No experience? No problem!

I had coffee with a friend this past weekend and when I told her my 17 year old daughter just started her first job she said “I’ve been trying to get my 16 year old son to find a job and he can’t. How did she get past the online application process?”

Tip of The Day

Not having experience does not necessarily translate into not having a job.

My daughter has no work experience.  She did, however, follow my detailed instructions for how to find a job.  Each day, for two weeks this past summer, I gave her “Finding a Job Homework”.  It included things like call and follow up on your application with Pizza Hut, drop off a Thank-You note for your Safeway interview last week, print off 10 copies of your resume, peruse craigslist for all jobs in Sherwood (where we live) and make a list of those you are qualified for.  (Regardless of interest or availability)

For teenagers, staying focused is a real challenge.  (For that matter, many adults are also challenged to stay on task when it comes to doing something they’re unfamiliar or uncomfortable with.)   Every time she would complain I would tell her that she cannot grow without feeling nervous, and she needed to stretch herself beyond her immature and self-imposed limits.  (Yes, I talk to my daughter like that)

Can I say it again?  It’s true, my Conquering Unemployment ideas do work and tenacity will even overcome inexperience.  (Within two weeks she had a job!)  Her resume was polished, we practiced interviewing, she dressed appropriately for the interview, she showed up on time, and asked valid questions.  She was hired for seasonal support at a local craft store and is amongst the youngest, if not THE youngest, employee at that store.

Even if you have no experience, but a lot of passion, show up!  If you have lots of experience but are nervous, fake it!  If you’re interviewing in a new industry or for a job you’re not sure you can do, focus on your cross-over strengths and skills. (basic things like organization, typing, ten key, computer skills, excellent references, a good GPA, etc… are great to have regardless of the job title.)

Last night she came home after working 6 hours and said “Now I know why you don’t want to do anything when you come home from work!”  She immediately went upstairs and put on an oversized tee shirt and baggy shorts. (LOL!) Rarely do I get to bask in the glow of being a parent and know that they’re finally getting it.  Today I get to smile, however, and know that this will not be the last time when one of my children expresses their appreciation (even if passively) for my parenting efforts.

Parenting is REALLY hard work.  It’s just too bad it doesn’t pay so well…

The Truth Will Set You Free!

As you are aware, I’ve been unemployed a lot. (see Blog Introduction above) In my entire career I have rarely spent more than 3 years with any one company. (and since I’m “old”, that adds up to over a dozen different companies listed on my resume in the past 10 years alone.) If you’re a Baby Boomer, you might look at my resume and think I lack loyalty or assume that there’s something wrong with me that caused all of those companies to decorate my inbox with a pink slip. (comments intentionally withheld that may reveal the secret to uncovering my personality flaws) If you’re a Generation X member, you might look at my resume and think how lucky I am to have experienced so many different company cultures and have so much variety to my career path.

It’s been a few months since I’ve posted to my blog.  I’ve been working, albeit as a temporary employee.  Between working, commuting, and life; there’s not a lot of time left to pursue this particular creative endeavor that is; blog writing.  Today, however, a phone interview inspired me to blog once again.

Tip of the Day

Embrace the past…AND the truth!

As the recruiter and I discussed my resume, and my “variety is the spice of life” career path, she actually complimented me on the fact that after every job listed there is a reason WHY I life, noted on my resume.  I added those particular details to my resume earlier this year because, after all, they’re going to ask; why not be up front about it?

Granted, my resume reads like a Series of Unfortunate Events (company out of business, laid off, end of assignment, resignation, etc…) but one thing cannot be missed…I’m ALWAYS working!  First, out of necessity, but also because I love to work.  I love being productive. 

So, even if I don’t have on my rose colored glasses, there’s a valid reason I don’t work there anymore and why shouldn’t I embrace it as a chance to move up and contribute to another company’s bottom line?  Not all people fit well in all companies.  It’s not my fault that a company may not like my Type A approach or value my contribution.  It does not lessen my abilities, efforts, or experience. 

I’ve made mistakes, yes.  But dragging them into a job interview or lowering my head in shame over the questionable fax I sent to my boyfriend from work 15 years ago…does nobody any good.  Instead I choose to move forward to my life, and career, with my head held high while actively embracing all the positive feedback I’ve received from supervisors and managers. (Much of it, in writing, thankfully!) 

I embrace my past, my unique qualifications, my outgoing personality, and the truth that I don’t always fit into someone else’s idea of a round hole. 

Yes.  I’m a square peg, and proud of it.

Square Pegs Unite...and Thrive!

(all those who live in Portland,Oregon; say “AMEN!”)

Follow Your Bliss! It may lead you to unexpected places.....

It’s interesting….what I remember from my childhood.

My dad would always say “The worst person to work for is yourself!”  He ran two businesses; a hair salon and a landscaping business.  (Yeah, I know, an interesting / odd combination!)  He loved working outside but hated doing hair.  Nonetheless, come rain or shine, he would do both.  I believe his advice was born not from his lack of passion for planting rose bushes but from his lack of business acumen.  He was, in a nutshell, not a good business man.  Financially he never knew where he stood, who he owed, or who owed him.  It’s no wonder he was always stressed out.  Day in, and day out, no matter how hard he worked he never felt like he was getting ahead.

I carried this perspective into my adult life.  I always figured I would work for someone else and that the freedom that came from working for myself was not worth the stress of taxes and marketing. (the two areas of business in which I am the least adept at.)  It wasn’t until very recently that I realized the value in putting my time and emotional energy towards the advancement of my own standard of living, instead of someone else’s. 

Conquering Unemployment may not mean finding a job working for someone else.  Instead of updating your resume, it may mean drafting a business plan.  Instead of cashing an unemployment check, it may mean meeting with bankers or investors to apply for a loan to launch your newest idea.  Instead of worrying about fitting into someone else’s idea of professional or productive, you’ll be writing your own job description.

Tip Of The Day:

It takes passion and conviction to turn your bliss, into a money making reality.

I could, and perhaps will, write a whole blog about my becoming an Entrepreneur.  But before you follow my lead, know this; it takes a strong will and undying passion to get past the nay sayers and the cynics. (my father included!)  Before you quit your job to start a business lecturing about the nutritional benefits of Spam, consider that the comfort of a bi-weekly paycheck may be replaced by weeks of mac and cheese or top ramen for dinner.  (No Spam for me, thanks!)

I am, however, inspired daily by examples of the “follow your bliss” mentality.  Like Scott, the Cheap Landscape Guy, who didn’t have a computer so he handwrote his flyer in pencil on a piece of notebook paper and left it on my door step.  (Of course, I hired him to mow my yard.) 

Would you ever think of launching a website called “I Want To Write A Song For You!”? Some guy did and his website was recently featured on Shark Tank! (Yep, I sent him $99 to write my theme song and I have to admit it turned out pretty well!)

Or take, for example, every farmer’s market booth owner that wakes up at 5 am to set up and oftentimes sit under an awning, in the rain, to sell their wares.  (I’m NEVER awake at 5 am on a weekend.  That’s just crazy!)  Can you imagine how much passion that takes?

Think about it.  What did you want to be, when you grew up?  Are you following your dreams?  Are the benefits of running your own business worth the lack of financial security?  (which, in today’s economy, really isn’t what it used to be…..)

It may be.  Only you can decide. 

Eight Days a Week

What day is today?  Seriously, when I don't have a job my days seem to just run together....  Can you relate? Do you find yourself unable to believe how much time has passed since you last worked? 

A couple of posts ago I shared my secret for finding jobs.  I suggested that you would create and complete an "X List" every Monday.  As promised, today I'm going to share examples of the types of things I do to keep up, stay ahead, and maintain my energy.  Day by day, here's what you can do with the rest of your week that will provide structure to your week and help keep you motivated.

Tip of the Day

Have a structured job search plan, and stick to it.

Monday - Create and complete an X List

For specific instructions check out my blog post entitled "Can you keep a SECRET?"

Tuesday - Follow Up Day

After you have documented the jobs you found on Monday, Tuesday should be spent applying for those jobs!   The two key factors to consider while emailing prospective employers are:  1) your resume 2) your cover letter.  Your resume should have at least 10 key words that match the job posting.  If it doesn't, edit it so it does.  The same rule applies for your cover letter but it can also provide you with an opportunity to inject your personality, or highlight special skills or training that might be buried in your resume.  If you are applying for a job you are only marginally qualified for, say so in your cover letter and give them reason to contact you by highlighting your "cross-over" skill set.  (skills that you have, that will be valued in ANY position)  For more ideas about how to create an eye catching cover letter you can find them on my post entitled "Cover Letters - You had me at Hello."

Wednesday - Research Day

I have to say it.  The internet is an amazing tool.  (Yes, I know, overstating the obvious) When it comes to research, nothing matches the speed and efficiency of the most popular search engines and social networking websites like Google, Bing, Facebook, and LinkedIn.  Spend a few hours researching the companies you have applied to work for.  Are they an older company or a newer start up?  Do you have an friends that work there?  Do they have a good reputation for how they treat their employees?  How many of their employees are on LinkedIn?  Are they a large company or a small one?  Do their values match your own?  How well do they market themselves and their services online?  Answering these questions, and making notes, will help you get a feel for the company, it's culture, and will make you absolutely SHINE at an interview!

Thursday - Networking Day

Networking can be done anywhere.  Networking is all about staying in touch with encouraging and connected, friends and family.  Extend your reach.  Find new people to connect with by joining a club like Toastmasters, attending a lecture, or joining an online activity club like Meetin.org.  Get out of the house.  Schedule time to have coffee with a friend, find a mentor, volunteer for your favorite charity.  You never know where your next opportunity may come from!  You can find more ideas about networking on my post entitled "Networking 101 - It's not all about you!"

Friday - Mental Health Day

You've worked hard all week at finding a job.  You've put in at least 4 hours every day in your endeavor to find your next perfect job.  Feel proud of your efforts. Friday is all about you.  What do you love to do?  Knitting, reading, hiking, taking your dog for a walk, or watching movies?

I like to clean.  It feels so great to have a house that looks and smells clean.  I feel so accomplished when everything is done and I can relax, without guilt.  This rarely happens any more so, nowadays, its REALLY great to find time to organize, purge, deep clean and then.....relax. 

Take a few hours each week to celebrate your work, your accomplishments, your interviews.  Take a few hours to intentionally look forward to your next job instead of worrying about how to pay the light bill.

To Temp, Or Not To Temp? That is the Question.....

I've been working since I can remember. Very early in life I developed a passion for animals and that meant spending several hours every day taking care of them. Before and after school I could be found feeding, grooming, and cleaning up after my horses, cats, dogs, goats, geese, chickens, ducks, and pigeons. My rubber boots, often covered in mud, were a permanent addition to the back deck decor.

As soon as I was old enough to weed, mow lawns, spread beauty bark, trim rose bushes and plant shrubs, I worked for my father's nursery business. Inside the house there was lots to do as well. I learned very early to cook, clean, dust, and vacuum. When I was 16 years old I was sent to boarding school where, for two years, I worked the first half of every day for four hours at the local saw mill to help pay for my tuition.

As an adult, when I am unemployed I spend most of my time getting caught up on household projects.  Said projects range from painting and garden work to, yes...you guessed it...taking care of my animals. Even with my very long TO DO list I have to admit, it is VERY easy to get used to the life of an unemployed professional.  I often wonder how I manage to get everything done for my kids and household when I AM working, and gone 50 hours per week.  But, somehow I do.

So, what's my point here?  I know, I'm rambling.....

Today's job search involves a lot of internet research, registering for job search websites and online employer and agency applications.  Invariably the question always arises. 

Are you looking for:
   a) part time work
   b) temporary work
   c) full time work
   d) permanent work

Tip of the Day

Your answer should always be e) All of the above

If you're not a huge fan of change, the idea of working somewhere as a temporary employee for only a few months is certainly less than comfortable.  Pull up your big girl panties and do it anyways.  It will expose you to a whole new network of professionals and may even lead to a full time job. 

I can hear you now. 

"But, Michelle, if I am working part time, won't that take time away from my job search?"

Are you really spending 8 hours a day dutifully looking for work?  Even I'm not THAT productive!  Working a part time job will force you to be more efficient in your job search and.....at the risk of sounding like a broken record.... "It will expose you to a new network of professionals and may even lead to a full time job." 

Circling back to my cute stories above...In a nutshell, I love to work.  My parents instilled a strong work ethic in me that I am, frankly, thankful for.  I feel productive, energized, and proud of my ability to support myself and my family. (and my animals) Part time jobs fulfill my need for social interaction, temporary jobs lengthen the time I can collect unemployment.   Nothing bad about that.

If you don't love to work, find something you can get paid for, that you DO love.  It's easier said than done but make it your goal to find enthusiasm for ANY work in the meantime.  Find something admirable about what you do, or who you do it for.  Think of the benefits of any kind of work and be proud of your own ambition.

When I grow up I want to be a barista.  I want to have enough money generated by my "other projects" (the subject for another blog) so I can afford to make coffee for strangers.  I want to wake up early, smell the coffee, and know that all of my hard work has paid off...

I will be finally doing what I love!

Nothing bad about that!

Can You Keep A SECRET? (Shhh......)

Today…drum roll…I’m going to share my SUPER DUPER TOP SECRET way of finding jobs.  I know it sounds obvious but in order to get a job you have to find a job.  And since you can’t exactly expect that you’ll get the first job you apply for, or interview for, you have to find lots of jobs to apply for. 

I’d like to say I’ve always been pretty lucky.  Rarely am I unemployed for long, even if it means I have to accept a temporary job or work as a short term project consultant.  But the truth is, luck has nothing to do with it.  Over the years I have developed a method that I use to find jobs, and lots of them!

Tip of The Day

Create and Use an “X List”

Step #1 – Make a list of keywords that describe your professional life.

So, first off.  What do you do?  (What is your job title?) What have you done, in the past? What do you want to do, at your next job?  Do you have a certification?

Brainstorm and write down at least ten words that describe your professional goals and experience.  You can find them on your resume, your Linked In profile (more on that later) or your professional affiliations and special skills list. 

Example:  My last job title was Purchasing Manager.  My keywords are purchasing, procurement, supply chain, buyer, sourcing, logistics, inventory, CPIM (my certification) Six Sigma (special training) materials, public speaking, training, event planning, and operations.

Step #2 – Make a list of at least six job listings websites. 

Here, let me help you.  Start with craigslist.com, monster.com, careerbuilder.com, and indeed.com.  (my favs!)  There.  You have four of them already.  One of your websites should be regionally based like the employment listings from your local online newspaper or your state’s unemployment website.  The last one should be either indicative of your profession or your special skills.

Step #3 – Create your X List

Using either a spreadsheet or a piece of paper, list your websites across the top of the page as column headers.  Then, list your keywords separately down the right hand side, one per row.  If you’re using paper, draw lines to separate the columns and the rows.  (also, if you’re using paper, make 5 or so copies before you proceed to Step #4.)

Step #4 – Use your X List

Every Monday morning, sit with a cup of coffee (or your morning beverage of choice) and literally type every key word on your list into every website / search engine you have and as you do so, write “X” where they intersect.  I know.  This seems tedious, but if I only typed in “Purchasing Manager” I would miss out on all of the job listings that used the other keywords on my list but were essentially the same job!

Step #5 – Document the jobs you find!

On a separate piece of paper or spreadsheet put the following headers across the top: Date, Website, Job Title, Contact Name, Contact Phone Number, Applied Via (email or internet?) and Notes.  As you use your X List and find jobs that you are qualified for, document them in this consistent format.

You won’t be able to fill in all of the information since often the phone number is not listed.  You will also fill out the Applied Via and Notes column when you actually do apply for the jobs…..on Tuesday!

If you’ve created your X List and use it every Monday you can then look forward to Tuesday morning when you can then start applying for all those jobs!!!

* * *

There are actually many uses for the jobs list.  Now you have your Monday TO DO list.  I’ll talk more about the many uses for your job list, and your TO DO lists for Tuesday through Friday on my upcoming blog posts. 

You can’t wait to read them. 

I know. 

Having structure to your job search, and your week (Is today Wednesday or Saturday?) will help the time go by and will also help you feel uber-productive. 

So exciting!?  :o)~

When Life Hands You Lemons...

WARNING:  Life does not always go according to “the plan”.  If you’re older than 25 years old and have lost your naïve luster, you have undoubtedly experienced heart ache, or loss; or both.   We all start our lives as adults with a plan, even if it’s nothing formal or spoken. We have an idea about how and where our life with take us.  For some, their lives go exactly as planned.  But for others, and certainly myself on more-than-I-care-to-admit-to occasions, nothing EVER does.

Tip of the Day

When life hands you lemons….bounce!

Yeah…I know…a new twist on an old adage.  But I like it.  (I wrote it, of course I like it!)

Pretty recently I once again had the less-than-unique-to-me opportunity to pull myself up by my boot straps and mentally recover from yet another job that didn’t go exactly as planned.  The odd thing is that I did a great job, they really appreciated my contribution, and the department was running more smoothly than it ever had before.  And yet, I was dismissed because I “didn’t fit in”.

Ouch. 

It is very difficult to accept that others don’t like you or appreciate your contribution as much as you think they should.  It is natural to be angry (been there) ashamed (done that) and want to crawl into a hole and not come out.  Actually, I think if you’re feeling like this, you should….but for not more than 5 days.  Then, it’s time to…bounce.

Call a friend, update your resume, accept what happened for what it is and move on.  There is nothing to be gained by self pity.  Believing in yourself and your abilities is a huge factor in finding your next job and, if you’re like me, finding another job is pretty critical since it is the one thing keeping a roof over your head.

On to Plan B.  Or Plan C.  (Seriously, I think I’m at Plan P by this point in my life…)  Make a list of what you want from your next job.  Read books on self esteem, career advancement, image making, or public speaking.  Do anything but sit around and feel sorry for yourself.

For the past few weeks, life has been seriously kicking my ass.  You name it, it went very wrong… money, relationship, career, family, health.  All of it.  I have cried more, this week, than the previous 6 months combined.   Even my therapist is a bit stumped on how to help me outta’ my funk.  

Speaking of old adages…have you ever heard “The plumber’s sink is always clogged”?

That is me…the advice giver who needs more advice than anyone.  I have theories and ideas and always seem to figure it out but…it’s not easy…and some days it seems pretty freakin’ impossible.  But, instead of being embarrassed and sad and allowing my self defeat to get the best of me I’ve decided to share my life, and experience, with you. 

Maybe, just maybe, you’ll realize that you’re not alone.  There are many many of us who don’t like making lemonade and would rather just….bounce.