a plan to find and connect with your market(s) of choice. Give yourself a timeline if you can that doesn’t put undue pressure on you. Learn proven marketing methods for getting potential employers attention and talk with recruiters, resume writers and career coaches as needed. Know though your ultimate success (and satisfaction with the outcome) will come from your commitment to taking positive action.

Mistake #3 – Don’t ask for help

The opposite of expecting someone else to manage your career transition for you is to try to do everything yourself. In my business there are lots of things to do. And as a business owner I naturally want to control each and every component. But I know in order for my business to thrive I must delegate tasks to others. I have to plan. If I do not I will quickly become overworked, stressed out and that absolutely does not honor or benefit my clients. A job search is no different. If you are struggling or feeling stuck – consult an expert to help you so you can free yourself up to focus on your success. The alternative is to give up or avoid those strategies you don’t know how to do (which might otherwise work brilliantly for your situation!). Neither are good options.

Most people will fall back on what they know when doing it right or better just seems too hard. Fortunately, the career choices we are talking about here are easy to learn and your choice of resources are abundant! What you will gain from investing in yourself (and your career change) will not only help you with your next career move (more interviews, better positions, more money etc.) but will support your entire career! Don’t risk feeling depressed and anxious when you are worth so much more than that. By following these simple steps you will be on the right track to success.  

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Okay, things in our economy aren’t going so well. Though I can’t look into the future to see what will happen, what I can do for you today is share three tips that will increase your odds of getting the job you want.

Job Search Strategy #1: Go where the jobs are It’s a wise move to read the executive job trend reports put out by my colleague, Mark Hovind, President of JobBait. I am a big fan of these monthly statistics that show you clearly what markets are growing and hiring and in what states. In an uncertain economy, go where jobs are being created.

Job Search Strategy #2: Turn off the television Seriously. Turn it off. It’s completely negative and “all consuming.” It’s my personal opinion that mainstream media is anything but “fair and balanced.” Don’t worry, you won’t lose touch. In fact, you will gain precious time in your day and you will be more at peace. You can focus on those things important in your immediate world. Every day, through my sources, I am literally flooded with HUNDREDS of great job openings just from recruiters trying to find great talent (like you!) for their client companies. You won’t hear THAT on the evening news!

Job Search Strategy #3: Commit to at least 2 non traditional job search methods Please allow me to just be blunt. Are you between 40 and 60 years old? Then you probably are most familiar and conmfortable with traditional job search methods. You simply must take a little time to invest in learning about how you can find jobs that aren’t advertised. I believe I have the best guidebook in the market for this but I would rather have you buy someone else’s than nothing at all. It’s important because the techniques people use to find jobs that are not advertised also decrease their competition by a MILE, improve their response rate TREMENDOUSLY (which does wonders for their confidence), and often results in more job interviews, bigger offers and a shorter job search. You have much to gain and nothing to lose by learning these techniques. I promise you.

Optimism in times like these is absolutely necessary to finding a job or making a career transition. Focus the same energy that drives your career success to find a new position and you will indubitably find the silver lining in the clouds of turbulent economic times.

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In part one of this article, we looked at the facts and fallacies of the hidden job market including why you should consider tapping into it.

In part two we explored precisely how to tap into hidden jobs.

In our final look at the unadvertised market we will focus on three real-life stories of professionals who utilized the unadvertised market to land amazing jobs.

Success #1: Kay moved from Wisconsin to Memphis TN for family reasons. She didn’t know a soul except for immediate family. Instead of asking those family members if they knew of any open positions, Kay inquired about very specific industries and only asked if anyone had any resources into those industries – with whom she might call for mentoring. She quickly got the name of a professional in the education market whom she called to share she was new in town, looking at two industries and his was one of them. Kay’s contact was happy to talk with her and offer her guidance. At the end of the call Kay asked him if he knew of any one else in the industries she was exploring and he readily gave her a contact. She contacted him (a local government official) who that next week, interviewed her for a position that had not been advertised. She landed the job, received a 5k raise; securing a position in her new industry of choice. Kay achieved her goals in less than 30 days.

*Tip: notice Kay never asked for a job – she was really gathering research and information on her two target markets. Her contacts reached out to her by asking Kay if she would be interested in interviewing!

Success #2: Jeff had his sites on commercial real estate site selection and project management for international franchises. He located companies that fit his parameters and qualifications and put those companies that were growing fast at the top of the list. Without getting discouraged he left multiple messages for one of his company key contacts. When he finally connected with him, his contact praised Jeff for his professional yet tenacious follow up. Jeff secured an interview and landed the exact position he wanted as well as a $15k increase in his base salary.

Success #3: Kevin found an article about a growing biotech firm he was really excited about. He contacted the VP quoted in the article by sending a letter, a copy of the article he was referencing and his resume. When Kevin called to follow up the VP stated that he was flattered by Kevin’s approach and he had kept Kevin’s letter and resume on his desk in anticipation for his call. Kevin was brought in to interview for a position they created specifically for him after he impressed the VP with a marketing idea for increasing revenue. Kevin was offered a position and a lucrative commission and bonus plan.

In today’s competitive job market non traditional job search methods are more important than ever to your success. Don’t wait for positions to be advertised on job boards so you can play the “job auction game” where companies bid for the lowest price help and people are moved through job screenings like cattle!

Honor your commitment to obtaining the best opportunity that fits you! Show off your value, worthiness to be interviewed and your professional tenacity by taking the initiative to focus on what you want and then take action to get it! I promise you are going to be inspired by the feeling you get of actually controlling your job search and definitely sweetening the outcome in your favor.

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Knowing what triggers a company’s interest and quickly motivates them to sit up and take notice of you is powerful knowledge that you can use over and over again.

Of course, each situation is different but the running themes that connect them are the same. Here are several motivators you can begin using to increase a companies interest in you:

Motivator #1 You can solve a problem they have

Perhaps you read about it in a job ad or in a news article. No matter where, a company that has a challenge will appreciate your attention to it and willingness to be either a part of the solution or THE solution!

Motivator #2  You have little, if any competition

Don’t wait for a job ad to post on a major job board before you connect with you companies of choice!

Connect with a decision maker (not human resources) and express your interest and qualifications. Companies ALWAYS have a need for talented people across all departments – so why wait when responding to a job board ad means competing with hundreds of other resumes? Compounded by the fact that over 80% of jobs aren’t even advertised!

Motivator #3 You have a REALLY impressive resume

This is where hiring a resume writer really pays off. One of my clients told me he landed a great interview in a new industry he was targeting. When he got there, the first thing the interviewer told him was “I just had to meet the man behind this resume!” Needless to say, the interview went very well and he got the job!

A compelling resume is just one component of a successful job search, but it is a powerful help to have your interviewer “primed up” by impressing them with a resume that builds the excitement of meeting you!

Motivator #4  You are enthusiastic

You will score BIG BIG POINTS if during your interview you find an opportune time to say “I am really impressed with your company and I can definitely see myself working here” or “I am really excited about this position” or even “I want this job!” Just think about it, would you want to hire someone who didn’t want to work with you? Of course not!

Motivator #5  You are positive

There is no deal breaker like a string of negative questions and answers. People that are critical thinkers have to be especially careful about coming off too quiet or too questioning in interviews (my engineering, technology and finance friends you know who you are J).

You don’t have to be something that you are not – but take a little time to prepare for your interviews putting a special focus on the positive responses you can give, PLUS (and this is a big plus) stories about your accomplishments! Critical thinkers and introverts can display their brilliance and their aptitudes just as easy as outgoing people as long as they take time to prepare for their interviews.  

These are simple but tried and true techniques that are easy to overlook but pay off in more generous offers if you take the time to incorporate them into your job search strategy!

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